Sophia by Paula Kremser

Small-town Sophia Spencer can’t believe her luck when an unexpected inheritance allows her to experience London’s social scene. But her happiness disappears when she is caught napping in a grumpy gentleman’s room—and forced into an engagement to protect her reputation! Personalities collide and love blooms in this stunning debut novel.

This book is one in the Pure Romance line from Cedar Fort.  Basically this means that they are squeaky clean and focus more on the romance of it all, which I LOVE.  

Sophia may be from a small country town, but she has been taught and educated in all the ways of a lady.  One thing Sophia does know is that her mother and father loved each other very much.  She is looking to have that same kind of love in her life.  When Sophia unexpectedly inherits money from her estranged grandmother she is thrown into London society with an aunt who may not have Sophia's best interest at heart.

I loved Sophia.  She is kind and eager to believe the best about people.  Some may call her naive, but I don't.  I call her kind, innocent and tender hearted.  The world needs more people like Sophia.  Sophia knows when to stand up for herself and she does a better job of it than she thinks.

This is a great regency romance with engaging characters.  The storyline may be predictable but I still enjoyed it so much.  I love a good, clean romance that leaves you feeling good in the end.  This title releases on Oct. 14th but you can pre-order it today!

* Amazon * Cedar Fort * Goodreads *

EXCERPT

From the author: After enduring a ball as a favor to his friends, Alex escapes to his room. What he doesn’t know is that a young lady has also sought refuge from the crowded ballroom. This is his first encounter with Sophia.

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Alex pulled off his boots, then picked up his candle and looked around the room for where he had left his book. That was when he saw her. A young lady—either asleep or dead—was on his sofa! He almost dropped the candle, but quickly steadied it instead and rushed over. Her skin was warm, but it seemed as if she wasn’t breathing. He forced himself to be calm as he checked again and realized that she was breathing, just very slowly and deeply. He sat down hard on the floor and leaned his head back against the sofa. Then he took his own deep breath in an effort to calm his racing heart. She was alive, thank goodness! She was just sleeping.

How strange that a young lady was asleep in his room…his eyes widened and his heart began racing again. He needed to get her out of here. Now!

He quickly turned around and tried to gently speak to her and shake her shoulder. Several increasingly more frantic pleas of “Miss, you need to wake up!” produced no results. So he lifted her up to a sitting position, but still she wouldn’t regain consciousness. He sat down next to her and pulled her arm around his shoulder, ready to stand up, which would hopefully rouse her enough to walk, and that was when he heard a commotion from the hall and then a knock on his door. He barely had time to blurt out, “One moment, please!” before several matronly women barged in.

Queen of Someday: A Stolen Empire Novel by Sherry D. Ficklin

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophia will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophia has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophia vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophia will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

Oh, wow.  Okay.  Where do I start?

This book is loosely based on Catherine the Great who I honestly know very little about.  But whenever I read books that are based (even loosely) on people from history, it makes me want to know more about them.  I'm going to have to go online and do a bit of research, I think.

This book pulled me in from the very beginning.  I was instantly riding in a sled in Russia, freezing cold and dreaming of summer and happier times when bandits set upon me.  I love when books instantly claim my attention and hold me there.  Feeling like you are a part of a book is what reading is all about.  At least for me.

Sophia carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.  She is trying to protect her family and save them from ruin.  She has to gain the favor of the Imperial Court or be forced into a marriage with her old and nasty uncle.  People want her dead (and they almost succeed), the prince is an unbalanced drunk with a mean streak, and so of course she falls in love with a man she can never have.  Then the secrets and pressure mount.  There is drama and intrigue swirling around on every page in this book.  

Every time I had to put this book down, I was thinking about it and couldn't wait to get back to it.  Even though this book has main characters that fall into the YA range, this isn't necessarily a book I would classify as YA.  I won't be passing it off to my teenager simply because of all the sexual interactions in this book.  There are no explicit sex scenes or anything descriptive at all but sex is mentioned a lot and people are having sexual relations outside of marriage and also with other people while married to another.  While I recognize that this may have been par for the historical setting, it isn't something I want my teenager focusing on.  

