Peace & Goodwill by Lee Strauss + Boxset and Giftcard Giveaway

Peace & Goodwill is set in The Minstrel Series world, but can be read alone.

Belle gets the best Christmas present ever, a man in uniform! Ian is a soldier home on leave. Neither of them have any idea how good it will feel to fall in love or how hard it will be to say good-bye. Anna is spending the holidays alone again with only her faithful dog Angel to keep her company. She can’t afford to pay the rent and her landlord is threatening to kick her out. At least she’s finished with her chemo treatments. She can be thankful for that. Plus, there’s Rhys, the handsome visitor with kind eyes. One fateful, cold and snowy night a chance encounter changes everything. Love is lost. Love is found. Life will never be the same.

I love the Minstrel series.  This one is just a novella so it's a lot shorter than the other books in the series and it's also set at Christmas making it the perfect quick read for the holiday season.

This book goes back and forth between Belle and Anna.  Belle has a happy, new love Christmas going on while Anna is struggling to stay alive.  This story is happy and heartbreaking all at the same time.

I was surprised at the ending and how the characters came together.  It wasn't what I was expecting at all.  I actually went back at one point to make sure I hadn't missed something because I was sure I had something wrong.  But nope.  The book ends on a happy note but it was so sad too.  It pulled on my heartstrings.  

As I said before, I love the Mistrel Series.  I'm so happy I was able to be a part of reading and reviewing this one.  It's a great addition to the series.  The author is giving away an original Christmas song with every pre-order of this book so take advantage of that for sure!  Once you've pre-ordered, just head over HERE and fill out the form to get your free song.

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Lee Strauss writes romantic mixed genres set in the past, present and future for YA and adult readers. She also writes light and fun stuff as Elle Strauss. She divides her time between BC, Canada and Dresden, Germany, and enjoys drinking coffee and eating chocolate in both places. Find out more at www.ellestraussbooks.com.

Social Media Links:
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Guardian's Nightmare by Darren Simon

Charlee Smelton is an average thirteen-year-old girl struggling to adapt after her family moves to San Francisco. She thinks her biggest obstacle is facing the bullies who brand her a nerd and a dweeb. She's wrong. Her life is about to change-for the worse. First, she receives a gift of the ugliest, most old fashioned bike she has ever seen. Try as she might to ditch it in the city, she just can't seem to escape that very mysterious two-wheeler. Then come the visions of a world across a dimensional divide, a princess in fear for her life and a dark knight pursuing her. Are they just dreams or something more? For Charlee, everything she ever thought she knew about herself soon crumbles as she starts down a path to discover her true self, and she will need that hunk-of-junk bike more than she could ever imagine. Without it, she might not be able to find the hero in herself-the hero she must become to save her friends, family, her city-the world-from an evil only she can defeat. An evil she allows into this world.

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Some people have magical swords or amulets that give them special powers.  Some people have magic carpets or mystical creatures.  But Charlee Smelton has a magical, wonderous bike.  It is old and it is ugly but you better not judge this bike by it's cover.  "Bike" as it is so lovingly refered to, is something to behold.  It responds to Charlee's words and thoughts.  It even thinks for itself!  Ninja moves?  Yeah, this bike has them.  Wings that fly?  Yup, got those too.  Faster than a speeding bullet and able to save anyone in danger?  Yes, well, unless it gets knocked unconcious.  Bike has healing powers and can do just about anything.  That's some kind of bike, right?

This is a Middle Grade book with a main character who is thirteen years old.  There were times that Charlee sounded thirteen but most of the time I felt her thoughts and actions were inconsistent for a 13 year old.  I have a twelve year old so I guess that's what I compare it to.  The last third of the book was a bit much with things just happening and people appearing and surprise, something else.  After the fact, some of the things were explained but I think there were one too many surprise things happening at once.  The way it played out left me rolling my eyes and questioning the validity of the things that were going on.

Overall this is a innocent enough story.  The main character learns some good lessons and of course, there is Bike, who basically steals the show.  Everyone who reads this book will want a "Bike".  This was an okay read for me, I wish the ending would have been different.  There is some profanity (using God or Jesus as an exclamation) but otherwise this is a clean book with no swearing or sexual content.

On Tour with The Match Maker by Karey White + a $25 Giveaway

 

The Match Maker by Karey White (The Husband Maker #2) (Summary contains spoilers if you have not yet read book #1 The Husband Maker) It’s been six months since Charlotte and Kyle broke up, and the Husband Maker strikes again. Kyle is officially engaged, while Charlotte is still nursing a broken heart. In an effort to get Charlotte out of her rut, she and her best friend decide it’s time for some good old-fashioned matchmaking. While Aleena arranges for Charlotte to meet up with a handsome Scottish tourist, Charlotte gets her two best friends together. But when sparks start to fly between Aleena and Angus, Charlotte is left feeling more alone that ever--at least until the charming Scotsman becomes more than just a safe, rebound guy and teaches her that maybe, just maybe, she can dare to open her heart again.

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So, this is the second book in this series and if you haven't read the first book, Husband Maker, you really need to before reading this book.  They are a "must read in order" series.

I have such mixed emotions about this book just as I did with the first book.  I liked it, but I'm in a constant state of frustration with the the main character, Charlotte, and with the how slowly the resolution is in coming.  Now, in all fairness, this is totally a personal thing and not a problem with the author or the writing.  I just have a hard time being patient with a romance series through three books.  It's not like there is world saving or zombie escaping going on in addition to the drama of romance and relationships to distract me from the romantic elements.  It's just straight up romantic drama.  One book I can handle that way but three?  I can already tell you that the third and last book will be my favorite.  I'm more than ready to reach a conclusion and get my happily ever after.  At least, there better be a happily ever after!!  :)

As I said before, I liked this book.  The characters are all well developed and I especially enjoyed my trip via book to Scotland.  I really want to go there.

Enjoy the following excerpt:

“Have you heard from Flynn?” Aleena asked between bites.

“We talked last night for a while.”

“You’re still talking to him?” Angus asked. He sounded surprised.

“They’ve been talking a lot,” Aleena said.

“I don’t know if I’d say ‘a lot.’” I really didn’t want to talk about this.

“I think he really likes Charlotte,” Aleena said.

“We’re friends.”

“How much do you talk?” Angus asked.

“A couple of times a week, I guess.”

“Maybe at the beginning it was a couple of times a week, but hasn’t it picked up lately?” Aleena asked.

I shrugged and kept chewing, even though I had already swallowed.

“Have you seen that new Reese Witherspoon movie?” I asked.

“Nice try,” Aleena said. “Let’s talk about Scotland. When are you going?”

“I’m not,” I said.

“You really should,” Aleena said. “What a great chance to see another part of the world.” Aleena turned to Angus. “He’s invited her over and over and she keeps putting him off.”

“Why?” Angus turned to me.

“I’m busy. I’ve got lots of projects going on at work.”

“Oh please. That’s not why you’re not going.”

I gave Aleena a pointed look, but she wasn’t looking at me, so she didn’t see it.

“Why aren’t you going?” Angus asked.

I took another bite of salad. “I think she’s not going because she’s afraid she’s falling for him and a boyfriend in Scotland is pretty inconvenient.”

“I’ve never said I’m falling for him, but you’re right. Scotland isn’t convenient.”

“Maybe he’ll move back here,” Angus said. “His brother did.”

“And that’s why he won’t,” I said. “He doesn’t want to leave his mom and the family business.”

“Maybe you could split your time between here and there.” Finally, Aleena looked at me and I gave her a “shut up” look. “What? I’m just trying to help you work things out. Maybe the fortune meant long-term romance.”

“What fortune?” Angus asked.

“Charlotte’s fortune cookie that said ‘romance will come to you from foreign lands,’” Aleena said.

“First of all,” I said, “that was your fortune. Second, I don’t believe in fortunes. Third, let’s talk about something else.”

“Why?” Angus asked. “He seemed like a nice guy.”

I sighed. “He is a nice guy. A nice guy who lives in Scotland.”

“Who’s invited you to come visit,” Aleena said.

