Monday, April 30, 2018

Love Unexpected by G.G. Vandagriff (Blog tour with a giveawauy)


Love Unexpected: A Regency Romance (The Saunders Family Saga Book 1)Love Unexpected: A Regency Romance by G.G. Vandagriff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source; Received to review
Genre: Regency Romance



Book Description:  When the widowed Lady Marianne Deveridge is invited to spend the season in London with her friend Lady Penelope Wellingham, she has no idea that Penny and Beau have another guest: Captain Ernest Saunders, Beau’s brother. Matchmaking is definitely afoot. However, after having been married to wandering explorer, Marianne has no intention of becoming involved with a wandering sea captain. 
Her first sight of Captain Saunders in all his robust masculinity brings every one of her senses to attention. She knows then that her resolve will be difficult to keep. 
Almost immediately upon making the captain’s acquaintance, Marianne becomes the focus of a mysterious villain who is devising a horse racing fraud. What has she seen to endanger a deadly felon? She has no idea. 
Captain Saunders makes it his business to keep Marianne safe, and the two of them are brought closer by their investigation into the dark side of horse racing. Still, she thinks she is managing to resist his charms. 
It is not until her very survival is at stake that she realizes how interwoven their lives have become. Will her heart ever recover once she watches another ship put out to sea? 



My thoughts: When I stated this book, I could tell that the characters had a relationship with history that I did not know. This book is the first book in the series, but has characters from a previous series of book that had a bond. I could tell that G.G. Vandagriff was writing a current story and trying to give the reader a back story as well. It was a bit confusing at first, but not hard get invested in this story.

This book has an older couple as the main characters. Lady Marianne Deveridge is a widow with twin children. Captain Ernest Saunders has spent that majority of his life at sea and is on furlough. I loved that the were not young and feeling the first rush of infatuation. They were seasoned in the romance department. Lady Marianne has a precocious 12 year old daughter who kept her on her toes. She added a lot of humor adored her mother.

The book also contains suspense. Lady Marianne was bashed over the head after being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The plot is embroiled with horse racing. Someone wants to keep a prized racer drugged. Captain Saunders makes it his mission to uncover the plot and bring the villain to justice.

This book has a lot of things going for it. I am not fond of the writing style. It is more of a narrative. The events of the book are told to the reader, I prefer feeling like I am in the story, instead of watching the story. Overall, I would say this is an engaging book. I loved the mystery and the characters fighting their attraction.



Online Purchase Links:

(This book is available for Kindle Unlimited)

Enter the Tour Giveaway!
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Visit the Tour Stops:

April 30th - Peggy Urry / Bookworm Lisa
May 1st - Min Reads and Reviews / Literary Time Out (spotlights)
May 4th - The Bibliophile Files / Katie’s Clean Book Collection

Friday, April 27, 2018

So You Want to See the World by Jason Pruett ~ Picture book blog tour.



COVER So you want to see the world.jpg
So You Want to See the World? by Jason Pruett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received ebook from publisher for review.
Genre: Picture book

Book Description Send your favorite graduates off on their next adventure! Full of quirky illustrations and fun rhyming text, this book is a great way to recognize all they've accomplished and show them that you're confident they'll succeed in the future. Whether they're heading out into the world or staying close to home, help them mark this important milestone with this inspirational and encouraging gift. 



My thoughts: This is a fun picture book written in rhyme. It has the feeling of Dr. Seuss, the pictures and the way it is written will be sure to appeal to anyone who loves Dr Seuss books.

The thing that impressed me the most is that this book is about possibilities. It is for dreaming and planning for the future. It is uplifting in the fact that it helps the reader feel that there are any number of directions they could go that would be appealing and adventurous. It talks about food, hiking, cruising, the wonders of the world., etc.

I feel that this book would be perfect for all ages. I could see a parent with a child sitting on their lap looking at the pictures displaying maps/buildings/food and talking about them. There are many possibilities in this book. To quote the last two sentences, "To live is to be, so go on and be it. The wold is calling, so go on and see it."



Online Purchase Links:




About the AuthorJason Pruett has a BFA in industrial design from Brigham Young University and an
MFA in illustration from the Academy of Art University. He has created art for games
and animation. Jason currently illustrates picture books, such as
A Is for Abinadi
, and
the children's comic book
Jimmy Brass, 2nd Grade Detective
. He lives in the Salt Lake
area with his wife
PRUETT jason - author.jpgJason Pruett has a BFA in industrial design from Brigham Young University and an MFA in illustration from the Academy of Art University. He has created art for games and animation. Jason currently illustrates picture books, such as A Is for Abinadi, and the children’s comic book Jimmy Brass, 2nd Grade Detective. He lives in the Salt Lake area with his wife.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Tripwire by Traci Hunter Abramson - Blog tour with giveaway




Tripwire
Tripwire by Traci Hunter Abramson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review.
Genre: Action/Suspense/Romance



Book Description Jane Napierski is back at work at the job she loves—being a personal assistant to her friend Sienna Blake, a rising star actress. The duo is on location in Virginia Beach to film Sienna’s new TV series, along with costar Reed Forrester—the man with whom the world thinks Sienna is in love. Wrong.
Sienna’s heart actually belongs to her fiancĂ©, Craig, a Navy Seal with the Saint Squad. Craig must fly under the radar if he is to keep Sienna safe from his world of terrorists and toxic bombs. And Reed has no problem pretending to date his old friend Sienna simply because it means he can spend time learning more about Jane. Making a TV series is grueling work but not nearly as difficult as the treacherous adventure that is about to begin with a simple photo taken in the wrong place at the wrong time—an image worth killing for. 
When Craig returns to the United States to spend time with Sienna, he’s not expecting to spend that time protecting her and Jane. Frightening incidents targeting the two women rapidly escalate, and as Craig and his Saint Squad investigate a tangled conspiracy, they find themselves tracking, here at home, the terrorists they have searched for across the globe. But can they shut the terrorists down in time to save Jane, Reed, and Sienna?

My thoughts: The Saint Squad is back! I haven't read all of the books in the series, but I seriously need to. I love this group of characters. They are a Navy Seal team and the comradery and value they place on each other is amazing. I really enjoy Traci Hunter Abramson's writing style, attention to detail, and wonderful characters.

This book contains terrorists that are causing havoc. They have targeted one of the Saint Squad's fiancee and her friends. The stakes are high and the squad doesn't back down. There are some pretty intense moments. The book contains action, suspense, and romance.

This book contains kissing, violence, and religious content.


Online Purchase Links:


Traci Hunter Abramson
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She has gone on to write more than twenty bestselling novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists and three-time Whitney Award winner. When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, preferably on a nice quiet beach somewhere. She also enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.


Visit her WEBPAGE!

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Tuesday, April 24, 2018

A House Divided by Diane Stringam Tolley


A House DividedA House Divided by Diane Stringham Tolley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review
Genre: LDS Fiction

Book Description:  Hannah thought reaching the promised land would mean an end to her problems, but it was only the beginning. With her loved ones divided and her people in danger, Hannah’s faith is now faltering more with each passing day. Can she find the courage to stand by her convictions? Or will the conflicts from their past lead the Nephite people into a war against their own family?



My thoughts: This book was somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4, so I rounded to the 4.

This is the second book by this author dealing with the beginnings of the Book of Mormon Lamanites and Nephites. The first book , Daughter of Ishmael: Promised Land, Broken Hearts looks at Hannah and the hard decisions of focusing on her faith, or her husband, Lemuel and her son.

This book takes place right after the first, and anyone who is familiar with the Book of Mormon story will have no problem beginning with this one. It is a work of fiction, but brings the scriptures and the agony of the war between families to life.

Hannah is still the primary character. She has suffered and continues to suffer. The decisions of others alter the course of her life, but her faith leads her forward. The lessons learned are hard, the life of the people were hard. This story is bitter-sweet.

I found personal inspiration in remembering to "trust in the Lord" in times of trial. I loved how Nephi was portrayed as a calm and courageous man. Sometimes the endearments the people used were a bit much for me, but that is a personal thing and didn't detract from the story. This book contains violence, and talk of a rape (without details), violence towards women (stoning). It may have material that would be hard for someone who has experienced violent acts against them.



Online Purchase Links:


Diane Stringam Tolley

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Raised on the last of the great old Southern Alberta ranches and trained in journalism, Diane recounts tales of growing up in the bend of the north fork of the Milk River. Author of countless short stories, articles, poems, plays, songs and novels, she brings a wealth of western family ideals to her writing.
Nothing intrigues more than a background story. And nothing is quite as peaceful as reliving the past.

Visit her WEBPAGE.


Visit the Tour stops:

April 18, 2018: Minette Langston
April 19, 2018: Christine Till
April 20, 2018: Sydney Anderson
April 21, 2018:
April 22, 2018: Ann Morris
April 23, 2018Cathy Jeppsen
April 24, 2018Vanessa Von Mollendorf
April 24, 2018Lisa Faber
April 25, 2018Marlene Bateman
April 26, 2018Mandy Al-Bjaly
April 27, 2018Sheila Staley
April 27, 2018Shannon Symmonds
April 28, 2018Donna Tagliaferri
April 29, 2018Kristi Campbell

Saturday, April 21, 2018

The Burnheart Redemption by Chelsea Curan ~ Book Review

Burnheart Redemption, TheBurnheart Redemption by Chelsea Curran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher to review.
Genre: YA Historical Romance

Book Description:  Sixteen-year-old Adam Garrow ran away when he learned the truth about his father and his inheritance. After six long years away from his family’s estate, Adam returns to make amends with his parents and help his brother, Phillip, grow into his role as head of the estate. Before he even makes it to the door, a chance meeting with one Solana Rosenlund— his intended from before his self-imposed exile—sparks a fire in his heart that will not be quenched. But before they truly get a chance to explore their feelings for each other, Adam is devastated when a head injury results in Solana forgetting that they had ever met. 
Things only get worse when Phillip’s business venture to Morocco is commandeered by pirates. Adam and his friend Ian O’Connor leave England to rescue Phillip, and in doing so discover a sinister plot that threatens the Garrow estate and all those they left at home. Through conspiracy, sabotage, and kidnapping, can all three men survive what fate has thrown at them and find their way back to the women they love? 


My thoughts: This book has elements that will be sure to appeal to the YA reader. Romance, suspense, pirates, and intrigue.

The book has two main characters, Adam and Solana. I would say that the focus is on six characters who play a profound role in the story: Phillip, Ian, Iris and Abigail. The story is short but does not lack for action and movement in the plot.

For me, this would have been better as a longer and more detailed book. I felt like many things were glossed over. I would have loved to have some of the back story played out in the pages, rather than talked about. The characters had so much potential, but fell a little flat for me. That is not to say that for someone else it may be the perfect mix. I would love it if the author wrote more about the characters and their stories. There is so many places she could go with this world and people she created!

This book is clean with chaste kisses and non-graphic violence.



Online Purchase Links:



I recently posted a spotlight for the blog tour of this book.  You can see the post HERE, plus read an excerpt!   There is also a giveaway for an ebook copy of the book.  You need to leave a comment on the other post to enter.  The giveaway closes on April 30th, so enter today!

Friday, April 20, 2018

My Dearest Enemy by Jennifer Moore (with a #giveaway)





My Dearest EnemyMy Dearest Enemy by Jennifer Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review.
Genre: Historical fiction/romance

Book Description:  Struggling alone on the family farm, Abigail Tidwell knows exactly who to blame for her hardships: the Americans. If it weren’t for their part in the war, her father and brothers would be home rather than fighting abroad. But no amount of antipathy could have prepared her for the shocking sight of a wounded American soldier on her property, a man in dire need of her help. Grudgingly, Abigail tends to the soldier’s injuries and anticipates the satisfaction of turning him over to the authorities once he is healed. But fate has other plans. Captain Emmett Prescott remembers little of the ambush on his men by a group of Shawnee Indians and even less about how he arrived in the unfamiliar barn.
After being nursed back to health by beautiful, if reluctant, Abigail, Emmett would do anything to save the men he left behind—including forcibly enlisting Abigail’s help. Soon, Abigail finds herself caught between two countries at war. And as her attraction for Emmett grows, her conflicted heart engages in its own silent battle. But when she is accused of treason for her actions, her survival rests in the hands of the very man she once considered her enemy.

My thoughts: I love a strong female lead character who is able to accomplish more than is expected of her by society. Abigail Tidwell is that type of a character. She is a woman who knows how to heal, loves rocks and minerals, and does the right thing, even when it may not be what others think is right. (Clear as mud?)

This book took a look at history that I don't normally read about. It is the War of 1812. The United States and Britain are at war, and Canada is part of the British Empire. Abigail is Canadian. She blames her troubles on the Americans, but circumstances change everything for her. Because of her kind heart and healing abilities, she ends up helping the hated enemy and finds that maybe it's not the people that she hates.

The characters are great. I love the group of men she ends up helping and traveling with. They are loyal and came alive to me.

This book contains some romance and war violence. I would consider it a clean book.



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Love In Bloom ~ Featuring Donna Hatch (with a #giveaway)




  The Stranger She Married by Donna Hatch When her parents and only brother die within weeks of each other, Alicia and her younger sister are left in the hands of an uncle who has brought them all to financial and social ruin. Desperate to save her family from debtor's prison, Alicia vows to marry the first wealthy man to propose. She meets the dashing Lord Amesbury, and her heart whispers that this is the man she is destined to love, but his tainted past may forever stand in their way. Her choices in potential husbands narrow to either a scarred cripple with the heart of a poet, or a handsome rake with a deadly secret. Cole Amesbury is tormented by his own ghosts, and believes he is beyond redemption, yet he cannot deny his attraction for the girl whose genuine goodness touches the heart he'd thought long dead. He fears the scars in his soul cut so deeply that he may never be able to offer Alicia a love that is true. When yet another bizarre mishap threatens her life, Alicia suspects the seemingly unrelated accidents that have plagued her loved ones are actually a killer's attempt to exterminate every member of her family. Despite the threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger to her heart.

I enjoyed this book.  See my review HERE.






As Cole looked down into Alicia Palmer’s face, he knew of a surety she was worth any risk. She touched him in a place he’d thought long dead.

 A younger man wearing a saucy grin approached Miss Palmer. “Did you save me a dance, Lissie?”

 Cole’s initial irritation for the man’s cheekiness faded to puzzlement. He knew him from somewhere. A vague unease arose.

 When the young man’s gaze moved to Cole, he paled visibly. “You!”

 Miss Palmer gasped. “Robert Palmer, where are your manners?”

 Of course. Robert Palmer. From London. Cold dread trickled across his heart as he considered the ramifications.

 Palmer pinned him with a dangerous glare. “Stay away from my cousin.”

 “Your cousin?” Cole looked from him to the lovely Miss Palmer and understanding dawned. He cursed under his breath. He hadn’t been aware Armand Palmer had a sister. Not that he’d bothered to find out. The possible ramifications took a more serious turn.

 Miss Palmer sent Cole a look of apology and turned to her cousin. “Robert, explain yourself.”

 In a cold sweat, Cole waited for her condemning stare.

 Palmer trembled in rage. He spoke quietly, but each word shot through Cole like bullets fired at close range. “He’s the scoundrel who shot your twin.”




 


  The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch Though her heart longs for adventure, Elise strives to be a perfect English lady within the stifling confines of society for the sake of her impressionable young son. Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for adventure. But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret. A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared must complete one last assignment for the Secret Service before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging. His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not survive the revelation of Jared's past...or still love him when the truth is revealed. The Rogue Hearts Series: The Stranger She Married The Guise of a Gentleman A Perfect Secret The Suspect's Daughter Praise for Donna Hatch: "Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin' hot kisses." Reading is My Super Power Reviews "Written with heart and depth, Donna Hatch's books are absolute must-reads for any fan of swoon-worthy historical romance." Sarah M. Eden, USA Today best-selling historical romance author Dance with a duke, outwit pirates, save a kingdom, and fall in love. Believe in happily ever after. Note from the Author: This romantic story of loss and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, and strangers marrying, will leave you laughing, crying, and swooning. Sprinkled liberally with suspense, mystery, and heart-melting kisses, this is not your ordinary historical tale of an arranged marriage nor of redeeming the rakes. Fans of Victorian and Regency Eras as well as those seeking clean and wholesome romance with plenty of chemistry will love this story!


I loved this one too!  HERE is my review.

 

“You are a woman of great courage to face those cutthroats alone.”

 His fingers closed around hers as if she were a lifeline. Her late husband’s hands had always been smooth and soft, the hands of a gentleman, so unlike this man’s calluses which bespoke hard work. She marveled at the strength in those hands, not to mention the tingles that traveled up her arm.

 A flush crept over her face and she struggled to retain her composure. “I saw a cruel act and felt compelled to intervene. I could do nothing less.”

 His eyes darted over her face and he said in a stronger voice, “Those men might have turned on you.”

 “I’m an excellent shot.”

 “And did you not consider that you may have been in danger from me?”

 She suspected many women found him a very great danger, but not for the reason he spoke.

 Swallowing against a dry mouth, she lifted her chin. “You hardly looked dangerous at the time. And I daresay you lack the strength to offer any threat now.”

 The barest hint of a smile twitched his lips and a wicked light glinted in his sea-green eyes.

 

  A Perfect Secret by Donna Hatch Desperate to protect her father from trial and death, Genevieve breaks off her engagement with Christian Amesbury and marries a blackmailer. After a year of marriage, she flees her husband's violent domination only to have fate bring her back to Christian. Just when she thinks she's started a new life of safety and solitude, her husband tracks her down, stalks her, and threatens everyone she loves. Still brokenhearted over Genevieve's betrayal a year ago, Christian can't believe she's come back into his life--and worse, that she's done it on the anniversary of his brother's death, a death that haunts him. Though tempted to throw her back into the river where he found her, he can't leave her at the mercy of the terrifying man she married. When her husband torments Genevieve and puts the Amesbury family in danger, Christian will do anything to protect those he loves...anything except give Genevieve another chance to break his heart.

Do you want to see my review for this one?  Click HERE.


 


 “I’ll be right there with you,” he said huskily into her hair.

 She buried her face into his shirtfront. “I know you will. I’m not afraid.”

 Heaven help him, he loved this woman so much that it physically hurt. He drew back and held her at arm’s length. “Do you have your gun?”

 She nodded. “It’s in my pocket.” She patted the front of her pelisse.

 “And the dagger?”

 She lifted her skirts to show her riding boots with the hilt peeping out from inside.

 “If anything goes wrong, run.”

 She nodded.

 He gripped her shoulders. “I mean, it, Genevieve; don’t stay and play heroine.”


 



  The Suspect's Daughter by Donna Hatch Determined to help her father with his political career, Jocelyn sets aside dreams of love. When she meets the handsome and mysterious Grant Amesbury, her dreams of true love reawaken. But his secrets put her family in peril. Grant goes undercover to capture conspirators avowed to murder the prime minister, but his only suspect is the father of a courageous lady who is growing increasingly hard to ignore. He can’t allow Jocelyn to distract him from the case, nor will he taint her with his war-darkened soul. She seems to see past the barriers surrounding his heart, which makes her all the more dangerous to his vow of remaining forever alone. Jocelyn will do anything to clear her father’s name, even if that means working with Grant. Time is running out. The future of England hangs in the balance...and so does their love.




It is with great sadness that I have to admit, I haven't read this one. I  need to remedy that oversight soon! 

 




She smiled, that persistent sunshine returning like a ray spearing the clouds. He’d seen her frightened and sad, but always quickly recovering to a state of joy.

 Grant bowed. “Good night, Miss Fairley.”

 He turned to go, but she touched his arm, a light touch, no more than the feathering brush of a butterfly. Still, he stiffened at the contact and withdrew. She blinked down at the thwarted contact as if searching for the source of his abruptness.

 “Yes?” he prompted.

 She faltered but seemed to draw from that endless well of happiness, and managed a sincere smile. “I look forward to seeing you at our house party.”

 If Miss Fairley knew her father was his prime suspect, she wouldn’t be treating him with such kindness and familiarity. Her devotion to her father was clear. She’d be devastated when he brought her father to justice for conspiring to murder and treason. That Grant might play a part in dimming that ray of sun felt a tragedy. But better that than allowing a group of radicals commit murder.

   



“Written with heart and depth, Donna Hatch’s books are absolute must-reads for any fan of swoon-worthy historical romance.” ~ Sarah M. Eden, USA Today best-selling historical romance author 

“Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin’ hot kisses.” ~ Reading is My Super Power Reviews

 "The intrigue held me spellbound until the very end and it was an unexpected ending. I will definitely be looking for more…”– Night Owl Romance

 

Author Donna Hatch Best-selling author, Donna Hatch, is a hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, the force that drove her to write and publish more than twenty historical romance titles, including the award-winning “Rogue Hearts Series.” She is a multi-award winner, a sought-after workshop presenter, and juggles multiple volunteer positions as well as her six (yes, that is 6) children. Also a music lover, she sings and plays the harp, and loves to ballroom dance. Donna and her family recently transplanted from her native Arizona to the Pacific Northwest where she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.





  Giveaway Details Ends 5/12/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway