Fool For Books Giveaway Hop! Enter to Win a Book of YOUR CHOICE!

It's no joke that I love books.  I love reading books, I love buying books and I love giving books away.  What is better than getting a new book that you have been eyeing for weeks?  Not much.  :)  

Hopefully you love books too and that is why you are here.  Today I'm giving away a book of your choice, $12 or less from Amazon if you are US and The Book Depository if you are INT (and they ship to you for free).  You may also choose an ebook if you prefer.  This giveaway is for a book- not a giftcard or any other item.

I'm so happy you stopped by today!


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Fortune Cookie by Josi Kilpack $50 Book Blast

Sadie Hoffmiller has always liked things to be just so. A place for everything and everything in its place. Order over chaos. And of all things Sadie should be able to control, her own wedding is at the top of the list. With the big day just three weeks away, Sadie is busily adding the final touches to her wedding plans but the arrival of a mysterious letter from San Francisco changes everything. The only person Sadie knows in San Francisco is her older sister, Wendy, whom she hasn’t seen since their mother’s funeral nearly fifteen years ago. Sadie has faced off against murderers and criminals in recent years, yet the possibility of reconnecting with her sister is both overwhelming and frightening. Sadie soon discovers, however, that the letter is just the beginning when Wendy’s world turns out to be a place of unanswered questions, twisted truths, and more than one person with a motive for murder. The more Sadie digs into her sister’s past, the more she places her own future at risk.

Amazon * Deseret Book * Barnes & Noble

Culinary Mystery Series

Tour Schedule

Author Josi S. 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 accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Lemon Tart, the first book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series was a finalist in 2009. Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, children and super-cute cat.

Website * Twitter * Blog

 Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/30/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Unplanned Motherhood: A web comedy series + a $100 Giveaway!

Unplanned Motherhood

Unplanned Motherhood is a non-fiction collection of short stories written by moms and dads about their funny inspirational or motivational journey as a parent. Unplanned Motherhood is based on the web series created by Lena Sledge.

Unplanned Motherhood is a comedy web series for perfectly imperfect families, starring Lena Sledge as Layla, a wife and mother of five that gives parenting advice on her real life mommy blog. Her unique parenting style contradicting with her perfect parenting advice lends to a distinct brand of humor. With each episode we see Layla teaching her kids life lessons as she discovers more about herself and the advice she gives to her readers. Unique to this web series is the actual blog that Layla writes where she gives the perfect parenting advice and after many of her posts, follows the tag line; to see how I really handled the situation watch this week's episode.

This web series is special because the viewers of the web series and the readers of the real life blog get to interact with Layla and let her know if her advice is on the money or share their own parenting advice. To follow the Unplanned Motherhood blog go to www.lenasledge.com. Stay tuned. Unplanned Motherhood debuts March 28th!!!!

If you'd like to submit a short story to be included in the book Unplanned Motherhood, send 500 words or less tosonnybrookfilms@yahoo.com. Short story must be clean, family friendly as well as funny, inspirational or motivational.

 

Facebook * Youtube

 

Sneak Peek:

   

Unplanned Motherhood Cast

Starring Morgan Hamilton as Sonny, Stefani Colvin as Brooke, Grayson Kilpatrick as Deacon, Aidan Heuer as Spoon, and Ari Heuer as Ari.


  Episode 1:  

 

Author Lena Sledge Lena Sledge is an awarding winning author. Her first book, a collection of short stories called If I Had My Way, won the 2012 African American Literary Award for Best Short Story/Anthology. Her short film, Grandma's Hands, won 3rd place at the River City Film Festival in March 2014. Her most recent project, a comedy web series called Unplanned Motherhood debuts on March 28th on Youtube. Lena Sledge has collaborated on many literary projects as well as tv and film projects. She offers advice, resources, and tips on writing, navigating the independent film industry as well as reviews and highlights about upcoming books and authors. Lena Sledge also enjoys photography, you can view some of her photography work on her website as well as Flickr.

Youtube * Facebook * Twitter * Website

Flickr * Pinterest * Blog * Goodreads * Amazon

    

 Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/21/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Luminescence by Braden Bell

by Braden Bell

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: March 11th 2014

by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

ISBN 1462114059

“He’s alive!” she yelled. “He’s alive!”
As Lexa spoke the words, she knew they were true. She knew with total certainty.
“Dr. Timberi’s alive!”

