Winner Announced for the Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway!!

Congratulations to the winner of the

Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway...

Dawna!! 

She won the e-copies of Seers and Demons

by Heather Frost! 

Thanks to everyone that entered

the giveaway!

Blog Tour Review of, Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard

Product Details:

• Title: Autumn Winds(Book 2 in the Seasons of the Heart series)
• Author: Charlotte Hubbard
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
• Genre: Clean Romance (Amish)
• ISBN-10: 1420121707
• ISBN-13: 978-1420121704
• FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Release Date: September 4, 2012 | Series: Seasons of the Heart

Winds of change are blowing through Willow Ridge, and they're bringing a stranger to the Sweet Seasons Cafe. At first, widowed Miriam Lantz has misgivings about Ben Hooley, a handsome but rootless traveling blacksmith. But as she gets to know the kind-hearted newcomer, she wonders if his arrival was providential. Perhaps she could find love again - if only there weren't so many obstacles in the way. With Bishop Knepp relentlessly pursuing her hand in marriage and the fate of her beloved cafe at stake, Miriam must listen to God and her heart to find the happiness she longs for, and the love she deserves.

My Review: 

 When was the last time you read a book where you just smiled a lot while reading? This is how it was last weekend when I read Autumn Winds. This is the second book in the series. It continues the story of the Lantz family, but this time the spotlight is on the mom, Miriam.We follow along as she meets the handsome Ben Hooley who precedes to court her, despite Bishop Knepps never ending attempts at forcing her to marry him. We also get to see the continuing romance of Rachel Lantz and Micah Brennemen which started in the first book.

Things I loved:
-I loved the interaction between Miriam and Ben. It was sweet and real. The attraction was so strong, without unnecessary sex.(Why can't the world leave that in the bedroom where it belongs?)

-I love how Charlotte Hubbard writes a strong woman, even if she is Amish.

-I appreciate reading a romance with people that are older than 30. Miriam is 40 and Ben is 35. It is refreshing to read about older people finding romance. As an older woman,(in my 40's) it makes for a good read.

-The story again takes place in the Sweet Seasons Bakery. Oh wow! The food that they make and eat in this book are unbelievable! The best part is that Charlotte has included the recipes at the back of the book. Some of them I'm excited to try are...

•  Pumpkin Blueberry Muffins
• Apple Walnut Coffee Cake
• Whole Wheat Banana Bread
• Overnight Sensation Salad
• English Muffin Bread and
• Turkey Cheese Chowder 

 -My favorite part of the book is the humbling that takes place by one of the most pompous males in the book. I actually cheered out-loud to see this take place.

The Seasons of the Heart series is becoming one of my favorite Amish series. As I have stated before, I have always loved Beverley Lewis's Amish stories, but Charlotte has become my favorite new author of this genre. If you are looking for a clean romance, strong characters and a happy ending, this book and series is for you.

You can purchase this book here.

Start reading Autumn Winds (Seasons of the Heart) on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.



About the Author: Charlotte Hubbard  
Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while I was still a school librarian—I sold my first story to True Story. This launched me into writing about seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and I’ve been a slave to my overactive imagination ever since.
The next big step was selling my first historical romance in 1990, a Zebra Heartfire called COLORADO CAPTIVE. I quickly sold five more in that genre—and if you prefer my Christian romances, these historical Westerns won’t be your cup of tea! They’re all out of print now, but available from used book stores or on Amazon.com. I’m bringing them back in digital format with beautiful new covers, which you can see on my Books page.
After a long dry spell that entailed major changes in the publishing industry and an agent who fritzed out on cocaine, I resurfaced in a new genre, with a new publisher, editor, and agent who were so excited about my Angels of Mercy series! These four faith-and-family stories are also out of print now, but available online as e-books. With THE LOVE SECRET, I moved into new territory once again—and once again the setting is a place I love to spend time: the Oregon Coast. Unfortunately, this series was doomed before it even got off the ground, so only this one book got written. That happens in the publishing business.
Being an author is great fun when you’re selling, but it’s best to have a hide like a rhinoceros and a spouse who gets a regular paycheck! Patience, persistence and just flat-out luck have given me this opportunity to reinvent myself yet again. Those angels I write about keep pulling me through, and are often my friends and family—but I owe a lot to the heavenly beings who bear me up on their wings, as well!
My stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way I’ve proposed them: I love it when unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, because they keep me guessing right along with my readers!
I have often presented workshops at my RWA chapter in St. Louis, and at conferences. I also belong to Novelists, Inc..
I love touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with Ramona—although it’s humbling, having a dog smarter than I am! I’m an ordained Presbyterian deacon, and I devote a lot of time to singing in my church choir and to practicing/performing with our percussion ensemble. I’m celebrating more than thirty-five years with my husband, who—bless him—has never once suggested I get a real job!
 

Fall of Eden Blog Tour: Review and a Huge Giveaway!

Product Details:

• Title: Fall of Eden: Book 2 (The Healing Crystal Series)
  
• Author: Michele Poague
  
• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse Publishing (July 11, 2011)
• Genre: YA- Fantasy/Sci-Fi
• ISBN-10: 1462013066
• ISBN-13: 978-1462013067
• FTC FYI: I was generously given review e-copies
• of these books from the author in exchange for an
• honest review.

Book Description:

Publication Date: July 11, 2011 | Series: The Healing Crystal

Myths are but shadows of a greater truth.

What is the Healing Crystal and who is the rightful heir? Is it a religious object or a powerful weapon? Does it belong to a fallen line of kings or to the colonists of Survin? Should its fate be left in the hands of the young and inexperienced Kairma or to Narvin, the last descendent of a line of kings?

Kairma holds the Crystal and believes she will become the next leader of Survin, while her younger sister Kinter, believes she, not Kairma, is the rightful heir. Narvin believes the Healing Crystal is the Star of Genesis, a powerful relic his ancestors have been seeking for centuries.

Determined to possess the object that will return him to his glory, Narvin is unwavering in his quest to possess it, and Kairma is caught in a fierce race across barren deserts and rugged mountains to a shattering finish where the winner must decide the fate of the world.

My Review: 

 Fall of Eden is the second book in The Healing Crystal series. As I started this series I thought I knew what would be in the story. Let me tell you, if you have preconceived notions when you start reading, they will soon be thrown out the door. This series will lead you in one direction and as soon as you get comfortable, hang on, it soon switches gear and you are off in a new direction. I liked this aspect with Michele's writing. There were many surprises that kept you on your toes and guessing what would happen next. You also are continually wondering who to cheer for. Who truly are the good guys and the bad guys? 

What I have just described, is a lot what main character Kairma goes through herself throughout the first two books. She goes through a lot of wondering who to trust, who to love, and whether to take on the role she has been raised all of her life to ascend to. Kairma and her sister Kinter, have a love/hate relationship. Kinter thinks she should be the keeper of the crystal instead of Kairma. There were times I wanted to yell at Kinter for being a brat. Then of course we have a love triangle between Kairma, Collin and Naturi. Who will she end up with? The author stretches her writing skills, as she writes a story with many characters and the growth arcs that develop them along the way. This takes great talent to develop a diversified world that is found within the pages of The Healing Crystal series. As I read, I had so many questions come up. Let me tell you, the ending of Fall of Eden will still leave you with many new questions. The biggest question is, "Why can't the third book be in my hands right now?" 

One thing I loved doing as I read these books, was I wondered what exactly did the Healing Crystal look like?

Maybe this...

or this...

 Or possibly this...

This is why I love to read, because you can use your imagination and make it the way you want to see it.

This series is another one, I highly suggest to readers, that love great characters, lots of action and a world built on mysteries and possibilities.

Other books in series:

·         Heir to Power:http://michelepoague.info/about/

  (Book 1)

Book Description:

Publication Date: December 27, 2010

The colony of Survin has been hidden for centuries, protecting an ancient religious artifact called the Healing Crystal from men who would steal or destroy it. Kairma, heir to the Crystal, is destined to mate with the handsome Naturi and become the leader of the reclusive colony, but she is too young to realize the peril soon to arrive. At sixteen, Kairma is too young to realize many things...
Kairma would rather go spelunking with her brother and his best friend than study ancient medicine and religious laws, but the discovery of a tomb containing ancient artifacts leads Kairma to question her religion and the true nature of the Crystal. To further complicate Kairma's ascent, a childhood illness has left her resembling a nearby race of men both hated and feared by the people of Survin. Because of this, Kairma's younger sister Kinter, who is in love with Naturi, believes she is the rightful heir.
Disease and infertility have decimated Survin, but bigotry and religious laws forbid the introduction of new members so things heat up when a traveling archeologist stumbles upon the reclusive colony and introduces a powerful new weapon. Forced into a larger world, the Survinees discover they hold an object of unimaginable power, a power other men covet, a power that might save or forever damn the human race.

