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, October 31, 2012

Dystopian Giveaway Hop; Nov.1-7th 2012 Open to INT

dys·to·pi·a


noun
a society characterized by human misery,  
as squalor, oppression, disease, and overcrowding.

Dystopian Giveaway Hop
November 1st to 7th


This hop features Dystopian novels. The novels
that I am featuring, and that you will get to choose
from if you are the winner, are ones that you may
not be familiar with. But they are all ones that
look really good and they are all Kindle copies.
There will be one winner chosen from all of the entries.
Once again, you will enter this giveaway using the
Rafflecopter form. 



The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.




Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.




In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person could end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing cold and threat of monster attacks or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and failure just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest—a young stranger named Gabe—Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable.

She saves his life.

Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him.

But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle the farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but every move she makes puts her in more danger.

Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?






 Kirkus Reviews (May 2011) says DESIRE is "The first book in a fantasy romance series featuring a heroine who must choose between two very different men and two very different destinies."

A Dystopian world where everyone's future is planned out for them at age 18...whether it is what a person desires or not. Kama is about to turn 18 and she thinks her Life s Plan will turn out like her boyfriend's and friend's as they desired. But when she glimpse a young man who can communicate with her with his thoughts and knows her name...a young man with burning blue eyes and raven hair, who is dressed like no other in her world, she is left to question her Life's Plan and her destiny. Knowing the truth can destroy everyone..


 I know one thing, I really love all of
these covers! They are beautiful!
Make sure that you leave your email
on the Rafflecopter form. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, October 29, 2012

Book Blast and Giveaway for No Holly For Christmas by Julie N. Ford

  • No Holly for Christmas 
  •  Author: Julie N. Ford
  •  Publisher:Whiskey Creek Press
  •  Published: Fall 2011
  •  Paperback/Kindle: 390 pages
  •  Genre: Romantic/Suspense
  •  ISBN-13: 978-1611602944




 

 

 

 Book Description:

As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he's ever loved, he's all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA's office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter-and romance blossoms. Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn't due to her husband's untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas. Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for Brian and Holly when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice. A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, No Holly for Christmas is the perfect addition to everyone's holiday reading list.
Here's what I had to say about the book:
My Review:
No Holly for Christmas is a love story with a lot of suspense. I really like the main characters in this novel because they are not your typical hero and heroine in a romance novel. In fact, the male and female are both quite flawed. I think that is why I liked them so much. The main female character, Holly,formerly a rich socialite, is frankly a snob, and very, very beautiful. The main male character, Brian, is a jerk at times and not very sensitive to Holly or others. But, they both really grow on you as the story goes on. Julie has a wonderful way of writing, that soon you are fully invested in the story and care deeply about the characters. Holly is a single Mom. I am also a single Mom, so I probably get her, and why she acts the way she does,more than other people might. She also is a widow whose husband had been unfaithful to her before his death.Brian is aloof and acts the way he does because he has been hurt from a previous relationship. In other words, they both carry a lot of baggage. 


The suspense part of the story is very good. There is one scene that totally creeped me out. A crazy man is after Holly and breaks into her home, You are holding your breath as she enters her home and realizes that someone is/has been there. That has always been something I have feared, so this scene really shook me. Brian assigns himself, he is the assistant DA, to protect Holly and her two daughters by moving in with them. There is a lot of romantic tension that takes place between Brian and Holly. But, nothing too sexual happens between the two characters which I appreciate. It does get frustrating when they keep bating each other and being stubborn. They fight and kiss and make up, then fight and kiss and make up again. 

The overall story is strong, suspenseful and I love the romance. I don't want to give anything away about how the suspense part turns out, but let's just say it is very exciting! I love Julie's writing and also loved her other book I reviewed called, Countdown to Love.  
There is a giveaway to go with the blast. Here are the details...

Giveaway details:

Enter to win a $25.00 gift card from Barnes & Noble when you purchase the .99 ebook and/or hard copy from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Just email your confirmation number to Steph&Jules at bloggers@vbooktours.com by Nov. 1st.  



