Friday, October 23, 2020

Eve's Warriors and the Three Nephites by Curt Burnett & Alisha Burnett Worthington ~ Book Spotlight #giveaway


 Father and daughter writing team, Curt and Alisha Burnett, recently released

their newest work – a novel entitled “Eve’s Warriors.” The new work is available as an e-book,
audio book or print version at www.eveswarriors.com. Described by the authors as a Twilight-
like love story, the plot focuses on a young, mortal woman falling in love with an ageless,
immortal man – in this case one of the three Nephites from the Book of Mormon to whom
Christ granted immortality.

“This book was written not only to tell an entertaining and uplifting love story, but more than
anything to help women understand their strength and power as daughters of Eve, what I call
their ‘Eve-ness’,” said co-author Curt Burnett. “As a daughter of Eve, every woman has the
potential for greatness and plays an active role in the battle against Satan and his influence.”
To promote the new book, the authors are providing the first chapter of the e-book at no
charge. Proceeds from purchases of the whole book will be donated to research for the fight
against glioblastoma – a rare brain cancer. Mr. Burnett’s wife passed away after a battle against
glioblastoma in December 2019.

“Throughout the novel, readers will be introduced to women of faith from throughout history,
including Joan of Arc, Florence Nightingale and Harriet Tubman,” said Alisha Burnett-
Worthington, co-author of “Eve’s Warriors.” “Each of these incredible women attributed their
great achievements to the being inspired by God, and I truly believe that every woman can
receive that same inspiration.”


"Eve's Warriors & The Three Nephites" is an "immortal" love story that pays homage to the great "Twilight" books that recounted a young woman's encounters with vampires. Only this time, the heroines are a contemporary New York teenager and Roman-era country girl. They both receive visions -- 1,500 years apart -- from Mother Eve, calling them to become her "warriors" in battling Satan. They also meet and fall in love with beings who millions of Christians/LDS believe are real immortals and have walked the earth for 2,000 years.

"Eve's Warriors & The Three Nephites" is a work of historical fiction and a great story, but it also showcases actual women of faith -- Mother Eve's daughters -- over the millennia. From the "Author's Notes" "Christian/LDS women often lament the perceived lack of spiritual heroes compared with the multitude of male icons like Ruth, Rachel and the Marys. But there are many great women over the years who attributed their accomplishments to divine inspiration; they are spiritual heroes in their own right. We won't list them here because part of the fun of reading "Eve's Warriors" is discovering the spiritual side of legendary women, which usually isn't discussed in secular accounts. Their interactions with fictional characters in this book are, by definition, fictitious. However they all prayed for and acknowledged receiving divine help. There interactions are our way of illustrating the varied ways God might have assisted them. We have tried not to take away from the real courage, initiative and faith shown by these remarkable women. This holds true for non-Biblical men of faith encountered in these pages, real and imagined, three of whom -- The Three Nephites -- are quasi-immortals walking the earth along with John the Revelator.


Online Purchase Link:

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Want to give it a try?  You can download the first chapter for FREE!

https://eveswarriors.com/



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Thursday, October 22, 2020

Read an Excerpt from "This Christmas" by Laurie Winter #giveaway #TCPrism #Christmas #blogtour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

This Christmas
(The North Star Series #1)
By Laurie Winter
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 240Pages
October 20, 2020

'A beautiful story of loss and new love, set in a snow-capped mountain ski resort town.'

Celia Batista waited a long time for all three of her sons to be together for Christmas. But after one of her identical twins disappears without a trace, Celia must rely on Police Captain Luke Veldkamp for help. Despite Luke’s accusations that her other twin son is involved with organized crime, she falls for the handsome, Stetson wearing cop.

Luke Veldkamp is facing his first Christmas after the loss of his wife, working nonstop to avoid the holidays and his grief. His daughter, who’d moved home to care for her mom before her passing, pushes him to face his pain. Luke pushes back, telling her to return to college and regain her own life. If his own strife isn’t enough, the mission to locate the missing son of his beautiful neighbor grows more personal than any other case.

While Luke and Celia fight to keep their families from falling apart, they find comfort and strength in one another. And when love blooms between their children, Luke and Celia’s own relationship takes root and grows. But Celia is used to living on her own terms, and loving a man who has isolated his heart is a risk too great. Now, Luke must either confront his emotions or face a life without the woman he’s come to love.

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Read an Excerpt!
********************

A creak sounded from the entryway, and Celia jump back. She whipped her head around to see Andrew descending the stairs. Good timing, kid. The last thing she should do with Alex missing was kiss the lead cop investigating his disappearance. What kind of a mother was she to even think of such a thing? 

Celia strode away from Luke and toward Andrew. How could she have gotten swept up in her longing for affection and passion that she almost let herself fall for Luke Veldkamp? His heart and soul were as boarded-up as a beach town during a hurricane. 

“What’s he doing here?” Andrew scowled. “And why is your face so red, Mom? Maybe you should sit. You look ready to fall over.” 

She did as he suggested, because she really did feel like fainting. “Captain Veldkamp is watching the house.” 

“I think he’s watching something else,” Andrew mumbled on his way to the kitchen. 

Luke lifted his gaze from her legs to the ceiling. “That’s my cue to leave. I have your cell number programmed in my phone if anything happens overnight.” He shrugged on his coat and covered his wavy blond hair with his hat. Then, he disappeared out the door.



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

About the Author


Laurie Winter’s head has always been full of stories. Then a dream gave her the inspiration to put her thought into written words, sharing a part of her heart and soul. Now, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog. Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bookbub.


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Monday, October 19, 2020

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen #steampunk #romance #giveaway

 


Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts (Steampunk Proper Romance #4)Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Steampunk Romance

Book Description:  A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?
 



My thoughts: This series!!! Nancy Campbell Allen does a fantastic job at writing steampunk. It is not my go-to genre but when she writes it, I want to read it. Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts is the fourth book in the series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but the characters from all the books show up and have established relationships. I'm glad that I read them in order, but you can follow along easily out of order.

Emmeline O'Shea is an outspoken advocate for the shifter community. (Yes, this book contains shifters and vampires!) She is trying to make sure that they have rights and are treated as equals. (It reminds me of some of the movements that are happening in society right now.) This has made her a target from some powerful and ruthless people.

Detective Oliver Reed has long been Emme's nemesis. He is always there to step in and haul her off to jail when a protest gets out of hand. Now he is assigned to be her bodyguard because she has received death threats. (Yay!)

Sparks always happened when they were adversaries, but now there are different sparks as they are getting to know one another and working together. It turns out that they have been working on the same side all along.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is fun. I will continue to read each and every book that comes out about this fantasy world that the author created.




Online Purchase Links:


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Advanced Praise:

"Once again proving that genres are made to be melded, Allen puts a suspenseful twist on this enticing, steampunk retelling of Cinderella. Allen seamlessly integrates gentle romantic tension and nods to the original fairy tale with paranormal and steampunk elements and political intrigue. This is a fun, arresting break from reality.” -Publishers Weekly

 "Relocates a classic fairy tale into an imagined future packed with airships, automated carriages, vampires, and corsets. Nancy Campbell Allen’s lively reimagining of the Cinderella story features an empowered, outspoken heroine who’s driven by a vision of a more equitable, futuristic Britain." -Foreword Reviews



About the Author: Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of seventeen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children. Visit her at nancycampbellallen.com, on Instagram @authornancycampbellallen, on Facebook at nancycampbellallen, or on Twitter @necallen.

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Giveaway!

I received two ARC's of this book.  I am giving away one of them.  To enter please leave a comment on your favorite genre to read.  Please read the terms and conditions in the right sidebar.  The contest will close on October 31 at midnight mountain time.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Spotlighting "Dragonwatch: Champion of the Titan Games" by Brandon Mull ~ An author that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

 



Fablehaven is one of my kids' favorite series.  We would read it out loud when they were children.  Unfortunately for me, they are all well past the age where we would snuggle up and enjoy a great story together.  If you have children that could use a story full of imagination and magic, this is a fantastic choice!


Book Description: As the war with the dragons intensifies, all eyes are turning to Titan Valley for help. A dragon sanctuary unlike any of the others, this one is home to enslaved dragons ruled by the powerful Giant Queen, one of the five monarchs of the magical world. In addition, it houses the arena for the Titan Games, a series of gladiator-style battles presided over by none other than Humbuggle, the demon who stole Seth’s memories!


Seth is seeking for his memories. Kendra is seeking for Seth. And everyone is seeking to stop the dragons from taking over the world—everyone but Ronodin, the dark unicorn, who has his own devious agenda. In the monstrous battle between giants and dragons, who wins? In the race to retrieve a magical talisman that could help win the war, can Kendra trust Seth? Will they find the answers they desperately need in a realm of trolls and titans? Or are more betrayals imminent?


Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

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About the Author:  Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.



Wednesday, October 14, 2020

A Hopeful Christmas: A Regency Romance Collection (Perfect for the Holidays!) #regencyromance

 



A Hopeful Christmas: A Regency Romance Collection
by Anneka R. Walker, Sian Ann Bessey, Carla Kelly, Krista Lynne Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  I received a complimentary copy but listened to the story using Bookshelf plus.
Genre:  Regency Christmas Collection

Book Description:  Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection.

LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT

When Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.

A SEASON OF HOPE

Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia’s hope—both for the future and for love.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA

After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.

EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD

Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throws them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance.


My thoughts: Lord Blakely's Gift

A chance meeting leads to two people caught between the feud of their families. This is a really cute story that has some funny moments. I couldn't help but cheer them on, hoping that their families could find a way to heal.

A Season of Hope

Christmas is a tough time of year when a loved one is no longer around. This particular year the spirit of Christmas was in short supply. The family was out of funds and a miserly neighbor demanded repayment for clothing destroyed by a goat. This sets the tone of the story. A miracle happens when a childhood friend comes to call. The characters are interest and very forgiving. It reminded me that hearts can change and hope found in the middle of trials.

Christmas by the Sea

Carla Kelly writes regency that is not your typical book of the ton. She writes about ordinary people doing their best during the time period. I love it! This story did not disappoint. It highlighted the different social status between men and women. It highlighted the magic of Christmas with a mysterious man known as Paul.

Expectations at Canterwood

This story was fun to read but at the same time brought tears to my eyes. Marina has often been cast aside for having opinions and spectacles. The misunderstandings and resolution are well worth the time to read.

Overall I highly recommend this collection. The characters and stories are all well done. I listened to the story and the narrator did a great job.




Online Purchase Links:  


The Kindle and Nook editions are only $5.99.  That's a great deal.

(Amazon link includes an affiliate link.)

Friday, October 9, 2020

The Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon #blogtour #regency #romance #giveaway


 

The Highlander's Hidden Heart (Veterans Club #3)The Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  A duke's daughter. A Highland warrior. And a love worth fighting for.

Lady Elizabeth, daughter of the Duke of Barrington, has done her best to secure an advantageous match, but a shy nature, combined with a stutter, hasn't helped her cause. After two Seasons, her father won’t wait any longer and promises her to a man she despises. There doesn’t seem to be anything Elizabeth can do beyond wish for a freedom she’ll never have---until a charming Highlander appears and makes all her dreams of a love match seem within her reach.

Alec Ramsay unexpectedly inherits an earldom and must leave his beloved Scottish Highlands to present himself in London and settle the estate affairs. After meeting his new neighbor, Lady Elizabeth, he feels a connection to her that he’s never felt with any other woman. Alec makes every effort to further their acquaintance, but soon finds out that Elizabeth could be swept out of his reach before they have a chance to explore the feelings between them. With everything at stake, can he risk all for a chance at love−−before it’s too late?

**Originally a novella in the Timeless Romance collection, but now a full-length novel with more twists, turns, and romance!



My thoughts: I read this book first when it was in novella form and part of a collection. Julie Bellon has expanded the story and brought more life to the characters.

Alec Ramsey is the type of hero that every girl wishes would come into her life. He is a kind man who sees past superficial traits into the heart of the person. The day that the dog Kitty ran into Elizabeth's arms, closely follow by Alec, was a wonderful day for her. It is the type of meeting that great love stories are built upon.

I love the fact that Elizabeth is flawed in some way. She stutters. It is a point that drives her father crazy and enters her into an unfavorable match. He wants to add to his power at the expense of his daughter. He doesn't see her value to him.

Alec is relentless when it comes to the lady that he loves. He treats her well. He treats her mother well. He just doesn't treat Elizabeth's father or Lord Lindley well. A fact that I applaud.

To be honest, I didn't remember how this story was resolved when I read the novella. I remembered Elizabeth and Alec. This made it a whole new and interesting book to read!

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.




Online Purchase Link:


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About the Author:  After winning $10 in a second grade writing contest, Julie Coulter Bellon knew she wanted to be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of nearly two dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense, The Capture and Second Look were Whitney Award finalists for Best Suspense, and Julie has been a #1 bestseller on several Amazon category lists.


Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order. Julie offers book deals, reviews, and writing tips on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com




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Thursday, October 8, 2020

A Hopeful Christmas: A Regency Romance Collection #blogtour #giveaway #christmas



Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection.

LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT

When Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.

A SEASON OF HOPE

Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia’s hope—both for the future and for love.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA

After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.

EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD

Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throws them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance.

It's almost Christmas season.  I'm ready to pull out my extra blankets and settle in to read some amazing books.  This would be one of them!  It has been a very long summer and fall weather has not hit my area yet. (sigh)

This collection is written by some of my favorite authors.  I haven't finished to book yet, but I didn't want to let the time of the tour pass without posting the giveaway and give you a chance to enter.





The giveaway is sponsored by Covenant Communications.  They will notify the winner and award the prize.
 

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Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World by Sierra Wilson #giveaway #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #blogtour


 


Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World by Sierra Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Non-fiction Religion

Book Description:  From prophets to pioneers, from songwriters to scientists, Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World presents the fascinating true stories of twenty women and twenty men from Church history. Each one-page biography describes impressive achievements and shares stories of great faith. Readers will encounter well-known and beloved Saints such as Joseph Smith and Eliza R. Snow along with lesser-known heroes from around the world such as Hu Wei-I, who miraculously translated the Book of Mormon into Chinese, and Mere Mete Whaanga, a prominent Maori woman who helped the Church spread into New Zealand. In addition, Standout Saints includes uplifting quotes, a Church history timeline, and resources for further study.

The courage and faith of these Saints made them stand out from the world, and this educational and inspiring book helps young readers know that they too can stand out.



My thoughts:  Can I just say wow!?

This book is well done. It takes a look at 40 people through history from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Twenty men and twenty women are featured. Each has a page giving a brief synopsis of what their accomplishments were in furthering the work of the Lord. What makes it even better is that the author did not focus on the people that are better known in church history. She has featured many that I have not heard of before. Each of the stories is inspiring.

Many of the people featured did not come from the United States. The people came from all different parts of the world. It is a great reminder that it is a worldwide church and that it takes all of us working together to proclaim the gospel.

The book is written and illustrated to share with children, but it is a keepsake for old and young alike.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.




Online Purchase Links:


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About the Author:  Sierra Wilson is a children's author/illustrator living in Alberta, Canada. She wrote The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for Me and I Can Be Like Jesus as well as several other books for children soon to be released. Before turning to writing, Sierra worked as a high school English and history teacher. She is the daughter of two modern-day pioneers and loves researching about pioneers and faithful heroes of all kinds. When she's not writing, you can find her adventuring with her husband and four children, cross-country skiing, or eating all the chocolate. 



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Sep 28 - Mindy Holt
Sep 30 - Cathy Jeppsen
Oct 2 - Crystal Job
Oct 4 - Tressa @ Wishful Endings
Oct 6 - Rachelle Christensen
Oct 7 - Bookworm Lisa
Oct 8 - Heidi Robbins
Oct 9 - Sandra Meaders
Oct 10 - Heidi Grange
Oct 12 - Rachel DeVaughn