Love by Marcelle -- Book Blast

Love by Marcelle

When a hard-working, Southern boy rescues an opinionated, capable girl…

Welcome to a Southern Louisiana cul-de-sac where a single mother, her college-aged daughter, two orphans, a Cajun, a Creole, and five Mexicans live as one lively, extended family. Together, these neighbors share a lot of sweet romance, friendship, laughter, and sorrow.

Ava Baptiste and her Mama live a tranquil life in the rural South. A brutal event leads her into a deep bond of friendship with Remi, a noble, young man burdened with life’s difficulties. Ava and her boisterous neighbors encourage Remi to persevere through the challenges he faces. Grateful for finding nourishment for his disillusioned soul, Remi encourages his new friends to obey their hearts and pursue love. Through lots of laughter and occasional pain this group of friends, young and old, persevere together to squeeze every drop of goodness they can get out of life.

A stand-alone, Christian, coming of age story with lovable characters, tender romance, and terrific humor. A moving tale of a community bonded by their love of life and their genuine faith. Greater love has no one than this …

Praise for the book:
“A must read! Very well written. I love the characters in this book. Couldn’t put it down, especially the parts where Ava and Remi affectionately and humorously interact with one another. A beautiful love story even in the midst of hardships. And, of course, I love happy ever after!!!” Amazon Customer

“Our generation needs more books like this one. Great book, it was very insightful and inspiring. I hope there are more books to come from this author.” Raige, Amazon

“This was a great book that I truly enjoyed. It made me laugh often and it made me cry once. There was a lot of romance between several characters, a little suspense, some action, adversity, and many funny moments. The characters were engaging and the dialogue between them was realistic. It was a stand-alone and it was clean, which I really liked. Five stars, definitely!” Cyrano, Goodreads

About the Author

Marcelle has lived many places, but always in the Deep South. She is married to the most romantic and affectionate husband in the history of the world. Cupid in the flesh without the speedo and jelly belly. Just ask their children, they will tell you that when it comes to Mama, Papa is a real, non-suicidal Romeo.

Marcelle is also Mama to ten, literally, remarkable children. Yes. That is correct. She endured childbirth ten times. Yet, she is still practically sane, and every single child was so worth it. Life is sweet.

Marcelle is a voracious bibliophile who has recently come to accept that it is not unethical to use an electronic device to read a book. Although she still experiences utopian sensations in the midst of a library filled with old tomes, she is now able to read an ebook without feeling aberrant

Having always loved to read and to write, Marcelle became an author with the hope of sharing her love for encouraging, Christian fiction with new friends. She had so much fun writing her first novel, Love, that she is industriously burning up her keyboard at her top speed of twenty words per minute, composing her next work of Christian fiction.

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 5/21/18

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

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Love, Kennedy -- Movie Spotlight

If you loved the movies 17 MIRACLES, EPHRAIM’S RESCUE and THE COKEVILLE MIRACLE, from T.C. Christensen you are in for a treat with his upcoming release LOVE, KENNEDY - in theaters throughout Utah on Friday, June 2.

A touching and inspiring story about Kennedy Hansen, a young girl who battled juvenile batten disease and the incredible legacy of love she left behind.

Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c87oS53RZNc

Message from T.C. Christensen

I'm drawn to faith-based true stories. The life of Kennedy Hansen touched me when I was first introduced to her story. This beautiful young woman trusted God’s plan even when those around her questioned why Kennedy had to endure such trails. Before writing the script, I had the opportunity to read through hundreds of journal entries, with the turning of each page, I began to understand her personality. She was kind, compassionate, funny, teased, loved cheerleading, had faith, adored boys (especially Jaden), uplifted those around her, and had great family support including a funny little brother. We had the honor of filming Love, Kennedy in the Hansen’s home, the high school Kennedy attended, and other unique locations specific to her life. I hope when you see the movie that you are inspired by the warmth and love of Kennedy Hansen’s life.

Message from Jason Hansen (Kennedy’s dad)

In life, we all have a story.  Some stories are happy, some are sad, some are long and some are short.  It is human nature to treat our life as a story book full of different chapters that portray our lives.  Our family’s story began with a dream.  A dream that was given to me that all now makes sense.  In that dream, I was shown my family, my story and what was to come.  Unfortunately, part of our dream and a chapter in our life was losing our beloved Kennedy.  Yet, through losing her, we also gained her.  We gained her through so much more of understanding that when hard things come, you can be positive, you can be loving, understanding and provide an array of love to all of those around you.  Those hard things have proven to allow us to grow as a family and share.  Share the deepest parts of our souls and the hardest parts of our minds and hearts. 

Kennedy’s story could not just be shared by anyone, it needed to be shared by someone who would not be afraid to tell the truth about her life.  What really happened throughout her life and what she really believed.  T.C. Christensen is that someone.  He took to heart the rawness, reality and true life story of Kennedy, our family and the experiences that we endured.  He spent time reading, pondering, questioning and asking.  He did nothing hasty, yet everything perfectly.  He wanted to make sure, that if he was going to tell her story, that the most important parts were shared.  And guess what?  He did that! 

When you see the film, you will see our Kennedy and know the kind of person she was. She loved boys (especially Jaden). She loved her family.  All of us, just not one or two of us.  The movie shows the special relationship that she has with each one of her family members. She loved cheerleading and music and always dreamed of being normal.  And lastly, she loved her Savior and Heavenly Father with perfect faith which in turn allowed her to love EVERYONE whom she met. 

Clip from the Movie: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9kRn5XHRuY

Film Synopsis:

LOVE, KENNEDY tells the inspirational true story of Kennedy Hansen, a funny, loving young woman whose health suddenly begins to fail. It takes years to find the cause – Juvenile Batten Disease – an extremely rare, horrible and inevitably terminal diagnosis. After living only 16 short years, Kennedy leaves behind an incredible legacy of love and friendship. But her story doesn’t end with her passing, it’s only then the true miracles really begin.

Love, Jane by Ranee S. Clark -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Love, Jane

Author: Ranee S. Clark

Publisher: Covenant

Published: March 1

ISBN13: 9781524401368

Paperback

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

Goodreads Summary

Jane Reeves and Sean O'Callaghan seem to be a match made in heaven—but the timing is all wrong. Jane has her heart set on serving a mission, and she can't delay telling Sean the news any longer: not only has she quietly submitted her mission papers, but she's also leaving in a month ... for Alaska. Shocked and devastated, Sean struggles to come to terms with Jane's decision. Unable to deny the depth of their feelings for one another, Sean makes a promise to wait for her.

Life unfolds for both Jane and Sean, with communications limited to weekly e-mails. But with just a few months left in Jane's mission, Sean's messages stop. When she receives the dreaded "Dear Jane" breakup along with the news that she has been replaced by Sean's former flame, Jane knows the future she envisioned now belongs to another woman. But upon her return home, Jane quickly realizes some things are worth fighting for—perhaps, most of all, a shot at true love. 

My Review

Love, Jane is another hit for Ranee Clark.  I have come to rely on Ranee for a fun, clean story with great characters.  It took me a bit to really like Jane.  Her hesitation and the time it took to tell Sean she was leaving on her mission was frustrating, but I felt it showed how much growth her character needed to achieve during the book and I was not disappointed in how Ranee pulled it off.  Jane ended up being a great character who was finally brave enough to express herself and get what she wanted. I felt Ranee did a great job with Sean's reaction to Jane's mission call, I was glad he was upset as he was at first, as it was deserved.  I did love how much thought was put into her final decision to go.  I enjoyed how the story was split into sections.  I felt it represented character growth and moved the story along well.  One thing that is on my mind though, I felt there was too much given away in the book's description, but I still enjoyed it a lot.  I will read anything from this author. 

4 out of 5 stars.  

Author Links

Goodreads / Twitter / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Schedule

*March 13th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/ 

*March 14th: http://empowermoms.net/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*March 15th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

*March 16th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/

*March 17th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/ 

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12 Days of Great Summer Reads -- Love, Lucas by Chantele Sedgwick

Check out my review here!

"When Oakley Nelson loses her brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend the summer in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure that a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try.  In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on.  If only it were that easy.  But then a surfer named Carson comes into her life, and Oakley is blindsided. He makes her feel again. As she lets him in, she is surprised by how much she cares for him, and things get complicated. How can she fall in love and be happy when Lucas never got the chance to do those very same things?  With her brother’s dying words as guidance, Oakley must learn to listen to and trust herself again. She soon realizes that second chances are ways to learn from the past, and you don’t always have to leave the past behind to find happiness in the future. "

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Lucas-Chantele-Sedgwick/dp/1632204177/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-lucas-chantele-sedgwick/1120316250?ean=9781632204172

http://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781632204172

Chantele Sedgwick is a young adult author, harpist, and major book nerd. She loves happy endings, Kit Kats, and (judging by her bookshelves) buying way too many books. She is the author of Not Your Average Fairy Tale and Not Your Average Happy Ending. She resides in Roy, Utah, with her husband and four children and is represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

Blog: http://chantelesedgwick.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChanteleSedgwick
Twitter: @chantelesedg

Ten things about me.

1. I love spending time with my four kids and cute hubby.
2. I'm obsessed with hardcover books and am known to stare at my bookshelves a lot.
3. My two sisters are my best friends in the entire world.
4. The hubby and I are kind of obsessed with movies. Top few I love are: Lord of the RIngs, Jurassic Park, Avengers, etc.
5. I'm a HUGE fan of Foo Fighters, The Goo Goo Dolls, Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.
6. I'm also a Broadway musical fan. I even have season tickets to a theater near my home!
7. Kit Kats are the best candy bar ever.
8. I've played the harp for 23 years. 
9. I have a notebook buying problem. Along with a book buying problem.
10. I hate the grass. Seriously. If my bare skin (including feet) touches it, I freak out. *shivers*

Excerpt

*The cold seeps through my wetsuit and caresses my skin. I shiver. The water's dark and murky and the waves look extra big. Dangerous. I'm doing something dangerous. Which makes me smile. I think of Lucas then, knowing exactly what he'd say if he were with me.

Don't be stupid, Oakley.

I'm not being stupid. I'm trying something new and taking risks.

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http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com

http://iamareader.com

www.minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com

http://romancejunkies.blogspot.com/

http://anovelkindofbliss.blogspot.com

http://nerdgirlofficial.com/

http://www.julielcasey.com

http://sassydivasbookblog.blogspot.com/

http://reneeentress.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Kirstys-Book-Reviews/740671655951314

http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/

http://littleshopofreaders.com/

http://valesbookshelf.blogspot.com

www.julkbearreads.wordpress.com

www.tifferzandhersisterz.com

https://nerdychampagne.wordpress.com

hello-booklover.tumblr.com

http://readeropolis.blogspot.com/

http://www.kinkyvanillaromance.blogspot.com

http://www.madhoydenish.blogspt.com

roomwithbooks.com

semishort.blogspot.com

What Makes Us Sisters by Bonnie L. Oscarson

What Makes Us Sisters

Author: Bonnie L. Oscarson

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: April 6th, 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-62972-041-8

Hardcover: 48 pages

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

Summary

Sisters take care of each other, watch out for each other, comfort each other, and are there for each other through thick and thin, observes Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president.

In this delightful and inspiring book, Sister Oscarson encourages all women to look beyond differences in age, culture, and circumstance in order to better nurture and serve one another. She explains that all women young or old, married or single, working in an office or running a home have unique talents and gifts to share. Focusing on the boundless blessings that Latter-day Saint women enjoy, Sister Oscarson urges women throughout the Church to live and inspire others in ways that realize their greatest potential.

My Review

Need a last minute Mother's Day gift?  This book is full of beautiful insights and thoughtful passages of love.  Reminding us all that our differences are what makes us special in God's eyes.  Who are we to criticize or judge others?  I love listening to Sister Oscarson's talks.  She has a presence about her that is very inspiring and I can tell that she is a remarkable woman.  I truly enjoyed this book.

"We need to care for each other, comfort each other, and [be] there for each other."

"As we look beyond our differences in age, culture, and circumstance to nurture and serve one another, we will be filled with the pure love of Christ..."

About the Author

BONNIE L. OSCARSON was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended Brigham Young University as a young adult and returned thirty-five years later to complete a bachelor's degree. She married Paul Oscarson in 1969 and served with his as he presided over a mission and later a temple, both in Sweden. Sister Oscarson was sustained as the general president of the Young Women in April 2013. She and her husband are the parents of seven and grandparents of twenty-seven.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Love, Lucas by Chantele Sedgwick

Love, Lucas

Author: Chantele Sedgwick

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Published: May 5th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781632204172

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

When Oakley Nelson loses her older brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend a few months in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try.

In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on.

If only it were that easy.

But then a surfer named Carson comes into her life, and Oakley is blindsided. He makes her feel again. As she lets him in, she is surprised by how much she cares for him, and that’s when things get complicated. How can she fall in love and be happy when Lucas never got the chance to do those very same things?

With her brother’s dying words as guidance, Oakley knows she must learn to listen and trust again. But will she have to leave the past behind to find happiness in the future?

My Review

Love, Lucas is sweet story about Oakley, trying to move on with her life after a tragedy and life changing events.  After the death of her brother, Lucas, Oakley and her mom move to California for the spring to try to distance themselves from the pain of losing him.  Oakley's mom gives her a notebook of letters written by Lucas that he wrote before he died, in hopes of helping her move on.  I absolutely loved this book.  I've told Chantele that I think she and I are kindred spirits, and I felt this way even more so reading this book.  The story flows nicely, and I enjoyed Oakley's journey of growth.  Carson was a ray of sunshine.  He lit up the pages.  Once Oakley got over her fears of self doubt and she let him in, it was fun to see their relationship progress.  When a tragedy strikes him, it was interesting to see how she would handle it.  My favorite thing about the book were the letters from Lucas.  They were sweet, funny, and a perfect way for Oakley to heal.  Be brave and try new things, what a perfect motto for us all.

4 out of 5 stars.  A clean book with great characters and enjoyable story.  I will read anything from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Something About Love by Elana Johnson

Something About Love

Author: Elana Johnson

Publisher: AEJ Creative Works

Published: September 15th, 2014

ASIN: B00MS53ZRA

ebook: 279 pages

YA Contemporary

FTC FYI: Received an ePub copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

High school senior Olivia Winging gave up her love of photography when she gave up her boyfriend, Trevor Youngblood, a year and a half ago. She broke things off with Trevor because her mom married his dad, and dating your step-brother? Creepy.

Livvy hasn’t been on good terms with her mother since, and one of her stipulations for staying at the Youngblood’s every other weekend is that Trevor can’t be there. When she gets nominated for the Junior Photography in Excellence award, Trevor insists she enter. She agrees—only if every photo in the portfolio can be of him. Knowing that Livvy can capture a person’s deepest secrets through her lens, Trevor hesitates before accepting the deal.

As Livvy gets behind the lens of her camera again, her love of photography is rekindled. Unfortunately, the time she spends with Trevor also re-ignites the old flame for him she’s kept smothered for so long.

In order for Livvy to finish her portfolio, she’ll have to face her feelings for Trevor as well as deal with the animosity between her and her mother. Livvy’s always been able to capture a person’s soul from behind the camera—but she’s not sure she likes it when the lens is suddenly focused on her. If she can’t find a way to forgive her mother and admit how she feels about Trevor, Livvy may end up losing more than just the photography contest. She could lose her heart.

My Review

This is the second free-verse style book I have read of Elana's and I have to say, she is a master at this. I was instantly taken in to the story. She was able to keep my interest by laying subtle hints here and there about Livvy's and Trevor's past, all while creating a great story.  Livvy is trying to find out what love is.  Someone she loves let her down and as she tries to pick up the pieces, she needs to leave the past behind her and move on.  Quite a few devastating things happen to Livvy.  She is kept strong by her amazing dad, sweet sister, best friend, grandma, and of course Trevor.  Trevor encourages to do something she loves and doing so, helps her the most.  I loved how she grows to learn the truth about someone in particular and learns to love again, and more importantly, trust.  I think once she realizes how much love she has around her, she recognizes that it has always been there.

Content:  some language, but nothing I took offense to.

4 out of 5 stars.  Elana's new name is "Master of the free-verse".  Her first free-verse style book Elevated is free!  Something About Love reads quick, is fast-paced and very, very good.

Author and Purchase Links 

Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon

Luminescence by Braden Bell -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Luminescence (Middle School Magic #3)

Author: Braden Bell

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 2014

Paperback: 308 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-4621-1405-4

Middle Grade fantasy

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

 Goodreads Summary

Determined to rescue their favorite teacher, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie confront their worst fears and use their powers in unexpected ways to defeat Lady Nightwing, the treacherous Darkhand leader. But when the trio makes a terrible choice to save Dr. Timberi, their powers may not be enough to keep everyone alive. A thrilling conclusion to the Middle School Magic series!

My Review

Friendship, love, and sacrifice.  These three words came to my mind many times while I was reading this enjoyable book by Mr. Bell.  Conner, Lexa, and Melanie had a lot to overcome between each other before they were able to start to help to rescue Dr. Timberi.  I loved that part of it.  All three were harboring harsh feelings towards each other and once they were able to get over themselves, they were able to function more as a unit.  There are many secrets revealed, a wonderful back story, and many surprises along the way in this very enjoyable book.  The ending had me in tears, well, the tears came sooner at some points, but the last few chapters were my favorite.  So many exciting events take place through the whole book.  Once I got to a certain point while reading, I couldn't stop until I was finished.  Not only will your kids enjoy this series, you will too.

5 out of 5 stars.  If you new to this series, I would suggest starting with book one, The Kindling.  Then with book two, Penumbras.  You will better familiar with the characters and terms.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book

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