The Other Side of the Bridge by Camron Wright

Two coasts. Two strangers.
And a bridge that silently beckons them both.

Katie Connelly has lived in San Francisco all her life. Her late father made his career on the Golden Gate Bridge, and the many stories of how he saved jumpers still haunt her. And now her job assignment is to write about the history of the bridge—a history that includes a secret journal about a promise ring and a love story that may be the answer to her unresolved sorrow.

Meanwhile, Dave Riley, a marketing executive in New York, has sorrows of his own. Grasping at straws after tragedy strikes his family, he decides to follow a daydream that has turned into an obsession: to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge on a motorcycle on the Fourth of July.

Does the bridge somehow mysteriously hold the answers both Katie and Dave are looking for? Or will they find something completely different when they get to the other side?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I was really looking forward to reading this book.  The cover alone would make me pick up this book because I LOVE the Golden Gate Bridge.  It is beautiful and because I grew up not too far from it, it speaks of home to me.

One thing I loved about this book was the bits of history it gave me about the bridge.  It made me want to go find a book about the Golden Gate and read it myself.  I love when books inspire me to know more about something or someone.

This book is basically two different stories in one.  One is about Katie, the other about Dave.  The two intersect toward the end but it wasn't in the way I was thinking it would be.  The story itself is gentle and slow.  There is nothing heart pounding or climactic about it, just two people dealing with different struggles in life, trying to find answers.

My favorite book by this author is The Rent Collector.  I loved that book.  I wouldn't say this book is better than that one, but it was still enjoyable.  I think every person who reads it will find a bit of themselves in it.

Content:  death, mild swearing, mention of affairs

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

On Tour with How I Fall/How I Fly by Anne Eliot + Excerpt and a $25 Giveaway!

 

  How I Fall by Anne Eliot *WHAT IF YOU HAD AN IMPOSSIBLE CRUSH?* Impossible because she’s Ellen Foster. The beautiful, smart, and possibly fragile photography-girl. You’re Cam Campbell. The guy who plays football 24/7 with no life. But what if during junior year, you decide to finally try for her phone number—until this glitter-crazed new girl ruins your plan. Worse, the girl is Irish, awkward, and insists you and Ellen should become best friends—with her! Only, you don’t want to be friends with a human tornado, and you think Ellen might need to stay a crush. This is because after one interaction you’ve discovered Ellen Foster really is fragile. Your problems and secrets are too big for anyone to understand. *WHAT IF YOU COULDN’T RESIST?* But what if the three of you wind up assigned to a group photography project, where rumors are already circling about the new girl being ridiculous? You know she’s nice but very alone, so you convince your crush to help protect the new girl. Suddenly, working on the project makes hanging out, texting, talking—and even high school—seem fun and completely normal when it’s anything but normal. *WHAT IF YOU KISS?* What if you kiss Ellen Foster and it’s perfect enough to make you believe in things you shouldn’t. You tell her secrets and share your dreams. You make the kinds of promises and create plans to be together that might be impossible to keep when you’re only sixteen and your parents control your entire future, but... WHAT IF YOU HURT HER?  

Amazon

How I Fly by Anne Eliot *WHAT IF IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON...?* Over six months after an accident that broke her legs as well as removed her boyfriend from her life—because Cam Campbell left town and dumped her—high school senior, Ellen Foster, wants to move past her broken heart. She’s off to attend a summer photography workshop at a real university along with her best friends. Ellen’s determined to find a new love—or at least a summer boyfriend. In the dorm, she meets Harrison Shaw. He’s a handsome photography student, a charmer who likes her, and a perfect way to forget her past. *WHAT IF IT ALL GOES PERFECTLY...?* Ellen thinks she has everything she wants. Her summer program couldn’t be better. She’s half in love with Harrison Shaw, and she’s going after her next scholarship. But when she kisses Harrison, she can only remember how Cam Campbell used kiss her better, sweeter, and how he used to make her feel like she could fly… *WHAT IF SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT...?* When Cam shows up at the university it’s a shock, especially to Ellen’s new boyfriend. Cam’s distant, different and very afraid to hurt Ellen again. He asks Ellen if they could be friends despite the past and how they’ve both changed and Ellen agrees. But after all they’ve been through, can Cam and Ellen ever be just friends? *WHAT IF...?*

Amazon

   

For this review, I read both How I Fall and How I Fly.  This is a two part book series and you really cannot read the second without reading the first.  You would be hopelessly lost and missing out on way too much.  

These are YA book.  The characters are juniors in high school.  For the most part, they act and talk like teenagers.  The teenage high school drama is all there, in full force.  But there were moments when the characters acted and spoke much older than the 16-17 year olds that they are.  Especially in the second book.  

I couldn't help but be drawn in by these characters.  They were all so well defined.  By the end of the books, I really felt like I knew them.  They were familiar to me and I was attached to them.  

There is a lot of internal dialogue going on in these book.  We "hear" both Ellen's and Cam's thoughts.  Ellen has a lot of very amusing thoughts and they made me smile.  But sometimes I felt like it was a little much.  Every single thought was spelled out for me, leaving nothing to my own imagination.  I always knew exactly what Ellen and Cam were both thinking.  Sometimes I liked it, sometimes I didn't.

I love the circle of friendship the four main characters build.  They look out for each other and they help each other.  Each in their own way.  It was good to see.

I love the photography aspect to these books.  This was a fun way for not only the characters to connect to each other, but for me to connect with them.  It played a huge part in the plot of these books.  I also feel like I learned a little something about Cerebral Palsy that will hopefully make me more empathetic and kind.

My biggest complaint about these books would be the swearing (there is quite a bit of it), followed by the sexual innuendo which increased substantially in the second book.  For those reasons, I will not be handing these books off to my teenage daughter which is unfortunate because aside from those things, I really did enjoy these books.  They are engaging and emotional.  The first love, second chance at first love was so, so sweet.

Enjoy the following excerpt!

I pause at the corner down from the bus stop so I can regain some control. Both legs—the good one and the bad—are quaking dangerously. I’m also breathing like I’ve run a marathon in thick maple syrup instead of simply walking five blocks, but who cares? I’ve just navigated sidewalks covered with snow and ice with no crutches and no cane for the first time in my life. And I did not fall. Not once!

I check my phone to record the time and what I see has me almost gasping out loud.

*Crowd roars. She waves. She bows. She’s got ten minutes to burn!*

Because I have mild Cerebral Palsy, my physical therapist, Nash, would normally get half of the credit here. But it was my idea to pull double workouts all summer and fall. This victory is all mine, but either way, I can’t wait to give him a report. He’s going to be so proud. This will prove to him there is light at the end of my tunnel. The guy is so gloom and doom. He’s always thinking about my future and making predictions based on statistics, while I’m trying to convince him that I can write my own statistics.

Today, I will get to be the one who’s right!

Breath caught up, I straighten my messenger bag and face the bus stop ready for anything and anyone this day might try to throw at me! But two steps into walking the last half block, the calf of my bad leg spikes a surprise cramp.

“Please…no,” I mutter, jerking to a stop as white-lightning fires up my entire leg. The pain’s so harsh I could swear it’s stopped my heart. Scanning for anything that can save me from a public wobble-wobble-Ellen-falls-down event, I veer off the sidewalk and head for the cars parked on the street. Luckily, I’ve locked my hand onto a car mirror just as the knee on my bad leg buckles completely. For insurance, I lean most of my upper body weight on the dripping car hood, happy that my lumpy, hand-me-down jacket is at least waterproof. Only then do I pull in a slow steady breath and test—and beg—and pray—for my still trembling good leg to be okay.

It holds steady, but since I’m not allowed any guarantees with how my body behaves, I keep a death grip on the car any way I can. At least my sudden move has turned me away from the kids down at the stop. If I’m lucky, no one will have seen how I almost just hit the pavement. Even better, while I work out the kinks in my calf, I’ll be able to pretend that I’m simply admiring the snow and taking pictures of random stuff with my iPhone like I always do.

“Come on. Please. Come on.” I twist my bad ankle in a slow circle while more shards of pain pull my calf even tighter. Elation has disappeared, replaced by lead-heavy frustration.

  

Anne Eliot is the author of the, How I Fall/How I Fly two book series, and bestselling, young adult teen issue romances, Almost and Unmaking Hunter Kennedy. She loves writing about teens who live outside the ordinary and she's devoted to stories about teens who live outside the ordinary but who also get to find sweet first kisses and first loves. Anne resides in Colorado with a very patient husband, two teens of her own whom she adores (an some teens near and far thanks to hosting many exchange students) who are all growing up too fast.  

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Tumblr

   

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/25/15 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

Eve: In the Beginning by H.B. Moore

The first love story on earth... Haunting... Lyrical... Unforgettable...

In a world where everything is perfect, yet the same day after day, Eve must decide if she wants to live forever in the garden with Adam and never know what lies beyond the walls. When she makes a choice with terrible consequences, the pain of mortality is swift. As she and Adam explore their new world, and her body changes, Eve discovers the sweetness of first love with the man who has always been at her side.

I had mixed emotions heading into this book.  Fictional books based on scriptural characters always leave me a bit wary.  Usually as long as I read it like fiction, I'm okay.

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to Adam and Eve so the author was able to take many liberties in creating her work of fiction.  What I enjoyed about this book was that it really got me thinking about a few things in regards to Eve and the Garden of Eden.  I think mostly I appreciated the emotional connection to the real person Eve must have been- with worries, frustrations, joy and love.  

There was one point in the book where I felt like things were just spinning in the same place.  I felt like I had heard it all and it was just being reiterated over and over.  I was ready to move things along.  Once I got past that place, things were good again.

I liked this book although I don't think it's for everyone.  This is a work of fiction and not meant to replace what we know from the scriptures regarding Adam and Eve.  I was interested in the book the whole time and I was a bit sad to have it end.  I'm still thinking about Adam and Eve, days after reading this.  Still wondering.  And that's a good thing!

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele

Crissa, beginning a new life in Willow Springs, finds herself caught between a local miner and a handsome Express rider. Laugh and cry with Crissa as she escapes her past to find true love.

Crissa is hiding something.  You know from the beginning of the book that she holds secrets and as the story progresses you find out bits and pieces.  Crissa is a kind soul, I think.  She is gentle and has a lot of love to give.  She is also strong.  Living through painful and hard things makes you strong.  Fortunately Crissa doesn't allow the hard things to make her hard or bitter.

I really enjoyed this book.  It held my interest and I wondered how it would all work out in the end.  This is a book of secrets.  Every character in this book seems to hold secrets that come out eventually, intertwining and blending together.  The supporting cast of characters were definable and added a lot to the overall feel of the book.

This is a romantic and clean historical fiction book.

You can purchase a copy of this book at Amazon.

My thanks to the publisher, Cedar Fort, for allowing me to read and review this title for them.

Counting Candles by Dustin W. Bradshaw

How much difference do we make? As James Smith approaches 40, his life is mediocre. But his actions have had a vast impact on those around him. Be touched by the extraordinary impact of an ordinary life.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading Counting Candles.  It was a great change of pace for me, something unlike the other books I've been reading and such a breath of fresh air.  

This is the story of a man.  A husband, a father.  He goes to work every day to provide for his family.  He coaches his son's little league team.  He goes out to lunch with his friends occasionally.  He's a normal, every day guy.  But James's story is so much bigger than it seems and not because he has super powers or celebrity status, but just because of the kind of guy he is.

James Smith is kind.  He is considerate.   He works hard at the things that are most important to him.  He cares about other people.  When you are kind, you touch other people.  It is a story as simple as that.

The opening chapters follow James around a few typical days in his life.  Then, in the chapters that follow, we read about how a few moments of James life changed or helped other people from their points of view.  James doesn't even realize the impact of his choices and words at the time but it all comes together at the end of the book.

What I love about this book is the overall message that the little things do matter.  Kindness matters.  You just never know when a small gesture of kindness will change the world for someone else.  Every person has the opportunity for greatness through integrity and kindness.

This book made me feel good.  It was a good reminder that even I, in my ordinary and maybe even mediocre life can bring about good by small and simple things.  Every choice matters.  I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book.

You can purchase this book at Amazon.

Being raised in a small farming community, Dustin Bradshaw thrives on adventure and challenge. Dustin lives by the theme, “If you want to accomplish something, do it!” It was with this attitude that Dustin penned his first book in third grade and, as a senior in high school, entered and won a literary scholarship that he was told no male had ever won. This same adventurous nature has helped Dustin achieve many of his life's goals, including forming that country boy into a accomplished leader. Dustin is now a Foreign Service Officer for the United States Department of State. He and his wife, Hiva, are now posted in Manila, Philippines.

http://www.dustinbradshaw.com/

Deviations by Crystal C. Johnson

Book Title: Deviations

Author: Crystal C. Johnson

Series: Deviations (Book One).

Price: $0.99 USD. 

Category: Fiction

Paperback: 460 pages

“People don’t just create diseases to wipe out nations,” I argue.

“The bubonic plague, typhoid fever, smallpox, the bird flu—would you like me to continue?” His voice rises as if he’s determined to make me understand, “They’re created in labs, then given to people to see who is strong enough to survive them. They’re trying to limit the amount of people in the world.” I watch him stand and turn for the door. “There’s a lot about your parents that you don’t know and the sooner you realize that, the sooner you can start doing something about it.”

From the day we’re born, we’re introduced to the marvels of modern medicine. It is amazing how a simple vaccine can prevent polio, hepatitis B, rotavirus—the list is almost endless. But, what if that were no longer the case? What if the government unleashed each virus for the sole purpose of controlling the population? Henly Sawyer finds herself discovering this truth for the first time, and as she does, the world that she thought she knew shatters. She wakes in Aurora, a quarantine miles from home, and is forced into a grueling reality. Henly strives to piece together the truth about her parents and their involvement in the unfolding chaos. With the help of her new friends, Renner and Dex, Henly sets out to understand a world that is now filled with Deviations—an infected group of violent, murderous humans.

In my book, Deviations = Zombies.  I know they really aren't, because they are supposedly still alive and don't want to eat your brains, just kill you, but they sure seemed very Zombie like to me!  You should see the alternate cover for this book.  It scared me.  (yes.  I am a big chicken.  It's no secret.)

There was a lot that I liked about this book.  It has a definite forward movement that keeps you on your toes, interested in what is happening and wanting to know more.  In most books you get an idea what is really happening through that omnipotent standpoint or though other characters but in this book I was just as clueless as Henly!  Pretty much the whole time.  I totally didn't see that ending coming.

I think I liked Renner and Dex more than Henly.  Maybe even Dex the best.  I liked Dex's chill and how he thought things through.  Yeah, I just liked him.  And his little dog too.

Something I really loved about Henly though was her loyalty to her sister.  She will do anything to find her and save her.  She is single minded and almost desperate in this goal.

Man, the ending is a whopper.  If you love cliff hangers, this is your book.  It's got a big crescendo ending that leaves you hanging over a big, big cliff.  Oh, the betrayal.  Oh, the sadness.  NOOOOOOOOO!

Content:  There is some mild swearing and quite a bit of violence.

You can buy Deviations at Amazon.

So a little bit about me...I'm an avid pinner, addicted to reading and writing, and currently trying to survive motherhood. Let's face it I have a strange addiction to Root Beer, and girl scout thin mints. If I could I would spend my entire day locked in a closet with a flashlight if that meant I could read a book from start to finish. But lets get serious...

I graduated from BYU-I with a BA Degree in Political Science and a minor in English. Along the way I acquired a pretty amazing husband who has helped me create and realize so many dreams. Who knows how many times he's reminded me that I need to sleep to continue living. I also have a baby boy who fits perfectly with his name Cash. Right now I reside in Canada and besides the rainy month (June) I love it.  http://crystalchristinebeanwrites.blogspot.ca/

Spy Noon by Jordan McCollum

We're celebrating the launch of Spy Noon, a prequel novella to I, Spy! You can also find Spy Noon at the special 99¢ launch discount through Singles Awareness Day (Feb 14) on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and JordanMcCollum.com!

About the Book

Canada's the last place you'd expect to find an American spy, but CIA operative Talia Reynolds has problems piling up higher than a Canadian snowbank. When Elliott Monteith, her ridiculously handsome new coworker, shows up (and shows her up), Talia decides it's game on. She'll be the first to track down a dangerous counter-spy, and she'll give Elliott an unforgettable souvenir of his time in Ottawa: some humble pie.

Her plans don't work as well as she expects, though. Elliott's over-the-top flirting dredges up too many painful memories for Talia and undermines the confidence she's worked hard to regain. To do her job and keep her integrity intact, she'll have to keep her personal feelings at bay. Now Talia must find a way to work alongside Elliott—and maybe even trust him—to outsmart the enemy.

This is a review I squeezed in at the last minute because I just couldn't stand to not be a part of it. This spy series by Jordan McCollum is one of my favorites. It is fun, fast paced and full of wit and humor. Spy Noon is a prequel to the full length novels. It is a novella, super short, but also provides that little bit of insight and understanding into the relationship between Talia and Elliott.

 

Elliott is such a character.  Talia has a hard time knowing what he's really about with all the flirting, joking and cockiness.  He's driving Talia crazy but even she has to admit that he is good at what he does and he always has her back.  I loved Talia's "ah-ha" moment at the end of the book.  It settled things in her mind, in my mind, and set the whole stage for the rest of the books.

I loved this novella just as I have loved this whole series.  I'm always happy to see an email pop up regarding something "spy" and new.  It makes me happy.  If you haven't read this series yet, you really, really should.

This book is clean.  :)

Read an excerpt!

This excerpt comes from chapter six. Talia and her handsome (and cocky) new coworker are alone together on an assignment.

Our “date” comes too soon, with me and Elliott stuck in the back of a surveillance van again once the sun sets. We haven’t seen our target coming or going here, but we’re trying to be patient.

Patience is a more than a virtue for a spy. It’s a saving grace. As in something that actually saves you.

Will’s in the Marriott lounge, chilling on one of those yellow leather chairs. Elliott and I stand — sit — at the ready to spring into action, too. As soon as one of us sees the right guy.

Elliott kicks back in his chair again, watching the live feed on the laptop. “So, Canada.”

I don’t move. “You just figure out what country you’re in?”

“I was going to ask you for the lay of the land. Baselining, you know.”

Now I move — to scrutinize him. “You wanted my take?”

“Yeah, sure.”

For a long second of silence, I consider that. He might really think I have something worth contributing?

“Or you could stare at me,” he says. “I’m told it’s a great view.”

Ugh. “How stupid of me, believing you were capable of thinking about work for sixty consecutive seconds.”

“Thinking about work? I was just playing hard to get.” Elliott grins, bowing closer to me. “You know you love me.”

I glare. “Shut. Up. Elliott.”

He reconfigures his smile, growing more mysterious. Like he thinks I’m flirting back — or no, not quite that. But whatever he believes this is, he likes it.

Why this scene? Jordan loves this interchange in particular because she lived it.

More about Spy Noon | Add Spy Noon to Goodreads! 

The Spy Another Day series

I, Spy Book One	Spy for a Spy Book Two
To save her secrets and her country, CIA operative Talia Reynolds must sacrifice the man she loves.	Talia's new boss is her ex-boyfriend. And that's the just beginning of her problems.
Finalist 2013 Whitney Awards	Finalist 2013 Whitney Awards
Mr. Nice Spy Prequel novella Elliott Monteith must choose between  his fiancée and his fellow spy. Cake. Now free! Chronologically, Spy Noon is the first in the series.

An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don’t want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most—she’s a mom.

Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

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February 3
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February 4
Jae Randall
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February 5
Lisa Swinton, Queen of Random
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The Stubby Pencil
Tressa's Wishful Endings

The Journey by John A. Heldt

Seattle, 2010. When her entrepreneur husband dies in an accident, Michelle Preston Richardson, 48, finds herself childless and directionless. She yearns for the simpler days of her youth, before she followed her high school sweetheart down a road that led to limitless riches but little fulfillment, and jumps at a chance to reconnect with her past at a class reunion. But when Michelle returns to Unionville, Oregon, and joins three classmates on a spur-of-the-moment tour of an abandoned mansion, she gets more than she asked for. She enters a mysterious room and is thrown back to 1979.

Distraught and destitute, Michelle finds a job as a secretary at Unionville High, where she guides her spirited younger self, Shelly Preston, and childhood friends through their tumultuous senior year. Along the way, she meets widowed teacher Robert Land and finds the love and happiness she had always sought. But that happiness is threatened when history intervenes and Michelle must act quickly to save those she loves from deadly fates. Filled with humor and heartbreak, THE JOURNEY gives new meaning to friendship, courage, and commitment as it follows an unfulfilled soul through her second shot at life.

This is the second book I've read by author John Heldt.  The first book, The Mine, I read and reviewed not too long ago and I really enjoyed it.  (You can read that review HERE)  There is something about time travel books that makes them so interesting.  John has a gift for writing an easy reading book with characters that you come to love.

In this book Michelle travels back in time and finds herself as a high school senior.  I think the author did a great job of writing the same character from two different points of view, at two different ages.  It was pretty sweet.  Michelle tries to gently guide her younger self to make good choices, maybe better ones that she made the first time around, without influencing too much.  But whenever you mess with events in time, things will change.  Consequences happen.  Michelle was easy to like and connect to.  I liked her attitude toward people and life.  She wanted to be kind and help people.  She wanted to make the world a better place.

I read through The Journey quickly.  It was interesting and engaging.  The characters were real and I could relate to them.  There was a bit of bittersweet there at the end.  It took me a little by surprise but I can see that it had to be.  Time Travel.  It's a scary business.  I'm glad John was willing to share his book with me.

As far as content, there were a few instances of mild swearing.  There is some under-aged drinking mentioned and some sexual scenes where high school kids hook up in cars.  There is some talk about sex or having sex.  Nothing is described in detail.

You can find The Journey at Amazon.

The Colony by Cami Checketts Blog Tour and a $25 dollar Giveaway!

 

The Colony by Cami Checketts To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property. Lance, Brinlee’s attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion. While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger. 

Ooh, ooh, I really liked this book!  Cami Checketts knows how to write a book with great characters, romance and excitement.

You can't help but like Brinlee.  She is trying to change her life and make better choices to help her sons have a better life.  Brinlee is a good mom but struggles to keep it all together on her own.  With no family support close, she is mostly juggling things by herself.  I say mostly because there is that hunk of a man, Lance who is handy and attentive and everything Brinlee wishes for in a man and a husband.  He loves her kids, cleans, cooks and shows up at all the right times.  What's not to love about that?!  Oh, the secrets.  Right.

Then Jed shows up.  He saves the day.  He's the hero.  Ugh, I hate to give too much away but can I just say "shivers up and down my spine"?  I guess you'll have to read it to find out why.

This book was engaging and I was caught up in it from the very beginning.  There are certain expectations I have when I pick up one of Cami's books and she did not disappoint with this one.  It was clean to top it all off and that is something this girl really appreciates!

Enjoy the following excerpt and don't forget to enter the giveaway below!

Lance sauntered back into the living room. “We said prayers, checked for bad guys in the closet, made up two stories, sang three songs about Jesus, and I think he’s finally asleep.” He sank onto the overstuffed chair. “How do you do it?”

Brinlee lifted one shoulder. “I’m an angel.”

His bronze cheek crinkled. “I have never doubted that.”

“Seriously, I have a lot of help from up above.” And she was serious; sometimes that help was the only thing that pulled her through.

Lance’s eyes softened. “I don’t doubt that either.” He stood and walked to her side. Brushing his fingers along her cheek, he said, “Do you know how impressive you are?”

Brinlee clutched a decorative pillow in her fingers. She slowly plucked at the fringe. “Too impressive for words, I’m sure.”

“Exactly.” Lance placed one hand on the couch cushion, the other next to her abdomen. She was pinned in. Her breath came fast and shallow. She watched as his head slowly descended. He was going to kiss her. Brinlee fought to breathe. She said a prayer for strength and guidance but was too caught in the moment to listen for an answer. Besides, it was just a kiss and she wanted nothing more than to feel his lips take command of hers. Brinlee arched up to meet him.

Lance’s mouth moved a fraction. He softly brushed her cheek with his lips and whispered against the side of her mouth, “The most impressive woman I know.”

Grab your copy for just $2.99!

Author Cami Checketts Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com. Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.  

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Fitness Blog

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/6/14 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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The Guardian: To Run With the Swift by Gerald Lund

From the bombed-out ruins of Munich, Germany, in the last days of World War II to a lavish present-day castle in Switzerland, this sequel to The Guardian (published in Fall 2013), weaves a vivid, heart-stopping tale of resilience, resolve, and revenge as Danni McAllister and her family discover the real reason they have been targeted by international terrorists. The astonishing secrets and unexpected powers of the pouch, dating back nearly two hundred years, take center stage in a plot filled with surprising twists and turns as Danni finds herself locked in an extraordinary battle of courage and fortitude that will determine the fate of her family and her role as the Keeper of the Pouch—or risk losing both forever.

I have seen this series sitting on the shelves at the bookstore but I haven't had a chance to read it until now.  This is the second book in this series and it is a big,thick book- 587 pages to be exact!  That's a lot of book, right?  The first book is just as big.  My thanks right up front to Deseret Book/Shadow Mountain for providing the books for this review.

If you have ever read anything by Gerald Lund, you know he knows his craft.  He's been writing for so many years, successfully.  His research is obvious and he can paint real vibrant mental pictures through his words.  This series is a bit different than anything he has ever done.  At least for me.

Lund takes his time weaving a story of intrigue and mystery with a bit of the magical.  This story moves slowly but allows you a chance to really get to know the characters and the history.  My favorite parts were the jumps back in time and history.  The back story, if you will.  

This book kind of reminded me of those old radio programs that used to come on in episodes each week.  (wait, I don't actually KNOW how those were but I've heard about them. haha)  This story would be exactly right for a family gathering around the radio on a Sunday night.  The author mentions how this started out as a bedtime story he used to tell his kids.  (lucky kids!)  I think it would be a fun book to read aloud as a family.

Danni is a fiesty girl.  She struggles with typical teenage insecurities and drama but generally comes off much older than she actually is.  Her family has been through a lot in this book (and the first book).  There are so many bad guys!    Danni is really quite resourceful and brave.  She is loyal to her family and friends.  She really wants to live up to expectations placed before her but she is human and young and she makes mistakes.  As a reader, I see real growth in Danni.  When she has those moments when she just gets it, I feel a sense of victory with her.

Overall this series has been a good one.  It's clean, family friendly reading.  It's not an action packed, in your face sort of read that propels you forward.  It's movement is more sedate- ebbing and flowing.  Still good, just a different style of good.

You can find The Guardian series at Amazon or Deseret Book.

Love In Darkness by E.M. Tippetts: Review and Giveaway!

Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn't go away.

After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave. Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can't fight fate.

He is what he is.

Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more. When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in.

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Oh, wow.  This book wasn't what I was expecting.  Don't ask me what I was expecting because I don't know for sure, it just wasn't this.  Helpful, right?

First off, I need to say that there are references to the LDS faith in this book.  The main characters have both served as missionaries and this is mentioned along with some other church related things (going to church) but there isn't anything preachy about this book.  It's not like many Christian fiction books where there is religious things in abundance.  (and just for the record, I have nothing against Christian fiction.  I read it all the time.  And enjoy it.)

Honestly, I really liked this book.  It was so interesting to me.  I couldn't put it down.  This book deals with mental illness and that is something I don't have a lot of first hand experience dealing with.  It gave me a whole new way of looking at mental illness- insights and feelings that hopefully will also help me to be more empathetic and understanding.

The whole struggle for Alex is just heart wrenching.  I could feel his strength right along with his weakness.  I loved how he had such a gift for working with people and he used it to help them with a wide range of struggles.  Alex had so many struggles with his mother from such a young age.  He had to grow up fast and take so many difficult responsibilities upon himself.  You can't help but feel that tug at your heartstrings.

I also loved the concept that love brings with it light.  Alex feels darkness a lot of the time but Madison's love brings light to him.  Madison is determined to love Alex even though he keeps pushing her away.  She knows what she is getting into and she keeps facing Alex head on, trying to prove that love can help.

I was invested in this story.  It was engaging and emotional.  While the subject matter was a bit heavier, I never felt bogged down.  Secondary characters were awesome.  I'm super glad I had the chance to read and review this book.  My thanks to author E.M. Tippetts for allowing me the opportunity.

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Emily Mah Tippetts writes romance under the name E.M. Tippetts and science fiction and fantasy under the name Emily Mah. Originally from New Mexico, she now lives in London with her family. Before she was a published author, she was an attorney who specialized in real estate, contracts, and estate planning, especially literary estate planning.

Her most recent pro publications have been her science fiction and fantasy short stories in magazines like Black Gate, Analog Science Fiction and Fact, and the anthology, Shanghai Steam.

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock plus a giveaway!

Sweet Mercy

Stunning coming-of-age drama set during the Great Depression and Prohibition

When Eve Marryat's father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve's uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

Eve can't wait to leave St. Paul, a notorious haven for gangsters. At seventeen, she considers her family to be "good people," not lawbreakers like so many in her neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a "safe haven," Eve soon forms an unlikely friendship with a strange young man named Link, blissfully unaware that her uncle's lodge is anything but what it seems.

When the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. Does she dare risk everything by exposing the man whose love and generosity is keeping her family from ruin? And when things turn dangerous, can she trust Link in spite of appearances?

I'm happy to be a part of this blog tour today for Sweet Mercy.  I love books that give me a bit of a history lesson without seeming exactly like a history lesson.  When I get to learn about parts of history with the fictional elements of characters it really helps me to have an idea of what people must have been thinking and feeling at the time.

Sweet Mercy was a gentle flowing book that followed Eve and her family through a summer never to be forgotten.  Eve is pretty idealistic and perhaps even a bit "holier than thou" in her thoughts.  She cannot understand what would lead a person to break the law or struggle with her clearly defined ideas right and wrong.  It was interesting to watch her become aware that there is always more to a story than what meets the eye.  I guess that's just part of growing up.

I really enjoyed reading Sweet Mercy.  It wasn't a fast paced, suck you in kind of story but it was interesting and well put together.  It gave me some food for thought and some simple reminders that I should not be too quick to judge another because I probably don't know their story or understand their heart fully.

Enjoy the following excerpt followed by the giveaway!  :)

Jones pushed his hat back a notch and looked over his shoulder after the two boats. “The Little Miami meets up with the Ohio River not too far from here,” he said. “That’s probably where they’re headed.”

“Funny that they’re taking a bunch of castor oil down the Ohio River.”

Jones turned again to look at me. I couldn’t see his eyes but somehow I sensed they held amusement. My suspicions were confirmed when he shook his head and laughed. “Castor oil, nothing,” he muttered. “They’re hauling moonshine.”

For a moment I was speechless. I frowned and wondered whether I had heard him right. “Moonshine?”

“Sure. People like them are up and down this river all the time.”

It can’t be, I thought. This was Ohio, after all, birthplace of the Temperance Movement. I knew; I had done the research; I had won first place in the essay contest. “Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure.”

“Don’t they know moonshine is illegal?”

Jones laughed again, louder this time. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I’m not kidding, Jones. I can’t believe they’re hauling that stuff right out here in the open. They could be arrested and go to prison. They should be arrested.”

“Yeah? And who’s going to turn them in? You?”

 

Barnes & Noble * Amazon * Bethany House

 

Ann Tatlock

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy-Award winning novel Promises to Keep. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.

 

Website * Facebook * Goodreads

  Tour Giveaway 1 winner will receive a copy of 3 of Ann's Books Sweet Mercy, Travelers Rest and Promises to Keep Open to US & Canada Only Ends 5/21/13
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I Have People by Taylor Dean: Blog Tour, Guest Post and Giveaway!

I Have People
by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 366 pages
Published September 19th 2012 by Create Space


Premise:

Missing any memories?

Holly Sinclair is happily married to the love of her life, Gabriel. Young and in love, Holly hopes to have their first child soon. Of course, Gabriel wants to wait till Holly’s health is restored, much to Holly’s dismay. She feels perfectly fine. So what if she just woke up from an eight-month coma? So what if some of her memories are missing? She remembers Gabe and that’s all that matters, right?

That is, until HE enters her life again . . . she forgot about HIM.

Smashwords * Barnes & Noble * Amazon

Wow.  I was interested in reading this book from the beginning when I signed on to be a part of this blog tour but I had no idea I would love it so much.  That took me by surprise.  I love when a book does that.  It's awesome.

I.  Love.  I Have People.  This book kept me engaged the whole way.  The way the author flipped from the present to the past to tell the whole story was so good.  You might think it would be choppy or hard to follow but it really wasn't.  I think the way the story unfolded was one of the best things about this book.

I fell in love with Holly and Gabe.  Gabe is all that is sigh and swoon worthy.  A true good guy in every sense.  I wish I could tell you all the reasons that I love Gabe but I'm afraid I would ruin things.  You'll just have to trust me and read this book.

I Have People deals with the very sensitive and serious subject matter of domestic abuse.  Even though this is a weighty topic, the book never felt over done or bogged down in darkness.  There were, of course, times when I cringed and my heart hurt for all the many women suffering from the many forms of domestic abuse.  It is really heart breaking and so wrong.  The subject matter is dealt with well in this book.  Real without becoming consuming.  Well done.

Because of the nature of domestic abuse, my content warning would be that this is an adult book, not a YA book.  There is some violence.  Sex is talked about but there are no descriptive sex scenes in this book.  Most of the sex discussed is within the bonds of marriage.  There is some mild swearing.

I really, really enjoyed this book.  It was one of my favorites in the last month and one I would probably read again.

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you'll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up. 

Website/Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Today I am happy to include a guest post by author Taylor Dean.  It's always fun to get a little snippet into an author's head.  So enjoy the following!  Thanks Taylor!

Sooooo cliché! 

Because I Have People deals with the very sensitive issue of domestic abuse, I knew I needed to add something to the book that would lighten things up a little. The main character, Holly, suffers from memory loss. Because of this, she feels a little confused and mixes up her words sometimes. It’s a constant reminder that Holly is not functioning at optimum level and reminds the reader that maybe, just maybe, her memories are skewed. And if her memory is skewed, then it begs the question, is her life really what she believes it to be? 

Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I had great fun writing the scenes where Holly confuses commonly used clichés. Maybe it’s kinda silly, but a little comic relief was called for to balance out the intensity of certain scenes. Here are a few examples:

Cliché: Walking on eggshells.
Holly says, “Why is everyone walking on eggs around me?” 

Cliché: You wear your heart on your sleeve.
Holly says: “And you, Mr. Sinclair, wear your heart on your shirt, and I love it.” 

Cliché: Head over heels in love.
Holly says: “I’m head over high heels in love with you.”

Cliché: Happy as a clam.
Holly says: “I’m happy as an oyster.”

Cliché: Fit as a fiddle.
Holly says: “I feel perfectly well, as good as new. Same as I’ve always felt, fit as a violin.”

Cliché: I don’t have an inkling.
Holly says: “I don’t have an ink.” 

Cliché: Cloud nine.
Holly says: “I was on cloud ten.” 

Cliché: Toes curl.
Holly says: “He makes my toes bend.” 

Cliché: An axe to grind.
Holly says: “I don’t have a hammer to grind with you.” 

Cliché: Kiss and make up.
Holly says: “Now, kiss and make love.”

Giveaways:

5 prize packs to US winners: 1 signed paperback, 1 tote bag, 2 bookmarks, 1 "I Have People" pencil, and 1 "I Have People" pink dog tag necklace.

10 ebooks to US or International winners

Open only to those who can legally enter. 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 on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner 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 Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours...

8 –  Launch!

9 – Snuggling on the Sofa - Review; Amnesia

-          Sylv Jenkins - The Cover of I Have People

10 – PauseTime - Review; The Music that Inspired I Have People

11 – TheBroke Book Bank - Ten Things You Don't Know About I Have People

12 – Mel’sShelves - Review; The Worth of a Soul

14 – TheReaddicts - Review; Two Kinds of Love

15 – Paulette’sPapers - A Gentleman Who Says "Gosh"

-          Christy’s Cozy Corner - Review; The Inspiration behind I Have People

16 – fuonlyknew - The Prologue to I Have People

17 – Tressa’sWishful Endings - Review; The Locations Featured in I Have People

18 – LiteraryWinner - Review

19 – GettingYour Read On - Review; Soooo Cliche!

21 – That Girl Reads - Review; Two Kinds of Men

22 –  A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner - My Favorite Character in I Have People
 - Beck Valley Books - The Title of I Have People

23 – Deco MyHeart - Review

-          Mrs. Mommy Booknerds Book Reviews - Review

24 – GreenMountain Couple - Review

25 – icultgen - Friendship

  – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer  - When is it Abuse

26 – Grand Finale Blast!