Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out this Featurette on the Ark for the new movie, NOAH!

NOAH 

Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises Present 

A Protozoa Pictures Production 

A Darren Aronofsky Film 

Produced by Scott Franklin, Darren Aronofsky, Mary Parent, Arnon Milchan 

 “Noah”

 Executive Producers Ari Handel, Chris Brigham 

Written by Darren Aronofsky & Ari Handel 

Directed by Darren Aronofsky 

Cast:

 Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, 

Anthony Hopkins and Logan Lerman 

Synopsis:

 Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe stars as Noah, a man chosen by 

 God for a great task before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world. 

Release: March 28th, 2014 

This film has not been rated. 

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

I cannot wait to see this movie!  It looks awesome!!

Journey to Landaran by Judy Goodwin + $30 Giveaway

Aidah and her twin brother Tavish have always had a knack for getting into trouble. From pie stealing and pranks to hunting for magical creatures, they have always escaped notice in their tiny mountain village.

Until now.

Aidah begins seeing visions through her brother’s eyes. He’s a Firestarter, gifted with the Talent to control light and heat, destined to become a Sun Mage in the great city of Landaran. But he doesn’t want to leave without his sister. As storm clouds gather, Aidah dreams of a beautiful man, a frightening man, calling to her.

She fears the truth. That she may developing a Talent of her own, one that will change their lives forever.

The power to read minds. To possess bodies. To travel inside dreams. In the world of Ernid, Spirit is the ultimate power.

Nations will go to war over them.

I'm not sure where to start with my review for this book.  I think it might be easiest to just say that this book wasn't to my liking.  I had a hard time getting through it, I did a fair amount of skimming and there were a few times I was not only disgusted but creeped out, and not in a good way.

The characters were average, but didn't ever capture my devotion or feelings.  I never became invested in the book.  I can't really put my finger on why.  The premise of the book is good, mostly, and the blurb had me interested.  It just didn't capture me the way I was hoping.

The main characters are young.  Very young.  Twins coming into powers.  I liked that part of the book- the powers- which they call Talents.  I liked the idea of twins working through everything together.  

The girl gets raped repeatedly in her "real" dreams by the BAD guy.  While there aren't detailed descriptions, there is just something wrong with that.  Sometimes the girl even finds pleasure in it.  It's just creepy and wrong.  The bad guy is hundreds of years old but appears as a young man.  I don't know, it just completely rubbed me the wrong way.  The words used, the images it refered to.  I'm not a fan.  I would never let my daughter read this book simply because of that.

I am one person though, with one opinion, not shared by all.  Please take a look at the other people reviewing for the tour and see what they have to say.

There were some instances of mild swearing and profanity.

Enjoy the following excerpt:

As their eyes met, the dark-haired man sneered. “So there you are, my young fire Talent.”

Fear gripped Tavish’s body, but his mind raced. At any second the Storm Mage could call lightning to strike at him. He could disperse the heat but not the power of the shock; it would kill him. Tavish could also call fire from the hot embers of the temple, but doing so might cause the mage to strike. From where the militia had charged up the hillside to the tree line he heard shouts and the sounds of battle. There would be no help from them.

He wondered: did the fellow want him alive or dead?

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Landaran-Spirit-Mage-Saga-ebook/dp/B00IO7IXSC/

Amazon Print version: http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Landaran-Book-Spirit-Volume/dp/061591747X/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journey-to-landaran-judith-boyer/1118760838?ean=2940149592487

Judy Goodwin has been writing since she was a child, when her fourth grade English instructor told her, ‘You should be a writer.” She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, and a Master’s in Education from Argosy University. Over the last ten years she has appeared in several small press magazines and anthologies with her fantasy and science fiction short stories and poetry. Her first novel was published in January 2013, entitled Heart of the Witch.

When not working on her fiction, Judy works as a technical writer in a healthcare services firm. She enjoys bullying the sheriff at the local renaissance festival, volunteering at local charities, and catching up on the latest movies. She lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her partner and teenage daughter, four cats, and three small dogs.

Twitter: @judygoodwin6
Blog: http://judygoodwin.wordpress.com
Website: http://diamondprintpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Judy-Goodwin/282580281866578
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Dangerous by Shannon Hale

Maisie Danger Brown just wanted to get away from home for a bit, see something new. She never intended to fall in love. And she never imagined stumbling into a frightening plot that kills her friends and just might kill her, too. A plot that is already changing life on Earth as we know it. There's no going back. She is the only thing standing between danger and annihilation.

From NY Times bestselling author Shannon Hale comes a novel that asks, How far would you go to save the ones you love? And how far would you go to save everyone else?

I was so completely stoked to read this new title by Shannon Hale.  It's a different genre/style than her other books and I was curious.  It's always a little exciting and scary to see authors you know and love in one genre branch out into another.  What if you don't like it?!  See, I was worried because this has a science fiction feel to it and sci-fi isn't my most favorite genre to read.

I'm so glad to say that I REALLY liked this book.  It started out a bit slow for me but it sure didn't take long for me to settle in and want to stay.  In fact, by the time I got to the end, I wasn't ready to let it go.  I wanted more.  I thought about it for quite awhile after I finished and to me that is a good, good sign.

Maisie is a character you can't help but love.  She is awesome.  I want her to be my friend.

This book is packed with action and intrigue.  I swear, I didn't ever know if I could trust half the people in the book!  It was crazy!  There were several times in the book that my heart started to beat a little faster.  :)  I love that.

This is one of my favortie new books.  I'm handing it off to my daughter next.  She is going to love it too.  I just know it.

I scored a review copy of this on NetGalley (woot, woot) through the publisher, Bloomsbury and I kindly thank them.

You can purchase Dangerous on Amazon.

Since the publication of her first book, The Goose Girl, in 2003, Shannon Hale has become a beloved author to young readers as well as booksellers and educators. Her third novel, Princess Academy, earned her a Newbery Honor and was a New York Times, Book Sense, and Publishers Weekly bestseller. The sequel, Palace of Stone, was also a New York Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. Shannon lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, Dean, and their four children.www.shannonhale.com

Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn: Blog Tour and $25 Giveaway!

Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn Skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue... and, of course, kissing. The Third Daughter of the Queen wants her birthday to arrive so she'll be free to marry for love, but rumors of a new flying weapon may force her to accept a barbarian prince's proposal for a peace-brokering marriage. Desperate to marry the charming courtesan she loves, Aniri agrees to the prince's proposal as a subterfuge in order to spy on him, find the weapon, and hopefully avoid both war and an arranged marriage to a man she does not love. Third Daughter is the first book in the The Dharian Affairs Trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance that takes place in an east-Indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue. And, of course, kissing.

From the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, The Dharian Affairs is a new series filled with equal doses of action-adventure and romance, meant to appeal to fans of Mindjack.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Book Depository

I was so excited to be able to read Third Daughter, the first book in a new series by Susan Quinn.  I LOVED her Mindjack series.  LOVED.  So, I had high hopes for this new book!

The east Indian flavor world sprinkled with steampunk creates such pretty pictures in my head.  Bollypunk, indeed!  I wasn't sure I was going to love it at first but I did.  I totally fell in love.

Aniri is a passionate girl.  Her emotions lead her decisions most of the time.  In the beginning, what she wants most is to marry for love.  I don't think that desire ever goes away but at some point Aniri focus shifts to her loyalty to her land, people and queen.  It is always her heart leading the way though and I really loved that.  Aniri is strong (but not too strong), brave and loyal.  She does have a smart, quick mind that has just never really had the opportunity to shine.  As the third daughter, not much was expected from her in that way.  It was satisfying to watch her grow and use her mind and realize that she had value.

The world that was created for me was vivid and alive.  I could see things and smell them.  I loved the intrigue and danger.  It was just a fantastic feast for my senses and my heart.  I was so sad when it ended.  I didn't want to put that book down and I didn't want to leave the story.  I am going to be anxiously looking forward to the next book!

Enjoy the following excerpt followed by the giveaway!

Priya gave Aniri a sly glance in the mirror. “If my lady is not interested in the new Samirian diplomat, I know many ladies of the court who will be. I might even try a hand at him myself.”

Aniri smiled. “Priya, you are wicked.” She decided it was indulgent to burden Priya with her worries. She would have to figure this out herself. Priya stabbed in a final pin, making Aniri wince. “I also think you secretly train in the fencing room with those pins.”

“Yes, my lady, I do.” Priya pulled another pin from her waist and flourished it in the air. “Have you seen the fencing instructors? They are quite handsome, and strong, and very… sweaty in their earnest practice.”

Aniri nearly laughed, but her sour mood returned when Priya stepped back, her primping complete. Aniri studied herself in the mirror. The girl who had run into the forest in her night clothes was completely erased, and a princess glowered back at her.

“Perhaps you could go to tea in my place, Priya.”

“Oh no, my lady.” Priya gave her a mocking half-curtsey. “My bravery is nowhere near equal to that task.”

Aniri wasn’t sure hers was either.

Author Susan Kaye Quinn Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, which is young adult science fiction. The Dharian Affairs trilogy is her excuse to dress up in corsets and fight with swords. She also has a dark-and-gritty SF serial called The Debt Collector and a middle grade fantasy called Faery Swap. It's possible she's easily distracted. She always has more speculative fiction fun in the works. You can find out what she's up to by subscribing to her newsletter (hint: new subscribers get a free short story!).

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads

    Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/24/14 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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Tour Schedule

Cover Reveal: Little Dead Riding Hood by Amie and Bethanie Borst + $25 Giveaway

You know things are going to suck when you’re the new kid. But when you’re the new kid and a vampire… well, it bites!

Unlike most kids, Scarlet Small’s problems go far beyond just trying to fit in. She would settle for a normal life, but being twelve years old for an entire century is a real pain in the neck. Plus, her appetite for security guards, house pets and bloody toms (tomato juice) is out of control. So in order to keep their vampire-secret, her parents, Mort and Drac, resort to moving for the hundredth time, despite Scarlet being dead-set against it. Things couldn’t be worse at her new school, either. Not only does she have a strange skeleton-girl as a classmate, but a smelly werewolf is intent on revealing her secret. When she meets Granny—who fills her with cookies, goodies, and treats, and seems to understand her more than anyone—she’s sure things will be different. But with a fork-stabbing incident, a cherry pie massacre, and a town full of crazy people, Scarlet’s O-positive she’ll never live to see another undead day.

Not even her Vampire Rule Book can save her from the mess she’s in. Why can’t she ever just follow the rules?

Add Little Dead Riding Hood to your Goodreads to-read list here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20860725-little-dead-riding-hood

To celebrate the cover for Little Dead Riding Hood, Amie is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The more ways you share, the more points you earn!

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Amie Borst is a PAL member of SCBWI. She believes in Unicorns, uses glitter whenever the opportunity arises, accessories in pink and eats too much chocolate. 

Bethanie Borst is a spunky 13 year old who loves archery, long bike rides and studying edible plant-life.

Little Dead Riding Hood is their second book in the Scarily Ever Laughter series. Their first book, Cinderskella, released in October 2013 and has been nominated for three awards.  

You can find Amie on Twitter (www.twitter.com/AmieBorst) Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/AmieBorst) From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors (www.fromthemixedupfiles.com) and blog (www.amieborst.com). Together they can be found on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AmieAndBethanieBorst).

Driven to Date by Susan Hatler!

(Better Date than Never series, Book #7)

Career-driven attorney, Jill Parnell, has worked long and hard to become a partner at Corbett, Gray, & Shaw. When the coveted position is given to the boss’s nephew, she does what any intelligent employee would do—attends a colleague’s wedding and schmoozes a high-powered partner at another law firm.

Her potential new boss has only one condition for her, that she demonstrate a personal life that will support a thriving career. Pretending to have a boyfriend is outside Jill’s comfort zone, but she invites the best man to act the part and Ryan is all-too eager to play her significant other. Sparks fly between them, but she reminds herself she’s only driven to date to get back on the partner track.

When Jill discovers Ryan is the lawyer who stole her promotion, her charade threatens to implode. But breaking off their pretend relationship could cost her the job of her dreams. And the more she gets to know Ryan, the more she’s tempted to tame the bad boy, and make him her own.

It's Christmas today!  Or my birthday!  Or maybe it's just MY LUCKY DAY!  Yeah, it's totally just my lucky day.  Susan is the best surprise gift giver.  She never says "Hey, I have a book coming out soon, do you want to review it?"  She just sends it over and it pops up in my Amazon account and then I smile and giggle and read it the first mintue I can.  It's a lovely thing.  Honest.  It ranks right up there with chocolate.

Driven to Date really is a special edition book.  It's a bit longer than the other books in this series which are novella size.  This book is just a titch longer making it novel size.  It was lovely to spend  a little bit more time with Jill.

Jill and Ryan.  Ryan and Jill.  Holy spark flying chemistry, Batman.  Yeah, I like sparks.  Especially ones that lead to kisses.  This books was fun.  Jill really is driven to succeed.  She's got smarts and she is determined.  And Ryan?  Well, he is way more than he seems.  Love him.  It's that insta attraction that leads to delving deeper and finding love.  sigh.  Books like this make me happy.

I love this series and I loved reading Jill's story in Driven to Date.  It is a fantastic addition to the Better Date than Never series.  Content, clean.  No swearing and no sex.  :)

You can buy Driven to Date (and all the other books in this series) at Amazon.