Two additional ways to win:

Enter to win a free hard copy and/or ebook (your choice) of No Holly for Christmas when you do one and/or both of the following between Monday, October 29th and Thursday, November 1st:

Like Julie N. Ford on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JulieNFord.Author?ref=hl
            or
Follow Julie N. Ford on Twitter https://twitter.com/JulieNFord

Friday, October 26, 2012

Blog Tour Review of, The Guy Next Door, by Kate Palmer nd Giveaway

Product Details

  • Title: The Guy Next Door
  • Author: Kate Palmer
  • Paperback
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (September 2012)
  • Genre: Mystery/Romantic Suspense
  • ASIN: B009958AH2
  • FTC FYI: I recieved a review copy in exchange for an honest review.









Book Description:
On the surface, Eva Black’s life seems practically perfect. The small-town kindergarten teacher is set to wed ambitious lawyer Sean Langley, and their plans for a dream wedding are well underway. Eva accepts that she will soon live life in the spotlight as a member of the prestigious Langley family, but can she overlook her fiancĂ©’s tendency to dominate the details of her life and push the limits of her standards?
Mere weeks before the wedding, Eva is thrown into a traumatic, life-changing event that changes her view of family commitment and creates a sharp contrast between her ideals and Sean’s. With her engagement to Sean in jeopardy, Eva finds herself relying on the support and encouragement of Peter, her kind and attentive next-door neighbor. Faced with a choice between her penitent fiancĂ© and the increasingly mysterious Peter, Eva is unprepared for the consequences—and peril—that come with her decision.
My Review:(There will be spoilers in this review)
The Guy Next Door is a wonderful mix between a Romance, with a thriller mixed in half way in the story. The story starts with such sadness and shock. The sense of loss, main character Eva goes through, is so heartbreaking. Eva's parents are dead and soon her only sister and brother-in-law pass away leaving Eva to mother and raise her newborn niece, Melody. Eva was engaged to super rich and handsome, Sean, but he has a hard time accepting Eva's new role as "mother" to Melody. To add things into the mix, Eva's next door neighbor Peter, is a kind and rather ruggedly handsome man who attracts Eva's interest. There is a major love triangle in this story, but I really liked the way it all played out.

I liked Eva, a school teacher, and someone dedicated and loyal to family and friends. This LDS Romantic/ Mystery Suspense shows her struggle to learn to trust, have patience and faith. As the two men try to win her love, she is caught up in things she never would have imagined. Some of the shocking things revealed near the end I kind of guessed what was happening, but there were still many surprises. I always like when an author can surprise me with twists and turns along the way. This truly is an enjoyable read that keeps you on your toes at the end. My favorite male character is by far, Peter. Even though he was a mystery through most of the book, I loved his values and kindness. He is the type of man I could go for. This book also has a very satisfying ending. You will cheer for Eva as she gains strength in herself as a woman and mother.  Author Kate Palmer's first book is a job well done. I look forward to reading more from this author.


Blog Tour Schedule



October 10: Ranee S. Clark - Review
October 13: Bookworm Lisa - Review
October 14: Geo Librarian - Review
October 14: LDS & Lovin' It - Review
October 25: Tristi Pinkston - Review
October 26: Why Not? Because I Said So! - Review
October 26: LDS Women's Book Review - Review
October 29: The Book Bug - Review
Giveaway:
As part of the tour, Kate is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of a copy of The Guy Next Door plus Junior Mints (Eva’s favorite candy), and a copy Eva’s lemon chicken recipe.
To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form)
  • Open from October 2 to November 2.
  • Must be 13+ years of age to enter
  • US mailing addresses only
Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Author Bio:
Kate began her career as an elementary school teacher, but was soon promoted to full-time mom. She is the mother of six living in the country. Her husband is trying to teach her to be a farm girl. She can’t saddle a horse, but she knows how to butcher a chicken. After a day of chasing children, cooking meals, and folding laundry, she likes to escape into a good book.