Thoughts From the Author:

"The Healing Crystal, came to me one morning and I knew what it was, and what the story was going to be about. Suddenly, I pictured this young woman with long white hair and I knew where she lived. While researching the area, I understood why she lived there, and how the Crystal came to mean what it did. It was almost like picking up a book and having the story unfold. About 90%. The story has its roots in hard science. The only thing really fantastical about The Healing Crystal is when it takes place."
 

 

    Ransom:http://michelepoague.info/about-ransom/

            (Book 3)

Book Description:
When freedom fighter Rand Solis allies himself with young Kairma, the Heir to the Crystal, they discover in order to heal the world, both must sacrifice friends, religious beliefs, and political philosophies. Together they learn that every political philosophy is perfect in a given moment, but moments are fleeting.
As winter turns to spring in the high mountains, the small band of Survin refugees is violently divided. While faith crumbles for one, another’s is renewed, but the gulf between them threatens to become impossible to bridge. Kinter, lost in the shadow of her sister, Kairma, maneuvers to seize the Crystal and displace Kairma as Vice Miral.
Collin learns he will be forever barred from Kairma by the evil carried in her blood unless the power of the Crystal can be realized, and although Ris would like to be cured of his disease, he, too, fears the untapped power of the crystal.
Bearing the weight of the most powerful object known to mankind, Kairma must choose between returning to Survin, and ignorance, or trusting powerful strangers. At seventeen, will Kairma make the right choice?


  Now for something exciting!!!!

***Grand Prize Giveaway***:

As part of the tour, Michele is generously offering 3 AMAZING giveaways to the blog readers. The 1st winner will receive signed copies of the entire Healing Crystal trilogy. The 2nd place winner will receive a signed copy of Fall of Eden as well as a $10 gift certificate and the 3rd place winner will receive a signed copy of Fall of Eden. These are some awesome prizes! You have to sign up for your chance to win!

To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided.

• Open from September 8 to October 8.
• Must be 13+ years of age to enter
• US mailing addresses only

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

Leaving a blog post comment

Liking The Healing Crystal Trilogy on Facebook

Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)

Writing a review of Fall of Eden

Posting an interview, the book trailer, or a link to the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Not everyone can win :( so here are the links where you can purchase your own copies. You can buy these books for some great prices. So what are you waiting for? :)

Purchase Links:

·         Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Michele-Poague/e/B004SRRKV8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1320889696&sr=8-1

·         Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fall-of-eden-michele-poague/1104253011?ean=9781462013074

Go Visit Other Stops on the Tour:  

September 7: The Book Bug - Tour Kickoff + Giveaway

September 12: A Book A Day Reviews - Review

September 13: A Bookworm's Tale - Review
September 14: Fire and Ice - Guest Post
September 17: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer - Author Interview
September 18: The Book Bug - Author Spotlight
September 19: Bookworm Lisa - Review and Guest Post
September 20: Taking It One Page at a Time - Review and Author Interview
September 21: Why Not? Because I Said So! - Review
September 23: Hollywood Daze - Guest Post
September 24: The Book Bug - Heir to Power (Book #1) Review

September 25: Geo Librarian - Review and Author Interview
September 26: Debbie's Inkspectations - Review
September 27: Getting Your Read On - Review
September 27: The Write Path - Review
September 28: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers - Review
September 29: The Book Bug - Fall of Eden (Book #2) Review

This schedule can be found on the tour page at The Book Bug.

Author Bio:

Born Michele Rae Jeffryes in Newman Grove, Nebraska, Michele Poague has spent most of her life in Colorado, South Dakota and Nevada, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, since 1984. When she is not writing novels, researching a story, traveling, or working at her full time job as a nightclub manager, Michele volunteers her time as an advocate for the Libertarian Party.

