Blog Tour review of, Caribbean Crossroads, by Connie Sokol

 

 

 

Product Details:

• Title: Caribbean Crossroads
  
• Author: Cobbie E. Sokol
  
• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Sokol Publishing (June 8, 2012)
• Genre: Romance
• ISBN-10: 0615651860
• ISBN-13: 978-0615651866

 Book Description:

Publication Date: June 8, 2012

New college grad Megan McCormick just got dumped. Hard. Swearing off men and relationships, Megan is coaxed into performing on a cruise ship where she meets the star performer, Bryant Johnson. Handsome and charismatic, he looks like trouble, but she can't deny the intense attraction between them. Urged to find a wife and run the family lumber business, Bryant is torn between his family's expectations for his life and his own. However, when he meets spunky, but love-skittish Megan McCormick, settling down doesn't look so bad. Just when Megan begins to trust again, and Bryant makes some big decisions regarding his future, her former fiance returns with a malicious surprise, taking Megan and Bryant to their own CARIBBEAN CROSSROADS.

My Review: 

 Caribbean Crossroads is another book that I'm classifying as a fun summer read. I loved how the book begins, with Megan as a performer with a talented group of young people on a cruise ship. There she meets the good-looking and charming Bryant, whom she is desperately trying NOT to fall in love with him. I liked the feeling and fun atmosphere that the reader feels on the cruise ship. I also liked their experiences together as they visit different stops in the Caribbean. There is excitement on the ship as Megan and Bryant are falling in love. It fits the beauty found on the front cover of the book. 

After the cruise ends, a different feeling is found in the story. It is almost like the let down after you come home from a vacation. Megan and Bryant go back to their "real" lives and the family drama and pressures awaiting them. This is also the part where Megan and Bryant falter in their relationship. Talk about romantic angst! I was very frustrated with both of them as they tried to work out things in their relationship. This is where the novel shows realism as Megan is scared about getting hurt again. Readers may think she is being stubborn or stupid for not falling for this talented and handsome man. The thing that really works here though, is that the superficiality of the characters found at the beginning is wiped away. The author deepens the characters,and what is really going on inside of them. Even though you get fed up with Megan and her resistance to Bryant, you can relate if you have ever been hurt in a relationship. At the end of the book I wanted to scream as I read about the Thanksgiving dinner. I also wanted to string a few people up by their necks, namely Megan's Mother, sister Kara and her husband Jackson. After reading the book you will know why I say this. 

Overall, this book is recommended to fans who like a quick, romantic read. It will bring out many feelings,in you the reader, as you cheer on Megan and Bryant as they cruise towards love.

You can purchase Caribbean Crossroads at Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle.

 

 About the Author:

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven—a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for LDSLiving online. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is also the author of Motherhood Matters, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair Color, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. Visit her website at www.8basics.com/   

You can also find Connie on FB http://www.facebook.com/8basics

Blog Tour Review of, Cold Justice, by Kathi Oram Peterson and How to Win A Copy of Cold Justice!

Product Details:

• Title: Cold Justice
  
• Author: Kathi Oram Peterson
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Covenant Communication Inc.; 1st edition (June 1, 2012)
• Genre: Mystery/Suspense
• ISBN-10: 1621080463
• ISBN-13: 978-1621080466
• FTC:FYI I was given a review copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

 

After overcoming missed connections, murder accusations, and years of living lives apart, Regi and Samuel's happily ever after is finally within reach. On the eve of their wedding, however, Samuel disappears, and Regi wonders if he has once again run away from both a life with her and a membership in the Church. Quite the opposite; Samuel has been kidnapped by the Raven Clan, a powerful Alaskan tribe, and is en route to stand trial in front of their justice council for a puzzling crime that happened years ago. When Regi and Samuel's close friends suspect a kidnapping, Regi with the help of her sister, Claudia, and friend Wakanda resolves to follow Samuel to Alaska but soon learns secrets about her fiance she hadn't bargained for. While Samuel struggles with his faith and with understanding why he has been accused, Regi risks life and love to set him free.

My Review:

Cold Justice is the sequel to River Whispers and it picks up not too long after the first book ended. Regi and Sam are finally getting married, right after Sam's baptism in the LDS church. The big problem is that Sam is a no show for both his baptism and his wedding. Did he run out on his soon to be bride? The clues all point to something else and the adventure to Alaska begins. I found this fast paced mystery/suspense kept me reading, and not wanting a break. Though the reader knows some of the mystery, you don't know "who done it" and why. This is not revealed until the very end. I have to admit, I almost had it all figured out before then. That's half the fun of reading a mystery/suspense.

I liked the main characters of Regi and Samuel from reading River Whispers. It didn't take me long to remember them and their relationship. Though this story could stand alone, I recommend that you read River Whispers first. Having the history behind Regi's and Sam's relationship, will help you understand the motivations behind why both of them take the chances that they do to save each other. 

The setting of the story was interesting, freezing Alaska during the Winter, featuring the fictional Raven Clan, a powerful Alaskan tribe and their customs. You could tell that Kathi did her research on Native people. I also enjoyed parts of the Native Alaskan myths that started each chapter.  

Once again Kathi has written a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat,have you talking/screaming to the characters to not do something that you know will get them in trouble, appreciating a nice romance, and making you think about the power of God in your life. Cold Justice brings the wild Alaskan land and sea alive, quite vividly through Kathi's writing. The stories of supporting characters Wakanda, Trace and Tucker will also touch your heart. Cold Justice will be a cool read during these warm summer months.

****Now that you have read my review,learn how to win a copy of Cold Justice!  In an email from Kathi here is what she said...

"I'm giving away two copies of Cold Justice on goodreads,  The giveaway ends June 30th

For the blog tour I'm giving away two very cute and cuddly toy bears from Build-a-Bear. To be included in the drawing for the bears, followers need to leave comments on each blog of the tour. They have until midnight on July 1st to go to each blog and leave a comment. I'll then put their names in the hat and have two winners picked.  I'll announce the winners July 3rd."

If you go to Kathi's blog you will find all of the links, each day, to the blogs participating in her blog tour. You will also find many other links, including the goodreads link (to enter to win a copy of Cold Justice) down below. 

Links for Cold Justice and Kathi Oram Peterson:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathiorampeterson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kathiopeterson/

Website: http://www.kathiorampeterson.com/

Amazon: http://tiny.cc/hxi6fw

Blog: http://www.kathiswritingnook.com/

Goodreads Cold Justice Giveaway: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/25006-cold-justice

Giveaway on Goodreads ends June 30^th. 

 

About the Author:

Kathi Oram Peterson loves to write edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense and young adult time travel. The constant thread she sews in both genres is faith in a higher power. She works hard to entertain her readers with clean, uplifting stories. Her path to publication took a detour as she raised three children. During those years, Kathi read all the how-to books on writing that she could find. When her last child graduated high school, she went back to college and earned her BA in English. She was fortunate to do an internship for the University of Utah's Continuum magazine, where she learned to edit and write articles in the real world. Shortly after graduation, she was hired by a curriculum publisher to write and edit concept and biography books for children. She worked shoulder to shoulder with artists and computer programmers as she watched her children's stories come to life. But the desire to write full-length novels called to her. Leaving the workforce, she devoted herself to writing fiction. Her first published novel was a young adult time travel titled, The Forgotten Warrior, released in 2009. Her best-selling Christmas book, An Angel on Main Street, was published later that year. In 2010, The Stone Traveler, another YA time travel was published. Her first romantic suspense, River Whispers, was released in 2011. Her new novel, Cold Justice, was published in 2012.

Review of, Marrying A Widower: What You Need to Know Before Tying the Knot by Abel Keogh and Summer Giveaway on His Blog!

Product Details:

• Title: Marrying a Widower: What You Need to Know Before Tying the Know
• Author: Abel Keogh
• Paperback: 114 pages
• Publisher: Ben Lomond Press (April 19, 2012)
• Genre: Non-Fiction
• ISBN-10: 0615632602
• ISBN-13: 978-0615632605

Book Description:

Are you in a serious relationship with a widower? Are you considering tying the knot? Any lasting relationship takes a lot of work, but a successful marriage to a widower requires the ability for both of you to work through unique issues that most couples don’t face. Are you up to the challenge?
Drawing on a decade of experience as a remarried widower, Abel Keogh gives you unique insight into what it takes to make any long-term relationship with a widower successful, including:

• How to make sure your marriage is new, exciting, and fresh instead of a rehash of the widower’s previous relationship.
• Suggestions and tips for making sure both of you can talk about the late wife, his grief, and any other widower-related issues.
• What role, if any, the late wife’s family should play in your relationship.
• How to make the home feel like yours instead of theirs.
• A dozen real-life stories from women who are engaged or married to a widower.
Marrying a Widower will help you decide whether or not the widower you’re dating is


prepared to make the ultimate commitment. More importantly, the book will walk you through many of the challenging circumstances that come with tying the knot and help you decide if taking this step is right for you.

