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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Thursday, October 29, 2015

My Book Cave - Free And Discounted Ebooks and $50 Amazon Giveaway

My Book Cave - Free And  Discounted Ebooks
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Have you ever started reading a book, only to be shocked at the content? Or have you ever read a book that bored you to tears with its lack of heat or action? Well, someone has finally created a site for you, taking the guesswork out of finding a good read that hits your comfort level. 

The best thing is that the books are always discounted and there is no cost to subscribe.   My Book Cave is the company behind this ingenious idea. The concept is simple. Just sign up for the genres and ratings you want to see, choose your heat, violence, and swearing comfort level, then My Book Cave delivers ebook deals to your inbox. 
Ratings include All Audiences, Mild, Mild+, Moderate, Moderate+, and Adult.    

And right now, My Book Cave is having a huge giveaway with two e-readers and three cash gift cards. Just for signing up, you’re entered to win one of the e-readers. Visit My Book Cave to sign up or check out their blog for the rest of the prizes. 
  

Happy reading!
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P.S. If you’re an author and have a fantastic book you’d like to feature for free on My Book Cave, come on over. They’re always looking for great books.   50_Amazon_Paypal    
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 
 Ends 11/18/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Power of the Matchmaker-A Novella By Heather B. Moore-Review

Product Details:

  • Title: Power of the Matchmaker(A Prequel Novella to the 12 book series)
  • Author: Heather B. Moore
  • File Size: 3402 KB
  • Print Length: 60 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Mirror Press (November 3, 2015)
  • Publication Date: November 3, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B013FIOAE0
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review. 




Book Description:
A prequel novella to the POWER OF THE MATCHMAKER Series
Mystical . . . Beautiful . . . Romantic . . .

Read the matchmaker’s story to find out where it all starts . . .

Mae Li has been in love with Chen Zhu for years, and he with her. But when the matchmaker arrives at the Zhu family home, she recommends another village girl for Chen.

Heartbroken, Mae Li watches as Chen does his duty by marrying another. Mae flees her village with the clothes on her back and her only possession—a pearl embedded comb, given to her as a goodbye gift from Chen Zhu.

Upon Mae’s arrival in Shanghai, she quickly learns that she’ll starve within days unless she sells her prized comb or joins a courtesan house. She goes to the Huangpu River and promises the River God that she’ll always be selfless if he will save her from becoming a prostitute . . . Her wish is granted when Ms. Tan, the matchmaker of Shanghai, finds Mae. But Mae must completely change her future and her name if she is to become the next matchmaker. 


My Review: 
The Power of the Matchmaker,though only a novella and 60 pages long, has a huge message. The matchmaker truly has a tremendous power to change lives for good or bad. At the beginning of this story, a prequel to the 12 book Power of the Matchmaker series coming out in 2016, we see how a matchmaker destroys Mae Li's hopes and dreams to marry the love of her life Chen Zu. You can clearly see through Heather's beautiful writing how much Chen and Mae Li love each other.

Mae Li runs away from home and the man she didn't want to marry, when she realizes Chen Zu will marry another girl arranged by the village matchmaker. 

With no hope in her life to be able to survive on her own, she meets Ms. Tan, a matchmaker in the city of Shanghai. Mae Li, now Pearl, is taken under Ms. Tan's wings to become the new matchmaker once the old woman dies. She is given a coin that is the "Power" of the matchmaker, in that it will only work if the matchmaker forsakes her own true love in order to bring together others in love. There is also something very secret that the coin can do, but I'm not going to say what it is because I've already given too much away.

The very end of this short story had me crying. The last scene takes place many years later when once again Chen Zu and Mae Li/Pearl meet again. They still love each other and it's a very tender scene. Pearl stays true to her calling as the matchmaker sacrificing her own love for others. But, there is a moment between them that has to do with a pearl comb that made my heart ache. Oh, Heather Moore, you are a master at your craft in creating emotions and making your readers feel deeply for your characters. 

This novella is a must read before you begin reading the first of the 12 books that will be coming out in 2016 about The Power of the Matchmaker. Personally, I can't wait to read each and every one.  

This sweet, 60 page novella gets 5 sweet stars***** from me! 

