The Truth About Hope by Kate James + $30 and Book Giveaway!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Truth About Hope

by Kate James

Adult Contemporary Romance

May 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Who is Hope Wilson?

Is she the girl her former hometown thinks she is? Or the girl Luke Carter once loved—and maybe still does?

When Hope returns to Canyon Creek, Texas, to honor her
father’s last wishes, there’s only one person on her mind: her high school sweetheart, Luke. The boy she lied to when she had to leave Canyon Creek as a teen, finding it easier to hide what she really felt than deal with the grief of loss. Her father’s fortune could make a big difference to Canyon Creek—but Hope finds that the townspeople have a long memory about his misdeeds. With a plan to make amends on his behalf, Hope learns the truth about herself. And the truth about love.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - Kobo

I've been reading a lot of books from the Harlequin Heartwarming line lately and I must say that it's been just lovely.  :)  The Heartwarming line is in my safe zone and I know when I pick one of these books up there will be nothing surprising in the way of content.

Here is the classic second chance at first love story.  Hope and Luke had a young love but then Hope's mother died and she was forced to leave the state to live with a father she has never known.  Her father left when she was just two years old and he not only left a wife and daughter behind but a town full of angry people.  Hope is so full of grief over leaving behind everyone and everything that she loves that she deals with things very poorly.  She leaves Luke with no idea what's going on and she doesn't speak to him again even when he calls, emails and writes her letters.

That's a lot of unresolved baggage to work through when Hope and Luke finally do reconnect a decade later.  Hope has the bumpiest of roads ahead of her and smoothing things over with her friends, the town and especially Luke is a huge challenge.

I enjoyed following Hope through her life events.  I really got a good sense of who Hope was and why she did what she did.  The romance is more a blip at the beginning and a blip at the end with Hope's journey in between.  Hope is a strong girl.  She's been through a lot and has gained a lot of valuable experience.  I admired her courage to repeatedly face hard things and not give up.  Hope has determination and grit.

This was a good book, so easy to settle in with.  The characters were all so likable.  Yay for another sweet, clean romance!

Kate James spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Her writing has been recognized with a number of awards, including first place honors for Silver Linings in both the First Coast Romance Writers' Published Beacon Contest and ACRA's Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her November Harlequin Heartwarming release, A Child's Christmas, received first-place honors from Southern Magic, the Birmingham Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, for the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence!

Kate married her husband, Ken, in an elegant, ocean-front wedding on a tropical island. When they are not traveling, they split their time between their properties in southern and central Ontario in Canada, with their beloved black Labs, Harley and Logan.

Kate’s next novel is the first book in her K-9 Squad Trilogy, and is scheduled for release on October 1, 2015.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

Follow the Tour:

April 24th - Launch

April 26th - Word Wranglers & Write & Rewrite

April 27th - Underneath the Covers

April 28th - Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima

April 29th - Zerina Blossom's Books

April 30th - I Am A Reader

May 1st - Katie's Clean Book Collection & Copyright1985

May 3rd - My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

May 4th - i blog 4 books & Rockin' Book Reviews

May 5th - The Written Adventure & Write from the Heart

May 6th - Deal Sharing Aunt & Bookworm Lisa

May 7th - Getting Your Read On

May 8th - Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$30 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
5 Print Copies of The Truth About Hope (US/CAN Only)
1 ebook of The Truth About Hope (INT)

Ends May 15th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Avenging by Holly Kelly (The Rising Series #3)

Two thousand years ago, King Triton witnessed the slaughter and total annihilation of his merchildren. He vowed then and there to never again father a child. Powerful and eternally youthful, Triton was no stranger to seduction. But his resolve was unwavering—until he met Nicole. Unable to resist the human woman, he found himself swept up in her arms. When he finally came to his senses, he abandoned her to return to his refuge in the sea.

Twenty years later, he comes face to face with his daughter. Triton is both thrilled and frightened to learn he's a father. Meeting the child he never knew fills a void in his life. But at the same time, he once again finds his heart at risk. Even more terrifying, he's forced to admit he's still in love with Nicole. Gathering his courage, he leaves the sea to seek her out. But the pain he caused is not easily forgotten. And mending broken hearts should be the least of his worries. The elements are in commotion, threatening the utter destruction of mankind. And much to the sea god's surprise, the human woman he loves may be the key to saving them all.

 * Goodreads * Clean Teen Publishing * Amazon *

This is one of my favorite book series.  Avenging is the third book in the series and you really need to read the first two books before you read this one.  The first book is actually free on Amazon right now!  Yay!

Rising (The Rising Series Book 1)
Descending (The Rising Series Book 2)

I know when I pick up one of these books I had better make sure I have time to read or I'm going to be frustrated when I have to put it down.  It's so easy to get sucked into these books.  There is constant action and forward progression, which I love.  The mythology is woven right in seamlessly and I always feel that connection and interest in what I am reading.  I also love the romance because I'm that kind of girl.

This book is focused on King Triton and believe me when I say he is nothing like the King Triton of The Little Mermaid.  You can just look at the cover to know that.  This book picks up right where the last book left off and all the characters in the previous books make an appearance in this book as well.  They all have to work together to fight what's coming.  Every book builds on the last and ooh boy, the next book is going to be big!  Like, BIG, big.  I can't wait!

One thing I always feel the need to mention is about the publisher, Clean Teen Publishing.  They have this really cool rating system in place so you can see exactly what content you will find in each and every book they publish.  "Because you deserve to know what you're reading."  I think it's awesome.  I was showing my husband when I started this book that there is a scan code at the beginning of the book.  I just pulled out my phone and it took me right to the content rating page.  He thought that was pretty cool.  I do too.  I wish every publisher did this.  My thanks to Clean Teen Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book for them.  ( I may or may not have begged them to let me review this book. . .)

You can read the full content disclosure for this book in the link above.  There is some violence and paranormal creatures that are a bit disturbing.  There are references to prior sexual involvement, but there is no sexual content other than kissing in this book.

Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

Charlee Jensen had what she considered the idyllic childhood growing up in a town named for that most prized emotion of all, Loveland, Colorado. At seventeen, her teenage crush, a man eight years older than her, marries and she naively thinks this is the worst thing that would ever happen to her. Then her parents divorce and her world crumbles. She finds herself being whisked away from her beloved home and estranged from her father.

Now eight years later, with two degrees that she never wanted in hand, and no job prospects, her father offers her a position with his CPA firm. With no other options available, Charlee accepts his offer and returns to the hometown she loved. While rebuilding her relationship with her father, she discovers that perhaps a romantic relationship is in the cards for her, with her old teenage crush, Ryan Carter, who just happens to still live next door and is now a partner in her father’s CPA firm.

Newly divorced and single dad, Ryan Carter, isn’t quite sure what to make of the girl next door, who’s all woman now. He finds himself having a hard time resisting this beautiful yet annoyingly charming woman, but their age difference and his complicated relationship with his ex-wife cause quite a bit of trouble for the couple. Ryan finds himself torn between keeping the peace with his ex-wife and mother of his child and his feelings for Charlee.

Can they successfully overcome their troubles in Loveland? Find out in this clean romance filled with sparks, humor, and of course, a little bit of trouble.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I love, love, loved this book!  It was fun and flirty and it made me happy.  I ended the book with a smile on my face.  I feel like I  know the characters and I might be a little in love with them all.  Jennifer is one of my favorite new authors and I've enjoyed every one of her books.  They all have a different feel about them but I think this one was my favorite so far.  Yup.  I'm calling it.  Trouble in Loveland = Favorite.

This book had moments that just made me snicker and giggle.  It also had a moment that made me tear up a bit.  By far, my favorite thing in this book was the references to Charlee's butterflies.  You know, the ones in her stomach whenever Ryan came around?  Those butterflies are so funny.  I don't know why but I was so highly amused by them but I was.  Here are a few example of what I am talking about.  The last one if my favorite.  :)

He looked up at me with those passionate eyes, and the butterflies said, Ahhh.

"Thanks for the dance last night."  The butterflies in my stomach felt like throwing up.  "My pleasure."

The butterflies were beyond excited and swearing like sailors.

"What are you doing here?"  The butterflies in my stomach said, "Who cares? Yay, our Ryan's here."

The only trouble I had with this book was when it ended.  boo.  But the ending was good, so yay!  Hurry up Jennifer, and write me another book, okay?  I'll be right here waiting. . .

This is a clean romance.  The main characters have a brief conversation about waiting until marriage to be intimate.  There is one instance of mild swearing.

Extreme Measures by Michele Ashman Bell + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Following the trauma of her estranged husband’s untimely death, Emma Lowell is happy with the life she has rebuilt for herself. She’s engaged to a wonderful man and anticipates a fresh start, free from her troubled past. Only one persistent obstacle remains: Margaret Lowell, her former mother-in-law. Margaret continues to be a demanding presence in Emma’s life, and her requests have become increasingly disconcerting. When Margaret asks Emma to accompany her on a sentimental journey to the family’s mountain cabin, the young woman reluctantly agrees. After all, her fiancé is out of town. No one will miss her. Emma could never have suspected the horror that awaits in the snow-bound cabin, for beneath Margaret Lowell’s elderly façade lies a sinister and terrifying nature—and a plot born of insanity. Alarmed by the dark plan that unfolds, Emma struggles to escape the isolated cabin in a chilling game of cat and mouse. As the danger escalates, and with little hope of rescue, Emma must engage in a battle of wills if she is to avoid becoming the final piece in Margaret’s twisted puzzle . . .

 * Goodreads * Deseret Book * Amazon *

 Ahhhh!  What happens when an old lady goes psycho?!  Very bad things.  Oh man, this was a good book with one very creepy woman.  Seriously, crazy stuff.  But I liked it!  ha.

This is a very plot driven book.  That isn't to say that the characters weren't developed or anything because they were great, but I was definitely more connected to the plot.  I was desperate to find out what was coming next.  What was going to happen?  What was Emma going to do?  And that Margaret. . . wow.  CREEPY PSYCHO!!

I tore through this book- couldn't put it down.  It was good stuff.

This is an LDS fiction book.  The main characters are both LDS and some religious beliefs are talked about.  My thanks to Covenant Communications for allowing me to read and review this book for them.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal for Joni, Underway by Kelly Oram and Jonathan Harrow

Nineteen year old Joni is loving life as an adult—living on her own, dealing with grown-up things like jobs, hook-ups, and doing her own laundry. Best of all: after finishing her first year at ASU, she will never again be called a freshman.

But when her brother is suddenly killed in a car accident, Joni’s adult life is turned upside down. Struggling to cope with loss, guilt, and anger—not to mention the meddling of friends and family trying to “fix” her—Joni is relieved to be presented with an escape in the form of a sailing trip her brother had been planning for months before he died.

With her first step onto the sailing vessel Lady Marguerite, Joni plunges into an adventure that will mark the beginning of her real adult life—a journey across the ominous dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean with a small, eccentric crew, and the young Captain Reid, whose gorgeous looks are only outmatched by his talent for care and kindness. Unfolding through the ups and downs of life at sea is an unforgettable story reminding us that love will always be a work-in-progress and coming of age never gets old.

Fighting for Keeps (A Brookhollow Story #5) by Jennifer Snow

Noah Parks is the ridiculously gorgeous, motorcycle-riding, cage-match-fighting equivalent of kryptonite for Lindsay Harper. And she's going to need every last ounce of her strength now that she's the legal guardian of her brother's five orphaned children. For the sake of her new family, it's time to give up her carefree single ways. Stop being the cool aunt and become a parent. And fight this crazy attraction to Noah. Sure, there's a side of him she can't help falling for…the one who volunteers as a firefighter and helps at-risk youth. The irresistibly kind and caring side. But she is a nurse, after all. She can't love an MMA fighter, a man she regularly has to scan for physical trauma… Can she?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Here's another Harlequin Heartwarming book for review today!  This one drew my attention because of the blurb.  It seemed like a book that would have a bit more substance and excitement going on.  Knowing that the main character, Lindsay, was fighting her attraction to Noah, who is a MMA fighter was especially intriguing because I cannot stand to watch fighting (or boxing) or anything like that.  Something in me just can't watch people beat other people, even in sport.  I was interested to know how she would reconcile that bit to reach a HEA.  

Lindsay isn't your typical girl.  She had a lot of responsibility heaped on her shoulders at a young age, protecting her brother and keeping herself together while always hearing from her mother that she was good for nothing.  Instead of believing it, she has worked hard to do something that she loves.  But, she has that play hard attitude with no responsibilities too.  Mostly I think Lindsay is just misunderstood by most people.  Except Noah.  Who sees her clearly and wants her.

I enjoyed the attraction between Noah and Lindsay.  I loved Noah's persistence.  This story was a good one and I liked it.  Although, I did skim the one fight scene that was a bit more descriptive.  Sort of like covering my eyes when I see it on TV.

This was book five in this series and I haven't read any of the other books but I didn't feel like I was missing key information.  I did, however, know that there were other stories from characters in this book that I didn't know.  I'm going to have to go and check those out.  Overall, this was a good, clean romance!

Love, Lucas by Chantele Sedgwick + Giftcard and Book Giveaway!

When Oakley Nelson loses her brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend the summer in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure that a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try.

In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on.

If only it were that easy.

But then a surfer named Carson comes into her life, and Oakley is blindsided. He makes her feel again. As she lets him in, she is surprised by how much she cares for him, and things get complicated. How can she fall in love and be happy when Lucas never got the chance to do those very same things?

With her brother’s dying words as guidance, Oakley must learn to listen to and trust herself again. She soon realizes that second chances are ways to learn from the past, and you don’t always have to leave the past behind to find happiness in the future.

 * Goodreads * Barnes & Noble * Amazon *

I'm so happy to be a part of this tour for Love, Lucas.  When I signed on for this tour I was really hoping to love this book.  It sounded like it had emotional potential and one thing I love when I read books is to be sucked in emotionally.

Oakley's brother has just passed away from cancer.  She is devastated, hurting and feeling so alone.  Her parents are struggling separately and together and Oakley is basically left to work through all these feelings on her own.  It's just heart wrenching.

I did love the emotional connection I felt to Oakley.  I was caught up and invested in this book the whole way through.  It was sad and hopeful at the same time.  I will admit to shedding a few tears throughout this book.  It was really good.  Oakley is on an emotional journey, trying to heal and find a way back to herself and I went on the journey with her.

Carson is all things fantastic.  He is sweet and charming and thoughtful.  He is so kind to Oakley and looks past the emotional turmoil and anger to see the real her.  Yeah, he is a good book boyfriend.  :)

I had the chance to ask the author a few questions for this post.  How fun, right?  Here's what went down:

What are ten things we need to know about Carson?

10 Things You Need To Know About Carson:

1. Heart of Gold

2. Nice Beach Body (Of course!)

3. Close to his family. Especially his sister.

4. Skittles are his candy of choice.

5. Awesome surfer

6. Spends free time listening to music. (He's a big fan of Coldplay)

7. He's all about helping people.

8. Truly cares about those he loves.

9. He was a straight A student in high school.

10. Bought and fixed up his awesome jeep himself. (Who doesn't like a guy who works on cars?)

Which character from your book would you most like to have dinner with?

Dinner With Oakley. Just so I can give her a big hug.

Tell us about a typical day in the life of Chantele Sedgwick.

A Day in the life of Chantele Sedgwick consists of many glamorous things. Like getting up at 6:20 to go to the gym, waking the kids up when I get back, getting breakfast ready, doing hair and taking my two oldest to school. Then I get to hang out with my two youngest and watch CARS and EVER AFTER HIGH at least once a day each. I try to squeeze in a shower at some point, do mountains of laundry, make lunches, get kids in baths, pick up kids from school and take them to different appointments, help with homework and projects. I end the day with getting dinner on the table, putting the kids to bed, hanging with the hubby for a bit before I write until bed. SO VERY GLAMOROUS I tell you. Haha. I love my kids and my hubby though and they always come first before writing. That's the way it should be. :)

Chantele Sedgwick is a YA author, harpist, wife to one and stay-at-home mom to four. She loves happy endings, Kit Kats and judging by her book shelves, buys way too many books.

Website: http://www.chantelesedgwick.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5772887.Chantele_Sedgwick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChanteleSedgwick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chantelesedg

Blog: http://chantelesedgwick.blogspot.com

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/channywax/

Enter the Giveaway!

Prize pack 1: Signed hardcover copy of Love, Lucas, a Micro Mini Book necklace of your choice (Up to $9.95) from the Tiny Book Town Etsy Shop and a full swag pack (US Only)

Prize Pack 2: $10 Amazon Gift Card and a full swag pack (US Only)

Starts: April 27th, 2015

Ends: May 6th, 2015

a Rafflecopter giveaway