Monday, September 30, 2013

V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram

V is for Virgin

Author: Kelly Oram

Publisher: Bluefields

Published: December 2012

ebook: 360 pages

Genre: YA

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation.

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy.

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?


My Review

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.  Val is a character who I admired for standing up for herself and not hiding in a corner when life doesn't go her way.  She took charge and made an embarrassing situation good.  Not saying that there wasn't obstacles for Val, but she was an example to many.  I was also surprised how much I liked Kyle, the bad boy lead singer of a local band.  He made it his mission to make Val's life even more difficult by constantly putting Val's virginity his personal mission in life.  At time I thought he was a real stinker, but at the end... WOW!

4 out of 5 stars.  Kelly is has written many successful books.  V is for Virgin was a 2012 Whitney Award finalist in the YA category.  The Avery Shaw Experiment and Chameleon are out now.  And Being Jamie Baker is $.99 starting October 1st to celebrate the release of More Than Jamie Baker coming out October 15th, 2013. 

Content

Although there is no details, sex is mentioned a lot.  

Author Links

Goodreads / Twitter / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble


Saturday, September 28, 2013

Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey -- Finale Tour Post




Cassie's Cowboy Crave (Sweet Montana Bride, #1)Cassie's Cowboy Crave
Sweet Montana Bride Series
by Kimberly Krey
Published July 12, 2013

Twenty-four-year-old Cassie Lovell has a great job, good friends, and an apartment with a killer view. That is, until life is turned upside down. Without the chance to say goodbye, Cassie is forced into a witness protection program on Emerson Ranch. Just when she fears life is doomed, Cassie meets Shane Emerson, the stunningly handsome cowboy who’ll be posing as her newlywed groom. 

Shane Emerson is determined not to fall for the woman he’s agreed to harbor. Especially since the whole thing was his family’s way of trying to get him hitched. So why is it when he takes Cassie into his home, Shane wants nothing more than to turn their make-believe marriage into more than just a sham? 

In a moment of weakness, Shane steals a kiss. 
In return, Cassie steals his heart. 
Yet before they confess their undying love, 
a hidden danger threatens to tear them apart.

*Although this novel is considered clean romance, it does contain passionate kissing and a few mild curse words.


The Kissin' Tour
The delights of Romantic Tension!

Sept. 16 – Launch
17 – TheReading Diaries - Review
-          After learning about Cassie’s story I wanted to adopt her as my own sister and give her the life she always wanted but never had.
recipe image-          Pieces of Whimsy - Excerpt and Recipe


    Chef John's Easy Apple Pie

        “He always said my pies put him under a spell, and I’m looking forward to the affects of it already.”

      
Cassie gulped down the lump forming in her throat. She couldn’t remember disliking a person so much in all her life.

18 – TheWonderings of One Person - Review
 Even amid the desire, Shane’s main focus was on getting to know her heart because he intended this to be forever. That melted my heart more than any steamy kiss they shared.
19 – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer  - Kissing Quiz?

Are You A Good Kisser?
Go ahead... take the QUIZ!!!  :-D

20 – Mommasez… - Initial Sparks I, A Teaser
I got it,” Shane offered, coming up from behind. He was quick to move, and none too subtle as he nudged up against her, reaching high overhead to open the cupboard. "

-          Mel’s Shelves - Review
What a fun, clean read! 
I felt like I could relate to his family which is why I enjoyed them so much and look forward to learning more about them in future books!
21 – BookwormLisa - Review
I was pulled into the book from the beginning.  There are kissing scenes, but the book doesn't go farther than the kiss.  This is the kind of romance book that I really enjoy. Sweet with a bit of spice that doesn't make me blush!

22 – A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner - Excerpt
Though he was certain her cup of cocoa had been as cool as his, all he could taste was the heat.  
-          Sun Mountain Reviews - Frozen Hot Chocolate



23 – GettingYour Read On - Favorite Kissing Scenes
 Today Kimberly and I are going to dish some of our top, favorite kissing moments from movies, TV and books...
"One of my favorite Movie Kisses would have to be from A Walk In The Clouds..."
Review 
Cassie's Cowboy Crave was a fantastic diversion.  I loved it....  A perfect way to spend a few hours by the pool while your kids swim.  :)  (yes, that's exactly how it went for me)
-          Christy’s Cozy Corner - Initial Sparks Excerpt
“A kiss goodbye?” The laughing stopped, and he could swear Cassie’s gaze had landed solidly on his mouth. Shane moistened his lips, suddenly hungry for a taste of hers...  He had to get out of there. And fast.
24 – Tressa’sWishful Endings 

Top Ten Things That Make a Great Romance Novel
I want to get a good grip on the attraction right away. Even if there’s a bit of a love-hate thing going on, I like knowing there’s something brewing, an undeniable attraction no matter how maddening the opposite is.
- The Wonderings of One Person - Inteview!
 It was actually Shane who came to me first, and I loved his story: Two older brothers who’d met their wives through this witness protection thing – I loved the expectations that came along with it, and knew I needed to write his story.
I also loved the setting on the ranch. The horses and hard labor, the group meals and gatherings, the camaraderie and the way Shane's family adopts everyone who works there or marries into the family. 
I loved the times when Cassie and Shane went off on walks, rides, or on a picnic. Just the simple things they did to develop their friendship.
26     - What’s Beyond Forks?
This was an addictive little story. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading this book. 
I just couldn't put it down.
Sept. 27-30  Grand Finale


Writing Romance That’s Clean Without Losing the Steam!


Kimberly Krey


I'm a writer of contemporary clean romance, a lover of home, family, & friends, & the ultimate hater of laundry.

A few of my favorite things: Diet Coke, Cafe Rio, and novels by Marcia Lynn McClure.

I do not go anywhere without: SoftLips Chapstick and Altoids Smalls. 


Giveaway:

$100 Amazon Gift Card + Signed Paperback + Recipes!  (Int'l.)
Sept 16 - Oct 11

See the rafflecopter for restrictions. Must be 18 to enter and able to receive winnings, etc.

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series -- Spotlight/Cover Reveal Post



The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series 
Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors.

"Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford
Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin
Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson
Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White
Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver
Book 6: Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith



Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.



Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of "smart" business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn't take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he's broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she lose her mother, but she had to drop out of nursing school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn't the wallowing type. Instead, she chooses to spend most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Nursing home. When she learns that her boyfriend's new roommate is down on his luck, her caring nature makes her want to reach out to him and offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.



Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year ended in a fiasco. Only Jace Sutton knew the real reason why—that she was a spineless coward. Now, seven years later, her father's been in an accident and needs help, and Cambr has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and boards a plane, hoping against hope that Jace is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she’d led him on, bruised his heart, and left town without a backward glance, he was forced to pick up the pieces and try not to hate her for it. Eventually, he put it behind him and moved on, creating a life for himself in his beloved hometown. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jake instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs.

If only it were that easy.


Lost and Found by Karey White

Lydia was supposed to have an adventurous and exciting summer. Instead she's done nothing more than read and eat takeout. Now it's time to go home, and what does she have to show for it? A big fat nothing. Unless, of course, her trip to the airport somehow turns into something more than just a flight home.

Blake feels like he's been sent on a wild goose chase. While work is piling up back in Denver, he's on the other side of the country, hunting for some mysterious box that his grandfather left him. Well, no more. Nothing inside that box could possibly be more important than the opportunity to make it as the youngest partner at his firm. So he's going home, and that's that. But that's before he discovers his flight has been cancelled.

When these two strangers meet at the airport, they make a split-second decision to search for the box together. Maybe with both of them on the hunt, Lydia can have her adventure and Blake can find the box. And maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll even find some romance.



Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Thirty seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough.

For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do.

Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.


Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith

Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever.

But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest.

Until… Erik.

Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.



Giveaway Details
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/31/13

Bloggers who put up a spotlight post about these books on their blog can enter to win an additional $25 gift card or paypal cash.  See details in the Rafflecopter.