For more information and to connect with Michele Poague please visit any or all of the following network links:

·         Website: http://michelepoague.com/

·         Blog: http://michelepoague.info/

·         Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/healingcrystaltrilogy

·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/hctscifinovels

·         Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4563132.Michele_Poague

·         Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVaxlO_0vDiblTW5i3-g37A

Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway and Review of Demons by Heather Frost!

 

The Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway Hop

September 20th to 25th

Thanks to...
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer  
and Valerie from Stuck in Books
for hosting this giveaway!

Time for another giveaway and I'm so excited

for this one!

 I love that feeling of reading

a good book, that you can't put down until you

are finished,even if it's 2 a.m.

I'm offering 2 ebooks to one winner!

This series is one that I can assure you is a winner!

Once you get reading them you won't want to stop.

I am offering one lucky winner an ebook of Seers and the ebook of Demons from the Seers Trilogy.

Book Description:

Publication Date: October 8, 2011 | Series: Seers Trilogy (Book 1)

For Kate Bennet, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O'Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.

Book Description:

Publication Date: September 11, 2012 | Series: The Seers Trilogy (Book 2)

Kate's life is far from normal. She can see Auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can't get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

My Review:
I really liked Seers, but Demons blew me away! The level of angst in this book is at a mind blowing +10! There are many surprises in this book. I enjoyed seeing how Kate's confidence grew as her role as a Seer. The relationship between Kate and Patrick is pure and heartfelt. I loved seeing the interaction between these two characters. I grew to love Kate's Grandparents even more. The Demons are just as bad and  more creepy than they were in the first book.

Heather's writing has been upped to a higher level in this second book. The story moves quickly and there was never a dull moment. This is why I chose this series for this giveaway. I WAS stuck in this book and could not put it down. I was almost late for an appointment because I had to finish this book. Then the epilogue shook me up so much, I sat there stunned for about five minutes not moving! It has been a long time that a book's ending has shocked me this much. This is why I am giving this book a 5 star rating!
Enter now to win this action packed series.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now I am happy to share with you an interview with

Author Heather Frost.

--> 

1.How have you seen your writing grow from your first book Seers, to this second book Demons?

                  

 I feel like Demons does a much better job in the suspense area. I feel like the action scenes are stronger, and there’s more of an adrenaline rush as a result. The story feels more intense, and the characters are risking a lot more in the story.

2.Can readers start reading Demons if they haven't read Seers? Or would you suggest they read Seers first?

                 

 I would certainly suggest reading Seers first, although I’ve had several readers tell me that the summary in Demons was sufficient, and they weren’t too lost. However, if you want more background on the world of Guardians, Demons, and Seers—not to mention a better connection with the characters—I would recommend starting with Seers.

3.After you finish the trilogy, what will you write next? Do you already have something in the works?

                 

 I have a few projects in the works, which is part of the problem actually. I need to get focusing on a specific one! But I’m focusing mostly on young adult fantasy, and adult romance. We’ll see what I finally get settled on.  Until then, I’m working on finishing up school, and the Seers Trilogy.

4.What is the main message you hope readers get from reading the Seers Trilogy?

                 

 I certainly think a big theme of the trilogy is discovering that—despite tragedy and hardships—you can still find happiness. What I definitely want readers to get from the books, though, is a good story; new friends, new ways to think about the world, and a fun break from reality.

5.What has been the best part about having your books published?

-->

Seeing my name on the cover is pretty much the most amazing thing, but I love that I can share these stories, these characters. They become so real to me, and I just love being able to share them with other book-lovers.

Thanks Heather for answering my questions! To learn more about Heather go to her site HERE.
You can purchase her books here at Amazon.com

Now go and visit the other blogs on this hop.

  

--

Winners Announced for Witchborn and Count Down to Love Giveaway!

 

Here are the winners for two of the recent giveaways

that were here on my blog. 

Congratulations to...

Beth De Renzis the winner of the e-copy of

Count Down to Love by Julie Ford

 

and Lacey Lamb is the winner of the e-copy

of Witchborn by Amber Argyle.