Social Networking Links:
Purchase Links:
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Book Blast: The Waiting Booth by Brinda Berry $100 Gift Card Giveaway


The Waiting Booth by Brinda Berry

A missing boy, government agents, an interdimensional portal... Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High-find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia's drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it's no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia's secrets, she begins to wonder if there's more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...
Purchase:



Praise for The Waiting Booth:
"The book kept me on the edge of my seat with its perfect balance of teenaged angst, interdimensional portals, and a fractured family."
~ Author Christine Ashworth

"The description was so good I could easily see things as they happened...like a movie playing in my mind as I read. I just love Regulus. He's my kind of hero for sure."
~ Author Lynn Rush




Author Brinda Berry

Brinda Berry lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She has a BSE in English and French and a MEd in Learning Systems Technology. She's terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality. She doesn't mind being called a geek or “crazy dog lady”. When she's not working the day job or writing a novel, she's guilty of surfing the internet for no good reason.



Links:
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter 



The Waiting Booth Book Trailer:






Book Blast Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 PayPal Cash from Author Brinda Berry
Ends 11/1/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Brinda and leave the others blank.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Open to anyone 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's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The Emerald Talisman Audio Book Blast and $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!


The Emerald Talisman Audio Book by Brenda Pandos  
Read by Mary Morgan

You can run from your destiny, but you can't hide.

If for no other reason than to help endure the hormonal rush of high school, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would trade her ability to feel her fellow students' emotions in a heartbeat, especially half the boys in class.

When the beguiling Nicholas uses his superhuman strength to rescue Julia from the edge of a cliff before she's devoured by a bloodthirsty stalker, Julia is suddenly thrust into an underground world where people and animals are often one and the same. Fellow high school students disappear and only Julia and Nicholas know the truth. While Nicholas, a vampire hunter, is out stopping the ever-growing coven, an old friend entices Julia to join him on the dark side and a psychic tells Julia she alone is the key to stopping the madness, problem is it'll require Nicholas' life. 






Author Brenda Pandos:  

Brenda Pandos lives in California with her husband and two boys. She attempts to balance her busy life filled with writing, being a mother and wife, and spending time with friends and family. Working formerly as an I.T. Administrator, she never believed her imagination would be put to good use. After her son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder her life completely changed. Writing paranormal romance became something she could do at home while tending to the new needs of her family, household, and herself.


Three years later, Brenda now has five books published, The Talisman Trilogy: The Emerald Talisman, The Sapphire Talisman, and The Onyx Talisman, and Mer Tales: Everblue and Evergreen. She is currently working on the third book of Mer Tales, Everlost, coming February 2013.



LINKS:
Website * Blog * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook 


Audio Book Tour 

Readers are invited to participate in The Emerald Talisman blog tour from 10/26-11/23 hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic. There will be giveaways, interviews and a scavenger hunt! 





Book Blast Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 PayPal Cash from Author Brenda Pandos
Ends 10/30/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry.  Simply enter it when you follow Brenda and leave the others blank.
Open to anyone 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's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



Spooktacular Giveaway Hop...Open to INT

Thanks to Host I'm a Reader Not a Writer and Rhiannon from The Diary of a Bookworm for co-hosting.

What can you win on this Spooktacular Hop?
There will be 2 winners who will choose
 one of these e-copies of a
YA Paranormal Romance from Amazon.com



 Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.

Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.

The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.

Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.

***Entangled is a young adult paranormal fantasy romance suitable for ages 15 and up.***






Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn needs to learn how to use
her special abilities before somebody else gets hurt.
Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people
like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place.

Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control.

A stray thought can burn a building to the ground.

And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads.

But it's still better than New Jersey, --especially once she meets the man of her dreams.


 
All Airel ever wanted was to be normal, to disappear into the crowd. But bloodlines can produce surprises, like an incredible ability to heal. Then there’s Michael Alexander, the new guy in school, who is impossibly gorgeous…and captivated by her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she can hear the sound of pages turning, and another, older story being written. It is the story of an ancient family, of great warriors, of the Sword of Light, and the struggle against an evil so terrible, so far-reaching, that it threatens everything. Airel knew change would be an inevitable part of life. But can she hold on when murder and darkness begin to close in and take away everything she loves? Will she have what it takes when the truth is finally revealed?



