Home and Away by Dean Hughes

Home and Away: A World War II Christmas Story

Author: Dean Hughes

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: September 2015

ISBN13: 9781629720937

Hardcover: 176 pages

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

Goodreads Summary

A historical fiction novel told from the perspective of a son fighting on the battlefields of Europe during World War II and his mother, struggling with worry and uncertainty about her soldier son while she tries to keep a semblenance of a normal, happy Christmas holiday back on the home front. Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but 1944 will make that more difficult with money being tight and wartime rationing making everything hard to come by. Aware of his mother's hardships and the worry from having her eldest son at war, second son, Dennis, is determined to buy his mother a special gift this Christmas, a lavender blue dress he hopes will bring her comfort as a symbol of special times gone by and the hope of a brighter future with the family reunited at war's end. Meantime, on the long campaign to free Europe, her soldier son carrys on as best he can, the horrors of war taking its heavy toll on armies and civilians alike. On a battlefield far from home in Holland with his 101st Airborne battalion, he catches a familiar scent of lavender which briefly transports him back to the home front to the perfume scent his mother wore, giving him a short respite and reuniting the family once again if only in his imagination. This historical fiction novel is a nostalgic and tender story about the power of love, the reality of war, and the hope we all have that things will turn out all right.

My Review

I truly loved this story.  It is the perfect book for Christmastime.  The story is beautifully told.  Dennis was my favorite character.  I loved how he treated his mom, with so much respect and love.  It was touching how he wanted to get her the perfect gift and I loved how he was able to obtain it for her.  That part made me cry.  I enjoyed the point of view switches between Dennis and Glen.  The author does a great job showing the hardships of war, for all involved.  How hard it is for the soldiers and those left at home worrying.  Dennis's father, at times, really frustrated me, but I appreciated him more when I understood his side.  The scenes with Glen at war were written well, one particular scene that had the tears flowing.  I loved how the family was able to come together, as they are waiting to hear Glen's fate.  The time period was a character itself.  I really enjoy stories about World War II.  Dennis and Glen's mother, Norma, was a great character.  No matter how hard things were, she always remained positive.  She sacrificed so much for her family.

5 out of 5 stars.  Merry Christmas!

Author Links

Website / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book 

Eleanor and the Iron King by Julie Daines -- Blog Tour

Eleanor and the Iron King

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: August 1st, 2015

Paperback: 224 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-237-0

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

Goodreads Summary

Eleanor de Lacy is forced into an arranged marriage with her father’s greatest enemy, Brac Goch, the Welsh king. All Eleanor knows of Brac is that he is a ruthless, war hungry man.

Eleanor arrives at the Welsh castle of Bryn Du already expecting the worst. When the ghost of Brac Goch’s first wife appears and warns her that the Welsh king is not to be trusted, all of Eleanor’s fears are confirmed.

As the countdown to her wedding day approaches, Eleanor must figure out who is lying, who is telling the truth, who is loyal, and who is the traitor--and most of all, if she can love an enemy king.

My Review

Julie Daines has done it again.  This book is amazing and I loved every page.  Eleanor and the Iron King has everything a reader could ask for and more.  The setting is a character itself, it was like I was there in the castle.  Eleanor was a fascinating character.  Honestly, I will read anything Julie writes, her books are magical.  Isn't this cover absolutely gorgeous!

5 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book

Schedule

*August3rd: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://heidireads.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*August4th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*August5th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*August6th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*August7th: http://www.iamareader.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

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Lady Emma's Campaign by Jennifer Moore -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Lady Emma's Campaign

Author: Jennifer Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: November 1st, 2014

ISBN13: 9781621087885

Paperback: 224 pages

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

 Goodreads Summary

She would follow him through peace and war.

London, 1811

The London Season is ushered in with a thrilling flurry of invitations, gowns, and parties. But despite her status as belle of the ball, lovely socialite Emma Drake simply cannot fathom becoming entangled with any gentleman of her acquaintance. For in truth, since childhood her heart has belonged to Captain Sidney Fletcher, a man of the sea—and her brother’s best friend. Emma knows that Sidney’s directive to free the Spanish city of Cadiz from French occupation will be dangerous, but when word arrives of his capture, she is frantic. Determined to aid her brother in Sidney’s rescue, she hides aboard his ship and sets a course to Spain. But the realities of war are a far cry from the drawing rooms of London, and Emma finds the man she loves a mere shadow of his former self. When a series of events leaves them trapped together behind enemy lines, Emma and Sidney must embark on a journey fraught with danger—from a bloody hunt for Spanish treasure to the battlefields of war-torn Spain, new threats lurk around every turn. As their flight becomes increasingly perilous, Sidney and Emma must trust each other with their lives—but can they trust the other with their heart?

My Review

Jennifer Moore is one talented lady.  I thought her writing couldn't of gotten any better with her first book Becoming Lady Lockwood, but I was wrong.  I was blown away by this book.  It was so amazing.  Emma was beyond anything I could have imagined her to be.  She was an impressive gal when we first meet her, but what she had to endure through this book astounded me.  She was a rock star.  From the summary we know that Emma loves Sidney, and has for years, when he is thought dead, she does whatever it takes to try to find the truth and save him.  At one point while reading, I just screamed (out loud mind you, with an empty house), someone please help them!  Emma endured a lot as a child with her drunk father, but oh my goodness, she amazed me throughout this book.  Sidney was incredible too.  I loved the journey he took with himself as he figured out how he felt about Emma.  What he had to live through as a prisoner for two months, was heartbreaking.  I was impressed that the author didn't skirt around the issues that he and Emma faced.  Nor did the author shield the reader from the spoils of war.  Her war details were so descriptive, it helped me get a glimpse of the horrors of war.

