Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Sheila has read 4 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Book Blast for: Son of War Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison-$50 Blast Giveaway

  Son of War, Daughter of Chaos Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.  


 Purchase at ....







Janette RallisonAuthor Janette Rallison
Janette Rallison is old. Don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that. Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of the felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off. Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)

  book blast button       Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/17/14 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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, July 25, 2014

The Dreamosphere by Laura Stoddard-Blog Tour Combined Review

The Dreamosphere

Author: Laura Stoddard

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: July 8th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781462114443

Paperback: 208 pages

FTC, FYI: Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.




 Book Description:

What if dreams don’t disappear when we wake up? Haunted by her sister’s death, Gwen Stoker takes solace in her web of dreams—the Dreamosphere. But when someone begins destroying it, Gwen must find the culprit—or risk losing all her happy thoughts and feelings forever! Dreams come to life in this fantastical children’s tale!

Sheila's Review:
 I have always been so intrigued about dreams and what they mean. So this new take on a person's dreams and where they collect was fascinating. Main character, Gwen, is an interesting 11 year old girl who is quite surly. She seems to be very unhappy and not friendly at all. We soon find out why, as it's revealed that she feels guilty for her younger sister's death. The reader also learns early on that Gwen can go to a place called "The Dreamosphere" where all of her dreams are kept. I have to admit that would be a scary thing for me. I don't like a lot of my dreams that I remember.  Gwen finds out someone is destroying her Dream Orbs, which is making her depressed. It also doesn't help that she is being bullied at school and being called weird. {One thing that was kind of confusing for me, was that Gwen and the kids at school seemed to be written as teenagers in the way they talk and act with boyfriends/girlfriends and having several different school periods during the day. Gwen is 11 and in Elementary school, so this sometimes threw me off while reading.} One thing I really liked was how this novel subtly deals with some major issues, like death, grief and bullying and I liked the way they were presented and dealt with. As the story moves along, there are some surprising answers to who is messing with Gwen's dream orbs and her friends. This fantasy suited for tweens and teens  is exciting and sets things up well for another book in the series. I truly liked the ending to this story!

Mindy's Review

I enjoyed the idea behind this book, someone has been breaking in to her dreams and changing her personality.  I felt bad for Gwen and all that she has gone through, you can tell right away that something is off with her.  I was glad that the author eased the reader into her life.  I liked the mystery behind her "secret" and what happened to her to make her the way she is.  She is having a hard time in school and when an old friend starts to visit her in her dreams to help her, it seemed to me she wanted to be in the dream world instead of the real world.  I did enjoy the events that take place in the story.  I was happy when she started figuring things out, but thought it was wrapped up too quickly, but was glad when this unhappy girl with no friends, starting getting some answers and was able to make friends and be happy. 



EXCERPT:
"What do you think happens to your dreams after you wake up?"
Gwen shrugged distractedly, too disoriented by her sudden arrival in the remarkable setting to focus. "I dunno. They disappear?"
The unblinking gray eyes of her young companion flashed as she leaned forward. "Incorrect. Every dream you've ever had still exists. All of them. They reside in a dimension called the Dreamosphere. It's where we are right now, as a matter of fact. Each dream basically exists as its own world, or dream-orb. There are thousands and thousands of them, connected like drops of dew on a gigantic spider web. Every dream you've ever had, Gwen. They're all up here. And you can visit them any time you want."



Author Bio: Laura Stoddard was born in Idaho and spent her formative years running amok in the great outdoors. She received her bachelors degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. After being rejected from the masters program for creative writing she decided that she didn't need a masters degree to tell her she could write, so she started really dedicating her time to finishing the story she'd started months earlier, with the goal of writing a complete novel, and getting it published. The result is her debut novel, The Dreamosphere, for which her own vivid, bizarre, and incomprehensible dreams provided the inspiration. Laura is an adrenaline junkie and will try anything once--or twice--or maybe three times. She can already check whitewater rafting, going down in a shark cage, and skydiving (three times) off of her list. Oh, and getting Lasik. It was five minutes of terror. She enjoys hiking, rowing, reading classic literature, embarking on new adventures and hobbies, volunteering regularly, and spending time with family. She currently resides in Phoenix, Ariz.


Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Sleeping Beauty and The Beast by Melissa Lemon- Combined Review


Sleeping Beauty & the Beast by Lemon_COVER ONLYSleeping Beauty and the Beast

Author: Melissa Lemon

Publisher: self

Published: June 20, 2014

ISBN13: 978-1499788808

Paperback/ a combinedKindle: 300 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.



Book Summary

Trapped in a cursed sleep, the only experiences Princess Eglantine has are the ones in her dreams. There she meets Prince Henry of Fallund, a neighboring kingdom on the brink of war. Meanwhile, Prince Henry's brother Duncan discovers a vicious beast imprisoned for murder. Captivated by her, he works to free her from both the prison bars she's locked behind and the ones surrounding her heart and mind. Sleeping Beauty and the Beast reinvents and seamlessly intertwines the classic fairy tales Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast.

I'm so excited to be doing a combined review with my friend and fellow blogger, Mindy Holt. We blog and podcast together at LDS Women's Book Review.

Sheila's Review


Sleeping Beauty and the Beast...two fairy tales woven into one. I absolutely love a well written twisted fairy tale and Melissa Lemon has always done a great job of doing this in the past. I loved Cinder and Ella and also Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem. Sleeping Beauty and the Beast shows again why Melissa has this fairy tale "telling" down to a science. She takes old stories and makes them into a different story. Once familiar characters are now brand new. 
I loved how Sleeping Beauty was written. We hear her tell her own story, even though she's asleep and she can move about in her dreams. This is how she meets Prince Henry. At first he is the only one that can see Princess Eglantine as she floats around in her ethereal form. They become close as they learn to talk, listen and support each other through their trials. 
The Beast part of this fairy tale is unique in that "The Beast" is a woman, not a man. Prince Henry's brother, Duncan, becomes intrigued and obsessed with the wild woman accused of murder. Being different from his brother and how he views the royal life, Duncan goes out of his way to free this agonized woman both physically and mentally. This part of the story truly touched me as Duncan never gave up on this woman that others were so ready to put to death. 

Sleeping Beauty and the Beast will challenge the old telling of these tales. You will find yourself quickly enveloped in the lives of all four characters. The ending will leave you happy and fulfilled. This clean read is suitable for any tween, teen and adult reader who loves a fairy tale with a perfect ending.

Mindy's Review

I have been a fan of Melissa's for a long time.  Her books are fabulous.  Her most recent retelling was Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem, which I loved.  I loved this unique retelling combination of Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast.  Melissa did a fantastic job with this story.  The characters are intriguing and the story is very enjoyable.  I loved how beauty was only seen by Prince Henry and I really loved how the beast was tamed.  Henry was the only one that could see Eglantine, and that made for some funny and then some uncomfortable scenes for Henry, but the best part was, he didn't care.  Many thought he was losing his mind, including his twin brother Duncan.  Duncan ended up being one of my favorite characters.  His willingness to see the beast in a different way, was very enduring.  

The story switched from Eglantine's point of view while she "slept", to the beast's, which was mostly Duncan visiting her and trying to figure out how to help her.  The fact that the beast was a woman, was a very cool twist.  I especially enjoyed the ending and how it all wrapped up.  

4 out of 5 stars.  If you like fairytales and retellings, you will love this story.  The ending is so satisfying, it will leave you with smiling.  

Author/Book Links




Online Bio

Meet Author Melissa Lemon
Melissa is the author of two other fairy tale retellings: Cinder and Ella and Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem. She is also the author of a sweet romance called Blue Sky. Writing is just one of her passions. She also loves music, reading, baking and exercising. She is wife to a patient man, mother to three spunky girls, and warden to a tolerant cat named Matilda.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Newtimber: Fractured(Book 1) by Karen E. Hoover-Blog Tour Review






 

Product Details

  • Title: Newtimber: Fractured (Book 1)
  •  Author: Karen E. Hoover
  • File Size: 5276 KB
  • Print Length: 214 pages
  • Publisher: Trifecta Books (June 17, 2014)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 
  • Genre: YA  Urban Fantasy
  • ASIN: B00L2X36A0
  • FTC, FYI: Received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.





 Book Description:

 There was absolutely no way a black dragon hovered outside of Newtimber. Sianna rubbed her eyes, but the dragon was still there, clutching a round object that looked like a spotted egg. And then the egg fell, hitting the ground like an atomic bomb, sending out waves of a slow-moving fog that distorted everything it touched.