Purchase HERE from Amazon! 
Power of the Matchmaker

Meet Author: Heather B. Moore
Heather Moore
 H.B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women’s fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Released once a month in 2016!!
The Power of the Matchmaker Series
**Join us for the POWER OF THE MATCHMAKER SERIES**
12 novels by 12 bestselling authors

Broken Things to Mend by Karey White (Jan 2016)
Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson (Feb 2016)
If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram (March 2016)
Love is Come by Heather B. Moore (April 2016)
Four Chambers by Julie Wright (May 2016)
O'er the River Liffey by Heidi Ashworth (June 2016)
Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean (July 2016)
Between Earth and Heaven by Michele Paige Holmes (Aug 2016)
How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison (Sept 2016)
To Move the World by Regina Sirois (Oct 2016)
King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt (Nov 2016)
The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen (Dec 2016)
 


Tuesday, October 27, 2015

The One Who Sees Me by Kandi J Wyatt-Book Blast and $50 Giveaway

The One Who Sees Me Cover
The One Who Sees Me by Kandi J. Wyatt 
Teenage slave girl Faru’s life has been turned upside down when she discovers she’s been traded to a new master, forcing her to leave all she‘s ever known. Upon her arrival, Faru meets a friend, Cailean, who helps her adjust to life in the strange location. Life settles into a new pattern, and romance blossoms between the young friends. But as soon as they plan to get married, another proposal comes about – one that cannot be ignored. Being a slave means not always marrying who you love. On a daring journey to heal her heart, Faru encounters the Existing One. Will she trust Him and do His bidding even if what He requests is so hard? Follow Faru’s tale in author Kandi J Wyatt’s retelling of a Biblical story found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, showing that when things don’t make sense, God will guide the way.

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Praise for the book 
 "Kandi Wyatt has taken historical fiction and elevated it to a higher level. Her world building pulls you in and puts you right in the middle of the adventure. This is why I love her books." - Sandra Stiles 

 "Well worth the read. Kandi has done an wonderful job bringing this captivating story to life!" - Christianonfire2 on Goodreads  

Excerpt :
My most recent book is The One Who Sees Me. It is about a slave girl, Faru, who is exchanged for a wife for the king. She finds herself in a new home with a new master and life is always going up and down. We’ll join her in chapter 2 when she is leaving her home for the new one: 

The carriage pulled to a halt, and Lord Cegrol looked up from where he sat. The ride had lasted close to half a glass, Faru estimated, and in that whole time, the lord had not said a single word to her, nor had he looked up from his folded hands. Now he graced Faru with a smile. It was a sad smile, but a smile nonetheless. “What is your name, child?” his musical voice inquired. “Faru, milord.” He seemed to see her for the first time. His eyes took her in, and Faru felt the heat rush to her face. “Well, Faru, welcome to our home away from home.” He paused as he looked out the window. “It is nothing like my Castle Fearann, but it is comfortable.” They descended from the coach onto a cobblestone drive surrounded by blooming rhododendron plants. The whites and pinks softened the harshness of the reds. Beyond the bushes, Faru noticed the house that loomed up above her. The dark bricks were a stark contrast to the stone she was accustomed to. Lord Cegrol led the way up wide, winding stairs to the front door. Torches on either side flickered against the brickwork, which seemed to trap the light instead of sending it out to welcome the master home. As Cegrol opened the door, he was greeted by a portly, elderly lady. “Lord Cegrol, welcome home. You must be exhausted. Let me get your cloak. You just go up to your den. I’ll have Trystan bring you your evening meal.” “Thank you, Kadi,” Lord Cegrol replied. “I would appreciate that. First, though, we need to help Faru get settled.” “Don’t you worry at all about that. I’ll take care of everything.” Lord Cegrol nodded and slowly plodded up another wide staircase. The motherly woman turned to Faru. “And you are?” “My name is Faru, ma’am,” the young slave girl replied, trying not to fidget with her long curly hair. “Lord Cegrol told me your name. What I want to know is, why are you here?” Faru shivered, not just from the draft that flickered the candles in their sconces, but also from the internal cold. “Ma’am, a glass ago, I was preparing my mistress’s evening meal as I have done since I was old enough to help my mother. The queen came and brought me to a parlor where King Cyning and Lord Cegrol and Lady Cwen sat. King Cyning walked off with Lady Cwen, and my mistress showed Lord Cegrol and me to the door where the carriage was waiting. Lord Cegrol brought me here. I do not have anything with me. I am at your disposal.” “You are right about that,” the woman said. “I am Kadi, the housekeeper. Anything that happens in this house, I direct. That includes you.” Kadi paused, sizing up the new servant before she continued. “What besides serving meals are you good at?” This was territory that Faru understood. “I clean rooms. I’ve done some cooking, but more so, just helping the cook prepare food. I’ve taken care of little ones so others can do their work, and I’ve been taught to weave.” “I see,” Kadi stated, pursing her lips. “You won’t have much opportunity to take care of children in this household unless it is servants’ children.” She stood, looking Faru up and down before she continued. “I suppose for tonight, you can just get settled in. Tomorrow is early enough to start. Follow me.”  



Meet Author Kandi J. Wyatt:
Kandi Kandi J Wyatt is a wife, mother of five, teacher, artist, and author. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy stories and Christmas programs, and drawing with graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. Kandi also enjoys photography, thanks to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey as both his model and apprentice, and she occasionally serves as his assistant when he needs a “light stand with feet.”  
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  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 
 Ends 11/18/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 
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Friday, October 23, 2015

Castle Collection (A Sweet and Sassy Anthology) Blog Tour Review and $25 Giveaway

Castle Collection (1) 

Castle CollectionProduct Details:

  • Title: Castle Collection (A Sweet and Sassy Anthology)
  • Authors: Cindy Hogan, Jo Noelle, Donna K. Weaver, Paige Timothy, Kaye P. Clark,
  • File Size: 1058 KB
  • Print Length: 490 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Little Box Press, LLC (September 18, 2015)
  • Publication Date: September 18, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B0153LE9KW
  • FTC, FYI: I recieved a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.


 Sweet and Sassy Anthology: Castle Collection
 Readers will be delighted with five sweet, romance novellas in Sweet and Sassy: Castle Collection. In this charming anthology, you will fall in love again and again. Dangerous Truth by Cindy M. Hogan All By My Selfie by Jo Noelle A Savage Ghost by Donna K. Weaver The Ghost of Dunlow Manor by Paige Timothy Rose of Sherwood by Kaye P. Clark 

 DANGEROUS TRUTH Olivia loves everything about Belgium. So far, her humanitarian trip has gone perfectly--that is, until she sees a picture of a man she thinks is her father in the newspaper. The father who abandoned her family nine years ago without a word. She tries to forget she ever saw his photo. He's forgotten about her, after all. But soon it's apparent that she can't leave without knowing what happened. Armed with years of hurt and the help of a gorgeous French photographer, she decides to confront him and his secrets once and for all. Unfortunately, her father seems determined to keep those secrets hidden. . . and Olivia is one of them.  

ALL BY MY SELFIE While on vacation at McLeod Castle in Scotland, Gwen Mackenzie has nightly dreams of an ancient warrior bound by a curse. During the day, she sees Niall, nicknamed #ScottishBoyfriend. Oh, and can that man rock a kilt! As she gets to know him, she realizes that Niall is the warrior from her dreams, cursed to live as a ghost for the past five hundred years, to see life around him but never sense any of it—except Gwen.  

A SAVAGE GHOST Lia Savage reluctantly puts her dream of opening a dessert boutique on hold to help her dad remodel a castle he’s inherited in Washington State. Soon, a specter targets her younger sister. Lia enlists the help of Coop Montgomery, the head gardener and her former crush. As they search together for a way to rid the castle of its ghost, the romance she used to dream about with him kindles. But Lia’s gentle giant means to stay in Washington while she’s determined to return to California. She must find the courage to face both the ghost and her future. With Coop. Or without him.  

THE GHOST OF DUNLOW MANOR Bestselling author Alexis St. John needs an escape, and Nate, her personal assistant, thinks that a trip to a real castle in England will be just the thing. What neither of them planned on, though, was to encounter an actual ghost. Lady Catherine Dunlow hates the idea of sharing her castle with tourists and does everything she can to chase them out, much to the amusement of her roguish suitor. But when her two newest guests stumble upon a mystery surrounding her death, she decides to let them stay. With an eternal fate in the balance, Nate and Alexis must move quickly to bring the killer to light before Catherine is trapped forever.  

ROSE OF SHERWOOD Lady Rosamund, Baroness of Ravenswood Manor, is a destitute widow, imprisoned in Nottingham Castle. When the prince declares she must marry the ruthless man who had seized Ravenswood, she escapes with the help of a band of outlaws to Sherwood Forest. Her first love, a battle-worn knight, promises to help her find safety at a convent. Confused and afraid, her heart yearns for love. But are the risks too high?

