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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Wednesday, August 30, 2017

The Lost Knight [The Lost Knight Series Volume 1] By Candy Atkins-Book Blast and $50 Gift Card Giveaway

 
{The Lost Knight by Candy Atkins} 
 How am I supposed to save the world when I'm not strong, not brave, not smart, and not particularly good at most things? I ran away from home the day after my thirteenth birthday when Auntie and her weird friend attacked me. Now I'm on the run with the Grim Reaper and a scary soldier. And I'm no longer on Earth. They were expecting me to be a Knight. The savior that's supposed to stop a war and prevent the invasion of Earth. But I'm not. They grabbed the wrong girl. I just don’t know how to tell them.  


  {Praise for the Book:}


-#2 on GoodReads Middle Grade Novels of 2016 5/5 Stars “Like Harry Potter meets The Labyrinth.” -Author Adan Ramie 5/5 Stars “Candy Atkins takes us on an epic adventure reminiscent of the novels of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.” –GoodReads/Amazon Reviewer
-5/5 Stars “For all you Potterheads or Harry Potter geeks, how can you not fall in love with this story and appreciate the fact that it is a female lead.” –Rising Indies United
 
{Excerpts:}
Three full chapters are free online: Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three

This is a partial excerpt from Chapter One:
I grab the box of midnight-purple hair dye from my book bag and squeeze my way down the narrow, overstuffed hall into the only bathroom in our apartment. The shower hasn’t worked since it was turned into a storage closet, so I clear the sink of the old cat food cans Auntie has stockpiled, turn on the cold water, and dream about the day when I’ll have my own apartment with a shower, hot water, and food. “Agatha, are you still pouting?” Auntie yells from her recliner. ”I told you, Uncle will pick something up when he’s done with work.” My foster parents, I call them Auntie and Uncle, are not what I would describe as parents, or even aunt and uncle, they’re more like babysitters. Uncle hasn’t been home for three days, and I doubt she believes he’ll be here tonight. She just wants me to tell her that I’m okay with her not picking up dinner. I’m not. Today is my thirteenth birthday. It’s not like I was expecting a cake, but something to eat would’ve been nice. After I dye my hair, I take a shirt from the pile of laundry I’m standing on, wrap it around my head, and carry the remaining hair dye back to my bedroom. I love my tiny room, mostly because I’ve been sketching and painting jumbled and disjointed art on these walls since I was old enough to grip a pencil. Part of the reason I chose what the box calls boysenberry for my hair is because the extra dye is the perfect hue for the raven I’m painting on my ceiling. Dipping the number-three flat brush into my dye calms me and all is forgiven. Auntie’s not a mean person, she’s just a bit off. Being angry with her is like being mad at one of the cats—pointless. I wrap a blanket around my shoulders and open the window. Queens is especially chatty tonight with the noise of cars, people fighting, dogs barking, and the laughter that only I can hear. I stand on the bed and fill in the gentle face of my birdie while humming along with the chorus of voices outside. Tonight, the singing is boldly wafting through my window. I can’t understand the words and don’t know the tune, but the music is sweet and peaceful. It’s sad that I can only hear my songs some of the time, when I’m tired and relaxed, and sadder still that no one else can listen with me. My dye runs out long before I’m satisfied with my raven so I give up and climb into bed. The song I’m listening to now is particularly soothing, a hymn or possibly an opera. Maybe one day I’ll be a great songwriter or something. A muffled thud near my window startles me from a sound sleep. There’s an eerie red glow casting moving shadows across my room. I blink a few times to make sure I’m not still dreaming and follow the source of the light. Just to the side of the foot of my bed kneels a tall, hooded figure with luminescent red eyes. It’s stroking the long ears of a much smaller creature that looks withered and dying. I’m not scared, which is weird, but it might be because I’m not sure I’m awake. I turn on the lamp to make the dream disappear and end up blinding myself. When my eyes adjust, I see the sickly green skin of a long-eared frog-boy lying on the floor and the tall cloaked being that’s cradling it. The tall black monster who closely resembles the Grim Reaper appears to be even more stunned than I am. We stare at each other while my brain struggles to figure out what I’m looking at. These things don’t exist, so how can I be seeing them so clearly? The black-hooded creature never takes its red eyes off me while it stands and lifts the small sickly frog-boy off the floor. “Agatha?” it whispers. This monster is actually in my room! My insides seize, trapping my scream. What is this thing and how does it know my name? I want to run, but I can’t move or look away. My fluttering heart stops when my door flies open with a crash. A scream unseals my lips, amplifying my terror. Auntie charges in, wielding a large kitchen knife. She’s yelling in her nutty made-up language, but it works. The creature jumps out my fifth-floor window, taking the frog-boy with him. She whips around toward me, still holding the knife, and looking like she means to use it. “What did you see! What was that? What were you doing!” Auntie has her kind moments, but she’s crazy. I mean, truly mental. Whatever just happened, she mustn’t know that I saw it too. She probably suspects I did, but if I confirm it, she’ll nail my window shut and my songs will disappear forever. “I had a nightmare. Was I yelling in my sleep? Did I wake you?” I’m trying to sound calm, but I’m failing. She takes a few deep breaths while she sizes me up. She pauses and tilts her head to the side. “There was something here. I saw it. Did you see it?” “What was here? What did you see? And what’s with the knife?” I want her to tell me if she saw the Grim Reaper and a dead rabbit-frog-boy at the foot of my bed. If she saw them too, then I’m not crazy. But then again, if I see the same thing as a crazy person, we’re probably both insane.  
 
{Author Candy Atkins}
 Candy Atkins is a full-time writer who lives with her husband and two kids in Orlando, Florida. She’s an avid reader and lover of all things fantasy and sci-fi. Her debut novel, The Lost Knight, is volume one of the six-part Lost Knight Series. Her life’s journey has taken her from dining with the President to being on food stamps to running her own company. And since all author bios end by naming and quantifying pets... she also enjoys spending time with her boxer, Butler, and Wynona the cat.
      amazon or paypal $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/24/17 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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Sweet Romance Giveaway! Win $300 and get six books for FREE! Just in time for Back to School.

Author Cami Checketts sent me all of these great details to share with 

the readers of my blog. Learn how to get 6 FREE books and 

sign up to possibly win $300!

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You can get points by sharing the giveaway on Instagram, 
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Monday, August 28, 2017

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett By Rachael Anderson-Book Blast and $75 Git Card Giveaway

 


  {The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson} 
  When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious? Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it. Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett's previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.   

  {Excerpt}
The corners of the man’s eyes crinkled in a mild show of amusement. “Lady Harriett, I presume?” Rather than look at her with appreciation as most men did, he appeared amused. At her nod, he tucked his hands behind his back, remaining a few steps above her. “I am Lieutenant Christopher Jamison, an old friend of Jonathan’s.” “I was expecting you days ago,” she answered. “Lord Jonathan charged me with the unhappy task of informing you he and his new bride are currently away on their wedding trip. He is sorry he cannot be here to meet with you and has asked that I relay his apologies.” “May I inquire as to how long they will be away?” he asked. No, you may not, she wanted to say. Her neck was beginning to ache from looking up at him, but she forced her gaze to remain steady. “They expected to be gone a fortnight, sir.” “And they have been gone how long, exactly?” She felt an unaccountable hesitancy to tell him. “A week.” “Ah.” He sounded disappointed but seemed to take the news in stride, glancing at Charlie as though wondering whether he ought to retrieve his horse or not. Harriett prayed that he would. When his gaze strayed back to her, he took the unwelcome, and ungentlemanly, liberty of perusing her figure. When his eyes met hers again, his lips twitched into a slight smile. “Forgive me, my lady, but you appear to have had a run-in with a mud puddle and lost.” How kind of him to point that out. Harriett kept her hands at her side rather than attempt to brush the dirt from her face and pelisse yet again. The damage was done, and no amount of brushing or shaking would remove the muck. What she needed was a hot bath and a change of clothes. “Actually, sir, I was merely an innocent bystander.” “Indeed?” She picked up her skirts and ascended the steps, stopping on the stair above him so that she was eye level with him. “Are you always such a reckless rider, sir? Do you not pay heed to your surroundings?” “Of course I do.” “If you had, you would have seen me standing at the side of the road and, I would hope, thought to slow your animal down so as to not splash mud all over my pelisse.” Her chilly set down did not have the desired effect. He did not appear the least bit repentant. Rather, he looked ready to burst into laughter. “And your face, apparently.” He leaned forward and squinted. “If I’m not