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 and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Janitors Series by Tyler Whitesides -- Blog Tour/Giveaway




Janitors

Author: Tyler Whitesides

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published; Book 1: August 2011, Book 2: September 2012, Book 3: September 10th, 2013

ISBN13: 9781609076054

Hardcover: 343 pages

Genre: middle grade fantasy

FTC FYI: I received paperbacks of the series in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary of Curse of the Broomstaff

A secret society of Janitors with wizard-like powers continue their battle, and now, the stakes are even higher. The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is after Alan Zumbro and this time they mean business - deadly business. Spencer, Daisy, and their little team of rebels must find the source of all magical Glop and destroy it before it can destroy the world as we know it. No small task with the BEM and their monster toxites at their heels. It's a wild and dangerous ride as they follow the trail of clues all the way to the hiding place of the mysterious aurans: guardians of a secret landfill. What they discover there will change the way
Spencer sees himself, not to mention the fate of the rebels.


My Review

This is an incredibly entertaining series.  I love a fun middle grade series that is clean and exciting.  Janitors is at the top of my list for all-time favorite series.  The characters are well written, the plot is very entertaining.  These books have something for everyone.  Humor mixed with garage induced chaos.  

Spencer and his friends are back, along with his dad.  This time they are seeking out the Aurans, trying to find out how to destroy the Glop the Toxites are born from and what makes regular janitorial items magical.  What they find is a new mix of problems and find out they don't know who to trust.    

4 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend reading this series in order.  If you try to start with book 2 or 3, you won't know a Rubbish from a Grime.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble

Giveaway!  I am giving away all three books of this series!  Fill out the Rafflecopter below.  US ONLY, please.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 23, 2013

A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson

A Way Back to You

Author: Emily Gray Clawson

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: June 1st, 2013

Paperback: 208 pages

ISBN13:

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

For two-and-a-half years, Annabelle, a young widow with three small children, has been stuck in the past. Numbed by grief and overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising her three small children alone, she agrees to let them spend the weekend with a friend while she tries to get some much-needed rest at her parents’ home. But the next morning, Annabelle is suddenly sixteen again—and it just happens to be the worst day of her teenage years. As she relives the drama of high school life, Annabelle realizes that her future husband, Mitch, has just returned from a mission and is living on the other side of town. While getting Mitch’s attention is more complicated than she imagined, Annabelle discovers that she is stronger than she has been willing to admit, and there just might be a future for her after all.

My Review

I absolutely loved this book.  It was very different than what I was expecting, but in a very good way.  I thought the premise behind the story was very clever and enjoyable.  To go back in time, with all of your memories.  I wouldn't want to relive my life, it's been great.  But, to go back to high school with that knowledge and possibly make better decisions for myself, knowing what became of my choices, would be intriguing.  Of course, impossible, but fun, right?  

I loved Annie.  I loved her family.  I loved Sam.  Annie had a major crush on him in high school and it lead to her leaving a note to Sam that scares her parents.  The new Annie tells him she's been wasting her time with him and she will have a happy life without him.  Sam finds himself drawn to Annie, and they start spending some time together.  Annie is torn with these feelings, but never forgets Mitch or her children, even though her Mitch has passed away.

5 out of 5 stars!  A Way Back to You is also a Whitney Award nominee.  

Author Links

Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

My Own Tour
  mr darcyMy Own Mr. Darcy

Author: Karey White

Publisher: self

Published: July 15th, 2013

ISBN13: 9781490537269

Paperback: 220 pages

I received an ePub copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough. Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

My Review:  My Own Mr. Darcy is an enjoyable romance with lots of fun and heart.  Lizzie is a quirky girl.  Quirky in the way of letting her obsession with Matthew Macfayden rule her romantic life. She meets Chad a sweet, attentive guy, but he's not Mr. Darcy.  They go on a few dates, that Lizzie enjoys, but then she sees the man of her dreams at her work, Matt Dawson.  They gradually get to know each other.  To Lizzie, all the rude and snide things Matt says or does, is exactly like Mr. Darcy.  Is Matt the man of her dreams?  Or can Lizzie see past her dreams and give Chad a chance?

I really enjoyed this book.  There is romance, humor, and fun.  Janessa, Lizzie's best friend, is a hoot and a breath of fresh air.  I liked each character's importance in the story.  Chad, stole the show for me.  I loved all the details and care that Karey took in writing this book.  Lizzie is an aspiring interior designer, and I loved being in her head when she was designing and the presentations.  (It reminded me of Karey's book For What It's Worth with cake decorating.)  I loved what that added to the story.

4 out of 5 stars.  I love Karey's books.  They are clean, romantic, fun, and page-turning!  Characters are fun, and the stories are entertaining.  


My-Own-Darcy-SALE-copy


karey Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.


  Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/8/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack -- Book Blast

Rocky RoadRocky Road It was supposed to be a girls’ weekend in scenic St. George, Utah that would include shopping, trying out the local cuisine, and participating in a breast cancer fundraiser. The fact that one of the organizers of the fundraising event, a local doctor, disappeared two months ago was not supposed to be Sadie’s problem. In fact, she refuses to participate in the grassroots investigation her friend Caro, and Caro’s cousin, Tess, have put together prior to her arrival. But then she meets the ex-wife of the missing doctor. How could she not ask a few questions . . . that lead to a few more questions . . . that lead to a small town and yet even more questions. Before she knows it, Sadie is in the middle of yet another murder investigation and trying to piece together a convoluted trail of good intentions, hidden motivations, and philanthropy turned big business.

 

Author Josi S. Kilpack Born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah, I met my husband in high-school--well, he wasn't my husband then, just the cute guy in weight training with the permed mullet--and we married in 1993. I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child and have gone on to publish 20 novels, the most recent being part of The Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, children, and cat.  
rocky road 











Culinary Mysteries by Josi Kilpack

culinary mysteries


BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/6/13   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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Shadows of Valor by Elsie Park -- Feature

Shadows of Valor

Author: Elsie Park

Publisher: Jolly Fish Press

Published: September 7th, 2013

ISBN13: 9781939967007

Paperback: 310 pages

Feature of book.  Did not receive a copy of the book.

Goodreads Summary

On the surface, Graywall is content and booming. Lord Shaufton, who presides over the city, is a fine ruler. The poor are well-cared for, the area is popular, and morale is high—but within Graywall’s roots, something dark is stirring. This darkness threatens to overpower the once-peaceful town, until a mysterious figure appears: The Shadow.


As much a figure of fear to the unruly as legend to the innocent, The Shadow is an enforcer of justice and aid to the King. Due to an outrageous export tax set by King Edward, smuggling has tainted the kingdom, so The Shadow is sent to hunt the smugglers down. Contrary to legend, The Shadow is simply a man known as Sir Calan who, although talented and just, struggles to keep his dark thoughts of revenge from becoming ruthless action. 


Due to sheer coincidence, The Shadow learns of a deadly plot against Lord Shaufton on a journey to Graywall. Now, he must enter a pseudo courtship with Lord Shaufton’s daughter under his original guise of Sir Calan, all while old emotions are stirred by the lovely Elsbeth, Lord Shaufton’s niece. Elsbeth, it seems, is the only woman who can heal his troubled soul, but she has a story of her own. What transpires is a glorious tale full of deceit, greed, inner struggles, betrayal, and most of all—love.


Author Links

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble




Monday, September 16, 2013

Pretty Darn Funny -- Episode 5: Fitness Challenge/Giveaway


Here is the link to the season finale of Pretty Darn Funny
Season Two


I have enjoyed this season of Pretty Darn Funny and have loved sharing these funny episodes with you.  Fitness Challenge is a perfect way to end the season.  Lots of laughs.  This episode is for all of us who (or know someone who) has tried all the latest fitness crazes out there.  

This week's giveaway is:



The Power of Starting Something Stupid by Richie Norton
I reviewed this book back in March, and it is life changing.  Catch up on my review and fill out the Rafflecopter to win 
your own copy! US ONLY


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Blackmoore

Author: Julianne Donaldson

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: September 9th, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-60907-460-9

Paperback: 320 pages

FTC FYI: Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?


Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a Regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart. It is Wuthering Heights meets Little Women with a delicious must-read twist.




My Review

Kate Worthington comes from a loveless family.  Her mother and her sisters only want what is best for them, even at the expense of others.  Kate is nothing like them.  What Kate wants most in the world is to go to India.  Her deplorable mother wants her to marry Mr. Cooper.  That disgusts Kate, mostly because she said she will never marry.  Her best friends are Henry and Sylvia Delafield.  Every year they go to Blackmoore, the estate which Henry will inherit, and Kate has always wanted to go.  She finally gets her chance, but she makes a deal with the devil.  Her mother. 

Everything about this book is beautiful.  The story, the setting, the characters, even the not so nice ones.  As much I loved Julianne's first book, Edenbrooke, I loved Blackmoore even more.  I was instantly taken into Kate's world.  Although she is a stubborn character, I enjoyed her sense of adventure and I loved that she knew what she wanted.  Even though it may not be what her heart wants.  I enjoyed her walks in the moors, her exploring the manor, and I especially loved it when she was with Henry.  There is a scene where they are on the beach together talking that I read several times.  There are some complications with her relationship with Henry.  I can't give anything away, but I could not put this book down until I was finished.  I had tears in the eyes many times, and the tears at the end were from happiness.  Also, the way that Julianne worked flashback scenes into the story was brilliant. 

5 out of 5 stars.  Edenbrooke won Best Romance for a 2012 Whitney Award and Julianne also won the Whitney for Best Novel of the Year for a new author. 

About Julianne Donaldson

Julianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing about distant times and places. She lives in Utah with her husband and four children.

Author Links


Purchase Links


Giveaway time.  Fill out the Rafflecopter US ONLY.
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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White -- Book Blast

my ownMy Own Mr. Darcy After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough. Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.


My Own Darcy SALE copy

karey Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.
 

My Own Tour

BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/4/13   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. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 9, 2013

Pretty Darn Funny -- Episode 4: Basket Case/Say Love Giveaway


This week's episode is called Basket Case, and I was laughing so hard, my hubby was laughing at me.  I don't want to spoil it, but Gracie does something so funny, I had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard.  
Maybe a lot of us moms can relate to a little PTA competition.
Watch it here

This week's giveaway is Hillary Week's new CD
Say Love
The winner of Rocky Road was Lori Snider.  Congrats!

Fill out Rafflecopter and you're entered. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Not Even Once Club by Wendy Watson Nelson -- Giveaway


Read review and look for giveaway below.

The Not Even Once Club

Author: Wendy Watson Nelson

Illustrator: Brandon Dorman

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: August 1st

Hardcover

ISBN-13: 978-1-60907-337-4

FTC FYI: Received a review copy from the publisher for an honest review.

Inside the Book Jacket

The Not Even Once Club is an adorable and appealing way to engage children in a story that will help them choose for themselves to keep the commandments and to never break them.  Not even once.

Children will meet Tyler, an energetic boy who is excited to make new friends in his Primary class.  They have invited Tyler to join their special club, but first he has to pass the test and keep the club promise.

With illustrations from bestselling illustrator Brandon Dorman, The Not Even Once Club is a fun and engaging way for parents to help teach their children the importance of keeping the commandments.  Included in the back of the book are additional teaching helps for parents and leaders.

My Review

What an amazing book this is.  I loved the children in the story.  Great examples of kindness and of children wanting to do their best.  The illustrations are so beautiful, they bring this book to life perfectly.  All of my kids, even my teenagers, thought this book was fun and sweet.  It is a great reminder for us all to promise to do what our Heavenly Father asks.  The last page gives parents and children a wonderful guide that explains the LDS church's view on the issues in the book.  The Word of Wisdom, modesty, pornography, obedience and repentance.  It also refers to articles and products the church has on these topics.  Even for questions to discuss with your older children.

5 out of  stars.  Enjoy this book with your kids and grandkids and start your own Not Even Once Club!

About the Author

Wendy Watson Nelson holds a Ph.D. in family therapy and gerontology. Prior to her marriage to Elder Russell M. Nelson, she was a professor of marriage and family therapy for twenty-five years. Sister Nelson has served as a stake Relief Society president, stake Primary president, and chaired theBYU Women’s Conference. Currently, she is an institute instructor and visiting teacher. Sister Nelson was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, to Leonard David and Laura Byrde McLean Watson.

About the Illustrator

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestsellerThe Wizard. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he studied fine art and illustration. He and his wife, Emily, have three children and live in Washington, where he enjoys working as a freelance illustrator. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including Pingo, The Candy Shop War, and the Fablehaven series. See more of Brandon Dorman’s artwork at BrandonDorman.com

Purchase Links

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