 My Review:
This anthology, 5 novellas, has some wonderful stories. Each one takes place in some kind of a castle. Many of them had ghosts that they encountered within the castles.  Of course there was also some type of romance to be found in each story, even with the ghosts.
 I loved each story, but the love story in "All By My Selfie" just got to me because of how much each character was willing to sacrifice for each other. This is truly interesting, considering one of those people is in "stasis", not really living and not really dead. This story was so intriguing!

I also liked how there was a sense of mystery to all of the stories. The action in "Dangerous Truth" was intense, which author Cindy Hogan is know for in other stories she's written. 

These stories are well written. You could tell there were levels of research done by these authors which made the stories interesting and felt realistic, even with the ghosts wandering around the castles and doing spooky things in the novellas "A Savage Ghost"(One very scary ghost and one that made my heart sigh), and "The Ghost of Dunlow Manor" (The ghosts were not only scary at times, but very humorous! I especially loved Sir Ian.) I also loved, "The Rose of Sherwood" which takes you back to Sherwood forest and the fun during the time of Robin Hood.
What a great time of the year to be reading stories of castles and ghosts. You will enjoy reading this new anthology as you get lost in the splendor and mystery that awaits you in the Castle Collection.

Excerpts from each story:

#1
We were the last ones in line and would have to take whatever seats were left in the boat. I hoped I’d still be able to get a good enough seat to take the pictures I hoped for. Ten other passengers were already on board, and the motorboat rocked slightly while everyone got situated. I stepped into the small tour boat, sliding my way across the last available bench, stopping just short of sitting on a guy who had claimed the furthest seat. Unfortunately, Sloan didn’t stop and my whole body shoved into the stranger.
“Sloan! Stop! You pushed me right into someone.” I turned to the guy to apologize and stopped with my jaw hanging open as I stared at what had to be a living representation of the front page of GQ. His face was tan, with high cheekbones that seemed the natural resting spot for the sleek, wire-framed glasses that rested on them. He was wearing a silk tie over a polished, collared shirt that stretched slightly over his broad shoulders, showing off just enough of the form beneath that it was obvious he was toned. His trousers hugged his hips and draped over his legs perfectly, ending over a pair of gleaming wing-tipped shoes. In his lap, a folded newspaper rested casually. Of course.

#2
Toward the warped edge of my suite’s window, I see a man in an archaic blue and green kilt, that’s wrapped, belted, and thrown over one shoulder. He’s sitting on a large boulder near the parking lot. Okay, Josie was so right on this one. Hot men in kilts do just hang around in Scotland. Might be fun to meet a guy to kick up the happy factor in this vacation.

I hope I’m being stealthy when I raise my phone in front of me and take his picture. He’s not close enough to really see, so I take another, zooming as close as I can. His shirt looks like plain linen stretched across his broad shoulders, and he has one knee bent with his leather-booted foot on the rock. I catch myself staring—I’ll bet he gets that a lot. I text the close-up to Josie with a note about the “beautiful sights” I’m enjoying.

Maybe Scottish Boyfriend is an actor in period costume. I hope that’s on the program for the hotel guests; I’d love to see what the culture was like here centuries ago. His eyes flick to my window as if he is looking right at me. Though he’s probably just looking at the castle, butterflies tumble through my middle. Wondering if I have time to talk with him—strictly about history, and take a quick selfie with him before the castle tour begins—I check the clock on the table then turn back around, but he’s gone.

#3
Hugh concentrated on the haze that should be the main hearth and willed it to come into focus. Nothing changed at first, but then the fireplace sharpened. His shoulders relaxed. At last, after struggling for so long, enough of his sense of self had returned. And some of his power.

How long had it been? All he could recall were a few times, every once in a while, when he was able to interact with the people in this new place.

He tried to run his diaphanous hand along the mantel, frustrated when it passed through. Staring hard, Hugh grasped the single wooden-framed picture resting on it. The small portrait lifted into the air. He crowed, for once not caring that such a sound was beneath his dignity.

A gasp from behind startled him, and his hand turned translucent again. Without substance, his fingers lost their grip. The picture crashed to the hearth and shattered. Livid, he spun, refocusing his energy. He fueled his will with anger, and his hands took form. The gray-haired woman gave a satisfying shriek before covering her mouth with her hands.

“Remove yourself from my home at once,” he commanded, his voice low and menacing. He kicked a piece of broken frame, and it flew toward her. With a cry, the servant ducked and ran from the room.

