Tuesday, March 26, 2019

The Five Legends by Anasazi Foundation -- spotlight/giveaway

The Five Legends

The Anasazi Foundation

Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Published: January 2019

ISBN13: 978-1523098255

Paperback/e-book: 120 pages

Summary

Drawing on 30 years of helping families, this profound fable by the Anasazi Foundation illustrates the true anguish of conflict and explains how we can end war within ourselves, within our families, and even between nations.

Created in 1988 by renowned wilderness pioneers Larry D. Olsen and Ezekiel C. Sanchez (a Totonac Indian whose native name is Good Buffalo Eagle), the Anasazi Foundation invites young people, through a primitive living experience, to effect a change of heart. For over thirty years, their teachings have helped families begin anew and walk in harmony in the wilderness of the world. 

Inspired by their wisdom, this book tells the story of two brothers whose warring hearts threaten to destroy their lives and their community. Trapped in a canyon, the two brothers are rescued by a mysterious old man who perceives their need for peace. He offers to guide them home -- inviting them to open their hearts toward a New Beginning. When they agree, he teaches them the five legends of peace. And as they walk forward, they learn that we are free to create peace in our own lives--and how to do it. This discovery saves not only the brothers but ultimately their people. This poetic narrative offers us all a hopeful way out of the canyons of war, leaving behind the warring within.


Spotlight

This is a fascinating book with a good message.

Purchase links

Amazon paperback / Amazon e-book 

Amazon author page



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Friday, March 22, 2019

Catherine's Intrigue by Paige Edwards -- blog tour/giveaway

Catherine's Intrigue

Author: Paige Edwards

Publisher: Covenant

Published: March 1, 2019

ISBN13: 9781524406738

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

To fulfill her mother's last request, twenty-four-year-old historic design specialist Catherine Pressley-Coombes travels to England in order to investigate an elusive family line. Armed with an illegible diary, she is determined to discover the identity of her mysterious ancestress. Distracted by an Elizabethan manor and unused to British country roads, Catherine runs her car into a ditch. Luckily, Nick Davidson, a handsome, hard-working local rides in on his tractor to save the day. As the down-to-earth manager of his family's estate, Nick also happens to be one of England's most eligible aristocrats.

Nick is certainly not the kind of man Catherine would fall for a man dogged by media and rumor. So why does she find the English lord so irresistible? Even though she can't overlook their differing values and beliefs, as she and Nick spend time together, their attraction deepens. While she battles through romantic turmoil, Catherine is beleaguered with far more sinister concerns: a series of unexplainable misfortunes that are not mere accidents. With her heart on the line, Catherine discovers her life is in jeopardy, and she has no idea who the perpetrator is but she has a growing suspicion that the danger might be connected to whatever secrets lie hidden in her ancestor's diary.
 


Review

Wow! This book was quite the ride and I really liked it. I enjoyed the English setting and terms. This book is centered in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' principles and they are mentioned throughout. There is a different twist of knowing the antagonist right from the start and their motives. It was maddening (in a good way) to see this interaction between the "bad" and the "good". It did take away a little suspense since we knew what would/could happen, but there was one scene where they had a "thought" of what to do to Catherine, and it didn't turn out how they wanted. This book has a great balance of suspense and romance. Nick is a dreamy to-the-rescue suitor. While Catherine is battling her feelings for him and wanting to date those of her faith.  Things moved fast for them at the beginning, but I appreciated the development of their relationship as the book progressed. I did feel, at times, some scenes were not needed and I wanted more focus on the mystery of Catherine's family line, but all in all the book is well done.


4 out of 5 stars

Purchase links

Amazon ebook / Amazon paperback / Deseret Book

Author links

Goodreads / Website 

Tour Schedule






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Friday, March 15, 2019

Sanctuary by Traci Hunter Abramson -- blog tour/giveaway

Sanctuary

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant

Published: March 1st, 2019

ISBN13: 9781524407391

Paperback/ebook: 312 pages

FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Kristi Hartinger has come to terms with her life as a single, thirty-something woman. She was in love . . . once. But following her boyfriend's tragic death, no one else could capture her heart. And nothing else could fill that void, though the serenity of the ocean came close. Two years ago, Kristi left the craziness of her Wall Street career behind and embraced a simpler life on her family's private island off the coast of Maine. As a resident of the small beach community, she anticipates a quiet future—until she comes face-to-face with her past.