5 out of 5 stars.  Although this book could be meant as a stand-alone, I think you will understand and relate to Sidney (as well as William and Amelia) if you have read Becoming Lady Lockwood.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Blog Tour Schedule: 

*10th: http://www.charissastastny.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/ 

*11th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/

*12th: http://www.minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/ & http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com, 

*13th: http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/  http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*14th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*15th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/ 

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Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Tour Schedule

Becoming Lady Lockwood

Author: Jennifer Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: July 1st, 2014

Paperback: 199 pages

ISBN13: 9781621086895

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



Becoming Lady Lockwood Summary

Amelia Beckett is delighted to be a widow. Married by proxy to a man she’d never met, Amelia recognizes that a fortuitous entry into widowhood frees her from meddlesome chaperones and matchmakers. Heiress to her mother’s sugar plantation in Jamaica, she happily anticipates working in a man’s world, with the additional credibility of her new title: Lady Lockwood. But with the arrival of Captain Sir William Drake, her plans quickly go awry . . . William has traversed the Atlantic with one purpose. If he cannot prove that Amelia’s marriage to his brother was a fraud, she will be entitled to a sizeable portion of his family’s estate. He is determined to return this duplicitous Lady to London for an official hearing, and he carries with him a letter that will ensure her cooperation . . . Left with no choice, Amelia joins the captain on his return voyage to England, and the two quickly find that ship life does not allow for evasion. Amelia and William are ceaselessly thrown together, and amidst fierce storms and ocean battles, what began as antipathy seems to be evolving quite unexpectedly. But as they draw ever closer to their destination, will the impossibility of their circumstances shatter any hope of a future together?

My Review

I absolutely loved this book.  It has everything.  Romance, action, suspense, and heart.  The characters are amazing.  I loved Amelia and William was a favorite too.  Amelia was a gem.  She was instantly like-able and I immediately cared about her.  I love it when authors take care in their supporting characters too.  In this book, all were the characters are important and are well written, especially Sidney.  His humor and temperament always made me look forward to scenes he was in.  The author does a great job with the romantic tension between Amelia and William.  Their relationship took time and both had their doubts all while battling with the seas and the French.  On the ship, she didn't want to be a burden and I loved how she used the skills she had to help on the ship and make friends.  The battle scenes were told from Amelia's perspective while she helps the ship's doctor.  My heart broke for her many times, not only with the battles, but when she arrives in England.

Many exciting events happen that had me turning pages quickly, but I was torn, because I didn't want the book to end.  I will read anything from Jennifer and look forward to her next book.

5 out of 5 stars.  Isn't this the most gorgeous cover you've ever seen?

Praise for Becoming Lady Lockwood

“Moore does a lovely job of showcasing sizzle in this must-read for fans of regency and historical romance.” ~ Foreword Reviews

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Author Jennifer Moore

Jennifer Moore is a Passionate reader and writer of all things romance, helping her find balance with the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family. You can learn more about her at authorjmoore.com. The author’s first book, Becoming Lady Lockwood, is a regency romance centered on the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 8/7/14

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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Shadow Throne: The Ascendance Trilogy (Book 3)

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Publisher: Scholastic

Expected Publish Date: Feb. 25th, 2014

Genre: middle grade

IBSN: 978-0545284172

Hardcover: 336 pages

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

Goodreads Summary

One war.

Too many deadly battles.
Can a king save his kingdom, when his own survival seems unlikely?

War has come to Carthya. It knocks at every door and window in the land. And when Jaron learns that King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen in a plot to bring Carthya to its knees, Jaron knows it is up to him to embark on a daring rescue mission. But everything that can go wrong does.

His friends are flung far and wide across Carthya and its neighbouring lands. In a last-ditch effort to stave off what looks to be a devastating loss for the kingdom, Jaron undertakes what may be his last journey to save everything and everyone he loves. But even with his lightning-quick wit, Jaron cannot forestall the terrible danger that descends on him and his country. Along the way, will he lose what matters most? And in the end, who will sit on Carthya's throne?

Rousing and affecting, Jaron's adventures have thrilled and moved readers in The False Prince and The Runaway King. Journey once again with the Ascendant King of Carthya, as New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen brings his story to a stunning conclusion withThe Shadow Throne.

My Review

The Shadow Throne was a perfect ending to one of my favorite series.  I have truly loved this series and I am very sad to see it end.  Jennifer did an impeccable job with this book.  I can't summarize too much, because any subtle hint will give things away, but just know you are in for a treat.   I love being surprised when I read and love not being able to figure things out.  Jennifer is perfect at writing fantastic, page-turning plots, that had me guessing and pleasantly surprised.   Especially with a character I can't name at the end.  This book had me gasping, laughing, crying, and cheering.  

Words can't describe Jaron.  I love this kid.  He is such a memorable character.  I will miss him and his adventures.  Of course, if you have read my reviews of The False Prince and The Runaway King, you know I love Mott.  He is a character that stands out on the page and you can't help but respect.  I have many, many favorite scenes, but this one describes him so well and his love for Jaron.

"It's your storm, and the future of us all depends on you now.  So who are you?  Sage, an orphan boy who cares only for himself?  Or the undisciplined, rebellious prince your father sent away?  Life has tested your resilience and strength and willpower, and you have succeeded in ways nobody ever thought possible.  But the storm has never been worse, and it will either destroy you, or define you.  When everything is taken from you, can you still stand before us Jaron, the Ascendant King of Carthya?" page 166

See what I mean, perfect.  

I have another quote from Jaron towards the end that I can't give because it has spoilers, but it had me in tears.

5 out of 5 stars.  Read these books, you will love them and so will your kids.  Look for a combined review of The Shadow Throne on LDSWBR coming soon from Shanda and I.  

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble