Wednesday, October 14, 2015

"Spotlight" by Traci Hunter Abramson + tour giveaway


Spotlight by Traci Hunter Abramson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Gener: LDS Romance/Suspense

Book Description:  Navy SEAL Craig Simmons has pledged his life to serve and protect, so when this newest member of the Saint Squad observes a stunning young woman on the beach being shadowed by an armed man, he leaps into action. It doesn’t take long to realize his mistake, but it also puts him in a position to meet a very well-known actress, Sienna Blake. For Sienna, the timing couldn’t be more perfect—she’s preparing for a role as a CIA agent, and who better to help her prepare than a Navy SEAL? Craig and Sienna develop a lighthearted friendship, though both are aware of their growing attraction. Neither realizes, however, that a treacherous enemy is setting in motion a terrifying plan to destroy Sienna . . . A series of near-fatal accidents on set are too close for comfort, and Sienna has been lucky to escape with her life—so far. Despite the rising danger behind the scenes, the show must go on. When the Saint Squad is enlisted by the FBI to safeguard Sienna on the ill-fated film set, Craig is driven to protect the woman he is quickly growing to love. As the list of suspects and motives grows, Craig and the Saint Squad will do whatever it takes to track down the perpetrator—before things turn deadly.



My thoughts: I have not read many of Traci Hunter Abramson's books. I have missed out. The few that I have read have been excellent.

This is the second Saint Squad book for me. I really need to get the others! I also realized that some of the characters in this book were introduced in Obsession, yes, I ordered a copy of it yesterday. This book can stand alone but I want to know more!

Craig Simmons is new to the Saint Squad Navy SEAL team. One of his first assignments is to guard actress Sienna Blake. The two are obviously attracted to each other from the moment they meet. His first objective is to keep her from harm, the romance is just a really nice side benefit! (At least from my reading perspective.)

There is action, suspense, and romance. The book is well written and the characters have depth. I liked taking the time to get to know them and their personalities. The pace is excellent. I don't think I found a dull moment.

This book is clean with some non-descriptive violence and kissing.  The book also contains LDS Relgious references.





About the Author: (Taken from Deseret Book)  Originally from Arizona, TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON spent much of her childhood exploring the little town of Pinewood. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written multiple novels, including the Undercurrents trilogy, Royal Target, and the Saint Squad series. When she's not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children. She also enjoys cooking, although she prefers an electric stove to the wood-burning variety.

Visit her WEBSITE

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Book Review ~ "Saving Marilee" by Annette K. Larsen

Saving Marilee by Annette K. Larsen
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: I Purchased this one
Genre: Clean Romance

Book Description:  Marriage wasn't bliss—not for Marilee. Instead of finding contentment with the handsome son of a sovereign duke, she found betrayal and neglect. And fear. A fear that finally lifts when her husband dies, freeing her from his domineering hand. But freedom alone can't give her peace, and she must battle to regain her love for life, rebuild her happiness, and reclaim the ability to trust. When her charming neighbor intrudes on her quiet life, she must determine whether his interest is genuine, and whether he deserves the fragile bit of trust she has managed to scrape together. However, trusting is a risk, and she has vowed never to put herself at the mercy of someone else’s whims. Can Marilee take that chance, knowing how terribly she’s chosen before? She doesn’t know if she can survive being wrong again.


My thoughts: This is not your typical romance story. Marilee's story deals with a woman who is living a life after being abused by her husband. The story begins after he dies, liberating her from her life as a prisoner in her home. She is not unhappy about her change in circumstance and welcomes the opportunity to prove to herself that she does have worth.

Marilee is trying to pick up the pieces of her broken life. She is trying to become a strong woman again and take control of her situation. She tries to reconcile her life before her marriage to who she is now and I love her process of learning that she cannot go back to living as she once did. Her life experiences have made her a stronger person and she can create a new life for herself that is fulfilling.

Part of her new life is learning if she can trust others. Her neighbor has been friendly and helpful, but she is unsure if he has ulterior motives. Is James a person who she can let into the barriers erected to save herself from new abuse?

This book deals with a hard subject. It is written in a way that brings hope to a bad situation. I never felt like it brought me down as a reader. The book forged ahead as Marilee saw the truth about herself and created a new version of herself. Annette K. Larsen did a wonderful job at not glossing over battered women. She was able to craft a book about living life after abuse and making it better. Marilee finds hope, love, and acceptance.

Saving Marilee is the third book in companion books about a Royal Family. The first two Just Ella and Missing Lily tell the story of two of the sisters. You do not need to read them before this one, but I highly recommend them. They are wonderful books.




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About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads) I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Bronte to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to sacrifice what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but it the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.

I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen


Monday, October 12, 2015

Book Review ~ "Renaissance Faire" by Jane Stain

Renaissance Faire: Kilts, Highlander, Scotland, Highlands, Castle, and ReturnRenaissance Faire: Kilts, Highlander, Scotland, Highlands, Castle, and Return by Jane Stain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Scottish Time Travel/Romance

Book Description:  When handsome highlander Dall takes Emily up on stage at the renaissance faire for some Scottish dancing, the butterflies in her stomach are not from stage fright. But Dall never drops his 16th century speech patterns, and there aren't any jeans or sneakers in his tent. ~Complete Romance~ ~Sweet and Clean~

My thoughts: I loved the premise of the book. A modern girl meets a Highlander at a Renaissance Fair. Love, happiness, time travel, druids all made it very promising for me.

The book was clean and did contain all of the elements listed above. I had a hard time getting invested in the story. It felt like it was a lot of dialogue that was presented a little choppier than I like.

Emily and Dall fell in love within a few hours. I do not have anything against instant attraction, but within a few weeks she was committing her life to him by travelling back in time. Her speech and actions would have been suspect in the 1500's. It just felt like there were some plot and research holes.

I did enjoy that they book was a quick and fun read. I liked Dall and Emily's characters. The friends that surround them are cute, particularly the biker dudes (you would have to read it to appreciate the bikers). They are a great group of men who add humor to the story.

If you are looking for a light read that is clean. You may want to give this one a try.  The book contains non-graphic violence and kissing.


Friday, October 9, 2015

Blog Tour ~ "Always Will" by Melanie Jacobson + tour giveaway


Always WillAlways Will by Melanie Jacobson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he's ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker's world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah's problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend's little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will's wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she's willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate.

Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can't help but wonder if it's time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She's ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren't suddenly changing the rules of the game... And how can Hannah move on when Will just won't let her forget?



My thoughts: Growing up is hard. Growing up with a crush on your brother's best friend is harder. This is the dilemma that Hannah finds herself in. How does she keep a healthy relationship with Will when she has loved him for several years? How does she get him to see the woman she is now, instead of a surrogate little sister?

Her life is thrown a curve ball when Will announces that he wants to join an on-line dating site to find a wife. She hangs out with him practically every day and knows that she is his perfect woman. She needs to find a way to manipulate the dates so that he will appreciate her and know she is his match.

The way both will and Hannah up stakes for the romance games they are playing are entertaining. As a reader peeking into their story it is easy to see what they can't. There were times I just shook my head and laughed.

This book is well written and has a great voice. The middle section was a little slow for me. I was just ready for them to see what they had in each other and stop being idiots. The ending was definitely worth the middle. I then appreciated all that the ruts in the middle to get them to working everything out.

This book is fun to read and it is clean with some kissing.




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Thursday, October 8, 2015

"Lord Fenton's Folly" by Josi S. Kilpack + tour giveaway

Lord Fenton's Folly (1)

Lord Fenton's FollyLord Fenton's Folly by Josi S. Kilpack
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  Lord Fenton is a gambler, a dandy, and a flirt-and he must marry or else he will be disinherited, stripped of his wealth and his position. He chooses Alice Stanbridge for two simple reasons: he once knew her as a young girl, and she is the least objectionable option available to him. However, Alice has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting ten years ago, and she believes his proposal is real. When she discovers it is not, she is embarrassed and hurt. However, a match with the most-eligible bachelor in London would secure not only her future but that of her family as well. Determined to protect herself from making a fool of herself a second time, Alice matches Lord Fenton wit for wit and insult for insult as they move toward a marriage of convenience that is anything but a happy union. Only when faced with family secrets that have shaped Fenton's life does he let down his guard enough to find room in his heart for Alice.