#4
Lady Catherine Dunlow paced the balcony of her third-floor bedroom, her skirts swirling behind her as she moved. She was absolutely furious, and she pounded that fury into the stones beneath her feet. She hated strangers. She hated strangers coming into her house. She hated strangers coming into her house and acting like they owned the place. And yet, they kept coming, no matter what she did.
Dunlow Manor had been in her family for generations. It had belonged to her twelfth great-grandfather, and now she was its rightful owner. She had never given permission for unfamiliar people to come and stay within its walls, and yet they did, taking no thought for her feelings on the matter whatsoever.
She didn’t rest at all that night. Instead, she paced and fumed, fumed and paced. She went outside a few times and glared down at their car, but no ideas came to her. This had to stop somehow—it just had to.

#5
The long, high-ceilinged room was almost ready for the prince’s arrival. Fresh-smelling rushes had been laid on the stone floor; new candles had replaced the old. Soot-darkened wall hangings had been taken down. Men on ladders hung brightly-colored tapestries in their place.

Lady Blanche, the sheriff’s wife, sat at the high table overseeing the work. Her pale, blonde hair hung in long braids, entwined with black ribbons. She rested her hands atop her bulging belly. Blanche was the queen bee, and I knew from experience, her sting could hurt.

Blanche stepped down from the dais to confront me. “You vex me, girl. Your flowers may please the prince, but they do not please me. I needed your help earlier.”

I drew in a long breath. “I am not a servant.”

“You certainly look like one. You’ve been out in the sun without a hat; your face is freckled already. And look at your hands! They’re filthy!”

“I am the wife of Sir Godfrey of Anjou, Baroness of Ravenswood Manor,” I said, hiding my hands behind my back.

“Little good that does you.” Lady Blanche snatched the lavender bloom from my bodice and tucked it in her own. “You’re confined to Nottingham Castle until your husband returns. If he returns.”

About the Authors:

Cindy M. Hogan is inspired by the unpredictable teenagers she teaches. More than anything she loves the time she has with her own teenage daughters and wishes she could freeze them at this fun age. If she's not reading or writing, you'll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a great movie or planning their next party. Most of all, she loves to laugh.

Jo Noelle grew up in Colorado and Utah but also lived in Idaho and California. She has two adult children and three small kids. She teaches teachers and students about reading and writing, grows freakishly large tomatoes, enjoys cooking, builds furniture, sews beautiful dresses, and goes hiking in the nearby mountains. Oh, and she’s two people, Canda Mortensen and Deanna Henderson, a mother/daughter writing team.  

Donna K. Weaver: A wife, mother, grandmother, Harry Potter geek, Navy brat, Army veteran, and karate black belt. Donna is an avid cruiser, having sailed the Pacific five times. She’s lived in South Korea, the Philippines, Germany, and many US states. She and her husband raised six children and currently have nine grandchildren.  

Paige Timothy has been writing for as long as she can remember… and probably before that, too, because her memory gets spotty at a certain point. She loves watching romantic comedies, blushes when the characters do something embarrassing, and sighs in all the right places.  

Kaye P. Clark was born in New York City, grew up in southern California and raised her family living on remote cattle ranches in Arizona. She now makes her home in Idaho where she works part-time at the county library and teaches art to young children. She’s a mother and grandmother with a very patient husband who puts up with her passion for writing.   $25 Blog Tour giveaway 
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
 Ends 11/1/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Book Blast and $50 Giveaway for The House at Homecoming Cove by Ginny Baird

House at homecoming cove
THE HOUSE AT HOMECOMING COVE by Ginny Baird  
 From New York Times Bestselling Author GINNY BAIRD A breathtaking romantic mystery set at the Virginia Eastern Shore... Seeking out solitude in which to work, New York City music composer Melissa Carter rents a century-old farmhouse on the Virginia Eastern Shore. There, she meets a loner with rugged good looks and smoldering gray eyes, who has long-term ties to the property. When strange things start occurring at the historic home, the handsome groundskeeper comes to her aid, but is Melissa really safer in his arms? When Stone Thomas meets a pretty northerner with a musical gift, he's immediately drawn to her. He's also determined to protect her from the increasingly odd happenings at the fifty-acre farm where he's employed. Soon, Stone finds himself wondering whether he and beautiful Melissa might share a future. Yet the secrets of Homecoming Cove threaten to drive them apart.
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Excerpt
  Her words came out in a whisper. “Thank you for everything. For coming to my rescue, for…” She was saying goodbye, yet her chin tilted toward his and she took a step closer, her lips barely parted, inviting. She peered up at him and met his gaze with a look that was surprisingly heated, decidedly predatory. There was no mistaking it. Melissa wanted him too. That was all the encouragement Stone needed to take her in his arms and bring his mouth down on hers with a hungry desire that surpassed all expectations. Melissa gasped with delight and sighed into his kiss. Stone’s empty mug slid from her grasp and landed somewhere on the sofa. Stone pressed his eager body to hers and ran his hands up her back, threading his fingers through her hair. She was glorious, beautiful, her gaze sparking with reciprocal passion. Stone groaned and kissed her again, savoring the taste of her, delighting in the sweetness of her body molded to his, as his blood pumped harder and his heart beat like a kettledrum gone out of control. It was more than a kiss; it was like coming home. “Stone,” she said breathlessly. He opened his eyes to find his cheeks nestled between her palms. She looked up at him her face flushed with longing. “I think you’d better go.” “Yeah,” he said, his pulse pounding. “I’d better go.” Thunder boomed and rain slapped the windowpanes, while the fire hissed and moaned. Neither one moved. “Melissa,” Stone whispered, brushing his lips over hers. “You and me… It’s like… I don’t know.” “I know,” she replied, meeting his kiss. “I feel it too.” 

 Praise for Ginny Baird Paranormal Ghost Romance 
 The Ghost Next Door (A Love Story) "A fine suspense and you just won't believe how it ends." ~ Barbara Baker "The twist at the end took me by surprise! Great job to the author!" ~ Melinda Burchett "Wow...wow...wow!! I did not see that coming." ~ Mary Ann "This is a mind bender! Very well done!" ~ Sandra D. Griffin The Light at the End of the Road "A gripping tale with a hint of paranormal." ~ Dawn Pearson "New, refreshing twists and turns." ~ Anna Gibson "Ms. Baird has again exceeded any expectations." ~ Dianna Plano "Wow. I mean, WOW. This is not your normal romance..." ~ Anita Slaugh  


GinnyAuthor Ginny Baird 
  NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author Ginny Baird has published novels in print and online and received screenplay options from Hollywood for her family and romantic comedy scripts. She writes heartwarming contemporary romance about single women facing everyday challenges. Known for featuring holidays and family themes in her work, Ginny frequently portrays the struggles of single parents or others who've given up on finding true love. Ginny has two novella series, The Holiday Brides Series (holiday romance) and The Summer Grooms Series (summer romance), a Romantic Ghost Stories series (paranormal ghost romance), and additional single titles available. She is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author, a Top 10 Best Seller on Kindle, NOOK and iBooks, and a #1 Best Seller in several Romance and Women's Fiction categories. Visit Ginny's website www.ginnybairdromance.com to learn more about her and her books.
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 BookBlast Giveaway 
 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/6/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Friday, October 16, 2015

Lord Fenton's Folly: A Proper Romance by Josi Kilpack-Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

Lord Fenton's Folly (1) 


Lord Fenton's FollyProduct Description:
Title: Lord Fenton's Folly
Author: Josi Kilpack
Series: A Proper Romance
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (October 6, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1629720666

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




Book Description for:Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi Kilpack
  Lord Fenton is a gambler, a dandy, and a flirt-and he must marry or else he will be disinherited, stripped of his wealth and his position. He chooses Alice Stanbridge for two simple reasons: he once knew her as a young girl, and she is the least objectionable option available to him. However, Alice has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting ten years ago, and she believes his proposal is real. When she discovers it is not, she is embarrassed and hurt. However, a match with the most-eligible bachelor in London would secure not only her future but that of her family as well. Determined to protect herself from making a fool of herself a second time, Alice matches Lord Fenton wit for wit and insult for insult as they move toward a marriage of convenience that is anything but a happy union. Only when faced with family secrets that have shaped Fenton's life does he let down his guard enough to find room in his heart for Alice.

My Review:
This is not your typical regency Romance, and with that I think I really liked it for it's uniqueness. As for main characters in the story, we have Alice who is looking for someone to love her for who she is, and she is a strong woman. I loved how Alice handled the hardships in her life and how she handled her new husband who wasn't always actively trying to be part of their marriage. Lord Fenton, Charles, is quite the character. At first he is painted as quite the dandy who is always making foolish choices to embarrass his father. As the story rolls along, many truths come out that explain his choices and who he really is. We discover these truths right along with poor Alice who is confused about how Charles is acting. Let's just say that Alice is very patient with the man.

I love Charles's mother, Lady Chariton. She is a saint of a woman who has been putting up with her husband's infidelities all of their marriage. She loves her son and is very loving and kind to her new daughter in law. I warmed instantly to her and how kind she was to Alice. Alice never knew her own mother who died in childbirth when she was born, so  Lady Chariton touched Alice's heart from the beginning. 

The Romance: wow it's a struggle all of the way! It is a rough start once Alice realizes why Charles asked her to marry him. Their banter is mean and sometimes funny, but it also made me feel so sad and uncomfortable for both of them. Their marriage starts out with no love, but soon both Alice and Charles can't stop the attraction they feel for each other. This is where I really started liking the romance/story, but it doesn't come until about 3/4 of the way into the story...so be patient!

There are many surprises that are revealed around this same time in the book, which I will not tell you about, but you may be able to figure it out sooner. I had my suspicions about them earlier. The good thing is, the family surprises bring Charles and Alice together as a couple. It helps Charles realize much about his father, mother and himself. I can assure you that there will be tears here as you read. This was my favorite part of the book when so many tender feelings are shown for many "things". I wish I could say more but don't want to spoil it for you. The ending is very satisfying and also has my favorite line in the book, "Within the essence of connection she realized there was purpose in the waiting."  You will understand about that line, and hopefully you will agree that reading Lord Fenton's Folly is worth every minute it takes to read this clean, and proper romance.
 
  Excerpt:
 Fenton groaned and put his saucer back on the tray, making an instantaneous decision that eased his mind quite a lot. To look at every woman he met as a potential wife was irritating, and after only two weeks he was quite tired of it. Perhaps the solution was to orchestrate a match that would not lay all aspects of matrimony at his feet all at once. Perhaps treating it as a business arrangement would help it to be exactly that, thereby freeing him from all the discomfiting realities he was not yet prepared to face. 

"I leave for Fentonview on Tuesday and shan't be back for a week. Courting is such a boring prospect, and you yourself said that to become infatuated with anyone might become a complication." He paused, considered one last time what he was going to say next, and decided he felt as good about it as could be expected. "You like Alice Stanbridge and feel she would make a good wife for me?" 

Lady Chariton looked confused and perhaps a bit concerned. "I do, but-" 

 "Then that is good enough for me," Fenton said, rising to his feet and smiling broadly at his mother, who stared back at him in surprise. "I do find her appealing and what's more she is not a silly little thing without a practical thought in her head." His mother's eyes widened and her eyebrows rose upon her forehead. Fenton struck a pose of consternation, with his thumb and forefinger on his chin as he looked toward the window a moment, then nodded crisply and turned back to his mother who still looked shocked by his pronouncement.

 "Yes, I think that Alice Stanbridge is exactly what I should like in a wife, and so I shall see to it before I leave for Hampshire-I see no reason to wait until Michaelmas and might as well get it over with." He leaned in and kissed his mother's hand. "Thank you for your help, Mama. I shall let you know how she responds to my proposal."  
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Meet Author:Josi Kilpack
JosiJosi 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 credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Sheep's Clothing won the Whitney award for Mystery/Suspense in 207 and Wedding Cake, book twelve in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series won in 2014. Josi was also the Best of State winner in Fiction for 2012. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband, children and super-cute - but not very friendly - cat.
$25 Blog Tour giveaway


 $25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/29/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!!


 Welcome to the....
SPOOKTACULAR Giveaway Hop!

This is my favorite Giveaway hop of the year!
Thanks to Kathy@I Am A Reader for hosting this hop.
I'm giving away a $12.00 Amazon gift card
to one lucky winner.

This is open INT to all of my followers. 
Have a great spooky month and make sure to visit all of the
many blogs participating in this HUGE hop!
 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Online EBOOK Sale! 5 Days Only! October 12-16, 2015


It's time for the semi-annual Bookmarked Bargains ebook sale again! Dozens of ebooks are available for free or at drastically discounted prices! PLUS, BB is giving away a Reader's Party Pack worth over $175! You don't want to miss this! Hop on over to Bookmarked Bargains now to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway, and while you're there, pick up a few awesome books on sale!

Giveaway and sales prices are available this week only (Oct 12-16, 2015)





WELCOME TO THE FIVE DAY 
EBOOK SALE
where we bring you fantastic e- books at unbelievable prices.
And what's also amazing? You can enter to win a Reader's Party Pack!
 
October 12th to 16th (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
FIND a bargain on every page!
How does it work?
Browse through the tabs to find your favorite genres and authors. Feel the adrenaline rush as you click through each tab to discover FREE, 99-cent deals, and heavily discounted ebooks!

If going through each tab for your favorite genre isn't your thing:

Then AFTER you shop to your heart's content,
scroll to the bottom of ANY Bookmarked Bargains Page and fill out the Rafflecopter to sign up for our monthly Bookmarked Reader’s Newsletter containing new releases and bargain prices from our beloved authors at Indie Author Hub. Your information will always remain confidential. All names collected will be entered to win a Reader's Party Pack shipped right to your door.

Reader’s Party Pack:
$175 value. Designed for readers. Everything a reader needs to enjoy a good book--blankets, hot cocoa, and more!
 
Of course, you don't need to purchase any of the listed books in order to be eligible to win, but you might as well because they're awesome.

There's something on this list for everyone to enjoy, so let's get right to it! *Be sure to check the price of the book before you download so you know you're getting the sale price.*
 
 
 Who's Who and What's What in Each Category:
(Use links below or use the tabs above to find your favorite books and authors)
 
 
Below are all the genres and participating authors.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Rachel Branton, Donna K. Weaver, Tamara Passey, Lindzee Armstrong, Lisa Swinton, Rebecca Talley, Heather Tullis, Taylor Hart, Sariah Wilson 
NONFICTION
Rachelle J. Christensen, Connie E. Sokol, Ronda Hinrichsen, Annette Lyon 
FANTASY/ SCI FI
Theresa Sneed, Cheri A Schmidt, Kathleen Marks
YOUNG ADULT FICTION/ YA ROMANCE
Valerie Ipson,  Janette Rallison, Brittney Mulliner, Taylor Hart, Sariah Wilson
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Marsha Ward, Nichole Van, Joyce DiPastena
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION/ ROMANCE (LDS/ CHRISTIAN)
Vicki Hunt Budge, 
Stacy Lynn Carroll, Lydia Winters, Maria Hoagland, Connie Sokol, Tina Peterson Scott
MIDDLE GRADE
Anna del C. Dye, Annette Lyon, Tamara Hart Heiner, Loralee Evans, Monique Bucheger
YA FANTASY
Anna del C. Dye, Andrea Pearson, Julie Wright, Stephanie Fowers
SUSPENSE FICTION/ ROMANCE
Cami Checketts, Liz Adair,  Rachelle J. Christensen, Theresa Sneed, Janie Marie Hall 
ANTHOLOGIES
Lucy McConnell, Cami Checketts, Connie Sokol, Rachelle J. Christensen, Heather Tullis, Paige Timothy, Jo Noelle, Lindzee Armstrong, Stephanie Connelley Worlton, Ruth Roberts, Candice N. Toone, Laura D. Bastian, Kaye P. Clark, James C. Duckett, Cindy M. Hogan, Donna K. Weaver, Paige Timothy, Kaye P. Clark, Randy Lindsay, Janette Rallison, Stacey Carroll

Friday, October 9, 2015

The Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull - Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven
The Caretaker’s Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves.
Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.

My Review:
Fablehaven has always been one of my favorite series. It is special and so unique in it's characters and the storyline. I have found that fans of all ages love Fablehaven and this book will make all Fablehaven fans scream with delight! It was so exciting to be able to review an early e-copy of The Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven. This book is absolutely beautiful! It showcases the amazing talents of illustrator Brandon Dorman, who brings to life in colorful drawings and sketches all of the characters and creatures found in the Fablehaven series. There are many descriptions and notes from the characters, spilling details from the series for those who've never read them and for those of us who need to revisit them again. 

My family is such a huge fan of Brandon Mull's books, but especially this series. We will make sure that this book is a part of our already huge collection of Mull's work. With a new series of Fablehaven books coming out next year (YAY!), this guide will get you pumped up for the continuation of the world of Fablehaven.
Fablehaven Caretakers
Excerpt from Introduction:
If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create a Caretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.

Meet: Author Brandon Mull
Brandon Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.
 ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Brandon Dorman
Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Wizard. His work has appeared in childrens books and on numerous covers, including the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War series.
$25 Blog Tour giveaway
$25 Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/28/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway