"Letters to My Future Husband" by Lisa McKendrick ~ Blog Tour

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Letters to My Future Husband by Lisa McKendrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Purchased Kindle Copy
Genre: Contemporary LDS Romance

Book Description:  Sophie doesn’t know what kind of man she’s looking for, so her father suggests she write letters to her future husband—and come to know him in the process. But Sophie soon learns her letters aren’t the most reliable key to her heart. This hilarious coming-of-age novel is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud read you’ll want to share with all your friends.



My Thoughts: As a child Sophie decided she was going to marry her dad. She was determined and unhappy when he told her he was already married and that someday an amazing man would come into her life that she would love more than him. In order to help her on her journey to finding the right man, her father gave her a diary to write letters to her future husband.

The story does a few time skips. The first Sophie is in Italy and comes across her childhood crush. Circumstances are not great and put her into a position to meet Peter, a young man she has an instant bond and attraction to. In fear, she ran from him.

Ten years later Sophie returns home for Christmas. She is successful and on track for her career. This time she has a boyfriend when she and Peter meet again. To make things more interesting, she starts dreaming of her future daughter, who humorously guides her to to making choices for her future.

This book was a light and clean read. I didn't like some of the characters that were part of Sophie's life. I was happy to see some of them go. I also liked that she learned that there are some key characters in life that you can't cut out, no matter how much you want to.

This book makes religious references to the LDS faith.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author:  Lisa has been actively writing for many years and continues to hone her craft as a writer by attending SCBWI conferences in Florida. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a master’s degree in English, and has published three books in the LDS market.

Book Blast ~ "The Wife Maker" by Karey White + giveaway

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 Charlotte has spent years as the husband maker, sending every guy she dates off to enjoy marital bliss with the next girl he dates. But things have now changed, and she's determined to use her husband-maker abilities one last time--on herself. And she finally knows exactly who she wants. Angus has loved Charlotte since they were teenagers, but he's tired of waiting for her to realize how good they could be. She's broken his heart one too many times, and it's time to move on with his life. Maybe a position halfway across the country will be just what he needs to get over her. But when Charlotte won't let him go without a fight, Angus has to decide if he's willing to let her in again or if she's too late.

Purchase a Kindle copy for $3.99

Amazon

Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

    $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/13/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.     a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight ~ "House Divided" by Jennifer Peel + giveaway

There is a law irrevocably decreed in the state of Alabama that you must choose a team. You're either an Auburn fan or an Alabama Fan. There is no fence sitting or waffling. It’s one or the other. However, it doesn't mean that you can’t fall in love with someone from the opposing side. They even have a name for it ... House Divided.

Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were just such a couple, but unfortunately they were separated by more than just their loyalty to a university. Against the odds and against the rules, Ellie and Brady dove right into the forbidden current of friendship and then love. Their sweet, innocent romance was one for the storybooks, but old rules and family prejudices ultimately tore them apart, just as they were each ready to depart to their beloved universities, Ellie to Auburn and Brady to Alabama. But years later, when near tragedy strikes, they're brought together again and given a second chance at love, this time with help from some very unlikely sources.

House Divided is a sweet romance filled with southern charm, a dash of humor and, for good measure, a pinch of lies and intrigue.

Read an Excerpt:

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

I was so thrilled that Brady was in my home that I didn’t notice he wasn’t acting like himself. I pulled him into our drawing room where the fireplace was lit and the twelve-foot high Christmas tree sparkled in the dimly illuminated room. Under the tree sat my wrapped present for Brady. I retrieved the present and sat in front of the fireplace on the floor. Brady sat next to me, and before I could say a word, he pulled me to him and kissed me like he never had before. It was like a man kissing a woman, not a boy kissing a girl. I could barely breathe when he was done. His breathing was ragged too.
"Well, Merry Christmas," I said. That was present enough for me.
He smiled that country boy smile I loved so much, but it was then I noticed it didn’t touch his eyes like his smile always had.
"What’s wrong, Brady?"
He pulled on my hair, like he always had. "Ellie …"
"Brady?"
He took a deep breath and looked at me with his baby blues. "We can’t be together anymore," he quickly blurted out.
I just shook my head. Surely I had heard him wrong, but I knew I hadn’t.
I backed up, and he scooted closer. The tears welled up in my eyes and in his. "Please, Ellie, just listen to me."
"My name is Ella," I replied bitingly.
"Ok … Ella. I’m so sorry, but being with you is tearing my family apart, and with my daddy so sick … I … I have to … I have to do this for my family. Can you please understand that?"

I was speechless. I loved him. I had broken my aunt’s rules and heart for him. And he, he was the one who pursued me and who had to shout it to the world that we were together. How could he just end it like that? I didn’t understand. The tears began to flow. He tried to wipe them away, but I wouldn’t let him. I didn’t want him to touch me.

He stood up, but before he left, he looked down at me. "I love you, Miss Ellie."
How could he? I just stared up at him blankly.

"Don’t worry, Ellie, you don’t have to say it back. I love us enough for the both of us."

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

Get a kindle copy for $3.99

Amazon

About the Author: I'm a fifth generation Colorado native who currently calls Alabama home. I'm the mother of three amazing children who have grown up way too fast. I enjoy the mountains, vacations at the beach, date night with my wonderful husband, late night talks with my kiddos, touring model homes, and pink bubblegum ice cream.

I grew up on the Western Slope in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors, but not camping--unless staying overnight at the Marriott counts. I met my husband while living in Denver and then several years later we traded the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the art and culture of Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoyed living near this world class city, despite the crazy cold winters, but new adventures awaited in Northern Alabama--just six hours away from Orange Beach, Alabama. These three magical places (the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Orange Beach) are the inspired locations used in several of my books. 

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"The Rules in Rome" by A.L. Sowards + tour giveaway

The Rules in Rome by A.L. Sowards
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the Publisher to review
Genre: Historical Fiction with Romance

Book Description:  With Hitler’s forces firmly entrenched in Europe, countless heroes seek to end the madman’s reign. Bastien Ley is one of the best. Working in Italy for the Office of Strategic Services, he’s been tasked with sabotaging German convoys. When his team kills an officer headed for Rome, the man’s similarity to Bastien is undeniable, and seeing an opportunity to turn the tide of the war, Bastien makes a bold decision: he will assume the dead officer’s identity. He becomes Dietrich, an Iron Cross–wearing German officer—an ideal position from which to infiltrate the Nazi ranks in Rome. To help with his stressful assignment, his superiors send him a reinforcement in the form of the lovely Gracie Begni, an intelligent and eager radio operator with absolutely no undercover experience. 

With a gulf of resentment between them, these two agents must find a way to portray a couple in love. Soon their reluctant alliance becomes much more as Bastien and Gracie find themselves getting lost in their feelings for each other. But as they engage in battle against the deadliest foe the world has ever known, the pair quickly realizes their love may be doomed. As the Rome Gestapo threatens to destroy all they’ve worked for, will Bastien and Gracie survive their charade? 


My thoughts: A.L. Sowards does an incredible job at writing suspenseful, action packed, spy thrillers set during WWII. I am amazed at how well she writes a novel that feels like you are reading history.

I don't recall many books about the German occupation of Italy. It was interesting to visit the historic tourist attractions with Gracie. During the time they weren't taken care of and it's sad to see how war effects a country and the people.

Gracie is working undercover as a radio operator. She is to act as the Italian girlfriend of Bastien Lay. He is an allied soldier who is acting as a deceased German officer, Allard Dietrich, whom he resembles. Of course, the German's do not know that Dietrich is dead.  Both are place in dangerous and thrilling situations.  It amazed me at how well they handled themselves and continued to do their job.

One of the elements of Historical Fiction, is that the reader is often familiar with the time period and events. I knew that the penalty for spying was severe. I am also familiar with some of the horrible ways that prisoners, and civilians were punished by the Nazi's. This information added to my interest in Gracie and Bastien. I was anxious when they came too close to discovery.

This is a book that I highly recommend to readers of the historical fiction genre. The romance is clean but it does contain war violence.

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Deseret Book

About the author: (Taken from Goodreads):
 About My Writing: 
A little mystery, a little history, a little romance, and a lot of action, adventure, and suspense. Primarily, I write to entertain. I also hope my books will teach readers something new about history or about life. My books are usually set during wartime, so there is some violence, but I keep the language and romance family-friendly. My goal is for my writing to be thrilling, clean, and uplifting.

Webpage * Twitter

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Visit the tour stops!

*February 9th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/ (Cheryl's review), http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*February 10th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/ 

*February 11th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ , http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*February 12th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ , http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/ , http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*February 13th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*February 14th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/ , http://www.iamareader.com/ (Kathy's review), http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

Valentine's Day Book blitz count down ~ "Midnight Runner" by Marilee Jackson (Day 11)

Day 11

Midnight Runner

by Marilee Jackson

Nothing like a little medieval romance to get you ready for Valentine's day, right!?

Mistreated for years, orphaned Moira dreams of building a new life in the royal city. Little does she know that her dreams will cost more than just her own fate. This medieval tale of romance, mistaken identities, and long-sought redemption will change how you feel about villains and heroines, loss and love.

Barnes & Noble * Amazon

Read a Snippet!

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"Run." The soft whisper in her ear sounded like a shout as it cut through the pitch-black hiding place. “On my word, you take off running east, find a safe place to hide, and then wait for me. I promise I will find you.” His masculine voice cracked with emotion.

After the nightmare she had just endured, she knew he was the only person she could still trust. She waited; the silence surrounded her like a heavy blanket threatening suffocation. “Run!” he shouted, and they took off in opposite directions.

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

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About the Author:

Marilee Jackson is an avid reader and has dabbled in writing since the third grade. She stays home and chases her four rug rats around. She lives in a tiny Arizona town (don’t blink you’ll miss it) with her amazing husband and their four children. Midnight Runner is her first novel.

Blog * Twitter

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Don't forget to go check out the other blog posts for snippets and fun facts about the author!

http://lifebooksandmore.blogspot.com

http://lizjosette.blogspot.com

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com

http://booksshelly27.blogspot.com/

Bookbeauty411.blogspot.com

http://beautifulblessings86.wordpress.com/

http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/

julkbearreads.wordpress.com

mybookshelfbookreviews.blogspot.com

http://www.bound2escape.com

http://thenaughtlibrarianplayground.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://www.melsshelves.blogspot.com

http://www.aclosetfullofbooks.com/

http://littleshopofreaders.com/

http://roomwithbooks.com

http://authorsandralove.blogspot.com/

http://sweet-n-sassy-book-a-holics.blogspot.com/

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1554130711466153

rebeccalamoreaux-anauthorinprogress.blogspot.com

semishort.blogspot.com

Book Review ~ "Dragonwitch" by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: July 2013

Book Description:  Who Will Dare to Face the Dragonwitch? 

Submissive to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future king of the North Country.

But within the walls of Gaheris Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into civil war.

And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the one person who can wield it.


My thoughts: I waited far too long to read this book. I received a copy from Netgalley to review a long time ago. I enjoyed the story and wish that I had read it sooner.

The first thing I didn't realize is that this is the fifth book in a series. This is the first book that I have read in this series. I was unfamiliar the fantasy world that Anne Elisabeth Stengl already had formulated in previous books. It took a little bit of time for me to figure out some of the history and plot behind the story.

I curiosity has been peaked and I hope to be able to read the previous books sometime in the near future. I would like to see her laying out the unique world of dragons and fairy that make up the series.

This book can be read as a stand alone. I believe that each book in the series look at different characters. One of the books is Starflower, her story is touched on in this book, but it would be great to read it from start to finish.

I really enjoyed the premise that someone who is looked at as small and weak can accomplish great things. The Chronicler is a human "dwarf" who rises to his potential and fulfills a prophecy. The idea that it is what is in the heart that counts is a prominent theme of the book.

Each chapter begins with an immortal being telling her story. At first is seems as if the stories have little in common, but they are pulled together wonderfully. As a reader I had to exercise a little patience until I realized the purpose behind the two stories.

This is a great book for fantasy lovers. There is a religious aspect to the book. It is a fantasy deity, but can easily be referenced to Christian beliefs.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Book Review ~ "A Hero in the Making" by Laurie Kingery

A Hero in the Making by Laurie Kingery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Christian Western Romance

Book Description: Man on a Mission… 

Nate Bohannan won't let anything stand in the way of his grand plans in California. Even if it means traveling there with unreliable huckster Robert Salali. But after a destructive bender in Simpson Creek, Texas, the unscrupulous Salali runs out, leaving Nate to carry the blame—and the debt. He can fix broken furniture…but can anything fix the despair in café owner Ella Justiss's eyes? 

When her café was destroyed, Ella felt sure she'd lost her dreams along with it. Yet somehow Nate's cheerful care and optimism fill her with hope again. Painful secrets from her childhood make Ella wary of men. When danger threatens, will Nate be the hero Ella can finally trust—and love? 



My thoughts: This book is set in Texas during the time of the Old West.

Ella has a history that she wants to keep in the past. Her life has been altered by emotional and physical abuse.  The abusers were those entrusted to her care when she was  a child. It is hard for her to open her heart and mind to others. She doesn't feel worthy of love and friendship.

Nate came into the small town as a sidekick to a man selling a miracle elixir, sure to fix all ills. He does it to earn money and passage San Francisco. His plans are interrupted when the business goes bad and he is left to atone for the sins of his employer.

I enjoyed this story of two people who have had problems growing up. They both need someone to stabilize them and help them through problems. This book dealt with the issues of redemption and forgiveness. It also has content of dealing with the past and moving forward. There is a path to healing.

This book is a Christian romance. I enjoyed that the characters used faith, or rediscovered faith to help in their decisions.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Valentine's Day Book Blitz Count Down ~ "The Lady and the Minstrel" by Joyce DiPastena (Day 10)

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Day 10

 14 Days of Romance Valentine's Day Book Blitz Event

 We are going back in time today with an amazing medieval romance by Joyce Dipastena today. I can't wait for you to hear about it, but first let's learn a bit about Joyce. 

Joyce DiPastena dreamed of green medieval forests while growing up in the dusty copper mining town of Kearny, Arizona. She filled her medieval hunger by reading the books of Thomas B. Costain (where she fell in love with King Henry II of England), and later by attending the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages. The university was also where she completed her first full-length novel…set, of course, in medieval England. Later, her fascination with Henry II led her to expand her research horizons to the far reaches of his “Angevin Empire” in France, which became the setting of her first published novel, Loyalty’s Web (a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist).

When she’s not writing, Joyce loves to read, play the piano, and spend time with her sister and friends. A highlight of her year is attending the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival .

Joyce is a multi-published, multi-award winning author who specializes in sweet medieval romances heavily spiced with mystery and adventure. She lives with her two cats, Clio and Glinka Rimsky-Korsokov, in Mesa, Arizona.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Joyce's Top Ten Fiction Books!
(In no particular order)
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1. Friday’s Child, by Georgette Heyer

2. These Old Shades, by Georgette Heyer

3. The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas

4. Twenty Years After, by Alexandre Dumas

5. Walk With Peril, by Dorothy V.S. Jackson

6. Catherine Called Birdy, by Karen Cushman

7. Charmed Life, by Diana Wynne Jones

8. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte

9. The Crystal Cave, by Mary Stewart

10. Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes (except I overdosed on reading this too many times in a row in high school and haven’t been able to read it again – but it’s still a favorite!)

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In 13th century England, Robert Marcel chafes against the law that holds him bound as a villein on his lord’s manor. He tries to make a daring escape and is nearly caught by his cruel master, but a young girl helps him slip away.

Years pass and Robert takes up trade as a minstrel. Invited to play at a banquet for the notorious Earl of Saxton, he is stunned to come face to face with the girl he’s never forgotten—now Lady Marguerite of Winbourne, betrothed to the earl. Her status as a noblewoman puts her completely out of Robert’s reach, but he knows they are meant to be together. He vows to make her his wife no matter what the cost.

Lady Marguerite has often thought of the young man she helped escape. Her tender feelings for him quickly turn into much more when they are brought back into each other’s lives. She longs to be free to marry Robert, the man she loves, but that will require her to sacrifice all she holds dear.

They are tested at every turn by those bent on driving them apart and destroying what they have found together. Can their love truly conquer all?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

 And hop around on today's blogs to learn even more about this great book and author
semishort.blogspot.com
rebeccalamoreaux-anauthorinprogress.blogspot.com
http://sweet-n-sassy-book-a-holics.blogspot.com/  
http://authorsandralove.blogspot.com/ 
http://booksshelly27.blogspot.com/ 
http://roomwithbooks.com 
http://littleshopofreaders.com/ 
http://www.aclosetfullofbooks.com/ 
http://www.melsshelves.blogspot.com 
http://thenaughtlibrarianplayground.blogspot.com/?m=1 
http://www.bound2escape.com 
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com 
mybookshelfbookreviews.blogspot.com 
julkbearreads.wordpress.com 
http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/ 
http://beautifulblessings86.wordpress.com/ 
Bookbeauty411.blogspot.com 
http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com 

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