Saturday, October 20, 2012

Be Still My Soul (The Cadence of Grace Series - Book 1)

Christian fiction is one of my favorite genres and books like this help fuel my habit! 

About the Book:

Night’s chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she’d hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter’s ears and fathers loading shotguns.

Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith.  But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.

Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon—a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing  Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.

Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life.  What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?

Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?


About the Author:

Married to her first sweetheart, Joanne Bischof lives in the mountains of Southern California where she keeps busy making messes with their home-schooled children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, writing, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. Her historical romance, BE STILL MY SOUL releases from WaterBrook/Multnomah this fall.

Visit her website: www.joannebischof.com

My Thoughts:

I just adored this novel - it is such a perfect example of what I LOVE about Christian fiction - a dash of mystery and intrigue, plenty of faith, and a dash of heartfelt romance.

Lonnie is such a striking character - very unassuming at first but evolves into such a dynamic and strong woman.  Her story and how she gets involved with Gideon is so well-written that you feel like she is your long lost sister and you are right there with her as she is forced into a marriage she thinks she doesn't want, on a trip that she surely never asked to go on, and into a life that she never imagined could exist.

Gideon is the star of this novel, however.  He is the guy you want so badly to hate but Ms. Bischof gives you such a glimpse at his weaknesses and demons that you end up sympathizing with him and rooting for him to find is footing and be the man he knows he should be.

The plot-line is engaging, hard to put down and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  With assorted characters like Bert, Jebediah, Elise and Tal you feel like you are traipsing through the mountains of Virginia with Gideon as he enters and departs situation after situation. 

I loved it...and I love even more that it is the first in a series - I am a huge fan of Joanne Bischof and her work and she is an author to follow for sure!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Breathless Press Spotlight - Chance to Win!




Breathless Press is an e-book publisher specializing in Romance and Erotic(a) stories.

Our mission statement is simple: To provide the opportunity for readers to connect with romance authors through the purchasing of quality e-books at a low price.

Starting in the summer of 2009, Breathless Press came into existence. Since then, we have been producing top end romance and erotic stories for valued readers to enjoy.

Our Goal?

Breathless Press is an electronic publisher of paranormal, erotic, and mainstream romance, releasing one to three e-books a week in a variety of downloadable formats. It is Breathless Press' mission to provide readers with quality romance books in electronic formats and to raise the standard in e-publishing.





Breathless Press will be awarding a $20 Breathless Press GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $10 Breathless Press GC to a randomly drawn host from the tour.

About the Books:

Salvaged by J. S. Marlo  

Blurb:

The discovery of a submerged Model T blurs the line between dream and reality, exposing a young scuba diver's past and threatening her future.

Star Fisher refuses to let the scar marring her face dictate her choices or the dreams haunting her nights affect her life. A skilled scuba diver and underwater investigator, she assists in the salvage operation of a sunken Model T, but will it reveal its secrets?

Captivated by the feisty diver, captain Hauk Ludvikson struggles against his attraction as they explore the old automobile linked to the unsolved disappearance of a rich heiress. As past crimes create new ones, he must decide if he wants to protect Star or protect his heart.

With danger lurking under and above the water line, Star fights for her future—a future she may not salvage twice.

Excerpt:

Hauk left the cabin and stepped onto the twelve-foot deck. According to his watch, Arnie and Fisher had been down less than ten minutes.

The oxygen tanks lined up against the storage bin beckoned to him. He grabbed the closest one and peered at the gauge. 1,700 pounds. Enough air for a short dive. Wanting to witness what had prompted Fisher's request, he geared up and dove in.

The wetsuit didn't completely insulate his skin from the colder water he encountered fifty feet below. With darkness surrounding him, he trusted the guide rope to lead him to the site as he continued his descent. Minutes later, through the shadowy waters, Hauk spotted his two divers. Arnie floated above a lamppost, and Fisher knelt on the lakebed in front of the wreck.

