The Summer of a Million Gifts from Deseret Book

Deseret Book Kicks-off a Summer of a Million Gifts

Prizes include an 8-day cruise, a missionary wardrobe, a wedding reception, and daily gifts

Deseret Book is looking to give back this summer with its Summer of a Million Gifts. The store’s customers can anticipate random daily in-store gifts and an opportunity to win one of three grand prizes.

In June, one lucky customer will win an 8-day Caribbean Cruise with Alex Boye, British-born LDS singer and songwriter, courtesy of Morris Murdock Travel. In July, another will win a missionary wardrobe courtesy of Mr. Mac. And in August, one couple will win a wedding reception courtesy of Temple Square Hospitality. 

The giving will take place online and in person at every store throughout the summer months. Each day on Deseret Book’s official Facebook page and in Deseret Book stores, an associate will give a gift to at least one customer a free pass to Lagoon theme park, double Platinum points, a free book at check-out, an act of service, or some other free prize. 

More information about the Summer of a Million Gifts can be found online at DeseretBook.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/deseretbook, or in any of Deseret Book’s retail locations.

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A Boat Made of Bone by Nicole Grotepas -- Giveaway!

********* WE INTERUPT THE SCHEDULED BLOG POSTS TO BRING YOU THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ***********  SPREAD THE WORD TO ENTER TO WIN $100 ********  PLUS - HOW TO BE AMONG THE FIRST TO RECEIVE NICOLE GROTEPAS' NEW BOOK  ********** 

Hey everyone! I'm borrowing this blog for a moment to invite people to sign up for the Kickstarter Launch Blast we're organizing together to spread the word on the publishing campaign for my new book: A Boat Made of Bone.

Kat Miller has been having recurring dreams about the same man . . . a dead man. Will Marks, to be exact, a celebrity who died long before Kat had any reason to pay attention to celebrities. 

While the night-world she enjoys with Will beckons, her waking world has suddenly gotten intriguing. Ty Watts--a guy with looks that could set a thousand housewives free--just walked into her life. He's got a smile that hides a secret Kat wants to know. 

But is Ty a distraction or a savior?

Kat's dreams threaten to take over. She must negotiate the edge of reality, solve the mystery of her nightly rendezvous with Will and either set him free or lose herself forever in the seductively dangerous world he inhabits. 

A Boat Made of Bone is a love story that spans worlds, generations, and reaches beyond death into the realm of fantasy. 

--This book contains mature themes that may not be suitable for those under 18. 

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT:

1 - Share this super-fun announcement with me, Nicole Grotepas!  (Details in form below)

2 - Post the campaign launch on June 22nd  (Details via email) 

3 - Share fun subject-to-change sidebar graphics as the campaign grows!

THE CAMPAIGN:

The intent of the Kickstarter campaign is to raise funds through pledges (each pledge secures some type of copy of A Boat Made of Bone) to finalize publication of the book. There are various reward levels ranging from a $1 pledge, to $10 pledges all the way up to $2000 with many stops in between. There's something for everyone!

There are also unlockable rewards for pledgers at each $5000 level such as more chapters from the book and reward add-ons ranging from posters of the cover art to tote bags with the cover art. Be a part of all the excitement!

THE GIVEAWAY:

Every blogger who participates in sharing this announcement will be entered in a drawing for a $100 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash. 

Enter again by posting the Kickstarter June 22nd! 

This is separate from the rewards offered in the campaign - to be among the first to receive Nicole Grotepas' new book, be sure to check out the Kickstarter, too... choose your pledge and secure your copy of A Boat Made of Bone!

READY TO SIGN UP?

Fill out this awesome form designed by Prism Book Tours and we'll enter you in the drawing for $100 and you'll hear from us soon! 


 ***********  RETURN TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG POSTS  ************ 

Blood Moon by Teri Harman -- Blog Tour

Blood Moon

Author: Teri Harman

Publisher: Jolly Fish Press

Published: June 22, 2013

ISBN13: 9781939967008

Hardcover: 354 pages

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

Goodreads Summary

Willa dreams of true events and her best friend is a ghost. Simon can heal any wound with a touch and senses others’ emotions, intentions. All their lives they’ve felt alone in their bizarre abilities, hiding behind a facade of normalcy, wondering why and how. The night Simon walks into the Twelve Acres Diner and meets Willa face to face, in a swirl of electric heat, they are bound to one another and glimpse the magic of who they are.

Across town a witch is held prisoner in the derelict basement of an old Victorian house. One night as it rains, she dares to reach her filthy, scarred hand out the window. Willa, walking home from work, recognizes the pathetic hand from a recent, terrible dream.

After a daring rescue of the witch, Willa and Simon are catapulted into the alluring but dangerous world of witchcraft and the magic of The Six Gifts. Answers to all their questions are within reach, but they’ve stepped into the middle of a deadly fight for the Powers of the Earth. Do they stay, risk their lives on the promise of power, or walk away?

