Min Reads and Reviews

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance

Authors: Melanie Jacobson, Jennifer K. Clark, Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: January 1st, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62108-934-6

Paperback: 162 pages

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

Goodreads Summary

They say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but as mistaken identities abound, three heroines will put this age-old adage to the test! Showcasing a trio of LDS fiction’s finest authors, Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance is a heartwarming collection of short stories that begs the question: can true love really conquer all?

Storybook Romance by Melanie Jacobson —New York City book editor Ellie Hanover has discovered a groundbreaking manuscript that may be just what she needs to save her job. But when her anonymous correspondence with the author begins to develop into more than a professional relationship, Ellie is left wondering if her real find is actually Mr. Right.

He Loves Me Not by Jennifer K. Clark —When Kenedee spies her boss leaving flowers on her desk, she’s swept into a whirlwind of infatuation. If only he didn’t have a girlfriend . . . Undeterred, the young woman enlists in the scheme her employer’s brother has put in motion for the company’s sake in hopes that she can win over the man of her dreams. But even foolproof plans can go awry.

Fools of Us All by Julie Daines —The course of true love is never smooth, as Jane discovers when a case of mistaken identity results in a date with the man she’s admired from afar for years. But she knows all too well that masquerading as her twin sister can only go on for so long before the truth comes out.

My Review

I very much enjoyed these three romance novellas from these great authors. I have read books from each of these ladies, so I was looking forward to these novellas. Each were very well written. Each read quickly and had fantastic characters. I love and appreciate clean books that have great stories, and these novellas did not disappoint. I especially liked the settings. Storybook Romance was especially fun, seeing as how being an editor would be my dream job. But, Ellie did not have my dream boss. In He Loves Me Not, it would be very fun to live and work in Moab. And in Fools of Us All, I actually felt really sorry for Jane. I was pleased with how she finally makes a decision about one particular person in her life (and it wasn't the cute doctor). Jane was an amazing girl who takes care of her mother after the accident that killed her father. This story was a little more deeper than the others, only because of what Jane has and had to endure. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of romance and mistaken identities to go around!

4 out of 5 stars.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

For author links, please look at the author's name at the top.

Blog tour schedule

*Jan. 12th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 13th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 14th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

*Jan. 15th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com, http://fireandicereads.com/

* Jan. 16th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

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Scripture Puzzlers by Maryalice Wallis and Charlotte Windstrom

Scripture Puzzlers: Crosswords, Word Searches, and Other Brain Teasers

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: January 13th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462115488

Paperback: 224 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

Master the scriptures and have fun doing it! Find hidden messages, work through puzzles, and unscramble clues as you learn the essential truths found in scripture mastery passages. Perfect for seminary, Sunday School, family night, personal scripture study, or missionary preparation, this book of puzzles is anything but trivial!

My Review

Does your family need some fresh Family Home Evening ideas? Well, this book is your answer. There are crossword puzzlers, word searches, codes to figure out, and much more, all while learning the scriptures. Each book is represented. This book is a perfect tool for beginners and those who know their stuff. I think younger children will have a harder time, but anything can be done with help from family members. Enjoy!

About the Authors

MaryAlice Wallis is the co-author of the award winning LDS Puzzle Pals and LDS Puzzle Pals- Prophets and Apostles. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She is a longtime member of the Golden Quill Writers Group and past member and presenter at American Night Writers Association, Northwest Chapter. She freelance writes children’s literature and Young Adult fiction and is currently writing a homeschooling resource book. MaryAlice and her husband David homeschooled their four children and are experiencing life as half-empty nesters. Their family loves traveling to the beach from their home in the Pacific Northwest.

