Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Title:Before I Fall
Author:Lauren Oliver
Publisher:Harper Collins Publishers
Imprint:Harper
Pub. Date:10/25/2010
ISBN:0061726818 (ISBN13: 9780061726811)
Pages:470




With this stunning debut novel, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver emerged as one of today's foremost authors of young adult fiction. Like Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Gayle Forman's If I StayBefore I Fall raises thought-provoking questions about love, death, and how one person's life can affect so many others.

For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.

However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.





(Summary and cover via Goodreads)

              **************************************************


Samantha Kingston has died. She knows it. What she doesn't know is why she seems to be reliving the day of her death over and over again. Sam begins to realize though that there may be a purpose to this, and that any small thing she does can change things entirely. Sam learns that there are some things bigger than her, and while she cannot save herself she may be able to help others before she goes.

The beginning of this book was a trial for me to get through. Samantha and her friends are just awful people. They're bullies that pick on the easiest targets. Luckily Sam starts to show some growth before I totally gave up on this book, but man did she drag it out. She became a much more likable person as she stopped trying to label herself and be someone she thought everyone else wanted her to be. As she became her own person, she was much easier to deal with. This also allowed her to learn some things about why she was going through this strange event to begin with.

I appreciate that Sam saw the good in her friends more and more as she went while still recognizing what they did wrong. Ultimately Sam had a lot of good in her, and this was uncovered bit by bit as the story progressed. The ending was satisfying even if you kind of know where it is going. I like that she learned that some things are bigger than her. This was a very interesting book, and it made me think about how I influence people in my life. I don't know if I would say I enjoyed it, but it was a book worth reading.


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

A City Full of Santas Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for A City Full of Santas by Pooja Sardana!

A City Full of Santas


Ranked as #1 BestSeller on Amazon India This Christmas is special; really special for Santa. Read this lovely Christmas tale that would re-define the meaning of Christmas. A must read for everyone. Just like Pooja's other books, this book brings love, warmth, and a special message. A story that parents would love to read to their children.


add to goodreads

Pooja


Author Pooja Sardana

Pooja Sardana, is a mother, a teacher, an illustrator, an author, a visionary and the co-founder of PictureBookTree. Her books and her initiative - PictureBookTree have been widely covered in Indian media and abroad. Titled as one of the Unsung Hero in 'Saga of the Unsung Heroes of India" , she continues to touch lives of many through her books and her work. Her picture books for children can be availed free of cost by NGOs or individuals working with Under-privileged children. If you work with under-privileged children, you can drop an email at Picturebooktree (AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM to receive your free copy.


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Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/4/15

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 the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Sunday, December 21, 2014

Beenie's Search Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for Beenie's Search by J.J. Schousboe!

Beenie's Search by J.J. Schousboe

About the Book

Title: Beenie's Search | Author: J.J. Schousboe | Publication Date: March 20, 2014 | Publisher: Friesen Press | Pages: 48 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 

Book Description: Join Beenie, the friendly bear, as he searches for his family after hibernating for the long winter. Spring arrives and Beenie discovers that he is all alone. In search of food, friends and his family, Beenie gets side tracked and lost. When he remembers what he was taught by his parents, he overcomes his fears and sets off in the right direction. Beenie's Search teaches young readers the importance of listening and following directions as they join Beenie in his adventure.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Friesen Press

J J Schousboe Designs | Google Play | Goodreads

 

About the Author: J.J. Schousboe

J.J. Schousboe


JJ Schousboe migrated from the lovely island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean. She has been writing poems as a teenager and began writing stories for her children. A preschool teacher since 2007, JJ currently lives in Largo, Florida.

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

   

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

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Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice)
Contest closes: January 2, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, J.J. Schousboe and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Saturday, December 20, 2014

The Heroes of the Himalayas Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for The Heroes of the Himalayas by Lars Guignard!

BOOK SALE: You can grab a copy of Book 1, "Ghost Leopard" for 99 cents from Amazon starting December 18, 2014 for a limited time. PURCHASE NOW!

Zoe and Zak Collage

Move over Percy Jackson. Find out what everybody is talking about!