 My Review: 
Marrying a Widower: What You Need to Know Before Tying the Knot by Abel Keogh is a follow up and companion book to Dating A Widower. (Here is my review of the first book.) I was very interested in reading this new book after reading the first one. Before I had a chance to read it though, my friend, who was soon to wed a Widower wanted to read it first before her wedding. I was curious and wanted to know what she thought about the book. Here is what she had to say...


"What a timely book for me! I had just gotten engaged to a Widower when Sheila told me about this book. I thought I had worked through many things, but boy was I wrong. After reading this book I knew I still had a lot to work through before our wedding. I think the things that helped me most in this book were the chapters on Making a Home Together and Setting Expectations. Our biggest problem was where to live; my house or his house where he and his late wife raised their three kids. This had become a huge stumbling block in our engagement until I read the chapter from this book to him. The idea that we needed to start a new life together, in a new place won out. I am grateful for this author, Abel Keogh, for writing this book. I can say that this was an invaluable part of starting our new life."

After I read my friend's thoughts about this book I knew that there wasn't much else I would need to say. This book helped my friend and her new husband over a big hurdle in their relationship. A book like this is needed because it addresses so many concerns that may be there and you're not sure how to handle them. I was interested in reading how to Parent and Blend Families. I have two children, and if I ever marry again (I should say WHEN I marry again...being positive here people!) this will be one of my main concerns. In this chapter it talks about how to put each other first, being on the same page when parenting, being a parent first before a friend, and having each others back. 

Marrying a Widower: What You Need to Know Before Tying the Knot, is a must read book for those planning on marrying a Widower. You will find honest and thought provoking information that will help you make good decisions in your relationship. The true stories from real women, that share their own experiences, are also very helpful. This book I feel, is the last stop, in that final decision of whether or not that Widower you are dating will be your future husband.

  
Summer Book Giveaway on Abel's Blog
Here is an email I received from him..."Want to win a copy of Room for Two, The Third, Dating a Widower, or Marrying a Widower? Stop by my blog this week and guess where the various vacation photos were taken. If you’re one of the three winners, you can pick one of my aforementioned books and I'll mail you a signed copy. Details and photos can be found on my blog."

About the Author:

At the age of 26, Abel Keogh unexpectedly found himself a young widower. When he decided to starting dating again he looked in vain for resources that could help him guide him through the dating waters and open his heart to someone else. He found nothing. As he began blogging about his experiences, women dating widowers began emailing him asking for his thought on their situations. As the numbers of emails increased, Abel started writing a weekly dating a widower advice column called Widower Wednesday as well as the book Dating a Widower: Starting a Relationship with a Man Who’s Starting Over. Abel is also the author of the memoir Room for Two—the story of the year of his life following his late wife’s suicide—and the novel The Third. He and his wife Julianna are the parents of three boys and two girls. Learn more at www.abelkeogh.com. 

**I was given a review copy of this book. In no way did this influence the honest review given.**

Review of 365 Days of Slow-Cooking by Karen Bellessa Petersen

Product Details:

• Title: 365 Days of Slow-Cooking
  
• Author: Karen Bellessa Petersen
• Spiral-bound: 288 pages
• Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (February 14, 2012)
• Genre: Cookbook
• ISBN-10: 1608618706
• ISBN-13: 978-1608618705
• FTC:FYI I received a review copy in
• exchange for an honest review.

 Book Description: 

Family dinner may be the most important part of the day, and for busy households, a slow-cooker may be the most important item in the kitchen! This volume of slow-cooker recipes offers easy instructions for creating appetizing meals that are prepared on your own time and served at just the right time. With 365 dishes that can be assembled in minutes, including dozens that require just two minutes or less, this collection is the perfect solution for hectic days and crowded schedules. Tempt your family's palate with favorite entrees like golden beef stroganoff and smothered pork chops, hearty side dishes like buttermilk mashed potatoes, and delectable desserts like hot fudge pudding cake. Perk up tired menus with ethnic delights from Thai peanut noodles to Greek pita folds, and find the perfect soup or stew to please a crowd with minimal prep time. Thanks to this user-friendly guide, dinnertime just got a lot more simple, and a lot more delicious.

My Review:

According to the beginning of the book, Karen at one time rarely used her slow-cooker. She soon started an experience of cooking every day with the slow-cooker. Her blog, 365DayofCrockpotblogspot.com started and from there her fans base grew. Then of course this cook book followed. This book is a gem among cookbooks out there.

Here are some of the things I loved about this cookbook:

-She has tips for slow-cooking like...

     **Buying a Slow-Cooker

     **Caring for and Cleaning a Slow-Cooker

     **How A slow-cooker works

     **Getting to Know your slow-cooker

     **Reducing Fat and what to do if food gets runny

-Variety of Recipes:

I loved the different categories that were included in this cookbook:

   **Appetizers

   **Beverages

   **Breads and Spreads

   **Breakfast

   **Beef Dishes

   **Poultry Dishes

   **Pasta Dishes and Sauces

   **Sides and Salads

   **Soups/Stews/Chili

   **Desserts

I was surprised by all of the things you really can cook in a slow-cooker, and I am by no means a novice at using a slow-cooker. I have used a slow-cooker a lot the past 20 years. So it was thrilling to see all of the new recipes and with such a great variety. 

Another thing I loved in this cookbook was how Karen had coded some of the recipes such as, a star by the recipes that are her personal favorites that she uses over and over again. She has a 2 minute prep box by the recipes that take 2 minutes or less to prepare. Then she has the ALL DAY circle by the recipes you use if you are going to be gone all day. For those of us that work full time, I was especially happy to see this!

When I was asked to review this cookbook, I decided to ask several friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members to help me in testing out recipes. Here are some of the responses I heard from "MY" testers...

"I love the simple and easy recipes. It didn't take long to throw everything together in the morning."

"I was so happy that my kids loved the recipes I tried! I need to buy this book now that I have found things that they'll eat."

"My favorite part of the recipes I tried is they only had a few ingredients AND they were things I had already in my pantry."

"The recipe I tried was yummy and easy to make."

For myself, I eat low-carb, and there were many things I was able to make for my eating style. I also echo what another Mom said above, I found things that my picky eaters at my house want me to make again. They loved the things I made.

With beautiful photographs, great variety of recipes, and easy prep time, this is a cookbook any busy woman/man will want to have on their shelf. I love the spiral bound book that stands by itself as I am putting things together in the crockpot. I can honestly say, out of all of the 6 slow-cooker cookbooks I own, hands down this is the best one out there! I will use these recipes over and over again.

You could read more about Karen and her recipes at http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/

You can purchase 365 Days of Slow-Cooking here at Amazon and Deseret Book.

Here are some of Karen's favorite dessert recipes that you can bake in the crockpot.

CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/4 cup sugar, divided

2 eggs, divided

1/2 cup flour

1/4 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 teaspoons vanilla, divided

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1. In a medium bowl, beat butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg until well blended. Stir in flour, salt, cocoa and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into greased slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl with a mixer at low speed, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until just mixed. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. Drop dollops of cream cheese mixture on top of batter. Using the tip of a knife, lightly score the top surface to mix the cream cheese mixture in slightly.

3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Makes 8 servings.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 eggs

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Cut a piece of waxed paper to fit the bottom and grease the waxed paper.

2. In a bowl, beat the butter, eggs, sugars, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

3. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips until well blended.

3. Spoon the dough evenly into the slow cooker and smooth the top.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3 hours, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Set the lid slightly ajar. Turn off the heat and remove the insert from the slow cooker. Allow to cool in the insert for 30 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack; cut and serve.

HOT CARAMEL AND CHOCOLATE CAKE

Ingredients:

4 ounce cream cheese, cubed

1/2 cup milk

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 egg

2 8.2-ounce packages, chocolate chip muffin mix

2 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup caramel ice-cream topping

1/2 cup water

Vanilla ice cream

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine cream cheese and milk. Cook on 50-percent power for 1 minute; remove and stir. Continue cooking for 30-second intervals until cream cheese melts; stir with wire whisk to blend.

2. Place cream cheese mixture in large bowl; stir in sour cream, cocoa powder, and egg. Mix well. Add both packages of muffin mix; stir just until combined.

3. Spray slow cooker with nonstick baking spray containing flour. Spread batter evenly in slow cooker.

4. In small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, ice-cream topping, and water; heat to boiling, stirring until blended. Carefully pour over batter in slow cooker. Do not stir.

5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2–3 hours or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

6. Uncover, turn off slow cooker, top loosely with foil, and let stand for 30 minutes. Gently run a sharp knife around the edges of the cake and invert over serving plate until cake drops out. If any sauce remains in slow cooker, spoon over cake. Cool for 30 minutes before serving.

7. Serve cake and sauce with vanilla ice cream.

Makes 8 servings.

About the Author:

 Karen Petersen is a stay at home mom who began her crockpot cooking adventures in January of 2009. 

"I like to make something that my husband will enjoy after a long day at work," Karen said. "He is my greatest fan."

She randomly cooked dinner in her slow cooker, something she seldom did as she only had one good slow cooker recipe.  She liked the freedom that came from having dinner done early in the day and was pleased when she didn't have to fight her 2 cranky kids at 5 p.m. while she  was trying to make dinner.  She decided to keep going with the slow cooker.  After 7 days of slow cooked meals she rashly made the decision to cook 365 slow cooker recipes over the course of 365 days.  She developed a blog to chart her progress and post the recipes, reviews and pictures.  At the end of the 365 days she compiled a cookbook, which she now sells (and uses all the time).  After her year was up she took a few weeks off and then continued developing new slow cooker recipes using the techniques she had learned over the year. Karen describes her cooking style as easy, tasty, made with simple ingredients, and food that her family will eat.

"I've cooked over 500 different recipes in my slow cooker over the past 2 years," Karen said. "I have learned a lot of different tips and techniques that can help anyone achieve slow cooking success! I often teach slow cooking classes to local groups. I am currently writing my second slow cooker cookbook.  I have appeared on TV over 10 times demonstrating different recipes."

Karen is a mother of two kids, six-year-old Reagan and three-year-old Skyler. Her husband, Greg, is a federal probation officer. Karen enjoys fitness and running and teaches fitness classes to local moms to bur off all the calories she eats at dinner each night. Karen describes herself as shy, and said she likes blogging because she doesn't know who's reading and can write to an unknown audience.  

My Review of Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena

 

 

Product Details:

• Title: Dangerous Favor
• Author: Joyce DiPastena
• Paperback: 372 pages
• Publisher: Brigham Distributing (January 17, 2012)
• Genre: Historical Romance
• ISBN-10: 159992806X
• ISBN-13: 978-1599928067

Book Description:

Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.

Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?

My Review:

   Every story I read, written by Joyce DiPastena, makes me fall in love with this time period more and more. Medieval France is brought to life again, in this story about the fair maiden, Mathilde, and her handsome knight, Etienne. Both Etienne and Mathilde come from imperfect families and backgrounds. Neither were looking for love, but end up falling for each other amongst danger, surrounded by those in King Henry's court. This great tale in woven so brilliantly, with rich and accurate history, and a clean love story.


 
This third novel has beloved characters that we have "met" before in Joyce's others books, Loyalty's Web and Illuminations of the Heart.



I always feel like I am coming home when I read a series that has familiar characters I have read about before. Joyce has such a beautiful writing style that brings to life the middle ages with rich descriptions and flavors. There is more than one romance being played out, as Lord Therri and Lady Violette are dancing around each other; then Mathilde and Etienne are trying hard not to fall in love. There is a lot of romantic tension, without anything gratuitous. There were many times I sighed out loud as Mathilde and Etienne interact for example...

A footstep sounded, and then Etienne's arms encircled her from behind...

"Don't," she said.

His cheek rested atop her head. "Don't what?"

"Touch me."

His cheek came up and she felt his start of surprise

"Please let me go." She heard her voice, flat, colorless...

Yes, there is a lot of "dancing" going on, but you will truly enjoy the ride. I highly recommend this book to those who love historical romance, especially from the middle ages. If you have never read any from this genre, this is the series that you need to start with. A romance written by Joyce DiPastena will never leave you disappointed.


To purchase Dangerous Favor, please go to Amazon.com

About this author

:     

I am the author of three "sweet" medieval romances, Loyalty's Web (a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist), Illuminations of the Heart (past RWA Heart of the West Winner, and a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), and Dangerous Favor (2012 release). I've also written a short medieval Christmas story titled "An Epiphany Gift for Robin" published in the Christmas anthology, Stolen Christmas and Other Stories of the Season, also available as a "single" on Smashwords.

 

To read more about Joyce and her books, please go to her site here. 

 

***I was given a review copy of Dangerous Favor. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.*** 

  

For your enjoyment today, I have included the book trailers from the first two books, mentioned above. I love watching these trailers for not only the pictures, but the beautiful music.

 

My Review of, After Hello, by Lisa Mangum and Track the Packet...Find Out What That Means!

Product Details:

• Title: After Hello
• Author: Lisa Mangum
•  Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
• ISBN-13: 9781609070106
• Publisher: Deseret Book Company
• Publication date: 9/4/2012
• Pages: 272
• FTC FYI: Review ARC copy

 

 

Book Description:

What if the first day of your relationship
was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She's always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present camera, especially on her first trip to New York City. Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can't, whether it's a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

My Review:

I was so thrilled to have Author Lisa Mangum give me an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of her new book called, After Hello. This is her first book after she finished writing her very successful trilogy, The Hourglass Door.

  After Hello, a stand alone book, takes place all in one day in New York City.

 I first heard of this book, early Spring, at the Authorpalooza event at Barnes and Noble. I asked Lisa what she had been working on. She began to tell me about this great story of two teens, who meet for the first and last time. I was intrigued from the get-go about how this story would play out.I tried to imagine what these two teens, strangers, would do all day long. Well, After Hello, is so much more than it sounds. There is a great storyline that keeps things moving, from the time they first meet outside a book store, until the minute they say good-bye. Without giving too much away, let's just say you will meet some fun and very eccentric characters in this novel. Maybe this is how New York City really is, full of very interesting people. 

Another very unique thing about this novel is all of the trading that goes on amongst the characters. Trading you say? Yes, trading something you have for something that someone else needs. Main character Sam is a master at trading and this is how Sam and Sara meet at he beginning. 


Author Lisa Mangum is doing something really fun with this new book. Lisa is doing a real-life trading campaign. There is a website that will allow people to trade items all across the nation and literally track what is being traded, with whom, and where. There are grand prizes for the best trades after the contest is complete. You can learn more at trackthepacket.com. It all started on June 1.You need to go there and see what trading is happening. 

Overall, if you love other books written by Lisa Mangum, you will love After Hello; filled with rich and complicated characters, a captivating storyline and a premise that will make it stand out among other YA Contemporary novels.

You can pre-order After Hello here at Amazon.com.

June Releases! See the Hottest New Books to Read This Summer!

Ready to start your summer reading list? 

Here are some books being released in June that you may be interested in.

Surrender By Elana Johnson

Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…

Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.

All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque....

 The Guardians of Elijah's Fire by Frank Cole (The release party for this book is on June 12th. @ 6:00 pm at the Fort Union Deseret Book, 1110 E. Fort Union Blvd. Midvale, UT 84047.
Just when they thought they were safe, Amber Trendon, and their classmates get yanked back into the action. With the Tebah Stick in enemy hands, Amber becomes a target, and it seems even her closest allies can't be trusted. Now the gang will have to travel through enemy territory to protect a deadly ancient weapon that could cause the earth's utter destruction.

This thrilling tale ups the action and doubles the danger. Bestselling author Frank L. Cole delivers an addicting read for adventurers of all ages.

 Broken by C.K. Bryant
With Kira injured and dying, Octavion's last hope is to plead with the king of Panthera for a cure. But King Ramla's magic isn't free. The price he asks Octavion to pay goes against everything he's fought so hard to protect and could destroy his bond with Kira. Will Octavion trade his crown and swear allegiance to a kingdom feared by all, or will he sacrifice the woman he loves to remain faithful to his father and Xantara? Find out when BROKEN takes you on a journey into the savage and unpredictable world of Ophira.

 Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson (I will be reviewing this book as part of a blog tour in a few weeks.)


After overcoming missed connections, murder accusations, and years of living lives apart, Regi Bernard and Samuel Tanner’s "happily ever after" is finally within reach. On the eve of their wedding, however, Samuel disappears, and Regi wonders if once again he has run away from both a life with her and a membership in the Church.

Quite the opposite; Samuel has been kidnapped by the Raven Clan, a powerful Alaskan tribe, and is en route to stand trial in front of their justice council for a puzzling crime that happened years ago.

When Regi and Samuel’s close friends suspect a kidnapping, Regi—with the help of her sister, Claudia, and friend Wakanda—resolves to follow Samuel to Alaska but soon learns secrets about her fiancé she hadn’t bargained for.

While Samuel struggles with his faith and with understanding why he has been accused, Regi risks life and love to set him free.




Here are the covers of even more books that are coming out in June. If you want more information about the book, just click on the cover. Happy Summer Reading!!
   

The Winner of the "My Favorite Reads" Giveaway!!

Congratulations to Brianne from Maine! She is the winner of the "My Favorite Reads" Giveaway!! 

Thanks so much to all of you for entering and for following my blog and facebook page. I hope that you will stick around for all of my reviews, author interviews, and of course more giveaways!! There are some fun things I have planned for this Summer, here at 

Why Not? Because I Said So!

Cover Reveal for When The Butterflies Came a 2013 middle grade book with Scholastic and a 9 book giveaway in celebration!

Here is the cover of Author Kimberley Griffiths Little's new middle grade book, coming out in 2013.

Isn't it beautiful? I love Kimberley's books and I am very excited to read this new book coming out in 2013. 

Kimberley also wants everyone to celebrate this new cover release with her, by giving away 9...NINE  of her books!!!

She has a contest going on for two weeks at her blog.

Here is what you could win.She is giving away...

Three copies of her book: The Healing Spell

Critically acclaimed author Kimberley Griffiths Little brings to life a sweeping and heartfelt story set against the lush backdrop of the bayou.

Twelve-year-old Livie is living with a secret and it's crushing her. She knows she is responsible for her mother's coma, but she can't tell anyone. It's up to her to find a way to wake her momma up.

Stuck in the middle of three sisters, hiding a forbidden pet alligator, and afraid to disappoint her daddy, whom she loves more than anyone else, Livie struggles to find her place within her own family as she learns about the powers of faith and redemption. Livie's powerful, emotional, and sometimes humorous story will stay with readers long after the last line is read.

 

Three Copies of her book: Circle of Secrets

Critically acclaimed author Kimberley Griffiths Little weaves a haunting story of friendship and family and the power of faith, once again set against the lush backdrop of the Louisiana bayou.

After her mother walked out on Shelby Jayne and her dad, Shelby thought she'd never speak to her mamma again. But with her dad leaving the country for work, it turns out she doesn't have a choice: Shelby has to move back into her mamma's house, deep in the heart of the Louisiana bayou.

Her new classmates tease and torment her, so Shelby's relieved to finally find a friend in Gwen, a mysterious girl who lives alone on the bayou. But Shelby can't help wondering if Gwen has something to do with the puzzling messages she finds hidden in the blue bottle tree behind her house. The only person who might be able to explain is her mamma -- but Shelby's not ready to ask. Not yet. It may take a brush with something from the beyond to help Shelby see that the power to put her own ghosts to rest is within her reach.

Kimberley Griffiths Little's haunting and powerful tale brings one girl's attempt to grapple with family, friendship, and forgiveness to beautiful, vivid life.

 

Three ARCs of When the Butterflies Came, to bloggers who post about this cover reveal!!

Everybody thinks Tara Doucet has the perfect life. But in reality, Tara’s life is anything but perfect: Her dear Grammy Claire has just passed away, her mother is depressed and distant, and she and her sister Riley can’t seem to agree on anything. But when mysterious and dazzling butterflies begin to follow her around after Grammy Claire’s funeral, Tara just knows in her heart that her grandmother has left her one final mystery to solve.

A strange butler shows up to take Tara and Riley to Grammy Claire’s house, where Tara finds a stack of keys and detailed letters from Grammy Claire herself. Note by note, Tara learns unexpected truths about her grandmother’s life. As the letters grow more ominous and the keys more difficult to decipher, Tara realizes that the secrets she must uncover could lead to mortal danger. And when Tara and Riley are swept away to the beautiful island of Chuuk to hear their grandmother’s will, Tara discovers the most shocking truth of all — one that will change her life forever.

From Kimberley Griffiths Little comes a magical, breathtaking mystery full of loss and love, family and faith.

 Here is the link to her blog! Go and enter now!