A Whole New World (A Twisted Tale) by Liz Braswell

Welcome to a new YA series that reimagines classic Disney stories in surprising new ways. Each book asks the question: What if one key moment from a familiar Disney film was changed? This dark and daring version ofAladdin twists the original story with the question: What if Jafar was the first one to summon the Genie?

When Jafar steals the Genie’s lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish.To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed Princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war.

What happens next? A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

When I saw this new book series by Disney I was really interested.  Remaking classic Disney stories into something new in the YA genre with a twist sounds fun, right?  I really wanted to read this first book to see how it would all go down.

This book starts out almost exactly (verbatim) as the the animated Disney movie of Aladdin but without the singing.  It felt young and not at all like a YA version or a remake.  I really thought about giving up on this book because I was so bored and I was expecting something different.  It felt young, more a middle grade read instead of YA.

But, eventually it does change.  Jafar makes a different decision and it changes the flow and the outline of the story.  Things started to pick up from there but I was still unconvinced.  For me, while the story started to gain some momentum and have more of a YA feel,  I still felt like an outsider looking in.  I didn't actually feel anything and I didn't become engaged emotionally.  The characters fell flat for me.  I just didn't care.  That made it very hard to get through this book.

While I am really not impressed with this first book, I still believe that this series has potential.  Perhaps with the right authors and stories matched up?  I don't know.  If every story follows the movie verbatim in the beginning it will always feel boring and young.  I'll be interested to see what comes next.

Content:  Some violence and dark magic.  No swearing or sexual content beyond some kisses.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith

On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan only have one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. Over the course of twelve hours, they'll retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night will lead them to friends and family, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I was so excited to get a review copy of this book.  I have loved Jennifer Smith's books and I am always on the lookout for her newest book to show up.  The cover is cute, right?  I love the pop of pink on this one and I love how all her books look similar and have a continuity to them.

So, I'm going to say right off that I was titch disappointed in a couple things in this book. First, the sex between two teenagers.  Not described, but obviously there.  Second, the under-aged drinking.  I just didn't think either of those things needed to be in there to make the story real or good.

 The main characters are just graduating high school and heading off to college.  He wants to stay together, she insists that they should break up.  Clare has planned the whole night before they leave to go through memories that she and Aidan share.  I loved that idea.  And man, you won't believe what they can fit into one night.  It's like living weeks in one twelve hour period.  With each place or event, we get another piece that is Clare and Aidan- their history and their love.  The story involves family issues as well as friends and seriously, it really felt like I lived a lifetime with these two characters in what was supposed to be 12 hours.  I thought the whole idea was fun and romantic.  I loved how the story came together.  I felt like I was on a journey and I couldn't help but be caught up.

This wasn't my favorite book from Jennifer Smith.  It was a solid story, but just not my favorite from her.  I will be on the lookout for the next book because when all is said and done, Jennifer Smith has a writing style that is uniquely her and I love that.  

Love on a Whim by Aubrey Mace + $25 Giveaway!

Six months out of law school, Rachel Pearce is completely disillusioned by her job hunt. Despite pounding the pavement with her Ivy League degree in hand, her job prospects are no brighter than the day she graduated. Then in a chance meeting with a former acquaintance, eccentric young millionaire Henry Walker, Rachel finds an unexpected opportunity: Henry is looking for a personal secretary. Swallowing her pride, Rachel sets aside her law firm aspirations for what she envisions as secretarial work—mountains of paperwork and filing. But when she finds her most demanding duty to be daily cookie runs for her new boss, she’s baffled by her unconventional job responsibilities.

As she’s pulled into Henry’s delightful whims, caught in a whirlwind of private jets and fancy dinners, Rachel finds herself inexplicably drawn to this handsome and charismatic man. But reality always has a way of intruding, and logic tells her that this adventure can’t last. When real life inevitably comes calling, Rachel must decide if she’s willing to trade in her dream of success in the courtroom for a chance at love.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

I love the cover for this book!  It's so cute and it makes me want to eat cookies.  Actually, I wanted to eat cookies throughout this whole book.  One of these days I am going to get to the bakery spotlighted in this book because it is an actual place.  How fantastic is that?!

This book is lighthearted and fun.  I enjoyed the interactions between Rachel and Henry- the banter and the little zing pinging back and forth.  Rachel thinks she knows Henry and she does to some degree but not entirely.  Henry is generous and caring.  He has such a soft heart and he uses the resources at his disposal to help and take care of other people without announcing it to the world.  I love that.

I read through this book quickly because it was so fun and I didn't want to put it down.  It was the perfect little romantic escape for a summer day.

Content:  Clean!  No swearing or sexual situations.  There are a couple mentions of the couple being LDS but absolutely nothing preachy at all.  This book can be enjoyed by all.

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Tour Schedule: 

*July 27th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://iamareader.com/

*July 28th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*July 29th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*July 30th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/

*July 31st: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

Beck's Peace (Harmon Heritage #2) by Dora Hiers

Burn survivor Savvy McCord doesn't blame her best friend for running away. She can't even look at her scars without wincing. When Beck's disappearing act spans years, she relinquishes dreams of love and marriage. Unable to face Savvy's expectations of happily-ever-after, Beck Harmon deserts her, far away from the rumors that he's just like his father. When the wanderer returns, dreams of forever blossom in Savvy's heart, but she worries he'll leave again. Can Beck convince Savvy that her true beauty comes from her inner strength and faith? Will his idea to help burn victims regain their self-confidence restore Savvy's trust in him? Will love be what the wanderer needs to find peace for his hurting soul?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Beck's Peace is the second book in the Harmon Heritage series.  I read the first book, Rori's Healing, not too long ago and really enjoyed it so picking up the next book for review was a no brainer.  I think Beck's Peace can stand alone but I think you will enjoy it more if you read Rori's Healing first.

Beck took off years ago leaving his family and friends behind.  He's been wandering the country, working and running from his past.  One of those people Beck left behind is Savvy, his friend, his love and his sister's best friend.

Savvy thought Beck loved her but then he saw her burn scars and took off, leaving her heart devastated.  Now he is back and trying to make amends but Savvy doesn't trust him but she still loves him.

Now Beck is trying to prove himself worthy.  He is fighting to help Savvy see her beauty- inside and out.  

I loved this book.  I thought it was full of emotion and that tension that makes you want to keep reading.  Beck works so hard to make up for his absence with his family and Savvy.  He wants to be there for them.  The family connection was fantastic and I was really rooting for both Beck and Savvy the whole way.  

Today is release day for Beck's Peace!  Yay!  No waiting, only reading.  :)  I hope you all enjoy this series as much as I have!

This is a clean romance.  Christian Fiction.  No swearing or sexual situations.

Another Time for Love by Lynne Larson + $25 and book Giveaway

Salt Lake County, Present Day
Sam Carroll is living life in the fast lane--sleek cars, nice clothes, and lovely ladies have replaced the gospel values he grew up with, and he's going nowhere fast. But when a serious car accident brings his fun to a screeching halt, Sam is left comatose, aware only of his older brother reading aloud from the hundred-year-old journal of an LDS bishop, Moroni Chadester. As Sam drifts in and out of consciousness, the words begin to take root in his mind . . .

Alpine, Utah, 1915
Standing on a dusty mountain road, Sam is bewildered. The cars are different. The clothes are different. Where and when is he? The answer comes from an impossible source: Bishop Moroni Chadester. Hurtled back in time by forces he can't understand, Sam finds his memories of modern existence quickly fading as he becomes immersed in a new life and a romance with the town beauty, Laney Williams. But as the pair becomes entangled in a murder mystery, the thrill of courtship is replaced by terror as fate conspires to bring the couple into the path of a killer. Little do they realize that the clock is ticking on more than their lives Sam can't stay in the past forever. As danger looms ever closer, Sam must fight to save Laney. But can their love stand the test of time?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This book is and LDS historical time travel novel.  I love how so many genres get mashed together these days.  It's like anything goes.  

Sam gets in a car accident and is comatose.  His brother reads to him from a journal from long ago.  Sam finds himself living in the world from the journal as his own world begins to fade.  We experience the world of 1915 through Sam's eyes.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book and I could easily picture the story playing out in my mind like a movie.  The book moved along slowly and even though this book is on the shorter side, it took me awhile to get through it.  It didn't grip and hold my attention like I would've liked.  But, like I said, there were many enjoyable parts to this book.  The ending was the best bit for me.

This is an LDS fiction book so religion and religious elements play a large role in the plot and with the characters.  The book is gentle in nature and clean.  It has a sweet romance.

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*July 20th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

*July 21st: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/

*July 22nd: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*July 23rd: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*July 24th: http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 

Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity (Meet Your Match #3) by Rachael Anderson + $50 Giveaway

   

 Home from college for the summer, Samantha Kinsey steps into her role as nanny for her two favorite little charges. But when she finds herself playing chauffeur more than playmate, her summer outlook quickly turns from fun to bleak. That is, until she drives the girls to a family-owned ranch and meets Colten McCoy—a genuine, hard-working cowboy, who's as set in his ways as he is handsome. Although he claims he doesn't need any fun in his life, Sam’s determined to help him find it. But she'll soon discover that cowboys are about as easy to train as wild mustangs. Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity is about an adaptable girl and a not so adaptable guy. It’s about learning to accept people for who they are and realizing that sometimes who they are is exactly who they should be.

Purchase your copy from AMAZON

I am always, always positively giddy when I get to read a new book by Rachael Anderson.  She is one of my all time favorite authors.  The way she writes just clicks with me and takes me right to my happy place.  

I've been looking forward to reading Sam's story from the beginning of this series.  Sam is a fun loving, happy girl.  She knows how to enjoy life but she also knows how to work hard and love well.  She is someone I would like to be friends with.  Colten is more like Sam than she thinks.  He also is loyal and hard working.  Not to mention handsome.  There is just something about cowboys.  

The connection between Sam and Colten is fantastic.  I liked how things progressed between them.  It felt natural and normal.  I bought into their relationship and felt personally invested in their outcome.  It was also good to have characters from previous books around in this book.  It really felt like settling in with old friends.

I loved this book and I love this series.  If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, you really should.  It's fantastic clean romance.

Author Rachael Anderson USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

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Get the Meet Your Match Boxed Set

$50 Book Blast Giveaway Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/31/15 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

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Worth Waiting For (The Skeleton in My Closet #2) by Sally Johnson + $25 Giveaway

Sophia thought she was over her broken heart, but the news that her roommate has eloped with Sophia's ex-husband hits the nineteen-year-old like a ton of bricks. She knows she should be fine with the unexpected revelation--after all, her boyfriend, Luke, is incredible, but it would seem her heart is not as resilient as she thought. And as Luke prepares to leave for his European study abroad, Sophia's feelings of fear and inadequacy threaten to overwhelm her.

A summer with her family in Las Vegas gives Sophia the time she needs but she still can't shake the questions haunting her, the questions that continually threaten to put more than physical distance between Luke and her. Is she really ready to jump into a new relationship when the last one ended so painfully? Will her divorce always define her? Is she the one with the problem?

As she wistfully observes others' love stories blossoming around her, Sophia must decide whether she's prepared to take another chance on love. Luke's return from Europe forces Sophia to confront the decision she's not sure she's prepared for--will her troubled past destroy the happy ending she's always dreamed of?

I didn't realize when I started reading this book that it was the second book in the series.  I haven't read the first book (The Skeleton in My Closet Wears a Wedding Dress) and I don't know if that affected my reading or not.  I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything big and I was never lost as to how the story was going but I was probably missing out on knowing the characters better since they were also in the first book.

Sophia has been through a lot of emotional turmoil in her young 19 years.  While she seems to be making some headway in moving forward, she keeps looking back.  She just cannot seem to let go of the hurt and worry.  I liked Sophia, but I didn't fall in love with her.  Maybe that's where not reading the first book comes into play?  I found myself frustrated with her a lot of the book.

Luke is like the patient prince of the kingdom.  He is gentle with Sophia and he is kind.  But everyone has their limits and Luke reaches his and finally gets as frustrated with Sophia as I did.  

I liked this book.  It was a firm like for me but it wasn't love because I was frustrated by Sophia for too much of the book.  This is an LDS fiction book so religion plays a large part in the book and in the character's decision making.

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Schedule: 

*July 13th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/   

*July 14th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ 

*July 15th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/

*July 16th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/

Imperfect (Disappeared Book 1) by Bronwyn Kienapple

England, 1813. Lady Theodosia feels she has no choice but to marry a man she doesn't love. That is until she stumbles into a different universe — an astonishing, mystical forest inhabited by the Nextic, a peaceful people who live close to nature.

Ahuil is fiercely independent until he meets Theodosia. Cut off from his own people, he nurses a dark secret. But in Theodosia he sees someone he can trust ... and love.

As her visits to his universe become more frequent, Theodosia is convinced she's found paradise. But a great change is coming to Ahuil's world. Half-beings roam the ruins of an unknown civilization and a growing mist appears to be preparing to wipe out his people — forever.

Torn between her family and a profound love, Theodosia is haunted by a question she cannot shake — in the face of terrible danger, how much is she willing to risk for love?

Two imperfect worlds. One unlikely romance. An impossible choice.

Imperfect takes you on an incredible journey that spans Regency England and a fantasy world unlike any you've ever imagined. Embrace the power of love and the yearning to be known in this tale of an irresistible heroine and the man who loves her, despite everything.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is a regency, time travel, fantasy romance.  All in one.  Crazy stuff, I'm telling you.  It was interesting to see how the author meshed all those genres together.

This book was on the shorter side, I thought.  It starts off a bit slow but it did pick up and it didn't take me long to read through it.  The end is a bit of a cliff hanger so it leaves you wanting more.  

I thought this was a good book, mostly surface for me as my emotions never got involved, but I appreciated the creativity as the author is obviously trying to create something different from most books out there.

Light Unshaken (Unveiled #2) by Crystal Walton

It’s real. It has to be. Twenty-two-year-old college student Emma Matthews gained too much ground last year for it all to be a dream. She has an engagement ring on her finger to prove it. Not to mention an internship she’s made for.

After a summer of overcoming her fears, Emma can’t afford for the news she just received to shake her. Not when it might jeopardize her future with Riley. And not when the kids in downtown Portland are counting on her to keep the center’s doors open. With the added strain of a broken relationship and an unexpected friendship reminding her what’s at stake, what other choice does she have?

But as mounting danger compromises her safety, friction intensifies until the risk of keeping her promise threatens all she’s fought to believe. Caught in a moment when every light in her life goes out, Emma must find the courage to lead her heart no matter what it costs her.

Falling in love is as easy as falling asleep. Holding on to that love is like trying to hold on to a dream. Even when it feels more real than life. Join Emma in this inspiring story about real love, costly choices, and the courage to fight for what you believe in.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Not long ago I reviewed the first book in this series, Eyes Unveiled.  (You can read my review HERE.)  Light Unshaken is the second book in this series and I would really recommend reading Eyes Unveiled before starting this book.  The emotional back history is something you need to understand.

What I love about this series is the emotional pull it has.  I am drawn into Emma's world and I see and feel things with her.  Emma is a character people can relate to- her emotions, her desire to make a difference, her vulnerability, and even her mistakes.  

Emma and Riley are engaged in this book and fully in love but then Riley is made an offer he cannot refuse and suddenly they are worlds apart and fighting for the love they thought was so strong.  Emma feels far away and left out of Riley's busy world.  She fights loneliness and doubt.  Emma keeps herself busy though and tries not to wallow.  She has a goal, a place and people that need her.  She wants to make a difference but it is hard work and the danger that surrounds her seems to be escalating.  The emotions are high in this book for sure.

Falling in love is easy to do.  Staying in love and fighting for that love when things get hard is something else entirely.  I enjoyed this book and I read through it quickly.  It has a fantastic forward momentum with that emotional pull that I love when reading.  This book left off in a place that surely cannot be the end so I am assuming that means another book is to come.  I hope.  :)

Content:  Clean

Counting On a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

After losing everything dear to her, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy spurs her to wonder if maybe love is worth the risk. Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the homey town of Wishing Springs, Texas, after her favorite advice columnist found love and a home there. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby too . . . if she's brave enough to reach out and take it. Bo Monahan isn't interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become--or the women who might be looking at him like he's their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn't looking for serious romantic commitments. But unexpectedly the young child he never knew about appears on his doorstep and Bo's world is turned upside down. This confirmed bachelor might not need a wife, but he sure needs a woman . . . and newcomer Abby Knightly is definitely a woman. When she comes to his rescue to help him navigate fatherhood, he slowly uncovers her own history. And suddenly Bo's thinking maybe, just maybe, together they can help each other work through the problems of the past to create a future of their own.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I was so excited to get my hands on this book.  I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it.  There is just something about cowboys...

This is the second book in this Four of Hearts Ranch series.  I don't think this book is dependent on the first book but I think you will enjoy it more if you read 

Betting on Hope (A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance Book 1) first.

Bo is a good man.  He's made a few mistakes but he is trying to be better, to do better and to be honorable.  He works hard and he is loyal to his family.  Those are attractive traits in any man.  I love when Bo decides he wants Abby and is determined to have her.  His all in attitude drives the book.

Abby is broken and trying to find herself.  She is forcing herself to be brave and live again.  I really enjoyed Abby's determination to take steps forward, even when sometimes she also took steps back.  She was a character I was rooting for from the very beginning.  

I just loved this book and I love this series!  It's one of my favorites.  The setting, the characters, the emotion- spot on.  Love!

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Annette Lyon Collection

The ANNETTE LYON COLLECTION contains brand new contemporary romance novella OUR SONG, as well as five hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Annette’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of three contemporary and three historical romance novellas.

In OUR SONG, a charming romance novella, Cassie and Matt have been dating in the Yellowstone area for two years, and things are, well, average. When Cassie meets up with two college friends who are visiting, their love lives like sound like fairy tales: rose petals, chocolates, candles on the beach… Cassie goes home feeling like she’s missing out. After all, repeatedly watching Old Faithful erupt and walking through sulfur-smelling gases at Fountain Paint Pot don’t exactly say “romance.” Maybe things with Matt aren’t going anywhere, and it’s time to move on. Then she discovers that perception and reality are completely different things. Now she can only hope it isn’t too late to show Matt how much she really cares.

In the sweet novella GOLDEN SUNRISE, Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she's putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

FIRSTS AND LASTS, an enchanting novella, begins with Dani’s last week in New York. She’s failed in her dreams to catch a break as an actress and is now ready to return home and dust herself off. As she visits the places on her final to-see list, she meets Mark, another New York City transplant with big dreams. Except Mark hasn’t given up on his. As they spend the day together, Dani realizes that even though she hasn’t hit the “big time” she might be living her dream after all. Only problem: she has a one-way ticket back home.

In the compelling novella WAR OF HEARTS, Anna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her now-former boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland. She arrives at a snowy Finnish battlefront only to discover that Pete is already there—as her photographer. She’s determined to be professional about the situation until a battle breaks out in camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way and putting their love to the test.

The captivating novella BETWEEN THE LINES follows Jane Martin, who is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find true friendship. The program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected, and unknown to Jane, one of the men in her city becomes her writing friend. Thomas Allred has always known shy and quiet Jane, but reading her letters written to his secret persona, opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. The only trouble is, Jane doesn’t know that the man who she is falling in love with through letters is also Thomas, the man who is falling in love with her in person.

In the charming novella A TASTE OF HOME, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

If you have been reading the Timeless Romance Series, you will be familiar with Annette Lyon.  She has contributed to many collections and her novellas are always fantastic.  In this book all her novellas are compiled into one place, which is awesome!  

There is a new novella, "Our Song" in addition to those novellas found in previous collections.  I actually hadn't read Golden Sunrise either so that one was new to me.  All the other novellas are ones I have read before (and really liked).

Our Song was such a good story.  Cassie wonders if her relationship with Matt is stagnant and boring when compared to her friend's flashy romances.  I love how she realizes that love is many different things.  Comfortable and dependable are two very important parts of love.  It was such a sweet story.  I really loved it.

Golden Sunrise is about a second chance at first love.  The relationship moved quickly but they had a history to draw from and I really enjoyed it.  I loved how Adam pursues Natalie, reminding her of all the good parts of their young love.  It was romantic and fun.

You really can't go wrong reading all these novellas.  They each have a different flavor- a few contemporary, a few historical but all clean and sweet.  You will end each one feeling good.

The Friendship Tour by Tara Taylor Quinn- Review and Giveaways!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Check out all of Tara's events HERE.

The Friendship Pact

by Tara Taylor Quinn
Adult Romance, Women's Fiction

Paperback & ebook, 245 pages
June 1st 2014 by MIRA

This is a story for every woman who has a best friend...

Bailey Watters and Koralynn Mitchell consider themselves "sisters of the soul." Their circumstances growing up couldn't have been more different; Kora came from a wealthy, privileged family, while Bailey's home life was hard. They'd do anything for each other. "I'd give you a kidney," they always say. There are no secrets between them--until there's one secret Bailey can't share.

This is a story for every woman who's been in love.

Danny Brown is the only man Kora's ever wanted, ever loved, and her marriage seems as flawless as everything else in her life. Bailey, however, doesn't want a husband. She does want a baby--but only by IVF. And the perfect donor, the perfect biological father, would be a man like...Danny.

What happens when love and friendship collide?

Kora might be willing to give Bailey a kidney. But what about a baby?

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

Once Upon a Friendship

(The Historic Arapahoe #1)

by Tara Taylor Quinn

Adult Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
July 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

They’re a team...not a couple!

Falling for Liam was unthinkable. He and Gabi had been best friends since college, nothing more. And crucially, now Liam was her client and needed her to be focused on his case. Gabi could never risk their friendship — or Liam’s freedom — over these feelings. They could never be a couple, anyway. He was Liam Connelly, the handsome and privileged son of a billionaire. She was Gabrielle Miller, the girl who’d fought her way out of poverty and put herself through law school. They were unlikely friends to begin with. Anything more was impossible. Unless...he felt it, too.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

For this tour I read Once Upon a Friendship.  I did not read The Friendship Pact so my review will only be for Once Upon a Friendship.

Once Upon a Friendship is part of the Harlequin Heartwarming line which means it is sweet and clean.  This book is more about friendship and family than romance though.  The romance is barely there and when it does show up, it is mostly suppressed until the very end.  

Gabi and Liam have been friends for a very long time and consequently, know each other very well.  Neither one of them want to ruin the best friendship they've ever had by acting on the feelings of attraction that have suddenly bloomed after more than a decade of friendship.  But Gabi is helping Liam fight a legal case and they are spending a lot of time together.  It gets harder and harder for them to fight the attraction they feel.

I did enjoy the cast of characters here.  It was easy to feel their camaraderie and loyalty to each other.  Friendship is the best base for a romantic relationship, I think.  Well, friendship and attraction.  :)  This was an easy going book.  It was gentle in nature and never really got my heart pounding but it was solid and had a good flow to it.

The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. She is known for delivering deeply emotional and psychologically astute novels of suspense and romance. Tara is a recipient of the Reader’s Choice Award, a five time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award and appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists. Tara is the past-president of Romance Writers of America and served eight years on that board of directors. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning and is a frequent guest speaker. In her spare time Tara likes to travel, climb Arizona mountains, and inline skate.

Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233. 

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Just as the social sharing contest Tara is running through all her tour events this summer (details here) she's also hosting a giveaway for those who share quotes from her about friendship. There are three different choices all provided below to share. Share one or all just once or every day this week!

QUOTE #1

QUOTE #2

QUOTE #3 

Prizes include:
US PRIZE: Girlfriend note cards, mini-book full of quotes, "friends" picture frame, friends wall plaque, and ebooks of The Friendship Pact and Once Upon a Friendship.
INT PRIZE: Two (2) winners will receive ebook copies of The Friendship Pact and Once Upon a Friendship.

*Share must be public to be eligible. Can share once each day. Ends July 17th. Enter via the Rafflecopter link below.

ENTER HERE

Follow the Tour 

July 5th: Launch

July 6th: Christian Chick's Thoughts, undercover book reviews, & Hardcover Feedback

July 7th: underneath the covers, deal sharing aunt, & Diana's Book Reviews

July 8th: beck valley books, Mel's Shelves, Words for the Journey, & Wishful Endings

July 9th: Christy's Cozy Corners, Getting Your Read On, Life as Leels, & Colorimetry

July 10th: Katie's Clean Book Collection, Copywrite1985, & i blog 4 books

July 12th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaways

$10 VISA Gift Card & ebooks of The Friendship Pact and Once Upon a Friendship (INT)

Print copy of Once Upon a Friendship & a Spend the Summer with TTQ T-shirt (US only)

ebooks of The Friendship Pact and Once Upon a Friendship  (INT)

Ends July 17th

(All to one winner - US only.)

$10 VISA Gift Card

Copies of all five books on Tara's Summer Tour

Spend the Summer with TTQ T-Shirt

Ends July 16th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Veils and Vengeance (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 2) by Rachelle J. Christensen

When wedding planner, Adrielle Pyper, goes to Hawaii to orchestrate a destination wedding, she isn't prepared for what she finds.

After the trauma of her previous event, the beautiful isle of Kauai is the perfect place for Adri to unwind and do what she does best – plan. She even lets herself indulge in the attention of the groom’s handsome brother. But just when everything seems to be perfect, an afternoon snorkeling trip turns to murder when Adri discovers the body of a young woman.

Shaken, but unable to let it go, Adri’s sleuthing leads her into more danger than she could imagine. When a number of “accidents” threaten her own life, it soon becomes apparent that someone will do anything to keep Adri from interfering with their vengeance.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is the second book in the Wedding Planner Mystery series by Rachelle Christensen and it releases today!  If you haven't read the first book, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things, you might want to before picking up this book.  While I believe this book could stand alone, you would really get a better feel for it if you have read the first book.  The backstory that is a huge part of understanding Adri, is explained in depth there.

This is a fun, cozy mystery set in Hawaii.  You just can't go wrong with a Hawaiian setting.  It made me long to be there.  And I will be soon.  I just hope my trip is nothing like Adri's.  I really don't want to find a body while snorkeling!!!!

Adri is a great balance of strong and vulnerable.  She is good at standing up for herself which I really like.  The romance in this book is light- slow growing and very spread out.  The focus is more on the mystery part of the book.

I really enjoyed this book.  It kept me interested and focused which is always a good thing.  This is a fun series and I'll be looking forward to the next installment.  Oh, and it's squeaky clean!  Yay!

The Kiss that Launched 1000 Gifs by Sheralyn Pratt

Each weekday from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Grace and Ashton cohost Battle of the Sexes, a radio program arguing the he-said/she-said issues of the day. Their fiery debates often have listeners wondering if there’s more to their relationship than just talk, even though Grace has been dating Phillip, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Perfect, since long before she ever met Ashton Miller.

Yet when news comes that Battle of the Sexes is on the bubble for cancellation, Grace and Ashton need to step up their efforts to engage their audience to keep the show alive. When a charity organization approaches them and proposes that the two of them kiss for a fund raiser, Grace and Ash agree to kiss for a good cause. A kiss is just a kiss, right?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I'm so excited I got to read this book!  There was a bit of pre-buzz surrounding it in my book circles so of course it was on my radar.  I was told when I signed up to review this book that I wouldn't have that long to review it.  A week, I think.  Ha.  I didn't even need a day!

This is the kind of book that just makes you keep reading.  There is no putting it down, there is no conceding to sleep or children or dinner making.  So, pick up this book when you have plenty of time to read it through or you will be unhappy.  Like me.  Because I made dinner and the whole while I was cursing the fact that we have to eat.  :)

There is build up and tension in this book.  There is banter and sass.  It's sparky (like sparklers) and I loved it all.  I just couldn't help myself.  Now I want more.  More I want now.  I think I have a problem.

As far as content goes, this book is a clean romance.  There are references to the MC's past sexual relationships with other people but nothing of detail.  There is some sexual innuendo.

And, lucky for you, today is release day so you don't have to wait to read it!  It's the perfect summer by the pool or the beach or enjoying your AC book.  Happy Reading!