When Lady Nightwing kidnapped Dr. Timberi, everyone assumed their teacher had been killed. So when Lexa discovers that he isn’t dead, Conner can’t believe his ears.

Determined to rescue their favorite teacher, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie confront their worst fears and use their powers in unexpected ways to defeat Lady Nightshade, the treacherous Darkhand leader. But when the trio makes a terrible choice to save Dr. Timberi, their powers may not be enough to keep everyone alive. A thrilling conclusion to the Middle School Magic series!

Your favorite characters return in this satisfying conclusion of the Middle School Magic series! Filled with plenty of twists, humor, and adventure, Luminescence will keep you guessing until the last page.

Study hall? Definitely. Substitute Teachers? Absolutely. Rescuing people from brutal villains? Bring it on!

I have to admit that this is one of my top three middle grade series.  I have really, really loved the journey I've taken with Lexa, Conner and Melanie and friends and now that it is over, I'm kind of sad.

Sometimes it is hard in middle grade fiction to get the voices right.  I often find that the characters seem too old or too young and therefore not realistic.  That is definitely not the case in this series.  The characters were always believable and the choices they made consistent with the age group.  I liked that.

When you combine great characters with a magical storyline it creates a book too good to pass up.  These three young people really are on an adventure.  Along the way they learn important lessons about life, themselves and other.  They learn to work together, to show respect and what courage really is.  There are lessons to be learned for all of us in this book.  Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book-

"Being mad at each other was like holding on to Darkness and it meant the light couldn't help us."  (pg. 45)

Lexa, Conner and Melanie learn that when they work together they are so much stronger and that each of them makes up a great whole.

"Our gifts and personalities each represent a dimension of a human being:  mind, spirit and body."  (pg. 46)

The ending was fantastic.  It defines the word "hero" in many different ways.  This is a book and book series I would recommend to anyone and not just those with middle grade readers.  My middle grade daughter loves these books and that makes me happy!

Goodreads*Amazon

During his middle school years, Braden Bell was the least-stable, lowest-achieving student in the history of the world. He shocked every former teacher by graduating from high school and college, and then going on to earn both a Master’s degree as well as a Ph.D. A teacher by day and a parent by night, he is around teenagers 24/7. He teaches music and directs plays at a private school, much like Marion Academy in The Middle School Magic series. Whether he fights evil after hours is something he cannot disclose.

Braden Bell holds degrees in theatre from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. from NYU. A committed educator, he has been directing plays and teaching school now for over twenty years. Braden lives with his family on a quiet, tree-lined lot outside of Nashville, TN, where he teaches theatre and choir at a middle school. The author of The Road Show, The Kindling, and Penumbras.

Lean More on his website* twitter* facebook* goodreads* publisher

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Thrall (Daughters of Lilith, #1) by Jennifer Quintenz

Welcome to Braedyn Murphy’s life. She’s a typical—if shy—sophomore navigating the slings and arrows of high school life with her two best friends, Royal and Cassie. Then a new boy, Lucas, moves into the house next door, and Braedyn finds herself falling in love for the first time.

But Braedyn’s normal life comes crashing down around her ears when she learns she’s a descendent of Lilith, the mother of all demons - and that she might play a critical role in an ancient war between the Sons of Adam and the Daughters of Lilith. Turns out the right answers aren’t always clear or easy. And as for “good” and “evil” – it all depends on how you choose to act.

Inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian myths of Lilith and her offspring, Thrall explores first love, strong friendships, and taking on adult responsibilities against the backdrop of powerful supernatural forces and life-and-death stakes.

Ooh, I really liked this one, guys.  I was immediately sucked into the world of Braedyn, the daughter of Lilith.  It has all the typical elements of a paranormal romance book and the battle between good and evil.  The storyline won't surprise you.  Average girl suddenly takes on freaky new powers, finds out she isn't who she thought she was her whole life, meets a hot boy that is forbidden, sets out to save the world...  See what I mean?  Not a new storyline at all.  BUT...

