Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Book Review ~ "The Passionate One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance" by Jeanette Lewis

The Passionate One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance by Jeanette Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  A new, clean romance from Amazon best-selling author Jeanette Lewis. 

As the creator of the Billionaire Bride Pact, Erin Parker is determined to see it through. And now that wealthy, gorgeous Brennan Avery has been cast as her costar in a play destined for Broadway, things couldn’t be better. But Erin’s best friend, Matt Walters, isn’t ready to give up on her. He has a plan to escape the friend zone and prove to Erin that there are more important things than money and fame. 


My thoughts: I have mixed feelings about the story. It is a fun and well written story, but I have a love/hate relationship with the main character, Erin. She is so obliviously inconsiderate to her best friend, Matt. Most of the time I wasn't quite sure how to take her.

As a teen, Erin, and her friends at camp made a pact that they would marry a billionaire. I remember making silly dreams as a child and it is normal behavior. It becomes not normal when you carry that beyond childhood and have it become a relationship compass in adulthood. The love/hate comes in because she doesn't realize how ridiculous she is.

Matt is an amazing man who has an infinite amount of patience. I honestly didn't understand why he put up with her as long as he did. I guess love is supposed to be "long-suffering"?

I enjoyed learning a little bit about shaping glass. It is a fascinating process. This book has many great things to offer. The pacing was great and the characters had definition. I enjoyed my time in the book, even though Erin really needed a good talking to.





A spotlight post appeared here yesterday.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Available NOW! The Billionaire Bride Pact Romances + Giveaway

The Resilient One by Cami Checketts
Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.

She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.

Available now for only $2.99 - Amazon or free for Prime and KOLL members.

The Passionate One by Jeanette Lewis
As the creator of the Billionaire Bride Pact, Erin Parker is determined to see it through. And now that wealthy, gorgeous Brennan Avery has been cast as her costar in a play destined for Broadway, things couldn’t be better. But Erin’s best friend, Matt Walters, isn’t ready to give up on her. He has a plan to escape the friend zone and prove to Erin that there are more important things than money and fame.

Available now for only $2.99 or free for Prime members - Amazon

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Monday, January 18, 2016

Blog Tour ~ "The Isaac Project" by Sarah Monzon + tour giveaway


The Isaac Project (A Contemporary Christian Novel)The Isaac Project by Sarah Monzon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook to Review
Genre: Christian Romance

Book Description:  Becky Sawyer’s life unravels in a single day. Not only does she catch her boyfriend, the man she hoped to marry, lip-locked with another woman, she also receives the gut-wrenching news that her grandfather, the man who raised her, is dying. His last wish? To see her happily married. Heartbroken, Becky seeks inspiration in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. And finds it in the story of Isaac and Rebekah. 

If love couldn't keep his parents together, Luke Masterson wonders what will make a marriage last. He decides to steer clear of all women—especially crazy ones like Becky Sawyer, who employs a friend to find her a husband. But when he feels the dogged promptings of the Holy Spirit to move across the country and marry a complete stranger, it seems love has little to do with it anyway. 

With commitment their only foundation, and love constantly thwarted, can an arranged marriage find happiness in the twenty-first century?



My thoughts: Becky has a problem. Her boyfriend just cheated on her and she needs a groom pronto. Her grandfather is dying of leukemia and wants to see her married. Knowing there isn't much time she turns to the scriptures and comes across the story of Rebekah and Isaac. That is her solution. She needs to find a worthy man who she could grow to love. She entrusts her best friend to find her the man. If you don't have your BFF to watch your back, who do you have?

Luke is a good man who feels compelled to listen to the Becky's plight. He is intrigued, but it isn't until he starts to feel promptings of his own that he listens to voice of the Spirit and takes a leap of faith to become the groom.

Becky and Luke have chemistry, but they have a lot of miscommunication and struggles to overcome to find peach and happiness. I enjoyed both characters, but something about the story and their situation just didn't click with me. It is an enjoyable story. There were parts were it seemed to drag and other's where it seemed a little rushed. The pacing didn't distract from the overall feel of the story.  I absolutely loved the message that you can choose to love.  The theme behind the book is perfect!

This is a Christian fiction story. It is clean.



Purchase a copy at: 






How could do that to me?”
Now don’t scold a dying man, Rebekah Anne.”
You’re no more dying than I am.” Oh, how I wished that were true, but the evidence lay before me in that hospital bed. At least he was looking better and no longer required the use of an oxygen mask.
Come here, sugar.” Poppy patted an empty spot on the bed next to him. “Tell me about your fella.”
I propped my hip on the mattress and took Poppy’s hand in mine.
What would you like to know?” I asked, trying to keep the trepidation out of my voice. I had no intention of telling Poppy a bold-faced lie, but I also didn’t plan on telling him the complete truth. I was walking a fine line, which was why I’d hoped this conversation wouldn’t take place.
Where did you two meet?”
Lisa introduced us a while back.” As in, two weeks ago. Over the phone. Being vague was not lying.
When did you know you were in love with him?”
I swallowed hard. Love? This would be a tricky one to answer. “Does anyone ever know the exact moment they fall in love?” Answering a question with a question seemed the safest bet.
How did he propose?”
Finally, a question I could answer for real. I smiled. Even though Luke had just proposed yesterday, with all the events that took place since then, it felt like forever ago. When I’d first asked Lisa to find me an “Isaac,” I thought having someone propose to me was something else I was giving up. But I was wrong.
Well, he took me to a restaurant”—no reason to tell him it was the diner—“and in front of everyone”—about five people— “got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.”
I caught Poppy staring at me, and the pressure on my hand increased.
Are you happy, sweetheart? You sure this is what you want to do? You and James just broke up not that long ago.”
I tried not to blink. Or twitch. Tried not to gulp down the saliva that was gathering in my mouth, or wipe away the sweat beginning to form on my palms. Nothing that would give me away. How could I tell him I wasn’t sure? That I had only met Luke the day before, and even though I felt God’s guidance, there was still a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach? That my chest felt like it was in an ever-tightening vise, and I couldn’t take a full breath? That I was scared spit-less, but I was doing it all because of him? For him.
I could never say any of that, so I plastered on what I hoped was a believable smile and a lovesick expression.
I’m sure.”


Sarah Monzon is a pastor's wife and a stay at home mom of two small children. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Adventist University. Sarah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). The Isaac Project is her debut novel.


Connect with Sarah on:




January 19--Just Commonly | Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
January 20--Donna's BookShelf | Singing Librarian Books
January 21--Between the Pages Wishful Endings
January 22--Katie's Clean Book Collection Crystal's Chaotic Confessions
​January 23--Red Headed Book Lady | cherylbbookblog



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Saturday, January 16, 2016

Tour Grand Finale ~ Harlequin Heartwarming at Walmart

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

We're thrilled to be spreading the word about Harlequin Heartwarming books now being available in local US Walmarts. Find out if they're at a Walmart by you here. Heartwarming titles are also 35% off at Walmart through the end of January!

Post a Selfie and Win 1 of 15 Walmart Gift Cards!

Join in the fun by taking a selfie with a Heartwarming book (maybe one of the December releases above) and posting publicly on social media to enter to win a Walmart gift card. The giveaway ends January 20th, so post your selfie by then!

Ten Heartwarming authors shared their own selfies and messages at each stop of the tour! If you missed any, go back and check them out now...

I Am A Reader - Amy Vastine


I am so excited that Heartwarming books are now available at Walmart, so some lucky girl can go visit her aunt and possibly stumble across one of MY books and fall in love!

Mel's Shelves - Anna J. Stewart


I was thrilled to find a home in the Heartwarming line. Writing these sweet romances that emphasizes the emotional adventure of falling in love feels almost like a calling and now, that dream I thought I'd achieved has now grown. The Heartwarming line is now available in select Walmarts!

deal sharing aunt - Cari Lynn Webb


I’m thrilled that I’ll get to add more Heartwarming books to my bookshelves now that Heartwarming paperbacks will be available at Wal-Mart. A Heartwarming story will be within reach no matter if I pick up my Kindle or a paperback… there’s nothing better than that.



I still have my first love. Yes, I’m talking about a book. But not just any book. This is the one that began my life-long, unshakeable and abiding love affair with the written word.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Catherine Lanigan


Our stories have depth, heart, emotion and the characters are so real, as a reader you feel you would “know” these people on sight. . . . I believe in “happily ever after” and through Heartwarming and Walmart, we’re able to bring more of these moving stories to the people who have been searching for something touching and magical.

Babs Book Bistro - Leigh Riker


It's not always easy to find a romance that's clean and wholesome with a rich, compelling plot and multi-faceted characters to root for all the way to a happy ending. . . . You can trust this brand of our books in the line each month to provide a great reading experience. Pick up a copy (or more) today. And enjoy!

Love, Laughter, Friendship - Melinda Curtis


I admit, most of the books I buy nowadays are ebook, but I almost always buy books I enjoy in their print form. Those keepers mean a lot to me.

Heidi Reads... - Pamela Tracy


I love, love, love finding a new book on the shelf, taking it in my hand, feeling the smooth cover and turning the book over to read the blurb. Buying the book is taking a pan of warm brownies out of the oven. Reading the books is eating the gooey chocolate and never wanting to stop.

Now, Harlequin Heartwarmings will be in stores as well. Wow, it feels a little bit like Christmas.



But if I have the option of spending time in a real brick-n-mortar bookstore and buying a tangible book that I can anticipate experiencing with all my senses, I go straight to print books. And if I see someone running their hand across a book they've been looking for forever then closing their eyes and breathing it in like they've found a treasure, I'd understand.

Bookworm Lisa - Tara Taylor Quinn


Walmart has signed on to put one of my favorite lines, Harlequin Heartwarming, on the shelves of over 400 stores! That’s four more Harlequin books a month. Books filled with emotion and strength. Books that embody the love and hope that the people in our world so desperately seek.

Tour Giveaway

15 - $10 Walmart Gift Cards
- Rules: To enter, take a selfie at a local Walmart with a Heartwarming book and post publicly on social media (can be your hands, your face, etc. with a Heartwarming book). Can enter once each day with a different picture each time. Those who post the same picture multiple times will be disqualified. Those who only post privately (so that it can't be viewed publicly) will also be disqualified.
- US Only
- Ends January 20th

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Friday, January 15, 2016

Blog Tour ~ "The Matchup" by Laura L Walker



The Matchup by Laura L Walker
Rating" 4 of 5 stars
Genre: LDS Contemporary Romance
Source: Received Electronic copy to review

Book Description:  The last thing Valerie wants or needs is to work for Gage, whom she loathed as a teen. But Valerie’s husband just walked out on her and she needs the job. Together they discover that when it comes to the Church and each other, it’s all about second chances. This sweet LDS romance will renew your faith in love and redemption.


My thoughts: First impressions can be a hard thing to overcome.  As a youth, Gage loved to torment Valerie.  A fact that she has not forgotten over time.   Now both are adults dealing with divorce and single parenthood.  They find that they need each other to navigate the paths their lives have entered.

The book deals with the opportunity for second chances. It deals with healing and finding a way back to happiness and faith.

I enjoy Laura Walker's writing style.  It is light and humorous.  The book deals with some serious issues, but I didn't feel burdened.  She handled them well and was able to get her point across in the story.  The book does contain a lot of religious dialogue.  The focus is on finding your way back after falling away.





Read An Excerpt:

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

The grim line of Gage's mouth told her all she needed to know about how he felt about missions. He obviously hasn't come back into the Church, she thought sadly. He was one against the world, a feeling she was very familiar with lately. For some strange reason, the thought made Valerie want to wrap her arms arms around him.

Which, of course, she would never do.

"What's wrong, Gage?"

He shrugged as if whatever was bothering him was of no consequence, but Valerie recognized the signs of someone in distress--the averted gaze and loud wallowing. The jawline that was tight enough to crack his teeth.

And although he was obviously trying for a light tone, Valerie didn't miss the strain in his voice. "I'm just trying to figure a few things out. Mainly, I've decided that I need to file for custody of my four-year-old son, but the logistics of that change will be difficult to work around, especially where my job is concerned."

She hadn't known that he'd gotten married. No sooner had that thought come when another followed, which formed a sick feeling in her stomach. What if he hadn't?


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


About the Author: Laura Walker is a native Arizonan. Having lived there all their lives, she and her husband, Rob, think it's a great place to raise their six kids. They enjoy camping, reading, and learning history together. Laura loves to settle in with a good romance just as much as she loves to write one. She would love to have you visit her athttp://www.lauralwalker.com for updates and more.



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Thursday, January 14, 2016

Blog Tour ~ "Return and Succeed" by Robert R Shallenberger



Return and Succeed by Robert R. Shallenberger
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: LDS Non-fiction

Book Description:  The first few years after a mission can be some of the most critical years in a returned missionary’s life. The transition from the mission field to normal life can be difficult, and many RMs get lost in the shuffle and struggle to make that change. Author Robert Shallenberger draws on a lifetime of experience helping youth and adults with motivation and personal development to share powerful tips and advice that will not only help returned missionaries survive the transition but also help them be successful in all aspects of their lives. With advice grounded in LDS standards, Return and Succeed is an invaluable collection of life-changing ideas, habits, and tools that will provide returned missionaries with the motivation and capability they need to stay firm in the faith and achieve their greatest potential.


My thoughts: This book was of interest to me because I had a son return home from a mission two weeks ago.  As a parent. it is my greatest hope that he will remember the things he learned on his mission and incorporate them into his life post-mission.  Many times he has related to me that he doesn't want to be like he was before the mission.  He wants to move forward  having balance and a close relationship with the Lord.

The book is a tool to help return missionaries.  There are many inspirational points that remind one of the importance of living their life staying true to the spiritual aspects learned in a mission.  I found this not only to be of benefit to return missionaries, but to anyone who wants to be inspired to do better.

This book is now in the hands of my son.



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Harlequin Heartwarming Tour ~ Tara Taylor Quinn (Now at Walmart) + giveaway

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

Thank You, Walmart!


From the time I was fourteen, I’ve been addicted to the promise of love, hope and happy ever after that Harlequin books bring to the world. These things are not fantasy. They are the very basis, the deepest foundation, upon which life rests. From the time I picked up my first Harlequin romance – a free copy being distributed at a grocery store checkout – I knew I’d found the true road to joy. I made life choices, ethical choices, based on what I thought a Harlequin heroine would do. I read a book a day back then. And would start to worry if I wasn’t in close proximity of an outlet that sold Harlequin books. To me, a Harlequin kiosk, or the Harlequin designated shelves in a bookstore, were as good as Santa’s bag at Christmas. They were filled with true joy.

I still feel that way. I write these books now. I create the story. And still, I always get that thrill deep inside me, when I’m pushing my cart at Walmart and see those Harlequin shelf talkers. I stop and look at the selection. I see the numbers of books…and something inside of me settles, just like it did when I was younger and needed to know I could get my fix.

Then the world changed. EBooks became more prevalent. Bookstores closed. Shelf space was limited.  And some Harlequin lines were no longer available at any store. My worst nightmare. Not as a writer – though the circumstance was not a happy one – but as a reader. No matter what life dishes out, as long as I can access a Harlequin book – immerse myself in a world that engages all of my emotions for a while, remind me of the joy and love and hope that really do exist, and then gently set me back down in the life I face – I know that I will be okay.

And the world is changing again!!! This time in a very happy way! Walmart has signed on to put one of my favorite lines, Harlequin Heartwarming, on the shelves of over 400 stores! That’s four more Harlequin books a month. Books filled with emotion and strength. Books that embody the love and hope that the people in our world so desperately seek.

Thank you, Walmart!!

— Tara


The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.

Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.


Once Upon a Friendship (The Historic Arapahoe #1) Once Upon a Marriage

Tour Schedule

Check out these Heartwarming authors' own selfies...

January 3rd: Launch
January 4th: I Am A Reader - Amy Vastine
January 5th: Mel's Shelves - Anna J. Stewart
January 6th: deal sharing aunt - Cari Lynn Webb
January 7th: Reading Is My SuperPower - Carol Ross
January 8th: Katie's Clean Book Collection - Catherine Lanigan
January 10th: Babs Book Bistro - Leigh Riker
January 11th: Love, Laughter, Friendship - Melinda Curtis
January 12th: Heidi Reads... - Pamela Tracy
January 13th: Christian Chick's Thoughts - Rula Sinara
January 14th: Bookworm Lisa - Tara Taylor Quinn
January 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

15 - $10 Walmart Gift Cards
- Rules: To enter, take a selfie at a local Walmart with a Heartwarming book and post publicly on social media (can be your hands, your face, etc. with a Heartwarming book). Can enter once each day with a different picture each time. Those who post the same picture multiple times will be disqualified. Those who only post privately (so that it can't be viewed publicly) will also be disqualified.
- US Only
- Ends January 20th

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Blog Tour ~ "A Treacherous Decision" by J.C. Morrows + tour giveaway



A Treacherous Decision by J.C. Morrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Book Description:  Kayden’s mission should have been simple — she was sent to kill the prince . . . not to fall in love with him.

Within the palace walls, Kayden has discovered that things are not as she expected. Is there more to the royal family, or . . . is there a more sinister depth to Drey’s mission?

Dvarius thought his mind was made up — but will he have the resolve to see it through?

Between attacks from outside the palace — and within, will the Prince live long enough to choose his Queen?

And will Kayden choose to follow her head . . . or her heart — knowing that her decision could very well make her a target as well!



My thoughts: Intrigue, romance....sigh. I love it when I am pulled into a story and enjoy every minute of it. Dvarius and Kayden are two characters that you hope will succeed and pull themselves out of the mess that others have made around them.

Kayden is an assassin who is assigned to kill Prince Dvarius. She didn't plan on falling in love with him and protecting him when faced with danger. In her defense, she was given some wrong information before she began the assignment. All of this is explained in the first book, A Reluctant Assassin. I enjoyed the first book, and would strongly suggest that you read it first. I would suggest that you just read it, because it was fun to read.

There are many questions in this book. The first is whether Kayden and Dvarius will be honest with each other. Most of the deception is on Kayden's side, but I don't know that Dvarius is an open book. He is sincere and tries to do his best. He has a strong faith in God, but lives in a time where it is looked down upon to be a believer.

The book is not the best writing, but it is full of wonderful plots. There are many things going on that it is easy to get lost in the story and want to know what will happen next. This is a series that I plan to continue to read.

The book has some violence and kissing. There is also a religious aspect, but I didn't find it preaching to me. Very enjoyable book to read.





It felt like an eternity before her eyelids began to

flutter — and even after that, it took longer for her

to open her eyes and start to look around. She

happened to look at Lady Catarine first and she gave a

somewhat tremulous smile.

Then she was looking around again and this time she

looked down to the end of the bed — where Sir

Malcom stood. 

Although it was possible he had imagined it, Dvarius

was certain he saw fear in her eyes when she looked

at her uncle.



J​C Morrows - Bestselling author of YA Christian speculative fiction, drinker of coffee and avid reader - is a storyteller in the truest sense of the word. JC has been telling stories in one form or another her entire life and once her mother convinced her to write them down, she couldn't stop.

She finished her first speculative fiction novel purely for the enjoyment of her mother - also known as her biggest fan.

She gives God all of the glory for her talent and ability!







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