My thoughts: Lord Fenton became a favorite character of mine in A Heart Revealed. He was so over the top and flamboyant that I could not pass up the opportunity to read his story. This book is a stand alone, even though Fenton is a minor character in the other book.

Alice has had a crush on Lord Fenton since she was a girl. He helped her succeed in her goal of getting her own garden when the grown ups wouldn't listen to her. He immediately became a hero and she never forgot him.

Lord Fenton is a player. He keeps up a fun loving facade to hide deep emotional wounds. There is a reason to each of his actions, but even he tires of the game.

Fenton and Alice are a wonderful couple, the problem is that they are caught up in the games they are playing and can't see it. The banter between the two of them is fun to read. I enjoyed every minute of it. They hide behind arguments to keep themselves emotionally detached.

Event though the marriage in this book was rushed, the getting to know each other and romance was not. Both Alice and Fenton experience healing and understanding before they found  happiness with each other.

There are some psychological issues that they are facing. I liked the progression that they both experienced. Neither came into the relationship as a perfect person. Both needed work.

I continue to love Josi Kilpack's books. She has always done a wonderful job at pulling me into her story. Her characters seem like real people. This book is no exception.



Purchase your copy today!




READ AN EXCERPT
*******************
Fenton groaned and put his saucer back on the tray, making an instantaneous decision that eased his mind quite a lot. To look at every woman he met as a potential wife was irritating, and after only two weeks he was quite tired of it. Perhaps the solution was to orchestrate a match that would not lay all aspects of matrimony at his feet all at once. Perhaps treating it as a business arrangement would help it to be exactly that, thereby freeing him from all the discomfiting realities he was not yet prepared to face. "I leave for Fentonview on Tuesday and shan't be back for a week. Courting is such a boring prospect, and you yourself said that to become infatuated with anyone might become a complication." He paused, considered one last time what he was going to say next, and decided he felt as good about it as could be expected. "You like Alice Stanbridge and feel she would make a good wife for me?"

 Lady Chariton looked confused and perhaps a bit concerned. "I do, but-"

 "Then that is good enough for me," Fenton said, rising to his feet and smiling broadly at his mother, who stared back at him in surprise. "I do find her appealing and what's more she is not a silly little thing without a practical thought in her head."

His mother's eyes widened and her eyebrows rose upon her forehead. Fenton struck a pose of consternation, with his thumb and forefinger on his chin as he looked toward the window a moment, then nodded crisply and turned back to his mother who still looked shocked by his pronouncement.

 "Yes, I think that Alice Stanbridge is exactly what I should like in a wife, and so I shall see to it before I leave for Hampshire-I see no reason to wait until Michaelmas and might as well get it over with." He leaned in and kissed his mother's hand. "Thank you for your help, Mama. I shall let you know how she responds to my proposal."

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


JosiAuthor Josi Kilpack Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Sheep's Clothing won the Whitney award for Mystery/Suspense in 207 and Wedding Cake, book twelve in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series won in 2014. Josi was also the Best of State winner in Fiction for 2012. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband, children and super-cute - but not very friendly - cat.



$25 Blog Tour giveaway   $25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/29/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card 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

Monday, October 5, 2015

Blog Tour ~ "The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull + Tour Giveaway

Caretakers Guide to Fablehaven (1)



Caretakers Guide to FablehavenThe Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves. Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.

My thoughts:  My family is a fan of the Fablehaven series.  All of the books sit  proudly on a bookshelf in my home.  They have been read several times!

This book is a beautifully done companion to the  books.  It describes the artifacts, creatures, etc of the Fablehaven books with illustrations.  For anyone who has read the books this adds another dimension of appreciation for the books.  If you haven't read the books, you should!

I took a picture of the a page on my tablet.  I received an ebook copy to review and I wanted to share how great the illustrations are.  I can imagine this book on parchment paper in the physical book form.  The picture below doesn't do the book justice.


 If you have a child who is fascinated by magical creatures, this may be a fun book to look at and discuss.



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Fablehaven Caretakers


  Excerpt from Introduction If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create aCaretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.



BrandonAuthor Brandon Mull Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.



$25 Blog Tour giveaway $25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card 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

Saturday, October 3, 2015

DVD Review ~ "The Cokeville Miracle" + giveaway




On May 16, 1986, in the small, ranching community of Cokeville, Wyoming, David and Doris Young took an elementary school hostage for several hours before detonating a bomb inside a classroom that held every teacher and student in the school. In the wake of the madness, Ron Hartley, whose children were inside the classroom, must fight his skepticism and unbelief as he hears eyewitness accounts from the students about miraculous, heavenly intervention during the crisis. When tragedy strikes ... what do you see?





My thoughts:  This film touched me so deeply that I feel at a loss for words to tell you what I think of it.

In May of 1986 I was a Sophomore in High School.  I do not remember this event happening.  I wish that I did. The miracles that saved a school full of children are simply amazing.

I thought that the actors did a wonderful job in their portrayals.  The emotion was so well done.  They really brought this true story to life.  I cried watching it and I'm teary eyed writing this.

I HIGHLY recommend this movie.  It's definitely one that I will keep and watch again.  This is a story that will always be something that I remember from now on.

My Rating is 5 of 5 stars (Can I give it a 10?)
I received a copy of this DVD from Deseret Book in exchange for an honest opinion.






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Deseret Book has graciously offered blogs participating in reviewing this movie a copy to give away.  This will be for US addresses only.  Use the rafflecopter form to enter.  See terms and conditions to the right and in the bottom of the form.  This contest will end on October 7, 2015.
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Thursday, October 1, 2015

Blog Tour ~ "Played for a Fool" by Stephanie Black + tour giveaway!


Played for a FoolPlayed for a Fool by Stephanie Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Suspense

Book Description:  Three years ago, the small town of Britteridge was rocked by the senseless murder of Gail Ludlum. Now the people most affected by the tragedy have returned to the place where it all began, and the scene is set for the perfect revenge . . .
Megan O’Connor’s life was shattered when she was unwittingly drawn into a kidnapping plot that ultimately led to the murder of an innocent woman. Though the road to redemption has been long, she’s finally found happiness with her recent engagement to a wonderful man, a pillar of the community. But amid the chaos of wedding planning, the return of Gail Ludlum’s son to Britteridge sets in motion a disturbing sequence of events. Soon Megan finds herself the victim of a series of cruel deceptions that indicate one thing: her past mistakes have not been forgiven or forgotten. As the mischief escalates to dangerous levels, it becomes clear that someone is determined to avenge Gail’s death. And he won’t rest until he’s taken a life for a life.

My thoughts: Three years ago Meagan was fooled by her identical twin into giving her an alibi for a crime. That story is found in Fool Me Twice. Unfortunately I did not read that book before reading this one. It took me a while to get caught up with the story.

This book is well written and full interesting characters. You know from the beginning who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Meagan is such a sweet and likable person. She has a forgiving nature and it is easy to see how she allowed herself to be placed in a bad situation.

The mastermind bad guy is a vindictive turkey (for lack of a better word). He is not forgiving and lets it rule his actions.  Eventually his plans spin out of control.

The book is full of suspense. It is very easy to get caught up in the story and the characters.

This is the first book of Stephanie Black's that I have read. It definitely will not be the last. I realize that I have a couple of her books on my TBR shelf and I look forward to reading them. I really want to read "Fool Me Twcice"!

This book contains religious references but it is not a major theme of the book.



Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

About the Author: (taken from Deseret Book)  STEPHANIE BLACK has loved books since she was old enough to grab the pages, and has enjoyed creating make-believe adventures since she and her sisters were inventing long Barbie games filled with intrigue and danger or running around pretending to be detectives. She is a three-time Whitney Award winner for Best Mystery/Suspense, most recently forCold as Ice (2010). Stephanie was born in Utah and has lived in various places, including Arizona, Massachusetts, New York, and Limerick, Ireland. She currently lives in northern California and enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and their five children. She is a fan of chocolate, cheesecake, and her husband’s homemade bread.


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