An object was in Fisher's hand. He swam toward her to get a better view, but the mysterious object disappeared into her bag, and she glided away from him before he had a chance to satisfy his curiosity. A few flutter kicks behind her, Hauk stretched out his arm with the intent of tapping her shoulder. Her hand swiftly swept across her belt, and a glint of light from the lampposts reflected off her glove.

She spun around. Eyes glazed with fear, she swung her arm. Sharp reflexes allowed Hauk to deflect the blow, but they didn't prevent her other hand from sneaking past his defenses. He inhaled sharply.
A silver blade, shining in the light, pushed against his hose, ready to sever his air supply with the flick of her wrist.

Taming the Outback by Ann B. Harrison


Blurb:

Libby is set on taming the outback as she takes over Quincy Station, but can she tame her rough neighbor, Nathan's, hardened heart as well?

Nathan Miller rattles Libby's nerves more than she cares to admit. He is the one person that stands between her and the family home that has been left to her. So why then does the man stir her up to such an extent, her body pulses with the need to have him? They do nothing but clash and snap at one another, and he makes no bones about the fact she shouldn't be Quincy's Station's new owner, but back in the city where he thinks she belongs.

Having had an unpleasant clash with a "city girl" once before, Nathan does not think Libby has it in her to stick it out. He refuses to give in to his urges. But when Mother Nature brings chaos to Quincy Station and threatens Libby's children, he'll either be proved right in his assumptions or find his barriers taken down by a stubborn woman and her kids.

Excerpt:

The four-wheel drive truck pulled up behind her, and the driver's door opened. She couldn't see the occupant until he stood right in front of her, towering over her in the dim light. He was dressed in dusty work clothes and jeans, which sat snugly on broad hips. A thick cotton work shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbows showed off strong, tanned arms. An old, worn hat was pushed down over short hair, hiding his face as he stood looking down at her.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a deep voice that rolled over her, triggering something familiar deep in her brain.

"No, my car overheated, and now it won't start." Libby sighed as she followed him to the front of the vehicle.

He shone a flashlight at the hood and told her to release it. He lifted it and stuck his head beneath. Muttering and cursing drifted back toward her ears. He slammed it back down and turned to her.
"You have a broken radiator hose," the stranger said. "The top one has completely blown, and the bottom one is on its way out. Don't you check your car at all? It's a bloody mess under that hood."
"My car runs fine normally." Libby straightened her spine. So much for country charm; Mr. Personality, you aren't. "But thanks for looking at it anyway. I won't hold you up any longer."

"Testy little thing, aren't you?" He pushed his hat back on his head as he came closer to her, his face barely visible in the fading light. "We don't leave women on the side of the road out in this country."

"What are you doing here?" Libby asked as she recognized the lawyer who had made such an impression on her at Aaron's.

"I live here. The question should be what're you doing here?" He sneered before walking away from her.

"I think you know the answer to that question. It's such a shame our first encounter is enough to upset you." Libby kicked at the dirt, knowing her softly spoken words had gone unheard.

At least he's easy on the eyes; pity his attitude isn't as nice.

Leaning on the back of his dust-covered truck, Nathan pulled his mobile phone from his pocket and punched in a number. He glanced over at Libby pacing back and forth while he waited for someone to pick up.

He'd known she was due soon, but he didn't expect to meet her out on the highway, broken down.
"Tom, it's Nathan, I'm out on the side of the road at the highway end, just before the turnoff. I think I have something which belongs to you." He grimaced as he looked back toward the women watching him. "You had better bring the truck out. Yeah, sure, I'll wait with her. Don't be too long. She's a little bit fiery. Sure, 'bye."

"So..." he drawled, walking back to stand before Libby. His heart was thumping, and a thin sheen of sweat was making his face heat up as he let his gaze run over her body from her pert nose to her long, bare legs. He noticed the blush on her cheeks while he scrutinized her under the flashlight beam. Damn you, Uncle Aaron. Cute and fiery. Too dangerous out here. If circumstances were different, or even another time and place, he could get attached to this woman—at least, physically. "You're the city chick who's going to take Quincy Station into the black, eh? I wonder if you know what you're taking on, sweetheart?"