This is a book from Clean Teen Publishing.  Because of their simple awesomeness, you can go there and read a content guide for this book.  You can also watch the trailer and enter to win the book for yourself!

You can also purchase this book on Amazon.  Today is release day!

Focused: Keeping Your Life on Track, One Choice at a Time by Noelle Pikus Pace

In her first book, Olympic silver medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace shares ten vital lessons that have been instrumental to her success—in sports and in life. From overcoming devastating injuries to pursuing her dreams despite feelings of inadequacy and loneliness to maintaining her values in the face of extreme pressure, Noelle tells of heartbreak and triumph in a warm, conversational style as she shares insights to help others focus on the right priorities and find the faith to stay strong. With dozens of full-color photographs, motivating observations, and soul-searching reflections, chapters such as "You Always Have a Choice," "Dare to Stand Alone," and "The World Is Watching" offer a unique perspective for readers of all ages as they strive to stay on track the challenges and opportunities of everyday life.

I love reading books that inspire me to be better.  I also love reading about people who have been in the world's spotlight and stood out for their perseverance, optimism and strength of character.  This is one of those kind of books.

Noelle is an athlete through and through.  She has the heart of an athlete.  In this book Noelle not only shares her experiences but what her experiences taught her.  I love the way that Noelle has taken every hard experience and used it to become better and stronger.  Her positive attitude and outlook really make this book stand out.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the conversational approach.  I really felt like I was hanging with Noelle and she was just telling me about things.  The book doesn't come off as "I'm better than you".  It felt like a friend giving encouragement and support because she knows all about dealing with tough things.

I loved the inspirations quotes and pictures sprinkled throughout this book.  Even the font changes made this book so appealing.  The messages found in this book can be applied to everyone.  They are based on faith and are full of optimism and strength.  It's all about choices and we make thousands of choices every day.  Where will our choices lead us?  We always have a choice.

I really hope I can convince my teenage daughter to read "Focused".  There are so many words of wisdom that she could benefit from.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book.  I am a better me for having read it.  My thanks to Deseret Book for allowing me the privilege.

"It is easier to stand with courage in the days to come if you decide today who you are and what you stand for."

* Amazon * Goodreads *

The Trouble with Flirting by Rachel Morgan

Labelled a nerd for most of high school, Livi sees her first year of university as a chance to redefine herself. She can finally enter the popular crowd and maybe even land herself a super hot boyfriend. But Livi’s about to discover that the price of popularity may be more than she’s willing to pay, and that what—and who—she wants most has always been right in front of her.

This was sort of a coming of age story for Alivia.  It is her first year living away from home, on her own, making her own choices and spreading her wings.  It includes many firsts and navigating those tricky waters of freedom.

Alivia is determined that her university years are going to be different than her high school years.  University is her time to break out of the labeled shell she was in and become someone new and in her opinion, better.  Only it doesn't really go the way Livi thinks it will and in the process she loses parts of herself that not only made her happy but made up who she really is.  It was a long, hard battle because Livi is very determined, but I was glad to see in the end that Livi learned a valuable lesson about being happy with herself.

Yeah, Livi isn't perfect.  She makes lots of "dumb" mistakes.  But those mistakes made her human and real.  We can all releate to making mistakes, I think.  Adam is a good friend to Livi.  He is, for the most part, patient and he is there when she falls.  Adam grew on me as the story progressed.  He is a solid guy and I liked that.

I loved the South Africa setting, the mental pictures the book created for me and even the lesson in slang.  :)  The overall story was one that anyone romantic at heart will love.  You can't help but breathe a contented sigh at the end.  

Content:  There was mild swearing, sexual innuendo and one scene where a boy tries to force himself on a girl at a party.  There is drinking and drugs.  For these reasons, I would recommend the older YA age group for this book.  This book won't make it into my teenage daughter's hands because of the previously mentioned things.  

My thanks to the author, Rachel Morgan, for allowing me to read and review for her.  This is the second book in the Trouble series.  

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Thirty-Two Going on Spinster by Becky Monson + $25 Giveaway

 

Julia Dorning is a spinster, or at least on the road to becoming one. She has no social life, hates her job, and lives in her parent’s basement with her cat, Charlie.