Find the Beast ~ Find the Cure

Scarlette, an 18-year-old peasant lives under a dark threat. A nightmarish creature lurks in the surrounding forest, killing the villagers one by one. When Scarlette's grandmother survives an attack, Scarlette learns that her grandmother hasn't suffered the bite of just any normal animal.

Now desperate, Scarlette searches throughout her province to find a cure. But there are those who want to keep their pasts hidden. As she begins to uncover the dark secrets of her village, Scarlette is befriended by a local nobleman and a woodcutter who share a gruesome history with the Beast. To save her grandmother, Scarlette must unravel their mystery and solve an age-old crime. But as she pieces together the clues, Scarlette finds herself torn between the two men, both of whom want to be more than friends and hold the key to the cure.

What if Little Red Riding Hood was Real?

Based on both the Grimm and Perrault versions of Little Red Riding Hood and set against the terrifying, historic Beast of GĂ©vaudan attacks, this dark YA retelling blends two epic legends, giving the fabled girl-in-the-red-cloak a new, shockingly real existence.


Enter to win by using the Rafflecopter Form
and have a spooky & sugar filled Halloween!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, October 22, 2012

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology:Winter Collection 
6 Historical Short Stories by 6 Award-Winning Authors

Product Details:

  • File Size: 463 KB
  • Print Length: 251 pages
  • Publisher: Mirror Press; Winter Collection edition (September 30, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Genre: Romance
  • ASIN: B009JZB4RA
  • FTC FYI:  I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review. 



 Summary:

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed brand new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection. A collection unlike any other, readers will love this compilation of six sweet historical romance novellas, set in varying eras, yet all with one thing in common: Romance.

The Road to Caven Town by Sarah M. Eden, set in 1864 Ireland, combines Eden’s sense of humor with her signature sweet romance. Alice Wheatley walks each weekend into town, accompanied by Isaac Dancy. And while Alice finds herself falling in love with the gentleman, unfortunately he has his eyes set on the belle of the town, Miss Sophia Kilchrest. Alice must find a way to turn Isaac’s eyes toward her.

Regency author Heidi Ashworth’s delightful story, It Happened Twelfth Night, set in England 1812, follows Luisa Darlington who discovers the man of her dreams, Percy Brooksby, isn’t in love with her as much as she thought he was. When Percy’s friend, the mysterious foreigner, Mr. Flynn, visits for the twelfth night holiday, he promptly sweeps Luisa off her feet, quite literally. Luisa is left catching her breath in more ways than one.
Image of Annette Lyon
An Unexpected Proposal by Annette Lyon is a captivating romantic novella, set in remote Wood Camp, the snowy canyon of Logan, Utah, 1880. When Caroline Simpson is forced to thwart the aggressive advances of Mr. Butch Larson, she discovers that her long-time friend, James, has genuine affection for her. But as stubborn as Caroline is, she minimizes the feelings he’s awakened in her, and it takes almost losing James to admit her true feelings for him.

In Joyce Di Pastena’s charming medieval story, Caroles on the Green, we enter England of 1151, in which Lady Isabel has a dilemma. She promises herself that she’ll marry the man who sent a ring hidden in her pastry since the man she truly loves, Sir Lucian de Warrene, has proved to be impossible and exasperating. To forget him, Isabel sets her eyes on other eligible men, only to face another confrontation with Lucian—who isn’t about to back off and leave her to her newest plot.

Donna Hatch’s enchanting novella, A Winter’s Knight, begins when Clarissa Fairchild’s coach just happens to break down in front of the most forbidding estate in the county, that of Wyckburg Castle, a place where young brides have been murdered for generations by their husbands. Clarissa is horrified yet curious all in the same breath. When she meets widower Christopher de Champs, Earl of Wyckburg, she must decide if she should flee or uncover the greatest secret in the county about her handsome rescuer.

In Heather B. Moore’s exciting turn-of-the-century story, A Fortunate Exile, Lila Townsend finds herself the victim of a broken heart—broken by the most notorious bachelor in 1901 New York City. If that isn’t bad enough, her father sends her to Aunt Eugenia’s remote farm where Lila must wait for her father’s anger to subside and the gossip columns to find new fodder. When Lila meets her aunt’s boarder, Peter Weathers, she discovers a man who isn’t afraid to stand up to her formidable family and take a chance on a woman with a sullied reputation.