Charolette Lindstrom is the co-author of two other puzzle books; LDS Puzzle Palsand LDS Puzzle Pals- Prophets and Apostles (under the name C G Lindstrom). She has written many puzzles for The Friend magazine and has stories published in The Friend, The New Era and Cricket magazines. She is an original member of the Golden Quill Writers Group in Southwest Washington. She is also a member of the American Night Writers Association (ANWA). A graduate of Utah State University, she currently teaches 2nd grad in Longview, Washington.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

The Recipe Hacker by Diana Keuilian -- Blog Tour

The Recipe Hacker: Comfort Foods Without Gluten, Dairy, Soy, Grain, or Cane Sugar

Author: Diana Keuilian

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: December 1st, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1539-6

Paperback: 230 pages

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

Summary

Break the recipe code for your favorite foods! Free of grains, gluten, dairy, cane sugar, and soy, The Recipe Hacker is a mouthwatering collection of your favorite comfort foods with a healthy twist. Learn to use easy ingredient substitutions to transform traditional dishes into real, healthy comfort food masterpieces, without sacrificing any of the flavor! Enjoy healthier, whole-food versions of Key Lime Pie, Crispy Orange Chicken, and Banana Pancakes. Dozens of recipes and delicious flavors will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy all the comfort foods you crave and keep your body (and skinny jeans) happy at the same time!

My Review

This recipe book is not only informative and helpful to those who need these recipes, it is also lovely to look at! Each chapter is highlighted with a picture and each recipe has a picture also. I appreciate recipe books with pictures, what a great way to sell your delicious recipe. I have a nephew with severe food allergies, as well as a sister in law who can't eat gluten, and I am excited to share this recipe book with them and give them some more healthy, but yummy options.

About the Author

Diana Keuilian is passionate about creating wholesome versions of your favorite foods. She removes the gluten, dairy, soy, grains and cane sugar from traditional comfort food recipes like cake, tacos, cookies, waffles, enchiladas and more. This hobby propelled her to start the popular blog, RealHealthyRecipes.com, where she shares hundreds of delicious recipes and mouthwatering photos. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two young children.

Visit Diane at Real Healthy Recipes and on Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Cedar Fort

Monday, January 12, 2015

A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection

Authors: Anna Elliot, Sarah M. Eden, Carla Kelly, Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press

Published: January 5th, 2015

ASIN: B00RR8AJ72

ebook: 320 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection. Readers will love this collection of six regency romance novellas.

In THE WEDDING GIFT: A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE STORY, an enchanting novella by Anna Elliott, the story opens two weeks before Elizabeth Bennet’s wedding to Mr. Darcy. He has given her the perfect wedding gift, and now she must come up with one for him. But what do you give a man who has everything? Elizabeth soon discovers that the gift of love is more important than any one thing.

DREAM OF A GLORIOUS SEASON, a sweet novella by Sarah M. Eden, we meet Elizabeth Gillerford who envies her sister only one thing—that she’s been intended for Julian Broadwood since they were children. The trouble is that Elizabeth is hopelessly in love with Julian too. When Julian discovers that Elizabeth has been denied a Season because her older sister is yet unwed, he undertakes his own stealthy measures to introduce her to society, only to find himself falling in love with her himself.

In THE MENDER, a captivating story by Carla Kelly, Thankful Winnings takes a sea voyage with her cousin on the Ann Alexander, in a last adventure before she settles down to marry one of her beaus. Unexpectedly they come upon the aftermath of a fierce ship battle, and Thankful is commissioned to help in the place of an injured surgeon on one of the Royal Navy ships. Adam Farnsworth, surgeon, has been at sea for years. Tired of war, but devoted to his post, it takes a resourceful lady such as Thankful to give him the hope of love and help heal his own wounds, the ones that show and the ones that don’t.

In BEGIN AGAIN, a charming novella by Josi S. Kilpack, Regina Weathers gives up on marrying for love the day that Ross Martin walks out of her life. Now, fifteen years later, Ross shows up at a ball and thinks he can woo Regina. But she is set on her lonely path and stitched-up heart, no matter the excuse Ross gives for his years of silence and neglect. When Ross insists he wrote many letters during his military years, Regina discovers a secret long-since buried by her father, and the revelation might be enough to thaw the coldness of her heart.