Remember, I still have 2 other giveaways

still going on, please go enter

 for Daisy by Josi Kilpack

and two items from Merrill Osmond

 

A  new giveaway hop also starts tomorrow. Come back to see what you can enter to win. I think that you will like it!

Review of, Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Swofford Nielsen

Product Details:

•  Title: Journey to the Fringe
  
•  Author: Kelli Swofford Nielsen
  
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain (May 1, 2012)
• Genre: YA Fantasy
• ISBN-10: 1609088336
• ISBN-13: 978-1609088330
• FTC FYI:  I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Publication Date: May 1, 2012 | Series: Stone Mage Wars (Book 1)

 

Long ago, Stone Mages were revered in Lyria. They were men and women who could use powerful tradestones to harness their unique gifts of wind, rain, and earth to help those around them. But war with the Southern realm has threatened the mages with extinction. The truth about the tradestones has been lost, and the remaining magic is dwindling. When Princess Ivy, the beloved daughter of the king, is abducted, it seems that all hope for Lyria is lost as well. But when an unlikely group of loyal subjects embarks on a dangerous journey to the far-distant Fringe, the hope of restoring crown and kingdom is renewed. Among the group is Simon, a fool with wisdom beyond his years; Gilda, a nonmagical witch; Burr, a young thief; and Merrick, a jaded sea captain. Their quest will test their courage, their strength, and their friendship. But at the Fringe, they encounter a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about themselves, and this small band of heroes must embrace the power that is their birthright and stand together as Stone Mages of Lyria.

 

 

My Review:

Journey to the Fringe is a fantasy with a very interesting world. Though it took me a few chapters to get into the story, after I became acquainted with all of the characters, the story took off for me. A unique aspect of this book is how many different POV's (points of view) are used in this novel. I felt that this allowed more story to be told. If this book had only been told by one point of view, I don't think it would have been as rich and bold. I loved many of the characters such as Princess Ivy, Simon, Laith, Captain Merrick, Gilda and of course the old seer Medwin.  All of these characters have a gift that makes them a Stone Mage. All of their individual gifts are Earth elementals harnessed to the wind, rain and earth. Princess Ivy can control "space" and open up portal doors and Simon can control the gift of time. I loved the scenes where they used their unique gifts. 

 

The characters are in a battle for their homeland, Lyria. It has been taken over by the evil Abaddon, who with his strong, Southern warriors want to annihilate the Lyrian people. There is a lot of action and great battles in this book. The characters are so well written that you care about them quickly. They each have their own personal battles and reasons to be journeying to the Fringe. I can't wait to read more in this series. The first book can actually stand on it's own, without any other books to come. This book is written for the Young Adult Fantasy reader, but with the many great adult characters, adult readers will also connect with this book.

About this author

 

 

 

 

Kelli Swofford Nielsen graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching English. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Chicago, Illinois, with their two sons. Journey to the Fringe is Kelli’s debut novel.

 

Review of, Defenders of the Covenant, by Angie Lofthouse

Product Details:

• Title: Defenders of the Covenant
  
• Author: Angie Lofthouse
• Paperback: 378 pages
• Publisher: Walnut Springs Press. (March 14, 2012)
• Genre: LDS Science Fiction
• ISBN-10: 1599928485
• ISBN-13: 978-1599928487
• FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange
• for an honest review.

 

 

 

Book Description:

Publication Date: March 14, 2012

Can earth be saved?

Hannah and her friends have been warned about the danger lurking outside of their secret refuge from the alien invaders who devastated Earth years before. The teenagers leaders have raised them in the Latter-day Saint faith, teaching them to trust God, but when McKenzie and her rebellious boyfriend Jeremy decide to run away, Hannah and Derek follow, determined to bring their friends home.

Once outside, the four teens soon realize they cannot return to the refuge without endangering everyone there. Captured, enslaved, and separated, Hannah, Derek, and McKenzie each learn the unique role they must play in liberating the earth. The friends must battle with android soldiers and attack vessels, and face their own inner struggles to overcome the invaders. After all, not even an alien invasion can stop the work of God.

My Review:

Defenders of the Covenant is a truly unique book. It is the first book that I have read that could be labeled as, LDS Science Fiction. The main characters are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday-Day Saints(LDS) who are trying to survive in a world that has been taken over by aliens. So that is where you get the genre label of, LDS Science Fiction. There are some very cool and unique ideas found in this story. The action is fast paced. You are seeing action from all parts of the country, from many different characters. I enjoyed Angie's writing style and liked following each of their stories. She wrote characters that were easy to cheer for, such as Hannah, Derek and McKenzie. As they each struggled in the fight for freedom, with God on their  side, I felt like I could cheer for them. 

The only down side in the whole story for me were the aliens. I'm not going to spoil things and tell you what they look like, but the bad guys didn't feel fully realized. They felt more like caricatures of bad guys than actual aliens capable of true evil.I guess I am used to the fierce, tall, mean-looking bad guys of the sci-fi books/movies I have seen and read all of my life. My expectations were not met, considering the truly awful things they had been doing to the people on Earth, and how far advanced their technology was. Other than this, you will find a well written story, with courageous young people that work together to save Earth.

You can purchase Defenders of the Covenant HERE.

Author Biography:

Angie Lofthouse is a stay-home mom of six children. Her fiction has appeared in a variety of print and online magazines. She is also an editor for Mindflights Magazine. Her first novel came out this year. She lives in a little canyon in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains with her family of writers, artists, singers, composers, illustrators and musicians.

Review of Daisy (Book 2 in The Newport Ladies Book Club Series) by Josi S. Kilpack and Giveaway of Signed Copy, along with Author Interview!

Product Details:

• Title: Daisy (Book 2 in The Newport Ladies Book Club Series)
• By: Josi S. Kilpack
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Deseret Book (June 4, 2012)
• Genre: Womens Fiction
• ISBN-10: 1609070089
• ISBN-13: 978-1609070083
• FTC FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

Book Description:

Publication Date: June 4, 2012

Since becoming a mother at the age of seventeen, Daisy has looked forward to the day when she could check motherhood off her list of things to do. Everything seems to be right on track, until Daisy turns forty-six and suddenly finds herself facing a very different future than the one she had planned and an uncomfortable evaluation of the past she thought she understood. Looking for a distraction to escape the growing tension at home, Daisy joins the Newport Ladies Book Club, where she meets Paige, Athena, and Olivia unlikely friends who offer encouragement and support when Daisy s perfectly crafted life is turned upside-down. Daisy is one of four stand-alone books, by four different authors, in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. Readers will be able to participate in a virtual book club that features recommendations and discussion guides for a variety of fiction titles that can be used by any book group.

My Review:

I read and reviewed the first book in The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, Olivia, a few months ago.{Read my review of Olivia HERE} I loved it a lot! The whole idea of writing a series from different characters viewpoints, all taking place within the same time period, truly intrigued me. 

As I started reading Daisy, I knew that this was a character I could relate to on many levels. I felt the same way way as I read Olivia. My life isn't perfect, and neither are these characters. They all have a lot going on and each of them are dealing with pretty powerful things in their lives. Daisy carries a lot of baggage. She has been an unwed Mom (haven't done that one), a single Mom (currently doing that one), dealing with an ex-husband and kids that play both sides (this happens a lot!) and she had a miscarriage at the end of one of her marriages(yep). I read a few reviews of Daisy where people said they couldn't relate to the character. I had to laugh because I COULD relate to Daisy on many levels. As I read the book, there were so many times I wanted to tell Josi Kilpack that she got it right! Some of the reviewers said how "selfish" Daisy was. I have to disagree to some  extent. If you have never gone through the hardship of working full-time and raising kids by yourself, then you don't understand Daisy. She was excited to have some time for herself. What Mom, single or married, doesn't want that? But it is even something more you crave when you are the only parent. I didn't always like how Daisy handled things, but none of us are perfect parents. So, I kind of bristled when I read so many criticisms of Daisy.

The other thing that made me LOL, were reviewers that said this book made them unhappy or sad. Oh wow!! Some of us have lives like that where we don't always have happy endings. This is life. I liked this book and the ups and downs portrayed in the story. This is reality for so many people.  This novel is also Womens Fiction, not a Fairy Tale.  I'm not saying the whole story will leave you utterly depressed, and wanting to dive into a bucket of chocolate ice cream, but you will be brought to tears at times. This novel will also make you think about your life, and your own relationship with your children and your own parents. My conclusion is, that this is a very well written book to bring about so many heartfelt emotions. Josi Kilpack knows how to write well developed characters. She knows how to bring out the emotions in the story, that in turn makes the reader feel the same things. 

This series is good. I feel that these characters are bringing out the best in the writers who are crafting them. I can't wait to read the next book, Paige, by Annette Lyon. I recommend you invest your time in reading The Newport Ladies Book Club series. The main thing that I have learned from reading this series, is that we as women need to be kinder, and less judgmental of each other. We need to support each other through the hardships of life, whether or not we understand  or can relate to what they are going through.

Here is my interview with Author Josi Kilpack. I appreciate her taking the time to answer my questions.

1.Whose idea was it to write "The Newport Ladies Book Club"?

It was my idea--an idea I'd had for a long time but didn't know how to make happen. On a book tour with Julie Wright I told her about the idea of writing about connected women but changing Point of View character in each book or section or something like that. She helped me develop it into a separate-book series, we talked about who else could work with us on this and presented the idea to Annette Lyon and Heather Moore who were all in.

2.What process did you go through to write the character Daisy? How are you like Daisy and how are you different?

At first, Daisy was going to be a woman with an eating disorder, but by 40 pages I just didn't feel like it was working. I had already developed a lot of her appearance and family situation so I pondered on what other difficulties she could face instead and the idea came to have her a reluctant mother facing motherhood again and having to reassess her future in extreme ways. She's like me in ways such as ambition, independence, get-it-done, and not 'enjoying' motherhood the way many women do. But she's very different in regard to religious matters, family relationships and seeing her role as a mother as separate from herself. I came to really love and respect Daisy, who is imperfect but really is trying to do her best; has been trying to do her best for a long time. She's a woman I think it's easy to judge, but my hope is that readers will see past that and see that she really is trying; that sometimes someone's 'best' is limited in our estimation and that life is about our individual journey and personal growth.

 

3.How did you grow as a writer working on this novel?

In my own life I'm dealing with my first child leaving home, and it's caused me to focus on some regrets I have about the mother I've been. It's hard to go too deep with that, but I was a young mom and an impatient one. For a long time I was counting the days until my kids grew up. Now that they are, I'm having a difficult time forgiving myself for not embracing my role better. Daisy was an opportunity for me to explore those things and I feel like I learned a lot from that process--some forgiveness was in order as well as some exploration and some commitments to do better from here forward. On that personal--very personal--level it was a very important story for me to write in my life right now. It was also the first time I'd worked with other writers on a project and that was a very rewarding and growth-promoting opportunity as well. I was dependent on the other three women writing this series to get my story right and I learned a lot in that process.

4.What character will you be writing next in the series?
I'll be writing Shannon, who is Ruby's niece. I've just finished her story and it was another powerful journey for me. My favorite part about reading and writing women's fiction is the parallels I can draw between the character and myself, it's been very true for both Daisy and Shannon.

5.You did an incredible job with Daisy. What do you hope to accomplish next as a writer?

You know, I have accomplished so much more than I ever expected in my writing career. I did not see myself where I am right  now and I am enjoying it very much. My books are doing well, most of the reviews are very positive, and I am still learning so much about the world and about myself. I hope that things continue to feel this way to me--comfortable and validated. I hope to continue to write books that people enjoy and that I learn from. Writing has been a very enriching and rewarding part of my personal journey, and I am so very grateful for that. I hope that it continues to be part of my path here; so far it has given me many good things.

Thanks so much Josi!

Visit this blog to learn more about the series:http://thenewportladiesbookclub.blogspot.com/

Go here to learn more about Josi and her other books.

 

You can buy Daisy here at Deseret Book or at Amazon.com You can also enter to win an autographed copy of Daisy here on my blog. (USA entries only)

Enter at the Rafflecopter form down below!

About Josi:

Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Lemon Tart, the first book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series was a finalist in 2009.  Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, children, dog, kitty, and varying number of chickens.

a Rafflecopter giveaway