“I think you should go,” said Angus. I stared at him. When I realized my mouth was hanging open, I hurried and clamped it shut. “What?” Angus looked at my surprised face. “Has he asked you to marry him and move there forever?”

I shook my head. For some reason, I had expected Angus to discourage me from going. I would have thought he would disapprove. I’d have imagined him saying, “Don’t follow a guy halfway around the world unless you mean business.” But instead he was telling me I should go.

Angus and I looked at each other for longer than was comfortable. I could feel Aleena’s eyes on us, and I wanted to look away, but I needed to read what was behind Angus’s words. Finally, he lowered his eyes. “Just go. There’s nothing here to stop you.”

What did he mean? My family was here. My friends were here. My job was here. There was plenty here to stop me.

I laughed, but it sounded fake. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you want me to move to another country.”

Angus shrugged. “Just want you to be happy, Charlotte, and you don’t seem to be happy with what you’ve got here.”

Have you read the first book in the series?

The Husband Maker by Karey White

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Coming Spring 2015

The conclusion to The Husband Maker Series

The Wife Maker by Karey White

 

 

Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

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    $25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/30/14 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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour hosted by I Am A Reader November 4th to 21st Tour Schedule

A July Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella) by Beth Wiseman

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.
Can she forgive the man who left her at the altar?

Alyssa Pennington dated Brendan Myers for three years before she accepted his proposal. For almost a year, Alyssa's friends and family helped her plan a lovely wedding to take place in the church she'd grown up in. It was the happiest day of her life when she walked down the aisle to be united with the man of her dreams. But when Brendan left her at the altar, Alyssa was consumed by humiliation, embarrassment, and a broken heart that wouldn't allow her to trust anyone. Especially Brendan.

Brendan Myers knows he will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did to Alyssa, the only woman he's ever loved. Without her, his life is empty. In one fateful moment, he'd panicked, destroyed their future, and ruined everything. Now he plans to win her back.

But winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. And even if he does get her to the altar again, will she think turnabout is fair play?

Here is another novella from the Year of Weddings series.  I love the blue color on this cover.  It's so pretty!  What I love about this series is that each novella is written by a different author.  You don't have to read them in order to understand because each is as individual as the author.  You can just enjoy 12 great novellas that are sweet and clean.

This book was good and I really loved Brendan.  Yes, he made an awful mistake but you have to love his efforts to win Alyssa back.  Even if they are overboard.  His heart is in the right place.  Alyssa's hurt is deep and very real.  You can't blame her for not trusting Brendan.  It all comes down to good communication and forgiveness in the end.

I loved the plot and the storyline.  I think this book would have been better as a full length novel though.  I felt like there was just too much missing.  I felt like Dalton didn't have time to develop enough and I didn't really like him.  I'm not sure if that was the author's intent or not.  I wish I could have had more encounters with Brendan and Alyssa or even with Dalton and Alyssa.  Lots of time passes in the book that leave big holes and I felt like I was missing out on important stuff that could have made the difference in my understanding and attachment to the characters and story.

I did like this story and I was very interested in it.  I just felt like I was missing out on a lot in the end.  I'd love to read this as a full length book though!

My thanks to the publisher who provided a copy of this book for review.

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Finding Eliza by Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

"It’s just a little family history. What could go wrong?"

When Lizzie Clydell agreed to join her grandmother at the church’s genealogy group meeting she expected nothing more than lemon squares and a few stories. Instead, an old diary leads Lizzie down a dusty road of lies, hidden family secrets, and a lynching that nearly destroyed her family.

Still strug­gling with the loss of her parents two decades ear­lier, Lizzie must con­front a painful past that others hoped was forgotten. Her journey becomes even more difficult as she realizes those around her may not be as they seem.

Can Lizzie make peace with the past or will it destroy the relationships she holds most dear?

Joining her is a group of lifelong friends known to Lizzie as The Gals. Headed up by her own grandmother, the group of women guide her through the past with humor, encouragement, and tough love as she learns about grace and forgiveness.

Set in small town Georgia, Finding Eliza is a contemporary story with flashes of his­tor­i­cal fic­tion as Lizzie digs into the 1930s of segregation, illegal interracial relationships, and fear of the KKK.

Reading this book was sort of a mixed bag of emotions for me.  It started off really slow and I found I could keep up with the story with just skimming.  Once Lizzie starts reading the journal of her great grandfather, things pick up a bit and the story became more interesting.  The story jumps between Lizzie and her life and the life of her great grandfather and great aunt through the journal entries.  I was sort of in and out of connecting with the story.  The journal entries and story there were by far the best part of this book and the places I found myself more invested.

Historically, this book is rooted in a dark time in the south.  The KKK was a sick business with evil people full of hatred leading it.  It honestly just turns my stomach to think that people can treat other people in such a brutal and senseless way.  It's so sad.  There were some detailed events described in this book (beatings, rape, lynching).  It was hard for me to read and it did not leave me feeling good at all.  At one point I had to put it down and walk away because I was feeling overwhelmed with dark.  The author captures the setting and feelings associated with it very well.  This quote from the book sums it all up.  "One sinful, dark soul can pollute a mass of people."

Family history is something I think everyone should delve into.  People from our past helped shape the world we know today.  I know my family history is full of amazing stories and inspiring lives.  Linking ourselves to those who have gone before is so important.  To remember, to learn, to understand.  To not make the same mistakes.  Family history is the motivating theme behind this book.  This is a Christian Fiction book and has some religious moments in it.  There is also a bit of mild swearing throughout.

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Who am I? I'm a wrangler of words and a keeper of family stories. I'm powered by God & good coffee. My favorite book will always be Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier (and has been since I was in the eighth grade.) I'm in love with the Oxford Comma. I'm hopelessly addicted to having my heart ripped out by BBC dramas. I love to insert references to history, pop culture, and humor into my writing and conversation. I currently have purple hair. I believe Joss Whedon can strike creative lightning at whim.

Official Biography:
Stephanie Pitcher Fishman is an author and professional genealogist specializing in Midwestern and Southeastern United States family history. She is the author of seven family history research guides in the Legacy QuickGuide series on topics including religious records, census records, and state-specific research techniques. She has also written articles and blog posts for websites such as Archives.com and is a co-founder of The In-Depth Genealogist. She is also an active member of the Ohio Genealogical Society volunteering by lecturing on topics such as Plain Religions, Quaker research, and introducing family history to children. Her first novel, Finding Eliza, combines everything that she loves: family history, historical fiction, and strong female characters.

To learn more, visit: www.StephanieFishman.com.

Christmas in Snow Valley: A Christmas Romance Anthology + $25 Giveaway

     

Christmas in Snow Valley

  Christmas in Snow Valley is packed with six wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring romance into your holiday season. Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.

Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn't pursue him or even seem interested. Ty's career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.

The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart When Molly O’Hare gets a prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve, she thinks it’s utterly ridiculous. But when she gets teamed up with Kevin Snow, aka her ex-boyfriend, to decorate a Christmas tree, things start to change. Too bad getting over the past is hard and seeing him kiss another girl is even harder. Now Molly is left with a choice—run away from home and heartbreak or let Christmas work out a miracle all of its own.

Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit Succumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend's death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael’s grave, she's surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell As head of Snow Valley hospital's fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn't have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She's been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

Oh, I love, love, loved this collection of novellas!  I have read several anthologies in the last month and I think this was my favorite of them all.  

There are a couple authors that I already know and love writing in this collection and a couple I will be checking out further.  I love how each book revolved around the same small town at Christmas but each book had it's own flavor.  I was transported to Snow Valley and I loved every minute of it.  What a fun, romantic getaway!  With the holiday season fast approaching, this is the perfect collection to pull out when you need a minute to yourself.  Bask in the romance and happily ever after's.

The only note of content caution is some mild swearing in Risking It All for Love. 

Here is an excerpt from An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson.  It was one of my very favorite books from the collection.  I loved it!  Enjoy!

Unlocking her door, Lucy opened it and slid in behind the wheel. She closed the door, knowing Cole probably wondered what was wrong with her. Just as she started the car, a knock on the driver’s side window made her jump.

Cole stood there watching her, his face reflecting both a mixture of confusion and amusement. Lucy lowered the window, and he leaned down so they were eye level.

“Are you running away from me?”

Why did he have to be so direct?

“Yes.”

He grinned. “That’s the second time you’ve done this. I’m beginning to think you don’t like me.”

She snorted an unladylike laugh. “Right.”

“Don’t laugh. I’m getting a complex.”“

If it’s any consolation, it’s me not you.”

That earned her another perplexed look. “That’s a little cliché. I’m sure you can do better than that.”

Yeah, she could, but she didn’t dare blurt out how much she liked kissing him, and admit that that was what scared her.

Inadvertently, her gaze dropped to his mouth. She noticed the faint shadow of dark whiskers along his jaw, and she suddenly wanted to kiss him again.

 “Aren’t you freezing?” she asked, hoping to distract him as much as herself.

“Yes.” He unexpectedly rounded the car, opened the door and took the passenger seat. “That’s better.” He held out his bare hands in front of the vent, which blew mildly warm air.

The scent of his cologne permeated the air, and having him so close started a slow burn inside Lucy’s belly. Who needed heating systems with this man around?

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to get warm.” He looked her way, that smile back on his face. “And trying to get a straight answer out of you about why you keep running away from me.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Is it about that kiss we just shared?” His blue eyes twinkled. “Or about the ones in the airport?”

Both. “I said I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Okay. What do you want to talk about?”

She laughed. “I never said I wanted to talk about anything.”

Cole studied her silently, like he was really trying to figure her out. Lucy felt the intensity of his gaze, and was unable to pull her eyes away. The interior of the car seemed to shrink, and the air pulsed with an electrical energy that prickled her skin with goose flesh.

As if a giant gravitational force was at work between them, she felt herself leaning toward him. Cole slanted closer until she felt his warm breath mingle with hers. She should move away, make some wisecrack…anything to stop this crazy attraction.

Instead, her eyes fluttered closed as their lips connected. Slowly, he moved his mouth against hers, and like a beautifully choreographed dance, she returned the kiss. Heat infused every part of her, leaving her limbs languid.

Her heart thumped wildly, and a sigh escaped as he deepened the kiss. Barley cognizant of her surroundings, Lucy was both relieved and frustrated when Cole ended the kiss and edged slightly back.

“Lucy, I’m coming to pick you up tomorrow.” His voice was rough with emotion, his eyes serious.

She swallowed, and knew it was pointless to argue. “Okay.”

 

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Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/20/14 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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Softly Falling by Carla Kelly

Beautiful Lily Branson learns that her wayward father has lost his Wyoming cattle ranch in a card game to handsome cowboy Jack Sinclair, no less! When a series of deadly winter storms sets in, Lily and Jack must work together to save the cattle—as well as their hearts.

This book fits the "Carla Kelly" mold perfectly.  By that I mean that it had all the things I have come to expect from her writing and her books.  There were no nonsense main characters, lots of historical background and a very slow growing, barely even there romance.

Lily Branson is a girl that knows heartache and disappointment yet she doesn't let it rule her life or how she treats others.  Lily has spent her life at the mercy of extended family and is now, after years and years apart, being reunited with her drunken father who has a bad habit of gambling.  Lily is kind yet determined to face what comes with dignity and grace.  She is strong but she really is kind too.  Her mixed heritage add an extra element to the whole story line.  

Jack is hardworking and also very determined.  He has a plan and goals.  He knows what he wants.  He encourages Lily to make plans as well.  To me, Jack seemed more like a father to Lily than her own father.  He sort of played that role a lot.  

The romance in this story was so slow, it almost wasn't there at all for most of the book.  When things did happen, it was in a very practical, no nonsense kind of way.  The story was a good one though- one of perseverance and patience.  The secondary characters were all very good and added depth and flavor to this book.  It was well written and the scenes played out easily in my head.  I enjoyed it quite a lot!

My thanks to Cedar Fort for allowing me to read and review this title for them.  This title will be released on November 11th.

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