Ace Samson is dead, or so the world believes. As a member of a secret organization known as the guardians, he was forced to fake his death years ago, leaving everything behind when he became an agent. So when he is selected to offer a potential new recruit a job with the organization, Ace braces himself: for the first time in more than a decade, he must face the woman he loved—and left.

Kristi's world is rocked by Ace's sudden reappearance, and she's soon drawn into his world of danger and cover-up. But when Kristi herself becomes a target, Ace will do whatever it takes to protect the only woman he has ever loved.
 


Review

Sanctuary is another triumph for Traci Hunter Abramson. I loved this book. Her writing, as always, is perfect. The characters are stellar, the plot is twisting and suspenseful. This book has it all. I loved the different plot of this one. Ace is presumed dead, but comes back into Kristi's life, as she is needed to help the Guardians. Right away, there is danger lurking and everyone has their secrets. Old characters make an appearance and the bad guys, well they're bad! This book is part of a series, but they can be read as stand alones. As always with Traci's books, there is action, romance and page turning wonderfulness. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Purchase

Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Author info

Goodreads / Amazon author page / Twitter / Website

Schedule





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Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Scepter by Cindy M. Hogan

Scepter

Author: Cindy M. Hogan

Publisher: O'Neal Publishing

Published: October 2018

ebook/paperback: 338 pages

ISBN13: 9780997255546

FTC FYI: I received an ecopy from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Christy Hadden's newest directive: Destroy Polity--A major arms dealer.Easy enough with her team of spies, but when Christy loses her greatest weapon, her photographic memory, even the simplest of tasks become impossible and her life as a spy appears to be at an end.But when her team discovers Polity is not what they thought, but much more, and a mole in Division is helping Polity achieve their aims, Christy and her team are the only ones that can stop them, keeping Division in the dark.If Christy doesn't find the strength and courage to embrace her new reality without her photographic memory, and fight to learn new skills, Polity will do much more than supply their enemies with weapons. Not only will Polity destabilize the world economy and cause war to break out, but it will destroy the future Christy hopes to give her family, friends, herself and the man she loves.

Review


I was thrilled for another book from Cindy Hogan. I love this series of books from this talented author. Christy is a marvel and she was without something that is usually vital in her missions. This time Christy has to learn how to be a spy all over again. I appreciated and loved her journey. Yes, she made mistakes but I loved what Christy learned about herself, her team, and her enemies. This book is a non stop ride of action and page turning thrills. There is some violence, nothing I felt was offense, but it was a need for this type of book. SCEPTER is extremely well written and I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. Excellent balance of action, with some romance mixed in too. There were many twists I wasn’t expecting.

5 out of 5 stars!

Purchase links


Author links

Friday, March 8, 2019

A Guarded Heart by Heidi Kimball -- blog tour

A Guarded Heart

Author: Heidi Kimball

Publisher: Covenant

Published: March 1, 2019

ISBN13: 9781524406875

Paperback: 232 pages

FTC: I received a paperback copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Three years after a shocking scandal destroyed her family and forced her into isolation, Eleanor Hayward finally has an opportunity to put her painful history and dashed hopes behind her. But reentering society is no simple task. In her cousin's glittering ballroom, Eleanor is stunned when she comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart those years before.

Edmund Fletcher thought he had laid the past to rest until he unexpectedly encounters the woman who so nearly became his wife. Soon to be engaged to another, Edmund knows he must let go of the complicated feelings he harbors for Eleanor. However, when the Hayward scandal resurfaces and the truth behind their parting is revealed, Eleanor and Edmund are left reeling. Tormented by thoughts of what could have been, they realize it is impossible to rewrite history. But is there a future in which they might both find happiness—and true love?


My review

I absolutely loved this book. The story is beautifully written and the characters are lovely. Edmund and Eleanor are wonderful, each having their heart broken but not knowing why. Not all of the characters are worthy of praise but the author wrote the not so pleasant ones well too. I thoroughly enjoyed how this story is told. The is POV changes between Edmund and Eleanor, switching from present and past was unique and done well. It was a wonderful way to tell their backstory. The truth about Eleanor's brother was heartbreaking, but well done. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, all while not wanting the book to end. Very well done.

