Wednesday, August 30, 2017

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson is having a book blast!

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious? Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it. Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett's previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.  

Read an Excerpt:
********************

The corners of the man’s eyes crinkled in a mild show of amusement. “Lady Harriett, I presume?” Rather than look at her with appreciation as most men did, he appeared amused.

 At her nod, he tucked his hands behind his back, remaining a few steps above her. “I am Lieutenant Christopher Jamison, an old friend of Jonathan’s.”

 “I was expecting you days ago,” she answered. “Lord Jonathan charged me with the unhappy task of informing you he and his new bride are currently away on their wedding trip. He is sorry he cannot be here to meet with you and has asked that I relay his apologies.”

 “May I inquire as to how long they will be away?” he asked.

  No, you may not, she wanted to say. Her neck was beginning to ache from looking up at him, but she forced her gaze to remain steady. “They expected to be gone a fortnight, sir.”

 “And they have been gone how long, exactly?”

 She felt an unaccountable hesitancy to tell him. “A week.”

 “Ah.” He sounded disappointed but seemed to take the news in stride, glancing at Charlie as though wondering whether he ought to retrieve his horse or not. Harriett prayed that he would.

 When his gaze strayed back to her, he took the unwelcome, and ungentlemanly, liberty of perusing her figure. When his eyes met hers again, his lips twitched into a slight smile. “Forgive me, my lady, but you appear to have had a run-in with a mud puddle and lost.”

 How kind of him to point that out. Harriett kept her hands at her side rather than attempt to brush the dirt from her face and pelisse yet again. The damage was done, and no amount of brushing or shaking would remove the muck. What she needed was a hot bath and a change of clothes.

 “Actually, sir, I was merely an innocent bystander.”

 “Indeed?”

 She picked up her skirts and ascended the steps, stopping on the stair above him so that she was eye level with him. “Are you always such a reckless rider, sir? Do you not pay heed to your surroundings?”

 “Of course I do.”

 “If you had, you would have seen me standing at the side of the road and, I would hope, thought to slow your animal down so as to not splash mud all over my pelisse.”

 Her chilly set down did not have the desired effect. He did not appear the least bit repentant. Rather, he looked ready to burst into laughter. “And your face, apparently.” He leaned forward and squinted. “If I’m not mistaken, there is a splash or two of mud on your bonnet as well.”

 Harriett glared at him. “How observant you are, Lieutenant Jamison. One can only wonder why you didn’t put that skill to good use earlier. If you had, perhaps my pelisse, face, and bonnet would still be clean.”

 “I am always observant, my lady,” he said. “But might I suggest that if you would like to be noticed at the side of the road, you should wear a color that does not blend so perfectly with your surroundings. That particular shade of green looks quite lovely on you, but only someone with the eyes of an eagle would have spotted you in front of a landscape of evergreens.”

 Harriett opened her mouth to respond, but no words were forthcoming. The man did not even attempt to behave like a gentleman. How could he be so . . . so . . .

 “Have you no apology to offer, sir?” she finally spluttered.

 “Oh, did I not apologize? Forgive me.”

 “For what? Forgetting to apologize or for not doing so in the first place?”

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





Rachael   Author Rachael Anderson A 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.



amazon or paypal  $75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/22/17 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

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Safe House by Shannon Symonds

Safe House



Safe House by Shannon Symonds

Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Description:  As a victim’s advocate, Grace James is used to rushing into trouble to save her victims from abuse or assault. And with a handsome officer like Joe Hart at her side, Grace is sure there’s nothing she can’t do. But an ominous storm brewing on the Oregon horizon is about to change everything—and bring with it dangers and revelations Grace and Joe never expected.


My thoughts: When this book was presented to me for review, I hesitated.  I like the fluffy stuff.  A good story that doesn't make me think too hard, that doesn't have uncomfortable subjects.

Safe House deals with domestic violence.  Not even close to fluffy.  I had to think about reading this one.  I am glad that I picked it up.  Shannon  Symonds  has taken on a tough issue and presented a story with intelligence and compassion.  It is a good thing for me to read uncomfortable things to learn a little empathy and understanding for others.

This book is written from several points of view.  It take a little time to get know the characters and transition alternating stories.  The characters have connections with each other.  It provides a sense of unity to the story.

The book does contain violence.  The characters belong to the same religion (LDS) so there are references to church and beliefs.  I do think this was a great book to pick up, and I'm glad that I did.



(There is a Goodreads giveaway for this book.  Click on the link and enter!)

Online Purchase Links:



Shannon Symonds
About the Author:  Shannon Symonds currently works as an Advocate serving victims of intimate partner or family violence. Shannon responds with law enforcement to the scene of domestic or sexual assaults, works with victims, accompanies them to the hospital and provides follow-up care. She is a trained trauma and recovery specialist, has completed the Oregon Coalition training as a professional advocate, has completed training as a parent educator, Head Start Teacher, early childhood education certification and one year program, an Associates Degree with an emphasis in Social Services, has worked and trained as an advocate for over 15 years total. She is the recipient of the Oregon Trial Lawyers award for her work to change housing for victims of domestic violence. She is a confident trainer and speaker, and is comfortable working with the public.


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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Courting the Country Miss by Donna Hatch (Blog Tour Grand Finale)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Courting the Country Miss
By Donna Hatch

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Today’s star attraction, Courting the Country Miss, is about letting go, learning to forgive, and finding one’s true self—one’s best self. It’s also about not giving up on dreams or good causes just because of a little (or a lot) of opposition.

— Donna

Bookworm Nation - Review

"There is a reason Ms. Hatch is one of my top favorite Regency authors! . . . Leticia is a likable heroine that you can't help rooting for. She has known Tristan a long time and knows how to keep him on his toes. I thought they had great chemistry and it was fun watching their story unfold. Definitely recommend to any regency fan!"

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"The more books I read written by Donna Hatch, the more I realize what an amazing author she is. She pulls me into the book and the setting. The characters come to life for me. . . . If you love a great regency book that will make you laugh. I would pick this one up!"

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part One
England, 1817

Leticia Wentworth was twenty times a fool. Richard Barrett never cared for her beyond a childhood friendship, and Leticia had been naive to believe he would love her as she loved him. With savage ferocity, Leticia squelched the cry of pain her heart made every time Richard turned a gaze of adoration upon his wife—the kind of look he never gave Leticia, not even when she’d been certain he’d approach her father to ask for her hand in marriage. She’d pinned all her hopes and dreams of love and family on a man she would never have.

It's All About the Romance - Interview

Q: Do you have any personal heroes/heroines?

A: My mom is my hero. She’s so hard working and unselfish and loves and serves others all the time. I also really admire Audrey Hepburn, who left behind a life of glamor in the silver screen to dedicate her life helping those who live in third world countries. Another is Esther from the bible, who had the courage to face almost certain death to save her people.

Mel's Shelves - Review

"I didn't read the first book in this series (although now I want to), and this works well as a stand alone. I loved the setting, characters, and, of course, the romance. If you enjoy clean Regency romance, this is a great one to get lost in!"

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part Two

“I’m happy for them. They have what marriage should be.” Softer, she added, “It’s what I’ve always wanted.” She stiffened, cursed herself for her confession, and looked away before her long-time friend saw too much. They used to confide in one another; it had been so easy, so comfortable. But everything had changed.

He fingered his signet ring. “Sorry, Tish. You must hate me for making a muddle of your future.”

Remembrancy - Review

"I love best friends to more stories and I enjoy the Regency period stories, so Courting the Country Miss had two points in its favor before I even began reading it. . . . Donna Hatch does an admirable job of taking readers on an admirable journey of love, bravery, and friendship. Courting the Country Miss is a pleasant and clean story for those who enjoy reading about the Regency period."

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part Three

He made a tsking sound. “Since when won’t you discuss your thoughts with me?”

Long-suppressed anger roiled up inside her. “Since you ruined a duke’s daughter and forced my intended to wed her to save you from a duel!”

Tristan stared as if she’d slapped him, blinked, then hunched over and rested his elbows on his knees.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part Four

“Except you still hate me.”

She attempted to laugh lightly but it sounded as forced as an old key in a rusty lock. “I don’t hate you. I haven’t been avoiding you—I’ve been in Suffolk helping my sister Luciana with her new baby.”

He said nothing, his usual smile absent. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Tish. I’d only pursued Elizabeth as a flirtation, an interesting diversion. I never dreamed it would go that far, to feel…” He shrugged. “A mistake in many ways, all of it.”

I Am A Reader - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part Five

His fears of not measuring up to Richard didn’t touch that inner pain she glimpsed earlier. What secret did he hide? Had it been there all the time?

“Is it because you dislike women?”

He choked. “How can you say that after calling me dissipated, a rake, and a rouĂ©?”

underneath the covers - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part Six

Still keeping pace with her, he said, “I’m troubled that you believe you’ll never love or marry. Someone like you should not live as a spinster.”

“Someone like me?” she echoed.

He made a helpless gesture. “You have much to offer. You’re gracious and constant and…well…you’d make a good wife and mother—not run off when life gets dull or when your children misbehave.”

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"I loved reading this book. Another wonderful story by Donna Hatch. Each one I read seems even better than the one before, if that is possible. . . . I highly recommend this book to other readers. It is a really good read and held my attention well throughout."

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part Seven

Memories flitted through her mind of the daring rescue Tristan and Captain Kensington and one of Elizabeth’s reformed servants had orchestrated when Richard had been held captive during the peer trial last year. She’d prayed for Tristan when she’d heard he had been shot freeing his brother. To her regret, she’d been too far away at the time to offer assistance for his care.

Tristan shrugged as a sardonic smile played on his mouth. “Taking a bullet for my brother doesn’t mean I like him.”

She almost laughed. “I see.”

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt


Chapter One, Part Eight

He tilted his head. “I wager a hundred guineas I can find you a husband by Christmas.”

She waved her hand. “Pish! You’d lose that wager.”

“Don’t be so sure.”

“Besides all the reasons I listed, it’d never work because you’d introduce me to your dissipated comrades, and I refuse to marry someone one like that.”

Singing Librarian Books - Review

"Courting the Country Miss is a delightful new read from author Donna Hatch. From page one, Hatch pulls readers into her enticing regency era story with her charming characters and engaging story. . . . This is a story that readers will not soon forget."

Getting Your Read On - Review

"I fell in love with these characters. I wanted so badly for them to figure things out. I loved the swoony moments (and there were quite a few) that had me reaching for a fan to cool my flushed face. . . . If you have never read a book by Donna Hatch this is an awesome place to start. She really is one of my favorite authors in the Regency Romance genre."

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin’ hot kisses. Tristan and Leticia – and their story – are a great example. But even more than the romance, the strength of Courting the Country Miss lies in its character growth and the power of friendship. It’s perhaps not my favorite of Hatch’s novels, but it’s a sweet romance with a hero who will have you reaching for your fan and a heroine who will have you cheering her on."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Chapter One, Part Nine

“Why is it when I agree with you, you assume I’m mocking you?”

“Because you do it so seldom.”

“Mock you or agree with you?” A grin played around the corners of his eyes.

“Agree with me!” Exasperated, she almost stomped her foot.

His teeth flashed in the darkness. “I vow to agree with you whenever you are right. Pray, continue. Any other virtues you require?”

Heidi Reads... - Review

"I loved reading about the characters again from Courting the Countess and seeing the story continue. . . . The action in the plot that came later made things exciting and it was great to see Leticia and Tristan's relationship develop from sibling-like to romance. Another lovely Regency from this author!"

