Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Book Review ~ "Unraveled:A Tale of True Love" by Julie Daines

Unraveled: A Tale of True LoveUnraveled: A Tale of True Love by Julie Daines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: YA Fairy Tale

Book Description: When sickness swept through Bronwen’s family, it took the life of her father, brother, and sister, and left her permanently crippled. On the stormy eve of her sixteenth birthday, a faerie-witch gifts her a pair of enchanted shoes. Bronwen slips them on and is healed--but only when the shoes are on her feet. Her grace and beauty catches the eye of the king’s son--Urien, a handsome young man who prides himself on having everything perfect. 

When Rhys, an old acquaintance and Captain of the Guard, recognizes Bronwen, he threatens to tell Urien her secret. Desperate to keep her deformity hidden and not to lose the love of handsome Urien, Bronwen quickly finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit. After all, she can't wear the shoes forever.

My thoughts: Imagine that you are crippled, and are given a gift that straightens your legs and you can walk upright. Who wouldn't jump at a chance to change their life?

Bronwen is given this opportunity when a fairy stops at her door. The fairy gives her a chance to have a normal life while she is wearing a pair of shoes. Bronwen's desires are realized. She is given an opportunity to be presented to the King as a whole young woman. She figures she will be in and out of the King's presence and then go on her way. She didn't count on finding favor with the Prince.

Her lies of omission become greater until she feels trapped with the truth. She is given an opportunity to decipher truth from fantasy.

The book has a magical feeling to the writing. It was easy to be swept up in the story. Julie Daines has done a wonderful job in presenting and implementing her story. It reminds me of the fairy tales that I grew up with and loved. This is a story that I would love to revisit and share with my daughter.




Book Blitz ~ "Black Amaranth" by Sasha Hibbs + giveaway @SashaHibbs


Black Amaranth
Release Date: 08/16/13

Summary from Goodreads:
Eighteen-year-old Ally Watson arrives home from high school graduation, more than a little annoyed that her Uncle Argyle—Ally’s legal guardian and only surviving relative—didn’t even bother showing up. But instead of berating him for his forgetfulness, Ally finds him in a life-or-death battle with a monster. Argyle manages to kill the creature, and gives Ally a parcel containing a destiny she never knew existed.

Ally, along with her best friends Michael, Jessica, and David, hurry to Georgia to uncover the truth of Uncle Argyle’s secrets, and the meaning of the mysterious marks that Ally bears. Are the marks related to the blacksmith mythology of her ancestors? Who are these heavenly warriors who show up in the oddest of places? And will an ancient gypsy curse destroy the very things Ally fights to save?

Black Amaranth: a simple flower, a symbol with an ancient legacy, a conduit for prophecy…while faith and hope are essential to the journey, Ally soon discovers that love is the most powerful force of all.

Available from:

Read an Excerpt:
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As soon as Denaulda quit singing, her spell dissolved. All those affected shook their heads, clearing up the lingering fog, all except Eli. He stood still, tracing the outline of where Jessica’s fingers touched him.

“Um…” Jessica looked back and forth between Eli and the blond boy staring at her and said, “Hmm, this is awkward. Excuse me.” Jessica quickly brushed past them and darted back to sit down. “What was I doing?”

“Let’s just say that you gave Brandi a run for her money,” Ally said, sugar-coating the truth as Jessica slouched down further in the booth.

“Parthenia,” the words were rich, alluring, “what brings you to my neck of the woods?” Denaulda’s eyes slid past Parthenia and landed directly on Ally.
Denaulda tilted her head, studying Ally through suspicious eyes. “I read the stars last night. Do you know what they told me?” Her eyes, the color of ash, rounded as she studied Ally.

Ally couldn’t speak, her voice was jammed. Looking at this sorceress was unnerving. Ally just shook her head no.

“They told me Death would be coming to visit me today.”

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About the Author
By age 5, Sasha Hibbs' favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.  

With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.

When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.  

Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters, Aeliza and Ava. She is currently hard at work on book two in The Vulcan Legacies series.

***Author Links***
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***GIVEAWAY***
1 print signed copy of Black Amaranth (US only)
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Book Blitz Organized by:

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Blog Tour ~ "A Draw of Kings" by Patrick Carr + giveaway

see the tour stops

A Draw of Kings (The Staff and the Sword #3)A Draw of Kings by Patrick W. Carr
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Epic Fantasy with Religious Aspects

Book Description: Their journey to Merakh should have made Errol and his companions heroes of the realm. Instead, much is changed on their return. In the wake of the king’s death, Duke Weir is ruling the country–and his intentions are to marry Adora to bring an heir.
With Errol and the others imprisoned and the identity of the rightful heir to the throne still hidden in secrecy, Illustra is on the verge of civil war–and at growing risk from the armies of Merakh and Morgol.
A dangerous mission to free Errol succeeds, but the dangers facing the kingdom are mounting with every passing moment. The barrier has fallen, ferals are swarming toward the land, and their enemies draw near. Will the revelation of Illustra’s next true king come in time or will all be lost?


My thoughts: This is the third book of the series. I have looked forward to reading it for awhile. I want to know, will Liam or Errol be sacrificed for the Kingdom? Patrick Carr has done a wonderful job at setting up the plot, executing it, and throwing in surprises. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, things change.

The characters are all wonderful. (Except for Antil, but you will have to read the first two books to see why I dislike him.) Each adds a layer of depth to the story and are crucial to the outcome. Errol is still my favortie character.  He has endured and been tried, but he still continues on doing what he knows to be right.  From tragedy, a hero emerged.

This series is about a war between good and evil. It is about redemption and second chances. It is about how God can work through whoever He wants to, even the most unlikely. It shows that not everyone that should be trusted, can be trusted.  It also proves that with God, or in this case Deas, nothing is impossible and His will will happen.

The book gives the reader things to ponder.  The nature of Good and Evil.  Where does one find happiness, is it in power or in humility?  What price is one willing to pay for honor and love?

Someday I hope to read all of the books one after the other.  I can remember portions of the larger plot, but the small details elude me.   This a series that you want to savor, read it when you are not rushed.

Would you like to read the first 40 pages?  Here is the LINK.



See my reviews of the first two books:  A Cast of Stones * The Hero's Lot

About Patrick Carr: Patrick Carr was born on an Air Force base in West Germany at the height of the cold war. He has been told this was not his fault. As an Air Force brat, he experienced a change in locale every three years until his father retired to Tennessee. Patrick saw more of the world on his own through a varied and somewhat eclectic education and work history. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1984 and has worked as a draftsman at a nuclear plant, did design work for the Air Force, worked for a printing company, and consulted as an engineer. Patrick’s day gig for the last five years has been teaching high school math in Nashville, TN. He currently makes his home in Nashville with his wonderfully patient wife, Mary, and four sons he thinks are amazing: Patrick, Connor, Daniel, and Ethan. Sometime in the future he would like to be a jazz pianist. Patrick thinks writing about himself in the third person is kind of weird.

This giveaway is for US/Canada addresses!  It is sponsored through the tour, I am not responsible for the distribution or picking of the winner. Use the rafflecopter form to enter.

Two winners will receive all Three Books!!

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Monday, March 10, 2014

Book Review ~ "The Bewitching of Alison Allbright" by Alan Davidson

The Bewitching of Alison AllbrightThe Bewitching of Alison Allbright by Alan Davidson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: YA Fiction

Book Description: Alison Allbright has always sought refuge in day dreams - of having a glamorous mother and a lovely home, of being an exciting person, of doing all the things that the others at high school do - and more. When Mrs Considine appears, spinning her amazing web of fantasy and making those dreams come true, Alison is completely bewitched....until she discovers the catch.

My thoughts: This is a morbidly fascinating tale.

Alison doesn't like the fact that she comes from a poor family. She dreams of being rich and travelling the world. She longs to make the kids at school feel jealous and wish to be her.

She sees her dreams coming true when Mrs. Considine notices her. She is shown all of the wonderful things that can happen with money. She is taken to Italy, she is given a nice wardrobe to wear, she is taught how to speak and act. She sees the positive, but not the flip side to the wealth and lifestyle.

This book took a few twists and turns. I could see many of them coming. I could see how a young girl could be caught up in the moment and let life get out of hand. I could see how she made some of her decisions.

While I could see how decisions were reached, I didn't like them. I didn't like the feel of the story. As I stated in the opening sentence it's fascinating. It's like a train wreck, you can see it coming, but for some reason you can't take your mind or your eyes away.

The book is written well. The author's pacing is excellent. I liked that Alison learns some very important lessons about life and friendship.

I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers. It's a little dark and gloomy. The book is very clean, it's just the feeling that you are left with at the end that may be more than a younger reader could handle.


Book Blast ~ "All the Finer Things" by Stephanie Worlton

Married to one of the most lucrative and sought after plastic surgeons in SoCal, Megan Hamilton has it all. Her posh life, designer clothes, and stunning penthouse leave her wanting for nothing… or do they? Controlled by his obsessive pursuit of perfection, Doctor Matthew Hamilton will stop nothing short of breaking his young, spirited bride into a subservient trophy wife. But when parenthood enters their picture, the entire game changes. How far will Megan have to go to escape Matt's obsessive control and abuse? And how much will she have to lose before she gets there?
~Sometimes money costs too much ~
Stephanie Worlton is excited to announce the release of her newest novel All the Finer Things. As part of her book launch, she will be giving away one autographed print copy and one eBook copy of All the Finer Things.
To learn more about the book and TO ENTER TO WIN simply visit the author's Kreating Krazy blog.
  About the Author:  Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and feed her creative spirit. She has been blessed to be a stay at home mom to her four children, many of whom share her artistic tendencies. She spends her days designing, building, painting, drawing, landscaping, and snuggling with her dogs. She has her own collection of power tools, a plethora of camera equipment, and a passion for shoes. All the Finer Things is her third published work. To learn more about Stephanie and her other books, please visit her website. 

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Book Review ~ "A March Bride" by Rachel Hauck

A March Bride (A Year of Weddings, #4)A March Bride by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Christian Romance

Book Description: Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.
Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, her heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God’s plan for her.
Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own — right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.


My thoughts: This story started out slow for me. I had a hard time finding myself connecting to the characters and the story. I knew that there was something that I was missing. This story has it's beginnings in another book Once Upon a Prince. While this book is part of the Bride's series, it can be read without reading the first. Once Upon a Prince is on my TBR shelf and I look forward to reading it. I hope to gain a new love and understanding of this book when I read it.

Suzanna and Nathaniel are both good people. He may be a King, and she may be an average American, but they both have a strong Christian faith. That is part of the glue for them as people and a couple. It is to Him that they turn to find answers to their problems or questions.

This book is squeaky clean, other than some kissing.  It's a novella, so it's a very quick read.



Friday, March 7, 2014

Cover Reveal ~ "Killing Ruby Rose" by Jessie Humphries

In sunny southern California, Ruby Rose is known for her killer looks and her killer SAT scores. But ever since her dad, an LAPD SWAT sergeant, died six months ago, she’s also got a few killer secrets.

To cope with her father’s death, Ruby has been trying to stay focused on school (the top spot in her class is on the line) and spending time with friends (her Jimmy Choos and Mahnolo Blahniks are nothing if not loyal), but after months of therapy and more than a few months of pathetic parenting by her mom, District Attorney Jane Rose, Ruby decides to pick up where her dad left off and starts going after the bad guys herself.

But when Ruby ends up killing a murderer in defense of another, she discovers that she’s gone from being the huntress to the hunted. There’s a sick mastermind at play, and he has Ruby in his sights. Ruby must discover who’s using her to implement twisted justice before she ends up changing Valentino red for prison orange.


With a gun named Smith, a talent for martial arts, and a boyfriend with eyes to die for, Ruby is ready to face the worst. And if a girl’s forced to kill, won’t the guilt sit more easily in a pair of Prada peep-toe pumps?


About the Author: Jessie Humphries was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She received a BA from San Diego State University, where she cultivated her love of the beach, then lived in France, where she cultivated her weakness for shoes, and finally earned a law degree from UNLV, where she cultivated her interest in justice. After practicing law for several years she began writing, and, appropriately, her debut novel Killing Ruby Rose is a thriller about vigilante justice set in sunny southern California with a shoe-obsessed protagonist. Jessie currently writes and practices law in Las Vegas, where she lives with her husband and children.



Enter the cover reveal giveaway.  Use the rafflecopter form to enter.  This contest is being run from another source, I am not responsible for the giveaway.

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Book Blast ~ "The Brotherhood of Dwarves" by D.A. Adams

BrotherhoodThe Brotherhood of Dwarves The dwarven saga begins… Roskin, heir to the throne of a remote, peaceful kingdom of dwarves, craves excitement and adventure. Outside his own kingdom, in search of fortune and glory, he finds a much different world, one divided by racial strife and overrun by war. The orcs to the south want to conquer all dwarves and sell them as slaves. The humans to the east want to control the world's resources. Caught in the middle, Roskin finds himself chased by slave traders and soldiers alike as he discovers that friendship is the best fortune of all. Just when he thinks he has triumphed, an act of betrayal sends him into bondage. His only hope of escape is the faltering courage of a disgraced warrior whose best days are behind him...


Brotherhood image
Praise for The Brotherhood of the Dwarves
“D.A. Adams puts together a story that I found myself reading from start to finish in less than a day”- Watch Play Read “This story of self discovery is a fine read and I very much appreciate that the character focus is on dwarves. No cookie cutter, young, perfect characters. Real, genuine and unique.” – Jess Resides Here “If you love intricate world-building, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book. If you like action and adventure, swords and arrows and more, you'll love it too. And if you're eager to see those working-class dwarves take a stand, this has to be the series for you.” – Sheila Deeth Blog

brotherhood image 2







Read an Excerpt
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 On his twenty second birthday, Roskin was summoned to his father’s private study, a room high in the palace where the king would spend his evening hours with a book or a pen. Roskin had rarely been inside the study, but he had always been fond of the dark mahogany desk that faced the Hall of Gronwheil and the gray marble bookshelves that were lined with volumes of history, lore, and poetry. Roskin’sfavorite was the oil canvas of his mother that hung with the other family portraits. He had a similar painting in his bedroom but preferred this one because the artist had more fiercely captured the wildness of her eyes. As he entered the study, Roskin stopped beside the painting and stared. “She was magnificent,” his father said, standing from behind the desk and moving toward his son. “But she wasn’t happy here.” “I know,” Roskin said, looking away from the painting. He often wondered why she had never attempted to visit him, and each year on his birthday he would hope all day that she would remember him and arrive at the palace. “You also have trouble with our ways.” “I’m sorry, sir. I try to do better.” King Kraganere laughed and hugged his son. “Do not apologize for who you are. You can’t help your feelings. A person should be measured by their actions.” “Yes sir.” The two sat by the window, staring into the perpetual night of the underground city, darkness bbroken only by torches and the faint glow on the fields outside of town. As they watched people move towards the bentrance to the symphony hall, on their way for the evening concert, Roskin wanted to reassure his father that he loved the city and the people, subjects who would one day bind themselves to him without question. He did love them, but the love was drowning in a fear he could not place. “I want you to update the maps of our kingdom,” the king spoke after a long silence. “They are old and missing information.” “I will start tomorrow morning at the Hall, beforelecture.” “That’s not what I mean.” “Sir?” “To be accurate, you must see what you are mapping.” “We have good maps of Dorkhun.” “Yes, we do, but the rest of the kingdom is poorly recorded. I think you can do better.” “But I’m supposed to study the Fifth Kingdom from Master Hinkroh this session and finish my songs for the festival.” “You need a change, something to help you relax. A little travel helps me.” “I have never complained about my duty, sir,” Roskin said, suddenly afraid that this was a test. “This is your assignment. Map the whole kingdom from the River of Fire to Erycke’s Tomb to the Kireghegon Halls of the great peak. There is no argument. The maps must be complete before you take your place on the council.” “I cannot join the council until I finish school, at least five more years.” “Do not question my orders. You have your duty. I expect not to see you in the morning.” After that, the king returned to business, and Roskin went to his room, packed for the journey, and then said goodbye to his friends, siblings, and stepmother.  
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DAAdams  Author D.A. Adams D.A. Adams was born in Florida but was raised in East Tennessee. He received a Master of Arts in Writing from the University of Memphis in 1999 and has taught college English for over a decade. His first novel, The Brotherhood of Dwarves, was released in 2005 and has been described as a solid, honest work about camaraderie, bravery, and sacrifice, a very personal journey, more interested in the ways that a person is changed by life's events than in epic battles and high magic. In 2008, the sequel, Red Sky at Dawn, was released to the exaltation that this novel thunders along, at times with dizzying speed. The action is visceral and imaginative without being gratuitous. Book three, The Fall of Dorkhun, came out in 2011, followed by book four, Between Dark and Light, in 2012. In terms of writing style, Adams exhibits an effortless narrative voice and a masterful balance between richly detailed descriptions and tightly worded minimalism. The pacing of his stories is breathtaking, with relentless action and captivating plot twists that keep readers riveted page after page. But his true talent as a writer lies in character development. Readers find themselves empathizing with, fearing for, and cheering on the characters as they overcome their personal shortcomings and grow as fully rendered individuals. Adams is also the father of two wonderful sons and, despite his professional accomplishments, maintains that they are his greatest achievement in life. He resides in East Tennessee.
  Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/31/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway