Meme from "Condemn Me Not" by Heather B. Moore #heatherbmoore

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14 Days of Clean Romance ! ~ Valentine Countdown Blitz (Swan and Shadow)

Kathryn Olsen (aka Kaki) has been to 17 countries on five continents. 

After an illustrious upbringing in Massachusetts, she studied English at Brigham Young University. As a result, she's been known to find theological flaws in zombie lore and Peruvian sacrifice metaphors in Superman movies. 

When not working a desk job or overanalyzing media, she enjoys writing about anything from possessed iPhones to dragon-smuggling androids and has been called upon to lecture on writing by various organizations. 

Her debut novel, Swan and Shadow, was published in March, 2016.

Connect with the Author here: 

 ~ Website ~ Twitter ~

"Aislin is cursed. A regular college student at night and a swan during the day, Aislin can only break the curse by finding her true love. But when her beloved discovers the truth, will his fear override their love? This modern adaptation of Swan Lake will help you discover what love really means."

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~ Amazon Australia ~

 Snippet:

Black

Playing it by ear usually just meant that we’d spontaneously find a new store to check out or eat at a favorite place, people-watching all the way. Natalie got two guys’ phone numbers before we even boarded the T. I knew she wouldn’t ever call them because she liked keeping tally more than actually dating.

“Your turn next,” Laurie announced after getting one herself.

“I don’t need phone numbers. I’ve got Nick.”

“And we’re very happy for you,” Natalie said impatiently, “but flirting muscles can atrophy.”

“Two-timing isn’t my style,” I retorted.

“This isn’t even that,” Natalie insisted. “No physical contact necessary.”

“Or encouraged,” Laurie added helpfully. “That’s the lazy girl’s way to a man’s heart.”

“Whoa.” I held up a hand. “Now you’re just fighting dirty.”

“You’re stalling,” she shot back. “Get moving.”

Nick would probably laugh at the guys I chose, but it would be fun to give it a shot and it would shut them both up.

“Nick won’t find out,” Natalie reconsidered. “It’s just a number, not a fling.”

“I’m not the type to have flings,” I pointed out.

“You’re not over the hill yet, and neither is green sweatshirt at six o’clock,” Laurie answered. “Go for it.”

Green sweatshirt guy had dark hair and a cute enough backside for me to look forward to a front view.

“Go, fight, win,” Natalie added before shoving me in his direction.

He wasn’t facing my way, so he didn’t see me stumble like a nervous freshman. By the time I was ready to approach, I’d found my footing and was now a casual passerby. He got bonus points for not having earphones plugged in and reading a book. Since I wasn’t Aislin, I couldn’t use Twain as an icebreaker. That narrowed my range of pickup lines, but they were all good ones.

He turned to check the route of an incoming train and looked bewilderingly like I’d just made his weekend. “Hey,” he said. “I thought you were booked today.”

I suddenly forgot every clever thing I had planned to say. “I’m sorry,” I blurted out. “Did I reject you before?”

“Not really,” he said with a laugh. “You do remember our last conversation, right?”

“Honestly, no,” I said. I might have seen him before, but nothing about him was familiar. “Your name starts with a D?”

“N,” he corrected, his smile going a little wooden. “Well, this is humiliating.”

That went for the both of us. He looked a little like one of our football players, but . . .  

And then my brain caught up.  “N?” I asked quickly. “As in Nathaniel?”

“I knew we’d get there eventually,” he said, looking slightly less crestfallen. “Does that mean you’re not going to dinner with me?”

“Nate from Michigan, the future physical therapist . . .” It was time to let an explanation fix things. “My sister has told me so much about you.”

Color flooded back into his face and I couldn’t tell if he was blushing or just relieved that he had made a lasting impression. “Your sister,” he echoed.

I dug into my purse and whipped out my real license. I held it up for comparison so he could see I wasn’t bluffing, and then handed it over for closer inspection.

“I’m Maeve,” I explained, “and you’re Aislin’s favorite person on campus.”

His red face was now definitely caused by a blush. “Aislin didn’t mention her sister was a dead ringer,” he admitted.

“I promise I’m not crazy. We just haven’t been introduced.”

He passed the license back, turning the handoff into a handshake. “I’m Nate,” he said. “Some crazy is good.”

I wondered if he’d feel the same if he ran into my sister before she’d washed leaves and twigs from her hair.

“I’m glad you know that,” I said, letting go of his perfectly nice hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” he commented. “So, what were you actually doing over here?”

“Trying to get your number,” I admitted with genuine embarrassment.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley for Review
Genre: Fairy Tale

Book Description:  At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn’t mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse’s fairy tales. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.

After Vasilisa’s mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa’s new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows.

And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa’s stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.

As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed—this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse’s most frightening tales.
My thoughts:  The Bear and the Nightingale is an engaging read set in medieval Russia. Katherine Arden's writing reminds me of the old style of writing fairy tales. It is dark and enticing. It has an almost poetic feel to it as the lives of the characters and the coinciding fay creatures are described. I was easily draw into the story.

Vasilisa is a young girl who has the "second sight". She readily accepts both worlds and is a bridge of sorts between the two. She keeps the fay happy and protects her people from some of their dangerous ways. She belongs to both worlds and is happy with her role in both.

Tragedy strikes her people when her father takes a new wife and a new Priest comes to shepherd the flock. Both are devout and have zero tolerance for adherence to the old ways. The fay are diminishing, but they protect the humans from danger from stronger fay. Vasilisa is trying to save her people and keep her fay friends around.

As I stated in the first paragraph, the story is dark. It is a fairy tale, but it may be a little too dark for younger readers. There is a little bit of innuendo, but I found it to be clean. The book does contain violence that is non-graphic. It could be unsettling for younger readers.

Convenient Purchase Links:  :)

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author: (Taken from her webpage)  Quick version: Infected with wanderlust and with no notions of vocation, I decided to try my hand at a novel. The same novel which you are currently holding. No? Not holding it? Seriously? Then what are you reading this for? Stop screwing around on the Internet and go read something!

Visit her webpage!

The Illusory Prophet by Susan Kaye Quinn

The Illusory Prophet by Susan Kaye Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Author to Review
Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopian

Book Description:  What if you could paint with reality? 

Elijah Brighton can bring a girl back from the dead, travel outside his body, and absorb a lifetime of memories from anyone he touches in the fugue state. Everyone seems to think he’s the prophet they’re waiting for… including the girl he’s falling in love with. The truth is, the fugue is bleeding over into reality, bringing his sketches to life and haunting him with visions of a girl in metal armor. She stabs him with her blade and denounces him as any prophet worth the name—and it’s not like he disagrees.  

People who change the world generally aren’t losing their minds. 

He just wants to hide out in his tent and kiss Kamali, but a vision of his death and an attack on the Human Resistance Movement convince him something bigger is coming. Maybe Augustus—the power-mad ascender he barely defeated. Maybe the Makers, a tinkering cult with their own kind of ascendance. But when his best friend Cyrus disappears, questions of destiny and prophethood will have to wait—because the fugue is always showing a version of the truth, and Eli must discover that truth before his terrifying visions become reality.  

The Illusory Prophet is the third book in the Singularity series. This young adult science fiction series explores the intersection of mind, body, and soul in a post-Singularity world. 
 
READING ORDER 
Singularity Series 
The Legacy Human (Book 1)  
The Duality Bridge (Book 2)  
The Stories of Singularity #1-4 (Novella Box Set)  
The Illusory Prophet (Book 3) 

Stories of Singularity 
(novellas) 
Restore (Story 1) 
Containment (Story 2)
Defiance (Story 3)
Augment (Story 4)


My thoughts: The question that I pondered through this book was "What is the worth of a soul". This is a sci-fi book and not religious, other than the Ascenders are trying to be God-like. They are trying to live cognitively live forever. But they question whether or not they have a soul? The humans are valuable partly because they do have a soul. It's an interesting situation for ascended beings who plan to live forever.

Elijah is a reluctant leader of the fight against the control of the Ascenders. He is a young man who has been tampered with. He was born to be human, but not human at the same time. He is a bridge connecting the two species. He undergoes quite a bit of growth and enlightenment in this book. He begins to understand what he is capable of and how he can help everyone to co-exist.

This book is very interesting. There is romance, action, war, and knowledge gained in this book. To fully understand this book, you must read the first two before this one. This series can not be read out of order. Each book builds on the other and there isn't a lot of back story explained.

This is a dystopian type of book that is about humans rising up to gain freedom from their oppressors. I would recommend this book to readers who are mature enough to grasp the complex concepts and handle war situations. The main characters are teenagers, so it would appeal to a YA reader.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository 

About the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Susan Kaye Quinn is a rocket scientist turned speculative fiction author who now uses her PhD to invent cool stuff in books. Her works range from young adult science fiction to adult future-noir, with side trips into steampunk and middle grade fantasy. Her bestselling novels and short stories have been optioned for Virtual Reality, translated into German, and featured in several anthologies.

She writes full-time from Chicago, inventing mind powers and dreaming of the Singularity.

Visit her WEBPAGE!

"Condemn Me Not" by Heather B Moore will be published soon! #heatherbmoore

I can't imagine what it was like for the people accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials.  This quote resonates with me.  I am sure that a cell would be better than the jeers and condemning looks that they endured. I can't wait to read this book!

Pre-order a copy today.

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The Last Descent DVD - Finding Hope in the Dark

The details of the passing of John Jones in Nutty Putty Cave have been well documented, but his story did not end there. Witness the power of love, family, and the Plan of Salvation in this critically acclaimed film that shows that family bonds extend beyond this life.

My Thoughts:  When I received a request to view this film for review, I was very hesitant.  I am not good with tragedies.  I knew how this one was going to end.  I took my time responding to the request and missed the tour.  The wonderful publicist (Thanks Michelle) sent me a copy to review even though I missed the tour.

The DVD begins with the birth of a baby boy and then takes the viewer to meeting John, his wife, his daughter, and his brother, Josh.  The movie starts out with the brothers going to Nutty Putty Cave to explore.  I honestly paced around as he went off on his own.  It took a bit for me to settle myself down to listen as John tells of his life and his family.  While the subject matter is hard, the film was done well.

While the movie is full of heartbreak, there is peace and hope.  I enjoyed watching how Search and Rescue keeps hope up in terrible situations.  The fact is that this tragedy affected many wonderful people.  I also enjoyed the flashbacks as he talked about meeting his wife and other key life events.

When all seems lost, there is hope.  That is the message of the movie.  There is peace and hope. 

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Deseret Book

Petticoat Spy by Carol Warburton ~ Blog Tour + Giveaway

Petticoat Spy by Carol Warburton
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Historical Fiction

Book Description:  Colonial Massachusetts, 1775

Abigail Stowell is a rarity for her time. The comely young woman is educated, outspoken, and attuned to the charged political climate around her. She is a staunch Patriot. In short, she is a rebel. So when Gideon Whitlock, an avowed Tory, rides into her village, Abby is not only put off by his politics and arrogance but is also annoyed by her undeniable attraction to him.

When she observes a clandestine meeting between her Patriot father and Gideon, Abby soon realizes that in a world divided by loyalties, not everything is as it seems. Soon she is drawn deeper into political intrigue than she ever dreamed possible. And just as feelings begin to heat up between Abby and Gideon, the shot heard round the world ignites the beginning of war between the colonists and the British redcoats. There is no time for hesitation, and Abby finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue, treachery, and terror. Lives hang in the balance, and Abby will stop at nothing to support the Patriot movement—but will her allegiance to the cause mean losing the man she loves?


My thoughts: This book is easy to get lost into. I fell in love with the characters and the plot was intriguing!

The book begins just before the US Revolutionary War. The main character is Abigail Stowell. She is the daughter of a revolutionist. I loved reading the historic events through the eyes of someone who was experiencing them. I realize she is a fictional character, but it had an authentic feel to it.

Abigail is willingly brought into a world of becoming a spy and passing information to someone who is considered to be a Tory, but really working for the Patriots. She has passion for reform and wants to be of help. She is a strong women during a time when women were not supposed to be strong. I loved her enthusiasm, intellect, and courage.

The love interest is dangerous. They develop feeling for each other when it is not safe or prudent. War is on the horizon and the time for romance is fleeting. I liked the sparks between them.

In short, if you enjoy historical fiction with action and romance, you may want to pick up this book. It is written well and runs at a great pace.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Visit the Tour Stops:

*Jan. 23rd: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 24th: http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*Jan. 25th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ 

*Jan. 26th: http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/

*Jan. 27th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

Enter the Tour Giveaway:  (Prize and notification of the winner will come from the publisher.)

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The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen

The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook for review
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Book Description:  From the Power of the Matchmaker series:

Mary Buchanan has bigger worries than the radical journalist moving in next door who’s spoiling her father’s digestion: unrequited love for a footman, a fractious aunt, patiently awaiting her destiny…

Already she’s nearly eighteen. No sign of destiny yet, but Mary’s certain he’ll be handsome.

Then she meets the reformer, this Mr. Samuel Brown. Destiny is closer at hand than Mary has supposed—if she can just get Mr. Brown to realize it.


My thoughts: I have enjoyed my time with Pearl, a Chinese matchmaker who has a gift for bringing couples together. I am sad to see this series come to an end, but the books will still be there for me to re-read when I need a matchmaker fix.

This story focuses on Mary. She is the daughter of a prominent Doctor. She is sheltered an not allowed to do things that interest or enlighten her. Her father is against the English Reformation. He is very old fashioned, particularly where his daughter is concerned.

They have a new neighbor move in who is writes about the Reformation. Mary's father feels that he is a threat and takes measures to keep his daughter away from the upstart. Of course, this only fuels her attraction and attempts to catch Samuel Brown's notice. She begins to read the forbidden London Times, the paper that Mr. Brown writes for, and is drawn by his words. Her horizons expand and she joins the movement with cartoon drawings.

In this rendition, Pear is know as Mrs. Chin. She is a neighbor to both Samuel and Mary. She is able to finagle interactions between Samuel, Mary, and Samuel's friend, Niall. The trio are unlikely cohorts, but work well together. Samuel and Niall open the doors to independence for Mary and she thrives. So much so, that she becomes a problem to her father's ideals of womanhood.

This story has some twists that I don't want to get into, because they would be spoilers. I will say that I was very happy for the way everything turned out. It was just as I wanted it to be! I enjoyed the friendships, banter, uncomfortable situations, and devotion that I found in this book. Jaima Fixsen writes with a great voice. I loved the way she described the characters and the way that they were developed. This is a great addition to a wonderful series. I highly recommend every book.

This book contains a funny way that Mary learns of male/female relations. It contains innuendo.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble 

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Jaima Fixsen lives in Alberta, Canada with her handsome husband and clever children. Mostly, she just tries to keep up.

Visit her WEBSITE!

Cover Reveal for Sarah Eden's "My Dearest Love"

I LOVE the books in Sarah Eden's Hope Springs Series.  I am anxiously looking forward to reading this novella. :)  It will be out in July!

From the USA Today Bestselling author of the Longing for Home series, MY DEAREST LOVE is a new romance novella set in the beloved world of Hope Springs.

Alone in the world and far from home, Biddy holds out little hope of lasting happiness. Ian, loving her silently from afar, dreams of one day capturing her heart.

I love the images for "Condemn Me Not" by Heather B. Moore #heatherbmoore

The images for this book are hauntingly beautiful.  I can't wait to read it.

March 14th will soon be here.  You can pre-order a copy of the book today.

Amazon

Book Description:  “This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life.” —Reverend Cotton Mather, 1692

USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.

I loved reading "The Captive Heart" by Michelle Griep

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Historical Romance

Book Description:  Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a an angry duke. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer.



My thoughts: Oh my goodness, I loved this book!

This was a book that was nearly impossible for me to put down, particularly the last half. I could not read fast enough and then I was disappointed when it ended. I could have been lost in Samuel and Elinor's world for a few more days, easily.


The book is set in the America Frontier before the revolution. Michelle Griep looks at some uncomfortable social issues of the time period; the indentured servant and the white man's encroachment on Native American Lands. The book is told from the character's point of view living during the time period, living through the trials. I loved how she described the life, without passing judgement. The reader is able to make their own connections and judgement. Griep did an amazing job at describing events, people, and places.

The romance is not rushed. Samuel and Elinor grow in regard and feelings for each other as they learn of each other. They respect each other before there is romance of any kind.

This is a clean historical romance. The book does contain violence and a little bit of kissing.  She has other books written, I  must get some of them!

Where can you purchase a copy?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?

Visit her WEBPAGE!

Aspen Everlasting by Kathryn Cooper

Aspen Everlasting by Kathryn Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook from publisher to review
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:  Water splashed on all sides then took control of the tires. The car swerved right toward the river. 
“No. NO. NO!” I turned the wheel toward the road. It didn’t work. Fast running water pulled the car into the flooded river.

Aspen Foster thinks she’s just a normal sixteen-year-old, but when her car’s caught in a flash flood, Aspen and her sister discover the superhuman strength they never knew they had.

Soon Aspen learns she’s not normal at all. She’s an Evermortal fairy, with powers beyond her wildest dreams. But the more Aspen finds out about her family’s past, the more dangerous her future becomes.

This riveting fantasy is full of action, adventure, and romance. Suspenseful and exhilarating! 


My thoughts: When Aspen and her sister are caught in a flash flood, they rescue their two friends and discover that it was not " adrenaline" that helped them all stay alive. Their parents have kept secrets from them about their heritage. They belong to a group descended from fairies, but many of the powers were lost. They are there to protect mankind.

This revelation leads to a lot of action and danger. Trouble has been brewing in their homeland and the family must band together to stop the evil Queen.

I enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this book. This is a different kind of fairy than I usually read. The setting is new and unique and the characters enjoyable. The plot felt solid to me and had a great pace.

It seemed as if everyone accepted the changes a little too easy. Some of the plot points were glossed over, but I am not sure how Kathryn Cooper could have changed that. This book is written for the YA market and is perfect for it's readership. I think this is a solid debut and I look forward to reading more from this author. I think that this book may have more to follow, there are several places she can take it and it may delve into the fairy realm.

You can purchase a copy at:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Books & Things

About the Author: Kathryn Cooper lives in the heart of Texas with her husband and four young boys. She has read and blogged about other authors’ books for years. She is excited to finally have her own book out for readers. “Aspen Everlasting” is her first novel.

Visit her WEBPAGE!

Visit the tour stops:

January 10: Rachel McClellan
January 11: I Am a Reader
January 12:
January 13: Writing Worm
January 14: Rockin’ Book Reviews
January 15:
January 16: My Book a Day
January 17: Bookworm Lisa || Getting Your Read On
January 18: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
January 19: Diane Tolley
January 20: Book Loving Mommy || Kindle and Me
January 21: My Love for Reading Keeps Growing
January 22: Inklings and Notions || Rebecca Jamison
January 23: The Cover Contessa
January 24: Blooming With Books || Eccentric Eclectic Woman