Thursday, January 24, 2019

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: An Alaskan Proposal by Beth Carpenter


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Heidi Reads... An Alaskan Proposal by Beth CarpenterAn Alaskan Proposal
(Northern Lights #4)

By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
January 1st 2010 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can he teach her survival skills—

without endangering his heart?

When Sabrina Bell taps Leith Jordan for a crash course in conquering the great Alaskan outdoors, he figures he’s on safe ground. They’re polar opposites and his spectacular home state’s just a pit stop for the hotshot fashionista. So no one’s more surprised than Leith when he starts falling for her. Now he’s a man with a plan: get Sabrina to fall in love with Alaska…and, hopefully, with him.

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My Review

Another great book in the Northern Lights series! I really enjoyed the easy friendship that developed between Leith and Sabrina, although I didn't understand how they could keep their relationship casual once the kissing started. I loved the Alaskan setting and all the camping and exploring described. It made me want to pack up and escape to the mountains! Even though Sabrina begins inexperienced in the outdoors and more comfortable with high fashion, her genuine personality shone through as she was determined to gain the experience she needed to succeed. Her strength and compassion attracted Leith and even though he had issues with trust in committed relationships, he also valued the light and warmth she added to his life. The two dogs Tal and Boomer were full of personality and showed another example of how opposites could complement each other. There were some cameos of the characters from the previous books in the series which was fun, and I also liked Leith's sister Volta and niece Emma. A great cast of characters made this a well-rounded story.

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

Other Books in the Series


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.
Tour Schedule

January 21st:
Launch
Baroness Book Trove
It's All About the Romance
Reading Is My SuperPower
January 22nd:
underneath the covers
Book by Book
Mythical Books
The Power of Words
January 23rd:
Reading On The Edge
Declarations of a Fangirl
Thoughts of a Blonde
Hearts & Scribbles
E-Romance News
January 24th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
Kimber Li
Heidi Reads...
My Life Loves and Passion
January 25th:
Becky on Books
Remembrancy
Locks, Hooks and Books
EmpowerMoms
January 26th:
Grand Finale


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a book tote, a print copy of A GIFT HORSE by Beth Carpenter, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Prize open to US continental residents - If winner doesn’t have a US mailing address, the alternate prize is a $25 Amazon card and two e-books (A GIFT HORSE and THE ALASKAN CATCH).

Ends January 30, 2019

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Forever Yours Event: Author Lorin Grace & Giveaway

 

    

 Mending Hearts with the Billionaire by Lorin Grace 

 Candace’s ten-year plan has two flaws, year eleven and Colin. Everyone who meets Candace wearing one of her colorful wigs knows she is a cancer survivor. Determined to live life to the fullest, her accomplishments range from painting murals to convincing students on campus to give up drinking. Few people know the secret to her success includes a detailed ten-year plan and a bucket list full of check marks. Candace never dreamed she’d make it to year eleven. 

Computer expert Colin Ogilvie can navigate the most difficult codes. While his friends were chasing girls, he was hacking past firewalls and developing billion-dollar apps. He never felt he was missing out until he met Candace. After five hundred and twelve days in the friend zone, he wonders if he can ever crack the code to the wall protecting her heart. 

What science can’t solve, art can. Their relationship changes when a meddling friend commissions Candace to help restore an antique merry-go-round. As Candace brings new life to the old merry-go-round, she discovers her own life can have a different path than she planned. But is she brave enough to not only reveal her biggest secrets to Colin but brave a chance on her own happily ever after? 

https://amzn.to/2We2EVl     




 

Gathering his courage, he moved to the leather seat facing her. “Penny for your thoughts.” 

She raised one of her painted brows. “Do you even have a penny?” 

“I can transfer it via two or three different apps.” 

“But I don’t need a penny.” 

 “What do you need?” 

“Chocolate?” 

“I can do chocolate.” He pulled up a shopping app. “It will be waiting at the Blue Pines Inn’s front desk.” 

“Caramels and cherries?” 

“Of course. And they are hand dipped in Blue Pines.” The first hint of a real smile flashed across her face. “So how many of your thoughts does that get?” 

Candace patted the seat next to her. “Probably not as much as it should. I was thinking about what Dr. Christensen told me about turning a corner. I just don’t know where to go.” 

    



  

“If you haven't read this book or series, this is Colin! Great and unassuming, flying under the radar but amazing beyond all expectations.” ~Julie 

“Mending Hearts is my favorite!! Colin is one swoon-worthy guy. “ ~Renee 

“This is a wonderfully written story about these struggles and the importance of being there for each other.” ~Deborah


     


   

Author Lorin Grace 


Lorin Grace was born in Colorado and has been moving around the country ever since, living in eight states and several imaginary worlds. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Graphic Design. Currently, she lives in northern Utah with her husband, four children, and a dog who is insanely jealous of her laptop. When not writing Lorin enjoys creating graphics, visiting historical sites, museums, and reading. Lorin is an active member of the League of Utah Writers. Her debut novel, Waking Lucy, was awarded a 2017 Recommend Read award in the LUW Published book contest. Mending Fences received a 2018 Recommend Read award in the LUW Published book contest. 

    



  

    




  

 

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/14/19 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, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, 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 & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  





Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Forever Yours Event: Author Stephanie Fowers, Freebie & Giveaway

 

  

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Stephanie Fowers 

Kids get away with saying most anything, like Aunt Gina should marry that "charmer" she met at her sister's wedding. But Gina won’t have anything to do with that guy who played with her heart that night—he’s a heartbreaker—no matter how much her niece and nephews adore him now. Besides, the two come from different worlds. Gina’s a workaholic career woman; he’s the irresponsible flirt. Whenever they meet, there are fireworks, and not the good kind. That is, until her sister wins a cruise to the Caribbean and asks the two to babysit for 2 weeks. Sparks fly as they find a way to play house without burning the place down. Forget marriage—these two shouldn't even date. And what do kids know anyway? Maybe everything. 

      




 

“Oh, hey,” he said casually, “hold the door.” Without my making a move to do so, his hand stopped the doors from shutting between us, and I got a full view of his face. I liked his eyes—they were vibrant blue and full of life, and now they creased into a myriad of laugh lines.
 
He stepped inside with me. He was tall and standing very close. He acted like it wasn’t a big deal and smiled at me before hitting the button for the thirteenth floor. The button didn’t light up. 

He shrugged and dug his hands deep into the pockets of his dress pants. “I guess that means no thirteenth floor.” He leaned against the back of the elevator and tucked his cell phone away. His gaze drifted to the gift bag in my hand. “You going to the wedding?”
 
The elevator doors closed us in together and I tried to adopt his casual manner while holding up the brightly colored bag between us. “What was the giveaway?”
 
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Is it any good?”
 
“The gift?”
 
He nodded. I felt like I was getting punked. How could he have guessed that I had no idea what I was bringing to this wedding? He couldn’t. I shrugged. “It’s the usual boring…”
 
He leaned over and peered past the pink tissue paper. “You got the lucky couple toothbrushes? Are you a dentist?”
 
“No!” I swatted him away but was laughing all the same. How could my mother think that toothbrushes were better than a tool set? I tried to deflect his attention from the gift. “I work advertising. Just down the street actually.”
 
“Oh really? I work downtown too.”
 
“Nice. Wait,” I stared down at his empty hands. No gift. My eyes went to his laughing ones. “Are you a wedding crasher?”
 
“Do you want me to be?”
 
“I…” this guy was unbelievable. He took bantering to a new level. I was horrible at real conversation—it was so boring. But banter? I was amazing at that. I relaxed. This guy was in no position to judge. “Yes,” I admitted with a smile, even though I didn’t believe he was crashing for a second. “Though you’re clearly an amateur. Wedding Crasher 101—bring an empty gift so no one is suspicious.”
 
His eyes turned appreciative at that. “And you?” he asked.
 
“I was invited,” I said, “but it was one of those invites that people have to give, you know?”
 
He looked intrigued. “Why is that?”
 
I pursed my lips and decided against ruining the moment by getting too personal. “I’m related.”
 
His eyes turned watchful. “To the bride or to the groom?”
 
“Bride.”
 
“Good,” he said.
 
Before I could ask what he meant, we passed the thirteenth floor and he whistled. “Makes you wonder why they won’t let anyone on the thirteenth. What are they hiding there?”
 
“An alternate dimension where they hide dead bodies,” I said without hesitation.
 
He snickered. “You’re not even curious, are you?”
 
“I’m always curious,” I said. “I’m just used to disappointment.”
 
“Really? Why?”
 
I lifted my shoulder. “Getting caught for trespassing isn’t on the schedule for tonight. Maybe another time.”
 
He nodded in understanding. The 22nd floor was fast approaching and for some reason, I felt myself getting more nervous than I was twenty minutes ago. Everyone asked me where my prince charming was at my younger cousin’s wedding two years ago and I wasn’t ready for that again. The rushing sound as we passed each floor felt ominous, and I wasn’t sure why I felt so anxious. All my faults came at me, my fear of not measuring up. I was happy for my sister, sure, and wanted her to know that I loved and supported her, but my mother had said it: Emily wouldn’t even know that I was there. So why did I have to go right away?
 
The elevator door opened on the 22nd floor, bringing in the loud laughter and chatter. Two little girls in puffy white dresses stood at the door. They grabbed my gift for Emily and ran away with my jacket. Still, I couldn’t leave the elevator. I turned to the stranger beside me like he was my lifeline. 

“You know what?” I asked. “I’m really tired of disappointment. Aren’t you?” He looked confused and I tried to clarify. “I’m dying to know what’s on the thirteenth floor.”
 
He didn’t move, even as the elevator made its warning noises for us to get out. “Wait.” A dimple played at the corner of his mouth. “You aren’t kidding?” I shook my head and he hit a button that made the door close us back into the elevator. “Great. Let’s go on an adventure together.”

       




 

And when I saw that the story began winding down, I was saddened for it to come to an end. These are characters that I had come to know and love. I could barely stand to shut the book at its ending. ~J.L. Thomas 

Great book! I’m jealous you get to read it for the first time! ~PocketfullofGoldfish 

I don't want to give everything away, but this story wrapped itself snug and tight around my heart. Every character is well done, even the villains, and the chemistry is snapping and popping with swoony heat. The comic relief is spot on, too. I honestly didn't want this one to end and was still thinking about it days later. ~Lilacqueen75 

I rarely give 5 star ratings, but this was such a 'licious' read, well worth every minute! Could barely bring myself to put it down. Gina and Ash's story is a story for the ages. Loved it! ~SL K 

I absolutely love love loved this book! I seriously couldn't put it down! I was hooked from the very first page to the last! It's one of those books that you could read over and over, because it's so cute! ~Amielovestoread 

Squeaky clean and fun! I have enjoyed other books by Fowers, but this might be my favorite. It was hard to put down. ~Reading My Dessert  


  


  

 

Get your FREE copy of With a Kiss by Stephanie Fowers


      


 

Author Stephanie Fowers 


Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through written word, song, and/ or film. She absolutely adores Bollywood and bonnet movies; i.e., BBC (which she supposes includes non-bonnet movies Sherlock and Dr. Who). Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist. This summer, she will do the reading of her musical, "The Raven" with the talented composer, Hilary Hornberger. She also expects to film some shorts with Triad Film Productions. Stephanie plans to bring more of her novels out to greet the light of day. Be sure to watch for her upcoming books, including YA fantasy, science fiction, mysteries, a compilation of short twisted fairy tales, and more--many more--romantic comedies. May the adventures begin.  

    




 

    




  

 

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/13/19 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, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, 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 & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.