"Don't you 'sweetheart' me, mate. It's Libby. Libby Holland, and yes, I am the city chick who's taking over my great-uncle's farm." She glared at him in the torchlight.

"Do you have a problem with that?"

Finding Baby J by Lorraine Nelson


Blurb:

One lonely woman, a doctor afraid of commitment... Will finding Baby J help them find each other?
Shana Davis knows what it's like to be unloved and unwanted. Her childhood involved being shuffled from one foster home to the next. One night, as her shift at Mercy hospital comes to an end, she hears a forlorn, mewling sound and finds a newborn baby boy left in a dumpster. The abandoned baby appeals to her soft heart and her immediate attachment to the child—dubbed Baby J—leads to her spending a lot of time in the Maternity Ward in the company of the handsome Dr. Daniels.

Dr. Kagan Daniels is heart-sore and commitment-shy due to his failed marriage and past experiences with selfish, cold-hearted women. But he sees a gentle, caring soul in Shana and is drawn to her. Despite his reservations, he realizes he wants to get to know her better and finds excuses to spend time in her company.

Having always wanted to be a daddy, Kagan adopts Baby J. As he and Shana grow closer, Shana feels she's found her own private heaven. She has Baby J and the man of her dreams. What more could a woman want?

But a conniving woman, a manipulative mother, and a man from Shana's past threaten to come between them. Will the lies spewed by others separate them forever? Or can their love win out over all?

Excerpt:

Kagan held her hand as he guided her into the house. They walked through the foyer to ascend the magnificent staircase leading to the second story. Once there, he preceded her into his personal suite of rooms. The main area had a bay of windows opening out unto a balcony. The view overlooked the back lawn and gardens, which meandered down to the river where a boathouse and dock were just visible in the moonlight.

"Your home has such beautiful views."

"Nothing compares to the beauty of you. I especially like looking at you as I undress you, exposing that gorgeous body, one piece of clothing at a time."

Kagan matched his words with action, starting with her sweater, looped casually around her shoulders. He gathered her into his arms for a deep, passion-filled kiss. She felt that melting sensation that happened every time he kissed her. Her insides fluttered and took wing before settling into a delicious knot of anticipation. She stroked her hands down his chest and felt the ripple of firm muscle, enjoying the opportunity to explore his body more fully. Her inhibitions completely deserted her. Though he hadn't said the words, she felt he was making a commitment to them as a couple and not just playing the field.

The Devil’s Match: The Devil DeVere, Book 4 by Victoria Vane


Blurb:

Once burned twice shy... but when old flames come together...passion reignites...

When burned once... Arriving in London as her goddaughter's chaperone, Baroness Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley wants to avoid her erstwhile lover at all costs.

Once nearly consumed by passion, four years has reduced the former inferno to bitterness and ashes.

By an old flame... A world-weary master of seduction, Ludovic "The Devil" DeVere is bored with his chosen life of debauchery.

When Diana's charge disappears, she is forced to seek help from the devil's lair, and their mutual desire reignites with undeniable ferocity.

Fire is best fought with fire... While DeVere is hell-bent to have her back for keeps, Diana is equally determined to bring him to his knees...by acquiring some sensual secrets of her own.

Excerpt:

"What the devil is it, Winchester?" Lord DeVere snapped at the appearance of his majordomo. "I thought I communicated quite clearly that we were not to be disturbed."

The flushing servant diverted his gaze to the ceiling in an obvious effort to ignore the ongoing orgy. "But there is a lady to see you, my lord. She is most insistent."

"Another one?" Lord Malden chortled. "By all means, have him send the baggage in. Damn me, DeVere, but you are well supplied."

"I am, indeed," DeVere answered. "It is a most amicable arrangement with Madam Hayes, but I had not requested another." DeVere gave another long, lazy pull on the stem of the hookah proffered by his scantily clad companion and cast a sadly indifferent gaze.

The servant flushed. "You misapprehend, my lord. This lady—"

"Will not be turned away." Diana stepped boldly into the room.