My Review: 
 I was so thrilled to get to read a collection of stories written by some of my favorite authors. I know that these women can write, and I have read their previous work. I have to say I was not disappointed. The best part is that these are clean stories full of romance. Reading this anthology was like eating a platter of appetizers: you were able to get yummy bites of everything. The only thing I didn't like is that I would just start to get into the story and then it would be done. All of these stories could easily be continued in a longer novel. 

On the plus side, these stories are perfect for the busy reader. You could read one, enjoy it, finish it and then go off and run your errands. Then later that night you could come back and read another story. I was telling someone about the anthology. They asked if I had a favorite story out of the six, but it would be hard to choose just one. All of the stories had unique, and fun characters set in various eras. I liked the spunk of  the women in the anthology. I loved the romance and the awakening that takes place when you realize that love is there. **sigh**

I can see these anthologies becoming guilty pleasures for women everywhere, especially those that want to read about romance without the gratuitous sex that is prevalent in today's society.  Curl up in your jammies, grab your hot chocolate and get lost in this anthology of timeless romances! 




Purchase Here:

Sunday, October 21, 2012

A Christmas Roundup and Giveaway: Chance to Win Once Upon a Christmas by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Good King Wenceslas Book and DVD, and The Christmas Train by Thomas S. Monson

There are only 64 Days until Christmas. Can you believe it? Like most people it's time to think about starting your Christmas shopping. I have four great ideas for the young and older friends and family on your list.

For the music lovers there is a new CD and DVD of the Mormon Tabernacle choir's presentation of, "Once Upon a Christmas".

Product Details:Once Upon a Christmas

  • Audio CD (September 25, 2012)                   
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Label: Mormon Tabernacle
  • ASIN: B00911LA1M
  • DVD
  • Format: NTSC
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Studio: Mormon Tabernacle
  • DVD Release Date: September 25, 2012

Once again, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square bring a Christmas experience of magnificent proportion. Teaming up with Emmy award-winning actress Jane Seymour and powerful operatic baritone Nathan Gunn, Once Upon a Christmas is a majestic performance filled with the magic of the holidays. Join an audience of over 80,000 in the Conference Center at Temple Square in Salt Lake City and bring home this stunning storytelling and musical performance today!
    Bonus Features - Go to the Conference Center soundstage and hear Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn describe their unique experiences in performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
  • Backstage with Jane Seymour
  • Backstage with Nathan Gunn
  • Choir Press Conference Excerpts with comments from Nathan Gunn, Jane Seymour, Mac Christensen and Mack Wilberg

For younger people, here are two wonderful books that they will enjoy reading by themselves or together with their families.
 The Christmas Train: A True Story

 

Product Details:

  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain (October 15, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1609071824
  • ISBN-13: 978-1609071820

 Book Description:

October 15, 2012
In this children s picture book, President Thomas S. Monson recounts a Christmas memory from his childhood. As a boy, he yearned for an electric train. To his delight, on Christmas morning he got exactly that a train that operated through the miracle of electricity. Then he noticed a second train that his mother had purchased for the boy down the street whose family was struggling. Although it was only a wind-up train, it had an beautiful oil tanker car, which little Tommy wanted for his own. Soon after, Tommy s mother invited him to accompany her to the neighbor s home to deliver the gift. Young Mark was thrilled with his new train and, of course, didn't notice the missing train car. However, a remorseful Tommy did. What happened next will bring the spirit of Christmas into every heart and home. Illustrated by renowned artist Dan Burr, The Christmas Train is sure to be a classic Christmas story and a beautiful addition to every Christmas library.
Purchase here at Amazon


Good King Wenceslas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Details:

  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain; Har/DVD edition (October 9, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1609071433
  • ISBN-13: 978-1609071431

Book Description:
October 9, 2012
One snowy night, a king and his faithful page venture out to deliver food and comfort to a peasant family. This beloved Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas is brought to life by actress Jane Seymour and artist Omar Rayyan. The sumptuous illustrations reflect the medieval, Bohemian setting of the story, capturing the lavish feast of St. Stephen at the castle and the arduous midnight trek through heavy snow to a humble cottage deep within the forest. The original lyrics to the song, which were set to music more than 150 years ago, are interwoven throughout the story as the King s invitation to follow in His footsteps brings the blessings of Christmas to all of His kingdom. The book includes a DVD featuring Jane Seymour s narration of this classic story, performed with the world-acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Also included is an introduction by Jane Seymour and an original illustration created by her especially for this book.


Your family will enjoy all of these Christmas products and will help you start new Christmas traditions this year. I know I have enjoyed reading the books, who both have touching stories and gorgeous illustrations. The music, of course, is absolutely beautiful! It will bring the Christmas spirit quickly to your house.

If you would like to win one of these great Christmas items all you need to do is enter on the Rafflecopter form. (USA Only) Please make sure that you let me know which one of the four Christmas items you would like if you win.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I want to thank Deseret Book for the gracious review copies in exchange for an honest review*** 

Friday, October 19, 2012

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway of, The Reluctant Bachelorette: A Romantic Comedy by Rachael Anderson and Guest Post!

Product Details:

  • Title: The Reluctant Bachelorette
  • Author: Rachael Anderson
  • Paperback: 316 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 16, 2012)
  • Genre: Romantic Comedy
  • ISBN-10: 1479269670
  • ISBN-13: 978-1479269679
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.







Book Description:

September 16, 2012
Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge. But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

My Review: 

This was such a cute book! The storyline was different from other Bachelorette novels out there. I really liked how the main character Taycee got involved in this whole dating show. She is unknowingly picked by her friend to be the rescuer of her hometown, by participating in this " charity event". She doesn't want to, but reluctantly goes along. What ensues are some pretty funny scenes where she starts dating the prospective Bachelors.The "spitting" bachelor had me LOL and grossing out at the same time! All along Taycee is still in love with Bachelor #21, Luke, from her hometown, and a crush from her past.

This love story is sweet, and their connection makes you feel it is real and right. This clean romance has just enough swoon worthy material to make you feel some chills, without unnecessary smut. The humor in the story is abundant, and Rachael knows very well how to make you giggle. The best part of this book is how this book does indeed have a happy ending! It takes awhile getting there, with much romantic tension along the way, but I have to admit I cried (happy tears) at the end result.

If you are looking for a great Romantic Comedy, where you can just kick back and fully enjoy the story, you need to read The Reluctant Bachelorette.


Guest Post: By Rachael Anderson...I wanted to know why Rachael wrote The Reluctant Bachelorette. It's always interesting how someone get's their ideas to write a certain story. So that is why I posed the question to her. Read below for her answer.
 
"A story based on The Bachelor reality show series was probably the last thing I would have ever expected to write because while I'm always in the mood for a good love story, be it fiction or real, it really bugged me how nearly every couple who met via The Bachelor ended up breaking up at some point.

Not my cup of tea.

Then I got an idea. What if I wrote a story about a girl who shared my opinion of that particular reality series--that it was nothing more than an exploited dating competition--and ended up becoming the bachelorette. Add an old teenage crush as one of the bachelors to further mess with Taycee's emotions, and I had the makings for a really fun story. The best part? I could give my story something that ABC couldn't: A happily ever after."


The Reluctant Bachelorette Blog Tour - October 1st to 28th

October 1st
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer - Tour Kick Off

October 2nd
Multiple Blogs - Book Blast - $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
Rats & More, Gobs & Gobs of Books, The Secret Writer, Strange Daze Indeed, Doodle Bug Reviews, Live to Read, Simple Wyrding, The Young Folks, Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest, Lovely Reads, Confessions of a Frugal Mind, Stacy Juba, Julia Crane, Libby's Library, Literary Winner, Mallery's Deals, Celticlady's Review, My Little Review Corner, Country Mouse City Mouse, Romanceaholic, The Jolly Blogger, My Photopage, A Dream within a Dream, The Solitary Bookworm, Minding Spot and lots more....

October 3rd
Murphy's Library - Review
Wordpaintings Unlimited - Review
Peace from Pieces - Interview
Reviewing Shelf - Review
Min Reads and Reviews - Review
LDSWBR - Review

October 4th
Getting Your Read - Review
A Book a Day - Review
Aobibliosphere - Excerpt

October 5th
WTF Are You Reading - Review
Author M.R. Buttars - Excerpt
YA Between the Lines - Character Interview
Froze8's Blog - Guest Post

October 6th
Older Mommy Still Yummy - Excerpt
Cuzinlogic - Guest Post

October 7th
Day by Day in Our World - Review & Guest Post
SweepingMe - Guest Post

October 8th
The Lucky Ladybug - Review & Guest Post
That Artsy Reader Girl - Review & Guest Post
Jenni Reviews - Guest Post
Books Are Magic - Guest Post
Books & Needlepoint - Review

October 9th
Acting Balanced - Review & Interview
Lena Sledge - Guest Post
Karey White - Review
Four Sisters & a Book - Review

October 10th
Me & Reading - Guest Post & Review
Home Maid Simple - Review
Read This Instead - Review
These Words Tell a Story - Guest Post
The READioactive Book Blog - Review & Guest Post
Up All Night Reviews - Review

October 11th
Cupcake's Book Cupboard - Review
Ever & Ever Sight - Review
Bibliophilia Please - Guest Post

October 12th
Walking on Bookshelves - Review & Excerpt
A Casual Reader's Corner - Review
Where Fantasy & Love Take Flight - Guest Post
Book Readers - Excerpt

October 13th
Imaginary Reads - Review & Guest Post
Kaisy Daisy's Corner - Review
Mommy Adventures with Ravina - Review
Lori's Reading Corner - Guest Post

October 14th
The Book Belles - Review
Lisa's World of Books - Review & Interview
My Devotional Thoughts - Review

October 15th
The Reading Nook - Review
Caroline Clemmons - Excerpt & Interview
Clean Romance Reviews - Interview

October 16th
Literary Time Out - Review
Book Munchies - Review

October 17th
My Guilty Obsession - Review & Guest Post
Parsimonious Pash - Review
At Random - Review & Guest Post
Lyrics without the Chord Changes - Guest Post
Rachelle's Writing Spot - Review

October 18th
Bookworm Lisa - Review
MK McClintock - Interview
Clean Teen Fiction - Review
Every Free Chance - Review
What to Read - Review

October 19th
Bookhounds - Review
LovLivLifeReviews - Review

October 20th
Why Not? Because I Said So - Review & Guest Post
From the TBR Pile - Review
Promiscuous Diva - Excerpt
Books Beside My Bedside - Review

October 21st
Young Readers at Home - Review & Excerpt
Sweeping the USA - Excerpt
PARAFANTASY - Review & Interview

October 22nd
Krazy Book Lady - Guest Post
Crafty Zoo with Monkeys - Guest Post
Tifferz Book Review - Review

October 23rd
Martha's Bookshelf - Review & Guest Post
Books R Us - Guest Post
The Book Bug - Review & Interview

October 24th
Romance Bookie - Review
Wall to Wall Books - Review
A Purrfect Read - Promo Post

October 25th
whoopeeyoo! - Review
Going Crazy Wanna Go? - Guest Post
Laurie Here - Review

October 26th
Love. Without You - Guest Post
The Housework Can Wait - Review & Guest Post

October 27th
The Busy Bibliophile - Interview & Review
What's Beyond Forks - Interview & Review

October 28th
The Bookish Mama - Review
Monique Morgan - Guest Post & Excerpt
Jean Book Nerd - Guest Post

  Here is a link to the tour page : http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour.html

Tour Giveaway (shared rafflecopter for entry) - October 1st to 31st:
-Grand Prize
    Print copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette (Ebook for International winner)
    $15 Amazon Gift Card
    Copy of the DVD Sneakers (US only)
-Print copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette
-3 Kindle Ebook Copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette
 a Rafflecopter giveaway





About the Author:
Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She's the mother of four, 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.