Have you ever gotten hopelessly lost in a strange land? Talked to an elephant? Ridden a magic carpet? Been jailed by an angry parrot? And discovered that you have the power to change the world?
Zoe & Zak hadn’t either. But that was before their lives were turned upside down by a mysterious creature called the Ghost Leopard. Now, they find themselves attending a strange school high in the Himalayan foothills, where nothing is what it seems and anything is possible. 

The Zoe & Zak Adventures contains the first three full books of the middle grade fantasy adventure series, where two semi-normal kids begin to live absolutely extraordinary lives. 

In Book One, The Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak take their first trip to India where they learn that they’ve been chosen to protect a mythical creature from a terrible fate. 

In Book Two, The Yogi’s Curse, Zoe & Zak are back in India, this time to attend Moonstock Academy, a strange and sometimes frightening boarding school where weird events seem to occur on a regular basis. 

And in Book Three, The Tiger Temple, Zoe & Zak take on their second semester at Moonstock and their most terrifying challenge yet. If you love to laugh out loud, if you like adventure, and if you’re dying to go on the wildest ride on this side of the Himalayas, pick up the Zoe & Zak Adventures today. 

Now Available as a Compendium: The three book collection contains the complete text of first three books in the Zoe & Zak series. Together, these books are guaranteed to bring you to a magical world unlike any you’ve experienced before. Find out what everybody is talking about.

Book 1: Zoe and Zak and The Ghost Leopard

Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard

Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard BLOG TOUR

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Book 2: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse

Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard

Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse BLOG TOUR

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Book 3: Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple

Tiger Temple by Lars Guignard

Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple BLOG TOUR

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Purchase all Three!

The Heroes of the Himalayas Book Set by Lars Guignard

PURCHASE: Amazon (Kindle)

 

About The Author: Lars Guignard

Lars Guignard


Lars Guignard Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the "Heroes of the Himalayas" series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple. He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range. For news about new releases, please join his email list by contacting the author: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card


Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice)
Contest closes: January 1, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Lars Guignard and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Friday, December 19, 2014

Apple Pie For You and I Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for Apple Pie For You and I by Denise Mistich and Daniel Buleri!


You can purchase an electronic copy of this book for only $1.00 from Amazon until December 31, 2014 (details below).

Apple Pie for You and I by Denise Mistich
   

About the Book

Title: Apple Pie for You and I | Author: Denise Mistich | Illustrator: Daniel Bulleri | Publication Date: November 13, 2013 | Publisher: Apple Pie Books | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8

Book Description: 

Apple Pie for You and I is one fantastically colorful and happy little children's book! Kids love to count the pieces of the pie as these hilarious critters gobble them down. They also get a little lesson in grammar and find out what happens when they eat too many slices! 

Message from the Author: 

This project was a lot of fun and I know your children are going to love it. I simply wrote a poem about raccoons eating an apple pie. Illustrator Daniel Bulleri brought the story to life. Grab a copy and enjoy it with your little ones. The book is available as a Kindle e-book and the paperback is coming soon!

Purchase the Kindle for Just $1.00 through Dec. 31, 2014

Amazon | Goodreads

 

About the Author: Denise Mistich

Denise Mistich
 

Author Denise Davidson Mistich, co-founder of Apple Pie Books, writes poems and stories that inspire children to think. She is also a minister and host of The Healing Room, Christian Radio for the Whole Woman.

Website | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads

   

About the Illustrator: Daniel Bulleri

The Illustrator, Daniel Bulleri, is a graphic designer and graduate of Chico State University. Other published work includes Your Magical Laugh, written, illustrated and published for the most important people in his life...his own children.
 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice)
Contest closes: December 31, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Denise Mistich and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Thursday, December 18, 2014

If You Believe Blog Tour

If You Believe (1)
Blog Tour - December 15th to 24th

Welcome to the blog tour for If You Believe by Mya O'Malley!

If you believe


Sometimes love only comes once in a lifetime. For some lucky people, it is possible to love again. Melody and Jack had shared an unforgettable love story that abruptly came to an end. Melody, left picking up the pieces, finds herself alone years later, with no hope or desire to date again. With the holiday season approaching, Melody finds it particularly difficult to get Jack out of her thoughts. Jack isn’t sure if he’s an angel or a ghost, but his mind is set on one thing only, finding a new love for Melody by Christmas Eve at midnight. Easier said than done, with many obstacles to tackle, Jack underestimates how difficult the task is. With conflicting emotions, Jack takes it upon himself to find a man for a woman he still loves. With the clock ticking as the holidays approach, this charming story of finding love the second time around will have you laughing and crying, but ultimately, it will have you believing in true love.  


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Mya Omalley


Author Mya O'Malley
Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.

 Mya currently has two new releases: At First Sight, a contemporary romance about dating in themodern world, published by Astraea Press, and Where There is Love, a contemporary romance in which a woman struggles with past obstacles, ultimately faced with whether or not she will open her heart to love. Where There is Love is published with Solstice Publishing. Mya is excited to say that Astraea Press will be releasing her contemporary holiday paranormal romance titled If You Believe on November 25, 2014. Due to be released late January is The Calm After the Storm, published by TouchPoint Press. This novel is a contemporary romance taking place in the setting of Hurricane Sandy. The story revolves around the idea of a utility worker from Georgia falling in love with a woman in New York.

Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her sixth novel.


Review:

Melody and Jack were true soulmates. They loved each other more than anything else. Unfortunately Jack passed away and now must watch Melody go through life alone. However, Jack finds a way to come back and help Melody. All he has to do is find someone she can fall madly in love in. By midnight. Christmas Eve. Jack's working on a tight deadline, but he'll do everything in his power to make Melody happy again.

This was a very sweet book. Melody could not just forget the great love of her life Jack. Unfortunately Jack was no longer with her. Jack however had found a way to help influence Melody's life. This meant taking another person's body shape. In some ways this book as like a dating show with an angel/ghost picking the dates. It was funny and fun at the same time. What a sweet thing to do though. Even though he still loved or greatly (or maybe because of that), Jack wanted to see Melody happy with someone again. 

This is the perfect book to settle down under some blankets and read. It was enjoyable to see how well Jack knew Melody and all the craziness he went through to find her the perfect man. Of course, the ending in this book is a bit bittersweet in many ways, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. This is a sweet Christmas romance full of love and hope.

Book provided for review.

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$25 Blog Tour Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/4/15

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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A Moat Is Not A Goat Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for A Moat Is Not A Goat by Elsa Takaoka and Fanny Liem!


A Moat is Not a Goat by Elsa Takaoka

About the Book

Title: A Moat is Not a Goat: Poems for Clever Little Girls * Author: Elsa Takaoka * Illustrator: Fanny Liem * Publication Date: November 27, 2014 * Publisher: Independent * Pages: 32 * Recommended Age: 4 to 8

Summary (Amazon): This is a collection on 16 beautifully illustrated poems about sweet and charming everyday experiences, especially written for little girls. This book will teach, inspire and empower little precocious lassies, opening their hearts and minds to the delightful world of imagination.

Amazon (Paperback) * Amazon (eBook) * Goodreads

 

*** FREE DOWNLOAD OF PAPER DOLLS! ***

You can download three adorable pdfs of paper dolls created by illustrator Fanny Liem based on A Moat is Not a Goat. Just click on the thumbnail below to take you to the author's site!

Paper Doll Harley-150x150
   
 

Message From The Author: Elsa Takaoka

Elsa Takaoka, Author


On the first day of National Poetry Month in April of 2014, I set the goal of writing a poem a day. My little girls and I would sit at the kitchen table - my five year-old doodled and my one year-old scribbled while Mommy wrote. As I struggled to find inspiration, I would occasionally glance at my eldest girl, who has been a doodling machine since the age of two and will often draw pictures for hours. Her doodles contained many of her favorite things: twins and mermaids, princesses and pets. But on closer inspection, they also contained stories of brave and bold little girls -girls with real feelings who fought, made-up, cried and got angry. These girls sailed ships, fought beasts and were pirates. These girls were tender and caring, who doodled and read. Her art contained REAL little girls- imaginative, clever and able to do anything they set their minds to. My hope is that I was able to crawl into the mind of a child and bottle up even a bit of the innocent yet powerful confidence of clever little girls everywhere.  

Book Website * Author Website

Facebook * Twitter * Google+

 

About the Illustrator: Fanny Liem

Fanny Liem


Fanny Liem is a freelance artist from Jakarta, Indonesia who became captivated with art at a very young age. She credits her talented father for passing on the love of artistic creation. Driven by grit and passion, Fanny learned about digital art on her own, redefining her hobby of drawing to budding career in children’s illustrations. Fanny also taps her feet while enjoying American Country music. For more information, please visit https://www.behance.net/fannywen  

* Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash prize (winner's choice) Contest ends: December 30, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Elsa Takaoka and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The Last Enchantress Book Blast

Welcome to the book blast for The Last Enchantress by Scott & Judith Powell!

last enchantress


Being nineteen for over three hundred years bites, and being single in New York with magical powers isn't much better. Eva is trying to live an everyday life in New York. When this fails, she takes a seemingly unmagical job as a translator for a wealthy American family in Spain. Eva cannot stay out of trouble for long as she runs into a friendly but hungry vampire named Louis. Eva feels drawn to this handsome, dangerous stranger who has problems of his own. Louis's life was just fine until Eva walked into his church. She smells like heaven. Or is it hell, always smelling but never partaking? Surely she is the devil coming to collect on his lost soul.

Download a FREE copy of The Last Enchantress
Available December 15th to 17th

Powell
 

Scott Powell was born in Burlington, Vermont, to a father who was a police officer and a mother who emigrated from South Korea. He received a degree in marketing from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, and a master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Scott served a two-year Spanish-speaking mission for his church. He is a mixed martial artist who continues to train with his father, a second-degree black belt in tae kwon do and a kick boxer.

Besides being married to Scott for almost seventeen years, Judith Powell is a stay-at-home mom whose whole life has been full of stories. Being raised by an Irish storytelling father and a Native American mother, stories have filled her life and her head until they finally had no choice but to flow out through her fingertips.

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Excerpt

The sun was just starting to rise, and I knew that her disturbing dream would not lead to sleeping late. I could hear her heart beating faster as she began to wake up. Wrapping myself in my cloak to protect my skin from the dawn’s light (the sun’s rays felt like hundreds of tiny needles on my flesh), I departed the room. Closing the French doors behind me, I waited on the roof for her to appear. I planned to spy on her until she exposed herself as the typical mortal that I knew she must be.

A few moments later, she walked out through the same doors I had just used, dressed only in a cream translucent nightgown. Her ankles were bare and slight, and I could just see the outline of her slim legs beneath her nightdress as the sunlight began to touch her skin. She walked purposely to a small stone bench under a tree that had not yet awoken this year and most likely never would. Just as quickly as she had come, she stood and began to walk back toward her room. I was feeling playful. What did it really matter if I revealed myself? I jumped down without a sound and sat on the bench that she had just occupied. Even though she had only been here but a moment, I could still feel her warmth lingering on the surface. Somehow, she sensed I was there, and she began to run, which was not surprising. I was sure fear motivated her movement. There was no need to pursue. I could catch her easily. But then she did something that put all my old questions to rest and created new ones. She jumped up and grabbed the edge of the roof. Using it as leverage, she flipped her body up into the arch, doing more moves than a gymnast at the Olympics, and landed, facing me, on the roof.

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Book Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/31/14

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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined Blog Tour

Rough Around the Edges

Welcome to the blog tour for Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson!


Rough Around the Edges
 

For Noah Mackie, life is finally back on track. He has a great support system, a promised promotion is on its way, and he's finally getting the hang of this single father thing. But when the job falls through and his neighbor's matchmaking efforts become more aggressive, Noah is in for yet another unwanted detour. With his career and two spirited daughters to worry about, he doesn't have time for dating—especially not someone like Cassie Ellis, his girls' beautiful and sophisticated dance instructor, who is about as open and approachable as a brick wall. Rough around the Edges Meets Refined is about two people who think they know exactly what they want but who have no idea what they really need. It's about learning that people aren't always what they seem and that sometimes life’s detours take you exactly where you need to go.  

Purchase Your Copy from Amazon.com

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Rachael
 

Author Rachael Anderson

USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Review:

Cassie is trying to escape her past disastrous marriage. Noah is trying to just get by as a single father of two daughters. When their friends try to set them up, neither of them are interested. However, each of them has a skill that the other one needs. When they begin to work together, they begin to feel a pull towards each others. The real question is whether they will let their pasts overcome their potential future.

This book was a great read. I loved that Cassie was an Irish step dance teacher. That was really fun the way that was incorporated into the story. I thought Noah was a great guy too, but I could see why Cassie's past was really holding her back. I've known people coming out of abusive marriages (and let's face it, that's what Cassie had), and it is truly difficult for them to get away from the mindset they had while being abused. I felt like that part of Cassie's story really rang true. 

I felt like Noah really handled the situation well, as much as possible anyway. Watching these two work through everything was fun. There was just enough conflict to be interesting, but not enough to bog the story down in unnecessary problems. This is a sweet romance, and a fairly quick read. It will make you cheer for these two characters to get together too.

Review provided for review.

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$25 Blog Tour Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/19/15

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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Monday, December 15, 2014

The Knife's Edge Blog Tour


Welcome to the blog tour for The Knife's Edge, part I of The Ronin Saga by Matthew Wolf!


When legends come to life the world trembles from a single name. Ronin. Once-heroes from a different age, they wield elemental powers… wind, water, fire, stone, forest, sun, moon, flesh, and metal.
At the same time, a young man discovers his best friend with a sword in her stomach, and dark wings sprouting from her back. Guards rush onto the scene, accuse him of the act, and he is forced to flee. In a new world without his memories, Gray must find his way amid legends and darkness, as he wrestles with an elemental power inside himself.
A power all too similar to the infamous Ronin…


  • Buy : Amazon
  • Add it to your Shelf: Goodreads
  • The Ronin Saga | Facebook | Twitter



  • Seventeen-year old Gray is descended from a legendary hero known as a Ronin, and haunted by his forgotten past. He returns home to a wizards’ keep, unaware he is now labeled a murderous traitor for killing his best friend.
    Returning could be a death sentence, but the journey alone is perilous. Along the way, Gray discovers he has a grandfather. Now he must reach the city before his only living family dies beneath a madman’s torture. Getting there will be a challenge, however, as an enthrallingly unpredictable woman, a dangerous desert, and a horde of thieves stand in his way. Wielding the banished power of wind, Gray rallies against the poisonous evil that seeks to convert the world to their mantra, “strength is life, weakness death.”
    Yet with an affable scoundrel and a clever bookworm at his side, Gray discovers the world’s greatest secret… He is not the only one with hero’s blood, and the legend of the Ronin walk the world once again.





  • Matthew Wolf is the author of THE RONIN SAGA, a nine part YA Epic Fantasy series.  He also loves cake.  Book two is out now, for sneak peek information on Matt and all things Ronin check out: roninsaga.comHe loves connecting with fans, those whirling blades really speak to his soul.  You can reach Matt atTheRoninSaga@Gmail.com, howl "Ronin" at the moon, or throw up a Wolf Signal in the sky.  All valid forms of communication.


    Review of The Knife's Edge:


    Kirin is training to be a fearsome warrior, but all the time he's interested in the fables of the Ronin. Ronin were people who wielded great power of the elements. Kirin is simultaneously enthralled and terrified by the thought of the Ronin returning. One day though, things take a drastic turn. Kirin finds his dear friend with a sword through her stomach, and nothing makes any sense. Kirin is forced to run, and he has his memory wiped in the process. The newly named Grey finds out that some things are hard to hide from, and that he may possess powers he only ever dreamed of.

    I'm a sucker for a good fantasy book, and this was just that. After feeling initially dropped into the story just a bit too much, things settled down for a good read. I did feel like maybe I could have been fed a little more information about the Ronin earlier on, but that is a minor quibble. There were a lot of forces at play here, but the author managed to do a great job of keeping them from becoming too overwhelming to the reader. There was also a good balance of action and peril without ever feeling like it was too much.

    There were several people here that you could cheer for. I felt awful for Kirin in the beginning, and I wish I had gotten a tiny bit more background on the sword and the general story. There is a wonderful world in this book though, full of magic and adventure. I particularly like the use of elements as a source of power. The end is also a great balance of making you feel like you read a complete story while still managing to leave things open and make you want to read more. Fantasy fans will definitely want to check this series out.

    Book provided for review.

    Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour. We are also having a great giveaway with this tour, so be sure to enter. Thanks for stopping by!


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    Monday, December 8th - Workaday Reads
    Tuesday, December 9th - Proud Book Nerd
    Wednesday, December 10th - Ticket to Anywhere
    Thursday, December 11th - Bookworm Dreams
    Friday, December 12th - Blissful Book Reviews
    Monday, December 15th - A Casual Reader's Blog
    Tuesday, December 16th - Mindful Musings
    Wednesday, December 17th - Her Book Thoughts
    Thursday, December 18th - Avid Reviews
    Friday, December 19th - Bewitched Bookworms


    Sunday, December 14, 2014

    Pierced by Love Blog Tour


    Welcome to the blog tour for Pierced by Love by Laura L. Walker!


    Noelle Jensen doesn’t want to like Pierce Logan. After her boyfriend breaks up with her for her sister, Noelle is done with love. Plus Pierce Logan has commitment issues because of his parents’ divorce and a strained relationship with his dad. But as Pierce and Noelle inadvertently help each other to open up their hearts, they also rediscover the importance of family and love.

    About the author:
    Laura Walker grew up in southern Arizona. She met her husband, Rob, at Northern Arizona University where she earned her bachelor degree in Elementary Education. She and Rob are raising their six children. Her hobbies include water aerobics and sewing. At the end of the day, Laura loves to curl up with a good book or write one of her own. Pierced by Love is her first published novel.

    Review:

    Noelle has everything planned out. She's almost done with school, and she's got a great boyfriend. Everything changes one day when she comes home to discover her boyfriend is actually engaged to her sister. This throws Noelle for a complete loop. Help comes in the form of her former home teacher Pierce Logan. Known to be a bit of a womanizer, Pierce is dealing with this past including his parents' divorce. Working together, can Noelle and Pierce overcome their past hurts?

    I was of split minds about this story. On one, hand, I really enjoyed the basic concepts of the story. I've heard stories similar to Noelle's where the boyfriend falls for the sister or roommate. That part felt very real and raw. I also thought the Noelle and Pierce had a very natural relationship in the way it progressed. I also thought that they both managed to deal with some very real issues in good ways. That was a great progression to watch.

    What I wasn't so sure about was the relationship between Noelle and her sister. Melody and Chase said horrible things about Noelle and her personal worthiness, yet I never felt they were really called out on that poor behavior. Some of the time I also wanted to tell Noelle and Pierce to stop agonizing over every decision they had. Sometimes it's not life or death. Overall though, I thought it was a sweet story. I appreciated that these were two kind of flawed people who found a way to make each other better. That's an awesome thing to see.

    Book provided for review.

    Saturday, December 13, 2014

    Wicka Book Blast



    Welcome to the book blast for Wicka: The Chronicles of Elizabeth Blake by Christy Deveaux!

    Wicka by Christy Deveaux


    Title: Wicka: The Chronicles of Elizabeth Blake | Author: Christy Deveaux | Publication Date: May 28, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 224 | Recommended Ages: 12+ 

    While mourning the loss of a mother figure, Elizabeth Blake, a smart but socially introverted seventeen-year-old girl from Ann Arbor, Michigan, enrolls in an international school in the south of France to finish her final year of high school. Here she meets her true love, finds out that she is a witch from an ancient family, and discovers that her life is in danger. 

    Meanwhile, the Elders—the most powerful coven of witches in the world—have been tracking Elizabeth since her birth. According to an ancient legend, a battle led by “One barely born existing to lead” will cause the downfall of the Elders. Fearing that Elizabeth is the heir to this legend, the Elders try to destroy her before she can fulfill the prophecy. 

    With the help of her new friends, Elizabeth must travel to Greece to try and prove to the Elders that she is not a threat and to ask for their permission to exist in peace. With the prospect of having to leave each other once the school year ends and return to their homes on opposite sides of the world, Elizabeth and her new love have to find a way to stay together. However, a rival love interest discovers their plan and causes the Elders to act against Elizabeth. As time runs out, Elizabeth must learn to use the powers she possesses to protect herself and the people she loves most.

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    About the Author: Christy Deveaux

    Christy Deveaux, Author


    Christy Deveaux is the author of The Chronicles of Elizabeth Blake series. Her highly anticipated first book in the series, Wicka, was just released this spring (2014). Inspired by traveling across Europe solo at a very young age, and many travel adventures since, the character and story line behind Elizabeth Blake was born.Christy majored in political science and earned a cross-disciplinary degree from the University of Western Ontario. She lives in Toronto, Ontario with her husband, three children and a fish named Cow.

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    * $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

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    Contest ends: December 25, 11:59 pm, 2014
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    Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Christy Deveaux and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
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