With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia’s mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie.

But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways?

Purchase your copy for just $2.99!!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo

Well, the first and best thing I can say about this book is that it has moments of brilliant funny-ness.  Like- maybe a snort comes out while reading this book- funny.  Yeah, this was one of the most comedic books I've read in quite awhile.  

Most of this book is written from a place deep inside Julia's head.  Sometimes I felt like I was stuck in a whirlwind of the same thoughts and feelings and I just wanted to get out or move on, but most of the time I was contented with the cheap entertainment I found there.

One thing I loved about this book was the informal approach and feel to it.  It really did feel like I was living in someone's head.  And did I mention that it was funny?  It was.

Content:  There was a handful of mild swearing.  (which I didn't love.  or think was funny)

Enjoy the following excerpt:

“I feel that, as a friend, I need to tell you something,” Brown says to me as we go outside to the smoking area. It’s near the end of the day and Mr. Nguyen had a meeting, so I figured I could take a little break.

“What is it?” I ask, not truly caring. I am still annoyed with her. I want to say something, but there is no point. She wouldn’t care anyway.

“Friends do not let friends go around with that,” she says, pointing to my upper lip.

“What do you mean? Is there something on my lip?” I ask, walking over to the door to see if I can see my reflection in the glass. I can’t see anything.

“Yes, there is something on your upper lip… hair.”

Whaaaaaaaaat? “Are you serious? I have a moustache?” My hand immediately goes up to my mouth, covering it and my upper lip. “But… I… How bad?” Somehow this is very fitting. A spinster with a moustache.

“Look, it’s not bad. And we do not call it a ‘moustache,’ it’s referred to as ‘upper lip hair,’” says the perfectly-put-together prom queen. “You have sort of… always had one. But it was always blonde hair, so I never said anything. But now, all of the sudden, there are brown hairs as well as the blonde.”

I guess right now would be a good time to die. I mean, I recently had a conversation with a good-looking man and this hasn’t happened in, well, over a decade. And I realize it wasn’t a real conversation since I couldn’t say more than three word sentences. But he was talking to me up-close and—oh my gosh, he could have seen it. Of course he did because that is how my life goes. I am an under-a-conference-table-hiding-deaf-mute-possibly-slow-spinster… with a moustache. Next comes sagging boobs and trailer parks.

   

By day, Becky Monson is a mother of three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful time will last... But it probably won't. Becky runs a large book club on Facebook called "This Chick Reads".  

Facebook * Website * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads * Blog

    Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/12/14 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

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On Tour with Someone Like You by Karen Rock

You can't program love…or can you?

Kayleigh Renshaw has come up with the idea for a brilliant "compatibility app," a new kind of matchmaking software. All she needs is a programmer to help her bring the idea to market…and she knows exactly who she wants. But Niall Walsh—a code whiz and her former best friend—has been avoiding her since he returned from Afghanistan. In spite of their history, and some sparks that go beyond friendship, he's proving reluctant…. Is it her, or is something darker holding him back?

I'm back with another book from Harlequin's Heartwarming line and you know what that means, right?  Sweet and clean romance, coming right up!

Karen Rock knows how to write sweet romances.  I'm glad to see her joined up with Harlequin.  It's a perfect fit.

I like books where friends turn into something more.  Kayleigh and Niall have been friends for a very long time but after a tour in Afghanistan with some very dark memories haunting him, Niall has chosen to keep his distance and hide away from the world.  Kayleigh doesn't understand his distance and tries to find a way back into his life.  Niall is keeping secrets but as per usual, secrets have a way of coming out.

Kayleigh and Niall seem to be polar opposites.  Where Niall is reclusive and on edge, Kayleigh is determined and full of energy and hope.  She pushes forward, mostly unwaveringly.  Kayleigh's relationship with her grandpa was super sweet.

It is that strong base of friendship that keeps Niall and Kayleigh coming back, trying to work things out.  Niall is a bit of a bonehead but he eventually figures things out.  Thank goodness!  One of my favorite thoughts from the book is that the best gift we can give to those who have gone before us and to those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom is to live our lives fully and gratefully.  

This is an easy reading, sweet contemporary romance.  There was no sexual content or swearing.  It was simply a good escape.  Enjoy the following excerpt!

The cool air on her wet shoulders made her shiver, and Niall wrapped his towel around her.

“Here. I don’t need it.”

She handed it back. “No, Niall. You don’t get it. I don’t want you to come to my rescue. I’m not looking for a knight in shining armor. If I were a princess, I’d save myself.”

Niall’s leg circled in the water, making a mini whirlpool. “So tell me what a non-princess needs,” he said at last.

“Someone who brings out the best in me, supports me, values my opinion and, most of all, is honest with me.”

“I’ll do that, Kay.” He looked sincere, and his insistent tone undid the wall she’d placed between them. “As much as I can. Let’s set up our base of operations in my apartment, and we’ll meet there tomorrow. I’ve got some things for us to go over, and nothing’s final until we both approve.” He pulled off her swim goggles, then trailed the backs of his fingers down the side of her face until they fell away.

Her breath hitched. That didn’t feel like a “friendly” touch. And it definitely crossed pro- fessional boundaries. So why did she want him to do it again? To let his hand linger so she could press her cheek into his palm.

“We’ll disagree at times. But I won’t let anyone, like Major Carlton, act like you don’t exist again.”

She shook her head, trying to get her thoughts back on track. “I didn’t think you’d noticed.” He studied his wrinkled fingertips, then lifted his eyes to hers, their tortured depths doing

something funny to her heart.

“I notice you, Kayleigh,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “More than I should.”

Purchase Links:

Print Book :  http://bit.ly/1oN6puy

Amazon Kindle :  http://amzn.to/1o9Bz0S

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Kobo :  http://bit.ly/1qRegXE

Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary author. She holds a master’s degree in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time author.  With her co-author, Joanne Rock, she’s penned the CAMP BOYFRIEND series with Spencer Hill Press under the pseudonym J.K. Rock. She also writes contemporary romance for Harlequin Enterprises. Her wholesome romance, Heartwarming novels have won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the 2014 Golden Quill Contest. When she's not writing, Karen loves scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes and hiking. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. To find out about her upcoming releases, appearance and latest news, visit http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/karenrockwrites or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5 She’d love to connect with you.

A June Bride by Marybeth Whalen

The reality show ended with an engagement, so why doesn’t this feel like the fairy tale she thought it would be?

The Rejection Connection hardly sounds like the place to fall in love, but Wynne Hardy walked off the reality-TV set with an engagement ring. And in the whirlwind of publicity and preparation that follows a TV-bride-to-be in her fifteen minutes of fame, Wynne barely has time to consider how she really feels about her new fiancé . . . to say nothing of how she still feels about her ex.

As the wedding plans develop, so too do Wynne’s doubts: Is she in love with Andy? Or is this really about Callum—the ex-boyfriend who sent her onto Rejection Connection in the first place? A nationally televised snub might be the best revenge . . . but is it a good reason to get married?

When Callum resurfaces at the worst possible moment, Wynne can’t help wondering if she’s made a huge mistake. Is her marriage a publicity stunt? And what happens when the cameras stop rolling, and she has a husband she barely knows?

I was really looking forward to reading this book.  The premise sounded good, one I would be interested in.  I don't know what happened though.  Somewhere it lost it's way and I wasn't as enchanted as I should have been.

The book didn't really focus on the reality TV show so much.  It's more of what happens after Wynne has already picked the guy, Andy, and what happens in the aftermath of the show.  One of my problems, I think, was that I really didn't know either Andy or Callum.  I didn't get a good sense of who either of them were and since both had made some mistakes, I wasn't sure who to set my favor on.  If that makes any sense.

The emotions really did revolve around Wynne and for some reason I had a hard time connecting with her.  I guess I really didn't "get" her.  I don't know.  One thing I do know is that she was confused most of the time.

This wasn't my favorite of the Year of Weddings collection but I still do love the series and I enjoy these light, romantic, inspirational novellas.  My thanks to the publisher, Zondervan, for allowing me to read and review these titles for them.

You can purchase "A June Bride" at Amazon.