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 »

Sunday, May 5, 2013

New Release: The Buttersmith's Gold (A Novella) by Adam Glendon Sidwell

I'm so excited to tell you about the new book in the Evertaster series!!

Book Description:
BATTLES. BLUEBERRIES. BOVINES.
TORBJORN AND STORFJELL’S HISTORY UNFOLDS IN AN EPIC EVERTASTER NOVELLA.
Everyone knows the most coveted treasure of the Viking Age was blueberry muffins. Blueberry muffins so succulent that if you sniffed just a whiff, you’d want a whole bite. If you bit a bite, you’d want a batch; if you snatched a batch, you’d stop at nothing short of going to war just to claim them all.

Young Torbjorn Trofastsonn comes from the clan that makes them. He’s a Viking through and through – he’s thirteen winters old, larger than most respectable rocks, and most of all, a Buttersmith. That’s what he thinks anyway, until a charismatic merchant makes Torbjorn question his place among the muffin-makers. 

When Torbjorn lets the secret of his clan’s muffin recipe slip, he calls doom and destruction down upon his peaceful village and forces his brother Storfjell and his clansmen to do the one thing they are ill-prepared to do: battle for their lives.

About The Buttersmiths’ Gold
The Buttersmiths’ Gold is a spin off novella in the Evertaster series that tells the story of two Viking brothers and their adventurous past. The Evertaster series (Book #1 released June 14, 2012) is about Guster Johnsonville, who goes searching for a legendary taste rumored to be the most delicious in all of history. Along the way he meets a slew of mysterious characters, including two Viking brothers Torbjorn and Storfjell. The Buttersmiths’ Gold is their story. 124 pages. By Adam Glendon Sidwell. Published by Future House Publishing.

If you’re interested in checking out Book 1, here is what it’s all about:
A legendary taste. Sought after for centuries. Shrouded in secrecy.
When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.
Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late. 

Purchase on

Amazon


Friday, May 3, 2013

Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan-Review and Giveaway

Tour Schedule

 Product Details

  • Paperback: 416 pages
  • Publisher: inMotion Capitol (October 31, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0983472947
  • ISBN-13: 978-0983472940
fields new 
Book Description:

From the Back Cover

First Love

First Secret

First Heartbreak

I never imagined myself in the arms of a stranger.
My dad would kill me for sure if he found out about us.
But it doesn't even matter because I willingly risk my life everyday just to see him.
           
 How can love mend a heart full of hate? Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings. Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

Excerpt:
“Don’t move! I’ll get you,” Victor shouted and came around on his Ducati. “Give me your hand.”
I wasn’t panicking at all, though I should have been, considering what had just happened. I lay on my side, hands on the ground in front of me and watched the first sunbeam that reached the tip of the crystal. My mouth opened and my eyes stopped blinking. I breathed slowly and hollowly, feeling the tightness in my chest.
“Come on!” Victor yelled with the deepest, strongest voice I’d ever heard from him.
Though I could hear the words, I didn’t have the power to move my sight away. It was truly hypnotic and I was falling under its affect.
The light moved forward, toward us, and the jutting out part of the crystal was under full sunshine. The sparkling brightness started to spread toward the bottom, lighting up the entire cave. I noticed hundreds of lighteaters standing at the edge of the indentations.
“Now!” Victor shouted again, and crashed the side of the Ducati onto the cliff. For a second my mind cleared and I wondered what was going on. I reached for Victor’s hand and he pulled me up behind him. In a hurry he spun us around and I looked down once more, just in time to see something unforgettable, something that would give me nightmares for the rest of my life.
  

My Review:
This novel has everything I like in a book. A strong female protagonist, a moody good looking boyfriend, a mysterious world and enough action to make things exciting. The world of Arkana is such a beautiful place, with such intriguing scenery and animal life. Molly goes through changes in the novel that help her overcome her shyness and help her gain courage in facing dangers and every day occurrences. She has over protective parents which is nice to see in a YA novel. I liked how she learned to get along with them and tried to gain their trust.

The love story is slow going which I also really liked. It wasn't instant attraction for both where they fall into each others arms. I liked how it took some time before things fell into place. With Victor's hatred towards Earth people, this made some added conflict which I actually liked. 

This book was a great read and I will let my teen daughter read it next. Fields of Elysium has beautiful descriptions that will transport you to this new world.  
 
PRAISE "The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews "I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers "Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite "I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga "Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight





Meet:Author A.B. Whelan 
A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California. While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.
 
  




$25 Tour Giveaway Ends 5/15/13 
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, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Book Blast and $50 GIveaway for Trail of Bones by Chris Salisbury

trail of bones
Trail of Bones
Ready for a new adventure? Are you a fan of fantasy, young adult, science fiction and action stories?
“No mercy, No rules - Welcome to the Trail of Bones!”
Run with Purpose – battle cry of the Shade Wolves
Magnus, the runt of a litter of Shade Wolves, wants nothing more than to be a loyal, strong member of the pack. But when an ancient enemy threatens his friends and family, he faces a choice that could tear him from all he's known and loved. Born in captivity, the giant panther Kelor knows nothing but suffering and loss. He struggles to find his place in this world of terror, and he battles to protect his family without succumbing to the darkness lurking inside him. Falling captive to the evil Warden, the two are forced to fight in the battle of the beasts known as 'The Trail of Bones'. How will Kelor and Magnus learn to work together? How will they escape a fate of despair and death? How will their choices affect their comrades? Their enemies? And the forgotten magic that could doom all life of their world? Let the adventures begin!
A fun, exciting, clean read for teens, young adults, adults and readers of all ages. Pick up your copy of this fantasy adventure today!
Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan, Orson Scott Card, Jim Butcher and other fantasy and science fiction authors? You’ll feel right at home with Trail of Bones. This fantasy story offers a strong moral message, suspense, action, and mystery, in a world full of magic, unlikely heroes, and devious villains.
Book Trailer
Editorial Reviews Salisbury is a rising star in genre fiction. This book makes a unique and exciting contribution in the fantasy realm. The first of great things to come. --Jake Black, "The Authorized Ender Companion" "Smallville" "Ender's Game: Recruiting Valentine" Amazon Reviews Conclusion: A fantasy adventure that features lots of action and intrigue that is geared to a YA audience. There are moments in this tale that are especially well done... story telling at a level that I'd be interested to see what this author would do with an adult orientated fantasy work. As a dedicated YA work... 5 Stars. ~ Ray Nicholson The beginning of a great adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book of the Trail of Bones series. It is an unpredictable adventure, with heartwrenching acts of love and friendship. The story ended before I was prepared to put my Kindle down, and now I will wait anxiously for the second book to be published. In the meantime, I think I'll read it again with my eleven-year-old son; I'm sure he'll love it as much as I do. Give it a read! ~ HRL Enthralling story line that really pulls you in …The characters were some that I will not easily forget because he explains their background in a way that makes the reader really connect and believe they are real. He creates a world that I long to see. I really grew to both love and hate different characters. I think that is a sign of a really great author when they can make us feel so much emotion towards a character. ~ Janason
About Chris Salisbury
Chris Salisbury has been writing fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and action thrillers for years in independent films. Now he’s expanded his love of good movies, such as Gladiator, Counte of Monte Cristo, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Star Trek, to the world of books. Trail of Bones is the first book in a planned four part fantasy, young adult series targeted at readers of all ages.
The father of four enjoys a wide range of interests from scuba diving to softball, coaching basketball to playing Battlefield 3 on his Xbox 360 or NCAA Football with his sons. He is also a big advocate for literacy and reading for young boys. There seem to be few titles that appeal to young boys and young men to hold their attention, trigger their imaginations and create a love of reading. Chris is out to change that.
In addition to the Trail of Bones series, he also has a number of other titles in development including historical fiction, action, suspense thrillers, and several science fiction properties. There’s a lot more on the horizon, so enjoy Trail of Bones but be sure to look for more captivating titles from Chris Salisbury in the near future.
trail of bones tour
Book Blast Giveaway
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Ends 5/24/13
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

January Black by Wendy S. Russo-Review and Giveaway

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Book Description:January Black

 Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma. More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple. What was January Black? It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He's been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost...or call the king’s bluff.  

My Review
 One of my favorite quotes in the book was this, "Old books are like people," Matty's grandmother had told him when he was young. "They are more than the sums of the words within. They have unique histories and personalities that change with time. Each one has a spirit that attracts its kindred souls within readers."

In January Black we find a world of the future in another land/world that is similar to Earth. So much of this book is a mystery for 3/4 of the book. Slowly secrets are unraveled and the plot starts making more sense. There are some scary things that hit close to home. These people have lost their freedoms and the government has taken over control of their lives. It's interesting to see the whys behind this part of the story.

There is a nice teen romance between Matty and Iris. It felt real as their friendship grew into love. 

January Black is a very well written YA novel that has a fascinating world built by Wendy Russo. It does has a slow start, but if you hang in there you are in for some mind blowing revelations near the end.




Purchase January Black at these locations...

Praise:
~Refreshingly intelligent and loads of fun! I lost a few hours as I read this book. It's a Young Adult novel that is refreshingly and astonishingly intelligent, and the love story is perfectly played out. 
~Christine Ashworth, Amazon Review The mystery was intriguing - I loved how Wendy Russo weaved in all her secrets throughout the book, how she incorporated just enough to keep you reading, while never actually divulging much of anything. I was guessing for most of it and that's pretty hard to make me do. ~Julie, Clean Teen Reads Wendy Russo has created a masterpiece. ~Ivan Amberlake,Author

   Book Trailer
 


Meet Author Wendy S. Russo:
Wendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, taken a course on short novels, and watched most everything ever filmed by Quentin Tarantino. A Wyoming native transplanted in Baton Rouge, Wendy works for Louisiana State University as an IT analyst. She’s a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.  
More Information:
  Blog Tour Giveaway
 $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/8/13 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, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   
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Monday, April 29, 2013

Book Blast and $50 Giveaway for Alexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit by Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

Alexander Drake new coverAlexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit

Meet Alexander Drake, a curious young man living in a drab, oversized mansion with his secretive father. He spent his days playing alone. In the back of his mind he wondered what happened to his mother, and why his father was tight-lipped about the past; but secrets have a way of getting out. It all started with a stay at his grandmother’s cottage. Alexander found strange clues tucked away in his father’s old bedroom. With a mysterious key and several maps in his pack he set off on an innocent search for answers about his family. When he discovered a secret passageway the search took a dramatic turn. He suddenly worried about what was searching for him. Alexander was being hunted by a sorcerer from his father’s past. Answers lead to more questions and the journey of his life. Join Alexander for a thrilling adventure in Azra’s Pith, a place of beauty and magic… but beware—something evil lurks in the shadows.  

Amazon

   

General drake new coverThe Return of General Drake

When Alexander arrived in Verhonia, something went terribly wrong. A dark spell delivered from the mountains of Acadia sent him on a dangerous journey in the middle of the night. As he marched into the mountains, the great city of Verhonia was ambushed and burned to the ground by Roman's army of vicious giant murks. With the safety of the realm in jeopardy, General John William Drake was asked to come back to Azra's Pith. He swore he would never return. But after discovering his son was under a spell and in the grips of a dark sorcerer, he had no choice. Things take a wild turn in the mountains, with runaways, a hungry wolf and a mysterious, young empyrean wizard thrown into the adventure. A tight race against time and evil is in full swing. With faith and a little magic, they just might come out on top.  

Publisher

  alexander tour

Tour Schedule

 

lizzieAuthor Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

Being the frizzy-haired tomboy with buck teeth gave me a slight case of shyness as a kid. A colorful imagination meant escape and adventure at the drop of a hat. Over the years I learned that the insecurities I carried around were a waste of time. I still prefer a football game to a manicure any day of the week. That indispensable imagination has found its way into my writing providing a sense of joy and a true purpose.  

Website * Twitter * Facebook

   

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/15/13   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Gift Ideas for Mothers Day: The Art of Motherhood, Covenant Motherhood and Heaven Help Us-A Humorous Look At Womanhood

Mother's Day is in a few weeks. It's time to start looking for that perfect present for your Mom. If she is a reader, you might want to consider one or all of these books published by Covenant books. I have been reading them for the past several weeks and enjoyed them so much. They have made me laugh and cry. I have been reminded of my sacred call of being a Mother. If you are looking for a more serious book or one full of humor, you will find just that in one of these books.


  

 

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 112 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 1st edition (March 1, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1621083373
  • ISBN-13: 978-1621083375

 

 

 

 

   

 Book Description 

 Laugh and cry with thirty of your favorite LDS authors in this richly illustrated book as they share unforgettable true stories of mothers and mothering from their own family relationships. These vivid scenes some lovely, some poignant, some hilarious remind us that no other human experience packs more emotion, learning, anxiety, and satisfaction into every moment of everyday than motherhood. Each piece offers a different perspective on the joys and challenges of this role and illustrates mothering as an art of empathy, endurance, and unparalleled promise. In motherhood, a woman has a tiny glimpse of the powerful feelings experienced by our Heavenly Parents, through it she is magnificently prepared for exaltation with the family she diligently serves.

Some of my favorite stories were by authors Jeffrey Savage, Heather B. Moore, Melanie Jacobson and Sarah Eden. One story will have you laughing and the next will have you crying. I liked how you can pick up the book and read one story in the extra 10 minutes you have before dinner. The beautiful cover also draws you in before you even read one story. 



Product Details

  • Author: Stephanie Dibb Sorensen
  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 1st edition (March 1, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1621083179
  • ISBN-13: 978-1621083177
  • FTC FYI: I received review copies of all of these books in exchange for an honest review.  


 Book Description
Even the most devoted mom can feel overwhelmed and discouraged in the daily trenches of family service. But she can find power in her seemingly endless and ordinary tasks when she sees how they symbolize her covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. In this insightful exploration of domestic life, Stephanie Dibb Sorensen shows how everything a mother does, from folding laundry and washing dishes to refereeing arguments and taking temperatures, is designed to bear record of the Savior s atoning mission. Through scriptural exploration and personal experience, she illustrates how the ongoing chaos of an active home enables a mother to develop the Lords attributes as a creator, teacher, healer, provider, and cleanser thus giving her the opportunity to do for her family, on a smaller scale, what Christ does for the human family.
This book gave me so many reminders about the importance of my job as a Mother. Some times the busy parts of life make us lose focus. This book helped me realize how much Christ can help us as we parent our children daily.

Product Details

  • Author: Kari J. Rich
  • Paperback: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (February 29, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1608618722
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608618729

Book Description 

LDS women work hard for many people in many places, striving every day to do and be their best, but how often do they get to simply sit back and LOL? In this collection of wry and witty essays, one modern Mormon mom turns ordinary predicaments into awesome opportunities to lighten up and look at life with a laugh. Whether she's busting through red tape to get medical assistance for her injured son, celebrating the birth of her child by losing her lunch on the bathroom floor, or having an off-beat adventure in the residue of Mormon culture found at the D.I., Kari J. Rich uncovers the hilarity that lurks in everyday situations. See her thwart self-pity with self-deprecation as she rediscovers her testimony in a can of tuna, loses touch with her children by joining the PTA, gets chased down by a hawk on her bike, unknowingly turns into her father on Memorial Day, and battles the family hierarchy at the height of the holiday season. There's more than frivolity on these pages, golden nuggets of wisdom do surface on occasion. But don't worry, they pass quickly. Kari's much more concerned with just finding joy in this experience we call womanhood.

 This book had me LOL so much! There are so many stories that I could relate to. If we look at our lives with our children, we can see how many humorous moments there truly are. This book reminds you to laugh along the way as you raise your children.

Here is where you can purchase any of these books!

Kari J. Rich
Best Price $0.01
or Buy New $11.99
Stephanie Dibb Sor...
Best Price $10.99
or Buy New $11.98
Assorted
Best Price $17.99
or Buy New $19.99
 

  

Friday, April 26, 2013

David's Song by A.R. Talley-Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

davids tour
 

Book Description: David's Song

Taken from the book cover: Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is Munexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience. A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-doubt and personal inadequacy. 

Excerpt from David's Song  

“It’s an amazing city,” he said when he saw me look out the window.  I didn’t reply.   “You’re uncomfortable,” he added.  “Why don’t you come and sit down.  We have some hors d’oeurves.”
I turned and looked at him. “What do you want from me tonight?”
          He paused before speaking.  “I hoped we could catch up some and maybe clear the air a little. It’s been a long time,” he said, as if I didn’t know it had been fifteen years.
          I walked over and joined him at the table, unceremoniously dropping into the chair.  He sat down across from me.
          “Okay, go ahead, clear,” I said.
          “I don’t remember you being quite so hostile,” he said with a twinkle.
          “Can’t say that I remember feeling so defensive.”
          “How about if we just talk, enjoy a nice meal, and then I will sufficiently grovel at your feet.”
          “Groveling’s good.  Why don’t we just get it over with now?”  Then I could leave, be done with this nonsense and enjoy the rest of my vacation.  He took a deep breath and laughed lightly.
          “Annie, please, I’m eating humble pie here tonight.  Can we do it my way?” 
          I looked at him across the table without smiling.  I didn’t want to give in no matter how sweetly and sincerely he asked.  I didn’t want to make anything easy for him.
          “I see.  You’re used to getting your own way now, huh?”
          He grinned. “Maybe so.”
          “Why spoil a good dinner?  Let’s go straight to dessert right now,” I said.  “Groveling sounds like a delicious treat.”
          “My way?” he asked again, trying to be charming.
          “If you insist,” I replied, grudgingly.
          He offered me the plate of stuffed mushrooms.  I declined.
          “So how do you like teaching school?” he asked.
.         “I like it well enough.”
          “As I recall, you seemed to think it would suit you well.  Does it?”
          “It’s a job.  I like teaching, but you know every year I get a new group of kids, and I get really attached to them and when June comes around they all . . . leave me.”
          He choked a little on his mushroom.  “Couldn’t let that little dig go, could you?”
          This time I smiled back at him and said, “Whatever do you mean?”  There was no way on earth I was going to let him take me off the defensive.  Not with his charming talk or his smile or even those cursed blue eyes.  This was closure.  Wasn’t that what Carolyn said?   And maybe a little bit of payback, too.
          “So how do you like performing?” I asked in the same condescending tone he had used.
          “I like it well enough,” he said in echo to my earlier response.  I knew he was trying to return my indifference, but he couldn’t hide the smile when he said it.
          “As I recall, you seemed to think it would suit you well,” I said.  “Does it?”
          At this he laughed. “Okay, okay, I surrender.  This is like dancing with a cobra,” he added under his breath.  “I like performing most of the time.  But there are certainly days when I think I should have chosen something different.  I could be some obscure professor at a university teaching music.”
          “Well, that’s not all it’s cracked up to be either.”
          He chuckled.  “This from the girl who wanted to be a teacher.”
          “Not exactly. More from the wife of an academic.  Jeremy teaches at a small college in Ohio.  It has its challenges, believe me, long hours and little pay.  Nothing nearly as fine as this,” I said, glancing around the room.   He chuckled again and leaned toward me in his chair.
          “It’s a prison,” he said quietly.

My Review
 I really liked the novel David's Song.It is a great love story. It is about promises and the reality of love. This story makes you think about what truly makes a good marriage and how a great foundation for a marriage is built. This story flowed so well and the characters were all very likable. I loved main character Annie. She was so normal and true to life.I also couldn't help but like both of the men in Annie's life, David and Jeremy. 

All of us will be tested in life in many ways. This novel shows how working and keeping a marriage strong can be one of those major tests in life. I recommend this book to all women: single or married. This well written novel will not only entertain readers, but give them a lot to think about in their own lives.
 

   
Meet: Author A.R. Talley

April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique. Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.

Find April at these places:
   

Praise from reviews on Goodreads.com "Not just your typical romance novel" - Tracy Williams "David's Song is great read that leaves you thinking about the story and pondering your own relationships". - Anna Pavkov "Sucked me in from the 1st page" - Jill Walker "Loved this book . . . could not put it down!" - Dana Vieira  

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Thursday, April 25, 2013

The Big Debate Literary Loom( Book One) by Carolyn Twede Frank -Review and Giveaway

 
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 378 pages
  • Publisher: AugustCorp Press (April 24, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0985251336
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985251338
  • FTC FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.








 Book Description:The Big Debate (Literary Loom #1)

 A bizarre corpse . . . A strange girl . . . A creepy teacher . . . A cool invention . . . Combine these with an old school and a new student anxious to fit in—and the adventure begins. Fifteen-year-old Josh’s big mouth gets him in trouble at first. But after walking in the shoes of great men of history in the Literary Loom, he uses that mouth to bring down the bad guy and ultimately solve the mystery behind the murder—and the strange girl.  
Excerpt:

Ester climbed up the steps. She was helped to the top of the pile of wood and stood upon it with her back against the stake. Josh gazed up at her, paralyzed. The executioner ascended to her side and wound chains about her frail body, fastening her to the stake. Then he descended to finish his job. There she remained, alone—Joan of Arc, the girl who had so many friends in the days when she was free; the girl who had transformed an army’s hopelessness into courage, along with Josh’s; the girl who had inspired him to follow his heart and not bend to other’s opinions, a heart that now pounded painfully at the speed of light.
 
The mental image of Mr. Ingles in a heap on the floor flashed in Josh’s head. How safe was this contraption, one with artificial intelligence that might not recognize Ester as a traveler? Josh remembered the heat, the cold, the saddle, Louis’s wounds—he felt them all. What would she feel in about one minute? His stomach tensed up at the thought.



My Review
 "But I would like to think that my invention is like a literary loom, weaving a tapestry of images spun by the author but woven into an experience by the reader that delights their mind and warms their soul.” This is what the character, Uncle Reuben, has to say about his invention. I loved this very clever idea found in this new book by Author Carolyn Twede Frank!


The Big Debate is a YA book with a very creative twist on time travel.Having books come to life is the heart of this series. You can actually go experience the book by becoming one of the characters. I really liked the main character, 15 year old Josh. He is trying to fit in at his new school and get's stuck having to do his report with the "strange" girl Ester. This girl and her uncle open a whole new world to Josh. The students at this school are written realistically with teen personalities that ring true. The mystery in this story is compelling. The action in The Big Debate is exciting and it's great to have such wonderful Heroes for you and your teens to cheer for. I can't wait to read more books in this series!



Meet: Author Carolyn Twede Frank

Carolyn has always liked to create. There were always gardens full of beautiful plants in her life, plenty of frilly, homemade dresses for her daughters—and don’t leave out the puppets. Ever since third grade, Carolyn also liked to write. She is the author of Promises, a teen historical fiction novel, and the author/illustrator of two children’s picture books. Carolyn lives in Utah with her husband and teenage daughter, where she runs her puppet-related business in between family time and writing time.
 

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Book Blast and $50 Giveaway for The Big Debate: Literary Loom Book One by Carolyn Twede Frank

 
The Big Debate (Literary Loom #1) 
 A bizarre corpse . . . A strange girl . . . A creepy teacher . . . A cool invention . . . Combine these with an old school and a new student anxious to fit in—and the adventure begins. Fifteen-year-old Josh’s big mouth gets him in trouble at first. But after walking in the shoes of great men of history in the Literary Loom, he uses that mouth to bring down the bad guy and ultimately solve the mystery behind the murder—and the strange girl.  


Book Trailer


Author Carolyn Twede Frank 

Carolyn has always liked to create. There were always gardens full of beautiful plants in her life, plenty of frilly, homemade dresses for her daughters—and don’t leave out the puppets. Ever since third grade, Carolyn also liked to write. She is the author of Promises, a teen historical fiction novel, and the author/illustrator of two children’s picture books. Carolyn lives in Utah with her husband and teenage daughter, where she runs her puppet-related business in between family time and writing time.
 
literary loom tour



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Monday, April 22, 2013

Book Blast and $50 Giveaway for David's Song by A.R. Talley

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Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience. A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-doubt and personal inadequacy.  
   
Author A.R. Talley
April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique. Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.


 Praise from reviews on Goodreads.com "Not just your typical romance novel" - Tracy Williams "David's Song is great read that leaves you thinking about the story and pondering your own relationships". - Anna Pavkov "Sucked me in from the 1st page" - Jill Walker "Loved this book . . . could not put it down!" - Dana Vieira      

Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/12/13   a Rafflecopter giveaway