Ludovic almost laughed aloud. For there she stood, as if he'd conjured her. Although a black veil obscured her face, he could have identified her proud carriage and sultry voice among a hundred similar women. In all of his six-and-thirty years, he had never allowed a woman to get under his skin, but this one had infected him with an infirmity for which he had yet to find a complete cure.

Oh, he'd sought balm for his condition, all right. In Paris, he had soothed his raging fever with opera dancers, and in Italy, the finest Venetian courtesans had served as a temporary unguent. Following in the footprints of the ignoble Baron Baltimore, after whom he had capriciously chosen to model his life, Ludovic had sojourned to the East in an endeavor to satiate his sybaritic senses in every possible way. But still, his symptoms—the hollow sensation, the emotional detachment as if he were sleepwalking through life—inevitably returned.

The Baronet’s Blackout Bombshell by Raven McAllan


Blurb:

Your past has a habit of catching up with you. Bare-assed, climbing a wall, would be one of those times, naturally.

Chrissie thought her humiliation was complete when Baronet Archie called off their engagement. However, meeting him again, when she is attempting to break back into her temporary residence, takes embarrassment to new heights. Will he turn her in to her boss or do the gentlemanly thing and look the other way? Archie has never forgotten his little bombshell. Being so visibly reminded of her attributes makes him determined to atone for his past mistakes.

There is nothing quite like a war going on to remind you that life is short and there for the taking.

Can Archie convince Chrissie he's here to stay, or will circumstances drive them apart once more?

Excerpt:

"For Christ's sake, Archie," Chrissie burst out, forgetting Archie had no idea who she was, "stop gawking like a barrow boy at my bits and pieces and help me down! Can't you see I'm stuck here?"
"Oh, er, well, now, then. Right, oh...But you'll owe me. And do I know you?"

Bugger! Chrissie realized the darkness might hide her identity, but not her body, which he obviously enjoyed seeing. The thought made her go very warm and wet.

"Well, not all of me. No," she said in her normal upper-class manner. She forgot the sloppier accent she had deliberately cultivated so as not to seem out of place or snobbish. Her parents may be, but both she and Merle were much more in tune with normality.

In the dim light from the almost covered headlamps, she watched Archie move to stand right under her, his gait uneven. Had he been injured and she not notified? She held her breath as he stood still, looked her up and down, found where her skirt was caught, and swiftly and surely unhooked it. Thank goodness her face was in shadow.

Stealing the Sheriff’s Heart by L.B. Shire


Blurb:

Sheriff Corban Culley came to Becker's Ridge to set roots and make a good name for himself. He never expected to risk it all to save Miss Amelia Grey, the woman who stole his heart.
Sheriff Corban Culley is hot on the heels of an outlaw who just robbed the local stagecoach. He captures the hooded bandit easily enough, but what he finds under that cover will change his life forever.

As of late, Amelia Grey has been threatened, bullied and blackmailed. In her desperation to save her kidnapped brother and her family's ranch, she's forced to make a tough decision. After falling for handsome lawman Corban Culley, she spent months finding ways to cross his path. But she hadn't expected their next encounter to be with her on the wrong side of the law, and him needing to risk his reputation to save her family.

Excerpt:

Amelia leaned forward, and attempted to hide the grimace on her face. Her ribcage was tender from where Corban had crushed her into the hard ground with his body. The pain was endurable compared to the extreme displeasure that crossed his features each time their eyes met.

She wished she could crawl into a cave and hide. By the look on Sheriff Culley's face, she could tell she was in big trouble.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again. His features were dark and drawn in an unhappy frown. This wasn't how she'd envisioned herself ending up in his arms.

"I'll live." She lowered her gaze to the ground. She'd hoped for weeks to catch his eye, along with every other single, eligible woman in town. To her delight, the sheriff had chosen her, above all the rest, to spend the evening with at the barn dance. She'd been ecstatic with his offer.

A woman couldn't have asked for a more handsome date. His collar-length chestnut hair curled about his ears under the wide brimmed cowboy hat he wore. His warm brown eyes were confident, and lit up when he smiled. And he smiled a lot—at her. She'd relished the power of his strong arms around her and then to her great joy, he'd kissed her with a passion that had sent sparks clear to her toes. She'd been left breathless. Her body ached for something more she didn't comprehend.

For weeks after the dance, she'd made excuses to return to town. The supplies she'd forgotten, visits to the ladies of the church. All in hopes to catch a glimpse of him. She found he preoccupied her every thought throughout the day since that first kiss.

To her delight, she'd been able to catch his eye at a recent church social. They'd strolled arm in arm by the creek that passed through town, and she'd kissed his cheek and flirted with modest intent. He remained chivalrous, to her dismay. She'd hoped he would kiss her with the same passion he'd shown her at the dance.

Even if she'd ruined any chance of winning Corban's heart with this robbery, she could trust that he'd at least help her save her brother. He was the sheriff after all.
 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Behind the Veil: Night Shift Dreams by Meredith Smith

Dreamworkers: Behind the Veil of Night Shift Dreams takes the reader on a journey through the dream realms far beyond the visible. As the reader journeys through these dreams, they awaken to the world of the dreamer working the Night Shift. Dreamworkers is a collection of dreams from people all over the world. We traverse astral realms as we provide guidance and healing to the departed.

Dreamworkers is meant to assist others in exploring the realm of their dreams, to bring the invisible into the visible, and to shed light on those of us who are always in service within our dream state. ¬ rough this collection of dreams and research, the author works toward a lofty goal: to reach out to those of us whose existence lies on the thin boundary between waking and dreaming.

About the Author:

Thanks to over 35 years of personal experience and exploration in the dreaming realm, Meredith Smith naturally receives messages from the dream realms to help guide others through their own personal healing process. She has studied and trained in dream Interpretation, archetypes & symbolism, past life regression & hypnosis, Shamanic energy work, and Usui Reiki via workshops, classes, and trainings.

Meredith Smith is an intuitive reader of dreams, images, spirits, and energy--- with her specialized training entwined with her own natural gifts -- she believes that dreams are pieces to one’s own personal soul’s journey (past, present, & future), Meredith Smith guides each dreamer through the process of putting together the symbolic pieces of their amazing magical travels through the astral realms. She is a dream translator, a dream intuitive, a dream traveler, a spirit rescuer, an empath, and a energy healer; Meredith speaks in dreams.

Author Interview:


1. Describe what it’s like to be an author in three words.

Dreamy, rosy, soulful

2. What is your favorite genre of literature?


I have never really thought about it, I am usually drawn to fiction books depending on my mood. I am pretty random about the fiction I read, historical fiction, mythology I guess are my favorite. However lately I am reading a lot of non-fiction books (dreams, ET’s, spirits, healing) related to my research for the current book I am writing.

3. At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?


I think sometime in high school. I began to write short stories. I fantasied about traveling the world and writing. I kept getting pulled back into my night time dreams and I knew they were speaking to me.

4. What would you consider to be the best book you have ever read?


Ooooh this is a hard one as I have a few on my list. Let’s see… I love The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (I still remember the way I felt while reading the this book); The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand; Winged Pharaoh by Joan Grant. May I add that I love a couple of graphic novels…. one is the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman… and the other is the xxxHolic series by Clamp

5. Why do you write for children instead of adults or vice versa?


I write about aspects of our nightly dreams. I believe this could be for young adults or adults – those who dream vividly and wildly… those who communicate in their dreams with all different types of dream characters, living, deceased, and unearthly beings. 

6. Who would play you in a film of your life?


Probably someone unknown that has a personality more on the side of looking at life as a series of dreams.

7. What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?


Sane? Ha! Is that possible? Is anyone truly sane? Let’s see…. To take time to relax and to do the other things you enjoy doing. Not to get wrapped up in wondering if you are doing this writing “thing” right. Lay off the social media. And write about what you know or what interests you most – tap into what your intuition is saying to you.

8. Do you admire your own work?


Sure. Of course. I want to value what I write about.

9. Who else’s work do you admire?
 


Off the top of my head, within the realm of dreams (since that is what I write about)… I would say I admire… Robert Moss, Gillian Holloway, Ryan Hurd, and Kelly Bulkeley

10. What do you think is the sole purpose of books?


I don’t believe there is one sole purpose, each book offers something different. To share and explore fantasies and other perspectives. To entertain, to teach, to commune with others, to enjoy curling up on a couch, to dream.  

11. How would you convince a young person to pursue writing?


If you have something to say, or you desire to write, just write. Flow with what comes out of you. You will have good days and bad days, don’t get discourage.  What you may perceive as impossible is actually filled with possibilities.  
 

Excerpt:

I appear, not knowing how I arrived at this familiar place, but I understand why I am here. As I stand waiting for what is to happen next, I am drawn to the window on the second floor of the dark building across the street. As if I am waiting for a signal, I am mesmerized by the glare on this window. I strain to see if there is someone or something watching me from the window, but fail to recognize any type of silhouette.    

Many nights, I find myself wandering down cobblestone streets of old European towns. The smaller towns are rich in history and filled with a solitude and familiarity for my soul. Sometimes I find myself engaging in conversation with several souls who recognize me from an earlier era that I had long forgotten about. There is one particular town, a place that feels like somewhere in Europe, where a cobblestone street corner exists as a portal to the afterlife. I have never travelled to this area in waking life, yet it is a destination my soul visits frequently. It is customary for me to help people cross over at this exact spot. Across the street from where I always stand is an old brick building with a store front. I sense that there are apartments on the two upper floors. The windows on the building feel hollow, empty, and dark, except for one on the upper floor, in a far corner. This particular window seems to be watching me; or rather, maybe it is someone who is watching me. I always glance up to acknowledge the energy lurking around this window, letting it know I am aware that they are there.


When I arrive at this spot, it is never in daylight. There is always a pitch black night sky with just one street lamp to the right of me that is lit up on the other side of the street. I always arrive at the corner of the cobblestone street at the exact moment I am needed—never early, never delayed. The instant I arrive, the first of a long line of the dead appear. There is no time for me to waste, to ask questions, or to hesitate; this is my task, my purpose. I promptly greet the energies of each soul and take their translucent left hand and together, swiftly, we cross the street to the other side. As we walk across the street, the atmosphere shifts, the vibration rises, and a stripping of the old takes place; what once was is now being cleansed.


Within the first seconds that we arrive on the other side of the cobblestone street, the soul always turns to me and says telepathically, “Thank You.” Instantly, the energy field around us fills with love and compassion—simple loving emotions most of the time forgotten in the physical form. I nod my head in gratitude. They move forward, drifting, transcending into what I am only capable of seeing as an unlit dark cobblestone alley.


To each of these souls, what they see, experience, and feel is something that is not contained within human words to describe; there is no translation, only radiant light. I watch as the shift of their frequency vibrates higher, and I sense these are images that are created to align with their spiritual beliefs. I sense the luminous light beckons them to dive in, to wash away what was in hopes of what is, and to create what will be.


Sometimes, I encounter a soul who will plead for me not to let go of their hand, or will request my companionship to walk with them further down the alley. With a gentle gesture of touch, I gracefully inform them that I am not allowed to cross the boundary line into the alley; I remind them that I must remain on this side.


Friday, October 12, 2012

Sparkelicious by Libby Floyd: Blog Tour

I am thankful every now and then for a read that I can just READ and not think too much into, just grab a few quiet minutes each day and turn pages...no pressure!  This is that kind of book.  It is one of those reads that you just fall into and you want to keep going to find out what happens to these characters that you feel are your friends and family!

About the Novel:

Laney Montgomery is living the dream – a successful L.A. fashion designer, a fabulous home in the Hollywood Hills and happily married to an English film director. But on a trip back home to South Carolina, she finds herself in the middle of a family crisis, which she’s determined to fix. However, the affections of a handsome, younger man creates havoc in her personal life. With her marriage in serious trouble back in California, Laney is faced with losing it all but maybe that’s the only way for her to find true happiness.

About the Author:

Libby Floyd has been a national on-air television personality for over 15 years with appearances on ShopNBC, Shop-At-Home and The Food Network. She was the youngest ever nominee for the prestigious position of Poet Laureate of South Carolina following the release of her poetry book A Winning Heart. Libby is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and was a contestant in the Miss America and Miss USA programs.

Her latest book is the contemporary romance, Sparkelicious.

Visit Libby on the web at www.LibbyFloyd.com.

Connect with her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/libbyfloyd.

Friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/libby.floyd.31.

Pick up your copy of the deliciously wicked Sparkelicious at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Sparkelicious-Libby-Floyd/dp/0985847638/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345126752&sr=1-2.

Purchase your copy of Sparkelicious at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sparkelicious?keyword=sparkelicious&store=ebook.

My Thoughts:

 As I mentioned above, this is the kind of book that is an escape for me - a contemporary fiction with all the plot lines that one would want in a light and easy read. 

I loved getting to know Laney, Sophie, Bridgett and Missy - Thomas I could leave behind...what a jerk.  But then again, there has to be one in every novel.  The characters really did grow on me and Matt and Laney's story is cute, albeit predictable, but cute nonetheless.  Like any love story the road can be bumpy, but to find true happiness you have to realize what is and isn't good for you - Laney's lesson was just that.

Some of the antics (especially those of Kara and Thomas) were a little out there, but the more I live the more I see examples of these two out there - they made their bed (literally and figuratively) in this novel and it is nice to see them have to lie in it. 

What wasn't predictable was the storyline of the Senator and Sophie.  Interesting twist of events!

I liked the book, liked that it wasn't to deep and I could cruise right through it.  This would be an amazing beach read, or a novel to grab in-between heavier reads.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

If there ever were two books that totally consumed me for over twenty-four hours, these were it!  I am so glad to have finished the second one - it really is a huge credit to an author who can pump out a second one that is as good as, if not better than the first.  Huge Gayle Forman fan right now!

I know, these novels have been out on the YA circuit for a while now - but my teacher book club is just reading them and they were totally worth the wait!

About the Novel:

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future-and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

My Thoughts:

Gayle Forman really hit this out of the park - the companion novel to If I Stay is a winner and it is so amazing to be able to switch perspectives totally and get the other side of the coin.

Throughout both novels, but especially this one, I was rooting for this couple - Adam and Mia.  Beyond the love story, this author really does know how to impart the maximum amount of emotion into each word that she writes.  As I was reading, I was feeling every ounce of heartache right along with them both and while I may not have understood every character's motivations the author made me want to root for them both still.

Additionally, I am amazed at how nicely this novel came together...how the ending truly did match the journey and while nothing was "perfect" as in those cliche romance novels, it was perfect for these two characters that she created.

I only wish I had another journey to go on with them but on the flip side these two novels were so good I am satisfied knowing these characters came full circle.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Two Brides Too Many (The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek #1) by Mona Hodgson

I stumbled across a true gem this summer, a Christian Fiction book virtual book club and I have absolutely enjoyed EVERY minute reading along with this group of women.  Not only are the novels they select fantastic, each month the author of the selection joins us on Facebook to discuss the novel.

One of the best authors to have visited our group is Mona Hodgson...we read her debut novel Two Brides Too Many (The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek #1) in September.

About the Novel:

Kat and Nell Sinclair are headed west—away from the manicured lawns of Maine to the boisterous, booming mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado to start new lives for themselves as mail-order brides.

Aboard the train, romantic dreamer Nell carries a photo of her intended close to her heart and imagines an exciting and love-filled future, while her pragmatic older sister Kat resigns herself to marriage as a duty, not a delight.

But when the ladies disembark at the train depot, neither fiancĂ© Patrick Maloney or Judson Archer awaits them with open arms. The well-bred Sinclair sisters find themselves unexpectedly alone in the wild, frontier town—a place where fire threatens to reduce the buildings to rubble, the working women strut the streets, rogues will gamble for the shoes on one’s feet, and God’s grace is found amongst the most unlikely of folks.

Two sisters,
Two missing misters,
A shocking welcome to the wild west that leaves both Kat and Nell Sinclair questioning their dreams­ and the hope for true love.


About the Author:

MONA HODGSON writes western, historical fiction for WaterBrtook Press. She is the author of TWO BRIDES TOO MANY, TOO RICH FOR A BRIDE, THE BRIDE WORE BLUE, TWICE A BRIDE, and THE QUILTED HEART novellas (early 2013 releases). Her writing credits also include nearly thirty children’s books, contributions to eleven books for adults, and hundreds of short stories, articles, and poems in newspapers and magazines. One of Mona’s favorite things to do (besides writing or eating dark chocolate) is to speak at women's retreats and schools, and for women’s groups, librarians, and at writers’ conferences throughout the United States and Canada. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob. Check out www.monahodgson.com to learn more. You can also follow Mona on her blog http://monahodgson.wordpress.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/author.mona.

My Thoughts:

I SO enjoyed my first Mona Hodgson read and am delighted to find that it is the first in a series.

After reading the beginning of the Sinclair sisters' journey I cannot wait to find out what becomes of them!


Kat and Nell Sinclair are the main characters in this Christian romance where the two sisters head out West for the promise of a new life, a new beginning, and a happily ever after.  When none of their plans go accordingly, these women begin to carve out a new existence for themselves and it is so interesting to watch their journey!

While romance (and not heavy doses of it) are a side note, what I loved most about this novel was that faith was front and center.  Ms. Hodgson doesn't shy away from it and she makes it a cornerstone of the novel.

I also adored the supporting characters.  Mr. Boney Hughes and Miss Hattie really add a solid foundation to the novel and are proof that there are all types of people out there and some may be the least assuming but may end up offering the most to your life.

The plot is flowing and you really do just want to keep reading to find out how this story turns out.  Kudos to Ms. Hodgson, you have made a fan out of me!

Sunday, September 30, 2012

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

I am back reviewing with a vengeance - and boy let me tell you, this novel was an amazing choice to start with!

About the Book:

A critically acclaimed novel that will change the way you look at life, love, and family.

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

About the Author:

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, I was a journalist who specialized in reporting on young people and social-justice issues. Which is a fancy way of saying I reported on all the ways that young people get treated like crap—and overcome! I started out working for Seventeen magazine, writing the kinds of articles that people (i.e. adults) never believe that Seventeen ran (on everything from child soldiers in Sierra Leone to migrant teen farm workers in the U.S.). Later on, I became a freelance journalist, writing for magazines like Details, Jane, Glamour, The Nation, Elle, Budget Travel, and Cosmopolitan. 

My first young-adult novel, Sisters in Sanity, was based on another one of those social justice articles I wrote when for Seventeen and you can click here to read the article. Sisters was published in 2007. My next book, If I Stay, was published in April of 2009 by Dutton. It is also being published in 30 countries around the world, which is surreal. The sequel/companion book to If I Stay, Where She Went, comes out in April 2011. I am currently working on a new YA novel, that is, when my kids (plural, after Willa we adopted Denbele from Ethiopia) allow me to. And after that book is finished, I’ll write another, and another….

Wow. This is crazy long. I suppose the short version of this bio could simply read: My name is Gayle Forman and I love to write young-adult novels. Because I do. So thank you for reading them. Because without you, it’d just be me. And the voices in my head.

Gayle Forman is an award-winning author and journalist whose articles have appeared in such publications as Jane, Seventeen, Glamour, Elle, and The New York Times Magazine, to name just a few. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

My Thoughts:

I loved this novel - it took me back to young adult literature after a summer of many adult novels and I was glad to get back!

The plot was sensational - the idea that when we are critically injured that we can somehow have an out of body experience and see what is happening and even make a decision about which direction we want to go is breathtaking.

I think that the characters really set this novel up, Adam and Mia are of course the young couple in love facing some tough decisions when a tragic accident befalls them - their course is set into motion and at the end of the novel you don't find out where there relationship heads because there is a second book (which I am reading now, equally as good as the first!) 

Amazing author, my first read of hers and I am hooked - looking forward to finishing up the second on soon!

My Rating: 5/5