The citizens of Newtimber change. The old man down the street stretches into a screaming tree. Sianna’s skateboarding friend, Matt, transforms into a giant green dragon. Pegasus. Sirens. Griffins. Vampires. Zombies. Creatures from the myths of every culture come to life through the people.

Even Sianna changes, her skin becoming stone hard, and she gains the ability to travel from the human realm into the dimension of the fae, using it to free her father from prison and enlist his aid in battling the evil bent on taking over the world. 

One person to heal a family, a town, and save the world. It seems an impossible task, but with the help of her new friends, it could happen. 


Right?
 Excerpts Teasers From Fractured:
-->
Quote #1: "The green fog seemed to pull itself forward with finger-like tendrils, almost like a hound searching out a smell. It must have caught on to the man because all of the fingers pointed at him. The green stuff gathered and thickened, almost like a cat does when it’s about to pounce, and then pounce it did, completely covering the man. I could hear his screams as he was eaten by the mist."



 Quote #2: "His mouth opened into a scream as his feet rooted first, and then his body leaned forward and his arms reached out, bark racing across his skin like a wave of super-freak ants. His face changed last of all, his mouth still open in the scream as the bark rippled and tore his skin, his eyes and nose fading into knotted wood with a gaping hole left for his mouth.”


 Quote #3: “Go ahead and think I’m crazy if it makes you happy, but I saw what I saw. That wasn’t an atomic bomb or a nuclear bomb. It didn’t look right or act right, not like the pictures and movies I’ve seen. It acted intelligent, choosing its victims and pouncing on them. It was slow, like . . . like . . .” I just couldn’t find the words, but wasn’t sure if it was because of adrenaline, fear, or my stupid brain. Frustrated, I stood and spun. “It was like watching pollen moving in the wind, but it’s no kind of pollen I’ve ever seen. It followed me.”

 Quote #4: “It’s true!” Austin yelled. “A bad black dragon dropped a bomb and people are turning into the Fae.

 Quote #5: To my left was a large piece of glass, roughly in the shape of a broad knife. I picked it up carefully, settled it in my palm, and then, closing my eyes, I squeezed. Instead of the sharp pain I expected, there was the shatter of glass. I opened my eyes and looked at my hand. My palm was covered with shards. I squeezed it again, watching this time as the glass crushed to powder and trickled between my fingers.




 My Review:
 What is it like reading Fractured? You feel like you are reading a pretty average YA Contemporary book until...main character Sianna looks up to see a black dragon flying into town, it drops a speckled egg and BANG, green mist everywhere, and everything or I should say, EVERYONE changes!! After that,you know that things are bound to get exciting. This book centers around the Fae people, but Hoover writes a very interesting twist on the world of the Fae. It was fun to have things changed up and I know that middle grade and YA readers will like this too.  

Sianna is written as a kick-butt teen who has lived a hard life, and is well written. She is an inspiring protagonist who young girls will really like. The main male protagonist, Matt, turns into a green dragon who becomes a real hero and Sianna's first boyfriend. Many other friends and family turn into creatures from the mist.It's exciting as Sianna learns about different dimensions that she can travel between. It seems like you just get into the story when it finishes and of course you want more. I'm so glad that the next book will be coming out soon. This book is the first in a 5 book series.Fractured is an exciting story, with characters that change, grow and learn about love and loyalty. The surprise at the end leads nicely into the next book! 
You Can Purchase Fractured Here...
AMAZON | BARNES And NOBLE |  
Mark to Read at...
GOODREADS


Meet Author Karen E. Hoover:
Karen E. Hoover has loved the written word for as long as she can remember. Her favorite memory of her dad is the time he spent with Karen on his lap, telling her stories for hours on end. Her dad promised he would have Karen reading on her own by the time she was four years old … and he very nearly did. Karen took the gift of words her dad gave her and ran with it. Since then, she’s written two novels and reams of poetry. Her head is fairly popping with ideas, so she plans to write until she’s ninety-four or maybe even a hundred and four. Inspiration is found everywhere, but Karen’s heart is fueled by her husband and two sons, the Rocky Mountains, her chronic addiction to pens and paper, and the smell of her laser printer in the morning.

The first book in Karen's The Wolfchild Saga, The Sapphire Flute is free right now! Amazon and B & N.


You can learn more about Karen and her books at the following places:

Friday, July 18, 2014

Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore-Blog Tour Review and $25 Giveaway



Becoming Lady LockwoodProduct Details

  • Title: Becoming Lady Lockwood {A Regency Romance}
  • Author: Jennifer Moore
  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 1st edition (July 1, 2014)
  • Genre: Regency Romance
  • ISBN-10: 1621086895
  • FTC, FYI: Received a PDF in exchange for an honest review.









 
Book Description:
Amelia Beckett is delighted to be a widow. Married by proxy to a man she'd never met, Amelia recognizes that a fortuitous entry into widowhood frees her from meddlesome chaperones and matchmakers. Heiress to her mother's sugar plantation in Jamaica, she happily anticipates working in a man's world, with the additional credibility of her new title: Lady Lockwood. But with the arrival of Captain Sir William Drake, her plans quickly go awry . . . William has traversed the Atlantic with one purpose. If he cannot prove that Amelia's marriage to his brother was a fraud, she will be entitled to a sizeable portion of his family's estate. He is determined to return this duplicitous Lady to London for an official hearing, and he carries with him a letter that will ensure her cooperation . . . Left with no choice, Amelia joins the captain on his return voyage to England, and the two quickly find that ship life does not allow for evasion. Amelia and William are ceaselessly thrown together, and amidst fierce storms and ocean battles, what began as antipathy seems to be evolving quite unexpectedly. But as they draw ever closer to their destination, will the impossibility of their circumstances shatter any hope of a future together? 

My Review: 
I've wanted to read this book ever since I saw the lovely cover. The female catches your attention with one wary look. The battleship adds to the intrigue. Does the story live up to this beautiful cover? 100% YES! Jennifer Moore has written characters that are likable, and they light up the whole novel. It doesn't take long to be totally captivated by Captain William Drake, First Mate Sidney, Dr. Spinner, the cook Slushy and of course the old man Tobias, who takes Amelia under his wing. Amelia is a strong, loving and independent woman for her time. She wins people over by being kind and caring. She is the perfect heroine! 

This Regency Romance is different from others I've read lately. Most of the novel takes place on the English battleship Venture. Moore gives such great details about the working of a ship. I was so impressed with the research she did! I learned a lot in this historical novel. 

How did I know that this book would become one of my favorites? Because it made me cry.Yes, halfway through the book I was sitting on my couch and crying. The hopeless situation that Captain Drake, Amelia, and the crew find themselves in filled me with such intense emotions. All I could do was sit and cry...for a long time. After taking a nice break from the tension and suspense in the book, I was able to see the words and keep reading. Also, the Romantic tension turns into true, "my heart is fluttering", Romance! We all have our favorite sigh-worthy heroes, and now we have Captain William Drake. Becoming Lady Lockwood played out like a movie in my mind. 

This first published novel by Jennifer Moore gets 5 stars from me! I will rush to pick up anything else that this talented author writes. 

Praise for Becoming Lady Lockwood
"Moore does a lovely job of showcasing sizzle in this must-read for fans of regency and historical romance." ~ Foreword Reviews


 Purchase Becoming Lady Lockwood here...

Jenny Moore
Meet Author Jennifer Moore 
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance, helping her find balance with the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family. You can learn more about her at authorjmoore.com. The author's first book, Becoming Lady Lockwood, is a regency romance centered on the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s.  
 You can find Jennifer Moore here...
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/7/14 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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway  

I know that I should only post one of the excerpts from the novel, but I LOVED it so much I felt compelled to post both excerpts. Enjoy reading them! 

Excerpt #1
William placed his right hand on the small of her back and pulled gently with his left hand, leading her in a simple series of steps, which she quickly mastered. She focused her eyes on the captain’s shoulder where her hand rested tentatively. He moved lightly, but her movements were stiff. She was afraid of relaxing when he was practically holding her in his arms. After a few turns around the room, Amelia felt her tension ease. The music was beautiful, and Captain Drake had a way of drawing her across the floor as if she was floating. When she finally braved a glance at his face, she met his eyes, and her nervousness returned. “And is your punishment so dreadful, Miss Becket?” he asked. “I have yet to see you smile.” Amelia allowed herself a small smile. “It is a very nice punishment indeed, sir. Is it one you utilize regularly?” “Perhaps I shall, if you believe it will keep the men in line.” Amelia laughed. “I do not know what they would think if you waltzed with each sailor who failed in his duty.” “I imagine it should be quite effective at discouraging rule breaking, don’t you?” William looked thoughtful, as if considering the idea. “Perhaps. Until some of the men develop a taste for waltzing. You might begin to worry when the same men continually require discipline.” William laughed. Amelia had only heard his laugh a very few times and found she quite liked it. Especially knowing she was the one who had inspired it. She also realized that the sound had caused her heart to trip ever so slightly, and to her dismay, she found that she quite liked that as well. She lowered her eyes, suddenly finding the gold buttons on the captain’s coat fascinating. She was extremely aware of the captain’s arm, the way it wrapped around her, and his hand resting on her lower back. The hand that held hers was strong, and she felt each movement of his fingers and the subtle tightening around her own hand. And had he always had such a pleasant smell? 


Excerpt #2
 He finally stopped and pulled his chair closer to her, raising her chin. “Amelia. I cannot begin to thank you for what you did. It was brave and brilliant, and it terrifies me to think that you put your life at risk for—” “For my shipmates, Captain.” She kept her eyes lowered. “I would never have forgiven myself if anything had happened to you.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. “I would never have forgiven myself if I had not tried. These men, this ship, it has become . . . I care for them, William, for all of you.” He raised her chin even higher, so that she was forced to lift her gaze his face. He stared at her for a moment. Then his eyes dropped to her lips, and Amelia’s pulse began to race. Would he kiss her again? They sat, frozen for a heartbeat, and then William stood, stealing with him all of the warmth in the room.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Diary of An Angel by Michael Farnsworth-Review


Product Details

  • Title: Diary of an Angel
  •  Author: Michael M. Farnsworth
  • Paperback: 162 pages
  • Publisher: Martindale Press (October 9, 2013)
  • Genre: Fiction
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0615866018
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.


Book Description:
Forenica has never guarded anyone before, let alone been responsible for a soul. All that changes when she joins the ranks of heaven’s angels as a Junior Guardian. Her first assignment seems simple enough; her charge, Angela Higgins, seems too perfect to have any real struggles. She could scarcely have been more mistaken. Forenica learns quickly that helping Angela make it back to heaven is no trivial undertaking. Soon after Forenica’s assignment, Angela’s family suffers an unexpected crisis, which threatens to destroy her marriage and to snuff out her faith. As the situation grows more desperate, Angela also struggles to hold on to her wayward teenage daughter. Feeling powerless to help, Forenica seeks for answers to Angela’s problems in the annals of heaven. There Forenica uncovers secrets that will change both their lives forever. But in the end an unexpected angel will provide Angela the miracle she needs.

My Review:
Let me start my review by saying, I do believe in angels. Before I ever read this book I've felt that angels live among us and help us day by day. So reading this story about Guardians Angels was a true pleasure. The author portrays Heaven exactly as I hope it will be. I loved the idea of people that have passed on being assigned as guardian angels. The story is about one such soul, Forenica, who is not assigned a baby like usual, but is instead assigned a grown woman, Angela, with many troubles in her life. Forenica's assignment is to help her through the struggles of life and to return safely to Heaven one day. 

This story is so touching and heartfelt. It also has a level of angst and suspense as the reader wonders if Forenica will truly be able to help Angela with her problems. There are some sticky moments where Satan's army looks like it will win.The thing that I'll remember most about this book, is that we can receive help from Heaven. We are not struggling here by ourselves. There were so many moments in this book that brought me to tears. You will be drawn to the wonderfully written characters, the angels and the humans on Earth. This sweet story is one that you will want to share with those who need a "pick-me-up" from the drudgery of life. Whatever religion you participate in, if you believe in God and angels, this book will be an inspiring read for you.
  

Author Q&A


Where did you come up with the idea for Diary of an Angel?

I think the idea really began to take shape (ironically) during a re-read of The Screwtape Letters. As I considered the opposite side of that story—heaven’s fight for souls—the whole idea of guardian angels came alive. And the more I thought and pondered on it, the more I felt there was a story that needed to be told. Sadly, C.S. Lewis never tackled that story. So, readers have to settle for mine.

Do you really believe angels are so involved in our lives?

God’s miracles and dealings in our lives are for all who have the eyes to see them. Those who honestly and humbly look for God’s blessings, will see them—more and more. That has been true in my own life. And no more so than when I was writing this story. The real message here is that heaven is involved in the nitty-gritty details of our lives. Whether that involvement comes from actual guardian angels, God’s spirit, the scriptures, a sunrise, a baby’s laugh, or some angelic earthy friend, it doesn’t matter. Because the end-goal is the same.

Do you think heaven is really like you depict in your story?

Yes and no. Yes, because God would surely pattern our world after his own. If you were to build a house for your children, you’d probably build one like your own, wouldn’t you? And No, because I have no doubt that the beauty of heaven will supersede anything that anyone could possibly fathom in mortality. In that regard, I’m not worried about a reader of my book ever approaching me in heaven to tell me I got my depiction of heaven all wrong. Because the real thing will be infinitely better than my vision; no one will care that I got it wrong. The important thing for me is that readers feel heaven as they read. That feeling if far more important that the visual picture painted in the reader’s mind. I obviously took some creative liberties in my depiction. I did this mainly for me, to help me show a fun and interesting heaven—not a puffy white cloud of boredom. Heaven is not boring, I’m confident of that.

Where did the name Forenica come from?

When I first began planning the story, I believed the name had originated from my head. But I've been told that it's actually a real name--a surname, to be precise. I haven't bothered to research into this myself. The name came to me some time before I even conceived any story involving angels. At that time I intended to use the name in a different story. But, I wrote Diary of an Angel first. The name was handy and I liked it, so I decided to use it for my protagonist. Generally speaking, it's not advisable to use unusual names. They can distract the reader from the story. In the case of Forenica, I like to think that the name fits well for the character. My hope is that most readers will form their own image of Forenica's appearance, without being influenced by the Sarah's, Emma's, or Jane's they happen to know. (All three excellent names, by the way.)

Will we see Forenica again?

I hope so. For me, a story has to kind of incessantly ask me to write it. If it doesn’t, my heart won’t be in the story. And that would just not do. I do have a few ideas swimming around in my head, though. Not necessarily involving Forenica, but heaven and her angels. It may be some time, though. So, I plead for patience from my kind readers.


Meet Author Michael M. Farnsworth:

Michael M. Farnsworth holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University. A degree that comes in handy if you're a software engineer, which he is, but not so much if you're a writer. As a native Texan, he should know lots about riding horses and herding cattle--but he doesn't. He does, however, know a good deal about wrangling small children. He has four of them. When he's not wrangling children, writing code or writing books, he's probably building something. He lives with his wife and children in Seattle, WA.


To learn more about Michael and his work find him at Twitter,  Facebook,  and at his Website

****His new book Haladras was just released this month! It looks REALLY good!! *****
 

A desert planet. A dangerous secret.


 When Skylar’s enigmatic uncle warns him to stay away from the mysterious winged insects that have been sighted on other planets, he thinks little of it; no one has seen the insects on their own planet of Haladras. His uncle knows more than he’s telling, though. The creatures are not insects, but machines. And they’re hunting for Skylar. Only after Skylar narrowly escapes capture and flees Haladras with his uncle does he learn the whole truth. What his uncle reveals will shatter Skylar’s world and thrust him into a conflict that will force him to become more than a mere boy of fifteen. 

Go check it out on Amazon.com. or visit www.haladras.com

Book Blast for The Husband Maker by Karey White and $75 Blast Giveaway


The Husband Maker by Karey White

 Book Description:
 Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she’s dated since high school has become his next girlfriend’s husband. Not hers. Not three girlfriends down the road. The next. Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed? When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself? 


