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.

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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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January 11--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
January 12--Just Commonly | Donna's BookShelf
January 13--Bookworm Lisa | Crystal's Chaotic Confessions
January 14--Griperang's Bookmarks | Mel's Shelves
January 15--Fictionally
January 16--Katie's Clean Book Collection | Singing Librarian Books

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Middle Grade book review ~ "The Dragon of the Month Club" by Iain Reading

The Dragon of the Month Club by Iain Reading
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Children's fiction

Book Description:  The Dragon Of The Month Club is the exciting first installment in a new book series that tells the story of Ayana Fall and Tyler Travers, two best friends who stumble across an extraordinarily magical book and soon find themselves enrolled as members of a very special and exclusive club - The Dragon of the Month Club.

On the thirteenth of every month a new dragon conjuring spell is revealed and the two friends attempt to summon the latest Dragon of the Month. The varieties are almost endless: Air Dragons, Paper Dragons, Fog Dragons, Waterfall Dragons, Rock Dragons, Tree Dragons - not to mention special bonus dragons for all the major holidays, including a particularly prickly Holly Dragon for Christmas.

But one day when a conjuring spell somehow goes wrong Ayana and Tyler find themselves unexpectedly drawn into a fantastical world of adventure based on the various books scattered all across Tyler's messy bedroom. Traveling from one book-inspired world to the next with nothing to rely on but their wits and a cast of strange and exotic dragons at their disposal they must try to somehow find their way home again.

Drawing inspiration from some of literature's most memorable stories - from 19th century German folktales to the streets of Sherlock Holmes's London - the adventures of Ayana and Tyler bring these classic stories to life in delightfully strange and unexpected ways. Filled with fascinating detail and non-stop action these books will spark the imaginations of readers of all ages to inspire a life-long love of reading and seeking out books that are just a little bit off the beaten track.


My thoughts: Ayana and Tyler are two young tweens who connect at a library and find they have many things in common. Their journey into the exclusive Dragon of the Month club begins as they find a book hidden away in the older section of the library, the part where the dust mites live.

The book is full of magic and adventure. They conjure dragons using spells from the book. Every month a new dragon appears mysteriously. Sometimes they are simple, sometimes they are complex. One spell leads them on an adventure. They are pulled into Tyler's books. They have to get past a roving tailor, who wants to cut off their fingers. They traverse shark infested waters and travel down a waterfall. What person wouldn't love to go to London during the time of Sherlock Holmes, or travel and see the worms from Dune?

I love the fact that the book focuses on many different types of books and pull kids into new stories that they may want to read. I think it's a great forum for imagination.

I had a hard time connecting to the story and characters. I see a lot of potential in the book and know that even though it may not have been my favorite, for someone else it will be fantastic. Some of the characters may be a little scary for younger readers. This book is written to appeal to a middle grade reader, but I think parents should look at it first. I hated the tailor and cringed when he was chasing the kids. This is a good story that may not be for everyone.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Blog Tour ~ "Broken Things to Mend" by Karey White + tour giveaway!

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Broken Things to Mend by Karey White
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Celia is in desperate need of a change--a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a complete redo of all relationships. Not knowing what else to do, she opens a map, closes her eyes, and lets fate decide her future. Then she packs her meager belongings and buys a one-way ticket to a little town on the fringes of Oregon's Deschutes National Forest called Sisters. She's wanted a family for years. Will she find one in Sisters? What Celia doesn't plan to find is a strange Chinese woman whose meddling ways keep throwing her in the path of a handsome, but reserved, forest ranger. But no matter how kind or dependable Silas seems to be, there are some things in Celia's past that neither of them can escape, and this time, the damage might be too much to mend.



My thoughts: This is not your typical love story. The pasts of Celia and Silas are full of heart break and tragedy. Both are in desperate need of love and acceptance and the question is, can they find it with each other?

Pearl is a matchmaker. She has been around a long time and has "magic" in finding the perfect match. Her search leads her to Celia for Silas. The prospective couple are awkward and uncomfortable around each other. You wonder how this match will work. There are also devastating secrets that have the potential to keep them apart.

You can't help but love Celia. The poor girl has had a very unhappy upbringing. When you think that things can't be worse for her, they become worse. She has longed for happiness and a family to call her own since childhood. She finally finds acceptance and kindness in Sisters, Oregon, but she is afraid. She is running from a past that can catch up to her.

Silas has his own problems. He is a loner. He has hidden himself away because of his stutter. He is afraid of rejection and ridicule.

This is a couple that you want to succeed and find happiness. It is a clean romance book with some powerful messages.

 





  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.

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      Blog Tour Giveaway - $50 Amazon Gift Card or $50 in Paypal Cash Ends 2/2/16 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 Review ~ "The Mariposa Hotel"

The Mariposa Hotel by Julie Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  The Mariposa Hotel
A Tangerine Street Romance
(a novel in three parts)

Welcome to Tangerine Street

Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. The Mariposa Hotel, a new resort, has revitalized Seashell Beach, bringing new life to the sleepy beach town. In the charming gardens of the hotel sits a three-hundred-year-old wishing well transported from Mexico. One toss of the coin, a sincere wish, and lives are changed forever… 

Other books in the Tangerine Street Romance series: 
The Fortune Café 
The Boardwalk Antiques Shop


My thoughts: The Tangerine Street series are excellent. The books are fun to read and have interesting characters that I like. This is the third book in the series, but each can be read as a stand alone.

This book centers on the Mariposa Hotel. There are three stories that deal with guests and employees of the hotel. I enjoyed each story. I don't know that I could pick out a favorite, because all were well written and had great characters.

The books of this series are ones that I would highly recommend. They all have great stories that leave you feeling good at the end. They are also clean romance.

Purchase a copy for your Kindle at $4.99

Amazon

Cover Reveal ~ " Wolfsbane's Daughter" by Jennifer Silverwood + giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Wolfsbane's Daughter

By Jennifer Silverwood

(A Wylder Tale Novella)
YA Dark Fantasy
ebook, 52 Pages

Wolfsbane and his daughter Resha are on a never ending quest in the Wylder Mountains, to wipe out the wolves who destroyed their village. Before their enemies stole everything she loved, Resha cared for little beyond learning how to be a hunter. After, she learned a hunter must be prepared to fight as well as flee. Now she cares for nothing but revenge.

Until she discovers two majikal humans half frozen in the forest. Resha has a choice, to follow her instincts and leave the strangers to the wolves, or save them. Yet the enemy is on the prowl and there is little time for Wolfsbane's daughter to find safe haven before they are discovered.

Goodreads

The First Book in the Series

Craving Beauty

(A Wylder Tale, #1)

Paperback & ebook, 239 pages
October 31st 2015

Vynasha has spent the last four years tending her mother's roses and looking after her nephew. The fire that killed their family has left her scarred and put Wyll on the brink of death. Soon the first frost will come down from the mountains and she knows this winter will be his last.

Until a strange beggar appears on the road, telling her of the majikal Source that can heal her Wyll. With nothing left to lose, Vynasha braves the forbidden Wylder Mountains to seek out a cure and her fate.

A lost kingdom is uncovered by an equally lost girl, but the castle is not abandoned as she believes. Shadows cloaking unseen eyes watch. Tapestries whisper from the hidden corners, wondering if the one to break their curse has come. And a hungry beast waits, ready to devour her soul.

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository

Jennifer Silverwood was raised deep in the heart of Texas and has been spinning yarns a mile high since childhood. In her spare time she reads and writes and tries to sustain her wanderlust, whether it’s the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, the highlands of Ecuador or a road trip to the next town. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, in print or reality, she dreams of one day proving to the masses that everything really is better in Texas. She is the author of the Heaven’s Edge series, Stay and Silver Hollow.

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Other Books by the Author

   

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Blog Tour ~ "Three Little Words" + giveaway

Three Little Words by Jennie Hansen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Short story/Contemporary Romance
Source: Received from Publisher to review

Book Description:  The road to true love never did run smooth, but a few bumps along the way make it all the more thrilling. This timeless truth is showcased in Three Little Words, a charming compilation of short stories written by a trio of popular LDS romance novelists. Readers are invited to follow the journeys of three young women as they encounter love where they least expect it.

Rescuing Bailey by Jennie Hansen

For as long as she can remember, Bailey has loved the boy next door. But despite her feelings, his schedule and his little brother keep getting in the way. Will her childhood crush finally blossom into something real, or will she discover that true love is waiting just around the corner?

Three Little Words by K.C. Grant

The bet is simple: Elizabeth, a speech therapist, has three days to teach a country bumpkin with a drawl as thick as molasses how to speak like a gentleman. But as she gets to know her charming student, it soon becomes clear that there may be more to him than meets the ear.

A Crying Shame by Aubrey Mace

Cassidy is in love with the idea of love, though after her most recent breakup, the possibility of finding Mr. Right seems hopeless. But when she meets a handsome classmate in her painting class, she may end up learning more about chemistry than about art.

My thoughts: Sometimes it only takes three little words to send your life pointed in a new, and better, direction. The Love Unexpected books explore the fact that loves sometimes happens when you least expect.

This book has three short stories that are very different. Each is unique and leave you with a warm and happy feeling upon completion. The characters are great and I enjoyed my time spent with them. The stories move quickly and are well developed, even though the are short.

This book is great for the times you need a quick story. You can get through the stories quickly. Or, you can sit down and enjoy the whole book at once!

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Book Spotlight ~ "He Delivered Even Me , He Will Deliver Even You" by Misti Stevenson

Even Me Even You: When I was in the midst of my 23-year trial with OCD, anxiety, and depression, I had little hope to ever be fully healed. I knew of no one who had been. Now that I have been led through my Gethsemane and, with the help of the Savior, am finally healed, I can't keep quiet about it. I was an avid journal writer from a young age, so this book takes those who want to know how to literally be healed of mental and emotional illness on a live-time, emotion-filled journey. Most books on this subject only tell how to deal or cope with mental illness. My experience brings a new idea that mental illness is curable in this life-I am the proof of this happy idea! What I would've given to know of one person who had been healed when I was in the midst of my pain. I wrote my story to inspire others suffering similar challenges-to give them the hope and perspective I wish I had had in the midst of my struggles.

Why I am interested in this book:  I have sufferred for many years from depression.  It can be a struggle at times.  It is an illness that many people want to sweep under the rug and pretend that it isn't a real issue.  This looks like a positive book that may provide help to someone struggling.

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Book Review ~ "Here to Stay" by Melissa Tagg

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he's finally returning to his hometown--the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he's surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer--coordinating the annual Christmas festival--even though he has no idea how he'll pull it off. 

Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family's inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.

Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees...in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who's had enough of running away and the woman who can't wait to leave join forces.


My thoughts: A small town where everyone knows everyone else is the setting for this Contemporary Christian Romance. The main characters are from rival families in the hotel business. It is the perfect setting for a well written and entertaining romance.

Blake comes home after years away. He has been harboring guilt about his brother's death, but is finished running from his past and ready to settle into his future. Some embrace him, while others hold him responsible for the unfortunate events. The biggest challenge is Autumn, the woman he can't get off of his mind.

Autumn is trying to keep her families hotel together. Lack of funds have run it into disrepair. She wants to travel, but feels a responsibility and obligation to her family legacy. Blake was not part of the plan, but his help is vital to her perfect plans for her future.

I loved that this book had characters who were just trying to do their best, when love came unexpectedly. They both want to do the right thing for their family and friends, but dealing with a long held family feud makes life a bit more challenging.

The characters are easy to like and the story is easy to read and follow. Melissa Tagg held my interest throughout the book and I fell in love with the setting and people. This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a stand alone.

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