Teri Harman's groundbreaking debut novel, the first installment in The Moonlight Trilogy, completely reinvents the modern concept of witches and magic. With its authentic translation of the history of witches into a fresh and entertaining package with unprecedented characterization, Blood Moon is sure to capture readers from the first page.

My Review

Right away I was taken into Willa and Simon's story.  I was intrigued by their instant connection and what will become of their relationship.  I really enjoyed how the author told the story from different points of view.  We got to see the story through many different character's view points, even ghosts and bad guys.  I also really liked how the story went from present to past, telling us of important events that were vital to the story, and how the past and present connected.  I also appreciated how Willa and Simon, when faced with certain situations, really look their time to know what was right for them.  I loved reading about the different types of magic, or gifts, that the witches had.  There were also some surprising twists and turns that kept me eagerly reading this book until way past my bedtime.

Content

Violent scenes.  

4 out of 5 stars.  This is the first book of The Moonlight Trilogy.  I am really looking forward to the next book.

As part of the Blog Tour for Blood Moon, there is a Rafflecopter giveaway.  There is also a giveaway on Goodreads. 



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Author Links

Facebook / Twitter / Website / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

Till Death Do Us Part by Tristi Pinkston

Till Death Do Us Part

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published: May 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-59992-880-7

Paperback: 245 pages

FTC FTI: Received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Will Ida Mae survive her own wedding?

When charming—and mostly bald—widower George Gilmore asked Ida Mae Babbitt to marry him, she was surprised and delighted. But now he has made another proposal—to hold the wedding in two weeks, while all his children are in town. Flustered but sure she can handle it with the help of her friends, Ida Mae
agrees.

The plan doesn’t go over so well with George’s family, however, and Ida Mae finds herself the victim of a plot to stop the wedding. At first the incidents seem like harmless pranks, but they escalate until Ida Mae finds herself in real danger—and in real pain. Bells are ringing, but are they wedding bells or death knells?

My Review

Till Death Do Us Part finds Ida Mae knee deep in trouble again.  This time is seems that someone from George's family doesn't want her to marry George.  Right away events occur that rattle her nerves, but (as always) Ida Mae stands her ground.   George has not told Ida Mae that he is very wealthy, and it appears that someone from the family doesn't want Ida Mae taking what they think it theirs.  Danger lurks around every corner (and elevator) as Ida Mae and her friends try to plan her wedding to George.

There is nothing more delightful then a Secret Sisters mystery by Tristi Pinkston.  I have grown to love these characters and their endearing quirks.  As I'm reading I remember what a fantastic writer Tristi is.  (Not that I had forgotten :) Consistent, consistent, consistent is how she writes.  Every line is important and most of the time, very funny.  I was thrilled to learn that Ren reminded Ida Mae of Ewan McGregor, "only without the light saber and with a temple recommend." (page 37)  I was happy that the love triangle between Eden, Ren, and Kevin was quickly solved so I could focus on other aspects of the story.

I could quote the whole book for it's humor and cleverness, but this was one of my favorite moments:

The officers waited until Arlette got the minivan turned around, and then they climbed into their own vehicle.  Ida Mae was surprised when one of them flipped on red and blue lights built into the front of the car.  All the vehicles ahead of them edged out of the way, and Arlette followed the officers down the canyon and toward Federal Heights. 

"If this weren't so extremely frightening, it would be exciting," Tansy remarked. 

For once, Ida Mae knew exactly what she meant. (page 144)

5 out of 5 stars.  This is the last book in the series.  If you are new to the Secret Sisters, definitely start with the first.

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Evertaster: The Buttersmith's Gold by Adam Glendon Sidwell -- Book Blast

 

The Buttersmiths' Gold

BATTLES. BLUEBERRIES. BOVINES.

TORBJORN AND STORFJELL’S HISTORY UNFOLDS IN AN EPIC EVERTASTER NOVELLA.

Everyone knows the most coveted treasure of the Viking Age was blueberry muffins. Blueberry muffins so succulent that if you sniffed just a whiff, you'd want a whole bite. If you bit a bite, you'd want a batch; if you snatched a batch, you'd stop at nothing short of going to war just to claim them all.

Young Torbjorn Trofastsonn comes from the clan that makes them. He's a Viking through and

through – he's thirteen winters old, larger than most respectable rocks, and most of all, a Buttersmith. That's what he thinks anyway, until a charismatic merchant makes Torbjorn question his place among the muffin-makers. When Torbjorn lets the secret of his clan's muffin recipe slip, he calls doom and destruction down upon his peaceful village and forces his brother Storfjell and his clansmen to do the one thing they are ill-prepared to do: battle for their lives.

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Amazon

About The Buttersmiths' Gold

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

Evertaster, Book #1:

A legendary taste. Sought after for centuries. Shrouded in secrecy.

When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.

Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late.

