Thursday, October 25, 2018

Release Blitz: Kismet & Karma by Robin Daniels

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Release Blitz for
Kismet & Karma
By Robin Daniels

Learn more about this YA duology, about its characters, and enter the giveaway below...

https://amzn.to/2R8rvX3Kismet & Karma
(Fate & Fortune #2)
By Robin Daniels
YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 184 Pages
October 25th 2018

Bryce and Paige belong together, but they’ll never make it happen alone. When inspiration strikes in multiple ways, a friend decides it can’t be a coincidence; it’s a call to action. With a little luck, the help of fate, and the matchmaking plan of the century, Bryce and Paige just might get their happy ending.

You heard Paige and Bryce's version of the story in Fate & Fortune. Now join Eric, Amy, Cody, Kennedy and Genie to see how things really went down.

***This book completes the series. Book one can be read as a standalone, but book two cannot. Fate & Fortune should be read first.***


The Cast of Kismet & Karma

Meet the cast of Kismet & Karma – personalities revealed through their astrological signs!

Paige – Taurus (April 24th) Paige proved her reliability, patience and devotion during her relationship with Jason. Like a true Taurus, she hates the sudden changes and complications in her love life. Pair that with her stubborn streak, and it’s no wonder she needs help to recognize what’s right in front of her; a gift in the form of her greatest passion—novel worthy romance. 

Bryce – Virgo (September 15th) As a Virgo he’s loyal, kind and hardworking. He’s always thought his practicality and desire to stay out of the spotlight were good things. But now he wonders if they’ve only kept Paige from noticing him. Bryce has started to realize that if he wants to get the girl, he must cast aside his careful nature. Good thing he has a magic Genie to help him do just that.

Amy – Aquarius (February 11th) She’s original, independent, a good listener and cares deeply about others. This makes her a great best friend and the only voice of reason Paige will listen to. But Amy’s also inherited some of the less attractive Aquarius attributes; namely her tendency to be temperamental and emotionally withdrawn. Lucky for Amy, there’s a special guy who’s crazy about her, flaws and all. 

Eric – Scorpio (November 12th) Eric is a true friend. It’s one of the many positive traits held by Scorpios. He’s passionate, dedicated, resourceful and determined to help his baby sister. Of course, that might be easier if he wasn’t so distrusting and secretive. Let’s not forget the fact that he’s a tinsy bit jealous by nature. But hey, some women find that sort of thing attractive. And if that’s not enough, he’s got those dazzling dimples for backup.

Kennedy – Leo (July 31st) Ken’s a Leo, through and through. She loves theater, hanging with her friends, expensive clothes and being admired. But as the baby of the group, she often feels ignored or left out. It’s her absolute biggest pet peeve. Ken’s admittedly a little self-centered though she’s got a big, warm, generous heart. Fate will soon put her creativity and passion to good use, and she’s all for it.

Cody – Sagittarius (Despite his September 15th birthdate.) Clearly, Cody was born under the wrong sign. Extremely extroverted, he’s the total opposite of his very Virgo twin—definitely an honorary Sagittarius. Cody’s constant antics and humor are charming, which makes the group willing to overlook his impatient and sometimes tactless ways. Optimistic and enthusiastic, he’ll do anything to achieve his goal: getting Bryce to pull his head out of his butt and man up.

Genie – Aries (April 1st) As an April Fools baby, it’s fitting that Genie be the most essential part of such an outrageous plan. But like all Aries, she’s confident and optimistic that she can get the job done. Frustrated by people who don’t use their talents, she jumps at the chance to showcase her own. Sure, Bryce often brings out her aggressive, moody and impatient side, but she likes a good challenge. Plus, who’d have thought she’d gain so many good (and hot) friends?

This cast is super fun and you’re sure to get some good laughs. Fate and Fortune (Book One) shares the crazy week the as told by Paige and Bryce. But if you want the REAL story, check out Kismet and Karma (Book Two) to see how everything actually went down.

Other Books in the Series

Fate & Fortune
(Fate & Fortune #1)
By Robin Daniels
YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 279 Pages
September 20th 2018

Bryce has liked Paige since they were little but has never had the guts to act on his feelings. Paige is devastated over being dumped by her long-time boyfriend and can’t seem to move on. They’re stuck in a rut, until fate decides to pull them out.

Both Paige and Bryce are talked into seeing a fortune teller at the annual Summer’s End Carnival. Neither of them buys into the mysticism, until the psychic’s predictions start coming true. Now, the most bizarre things are happening and there isn’t a clear explanation. Each of them must figure out if they’re the subject of an elaborate hoax or a bigger plan forged by destiny.

*This book is part one of two. Books should be read sequentially.


Upcoming Tour


The series will be on tour November 5 - 17!
If you're a blogger and interested in participating, click on the banner to go to the sign-up form.

About the Author


The most important thing to know about me is that I'm basically a sixteen-year-old trapped in an adult's body. It's why I feel such a great connection to all of my characters and why I love to write romantic comedy. The kid in me just wants to be goofy. Besides being a writer; I'm a wife, mother of five, volleyball enthusiast and home decorating guru. My list of favorites includes: reading, Christmas, pedicures, dessert, steak, Arizona winters and most importantly, Diet Coke.


Blitz Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Card
Ends October 29th

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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Review: Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore


Heidi Reads... Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

What do a crooked detective, an upstanding psychiatrist, and a teenager who can’t remember killing her parents all have in common? Nine years of lies.

My Review

There are so many layers to this compelling and suspenseful story! Jess is now a young adult, having spent the past years since the murders in a metal institution. Her brother gets her a new psychiatrist, which puts into motion the uncovering of secrets and memories of the past. The sense of anxiety and danger is at the surface as the real killer makes moves to prevent Jess from revealing what her mind is finally ready to face. It was fascinating to read the story from the first person perspectives of both Jess and Dr. Mayer. The pace was steady in the beginning, but built momentum as the climax approached through several twists and turns. What stood out to me was that the book didn't end there with a typical wrap-up. I loved that we got to see Jess's recovery and development after such a traumatic life experience and how Dr. Mayer was involved after his professional duties were over. Highly recommend to fans of suspense or thrillers!

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

More thrillers & suspense novels by H.B. Moore:

Poetic Justice
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
The Killing Curse


Review: Last Kiss by Ranee S. Clark


Heidi Reads... Last Kiss by Ranee S. Clark

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

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

Synopsis

Gwen Malone is back in her hometown of Clay, Wyoming, saving money while she figures out what to do next with her life and her dream of having her own online magazine. Then her ex, Cale Parrish shows up, working for her dad, of all things. Things are awkward, of course, since he broke off their engagement just a month before the wedding.
 

But Cale has known for a long time that he made a mistake five years ago, when he allowed the pressure to marry her right after his mission eclipse his true feelings for her. He can’t let Gwen slip away from him again.
 

Cale's thoughtful gestures and reminders of their once-perfect relationship begin to convince Gwen they should take a chance on them again—until a no-holds-barred kiss reminds her exactly how much she has to lose. Cale may be ready to jump right back in where they left off, but can Gwen trust him again so easily?

My Review

This is a sweet second chance romance in small town Wyoming. It focused on Gwen's indecision over her first love's return to town and attempts to rekindle their relationship. She's in limbo since she's stalled in her career and that sense of uncertainty is prevalent throughout the story. The plot wasn't exciting or compelling and I would have liked more depth and character development. Cale and Gwen were nice together, or at least Gwen's memories of how they used to be. Most of their present day interactions involved awkwardness and avoidance. I didn't feel invested in them, and was surprised at the jumps they made in the end after five years of zero contact. Perhaps if Cale and Gwen's previous time together had been more detailed, I would have felt there was more of a foundation to build on.

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


Review: Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts by Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen


Heidi Reads... Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts by Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

* The e-book is only $3.99, such a great deal for four great stories! *

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

Synopsis

Harper is an event planner with dreams of taking over the Charleston wedding scene . . . until she meets the biggest Bridezilla of her career. She needs the job, but the only way to keep it is to hire a temperamental chef with big dreams of his own.

Janie is a classical cellist booked to play a posh Charleston wedding. She’s excited to have the lucrative gig until the groom’s brother, Emmett, shows up and asks her to help him play a song he wrote for the happy couple. The only trouble? Emmett is her unrequited high school crush.

Lily has been Dahlia's best friend, partner-in-crime, and now her maid of honor . . . until suddenly there's no wedding, and she's left to clean up Dahlia's biggest mess of all. She's been friends with Deacon, the jilted groom, for just as long, and it's up to her rescue him after Hurricane Dahlia blows through.

Sutton is a photographer running from her past. Only the pleas from her best friend to photograph her wedding could bring Sutton back to Charleston. Her plan is to get in and get out before her ex knows she and their daughter are in town. At least it’s the plan until she meets Max, who turns out to be the safe place she didn’t know she was looking for.

Can each of these couples trust their growing chemistry, or are they on the verge of new disasters?


My Review

Oh my, what a great collection of stories! I try not to use this word too much, but it really is swoony! Each couple had a bit of a journey to take to finally come together, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride for each. I loved how the four stories weave together in subtle ways, connected through the big Charleston wedding, but also stand so well on their own. I also thought the choice to have the timeline start before the wedding and finish after was smart and it kept me interested and engaged to have the majority of each story occur at a different point in time with some overlap. I seriously can't decide which one was my favorite, I loved them all equally. The personalities and circumstances of each couple are distinct and unique, but something they all share is fabulous romantic tension and amazing kissing scenes! Highly recommend to fans of sweet contemporary romance!

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


Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Spotlight: Echo Ridge Romance Collection by Rachelle J. Christensen


Heidi Reads... Echo Ridge Romance Collection by Rachelle J. Christensen

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

Synopsis

Come back to Echo Ridge and delight in 4 contemporary romances! Each heartwarming, inspirational story is set in beautiful upstate New York. This box set includes bonus epilogues and a sneak peek of Rachelle's new book! Savor a recipe with each of the stories and come back for more.

HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.

THE KISS THIEF
As the head librarian of the Echo Ridge Library, Britta Klein thrives on order and categorization. Unfortunately, the old church-turned-library is in desperate need of a renovation. The Harvest Hurrah fundraiser seems to be the answer, but plans keep going awry. With help from Milo Geissler, accomplished musician, piano tuner, and kiss thief, each catastrophe is narrowly avoided. When Milo goes to great lengths to help Britta find a key classic book, she begins to wonder if there is more to life than books and order. Can she allow this man who speaks the language of music to tune her heart to a new song?
 

Welcome to Echo Ridge, New York where romance finds its way into the hearts and lives of the people who walk the streets of the close-knit community.
NOTE TO READER: THIS VERSION of The Kiss Thief contains a BONUS EPILOGUE!

THE PRINCESS BRIDE OF RIODAN
When a mysterious man offers to help Elise redecorate the old Bed & Breakfast, she gladly hands him a wallpaper steamer. After she discovers his true identity, she doesn’t know whether to curtsy or run and hide. Unfortunately, hiding isn’t an option because her heart is already tangled up with the handsome prince. At the same time, Elise’s old crush from high school wants a relationship and she’s forced to decide whether to chase after a fairy tale ending or stay grounded in reality.

COMING HOME TO LOVE
Do you remember your first love? Have you ever wondered what would happen if you had a second chance to follow your heart?
 

When Laney Richins left Echo Ridge, New York eight years ago, she vowed she’d never return, but life had other plans. Those plans included her cute little boy and a divorce, so Laney moved back home and started over. Working in the flower shop seems like the perfect plan until Billy Redford, the man she should have married shows up.

Billy Redford’s heart was broken when his high school sweetheart turned her back on him and fled Echo Ridge for the big city lights. Running into Laney in Echo Ridge now brings up past feelings he thought were long gone. She’s prettier than ever, still seems to read his mind, and despite his protests ends up on the building and decorating committee with him for the Homecoming dance. Billy knows how to build just about anything, but he isn’t sure he knows how to mend a broken heart.




Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2CQDXYCLegacy of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #2)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
October 2nd 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

She Knew Her New Life Would Not Be Easy,
But Nothing Could Prepare Her For What Waits Ahead

Having returned to Chicago, young socialite Anna Nicholson can't seem to focus on her upcoming marriage. The new information she's learned about her birth mother continues to pull at her, and she hires Pinkerton detectives to help her discover the whole truth.

But as she meets people who once knew her mother and hears stories about the past, Anna soon discovers that some secrets are better left hidden. With pressure mounting to keep the past quiet, she discovers daily that her choice to seek God's purpose for her life isn't as simple as she had hoped.

When things are at their darkest, Anna knows she can turn to her grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje's been helping new Dutch immigrants--including a teen with a troubled history--adjust to America. She only hopes that her wisdom can help all these young people through the turmoil they face.

Praise for the Book

"Varying points of view, well-placed clues, and an interesting subplot about Anna's grandmother welcoming Dutch immigrants to Michigan keeps the story interesting. Austin skillfully embeds her strong spiritual message into the actions of her characters, creating a wonderful historical tale that is naturally inspirational."--Publishers Weekly starred review

Excerpt



I race across the grass to the hotel, shouting for help. By the time I stumble up the steps and yank open the main door, I’m panting so hard I can barely speak. “Help us, please!” I say to the desk clerk and a porter. “Someone has fallen into the channel and my friend jumped in to save her.

We need help pulling them out. And bring warm blankets!” I remember the weight of the quilt that one of my rescuers wrapped around my shoulders after the shipwreck, and the warmth of the fire they built for us on the beach. Please, Lord! Don’t let anything happen to Derk and Cornelia, I pray.

It seems to take forever, but four hotel workers drop what they’re doing and gather supplies to race back with me. We’re in time to help the fishermen pull Cornelia out of the water and onto dry land. We quickly wrap a blanket around her. She is shivering violently and coughing. Her face is deathly white, her lips purplish-blue. They pull Derk out next and drape a blanket around him. The men are talking to Cornelia, asking if she is all right. “She doesn’t speak English,”

Derk tries to tell them, but he is shivering so hard he can barely talk. The hotel clerk lifts Cornelia in his arms and carries her up to the hotel, which seems miles away.

Two of the porters support Derk and propel him along, too. “What happened?” one of them asks. “Did the girl slip and fall?”

“I guess so,” Derk says. “I didn’t see it happen.”

But I did, and I know that Cornelia didn’t slip. I can’t erase the terrible image of her walking forward as if there was an invisible bridge across the channel that only she could see. I watched Cornelia deliberately step off the edge and plunge down into the water. What I don’t understand is why.

Everyone is exhausted by the time we reach the lobby. Someone adds more wood to the fire, and we stand around the lobby fireplace enjoying the warmth. The porters find some spare clothes for Derk and Cornelia, and they change into them in the back office. They drape their wet ones in front of the fire to dry. Cornelia is still coughing up water. “You might want to see a doctor when you get back to town,” one of the workers advises. Everyone is discussing how she might have slipped, but I remain silent—and baffled. I know it wasn’t an accident.



Other Books in the Series

https://amzn.to/2CPqb8xWaves of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #1)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
October 4th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers

Haunted by the Unknowns of Their Pasts,
Two Women Search for Answers Along the Shores of Lake Michigan

Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiancé. Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago. As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys. Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.

Praise for the Book

"Interlacing the past with the present-day lives of Anna and Geesje, Austin compassionately delivers a moving tale of family bonds, tests of faith, and abiding love."--Booklist starred review

"Austin has crafted an interesting, historically accurate portrait of two profoundly different characters: one looking back at life, the other taking her first faltering steps toward independence."--Publishers Weekly


About the Author


Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home in western Michigan. Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.


Tour Schedule

October 15th:
Launch
Cover Lover Book Review
An Indie Adventure
Author Kelly D. Scott
October 16th:
Romancing History
Uplifting Reads
October 17th:
The Power of Words
Hearts & Scribbles
October 18th:
Fiction Aficionado
Splashes of Joy
October 19th:
Wishful Endings
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Rockin' Book Reviews
October 22nd:
Among the Reads
Book by Book
October 23rd:
Jen Around the World
Heidi Reads...
October 24th:
Jorie Loves A Story
Radiant Light
October 25th:
Tell Tale Book Reviews
Locks, Hooks and Books
October 26th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Remembrancy

Check out the Bookstagram Tour schedule October 22 - 26 here!

Tour Giveaway

One Grand Prize Winner will receive Waves of Mercy and Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin and tulip notecards.

Two additional winners will receive Waves and Mercy and Legacy of Mercy.

For US winners only—international readers may enter, but a $35 gift card will be substituted for their prize if they are chosen as winners.

Ends October 26, 2018

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Monday, October 22, 2018

Review & Giveaway: When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham


When you look at me

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

when you look at me front Title: When You Look at Me
(Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
Author:
Pepper Basham
Publisher:
Woven Words Publications
Release Date:
October 25, 2018
Genre:
Inspirational Contemporary Romance

An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures

When Julia Jenkins' great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt's treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?  

PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

MY REVIEW

5 stars / It was amazing

Oh my heart! I loved this gentle introverted couple so much and the way they blossomed with their unexpected friendship and romance. They both have tragedy in their pasts that has made it difficult to trust, but the natural connection they share made it worth the risk to reach out and move forward. So many great scenes together as they get to know one another; I loved the feeling of hopeful uncertainty and longing. There is quite a bit of anticipation leading up to their first kiss, and wow, was it worth the wait! They are seriously so sweet together. 

I enjoyed the relationships Julia shares with her sisters and family, and appreciated the way they supported her and encouraged her. There are a few scenes from her father's point of view that add another perspective and show the deeper tender feelings of a protective father. I loved the beautiful role that music played in the story and in Julia and Henry's relationship, helping them both express their emotions and overcome some obstacles. The story of her aunt Millie unfolds layer by layer throughout the book and adds another dimension to the plot, giving a historical mystery for Julia and Henry to solve together, and lessons to learn from her life. Powerful themes of overcoming fear, the importance of family, and the power of love brought depth to this lovely story. Highly recommend!

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

pepper basham

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. Pepper is also a mom of five, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of Jesus and chocolate. She resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.  

CONNECT: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

wylam blog giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive:
  • print copy of Just The Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1)
  • print copy of When You Look at Me (Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
  • a plaque which says: Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life.... love comes along and brings you a fairy tale
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 22, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 29, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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