This is a solid, well told story.  The characters are well developed and full of life.  I could picture them in my head and I could feel them.  The story was forward moving at all times.  It engaged me as a reader and I wanted to keep reading.  That is how I know I've got a good book in my hands.  :)

Braedyn is your average girl in the beginning but when faced with the knowledge that her whole life has been something other than she believed it to be, she doesn't spend a lot of time wallowing.  She trusts in the love she has always known and she figures things out.  She is stronger than she thinks but that knowledge comes as she works hard.  I liked that.  I also liked that Braedyn made mistakes and learned from them.  Braedyn has a good heart and she is loyal.  She has to struggle against some natural Lilith tendancies and channel her powers to do good but she does it because she believes she can.  She is a strong (not just physically) lead character and one I was fully behind as a reader.

I loved the supporting characters and I'm really looking forward to getting to know them even better in the next books.  Thrall is the first book in this series.  The next two books are already out and available to read so you don't have to wait!  Sweet!

Buy Thrall now at Amazon.com

I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My childhood hobbies included writing and illustrating stories, and by the time I left for college I had a stack of hand-made books over two feet tall.

At UNC-Chapel Hill I majored in English and studio art, but spent most of my time in the Lab! – UNC’s awesome and prolific black-box theater. After college I moved to Los Angeles and earned my MFA in film and television production from USC.

I have worked as a television writer, author, and graphic novelist. I’ve written for Twentieth Television, Intrepid Pictures, and Archaia Studios Press. I currently live in Los Angeles with my husband, son, and two wily cats.

http://JenniferQuintenz.com

http://www.facebook.com/JenniferQuintenz

https://twitter.com/jennq

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5926932

Breathtaking: Seven Bestselling Novels of Love and Suspense (Boxed Set) Only $.99!!

Breathtaking: Seven Bestselling Novels of Love and Suspense

Boxed set is only $.99 March 24th through March 29th. 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo * Smashwords

Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon
Deliah Dreser's in town to take care of family business. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but there's more to Lilah than meets the eye. Cole's in danger of losing his heart when this firestorm throws sparks his way. Is she simply playing him for the fool in order to exact revenge for her brother's murders?
Bestselling author Sherry Gammon's reviewers exclaim; "She has a gift for touching her readers with beautiful, gripping stories that you can’t put down."




Home Before Dark by Christy Barritt
Nothing good ever happens after dark. Those were the words country singer Daleigh McDermott’s father always repeated.
Now her father is dead, and Daleigh finds a hidden journal hinting that his death was no accident. Small town mechanic Ryan Shields is the only one who seems to believe Daleigh. As the two work to unravel the mystery, it becomes obvious that someone wants them dead. They must rely on each other—and on God—if they hope to make it home before the darkness swallows them whole.
Award-Winning Suspense Novelist and Bestselling Amazon Author, touted as "scary, funny, passionate, and quirky" by USA Today.

Baggage Claim by Amanda Tru
Rachel Saunders is looking forward to her all-expense paid weekend trip to New York. But, when her luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent, events take a dangerous turn.
Amanda Tru, Bestselling Amazon Author of Romance and Suspense. Discover the author who, as an Amazon reviewer raves, “continues to impress me and dominate my time with a book I can’t put down even after it’s ended.”


Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey
In a moment of weakness, Shane steals a kiss.
In return, Cassie steals his heart…
When Cassie is forced to join the witness protection program, she fears her life is over… but then she meets Shane Emerson — the hunky cowboy posing as her husband. Will this sham marriage turn into the real thing, or will a hidden danger put it all at risk?
Kimberly Krey writes romance that’s clean without losing the steam. What’s Beyond Forks calls this Best-selling Western Romance author “the master of romantic tension.”



A Perfect Fit by Heather Tullis
Cami DiCarlo is not happy when her father forces her into heading up guest services at his newest five-star hotel and unveils the existence of four half-sisters at the same time, insisting they live together while they launch the new resort.
When she meets Vince, the sweet, sexy landscaper her father would never have approved of, Cami can’t say no. If only she could be sure she is on the right track—and that they will be able to stop the person who is trying to destroy everything.

You Belong with Me by Shannon Guymon 
Layla Kendall is a burned out social worker one step away from a major depression. When she and her sisters inherit their grandmother's bakery, she doesn't know if she can trust her good fortune or not. But the chance to be with her sisters and get away from the heartache and pain she's faced day in and day out is a chance she's going to take. With Layla's new life, come new friendships, including Michael Bender, a single dad. She doesn't trust men but Michael's little girl grabs her by the heart and won't let go.
Shannon Guymon is an Amazon Bestselling Author of lighthearted and clean romance who according to her many fans, has the ability to paint pictures of her characters so real that readers would know them if they saw them walking down the street.

Blog This by Cami Checketts
Devastated by the loss of her brother, Natasha Senecot exposes the dangers of Matthew Chrysler's violent video games, bankrupting and humiliating him. Chrysler sends a hit man after her. In a race against time, can Natasha expose Chrysler before his assassin murders her family and shatters her world?
Bestselling author Cami Checketts has been touted as, "A genius! She writes about topics that aren't widely discussed, and she does such a brilliant job of crafting these things into wonderful stories that touch your heart and remain with you for days afterwards."

Noah Featurette 2- Getting Read for Release Day!

Check out this new featurette for the movie, Noah.  It's out in theaters this weekend and if you are interested in this movie, this will give you some insight and some cool sneak peeks.  I'm really looking forward to seeing this one!

Home Matters by Julie N. Ford (A Ripple Effect Romance) and a $25 Giveaway!

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach. When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

Amazon * Kobo * Barnes & Noble

I'm so excited to be a part of the blog tour for this amazing set of books in the Ripple Effect Romance.  Each is written by a different author and this week we are kicking things off with Julie Ford's "Home Matters".  

This was a great start to this series.  Have you ever watched HGTV?  Have you ever seen "Love It or List It"?  I could watch that show for hours, I think.  This book reminded me of that show.  

One of the best things about this book is how alive and real the characters seemed to me.  I could easily picture them in my head.  I love Olivia's determination to succeed.  She wants this chance so badly.  Her focus has been so concentrated on achieving this goal of making it big that when she gets it, it's hard to recognize that it may not be what she wants after all.  She feels a constant struggle between being true to herself and pleasing other people.  

William- so handsome, suave and so full of himself.  His ego literally fills up the room and pushed everything else out.  He was so easy to picture.

Pete sees the potential in Olivia.  He sees who she could be if she would just believe in herself and follow what her heart is telling her.  I really loved Pete.  I think I loved him just because he really saw Olivia, not as a host for a show but as a person.  His methods of proving things to Olivia were a bit out there, but his heart was always in the right place.

This was the perfect book to curl up with and lose myself in for a little while.  It was cute, sweet and littered with chemistry.  I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!  So much fun.

Enjoy the following excerpt and see what I mean about William's ego and then check out the book trailer.  :)

Knock, knock, knock. “William.” Knock, knock, knock. “William.” Olivia’s knuckles stung from her vigorous rapping, but she hit them against the hotel room door again anyway. Knock, knock, knock. “William.”

She’d never physically been to his room, but she was more or less sure this was the room number he’d given her. An ear pressed against the cool wood panel, she held quiet an impatient moment, listening for evidence that William was on the other side. And given that the clock had yet to strike the eight a.m. hour, she suspected he was not only in there, but more than likely still fast asleep.

Her fist poised to begin another round of knocking, she held back upon hearing the sound of throat clearing coming from the other side. “Olivia, darling, why are you Sheldon- Coopering my door?” William asked.

Relief washed over her panicked body. She collapsed against the door. “Something’s happened,” she pled. “I need to talk to you. Open up. Please.”

William cracked the door and leaned out his head. “Sweetie, can’t it wait? I’m not properly dressed,” he apologized, but Olivia ignored his reservations. Strong- arming the door open, she barged in. “All-righty then,” he said as she breezed past him. “What could be so important, it couldn’t keep until a less ungodly hour?”

Olivia skidded to a stop in the middle of a posh living area, her focus scanning from the mini bar and kitchenette to a fifty-inch flat screen TV, then through a set of doors, into another room, and on to a four-poster, king-sized bed. Her current predicament temporarily relocated to the backburner, all she could think was: “Your room . . . It’s so much bigger than mine.”

William chuckled. “That’s your idea of a crisis?” he said. “Welcome to the top of the mountain.”

Author Julie N. Ford Julie is a forty-something, dangerously close to becoming a fifty-something, graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of four women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, a Betta named Bob, and a Scottish fold kitten, Ardweal.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love." Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/31/14   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 Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY
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 Tour Schedule

The Fortune Cafe Book Blast + $50 Giveaway

The Fortune Café

a novel in three parts

MIS-FORTUNE: Emma, a waitress at The Fortune Café will do anything to avoid opening a fortune cookie. Each fortune is rumored to somehow magically come true. Being a girl grounded in reality, she doesn’t have time for that kind of nonsense. But when trying to prevent a food fight at the café, Emma accidently cracks open a fortune cookie: “Look around, love is trying to catch you.” If there is one thing that Harrison, her former best friend in high school is good at, it’s catching her unaware.

LOVE, NOT LUCK: Lucy has always been lucky . . . until her parents meet her fiancé’s parents at a disastrous lunch at The Fortune Café, and she breaks her lucky jade necklace. Even worse, her fortune cookie reveals that “True love is for the brave, not the lucky.” How is she supposed to read that? She’s always considered it lucky how she met her fiancé. But after breaking her necklace, Lucy’s luck takes a dive. And when her fiancé dumps her, the only person she can turn to is Carter, the unluckiest guy she knows.  

TAKEOUT: Stella is content in her new life of taking over her mom’s jewelry shop. No more boyfriend to worry about, and as long as she stays busy, she doesn’t have to dwell on her non-existent love life. When Evan comes into the shop with his young daughter, Stella is charmed. But she is reluctant to complicate her straightforward life, so when she reads her fortune after ordering takeout from The Fortune Café, she completely ignores it. After all, how can a fortune as vague as “Do the thing you fear and love is certain,” apply to her?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

 

Julie Wright started her first book when she was fifteen. She’s written over a dozen books since then, is a Whitney Award winner, and feels she’s finally getting the hang of this writing gig. She enjoys speaking to writing groups, youth groups, and schools. She loves reading, eating writing, hiking, playing on the beach with her kids, and snuggling with her husband to watch movies. Julie’s favorite thing to do is watch her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise, but has a healthy respect for ice cream.

Blog * Twitter * Amazon

 

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. After meeting her husband online, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed houseplants. Melanie is a former English teacher and a sometime blogger who loves to laugh and make others laugh. In her down time (ha!), she writes romantic comedies and pines after beautiful shoes.

Website * Amazon * Twitter

 

 

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, her latest is Finding Sheba. Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction. She’s the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. Other women’s novels include Heart of the Ocean, The Fortune Café, the Aliso Creek Series, and the Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology Series.

Blog * Amazon * Twitter

Tour Schedule

   
   Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/18/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson

Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn't get it. She always does the right thing - doesn't God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.

Worth the Wait is a sort of coming of age/romance, Christian Fiction book.  Ellie is young and in love.  She has everything she wants and believes her life to be nearly perfect.  But, as most of us know, life is rarely perfect for long.  

Ellie gets bombarded with difficult things seemingly all at once.  Cancer, cheating boyfriend, nasty rumors.  High school is a difficult place and Ellie feels overwhelmed.  Lucky for her she has some good friends and adult support that help her navigate the rough waters.

I liked Ellie.  I think we can all relate to the "what have I done to deserve this" mentality that usually accompanies the hard things life throws at us.  Ellie stands up for what she believes in but then questions those morals when things go wrong.  I think this is also typical- especially for a teenager.  She remains true though and in the end, not only does she come out stronger, but wiser too.  

This was an easy reading kind of book.  It felt real and would definitely be relatable to many young teenage girls.  It's the kind of book that would help struggling girls find hope when going through similar things.  My thanks to the author, Laura Jackson for allowing me to read and review this book for her.

You can purchase Worth the Wait at Amazon.

I love books. As a school librarian, I get to share books with kids all day. Then I come home and write.
As a follower of Jesus, my goal is to share stories that not only entertain readers but also bring glory to Him.
I also love trees and cupcakes.

One Little Match by Thomas S. Monson- Illustrated by Dan Burr

Page Count: 32 * Children’s Picture Book* Hardback 9 X 11

Thomas S. Monson loved spending summers at his family's cabin in Utah's Vivian Park. One summer day, he and his best friend, Danny, decided to clear a field so they could gather with their friends and have a campfire that night. The tall, stubborn weeds would not pull out easily. So Tommy had the idea to burn them up instead.

He knew he shouldn't use matches without permission from his parents. But he ignored the feeling that warned him of the danger and raided the matchbox in the cabin. Back in the field, he lit one little match and prepared to set the parched June grass abaze...

Readers of all ages will resonate with this wonderful true story that demonstrates the blessings of obedience and "the dangers that can come from something as small as one little match."

Oh, I love this little book!  Everyone loved the story President Monson told at the last General Conference about this boyhood experience.  I'm so happy that it has been put together with these beautiful pictures to create a visual experience for the whole family.  

When mine came in the mail, I immediately read it.  How could I not?  I set it on the coffee table and everyone in my family picked it up as they walked by and read it.  :)  That is happy.  

This is the perfect book.  It's straight from the prophet's mouth and the illustrations combined with the words are really just beautiful.  It teaches an important lesson about obedience and reminds us all that obedience keeps us safe.  This book is a treasure to me and will be well used for many years to come.

You can purchase One Little Match at Deseret Book and Amazon.

About the Author:

Thomas S. Monson was set apart as the sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. He was called to the Quorum of the Twelve in 1963 and served for twenty-two years in the First Presidency. His ministry has been characterized by his compassion for the needs of individuals and his gift for one-on-one service.

Swept to Sea by Heather Manning

Lady Eden Trenton never wanted to leave her privileged existence in London—until her father invites a dangerous suitor into her life. Left with few options, Eden devises the best reprieve she can: escape. Chasing freedom, she stows away aboard a pirate ship, praying she will gain her independence in the colonies before she is discovered by the nefarious crew. 

Captain Caspian Archer has spent the last five years hardening his heart and searching to exact revenge for the event that tore his life to shreds. When he catches word that his enemy is residing in Jamaica, Caspian steers his ship toward the colonies in all haste. His plans soon change, however, when he discovers the young beauty hiding in his ship’s hold. 

Cut from the only lives they have known, Caspian and Eden are pulled together as each pursues a fresh hope upon the sea.

Swept to Sea is an Inspirational Historical Fiction book set on the open seas.  Eden is desperate to escape and unwanted marriage to a hideous, mean man who is abusive and controlling.  She hides aboard a ship captained by Caspian and is, of course, found out.

Eden is a bit wary of men, understandably.  She has been hurt and betrayed by those she trusted.  Caspian seems a bit rough around the edges at first, dealing with his own past and regrets, but is very attracted to Eden.  His gentleness and kindness urge Eden to trust him even though she is scared and hurt.

I'm not sure Caspian was a totally believable character at all times, but as a romantic at heart, I did surely enjoy his careful ministrations to Eden to win her trust and love.  He was very gentle with her.  It was almost like his personality did a complete turn around from how he treated his crew and even his son, to how he treated Eden.  That was my biggest struggle with the book.  Caspian just wasn't consistent in personality or there wasn't enough cross over from his pirate captain side to his softer side with Eden.  You won't believe the sugary sweet words that flow constantly from the pirate's mouth when he is talking to Eden.  

The ending made for a swash-buckling good, pirate captain, swinging in with a sword, rescuing the damsel in distress, happily ever after.  That might be even better than a knight in shining armor!  I loved it.  The book was fluffy and diverting and full of all things romantic.

This is a clean romance.

You can purchase Swept to Sea at Amazon.

Heather Manning is a young lady who loves to read—and write. She has won multiple competitions for her writing with “Nextgen Writers” and placed first in some writing contests with the “Go Teen Writers” blog and is a proud member of ACFW. She lives in Missouri where she attends high school, acts in community theatre, eats donuts and reads every Inspirational Historical Romance she can get her hands on.

Book Blast: All the Finer Things by Stephanie Worlton

Married to one of the most lucrative and sought after plastic surgeons in SoCal, Megan Hamilton has it all. Her posh life, designer clothes, and stunning penthouse leave her wanting for nothing… or do they? Controlled by his obsessive pursuit of perfection, Doctor Matthew Hamilton will stop nothing short of breaking his young, spirited bride into a subservient trophy wife. But when parenthood enters their picture, the entire game changes. How far will Megan have to go to escape Matt's obsessive control and abuse? And how much will she have to lose before she gets there?

~Sometimes money costs too much ~

Stephanie Worlton is excited to announce the release of her newest novel All the Finer Things. As part of her book launch, she will be giving away one autographed print copy and one eBook copy of All the Finer Things.

To learn more about the book and TO ENTER TO WIN simply visit the author's Kreating Krazy blog.

  About the Author:  Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and feed her creative spirit. She has been blessed to be a stay at home mom to her four children, many of whom share her artistic tendencies. She spends her days designing, building, painting, drawing, landscaping, and snuggling with her dogs. She has her own collection of power tools, a plethora of camera equipment, and a passion for shoes. All the Finer Things is her third published work. To learn more about Stephanie and her other books, please visit her website. 

His Hometown Girl by Karen Rock + Giveaways Galore!

On tour with Prism Book Tours...

Welcome to my Book Tour stop for
His Hometown Girl

His Hometown Girl
by Karen Rock
Mass Market Paperback, Large Print, 331 pages
March 1st 2014 by Harlequin


He'd always managed to best her…

Jodi Chapman will do whatever it takes to get top care for her autistic son. If that means going home and convincing local farmers to sell their land, so be it. Even if her biggest opponent, childhood rival Daniel Gleason, is equally determined to convince farmers to buy into his co-op plan. And he's not playing fair.

Facing off against Daniel is the last thing Jodi wants. The attraction that's always fueled their competitiveness is as strong as ever and just as distracting. But with both their futures on the line, and years of distrust between them, how can they ever be on the same side?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * eHarlequin
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I'm happy to be a part of this blog tour for His Hometown Girl by Karen Rock.  My thanks to Prism Book Tours for allowing me to hang with them.

This book has the perfect small town, country summer setting.  I loved the feel this lent the story.  Daniel fit perfectly into this setting and I could easily picture him around the farm and interacting with the people he had known all his life.

Jodi is a mom desperate to help her child.  Her focus is to get enough money to send her son to the very best school to help him with his autistic struggles.  Being a single mother is hard and even harder when you are dealing with a child that has special needs.  I think the author did a good job of portraying Jodi's loyalty and desperation.  I really felt for her.

The battle between Daniel and Jodi is very real.  It goes on for what feels like forever when you are a reader wanting them to figure things out and get together.  That's my impatience talking.  I really enjoyed this book and I will admit that when Daniel and Jodi call a semi-truce of sorts and start being nicer to each other I breathed a sigh of relief.  This was a fluffy read, and a great distraction with a happily ever after that I loved.

This is a sweet, clean romance.

Karen Rock has adored romance since receiving Harlequin Presents books from her grandmother each summer. She formed her Young Adult writing partnership, J.K. Rock- pseudonym for the CAMP BOYFRIEND series, with her sister-in-law and Blaze author, Joanne Rock in 2011. When Karen heard of a call for submissions to Heartwarming, Harlequin’s latest line, she was inspired by the possibilities of writing unforgettable, deeply romantic, tender love stories that mothers would feel comfortable sharing with their daughters. When she’s not writing, Karen loves scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, hiking the ‘high peaks’, and redesigning her gardens. 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. 

For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website, Facebook page, or follow her on twitter. She’d love to hear from you!

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Grand Prize: Hand-stitched, authentic Amish quilt (uses their overlapping heart-stitching- pattern), with matching dust ruffle for a king-sized bed, signed copies of Wish Me Tomorrow & Camp Boyfriend, and some surprise swag (US Only)

1 - Paperback/ebook copies of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (format is winner's choice, paperback for US Only) and $20 Amazon gift card

2 - ebooks of Wish Me Tomorrow and Camp Boyfriend (INT)

March 3 - 23

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Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

I was excited to be approved for this title on NetGalley.  I have always enjoyed books by Denise Hunter and I really wanted to read this one.  My thanks right up front to Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me to read and review for them.

Jade has surely dealt with some tough blows so far in life.  She left Chapel Springs to follow her dreams, to move past the old hurts.  She has hope as she sets out.  But her plans are dashed, her sorrow deep.  Scared and harboring secrets, she returns home.

Jade is stronger than she gives herself credit for.  She is trying to put her life back together and do things herself but she soon realizes that she needs people.  She needs help.  She has to let go of the secrets and trust again.  

I just love Daniel.  All through the book I just kept thinking "that poor boy".  ha.  Hopelessly in love with a girl who has never loved him back.  "That poor boy."  His struggles are real.  He wants to help Jade, he wants to love her.  But loving her like a brother is NOT what how he wants to go about it.  Seriously, "that poor boy."  Daniel is so good to Jade.  He hold her secrets and shares and gives.  He is an angel boy.

I think this was one of my very favorite books by Denise Hunter.  I really, really enjoyed it.  This is one I would probably re-read when I had a hankering for a good love story.

This is a Christian Fiction book.  It releases officially tomorrow!  Find it at Amazon.