The {Re} Model Marriage by Maria Hoagland-Review

Product Description:
Title: The {Re}Model Marriage
Series: Romance Renovations
Author: Maria Hoagland
Publisher: Red Leaves Press
Genre(s): Sweet Romance, Family Life, Women's Fiction, Clean Gentle Read
Vendors: Available in paperback and all e-book platforms.
Release Date: March 29, 2016
FTC, FYI,: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.  

 

 

 

Book Description:

From the outside, Kirk and Jamie appear to have a beautiful home and the perfect marriage. Inside, the aging Craftsman is falling apart, their marriage is crumbling from neglect, and Jamie Royce wants out! Kirk, on the other hand, isn’t ready to give up on either the house or their relationship.

With their divorce scheduled for the day after their daughter’s high school graduation, Jamie and Kirk have to fix the home’s problems to lift their selling price out of the basement. Working to renovate the home together, they discover secrets—in the home, in their marriage, and in the fertility clinic that helped give them their daughter—and find themselves questioning what true love really is.

My Review:
This was such a wonderful and fulfilling read. It made you think, laugh, cry and feel very happy. 

There were so many times as I read about main characters Jamie and Kirk I wondered if they would really be able to save their marriage. Through the years their old house has been falling apart, and to their dismay their marriage had been decaying too. With their only child getting ready to graduate from high school, Jamie felt like she had no life and had given her all the past eighteen years to her child. She didn't know who she was supposed to be now. Kirk felt that Jamie didn't love him anymore and wanted out of the marriage. The lacking communication and mixed signals they gave one another only managed to widen the divide between the couple. They would start working on their house to get it ready to sell, and they'd divorce when their daughter Kerrigan graduated and left home. 

The heart of the story was in the house and how Jamie and Kirk found each other again as they worked on rebuilding their home. Through this process they also found the love that had been lost the past twenty or so years. There were hidden secrets within the house that worked as magic to help this process move along. It was fun to read about all of the changes they made in the renovation of their home, but it was equally satisfying to see the changes that the couple made within themselves. 

There is a subplot about a fertility clinic that I won't get into, but it is one that brought some stress to the couple. I wish that this plot device had fully been resolved so they had known the truth. I know that Jamie, Kirk and Kerrigan decided against investigating the truth, but personally I wouldn't be able to rest unless I knew. My favorite part of the story had to do with love letters and I won't say anymore so as not to spoil the wonder and surprise when they appear in the story.

This novel was a fast read and has characters that your heart will ache and cheer for from the beginning. It's well written and will make you think about your own life, marriage, and family. The author doesn't shy away from real life happenings, but this adds to the authenticity of the plot. This women's fiction/romance is one you will want to put on your reading list for your Spring reading. 

Meet Author: Maria Hoagland:

When Maria Hoagland is not working at her computer, she can be found combing used furniture stores, remodeling houses with her husband, or sitting on the sideline of a son's soccer game. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals on her iPod. While she appreciates the home office she shares with her husband, Maria's favorite writing places are outdoors where there is sunlight and no internet. She and her husband and their children have lived in Idaho, Missouri, Ohio, Utah, and in six Texas cities.

Maria Hoagland has several published works including The {Re}Model Marriage, Home for the Holidays, Nourish & Strengthen, Family Size, and Whitney Award finalist, Still Time. Her prize-winning poems and short stories have been published in small magazines. Maria Hoagland earned a degree in English at Brigham Young University.

  Buy Your Copy Now! No need to Pre-Order!

Connect with Maria Hoagland:

To learn more about The {Re}Model Marriage and author Maria Hoagland, find her at the following places:

Website: mariahoagland.com

Mailing List (with free ebook): mariahoagland.com

Facebook: Maria Hoagland, Author

Twitter: Maria Hoagland

Pinterest: Maria Hoagland--The {Re}Model Marriage Inspiration Board

Renovation Blog: RomanceRenovations.blogspot.com

Book Blitz and Giveaway for: The League of Elder: Sygillis of Metatron by Ren Garcia

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

My blog:  http://thetempleoftheexplodinghead.com/

My facebook author page: The League of Elder by Ren Garcia

For ages League mothers have told their children terrifying stories about the Black Hats: the enemy, eager to slay anyone who falls into their grasp, always searching for their next victim.

Only the League’s ruling body, the Sisterhood of Light, has been able to counter their evil. When a Black Hat is taken prisoner aboard Captain Davage’s ship, the Sisters have every intention of executing her, to put her to a slow, painful death. That is what’s done to Black Hats, and no one dares challenge the Sisters’ authority. They are astounded when the Captain refuses to allow it.

Using his Gift of Sight, Captain Davage, the Lord of the Great House of Blanchefort, has gotten a glimpse of the Black Hat’s face, and is shocked. Though no one but a Sister would ever willingly face a Black Hat and hope to survive, he enters her cell.  

Make sure you get your copy today!

http://www.amazon.com/Sygillis-Metatron-League-Elder-Book-ebook/dp/B00KHTDHS6/

Top ten about Ren:

10:  Ren was once engaged to a woman 25 years his elder.

9:    Ren visited New York City and admired the World Trade Center towers just a month or so before the tragedy of 9/11.

8:    The FBI once put a gun in Ren's face.

7:    Bad hearts run in Ren's family. He's already outlived most of his paternal grandfathers, all of whom died in their 30's.

6:    Ren's poor eyesight went undiagnosed until he was in the 3rd grade. Up until that point, he was considered "mentally challenged".

5:    Ren broke his neck playing volleyball in college.

4:    Ren often sleeps on the floor, finding it more comfortable than the bed.

3:    Ren was once held at gunpoint and frisked by the guards of the Prince of Saudi Arabia.

2:    Ren was introduced to his wife via Match Makers International.

1:    In a vast extended family of exclusively brown-eyed people, Ren somehow managed to get blue eyes.

Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.

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  I Am A Reader Lori's Reading Corner Terah Edun, Author Jennifer Peel Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton inspiredbooksguide Simple Wyrdings TMBA Corbett Bonnie Blythe Pure Romance Bonnie Blythe Time Travel Romance Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages Carol Malone - Author Diana's Book Reviews Krysten Lindsay Hager author Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More Julie Coulter Bellon BookHounds Helen Smith 

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 Giveaway Details 

 $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 4/15/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. 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 authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

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Limited Edition Paranormal Boxed Set

20 New York Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Authors.

20 of today’s most magical, sought-after titles.

Yours for only $0.99.

Twenty Edgy Young Adult and New Adult Paranormal Tales

Twenty of today's favorite young adult and new adult authors have come together to bring you a collection packed with full-length, spellbinding reads sure to keep you keep you on the edge of your seat and up way past your bedtime! But reader beware: These novels take everything to the edge--and not just the edge of your seat. With authors who aren't afraid to push the boundaries, you get stories that take everything to limit, creating whimsical reads that teens can actually relate to and that adults can enjoy, too.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes

Pre-Order it today to save over fifty dollars from the cost of purchasing each book individually!

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What's Inside?

New York Times Bestselling Author

Riley J Ford, INTO YOU - What if you could know exactly what your friends are thinking? High school student Winter Reynolds can, but there's a catch... She can only read people's thoughts when she's kissing them.

USA Today Bestselling Authors

Rebecca Hamilton, THE FOREVER GIRL - When a spell Sophia casts goes wrong, her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

JC Andrijeski, THE CULLING - Jet grew up free, hiding out on Earth after it was conquered by an alien species, but now she might learn about her alien overlords the hard way.

Apryl Baker, THE PROMISE - Armed with kick-ass shoes, can CJ save the town from a maniacal coven leader, still get Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous, and somehow survive the darkness?

Angela Fristoe, WAKEN - If Janie hopes to survive the people of Everod, she'll need to confront who and what she really is.

April Aasheim, THE GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO BECOMING A DEMON - What's a nice girl to do when she develops horns...and a hunger?

Angel Lawson, WRAITH - Classmates think Jane Watt's is a freak, but she knows her best friend, Evan is real and needs her, even if he's dead.

Katie Salidas, PRETTY LITTLE WEREWOLF - This little werewolf is looking for her fur-ever home.

International Bestselling Authors Sarah Dalton, MARY HADES - Mary has a special relationship with the spirit world -- a connection that brings her face to face with her worst nightmares... Debbie Herbert, CHANGELING - A wannabe witch who sucks at spells must find her inner magic to nab a pixie serial killer. Shalini Boland, HIDDEN - When Maddy inherits a mansion, she also inherits something sinister in the basement. Falling in love has never been so dangerous. Eva Chase, CAUGHT IN THE GLOW - Assigned to protect a hot indie rocker from demons, the secret he's keeping puts Avery's heart and his soul on the line. Rachel McClellan, FRACTURED LIGHT - Discovering the strength of her power may cost Llona her life. Kimberly Loth, KISSED - Three Boys. Two Kisses. One Devastating Choice. Shannon Eckrich, OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER - Forever is only a portal away. H.D. Gordon, SHOOTING STARS - A tale of star-crossed lovers and magic. Stacy Claflin, SAVED BY A VAMPIRE - A new vampire must face something more ancient, powerful, and deadly than she ever imagined... Marissa Farrar, TWISTED DREAMS - Upon starting college, half-vampire Elizabeth hadn't expected to happen upon a travelling carnival, or sexy, dare-devil biker. Cindy Thomas, BECKON ME - Her heart...and her soul are on the line. Award Winning Author Laxmi Hariharan, THE MANY LIVES OF RUBY IYER - To become herself, Ruby must turn her back on everything she ever knew.

Blog Tour Giveaway 

 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/5/16 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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Secrets of the King's Daughter by Renae Weight Mackley-Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

 Product Details:

• Title: Secrets of the King's Daughter(A Book of Mormon Romance)
• Author: Renae Weight Mackley
  
• Genre: Historical Romance/Book of Mormon Time/Christian
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc (March 1, 2016)
• FTC, FYI: I was given a review paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.
  

 

 Book Description:
It was a relationship designed to unite not two young people in love, but two powerful kingdoms. And for Princess Karlinah, eldest daughter of King Lamoni, her marriage to the haughty heir to the throne of Jersusalem has led to a life of fear and abuse. There seems to be no escape—until her husband is murdered and Karlinah is unexpectedly free to return to her father’s kingdom. She can begin again—but no one can ever know of the part she played in the prince’s demise . . . Karlinah’s relief is short-lived, for upon her return to the land of Ishmael, she is once again swept into her father’s plans for a politically powerful marriage. Then the arrival of a young missionary in her father’s court changes everything: her family is converted to a new religion, and Karlinah is free to choose her path. Yet she is not so easily convinced by the words of Ammon—especially when repentance means confessing her crime. But as her faith grows and a young stone artisan captures her heart, Karlinah realizes that she must face the consequences of her past in order to move forward with her future.

My Review:
 I love to read books where stories from scriptures are brought to life. Secrets of a King's Daughter does a marvelous job of bringing to life the stories of Lamanite King Lamoni, and Ammon, a Nephite, who is on a mission to convert these people to God. 

The Princess Karlinah's story is where the novel starts. Her new husband, a prince in a neighboring kingdom has been murdered in his sleep. All we know is that somehow Karlinah is involved, but her secret is not divulged for a very long time. Karlinah returns to her family where she soon finds herself betrothed again now to the wicked priest Japethihah. He's so well written as a scummy and power hungry man that he made my skin crawl. Karlinah is not happy with her father's choice, but she hopes that he will not be abusive as her first husband was to her. 

I always find it amazing how a writer can weave a scriptural story in with made- up characters and make it so believable. Renae does this so well. I was immediately caught up in this story and the mystery and intrigue that was there. This book is a wonderful combination of action, suspense and romance. The conversion of King Lamoni and his wife was beautifully done as if I was reading the scriptures. Of course there was some liberty taken in dialogue and other happenings to enhance the overall story and plot. Those not familiar with The Book of Mormon will still be able to read this story and be pulled into the stories told from several different POV's. I liked how each of the stories were seamlessly interwoven, so nothing seemed choppy, but knitted together to make the overall story flow. I'm so impressed that this is the author's first published book. The writing is so well done and there is a very polished feel while reading this novel.

There are many messages that readers will take away from reading this book such as having hope, showing faith in unknown things,seeking forgiveness and accepting that one can repent and truly be forgiven. My teen daughter who usually shy's away from anything not fantasy, declared she wanted to read this next. 

I recommend this book to those who love historical fiction, romance, action and political intrigue. This book is also for those wanting a novel which brings stories from The Book of Mormon into a fictional setting and teaches about gospel principles in an interesting and non-preachy way. I can't wait to read book two in this series.

****Warnings:This book has some violence with sword fighting, some mild gore and dead bodies in the aftermath of battle. There is no profanity or sex. ****

 Meet author Renae Weight Mackley:

Renae Weight Mackley has lived in California and Utah, raised six children, and is thrilled to be in the grandmother stage. She knows that living in the world only gets harder with time. Her writing–from non-fiction to romance–reflects ways to shine through the darkness.
 
A stay-at-home mom for many years, Mackley invaded her children’s lives at school by becoming a K-12 substitute teacher for thirteen years. She found further fulfillment through creating music, sewing, and good home cooking, until rekindling her love of creative writing. After tasting two first place wins for the first chapter of Secrets of the King’s Daughter, she hungered to keep writing. Sometimes it’s hard to stop for dinner or bike rides with hubby.
 
Mackley graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS degree in Clothing and Textiles. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

-Author's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RenaeWMackley/

-Author's Blog: renaeswritespot.blogspot.com/


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*March 21st: 
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http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ 

*March 22nd: 
http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
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*March 23rd: 
http://www.littlelightdesigncollective.com/
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*March 24th: 
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*March 25th: 

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Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop! Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card! (Open INT)

 

 A BIG Welcome to all of you! 

This is the 

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop! 

Thanks to Mary at BookHounds for hosting this

fun giveaway hop! 

I'm making this simple and sweet.

I'm giving away a $10.00 Gift Card to Amazon.

Enjoy your Holiday and Spring Break

and make sure to enter the giveaway

down below on the Rafflecopter form. Then

make sure to visit the other blogs giving

away great things for this hop! 

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Edge Blog Tour and $25 Tour Giveaway: Limited Edition Paranormal Boxed Set

 

Limited Edition Paranormal Boxed Set

20 New York Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling Authors.

20 of today’s most magical, sought-after titles.

Yours for only $0.99.

Twenty Edgy Young Adult and New Adult Paranormal Tales

Twenty of today's favorite young adult and new adult authors have come together to bring you a collection packed with full-length, spellbinding reads sure to keep you keep you on the edge of your seat and up way past your bedtime! But reader beware: These novels take everything to the edge--and not just the edge of your seat. With authors who aren't afraid to push the boundaries, you get stories that take everything to limit, creating whimsical reads that teens can actually relate to and that adults can enjoy, too.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes

Pre-Order it today to save over fifty dollars 

from the cost of purchasing 

each book individually!  

What's Inside?

New York Times Bestselling Author:

Riley J Ford, INTO YOU - What if you could know exactly what your friends are thinking? High school student Winter Reynolds can, but there's a catch... She can only read people's thoughts when she's kissing them.

USA Today Bestselling Authors:

Rebecca Hamilton, THE FOREVER GIRL - When a spell Sophia casts goes wrong, her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

JC Andrijeski, THE CULLING - Jet grew up free, hiding out on Earth after it was conquered by an alien species, but now she might learn about her alien overlords the hard way.

Apryl Baker, THE PROMISE - Armed with kick-ass shoes, can CJ save the town from a maniacal coven leader, still get Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous, and somehow survive the darkness?

Angela Fristoe, WAKEN - If Janie hopes to survive the people of Everod, she'll need to confront who and what she really is.

April Aasheim, THE GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO BECOMING A DEMON - What's a nice girl to do when she develops horns...and a hunger?

Angel Lawson, WRAITH - Classmates think Jane Watt's is a freak, but she knows her best friend, Evan is real and needs her, even if he's dead.

Katie Salidas, PRETTY LITTLE WEREWOLF - This little werewolf is looking for her fur-ever home.

International Bestselling Authors
Sarah Dalton, MARY HADES - Mary has a special relationship with the spirit world -- a connection that brings her face to face with her worst nightmares... Debbie Herbert, CHANGELING - A wannabe witch who sucks at spells must find her inner magic to nab a pixie serial killer. Shalini Boland, HIDDEN - When Maddy inherits a mansion, she also inherits something sinister in the basement. Falling in love has never been so dangerous. Eva Chase, CAUGHT IN THE GLOW - Assigned to protect a hot indie rocker from demons, the secret he's keeping puts Avery's heart and his soul on the line. Rachel McClellan, FRACTURED LIGHT - Discovering the strength of her power may cost Llona her life. Kimberly Loth, KISSED - Three Boys. Two Kisses. One Devastating Choice. Shannon Eckrich, OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER - Forever is only a portal away. H.D. Gordon, SHOOTING STARS - A tale of star-crossed lovers and magic. Stacy Claflin, SAVED BY A VAMPIRE - A new vampire must face something more ancient, powerful, and deadly than she ever imagined... Marissa Farrar, TWISTED DREAMS - Upon starting college, half-vampire Elizabeth hadn't expected to happen upon a travelling carnival, or sexy, dare-devil biker. Cindy Thomas, BECKON ME - Her heart...and her soul are on the line.  

Award Winning Author 
 Laxmi Hariharan, THE MANY LIVES OF RUBY IYER - To become herself, Ruby must turn her back on everything she ever knew.  

 

Blog Tour Giveaway 

 $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/31/16 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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Book Blitz and Giveaway for Fighting for Control by Melynda Prince (Hosted by Loving The Book)

We are so excited to have Melynda Price back with us for the third book in her series.

Melynda Price is a multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance. What Price enjoys most about writing is the chance to make her readers fall in love, over and over again. She cites the greatest challenge of writing is making the unbelievable believable, while taking her characters to the limit with stories full of passion and unique twists and turns. Salting stories with undertones of history whenever possible, Price adds immeasurable depth to amazingly well-crafted books.

She currently lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and two children where she has plenty of snow-filled days to curl up in front of the fireplace with her Chihuahua and a hot cup of coffee to write.

https://www.facebook.com/melynda.price.9

https://twitter.com/MelyndaPrice1

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5784515.Melynda_Price

"For Nikko “The Bull” Del Toro, an ex-marine turned MMA fighter, only two things quiet the demons raging inside him—facing an opponent in the cage…and the memory of his hottest one-night stand. But when his PTSD resurfaces, causing him to lose control at a CFA press party, it’s his career that may be KO’d.

Dr. Violet Summers is stunned to discover her newest patient is the man who rocked her world—and put her heart in a clinch after her nasty divorce. She’s determined to delve deep into the darkness that haunts him and to keep all further encounters strictly professional.

Nikko doesn’t want a shrink. What he needs is Violet. With the memory of their passion blazing between them, it’s only a matter of time before they give in to desire. Can Violet help save this surly fighter from his own personal nightmare? Or will he forfeit his career and his last chance at love?

Grab your copy today!
http://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Control-Against-Cage-Book-ebook/dp/B017182AR4/

Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1676186942648751/

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Swan and Shadow: A Swan Lake Story by Kaki Olsen -Blog Tour Review

 

Product Details:

• Title: Swan and Shadow: A Swan Lake Story
• Author: Kaki Olsen
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Genre: fairytale, young adult
• Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (March 8, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1462118143
• FTC, FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Details:
Aislin is cursed. A regular college student at night and a swan during the day, Aislin can only break the curse by finding her true love. But when her beloved discovers the truth, will his fear override their love? This modern adaptation of Swan Lake will help you discover what love really means.

My Review:

I have liked many of the fairy tale re-tellings that have been written the past several years. I was looking forward to reading this one too. It started off exciting, but a bit confusing, I couldn't always tell who the POV was from. The story is being told from the POV of twins sisters Aislin and Maeve, the problem is you aren't sure which is which. You go through several chapters before the characters are truly introduced and you find out what is happening. 

Twin, Aislin, who has become a victim of the ancient family curse, turns into a swan during the day and back into a human at night. She needs true love to break the curse. Her whole family supports her by coming to her rescue when she gets into trouble or is hurt because of the curse.The twin sisters, despite everything that is happening, have a very close relationship. I loved the way that they were so loyal to each other. I only wish that the magic of the curse had played a bigger part of the story. The plot has so much potential that was wasted.The bulk of the story is about things normal teens worry about: boyfriends, make-up, clothes, hanging out with friends and going to school. I think that teens will like the story and be able to relate to much of the story and the normal teen-age angst running throughout the story. Adults will be less patient with the story and the ending where Aislin finally spills the beans about the curse to her boyfriend,but there is no true resolution,which in turn leads towards a sequel. I hope that the sequel explores more of the magical side of the curse.

Meet the Author:Kaki Olsen

 Kaki Olsen is always on the brink of another adventure. If she couldn't be a writer, she'd be a full-time musician or travel guide and she would take her lunch breaks at Fenway Park. Until that happens, she speaks both Spanish and English at her every-day office job, but she has vacationed enthusiastically in such places as Istanbul and Ireland. She has lived in five states, but will always refer to Boston as home.

She regularly contributes academic papers on zombies or wizards to Life, the Universe and Everything, a sci-fi/fantasy symposium originated at her alma mater, Brigham Young University. Her published works have appeared in such magazines as Voices and AuthorsPublish.She is a doting aunt and librarian of two bulging bookshelves.

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Fun Facts from Kaki: 

"I don't actually know when I saw Swan Lake for the first time. I remember dancing the dying swan in the ice cream aisle at Safeway in Lake Oswego, OR with my best friend when I was 9. The first time I remember seeing Swan Lake was with the Boston Ballet at the Wang Center when I was 11. Mom picked me up from the annual Stringfest and I loved the dancing more than the plot. I saw it with the American Ballet Company at Lincoln Center in NYC when I went there for vacation a few years ago, but the last time I saw Swan Lake live was at BYU. They had two different people doing Odette/Odile, which is unusual, but it's one of the most convincing Odiles I've ever seen."

 "Today's trivia is about names/heritage: In a really fun interview I did over the weekend, I was asked why I put a girl under a Romanian curse, but gave her a very Irish background. The original reason for this is that I decided to browse bird-related surnames of the world and stumbled across Byrne, which means "raven." Since Boston is so darn Irish (Our basketball team is the Celtics, for crying out loud!), I decided that worked very well. I immediately looked up my favorite Irish names. One of them took me back to 9th grade, when I helped out at a neurology symposium in Boston. Most of my duties involved handing people nametags or helping them pay admission. I met a 6-year-old girl whose parents were attending and she told me her name was Aislin. I thought it was the prettiest thing I'd ever heard. When I went looking for good Irish things to call my character, I found that her name means "dream." Maeve means "intoxicating." Around the time that I was writing the book, Kate told me that she could see the sisters having an annoying older brother and, mostly inspired by a good friend who is part git and part therapist, I wrote Brendan (whose name means "prince") as the third kid in the family. A few weeks later, I was in the Crest and Arms shop in Dublin, looking at heraldry, and discovered that the Byrne shield has three hands on it. I decided that it was a sign that there had been meant to be three kids."

Author Spotlight-Brandy Nacole: Author of the Shadow World and the Spiritual Discord Series

       ...✯ ¸.•*¨)

✮ (¸.•´✶Author Brandy Nacole...✯ ¸.•*¨)

Gemini Brandy Nacole is a writer of urban fantasy books. She is the author of the Shadow World series and the Spiritual Discord series published by Ponahakeola Press. A reader from a young age, Brandy has always loved folklore and stories of beings that go bump in the night. 

Brandy lives in Arkansas with her husband, three never stopping kids, two snooty cats, two very lazy bearded dragons, and one mellow turtle. She is a member of the Ozark Romance Authors in Springfield, Missouri. Whenever she’s not reading or writing, Brandy is spending her time outdoors wheeling, hiking, playing amateur photographer, and enjoying a good laugh.

~DEEP IN THE HOLLOW~

Let me share some wisdom with you. There is evil in this world we cannot see, not because it is hidden from us, but because our minds refuse to accept its existence. But once we are able to get past what everyone says should not be, it becomes our responsibility to stop the evil we now see.

This insight wasn’t given to me until a year after I lost the most important person in my life: Bryce Rowan. Now, after another death at the same spot where he died—the overlook, where the mysterious lights dance amongst the trees—I begin to wonder if they were accidents after all. 

Lucky for me, I’m not the only curious one in town. Cooper, a ghost hunter (aka chaser), and his sister Jada have moved to town and are starting to ask questions.

But the more we find out about this town and the people who live here, people who I have known my whole life, the more I begin to think there are those who would rather keep the evil secret, even if it means we will never be safe, and that more will die.



5 STARS
“It was my first book by Brandy and boy did I enjoyed it! Just WOW! I loved this story! Fast paced, mysterious, with awesome guy and strong heroine” ~Ewelina

5 STARS
“This is an interesting, well written novel that I could not put down until I had finished!” ~Jennifer N.

5 STARS
“Wow!!! I really liked this book. Jo is a very strong girl who's grieving in her own way." ~Paula G.

5 STARS
“This book was nothing like I had thought it would be. It was better. You start out with Jo, knowing something happened to her, but not understanding or knowing what.” ~ Dana B.



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¸.•*´¨)SPIRITUAL DISCORD SERIES¸.•*´¨)

BROKEN FAITH Book #1

This was it. The moment Heaven and Hell would clash. But which unearthly being would win, the fallen angel or Hell’s hounds?

Overtaken by fear, I close my eyes.

Kayson is a Fallen Angel who has spent decades running from the Hell Hounds while searching for something that no one else believes can be so, not even God. Kayson is determined to find a Blood Child. But when a hound finds Kayson first, he is sure his end has come.

Falon, Alpha of the Hell Hounds, destroyer of the blood children, and devoted believer in his master’s plan, is bound and determined to drag Kayson back to Hell with him.

Sabrina is a Vampire, a half-breed created from one of Lucifer’s original blood children. After years of hiding, Sabrina’s fate changes when she finds Kayson barely alive. Against her instincts, Sabrina saves him. Now she and Kayson are both marked by the Hell Hounds.

Emma is an ordinary human, whose only problem is making ends meet, and getting over the hurt caused by her untrustworthy brother. Her everyday problems become supernatural ones when she finds Kayson and Sabrina hiding in her parent’s backyard shed.

Kayson, Sabrina and Emma are unlikely allies, thrown together by chance to fight against the most powerful creatures of the underworld in order to follow their world-changing quest. But will the broken faith of one break the faith of all?



5 STARS
“One Of the Best Books So Far This Year!!! OMG! Brandy Nacole never seems to disappoint~! This was AMAZING!!! In this new Spiritual, Supernatural twist, has took me on a ride like NO other and BLOWN ME AWAY! Just like all the other books Brandy has written! This one Truly ROCKED!” ~Alicia

5 STARS
“Great read, did not want to put it down when I had to stop to serve customers” ~GRANOF15

5 STARS
“I couldn't put this book done. Its the ultimate battle good vrs evil. I love the characters. Your heart goes out to what they battle with. Your one the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next.”
 ~A Whole New World Through Books



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RAGING STORM Book #2

After Kayson fell from heaven, his
life got complicated. His greatest enemies, the hell hounds, thrived on Earth and hunted not only the fallen but the blood children created by their Master. After being chased and confronted by one of those very creatures, Kayson’s life becomes even more complicated. He never expected to be rescued by a vampire named Sabrina. He also never expected to become her protector after she falls prey to a hell hound’s deadly bite.

Falon, head of the hell hounds, has been desperately trying to hunt down Kayson and Sabrina but with the rain steadily falling—due to interference by the lower-realm Angels, also known as the assemblies—Falon grows irritated. His only option is to threaten those that may know where the fallen can be found. 

With the threat of the hounds finding Kayson and the other fallen, Kayson is running out of time. Stille, once a respected Warrior in the assemblies, is pushing Kayson to leave an unconscious Sabrina behind. After all Sabrina has done for him, Kayson refuses to abandon her. But will his decision leave his friends vulnerable to attack?

Sabrina is conscious enough to sense the struggles that Kayson is facing. If he knew the torture she’s been going through, she knows he would suffer even more. Sabrina silently fights the darkness that is seeping into her dreams, while struggling to stay strong for Kayson. But when the pain becomes too much, Sabrina has to make a choice that may cost not only her life, but the lives of others as well.



5 STARS
“I couldn't but it down. I love the characters in this book. You find yourself on edge, wondering what's going to happen next. On to the next book” 
~A Whole New World Through Books

4 STARS
“So this was another really fabulous addition to the series. … A strength of the first book that continues into this book is that the characters are very well drawn. Each character has distinct and different personality traits, and they hold to those traits very consistently.” 
~ S.L. Sorensen



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DARKEST REACHES Book #3

Kayson and the other fallen angels have risked their lives to keep Sabrina safe as she recovered from a Hell hound’s bite. Just when she began to improve, Hell was unleashed as the hounds attacked, and kidnapped Sabrina. 

Now, only days after the fight between the fallen and the hounds, Kayson is determined to find Sabrina and bring her back from Hell. The only thing standing in his way is a dangerous fallen angel named Iraja. Iraja has the means to find Sabrina,
but he doesn’t do favors without a price. 

Sabrina is now facing the nightmare she’s been running from since being turned into a vampire a century ago: her eternal condemnation to Hell. Knowing her only chance of survival may rest by playing nice and turning Hell hound Falon against Lucifer, Sabrina gives into the bitter darkness and now has to fight to remember the good soul she truly is. But when she discovers the role her and the innocent human Emma are forced to play, will her fear get the better of her, and will she be lost forever?

In the third installment of the Spiritual Discord series, the will to survive is tested, worst fears become a reality, and for one, betrayal becomes the only option.



5 STARS

“I want more :) I'm so hooked on this series. Just don't know what's going to happen next. Then I felt guilty because I started liking Fallon. You get to see more of his personality in this book. I can't wait to see what happns next."
 ~ A Whole New World Through Books




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