Lunar Love! Blog giveaway Hop (International)

Did you know that March 8th is a full moon?  If you didn't, you do now!!  Thanks Kathy for letting me host this hop with you.  This is my first time to help host and I am very excited.

So to get to the giveaway.  I have some books shown here that all have to do with the moon in some way. A couple with space travel, which loosely translates to the moon.  I will give away two books.   There will be two winners.  Each of the winners will get to choose one book listed.

  The first one shown is one I highly recommend, if you haven't read it yet, you really should.  I will ship from the Book Depository if you live outside of the US.  If you live in the US, I may choose another option that is less expensive.  The contest is for a new book.  "Outside In" and  "A Million Suns" are second books in a series.  They are next to the first book in the series.

You must be 13 or older to enter.  You must live in a country where the book depository ships to without charging shipping charges.  If you need to check, you can go here.  For all of my policy on giveaways, check the upper right side bar.  You need to fill in the rafflecopter to enter.  The only mandatory entry is to follow me on GFC, Networked Blogs, or Linky.  You may choose one.  Good luck and enjoy the hop! :0)

Review of "Montana Morning' by Jill Limber ~ Blog Tour

Montana Morning by Jill Limber

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Received to review as part of this blog tour
Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Book Description: In the Montana Territory town of Dennison, the law allows a woman to save a man from hanging if she agrees to marry him. Battered and nearly unconscious with a noose around his neck, Katherine Holman decides Wes Merrick is perfect husband material. Under the terms of her father’s will, due to a youthful indiscretion, she must be married to inherit. She expects her ‘husband’ to leave as soon as the deed is in her name. She wasn’t prepared for the fact that the man she has chosen turns out to be an honorable sort who decides to stick around and hold up his end of the bargain.

My thoughts: Katherine is a woman who knows what she wants. She wants her ranch. She wants security for herself and for her daughter. Her father stipulated in his will that she can only inherit if she is married within six months of his death to someone who knows about cattle.

This poses a problem for her. She has a young daughter who she is very protective of. Her daughter is illegitimate and she doesn't like the way men who have come courting have treated her daughter.

So, she finds an article in the paper telling of a hanging that is about to occur in a town about three hours away. The town has a law that a woman can claim a man from the gallows and marry him, saving him from death. They are counting on the fact that a good woman can have a good influence on a man.

The hanging is for a bunch of rustlers. She goes looking amongst the condemned for a husband and picks the most beat up an sorry of the lot. That way she won't have to hold a gun on him on the trip home.  She rationalizes that a rustler would know quite a bit about cattle.

What she doesn't plan on is that not everything is as it appears and she definitely doesn't count on having feelings for him.

This is a fun book. It is short and sweet. I liked the characters, particularly Kate and Wes. They are both not in the best position and learn to live with their circumstances, but still find a measure of happiness. Trust on the other hand is hard to come by.

This is an adult book. There are sexual situations.

About the Author: A multi-published author and former RWA President, Jill Limber’s latest books are Montana Morning, A Heart That Dares and The Right Track. As a child, some of Jill’s tales got her in trouble, but now she gets paid for them. Residing in San Diego with her husband and a trio of dogs and one very ancient cat, Jill’s favorite pastime is to gather friends and family for good food, conversation and plenty of laughter.

You can visit her website at www.JillLimber.com.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Barnes & Noble |Burroughs Publishing Group | Official Tour Page 

"The Priest and the Peaches" by Larry Peterson - Blog tour

The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to review for this blog tour
Genre:  Realistic Fiction (YA)(Religious)

Description from Goodreads: Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral. 

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.


My thoughts: As this story progresses you see five children who are suddenly left without a parent. Their father dies, leaving the oldest who is only 18 to take care of his siblings and a mountain of debt.  The youngest is only 6 years old.  A very tough situation for a very young man.

It seems the kids are faced with one catastrophe and crisis after another and I  wondered  "what could happen next"?

This book is a book about small miracles that make a big difference. The Peach children are often counseling with their Priest, he helps them along the way and also helps them see the miracles that are happening. He assures them with the knowledge that they are not forgotten or abandoned.

All of the good things happen because of the fathers life theme, LYN (Love Your Neighbor).  It was the way that he lived his imperfect life.  Because he treated all with love, love came back ten fold to his kids.

This is a  faith inspired book.  The only caution that I would have is mild swearing.

In My Mailbox #47

In My Mailbox is hosted by the Story Siren.  Make sure to stop by her blog every Sunday to see the links of all the blogs participating in this weekly MEME.   


Another week of goodies in my mailbox and ebox.  One in my shopping cart. :0)


Hard copies:

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey - purchased
Fever by Lauren DeStefano - purchased
Moonglade by Mary Fremont Schoenecker - won in a clean romance contest at Goodreads


Ebooks:

Intangible by J Meyers (Library Thing member giveaway)
Linked by Hope Welsch - won in a giveaway
Legion of Bats by Shadow Stephens - review copy


There is my week in books!  How was your week in books?  Leave me a comment and I will be sure to check it out.

Interview with Tawdra Kandle author of "Fearless"

I am excited to have Tawdra Kandle on the blog today.  She has written a new YA novel. This is the first in King Series.

Here is the book description from Goodreads:
Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear other’s thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly

Now lets find out what Tawdra has to say!


Where did you come up with your story line for Fearless? 
 The basic story line came in bits and pieces, from musings and conversations.  My sister and I had joked about babies being able to hear thoughts (and thus waking up in the middle of the night!), and I wondered what raising a child with special abilities might look like.  Tasmyn's frequent moves and new schools came from own childhood experience, and certain personalities from my youth might resemble some of the girls in the book.

What book/books are sitting on your nightstand right now?

 Ha!  I can't even see my nightstand. Let's see. . .two proof copies of FEARLESS, a paranormal anthology containing a Nora Roberts short story, paperbacks by Mary Balough and Robyn Carr, a huge pile of magazines. . and my ereader, on which I'm reading The Iron Knight.  I love Julie Kagawa's books!

 Are there any rituals that you do or things that you have to have with you when you write? 

 It's horribly cliched, but I must have music. Other than that, I've learned to write anywhere and everywhere. When I began this series, I was relatively new to Florida and, as my youngest daughter so nicely put it, I had no life. I had all the time in the world! By the time I was writing the end of the third book, I had to run away from home to finish it. I went to a timeshare resort for a week without a car, children or husband:  just me, peanut M & M's and Vitamin water. . .and lots of music.  God bless Pandora.

 Who is your biggest inspiration to write? 

 My children.  They were the first people with whom I tentatively shared this story, and they have been my biggest encourager's and helpers. They rock!

Why do you think readers will love your book?

 I think Tasmyn and Michael's love story is sweet and compelling, and the overarching theme of the series--Tas coming to grips with her own uniqueness and accepting her powers, for better or worse--is certainly one that we can all understand.  The books are full of really fascinating people, and that alone makes for good reading!

Thanks Tawdra for stopping by and giving us a peak into your life and your book.  I know that this is definitely on my TBR list.  In fact I have a copy just waiting to be read.  I will be getting to it asap!  Best thing is this book is free for Amazon Prime members on Kindle or $3.99 for the rest of us.

Add it to your Goodreads list.
Fearless

Prophecy of the Flame Kindle Contest! #Prophecymovie

In a blinding flash of light, five nondescript strangers are yanked from this world and thrust into a land of sorcery. Transformed into the characters they were pretending to be; Archmage Reba, Jamison the healer, Jerik the dwarf, Charles the prince charming, and Allinon the druid elf blend twentieth century technology with the supernatural powers of this new world. This band of wannabe heroes soon discovers that having the powers you have always dreamed of, does not make life a dream come true. The Crusaders of the Light struggle to form a cohesive band as they fight to liberate the kingdom of Cuthburan from the evil horde threatening humanity. Battle is also waged within Reba, an ordinary housewife who has become the most powerful mage on the planet, as she struggles to remain true to her wedding vows. Drawn against her will to the arms of Prince Alexandros, Reba must choose between the prophesied marriage to a handsome prince in a magical world or returning to the husband she left behind.



This book is being made into a MOVIE!! Hollywood Helps Charity! Proceeds from book sales and the movie will go to help the Homeless. Buy the Prophecy of the Flame on Kindle, and Paperback Remember you are helping Charity too! Give to KickStarter Hollywood Helps Homeless Families Event (& get the book!!)



Lynn Hardy is teaming up with Promotional Book Tours to give away a Kindle ($79 Amazon Giftcode)

Excerpt from "Blood Oath" by TL Clark (With a give@way!)

Today I get to share an excerpt from a book that looks wonderful.

T. L Clark has been kind enough to let me share an excerpt of her book with you today.

Here is the excerpt:

Excerpt Chapter 2 - Sneak Peek/Excerpt with T.L. Clarke
Excerpt from Blood Oath, Book 2 in the Gabby Girls Adventure Series - to be released March 6, 2012

My mind steeled itself as throngs of pajama-wearing Vineswell girls, none of them daughters of Circles like us, streamed out of Rose Hall dormitory screaming with sheer panic. They scattered aimlessly across the lawn as darkly clothed figures mysteriously swooped in from the shadows, grabbed them savagely by the throat, and bit into it with pure hunger. The pure savagery and brutality was heart wrenching as their flesh was ripped and their drained bodies slumped to the grass with a lifeless thud. It was like watching a horror movie, but in awful slow motion.

Rosalinda’s face turned sickly green as she gagged. “Dios, they’re drinking their blood like vampires. Who are they?”

We looked at each other anxiously because we instinctively knew who they were, the Banished, the enemies of the Eternals and Elementi. Grossly deformed, they stood waiting with clawlike hands and reptilian tongues darting out, tasting the air as if searching for more victims to drain.

“We can’t just stand here. We have to do something.” Jessica’s voice was husky with emotion as she nervously rubbed her now-glowing scarlet pendant.

Zora quickly pushed up her eyeglasses that fell familiarly to the tip of her narrow nose. “Like what? Our scarlet pendants are not strong enough to conjure up ample magic to cast a strong spell to hurt them,” she said with frustration, “so logically, there is nothing that we can do, and fighting is not an option. We’re just not ready.”

Rosalinda’s face looked green, like she was one step away from puking on the floor. “In other words, you mean that we would end up dead like the rest of the Normals out there,” she responded coldly.

I gave her a dirty look. She could act so cold and heartless when she wanted, and that seemed to be a lot lately. This was very concerning because if she wasn’t willing to fight for the Normals right now, when push came to shove, and death came knocking on our door, would she be willing to fight for Jessica or Zora or me? I didn’t even want to think about that right now because I knew that I would not like the answer.

Now that you have read the excerpt, here is the book description that TL sent me!

Welcome to the dark and powerful world of the Eternals.

 My name is Gabrielle Martin. And before I discovered that I was born into a secret society called theEternals-blood oath Warriors sworn to track and slay the dark and evil creatures that walk the shadows of the earth-there were only three things that I truly cared about: one, starting my freshman year at Vineswell Academy; two, learning how to use my fledgling supernatural powers; and three, not getting killed by expelledEternal Warrior Hannah.

 But that was way before the blinders were ripped from my eyes, only to discover that everything I had known to be true was a lie...essentially smoke and mirrors to disguise a deadly world filled with half-human, half-vampire Underworld Warriors with one only goal-to kill all Eternal Warriors.

 Now, after a massive attack on Vineswell Academy that left no survivors, I am reporting to Transcendence Hall to start official Eternal Warrior training, which would have been smooth sailing except for the two gorgeous Eternals, Chaos and Justice, who are out to ruin my life, and an Eternal prophecy that puts me smack in the middle of saving the planet.

 So the question is, can I actually survive this mess? I'll let you be the judge of that...

This book is definitely on my TBR list!  Add it to your Goodreads list by clicking on this link!  this is a second book in a series.  The first book is " The Secret of the Scarlet Stone".  Here is the link to the Goodreads page.  Right now both books are part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Go now and enter. :)

If you would like to find out more about TL and her books.  You can go to her links!  A few are are also important to the giveaway!

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TLClarke_TLC
 Blog: http://www.tlclarke.blogspot.com

Amazon: Amazon Blog - T.L. Clarke

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4056244.T_L_Clarke

TL will be giving away a paperback copy to a US or Canadian address.  Of course, there does need to be a person attached to that address. :)  You must be 13 or older to enter and use the rafflecopter form.

Cover Love - "Lonely Souls" by Karice Bolton

This cover is really eye catching.  Yes, I do sometimes decide to read a book based on the cover!  The cover was designed by Phatpuppy Art,  Watch for a release in June 2012!

Book Description:

It's two weeks before Triss turns 18, and her world is about to change into the most magical one imaginable as she readies herself to enter The Witch Avenue Order... that is until her mother's disappearance.  Instead of celebrating her transformation, she finds herself spreading rose petals into her mother's empty grave.

 

When Logan, her best friend from junior high, moves back to town for college, he vows to help her find the answers she so desperately seeks surrounding her mother's disappearance.  As they begin uncovering clues, it becomes apparent that the life of white magic they both grew up loving, is not what the majority practices, and their lives are in danger.

 

With a haunting feeling that her mother may still be alive, she begins to hear a call to the wilderness.  Triss realizes that in order to find the answers she needs, she must learn the ways of her ancestors and become the hunter, not the hunted before it's too late, and she becomes part of the lonely souls.

Karice Bolton's Webiste 

Karice Bolton's Blog

Facebook: Karice Bolton

Twitter: @KariceBolton

Lonely Souls on Goodreads