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...


Courting the Country Miss
(Courting #2)
by Donna Hatch
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 312 pages
August 4th 2017 by The Wild Rose Press. Inc.

Cynical and broken-hearted, Leticia banishes dreams of marriage. When her childhood friend, Tristan, wagers he can find her the perfect husband, she hopes the challenge will coax him to forgo his devil-may-care lifestyle. Meanwhile, Leticia throws herself into forming her charity school but meets opposition—even from the people she’s helping.

Guilt-ridden that his past mistakes robbed Leticia of true love, Tristan vows to set it right, but match-making has its pitfalls for a repentant scoundrel. When he finds two ‘perfect’ gentlemen to court her, he discovers his own deep feelings for the lady.

Though Tristan seems to reform, Leticia doesn’t dare risk heartbreak with a notorious rake. When opposition for the school takes a deadly turn, can Tristan protect her from a madman bent on destroying their dreams and their lives?


Other Books in the Series

Courting the Countess by [Hatch, Donna]
Courting the Countess
(Courting #1)
by Donna Hatch
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 388 pages
October 5th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?


About the Author


Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.


Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive an ebook of Courting the Countess
Open internationally
Ends August 29th

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Thursday, August 24, 2017

Double Eagle Double Cross by M.R. Dubin ~ Blog Tour with a giveaway!


Double Eagle Double CrossDouble Eagle Double Cross by M.R. Durbin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher to review.
Genre: Suspense



Book Description:  After an unexpectedly thrilling summer with his grandfather, Oregon State student Charley Sawyer is ready to catch his breath at his late parents' Oregon beach home. Hoping for some rest and relaxation, Charley is met instead by devastation: the house has been ransacked. In his inventory of the damage, Charley stumbles across the item the trespasser must have been after, the only thing that seems out of place: a mysterious key. And when he learns what it unlocks, Charley is drawn into yet another adventure with a ragtag group more than willing to help.

Mac Bowman, the brainy and beautiful anthropology student who joined Charley in his summer escapade, is thrilled when she is presented with the opportunity to conduct research in Oregon. Maybe a little time together will allow the pair to explore their feelings for one another. But when she arrives, she is disturbed by what she finds: Charley has disappeared without a trace.

As Charley and Mac each work to unravel their mysteries, their searches collide dramatically. Only one thing is clear: the moment he found the key, Charley unwittingly opened the door to a long-held secret—one that could cost him his life. . . .


My thoughts: This book looked like an interesting read, so I decided to read it. I did not realize at the time it contains characters from a previous book that I loved. (Beyond the Narrows ) I was very happy to reconnect with Charlie, Mac and the amazing older gentlemen.  Charlie and Mac have an interesting chemistry.

Charlie has a lot of unanswered questions concerning his family. He visits his families home in Oregon, to find it has been wrecked. Someone has gone through everything and torn the home apart, obviously looking for something. Once again, Charlie puts himself in danger to find answers. The book uses the past and clues from the past to solve the mystery. I enjoy how M.R. Durbin is able to weave them together to create an interesting story.

The book has action, suspense, and romantic tension.  The characters are LDS, references to religion are part of the book.



Online Purchase Links:


About the Author: (Taken from Deseret Book)  M. R. Durbin was born in Fort Ord, California, in 1951. He grew up University in 1976 with a degree in education. He later received a master’s degree in education from Utah State University. Mr. Durbin retired from education after thirty years as a teacher, coach, and principal before beginning a second career writing about the things he loves: scriptures, history, and people.


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Monday, August 21, 2017

Road Trip of Delusion by Jean Ann Williams (Blog Tour)





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Genre: Contemporary, Christian
Publisher: Love Truth
Publication date: June 22, 2017

A fifteen-year-old takes a road trip with her two younger sisters and their strong-willed great-granny, and circumstances force her to drive her granny’s Cadillac through a freeway-closing-down blizzard which brings everyone and everything to a standstill.

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My heart sank to my navel as I grip-hugged my cookbook.
Granny slammed on the gas pedal of her Cadillac Fleetwood, and the vehicle chugged onto Highway 101. Her eagle eyes never wandered from the beams of the headlights.
I shook my head for I had a huge regret. I wasn’t able to talk Granny out of taking this trip.
In the backseat, my middle sister thirteen-year-old Leah Be-de-ah jumped on the freeway of reason. “And, Granny, don’t you think we should tell someone?”
Granny’s head barely crested the top of the seat. “Your Grand, James, is gone, so it’s just me now.” She lifted her chin.
Little sister Mia Babe sat next to Leah. “Kari?”
Twisting in my seat, I faced them. “What?”
“Mom says Grand’s in paradise, but where’s that?”
Ah, Mia, an old soul at the age of seven. “Well, from what Mom taught me, it’s a spiritual place where people go when they die.”
“Oh.” Mia rubbed her eye.
A scary notion surfaced, and I slapped my forehead. “Granny, do you even know how to get to Oregon?”
“Of course.” She flicked her blinker and passed a small car. “James and I visited Oregon when your mama was a slip of a teenager.”
“But Granny—” Leah counted. “This was twenty-five years ago. Right, Kari?”
“Right.” I rolled my eyes to the car roof and refocused on the headlight-brightened pavement. “I don’t think, Leah, they moved the state.” But, does Granny remember the route


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PictureJean Ann Williams is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She writes regularly for Putting on the New blog and Book Fun Magazine on the topic of child suicide loss. Her book “God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart” started out as a blogged book on her Love Truth blog. Jean Ann and her husband of forty-six years have thirteen grandchildren from their two remaining children. They reside on one acre in Southern Oregon where they raise a garden, fruit orchard, goats, and chickens. Jean Ann’s favorite hobbies are practicing archery, hiking through the woods, and big game hunting with her bow.
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Celebrate Proper Romance Awareness Month with a giveaway!


Hey everyone,

Today is the day of the eclipse.  I do not live in the path of totality and saw a little of the eclipse.  The shadows from the tree on my driveway were very cool.  You could see the crescent shape in the pattern.

Today was my first day back to work, and I am not used to thinking about pre-scheduling my posts, that is why this one is up a little late today.

Today I have two AMAZING book sent to me by Shadow Mountain to give away.  I have read both and LOVED them.


The dress the books are laying on is the one I will be wearing to my daughter's wedding in October. :)

Giveaway Time:

I will be shipping the books to the winner.  You must have a US address to enter.  Look at the terms and conditions to the right before entering.  They are also in the rafflecopter.  Must be 18 or older to enter.  Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine by Frank L. Cole (Blog Tour + giveaway)


The Worlds Greatest Adventure Machine by Frank L Cole
Genre: Middle Grade
Source: Received to Review
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Description: An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!


CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.

There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.

The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.


Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!

My Thoughts: This book an adventure thrill ride for children.  Four misfit children are brought together to be the first people to try out a new ride,  the Adventure Machine. Each of the children entered a contest for the honor.  The ride doesn't turn out as expected, leading the children on a "true" adventure.

I can see children glued to this book.  It is well written and sparks imagination.  The children all have problems, none of them are perfect,  I think that would make them a little more relatable to readers.





Online Purchase Links:



Frank L. ColeAbout the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Frank L. Cole has lived in such exotic places as the Philippines and Kentucky, and currently lives with his wife and three children out west. While he strived for years to earn his publishing credits, Frank considers sharing his message of “Exercising Your Imagination” to over 45,000 kids across the country as his greatest accomplishment. The Guardians of the Finisher's Fury is Frank’s 7th published book and will release this November, 2013. You can learn more about his writing at franklewiscole.blogspot.com.
Visit him at:



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August 17: Peggy Urry, Literary Time Out Rorie