mistaken, there is a splash or two of mud on your bonnet as well.” Harriett glared at him. “How observant you are, Lieutenant Jamison. One can only wonder why you didn’t put that skill to good use earlier. If you had, perhaps my pelisse, face, and bonnet would still be clean.” “I am always observant, my lady,” he said. “But might I suggest that if you would like to be noticed at the side of the road, you should wear a color that does not blend so perfectly with your surroundings. That particular shade of green looks quite lovely on you, but only someone with the eyes of an eagle would have spotted you in front of a landscape of evergreens.” Harriett opened her mouth to respond, but no words were forthcoming. The man did not even attempt to behave like a gentleman. How could he be so . . . so . . . “Have you no apology to offer, sir?” she finally spluttered. “Oh, did I not apologize? Forgive me.” “For what? Forgetting to apologize or for not doing so in the first place?”
  Rachael
{Author Rachael Anderson}
A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.
 


 { $75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway} Ends 9/22/17 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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Friday, August 25, 2017

Double Eagle, Double Cross: A Novel of Suspense by M.R. Durbin-Blog Tour Review & Giveaway-$25 Amazon Gift Card and a Free Copy of ’Double Eagle Double Cross’






{Product Details}
  • Title: Double Eagle, Double Cross
  • Author: M.R. Durbin
  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (August 1, 2017)
  • Genre: LDS Mystery/Suspense/Romance
  • ISBN-10: 1524402540
  • FTC,FYI: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 




{Book Synopsis}
After an unexpectedly thrilling summer with his grandfather, Oregon State student Charley Sawyer is ready to catch his breath at his late parents' Oregon beach home. Hoping for some rest and relaxation, Charley is met instead by devastation: the house has been ransacked. In his inventory of the damage, Charley stumbles across the item the trespasser must have been after, the only thing that seems out of place: a mysterious key. And when he learns what it unlocks, Charley is drawn into yet another adventure with a ragtag group more than willing to help.

Mac Bowman, the brainy and beautiful anthropology student who joined Charley in his summer escapade, is thrilled when she is presented with the opportunity to conduct research in Oregon. Maybe a little time together will allow the pair to explore their feelings for one another. But when she arrives, she is disturbed by what she finds: Charley has disappeared without a trace.

As Charley and Mac each work to unravel their mysteries, their searches collide dramatically. Only one thing is clear: the moment he found the key, Charley unwittingly opened the door to a long-held secret—one that could cost him his life. . . .


{My Review}
I absolutely loved the prologue of this book and wanted to read more. Then the book shifts from 1902 to present day. I was a little disappointed with this and then again when I realized this is a second book with characters that were introduced in the first book called, "Beyond the Narrows". I almost wanted to stop, read the first book and then continue on with this book. I think it would have helped me know so much more about the characters in this story. I liked what I read about them but always felt like I was missing out on something because I hadn't read the first book. I will for sure go back and read the first book soon.

Double Eagle, Double Cross has an intriguing mystery and the writer leads you through many twists and turns as you try to figure out the huge secret that main character Charley stumbles on to. There were so many interesting historical facts and I loved how at the end in the author 's notes, he talks about the true facts and lists many more cool things. 

This story will take you for a ride as you continually wonder what is going to happen. The story is told from two POV's, Charley Sawyer who finds a mysterious key and is drawn into something he'd never planned on and his old "friend"/potential girlfriend, Mac Bowman, an anthropology student who helps unravel the many mysteries and strange things going on. The description of the beautiful Oregon coast make you feel like you are there. The supporting cast of characters are some of the best things about the book. This book truly has a bit of everything in it from romance to mystery and suspense. With the main characters being members of the LDS church, they refer often to religious things but with no preaching about religion at all. 

This book will be enjoyed by those that love a great mystery that will make you think hard as you piece all of the clues together. Older teens and adults are the main audience for this novel.


Meet Author: M.R. Durbin
M. R. Durbin was born in Fort Ord, California, in 1951. He grew up University in 1976 with a degree in education. He later received a master’s degree in education from Utah State University. Mr. Durbin retired from education after thirty years as a teacher, coach, and principal before beginning a second career writing about the things he loves: scriptures, history, and people.

{Tour Schedule} 
*August 25thhttp://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

{Don't Forget to Enter the Giveaway Down Below for a
 $25 Amazon Gift Card and a Free Copy of
 'Double Eagle Double Cross'}
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Thursday, August 24, 2017

Perfectly You by Robin Daniels-Book Blast and $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

   



{Perfectly You by Robin Daniels} 
 Ivy Nixon is the student body Vice President at Franklin High School. Each year, the school holds a date auction to raise funds for the senior class graduation party, and this year, Ivy’s in charge. Planning the event is a huge task and Ivy is determined to prove she can get the job done right. Unfortunately, she’s still one participant short and her deadline is looming. Andy Walker, her cute but socially reclusive art class table mate, is her last resort. He may not be popular, but he’s funny, talented, and full of surprises. With a makeover and some major social marketing, Ivy is sure he could fetch a decent price at the auction. Andy reluctantly agrees to help, but the more time Ivy spends with him, the more her feelings shift from professional to romantic in nature. To top it off, she’s done her marketing so well, that other girls are starting to notice Andy too. Come auction time, will Ivy be able to let him go to the highest bidder? Or will she find a way to keep him for herself… Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels set at the same high school. It contains minor language, innuendo, and crude humor, some steamy kissing, a party scene where underage drinking is taking place, and a brief but tasteful conversation about sex. The author has attempted to write characters who make good choices in questionable situations, in effort to keep the content appropriate for teens. This book contains no sex, written or implied, and no explicit language. Recommended for ages 14 and up.



{EXCERPT} 
 "Probably not," I conceded. "Looks like I can kiss my dreams of being on the PGA tour good-bye. What am I doing wrong?" "Now you're asking?" Andy laughed. "On the last hole?" "Better late than never." I shrugged and gave him a toothy grin. "Hang on a second." He sank his last ball in two, then waved me over. "Ok, come here. Let Lilly and Jake go while I show you what to do." I walked to the edge of the green, club in hand. He stood close behind me, wrapping his arms around mine. Then he gently positioned my hands on the handle of the club. I'd always thought it was cheesy in movies when a guy showed a girl how to do something rather than just explaining it. The move was so obvious. But now that I was in that very situation, Andy's body pressed against mine, his yummy cologne assaulting my nose, I didn't care if it was cheesy. "First of all, you're gripping the club too tightly. You need to relax." He leaned over my shoulder and spoke softly against my ear. His breath tickled my neck, and my brain got fuzzy. "Next, you need to stop swinging like you're trying to drive the green. You have to finesse a putter. Swing it more like a pendulum and less like a baseball bat." He chuckled, then started swaying my arms back and forth with his. "Like this, can you feel the difference?" "Mmm-hmm," I lied. I was trying to pay attention, honestly, I was. But his closeness was making it extremely difficult. I couldn't feel anything beyond the warmth of his body and the softness of his lips grazing my ear. Was he trying to help me or distract me? My mind wandered until he pulled away and walked around to face me. "Finally, you need to aim." He smiled. "That's when you look at the ball, then look at the hole, then try to put the ball in the hole."     {Meet: Author Robin Daniels}
Robin Daniels is a wife, mother of five and avid consumer of books. She loves reading SO much that she was actually grounded from it as a twelve year old. No Joking! Her mom caught her reading when she was supposed to be cleaning, which was a common occurrence. At that point mom took the books and instructed her to go watch TV or play outside like a normal kid. Robin is a sucker for home design shows and magazines, watches way too much Netflix and has a very codependent relationship with with a certain diet soda who’s brand shall not be named. (Though anyone with a similar problem could probably guess which one.)


  amazon or paypal
{$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway}
Ends 9/15/17 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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, August 18, 2017

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine By Frank L. Cole-Blog Tour Review and $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway







{Product Details}
Title:The World's Greatest Adventure Machine
Author: Frank L. Cole$25 Ama
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: August 8th, 2017
ISBN13: 9780399552823
Hardcover: 320 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
FTC FYI: I received a review ARC in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

{Book Summary}

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it. 


There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius. 


The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.


Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now! 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
{My Review}
I'm a huge fan of Author Frank Cole, especially of his Hashbrown Winters series. The World's Greatest Adventure Machine is another Middle Grade book written for the 8-13 year old crowd. I teach 2nd graders and know the kind of humor they enjoy and Frank Cole has this humor down pat in his writing. My classes in the past have loved his other books and I can't wait to read this one to my new class starting next week.

Some of the things I liked the most about this book was the diversity of the kids that were "chosen" to ride the Adventure machine for the first time. Trevor, Devin, Nika, and Cameron all have secrets about themselves and you soon find out what's going on with them. The kids once on their ride learn that they have to work together and trust each other in order to "survive" their virtual reality adventure. This fast paced book is a non-stop ride for the kids and you the reader. I have a feeling kids won't want to quit reading this book and it will be the "One more chapter...Please" syndrome happening. 

As in all stories, there are good guys and bad guys and part of the fun and mystery is figuring out who belongs in which camp. You'll also be wondering what is real and what is Virtual Reality as they weave along on their roller coaster ride. Each child learns some amazing things about themselves which has some good messages for kids. Frank Cole has such a wild imagination, so this story is one fun time for readers of all ages. This book will be a great one for families to read together.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~
{Meet Author: Frank L. Cole}
Frank L. Cole was born into a family of southern storytellers and wrote his first book at age eight. Highly superstitious and gullible to a fault, Frank will believe in any creepy story you tell him, especially ones involving ghosts and Big Foot. Currently, along with his wife and three children, he resides in the shadow of a majestic western mountain range, which is most likely haunted. The World’s Greatest Adventure Machine is Frank’s 9th published book.
I’m an active promoter of reading and using imagination and have been to more than 150 schools presenting to kids

Purchase linksAmazon - Deseret Book - Barnes and Noble

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

The Search: A Novel of Suspense By Clair M. Poulson-Blog Tour Review and $25 & Free Book Giveaway


{Product Details}

  • Title: The Search
  • Author: Clair M. Poulson
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (August 1, 2017)
  • Genre: LDS Mystery/Romantic Suspense
  • ISBN-10: 1524403008
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

{Book Synopsis}
Young private investigator Jayden Spaulding has cracked his share of tough cases, but nothing like this. When stunning professional basketball player Nadia Fairchild walks through his door, her story seems simple enough: two days ago, her mother disappeared along with a member of the women’s college basketball team she coached. Jayden and Nadia delve into a baffling maze of motive and opportunity with a lengthy list of possible suspects. As they work together amid their growing attraction to one another, the unlikely duo seems no closer to discovering the truth. Then the threats begin. Soon, the pair begins to suspect that this case is much more complicated than a simple disappearance—they have unwittingly stumbled on a conspiracy of corruption, greed, and murder far more deadly than they ever imagined. Others are also searching for the missing women, and they will eliminate anyone who stands in their way . . .

{My Review}
This is another great book by author Clair M. Poulson. It immediately hooks you in during the prologue with a huge scene of a death caused by a mob hit-man and the girlfriend of the victim on the run. You don't hear much more about this girl until a little later in the story. Instead, we meet pro ladies basketball player Nadia Fairchild whose mother a college basketball coach, and one of her players, have disappeared. Nadia hires PI Jayden Spaulding who is one of the best in town to help Nadia find her mom. Jayden and Nadia hit it off right from the beginning and a relationship starts developing. I really like both characters but I REALLy liked Jayden's partner his German Shepherd, Bullet. His dog is trained to protect Jayden and follows commands very well. He actually has a great personality for a dog. There are also some awesome side characters I enjoyed like Nadia's grandfather Marley, parole officer Booker, and police chief Owens. They all contributed a lot to the story and in helping solve the case.

I like the way that Poulson develops the story leaving great clues without making it too easy to solve. You are steered in one direction to only be turned another in the next chapter. This keeps it interesting and keeps you guessing. The romance is developed quickly but everything is kept clean. The main characters are LDS so they occasionally talk about their religion but nothing along the lines of being preachy.There is some violence as there are attacks on people by the bad guys and then Bullet taking care of those same bad guys. There is nothing there though that I wouldn't let me teen read. 

If you like mysteries, a budding romance, and plenty of suspense...and a truly loyal and amazing German Shepherd, then you'll enjoy reading The Search.  


{Purchase The Search Here...}
 Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *
{Meet Author: Clair M. Poulson}

Clair M. Poulson retired after twenty years in law enforcement. During his career he served in the U.S. Military Police Corps, the Utah Highway Patrol, and the Duchesne County Sheriff's Department, where he was first a deputy and then the county sheriff. He currently serves as a justice court judge for Duchesne County, a position he has held for nineteen years. His nearly forty-year career working in the criminal justice system has provided a wealth of material from which he draws in writing his books. Clair and his wife, Ruth, live in Duchesne and are the parents of five married children. They have twenty-one grandchildren.


{Tour Schedule}


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Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Mentralysis: The House of Bloodstein By Ren Gercia-Book Blitz and Review





Ren Garcia is a Science Fiction/Fantasy author and Texas native who grew up in western Ohio. He has been writing since before he could write, often scribbling alien lingo on any available wall or floor with assorted crayons. He attended The Ohio State University and majored in English Literature. Ren has been an avid lover of anything surreal since childhood, he also has a passion for caving, urban archeology and architecture. His highly imaginative "League of Elder" book series is published by Loconeal Publishing





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They thought the episode with their cousin to the east, Lady Bloodstein, was over. They thought it was something to laugh about at the grand table in fond nostalgia.

But they were wrong. They were so wrong.
And Castle Blanchefort has fallen!

Lord Kabyl has lost everything: his wife, his kin, his family fortune, and his home. Castle Blanchefort, once a safe haven, is overrun with enemies seeking his blood.

In what follows, he must join forces with ancient enemies and with people who do not exist. He must treat with sinister, possibly untrustworthy gods and barter away his soul for urgently needed arcane help or face certain death at the hands of forgotten tyrants and their machinations from a bygone age.

And, how can a strange science known as Mentralysis, practiced in secret in the hidden places of the League, hold the key to ultimate victory?

What should have been obvious to Lord Kabyl from the start at last becomes crystal clear: Foolish is he who dares possess the Ultimate Object, for misery shall be his only reward.



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Snippet:

Moments later the robot was there, gleaming, sliding on its rail, blades turning. Flying as fast as she could, Thomasina soared down the hallway with Phillip in her arms. The robot came after them and was quickly gaining. Panels opened, more arms came out and more deadly blades whirled.

Casually, Clara, forgotten and unnoticed by the robot, came striding out of the chamber moments later. She held the cage containing King over her head.
"Betrayed!" King said from his cage. "You have been betrayed!"

Clara was jubilant. "You’re all mine now, baby doll," she said to King. "Sorry, suckers! Looks like I’m not heading back to the crappy cell in your crappy village, am I, you bunch of Rumble-Pumps! Have fun with the Vith Stickin’ robot!" She turned and fled in the opposite direction.    

--Clara Wunderluck to Phillip and Lady Thomasina of Blanchefort. 



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