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Excerpt from The Husband Maker

I’d always heard the view from Top of the Mark was exceptional. When San Francisco Life listed the top ten places to view the skyline at night, Top of the Mark was ranked number three, so when the invitation to Harrison’s wedding arrived, I finally had an excuse to take in the view for myself.
Stupid, stupid me. I should have taken a cab up the steep hills to 999 California Street, hopped on the elevator to the nineteenth floor, and looked out the windows. I could have come with or without makeup, and I could have worn jeans and a t-shirt. If I’d brought Mia or Aleena with me, we could have had a nice dinner or dessert. If I’d brought Angus, we could have had both. Since Top of the Mark was built at the crest of Nob Hill, I could have snapped a jaw-dropping photo or two with my iPhone and made the sparkling skyline my screen saver.
But no. I had to come see it on the night my old boyfriend was marrying a 49ers cheerleader named Nicki, who’d had more remodeling than an episode of Property Brothers. She looked like a Who’s Who of Hollywood parts—Scarlett’s nose, Angelina’s lips, and Kim’s cheekbones. Her bias-cut dress clung to her other (ahem) purchased body parts and made me feel very un-girly in comparison.
“Nicki, this is Charlotte.” Harrison looked me level in the eye, and for the first time all evening, I felt an inch of relief that things hadn’t worked out between us. Five-eleven is pretty average for a guy, and Harrison towered over Nicki, even in her stilettos. But the only way he’d ever have been able to look down at me the way he’d looked down at Nicki when they’d exchanged their vows was if he’d stood on a stool. I know it’s not important, and it makes me sound completely shallow, but I read a romance once where the leading man “gazed down at his true love with tender eyes.” Someday, I’d like a guy to gaze down at me with tender eyes. And I’d rather not have to be standing in a hole for that to happen.
“It’s fabulous to finally meet you.” Nicki’s voice was chirpy, and her lips didn’t move quite right. “I want to thank you for breaking his heart”—she puckered up and baby-talked—“so I could put it back together.” She pulled him down by his tuxedo lapel to kiss his cheek, then wiped the red smear away with her acrylic-nailed thumb.
Well, this was awkward. And I wasn’t the only one feeling it. Harrison’s eyes begged me not to set the record straight.
You see, Harrison had broken up with me. “I’m not ready for the whole settling down with one woman thing,” he’d said four short months ago. “You’re ready to get married, and I won’t be ready for that scene for years.”
Maybe he’d meant dog years.
“Congratulations, you two. You make a much better couple than we ever did,” I said, although it stung to admit it.
“Did Will come? I saw Angus a little while ago,” Harrison said. Will is my twin brother. No, his name is not Wilbur, although we’ve been asked if our parents had a thing for Charlotte’s Web more times than I can count. His name is William, and he’s the reason I ended up dating Harrison in the first place.
Our families lived on the same street in Fairfield, but I barely remembered Harrison, who was two years older than us. Nearly a year ago, Will and Harrison had been at the same concert, and Harrison had asked Will if his little sister was still available. Will wasn’t sure if he meant me or McKayla, but since McKayla was already married, he gave Harrison my number. On our first date, Harrison admitted he hadn’t been asking about me, but he was decent enough to say he was glad for the mix-up. And the rest is history.
A short and tragic history, but history nonetheless.
“Will and his wife are in D.C. right now interviewing.” I stepped on my tiptoes and scanned the room over the groom’s head. “I didn’t know Angus was here.”
“I talked to him earlier, but he might have left already,” Harrison said.
“Aaahhh!”
I nearly knocked over a waiter as I jumped away from Nicki’s scream. “Look, Kitten. It’s Baxter Kensington. I didn’t think he’d actually come.”
Kitten? Did she really call him that? Harrison’s red face confirmed that yes, she had. “He plays for the 49ers,” he explained, and I nodded.
“I’d better go and make room for the celebrities,” I said, and Harrison grinned. He’d always appreciated my sarcasm, and his cute grin jabbed at my not-quite-healed heart.
“Thanks for coming.” He pulled me into a hug while his bride arranged her dress to best flatter her cleavage and patted the sides of her platinum fauxhawk. “Are things good with us?” he said quietly in my ear.
I pulled away. “Oh sure.”
“I was worried—”
“Nothing to worry about. Go. Be happy.”
“Thanks, Charlotte.”
I turned away, my eyes stinging, and nearly barreled into one of the most stunning specimens of athleticism I’d ever seen. His pale yellow shirt and silvery gray suit contrasted beautifully with his dark skin. No wonder the bride was swooning about someone other than the groom. Poor Harrison looked like a little boy in comparison.
Ah, one of the hazards of marrying a cheerleader.
Through slightly blurred vision, I saw Harrison put his arm around Nicki. Not too long ago, I’d thought that would be me, though the venue and guest list would have been drastically different.


Husband Maker Tour
Karey White 






Meet Author Karey White
 Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.  

 Contact Karey at these sites...


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          $75 Book Blast Giveaway
 $75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/8/14 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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Book Blast for Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark and $50 Blast Giveaway!

Uncover Cobbogoth
Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark 
Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister. When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late to share her own.

Find Uncovering Cobbogoth HERE...

  Praise for Uncovering Cobbogoth "With a fascinating protagonist in Norah Lukens, a fully realized, never before seen fantasy world, and a fast paced, compelling story, Uncovering Cobbogoth establishes Hannah L. Clark as a major new voice in American fiction. The richness of the story and the scope of the world she's created screams for a film adaptation. This is a fantasy novel for everyone, even readers not usually drawn to the genre. Highly, highly recommended!" -Bryce Clark, author of Red Shirt Kids 

"This book takes you on a wonderful ride, bringing myth and legend to life. The characters are full and flawed, with a sweet romance woven through the adventure." - Annette K. Larsen, author of Just Ella 

 "Uncovering Cobbogoth is an Icelandic tale that will appeal to many Harry Potter series fans […] For those who’ve missed the Harry Potter world, here’s a pretty good alternative!" - Sharon Haddock, For the Deseret News 

"This isn't a typical YA fantasy/scifi/para story like the multitude of vampire or witch or werewolf or mermaid themes that fill bookshelves in stores currently. When after a couple of chapters it became apparent that this wasn't yet another entry into the aforementioned themes, I was downright giddy. And then to find out there wasn't a standard issue love triangle? I wanted to find the author and buy her dinner." -Radar626, Amazon reviewer 

 "A friend of mine recommended this book […] I checked it out and I was so pleased! I love this book. I can't wait to read the next one [...] and I am encouraging my daughter to read it as well. If you like fantasy with a little mix of science this book is perfect. I had such a hard time putting this book down just so I could deal with real life and working on promoting my own book. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book." -Pamela Hall, author    

Excerpt: The Legend of the Cobbogothians is really where Uncovering Cobbogoth begins. For as long as Norah can remember, her Uncle Jack has been obsessed with the mythical people. He became an archeologist and world famous Myth-chaser because of the Cobbogothian legends he heard while visiting his Granddad Aegissida’s farm in Iceland. The Legend of the Cobbogothians Long ago, at the beginning of time, a peculiar race ruled the earth. They found favor in the eyes of the gods and received great gifts of knowledge and power at their hands. These gifts made them elementalists—masters of earth, wind, fire, water, metal, wood and space. The elementalists thenceforth became rulers of the earth and sky. With this power came corruption, and the elementalists soon forgot their patron gods. Instead, they turned to worshipping themselves and their own creations. This angered the gods, and in their wrath, the vowed to bring an icy end to the prideful race. Rumors of the looming destruction were heralded throughout the land, and a final invitation was issued to the elementalists to renounce their fallen ways. Yet only a few heard and heeded. Among them was a man named Cobbogoth. Being a wise and humble servant of the gods, he believed the warnings and led all who would listen deep into the bowels of the earth to wait out the approaching storm. When the day of destruction was come and the wrath of the gods rained down, the race of elementalists was wiped away, and then came the dawning of a violent and frigid ide age. It is said that Cobbogoth’s posterity still lives beneath our feet, waiting to rise and rule the earth and sky once more. Sigurd Jorgensson Icelandic Bard, 1045 AD   *Translated from the original Old Norse by Dr. Jack A. Lukens of Harvard University,April 1975  

Here is the official book trailer...

Meet Author Hannah L. Clark 
hannah Hannah L. Clark lives with her husband and their son in the Rocky Mountains. She has always known she would be a storyteller. In 2006 she graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in English and immediately began writing Uncovering Cobbogoth, the first book in a seven book series based on Clark's mythological brain-child, the Icelandic Legend of the Cobbogothians. Clark loves her family, running, mythology, laughing, soulful bluegrass music, road-trips, studying alternative medicine, retro hairdos, and growing things. Like her heroine Norah, she also kind of believes trees have souls, but must clarify (for her parents' sakes) that she was not raised by hippies. ;-)  
 
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      Blast Giveaway
 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/31/14 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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway