Infected by Gregg Luke - Blog Tour + Giveaway

Infected by Gregg Luke
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Suspense

Book Description:  Mother Nature: the world's most innovative killer.

Deep in the jungles of Venezuela, mycologist Dr. Julia Fatheringham is engrossed in her study of native fungi. But what begins as a standard research trip quickly spirals into chaos when her associate's erratic behavior results in his horrifying death. Soon, Julia makes a startling discovery: her partner was contaminated by an organism found only in insects. It alters the victim's mind in alarming ways, with an invariably deadly outcome. Julia is baffled by her discovery—this organism has never appeared in humans. It shouldn't be possible. There is only one terrifying conclusion: The infection has jumped species.

Now, in this remote corner of the world, a contagion of unparalleled horror rests in Julia's hands. But even as she works to contain the organism that could spell devastation of apocalyptic proportions, there are others with a different agenda. They've learned of her discovery and will go to any lengths to acquire a sample—there is good money to be had in eco-terrorism.

Armed only with her strength of mind and what courage she can gather, Julia prepares to battle the devastating scourge—and the terrorists determined to unleash it on humanity.

My thoughts: Wow!  The concepts in this book blew me away.  A Mother Nature infection can become a eco-terrorism tool.  The first sentence of the book is "Mother Nature is a serial killer."  A couple of paragraphs down reads: "Mother Nature.  A mass murderer.  No one is more creative..."  That's how the book starts.  From there it goes on to describe circumstances and situations that seem unreal, but at the same time completely plausible.

This book is a suspenseful race against time, good guy, bad guy, science fiction, action packed book.  It held my attention while describing scenes that I could almost see in my mind.  Some of them I really didn't want to see.  Some of them left me a little squeamish, but it was fascinating.  This book is a contrast between emotions.  You can't help but keep reading and wanting to know what will happen next.

If you enjoy a good suspense book, you may want to give this one a try.  Be prepared that you will read things that you hope will never happen.  You will picture events that you may not  want to picture.  Hopefully you will be as fascinated as I was.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Deseret Book

About the Author: Gregg Luke is a practicing pharmacist. He received his medical training at the University of Utah. He has been writing since he could put pen to paper. He enjoys medical thrillers and is one of the first to work this genre into the LDS market.

Enter the Tour Giveaway:

(Prize and winner notification will be coming from Covenant Communications:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the Tour Stops:

*Sept. 19th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 20th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/ 

*Sept. 21st: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 22nd: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/,http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 23rd: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com

Tour Grand Finale for "The Perilous Journey of the much-too-Spontaneous Girl

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Perilous Journey of the Much-Too-Spontaneous Girl

By Leigh Statham

We hope you enjoyed getting a little taste of Lady Marguerite Vadnay's adventures in this Steampunk world. If you missed any of the tour stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Tour Welcome

"I’m so excited to share my latest adventure with you. Lady Marguerite Vadnay is at it again, causing problems, and getting in trouble around the world."

The Broke Book Bank - Review

"Right away, I was pulled into the story. It was easy on the eyes and flowed beautifully. There’s plenty of refresher information so I didn’t feel like I missed anything. It was quite comfortable just jumping in. My luck paid off and the good feeling lasted."

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

Lady Marguerite Vadnay strapped herself into the tiny compartment and slipped her goggles over her eyes. A glass hood lowered over the upper half while her lower body sat snug in the cockpit of the single-man aership. The wind was blowing enough to rock the small cabin back and forth as her envelope filled beside her, eventually leaving the ground completely, its seams tight with helium.

Letters From Annie (Douglass) Lima - Interview

What dangers should we avoid in New France?

Don’t get on the wrong side of a pirate, or a nun. Some of the girls at His Royal Majesty’s Flight Academy for Resilient Young Women wouldn’t be fun to run into in a dark alley if you’ve recently stolen their boyfriend. But for the most part it’s a wonderful place to visit.

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Promo

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Top 10 Tools Lady Marguerite Always Has on Hand

2. A Dashing Young Man (or two) – This goes without saying. A lady must have someone to dote on her every need and provide for her, unless you are a young lady who can take care of herself, then a dashing young man is an excellent target for anger or love, depending on the day.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

The view was instantly breathtaking. Her new home city of Montreal lay beneath her in all its splendor. The river wound like a loose ribbon through the brick and wood dwellings. Her school was visible almost immediately, its roof littered with experimental equipment for weather and aviations. The chapel caught her eye next, its soaring crucifix and brightly colored windows winking in the perfect morning sun.

Bookworm Lisa - Excerpt

Before she could call for help, Marguerite was whipped around the tower, her envelop caught in the trusses. She banged into one pylon and then another, the glass around her shattered, tearing at her exposed cheeks and nose. She cried out and braced herself for impact with the ground, her giggles from the moment before were now cries for help.

Rockin' Book Reviews - The Beauty of a Steampunk Setting

But even better than the aesthetic beauty of the steampunk life is the versatility it affords a history buff. You can take almost any story from the past and turn it into something amazing using the basics of steampunk world builind.

Mel's Shelves - Crushing on Jacques

Jacques Laviolette is a man of many talents. Marguerite frequently takes for granted the tiger she has by the tail in this series. He comes from money, but he’s seen the rough side of life as well. He’s handsome, has a secure future as an aership captain, and certainly doesn’t need the headaches she brings to his life, and yet, he loves her anyway.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt

“Marguerite!” Jacques was the first on the scene. “Are you alright, my dear? Quick! Someone get a ladder. Call the medic! Move!” He was barking orders like the Air Captain he was born to be.

EskieMama Reads - Interview

What’s your next project?

I have a scifi book out on sub right now, and this amazing idea for a steampunk novel based on a Broadway play. Can’t really say much more, but keep your eyes open for some awesomeness!

Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway below!

The Perilous Journey of the Much-Too-Spontaneous Girl

(The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl #2)
by Leigh Statham

YA Steampunk

Paperback & ebook, 297 pages

September 20th 2016 by Month9Books

Lady Marguerite Vadnay and her trusty automaton, Outil, have settled into life in New France rather well. Marguerite is top of the class at flight school and her future as an aerpilot is nearly secure. She has everything she wants— except a commission on the pirate hunting dirigible The Renegade. Using every card in her aristocratic arsenal, Marguerite wiggles her way onto the finest warship France has to offer. But as usual, Marguerite’s plans endanger the lives of those she holds dear— only this time no one else is going to save them. As Marguerite and Outil set off on a rescue mission they may not return from, she finally realizes it’s time to reorder her cogs.

This steampunk adventure is littered with facts from The Golden Age of Piracy and follows (not too closely) some of the lives and adventures of the brave men and women who sailed the seas as privateers, pirates and soldiers.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│!ndigo

Other Books in the Series

The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl

(The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl #1)
by Leigh Statham

YA Steampunk

Paperback & ebook, 297 pages

March 17th 2015 by Month9Books

Lady Marguerite lives a life most 17th-century French girls can only dream of: money, designer dresses, suitors, and a secure future. Except she can’t quite commit to a life of dull luxury and she suspects she may be falling for her best friend Claude, a common smithy in the family's steam forge. When Claude leaves for New France in search of a better life, Marguerite decides to follow him and test her suspicions of love—only the trip proves to be more harrowing than she anticipated. Love, adventure, and restitution await her if she can survive the voyage.

Based on the true story of The Daughters of the King, Louis the XIV’s social program to settle the wilds of Canada with women of noble birth, Marguerite’s steampunk adventure follows in the footsteps of nearly one thousand brave women and girls who were rewarded handsomely for trekking across the pirate infested Atlantic to a strange land.

"The writing is solid and the world-building – that clever combination of historical detail and Ms. Statham’s imagination – is excellent."~ The Australia Times Books

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│!ndigo

Leigh Statham was raised in the wilds of rural Idaho, but found her heart in New York City. She worked as a waitress, maid, artist, math teacher, nurse, web designer, art director, thirty-foot inflatable pig and mule wrangler before she settled down in the semi-quiet role of wife, mother and writer. She resides in North Carolina with her husband, four children, five chickens and two suspected serial killer cats.

Leigh is also a founder of QuantumFairyTales.com and is currently serving a life sentence there as senior editor and gnome driver. She loves all things sparkly and strange that go bump in the night.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Wattpad

Tour Giveaway

• 1 winner will win signed copies of The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl and The Perilous Journey of the Much-Too-Spontaneous Girl plus some awesome Steampunk goggles (US only)

• 3 winners will win ebook sets of The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl and The Perilous Journey of the Much-Too-Spontaneous Girl (open internationally)

• Ends September 23rd

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson

Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher to Review
Genre: Contemporary LDS Romance

Book Description: Lila Mae Guidry is a Southern girl through and through. As a fourth-generation Latter-day Saint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she’s proud of her heritage as both a Southerner and a Saint—and she doesn’t take kindly to people who disparage either. Ten years ago, Max Archer was just that kind of jerk. As the mission president’s son, Max spent his entire three years mocking the South . . . and teenage Lila. After Max’s family moved away, Lila forgot about her sworn enemy. Almost. 

When a new job brings a grown-up Max back to Baton Rouge, Lila is less than thrilled with his reappearance, especially since everyone seems intent on throwing her together with this old adversary. Yet fight as she may, Lila soon realizes resistance is futile—their connection is undeniable. Max embodies everything she wants in a man—except perhaps the most important thing—her life is rooted in the city she loves, but his dreams are bigger than Baton Rouge. With such mismatched visions of the future, Max and Lila are faced with a life-altering decision: jeopardize their aspirations or risk losing love.


My thoughts: Teenagers do stupid stuff. In my opinion, it's a fact. Max Archer was an arrogant young man who made a very bad impression on Lila Guidry. He was condescending of her beloved Baton Rouge.

Ten years later he comes back, this time he is employed in Baton Rouge and he wants a do-over. He wants a chance to make a new impression. Will Lila let him? Will she hold a grudge forever? Or will she give him the second chance? One thing in his favor is the obvious chemistry they have.

I really like romance books that give characters a chance to redeem themselves. Max has a lot of redeeming to do. At the same time I think that Lila needed a little humble pie see that other people are allowed their own opinion and it doesn't mean that they are nonredeemable.

This is a cute romance that is set in the Southern United States. Both of the characters are wonderful with a bright future ahead of them. They obstacle is whether or not that future includes the other. It is full of Southern culture, love, and some kissing.

One part of the book brought tears to my eyes. It has nothing to do with the romance, but the worth of individuals. Lila teaches high school history. She makes an impact on one student. Her example and love show this young woman that she is of infinite worth and value. I loved the romance, but I loved the positive relationship between student and teacher more.

This is a clean romance that has features the LDS religion and culture.

Amazon * Deseret Book

About the Author: (taken from Deseret Book)  Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and books. After meeting her own husband on the Internet, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed potted herbs.

Visit her WEBPAGE.

Ella's Will by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee- Blog Tour

Visit the Tour Page

Ella's Will by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Fairy-Tale Retelling


Book Description: Will Hawkins is just a simple stable boy. How can he hope to woo Ella, his once-wealthy childhood friend who is stubbornly independent, especially when his competition is the prince? Without any magic or fairy godmothers, Will must show Ella that he is her true prince charming in this perspective twist of the Cinderella story.


My thoughts:  I love a good fairy-tale retelling.  Stories of Cinderella have been a favorite.  I was not disappointed in this rendition of the classic.

This story is told from the point of view of one of Ella's friends, Will.  He remembers her father and what life was like before his death.  He is astonished when he sees Ella plucking  chicken without shoes on her feet.  He needs to know what happened to her and her situation,

This begins a friendship and admiration.  He wants and needs to make life better for her, even if it is getting  her to the royal ball.

I loved the point of view of the book.  Will is refreshing.  He truly cares for Ella and wants what is best for her.  The book is told through the eyes of compassion and admiration.  Will is a remarkable character that you can't help but hope that he  gets the desire of his heart.  Who cares about the ending of the classic, oh wait, this is a retelling with a twist.  There is hope! :)

This is a wonderful book for anyone of any age who loves a story of beautiful maiden hoping that her Prince or Knight-in-Shining armor will come.  The part that is even better for romantics and forward thinking women is that Ella is a strong character who doesn't feel downtrodden, but like she is the hero saving the day (or family as the case may be).

This book is a companion to Ella, a book that I really want to read.  I have purchase a kindle copy, I just haven't had time to read it yet.  When I mentioned that to Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee, she wanted an opinion of this book without having read the first.  I want to read "Ella" more now than I did before!

Read either book first. It is the same basic story told from different points-of-view.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Books & Things

About the Author:  Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee graduated with a BA in English from Brigham Young University in 2004. She loved taking creative writing classes, and was particularly fond of the works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters. She also studied French and the humanities. Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful deserts of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Saratoga Springs, Utah, with her husband and five boys.

Visit the Tour Stops:

September 12: Crossroad Reviews
September 13: Cami Checketts | Geo Librarian | My Love for Reading Keeps Growing
September 14: Hardcover Feedback
September 15: Getting Your Read On
September 16: Live to Read | Reidhead Random-ness
September 17: Singing Librarian Books
September 18: The Power of Words
September 19: Bookworm Lisa
September 20: Diane Strinham Tolley | Two Kids and Tired Books
September 21: Preparedness Mama
September 22: Utahtopia | Rockin’ Book Reviews
September 23: Mel’s Shelves
September 24: Blog Critics
September 25: Blooming with Books
September 26: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
September 27: Bookworm 2 Bookworm | Inklings and Notions
September 28: Reading for Sanity | Literary Time Out
September 29: Kindle & Me | Making Life a Bliss Complete
September 30: My Book a Day | Wishful Endings

Three! by Tia Perkins

Three! by Tia Perkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Description:  "Three!" is a funny little rhyming book about what it's like to spend a day with a preschooler - from getting themselves dressed to making a big mess! With beautiful illustrations (complete with dinosaurs, trains and superheros) and a catchy story that both parents and kids can enjoy again and again, this is a must-have book for your children's book collection.


My thoughts: This book brings back many memories. It had me laughing as I remembered what it was like to have children who were three. I thought it was spot on describing the age.

The book has darling illustrations and looks at a day in the life of a three year old. It rhymes and is well written. I can imagine sitting down with a child and reading this book. I think it would be enjoyable for the children and adults to giggle at the antics of the little boy.

Purchase a copy at:

Amazon

About the Author: (taken from Goodreads)  Tia Perkin is a three-time Emmy-Nominated Graphic Artist turned stay-at-home mom and freelancer. Her first children's book, "Two!", was written for her now three-year-old twin sons - partially as a gift and partially as a coping mechanism for a double-helping of toddler hijinx!

Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson ~ Blog Tour + Giveaway

Book Description:  Lila Mae Guidry is a Southern girl through and through. As a fourth-generation Latter-day Saint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she’s proud of her heritage as both a Southerner and a Saint—and she doesn’t take kindly to people who disparage either. Ten years ago, Max Archer was just that kind of jerk. As the mission president’s son, Max spent his entire three years mocking the South . . . and teenage Lila. After Max’s family moved away, Lila forgot about her sworn enemy. Almost. 

When a new job brings a grown-up Max back to Baton Rouge, Lila is less than thrilled with his reappearance, especially since everyone seems intent on throwing her together with this old adversary. Yet fight as she may, Lila soon realizes resistance is futile—their connection is undeniable. Max embodies everything she wants in a man—except perhaps the most important thing—her life is rooted in the city she loves, but his dreams are bigger than Baton Rouge. With such mismatched visions of the future, Max and Lila are faced with a life-altering decision: jeopardize their aspirations or risk losing love. 

My thoughts: Unfortunately I have not finished the book and this post is due.  The book will be given a full review as soon as I finish it.

My thoughts so far on the book.  I love the voice.  Lila has a lot of spunk and she is a fun character to read about.  She loves her home and family and does not take kindly to others not appreciating Baton Rouge.  She is a Southern Girl with Southern Manners.    Once she has her mind made up it is hard to look at people or circumstances differently.

Max has learned that you can't make a first impression again.  He has grown into a wonderful man and wants to redeem his past.

I am loving the book so far and feel that it will receive a great rating.  I have enjoyed the stories that I have read by Melanie Jacobson in the past, so my expectations are high.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Deseret Book

About the Author: (taken from Deseret Book)  Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and books. After meeting her own husband on the Internet, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed potted herbs.

Visit her WEBPAGE.

Enter the Tour Giveaway: (Winner notification and prize will come from Covenant Communications.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit the Tour Stops:

*Sept. 12th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 13th: http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*Sept. 14th: http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://iamareader.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 15th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/ 

*Sept. 16th:http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/ 

The Second Season Blog Tour by Heather Chapman

The Second Season: Even the Perfect Match May Not Be Enough to Win Her Heart by Heather Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received digital copy from publisher to review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description;  Eleanor Hopkins has lived in disappointment for far too long believing that her husband only married her for fortune, and she determines to protect her own daughters from such misery by scheming to secure offers for both Lucy and Caroline based on mutual rank and reputation. When Caroline finds that the handsome and reputable Lord Searly desires her as his wife, she finds that no amount of planning or pretending can convince her to accept him. Instead, she is confronted with an unexpected and reluctant suitor in the respectable shoemaker Thomas Clark.



My thoughts: Regency Romance has always been one of my favorite genres to read. It's fun to read about the balls, courtship, riding through the park, gentlemen behavior, etc. This book has all of that but also has a little bit more. Heather Chapman takes the reader through two generations of romance and expectations.

Caroline is 18 and in her second season. Her first was cut short due to illness. She would rather stay at her families country home than London. Her sincerity and forthrightness quickly catch the attention of a Duke. Her mother is thrilled, but for Caroline something is missing. While being courted by the Duke, she begins to notice the talented cobbler. He is beneath her station, but attraction does not always follow the rules of society.

The story is not just Caroline's. Her sister, Lucy is also featured. She also has her own mind. She has suitors who she favors and some that she is not excited to be in the same room with.

The third romance is that of their parents. The story goes back twenty-five years as they meet, fall in love, and marry. Due to misunderstanding their union is not as happy as either hoped. It lends understanding to the mother's drive to see her daughters marry well and find happiness. Unfortunately, her definition of happiness is a little different from her daughters.

This is a refreshing Regency romance. I found myself caught up in the story of the family. The book is well written and interesting. I loved having a strong female lead. This is a clean romance.

This book is currently having a Goodreads giveaway
until October 7, 2016.

Purchase a copy at:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Books & Things

About the Author: Heather Chapman currently resides in Soda Springs, Idaho, with her husband and four children. She graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University. Heather has worked in various administrative assistant roles and as an event planner. Heather has also worked as a piano accompanist and piano teacher on the side. She currently spends her time writing and working as a stay-at-home mother.

Visit her Website.

Visit the Tour Stops:

September 13: Live to Read | Bookworm 2 Bookworm
September 14: Rockin’ Book Reviews | Robyn Echols Books
September 15: Bookworm Lisa | Fire and Ice
September 16: Megan Linski
September 17: Literary Time Out
September 18: Jorie Loves a Story
September 19: Katie’s Clean Book Collection | Julie Coulter Bellon
September 20: Geo Librarian | Jorie Loves a Story | The Dragon’s Nook
September 21: Mel’s Shelves
September 22: Getting Your Read On
September 23: The Things I Love Most | Singing Librarian Books
September 24: Hardcover Feedback | A Bliss Complete
September 25: Inklings and Notions | Blooming With Books
September 26: Storyweaver
September 27: Novel-ties
September 28: My Book a Day
September 29: Wishful Endings | The Story Sanctuary
September 30: Writing Worm