In Annette Lyon’s endearing story, THE AFFAIR AT WILDEMOORE, Mrs. Ellen Stanhope escorts her three daughters to a ball. As her oldest flirts with a beau, Ellen is reminded of her courtship and early years of marriage with Anthony, before tragedy struck with the death of their infant son. The marriage has faded and dulled. Not until she sees Anthony dancing with a woman he courted years before does Ellen realize how much she misses him, still loves him, and yearns for him to yet feel the same way for her.

In the delightful novella, THE DUKE’S BROTHER, by Heather B. Moore, Mr. Gregory Clark is having an awful day, and it only gets worse when he’s ran over by … a woman. Mabel Russell reluctantly visits her sister in London for the Season, even though she’d rather stay in the country cataloging insects and aphids. When she runs into Gregory Clark, quite literally, she’s afraid to show any interest, especially since he’s a member of the dreaded ton. But getting to know Gregory becomes an unexpected delight.

My Review

Another perfect offering for the Timeless Romance Anthologies. Each story was unique and very enjoyable. I loved the romance, the language, the settings, and especially the characters in each novella, immensely. I am finding more often that novellas are here to stay, especially with this series. I am a huge TRA fan! I loved knowing I will read a quick, enjoyable book from authors whose books I love. I hadn’t read anything from Ms. Elliot before and I am excited to read more from her. It was hard to pick a favorite in this series. Each story had just the right amount of all things wonderful. What I like most is the promise of a happy ending and the journey to it.

5 out of 5 stars. Use the links on the author names up top for their websites.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Black Blossom by C.J. Anaya -- Blitz

ALMOST a month ago we have the privilege of doing a cover reveal for Author C.J. Anaya's book THE BLACK BLOSSOM

Today we get the privilege of letting you get a peak inside and get to know some fun facts about the author as well!!

Each blogger will be featuring this book with a snippet or a top 10s list, so be sure to follow along and get to know the author and the book!!

Author Bio:

C. J. Anaya began writing short stories for family and friends when she was thirteen years old. This soon morphed into an extensive project every year during Christmas as a way to create a fun and inexpensive Christmas gift.

Her passion for reading and writing led her to following her own dreams of becoming a published author. She was born in Utah and raised everywhere else. She even lived a few years in Brazil, enjoying the people, the culture and learning the beautiful language of Portuguese; a language she is still fluent in to this day. As a result of her exposure to varying peoples and cultures, her interests became varied as well.

As a mother of four children she is now a singer and a songwriter, a baker and a cake decorator, a dancer and a choreographer, a girl with a degree in Criminal Justice and a first time published author of YA paranormal romance and fantasy. She is also married to the most deliciously, handsome looking Latino. As always, she has plenty to write about.

Links to social media sites:

http://authorcjanaya.com

http://www.facebook.com/cjanayaauthor

http://www.twitter.com/CJAnaya21

http://www.goodreads.com/cjanaya

Black Blossom Book Description:

Forced into a strange, dream-like state, Hope Fairmont is reliving her life as Mikomi, Princess of the Kagami Empire and The Healer of the world. Life as an Imperial Princess is rife with danger, betrayal and intrigue as Mikomi joins forces with a rebel group of samurai warriors in order to usurp the throne from her tyrannical father. To win this seemingly hopeless war, she must train with Musubi, a warrior in the rebel army, and learn the art of the sword without revealing her identity as The Healer.

Unbeknownst to her, Musubi harbors his own secret identity and personal agenda, both of which hold dark consequences for Mikomi's future. Neither one can afford to share their secrets, nor can they ignore the powerful chemistry building between them.

Further complications arise at the arrival of her betrothed, Katsu, who must aid her in mastering control of her own gift before she ascends as a full kami on her eighteenth birthday. Katsu is not the cold-hearted warrior god she expected, but how can she spend eternity with a deity she may never love?

Determined to avoid her destiny, she spies on her father and his generals, collecting intelligence for the rebel army in the hope that one day the empire of Kagami will be liberated and her own future will be hers to control.

World's collide in the second book of The Healer Series as this epic love story carries the reader on a journey filled with romance, action, adventure and intrigue. A paranormal romance unlike anything you've read before, you won't want to miss out on the second installment in this clean teen romance series.

Black Blossom Snippet

The young warrior merely leveled me with a suggestive glance and then quirked his lips in amusement and turned my hand over, laying a kiss on the soft pulse at my wrist. He couldn’t have failed to notice how my heart rate sped up at this inappropriate contact.

I forcefully pulled away. “How dare you? You may have saved my life, but that hardly gives you the right to handle me in such an inappropriate manner.” I used the only threat I could think of that might be powerful enough to stop the young warrior’s idea of conquest. “I am betrothed to someone else, and…and he will no doubt kill you for touching me.” I had no intention of following through with my union to Masaru Katsu, but he didn’t have to know that.

The young warrior didn’t look at all frightened. If anything he looked happier with news of my union.

“Your devotion to a man you have never before met does you credit, young princess, but I’m not overly concerned about my demise at the hands of your betrothed.”

I inched backward, getting ready to flee the moment he attempted to touch me again. “And why is that?”

“Because, my dear, I am your betrothed. I am a kami, a warrior god and keeper of the Grass Cutter Sword.”

I looked up in horror as he inched closer and placed both his hands at my waist, pulling me to him.

“I am Katsu.”

Order your copy here: Amazon

And don't forget to join the Launch Party for Tomorrow!!

Now go check out the snippets and fun facts on all these other wonderful posts today!

Black Blossom Blitz Bloggers:

http://authorcandyodonnell.blogspot.com/

http://www.bound2escape.com

http://ellelainey.wordpress.com

http://aone-clickaddictsbookblog.blogspot.com/

http://beautifulblessings86.wordpress.com/

http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/rinaseesit?fref=ts

http://lifebooksandmore.blogspot.com

www.readingbythebook.com

www.minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com

http://authorsandralove.blogspot.com/

Readinginsarahscorner.blogspot.com

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1554130711466153

http://www.authorsrevealed.blogspot.com

http://sweet-n-sassy-book-a-holics.blogspot.com/

semishort.blogspot.com

rebeccalamoreaux-anauthorinprogress.blogspot.com

Saturday, January 10, 2015

The Awakening by Dorine White -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule

The Awakening by Dorine White

Publisher: Skyrocket Press

Published: Dec. 2 2014

ISBN13: 9780692296073

Paperback: 300 pages

Summary

Nightmares really do come true, and for fifteen-year-old Kyler Birkwood, they are just beginning. Raised on a farm by his Aunt Martha, Kyler has no clue about the magical heritage swimming through his blood. When he discovers evidence of a mythical creature, a terrifying beast thought only to exist in fairy tales, his safe world shatters.

Left at a school of magic to hunt for clues, he is overwhelmed and disbelieved. As loved ones begin disappearing and Orcs roam the land, Kyler must undergo a journey that takes him from the High Courts of the King to the unknown forests of the East. His magic just awakening, Kyler is the lone hope for a world that will not listen.

My Review

There were many things I liked in The Awakening. I enjoyed that when Kyler came to the school, he was surprised by all the magic around him and what he thought he didn't know. I enjoyed his journey of self-discovery and how he realized how important he was. There was a magical library that was amazing! At times, I thought the story took a couple unnecessary turns, and the language of the teens didn't match the time period. But all in all, I really liked Kyler, Henry, and Darcy. She was a fun surprise (who had a huge story of her own). Great ending and many surprise twists!

Purchase Your Copy

Amazon Kindle * Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Praise for The Awakening

“Dorine White delivers twists and turns to the plot that will keep you turning the pages.” ~ Melanie Mason, author of the YA historical, The Line That Divides

“The Awakening is a clever blend of folklore and fantasy, perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. A furiously fun read!” ~ Laurisa Reyes, author of the YA thriller, Contact

Author Dorine White

My name is Dorine White. I am a children’s fantasy author and a book reviewer. I grew up back East in Maryland and attended BYU in Utah. I have a BA in Humanities with an interest in Art History and French. Currently I live in the beautiful, yet rainy Northwest with my husband and 6 children. My first novel was published in 2012 and is the beginning of the Cleopatra’s Legacy series. The first two books are out, The Emerald Ring and The Ruby Pendant. Look for the third book, The Diamond Looking Glass in the summer of 2015.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/29/15

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 readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Thursday, January 8, 2015

Between Now and Never by Laura Johnston -- Cover Reveal/Giveaway

Today we get to reveal Author Laura Johnston's Newest book BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER!

Laura is an amazing author, so let's get to know her first:

Laura Johnston lives in Utah with her husband and two children. Growing up with five siblings, a few horses, peach trees, beehives and gardens, she developed an active imagination and always loved a good story. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, traveling, writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids. REWIND TO YOU was her debut novel.

You may be curious about what this fabulous book could be about, well here is the back cover blurb:

A convict’s daughter should never fall for an FBI agent’s son, certainly not a teenager like Julianna Schultz who is furious over her mother’s incarceration and the injustice of it all. But that’s exactly what seventeen-year-old Julianna finds herself doing when Cody Rush, the cocky son of the FBI agent who put her mom behind bars, moves into her hometown of Gilbert, Arizona.

Cody Rush—studious, principled, athletic, good looking and blond to boot—is everything Julianna hates, or so she thinks. Yet a series of ill-fated events one night brings them dangerously close, entangling the futures of two people who were never meant to be.

And now for the Fantastic Book Cover!!

Fabulous right!?!?

Grab your copy at one of these fabulous sites:

AMAZON:

http://www.amazon.com/Between-Now-Never-Laura-Johnston-ebook/dp/B00ONTR75U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420162054&sr=8-1&keywords=between+now+and+never

BARNES AND NOBLE:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/between-now-never-laura-johnston/1120611627?ean=9781601833525&itm=1&usri=9781601833525&cm_mmc=Random%20House-_-**TITLE**-RandomHouse-9781601833525-_-Between%20Now

KENSINGTON PUBLISHING:

http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/31063

BOOKS-A-MILLION:

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Between-Now-Never/Laura-Johnston/Q308647121?id=6201622225298

eBOOKS:

http://www.ebooks.com/1819424/between-now-never/johnston-laura/

KOBO BOOKS:

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/between-now-never

Excerpt

“Listen”—I cut him off before his flirtatious ways turn me into a puddle of mush at his feet—“for the record, that whole photo booth . . . incident . . . didn’t mean anything, okay?”

He sits up, leaning forward to pull a wallet from his back pocket. He fishes something out and slaps it down on the coffee table.

“Oh, yeah?” he challenges. “What about that?”

I glance down at the pictures—the photo-booth pictures. His index finger taps the third picture, the one of him practically kissing my neck. The nerve! I feel a wave of heat rising up my neck and into my cheeks. Wait, he keeps this in his wallet?

“Pulling out that dimple-loaded smile of yours and doing . . .” I fish for a term to describe what he’s doing in that picture. Smelling my hair? Kissing my ear? It’s too intimate, too personal to articulate. “. . . doing . . . that. . . might win over every other girl who comes your way, but it doesn’t work for me.”

“Oh, yeah?” he asks again and leans in dangerously close, his tone doubtful. His gaze drops from my eyes to my lips. “What does do it for you, Julianna?”

The sound of my name on his lips sinks right to my core, rich and tempting. Like chocolate.

“You would like to know, wouldn’t you?” I ask, loading as much spite into that challenge as possible.

One side of his lips kicks up, like he’s thoroughly enjoying this.

Don't forget to show support for the author by commenting below and checking out the other wonderful blogs joining the reveal!!!

www.aealbert.com

http://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk

http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/

www.ladyaliteraturejunkieextraordinaire.blogspot.com

curling-up-with-a-good-book.blogspot.com

www.bonnieharrid.blogspot.com

http://www.brookeblogs.com

http://whatthecatread.wordpress.com