 

Purchase on

Amazon

Book Trailer  

    Author Adam Sidwell In between books, Adam Glendon Sidwell uses the power of computers to make monsters, robots and zombies come to life for blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Transformers and Tron. After spending countless hours in front of a keyboard meticulously adjusting tentacles, calibrating hydraulics, and brushing monkey fur, he is delighted at the prospect of modifying his creations with the flick of a few deftly placed adjectives. He’s been eating food since age 7, so feels very qualified to write this book. He once showed a famous movie star where the bathroom was. Adam currently lives in Los Angeles, where he can’t wait to fall into the sea.

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Tour Schedule

BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/30/13 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 participating author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $50 US. a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver

A Change of Plans

Author: Donna K. Weaver

Publisher: Rhemalda

Published: June 1st, 2013

Paperback: 326 pages

ISBN13: 9781936850778

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

Goodreads Summary

When twenty-five-year-old Lyn sets off on her cruise vacation, all she wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a diversion uncomplicated by romance. What she gets is Braedon, an intriguing young surgeon. He's everything her fiancé wasn't, and against the backdrop of the ship's make-believe world, her emotions come alive.

Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.

But it's hard to get away from someone when you're stuck on the same ship. Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions. Then paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped, and Lyn's fear of a fairy tale turns grim.

Mindy's Review

I thought this book was brilliant.  I loved it.  I also loved how Donna threw some of my favorite movie references in it.  Especially Hobbits.  But, I didn't love the book just for those reasons.

I really didn't know what to expect when I was reading A Change of Plans, but immediately I was drawn to the cover, and while reading, what was inside it.  This book has everything a reader could ask for.  Romance, humor, suspense, love, hope, strong, likeable characters, and a great fast-paced plot that will keep you reading until the end.  I read this book in one day because I couldn't put it down.  I don't want to give things away, but my heart would break for Lyn.  Many things happened to here, but I loved how her stunning character would help her through it.  Braedon was also a fav, and Jori too.  I could tell that all of Donna's characters were important to her through her writing because of the way they all shine.  Am I gushing?  I'm gushing, but this book deserves it.  This book has it all, I laughed and I cried.

5 of out 5 stars.  I can't wait to read more from this awesome debut author.

Author Links

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Rhemalda

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Innovera Yakov: The Journey of a Thousand Eyes by Kia Garriques -- Book Blast

Innovera Yakov: The Journey of a Thousand Eyes Innovera Yakov – The Journey of A Thousand Eyes takes you into a world of excitement and danger where thoughts and feelings are overheard and minds can travel to other worlds. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a world where falling in love could cost you your life and nothing is as it seems. Innovera Yakov – The Journey of A Thousand Eyes is the first book in an action-packed fantasy drama series where characters with powers of healing and destruction live, love, compete and disappear without a trace while they are being prepared for the Journey.

Audio Link

Innovera Yakov - Audio of Chapter 1

Read the First Chapter

Innovera Yakov - Chapter 1

Author Kia Garriques Kia Garriques studied writing and English literature at University and has been a published short story writer since 2009. Her first story “The Invisible Alien Watcher” was published by Micro Horror in 2009 and reprinted by Pill Hill Press in 2011. Innovera Yakov: The Journey of a Thousand Eyes – is her first novel in the ‘Worlds’ series.

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Excerpt Blu Tara stared her sister in the face. ‘Let me tell you what you don't know about love, Gamma. It is a curse. You will scoop out your core and abandon it just to have the Being that you love. You will steal another person's life force if it makes it easier to get it. You will abandon the world you have been cradled in, betray everything and everyone you care for. You’ll give up your name for it.’ Blu Tara's voice went soft and dreamy. ‘You will gladly close your eyes and embrace the world of darkness. You will kill or die for it. And you will hate yourself for the weakness that it brings on you. So don’t talk to me about love.’ Gamma shook her head. ‘You're not making sense,’ Blu Tara. ‘You talk as if... I’m the one who should be upset about all this.’ Blu Tara lifted her hand dismissively. She pointed a hot finger at Gamma. ‘Anyway don’t forget what we are.’ 'And what are we?’ Gamma glared at her.. 'Different. Strange. Something to be frightened of. Two Beings that can fuse and burn everything to ashes. That's the way they all see us down there. That's what the Stardog wants from you - the powers you possess. ‘I hate them all. With their suspicious, shiny faces and their empty games. I hate that Voice which drones on and on at us in the Learning Dome as soon as we've finished resting. Innoverans! All those perfect, pretty Beings; they remember nothing — it’s the curse of this shallow, shining world. Tell me, Gamma - what do you remember of the world we come from before your Odors Apeno dumped us here?’ Gamma swung around to face her sister fully. ‘Blu Tara! What's got into you? Where’s all that coming from? I've never heard you speak like that before. This is about Krave and I- not you!’ Krave and you - don't make me laugh. And, oh! Here’s a big difference — between you and I this time, Twin Sister. It’s the answer to your question that you brought me up here to ask.’ Blu Tara mimicked Gamma's soft and musical voice, Why do you want to kill Krave? Here's the answer, Gamma. I will do whatever I have to do to save myself. I'm the half of you that's not like you. I don't have a weeping heart. Now I'm out of here. I need my Rest.   BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/20/13  a Rafflecopter giveaway