5 out of 5 stars

Purchase links

Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperbackSeagull Book / Deseret Book

Author links

Goodreads / Amazon author page / Website

Tour schedule










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Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Hitching the Pitcher by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore

Hitching the Pitcher

Author: Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press

Published: February 5th, 2019

ebook/paperback: 220 pages

ISBN13: 9781947152571

FTC: I received an ebook from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Running into his former college girlfriend wasn’t supposed to happen. Falling for her again wasn’t supposed to happen either.

Sawyer Bennett has a secret. A risky thing, being one of the popular Belltown Six Pack, a group of six guys from the same college baseball team, all of whom got drafted and now play in the Major Leagues. Between the media frenzy over them and his bond with the guys, his secret has to stay carefully hidden if he wants it to stay that way. He needs to focus on his pitching and let everything else fall away.

Confessing his secret to Erica Moore was definitely not supposed to happen. But the harder he falls for Erica, the more important his secret—and she—becomes.

Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusetts, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues. Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

More Belltown Six Pack Romances:
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortshop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third
 


FALLING FOR CENTERFIELD by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly is out now! FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

My review

I love baseball and I love books so the two together are a great fit! This book is so much fun. Sawyer and Erica are perfect for each other. They truly belong together. I loved Erica’s patience and love. Something happens that strikes a nerve for Sawyer. He’s trying to so hard be the perfect pitcher, perfect student, perfect boyfriend, but what he really needs, is to get out of his own head and help himself. Great story and can’t wait to read more books about the Belltown 6.

5 out of 5 stars

Purchase links

Amazon ebook FREE on KU / Paperback

Author links

Goodreads / Swoony Sports Romance on Facebook / Amazon author page / Website



Monday, March 4, 2019

In the Doctor's Arms by Carol Ross -- release blitz

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Release Blitz for
In the Doctor's Arms
By Carol Ross

In the Doctor's Arms
(Seasons of Alaska #6)
By Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
March 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can he stop the one who got away—

from getting away again?

Everyone in her Alaskan town hopes Iris James is back for good. Including Dr. Flynn Ramsey, who stole her heart when they were awkward teenagers. She realizes he’s planning an encore, but a prestigious job in Washington, DC, is calling to her. Only, ever since their kiss at her brother’s wedding, Iris isn’t sure about anything. Except her reignited feelings for Flynn…


Excerpt

With Flynn’s hand branding Iris’s bare back, he led her to the dance floor. Gentle notes of a popular love song filled the air, so Flynn gathered her in his embrace and made dancing seem as easy as everything else he did. The satisfied smile playing on his lips caused Iris’s heart to execute a slow cartwheel inside her chest. She should be used to this, to him, by now.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, she said, “Thank you for that. I owe you one. It was probably a little over-the-top, but I appreciate your dramatic flair. I’m sure they’re still talking about it.”

He dipped his head, and whispered near her ear, “I could not possibly care any less than I do about Faith or Ashley. And I only care about Todd in that I don’t want you singing any duets with him.”

“I hadn’t planned to but...” Her throat went dry because his hand had returned to her back, where his thumb caressed the skin along the edge of her dress. “What are you doing?”

“Dancing. Is there something going on between you and Cricket?”

“What?” she answered, alarmed by the subject change. Did he know about the flying lessons? She wasn’t ready for anyone to know about that yet. “Like what? What do you mean by ‘something’?”

Eyes narrowed and assessing, he clarified, “Are you two romantically involved?”

“Oh.” She laughed, and then paused to process the question. She didn’t want to tell him the truth, but she also didn’t want him thinking that. “That’s not what’s going on,” she said, and then realized that she’d inferred that something was.

“What is going on, then?”

“Nothing. I mean, he is helping me with something. But we’re just friends. He’s practically like a brother to me, you know that.”

“I do, I was just confirming it before I did something.”

“What?”

Tightening his hold, he twirled her around. She said, “Oh, I get it. They’re still watching, right?”

Flynn chuckled softly, shifting his focus to meet her gaze again. His brown eyes seemed to burn into hers. “No, I don’t think you do get it,” he murmured. “But then again, I didn’t really get it, either.”

“Get what? Flynn, what are you...?” Her question trailed off because he was staring at her mouth. The heat from her cheeks was apparently burning through to her brain because she could not think straight. Much less talk.

“Maybe this will help.”

Then his mouth brushed against hers in the sweetest, most perfect caress. Flynn was kissing her? Yes, he sure was, and his lips were velvety soft and completely perfect, and she couldn’t—she wouldn’t—think past that. Instead, she kissed him back, pressing her mouth more firmly to his. One hand came up to grip his shoulder. Before she could do more than that, his soft lips were gone.

“Iris,” he whispered, “I’m...” He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers for a second before slipping a hand around the back of her neck. He pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead and tucked her in close again. “Give me a second.”

Iris focused on trying to move air in and out of her lungs, but with her cheek pressed against his chest, every breath was Flynn-scented with hints of spicy soap and cedar boughs. Flynn had just kissed her. What did that mean? What did she do now? Panic welled inside of her because it couldn’t mean anything.

A chuckle vibrated through him. “That should give everyone something to talk about, huh?”

Of course, she realized, he’d kissed her for her, to help her. Thank goodness, he’d broken it off before she’d said, or done, something truly embarrassing. Her cheeks ignited with heat as she imagined herself clinging to him like a spider monkey on the dance floor.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.


Blitz Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of In the Doctor's Arms (open internationally)
- 2 additional winners will receive a copy of In the Doctor's Arms (ebook if outside the US, signed print if in the US)

Ends March 5, 2019

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Saturday, March 2, 2019

Pajama Party: The Story by E. C. Jackson -- grand finale

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Pajama Party: The Story
By E. C. Jackson

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

...Pajama Party is adapted from a play I wrote many years ago. I hope you enjoy the peek inside the lives of nine girls who stole my heart. My prayer is that they steal your heart as well.

— E. C.

Remembrancy - Review

"...the concept was great. What if we all had taken the initiative and time to evaluate our friendships and had the courage to change them for the better when we were young? . . . When the story is over, readers of all ages will be challenged to examine friendships and determine whether they are uplifting or harmful."


"Real issues are discussed and dealt with, but all is done within the context of the Bible and a Christian worldview. For that fact alone, I am eternally grateful. . . . this is a book that would definitely appeal to teenage girls, especially those from around 13-16. . . . the most important thing about the book is its message which came across quite clearly."

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

Karen left the room and plodded up the stairs. She stopped outside her parents’ bedroom at the far end of the hall. Quickly knocking on the double door, she entered the room without an invitation.

“I’m home, Mom. Diane is changing clothes in the guest bedroom.”

Annette Duncan replaced the telephone receiver on the hook before looking up. “Good. I just talked to your grandmother. She sends her love and good wishes for your party tonight.”

amandainpa - Spotlight


Her friend leaned against her. “You know that Lisa constantly picks on me. Tonight, I’ll be stuck in this room while everyone laughs at her jokes. I think about her insults long after they stop.”

“That won’t happen this time. Lisa’s already promised to behave herself tonight.”

Surprise sprang into Diane’s eyes as she pulled away from Karen. “Oh no!” She moved across the room until she stood inside the doorway. “Why did you discuss me with Lisa? Everyone will think I cry to you for help.”

Speechless, Karen searched for the right words. She’d never seen Diane upset before. Was telling Lisa to behave herself the wrong thing to do? I was trying to make it go easier for Diane...

Splashes of Joy - Review

"If you have a teenage girl, this book would be a great read for her. Though it’s a great read for any age, teenage girls will be able to relate to what is going on with this crowd! The book is fun, entertaining, and just what you think it would be with this many girls in one house together! The characters are realistic, I felt as though I was in that house with them! I want to encourage you to check out this book for yourself, as well as any teenage girl you may know."


Oh well. Too late to tune out now. I might as well listen. Karen watched the girls lug their sleepover gear to the steps. For once, their nonstop chatter had been abandoned. But having their hands filled with stuff failed to explain their subdued behavior. Unless …

Joann broke the silence after she reached the steps. The five-six, raven-haired, blue-eyed beauty towered over the other girls. “I don’t see Angela’s or Linda’s cars. Good. I’m glad we’re the first ones here.”

“Too bad, we’re not. Diane Meredith went home with Karen after school today,” said Lisa.

Her pouty speech concerned Karen. She pressed her forehead onto the glass as she remembered her promise to Diane. Lisa was still upset about seeing Diane and Karen walking home together after school. She acted awful whenever she became angry.


"Within the first couple chapters, I was hooked. I found this quick story to be inspiring with an element of faith, hope and the power of forgiveness. . . . I recommend it, especially for preteen and young teenage readers. They would definitely relate with the characters and what they are going through. Many readers would learn some very important lessons."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

“I didn’t know that. At first, Karen seemed snooty when I met her. She’s cool. But her friends act weird. Today they were complaining because she only invited three of them tonight. Why did she include you and me but leave them out? Have they always been buddies?”

“Of the girls invited, four of us started kindergarten together. Angela was in second grade. Joann, Kathy, and Diane came to Jefferson Middle in sixth grade. The rest of the group came in seventh grade. Why are you frowning?”

“It’s because you all grew up together but barely talk to each other. I’ve only seen Diane with Karen. Their group is hard to figure out. I used to think they hated each other until I saw them away from school. I’ve spotted them around town, but Karen is never with them.”


“Well, you know how Lisa and Diane react to each other, but Lisa’s argument with Evette surprised me. I know,” she said when Sandy did a double take. “The entire scene was unbelievable to watch. There’s more to Evette than we suspected.”

Angela raised her eyebrows. “Did Evette and Lisa argue about something specific? What set it off?”
“I told you she was a paradox.” Karen looked at her as if that comment answered the question.

“Yeah, I had to look up the word to refresh my memory. It isn’t a word that I use every day. I don’t see how the definition fits Evette.”

JeanBookNerd - Interview

In your new book; PAJAMA PARTY: THE STORY, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it.

With a guest list certain to create conflicts and plenty of drama, the pajama party served a higher purpose than the hostess ever imagined. All Karen wanted was an opportunity to live the life she had enjoyed before seventh grade. Was it an achievable ambition? Maybe. That was the year she abandoned many true friends for some artificial ones. She’s now older and wiser, but she also has a new host of problems she’d never imagined.

Eight other girls embark on the same roller-coaster ride. From the time of their arrival, preconceived notions, false assumptions, selfishness, and self-doubt surface with each interaction. Do the girls know one another as well as each one believes? Or will they learn secrets and uncover unknown truths, even about themselves?

The stakes are high as the teens face a variety of challenges throughout the night.


Although it was freezing outside, Karen wanted to move the conversation onto the front porch. She hated that the girls were huddled in the foyer. Her mother and sister sat on the top step. They’d listened to every word so far. Annette stared at her. She probably thought about what had happened to Karen last May.

Stop worrying about me, Mom. I’m fine. That will never happen to me again.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Pajama Party: The Story
By E. C. Jackson
YA Christian Contemporary
Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages
August 26th 2017 by E. C. Jackson

Most sleepovers are simple. Food, fun, and pillow fights. But sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger plans for her slumber party. Family troubles have changed her over the past year, and she’s no longer the petty, selfish girl she used to be. Now she’s ready to shake things up with her friends. The guest list comes as a surprise to some and a slap in the face to others. This popular girl has invited some not-so-popular guests. Even more shocking, she’s left out some of the girls she’s hung out with since middle school.

Diane and Evette are outsiders, nervous about being stuck in a house with the same girls who tease them at school. Kathy, Lisa, and Joann come to the party with the confidence of the in-crowd, but they’re masking inner-turmoil that is bound to surface. Sandy and Angela are usually the voices of reason…usually. And then there’s Linda, the friend that got away. She may not ever forgive the girls who abandoned her years ago. Karen hopes to change her mind.

Her agenda is ambitious, and it could spell disaster. But Karen is convinced God will use this party to spark a new beginning for everyone involved. This companion book to A Living Hope gives us the inspired story Sadie Cummings wrote for the girls of Shiatown.


About the Author


E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years naturally led to her current endeavor of writing inspirational romance novels and teen and young adult fiction. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.

A note from E. C. Jackson: “The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on my website and Facebook author page. If every person reading my book feels connected to the characters, my job is done.


Tour Giveaway


One 1st Prize winner will receive:
- A Living Hope Paperback (the companion book to Pajama Party: The Story)
- 1 Key chain for Pajama Party: The Story
- 1 Key chain for A Living Hope

One 2nd Prize winner will receive:
- A $25 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends March 6, 2019

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