Aug 29, 2012

A Duke's Promise by Jamie Carie

A Duke's Promise
by Jamie Carie



ABOUT THE BOOK
From the Land of Fire and Ice back to England’s shores, Alexandria Featherstone finds herself the new Duchess of St. Easton. Her husband has promised a wedding trip to take them to the place where her imperiled parents were last seen -- Italy and the marble caves of Carrara -- but a powerful Italian duke plots against Alex and her treasure-hunting parents.

Hoping to save them, Alex and Gabriel travel to Italy by balloon. Fraught with danger on all sides and pressured by Gabriel’s affliction to the breaking point, they must learn to work and fight together. The mysterious key is within their grasp, but they have yet to recognize it. This journey will require steadfast faith in God and each other -- a risk that will win them everything they want or lose them everything they have.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Duke's Promise, go HERE.


My Review :
**My book has not yet arrived, so my review will be posted at a later date**

*Read my review of Book 1 Guardian Duke HERE
*Read my review of Book 2 Forgiven Duke HERE




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Aug 28, 2012

Review and GIVEAWAY ~ The American Bible Challenge


The American Bible Challenge
(premieres August 23 at 8/7c on Game Show Network)
Read my Review - Then Enter to WIN the Giveaway



About The American Bible Challenge

Comedian and author, Jeff Foxworthy hosts this studio-based game in which contestants compete based on their knowledge of the Bible. Utilizing current as well as historical references, questions will be drawn from the rich, dense narrative found in the world's best-selling book. The contestants will share their compelling back-stories and each team will be playing for a charitable organization. The American Bible Challenge is produced by RelativityREAL for GSN, with RelativityREAL’s Tom Forman (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies ("The Newlywed Game," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire") serving as Executive Producers on the project. Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks are Consulting Producers.

About Host: Jeff Foxworthy
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple

Review ~ The Bride Wore Blue by Mona Hodgson

The Bride Wore Blue
by Mona Hodgson
The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek—Book 3


Headed toward a fresh start but tethered by her past, Vivian longs to break free, to find forgiveness and love.

At last, the sisters are reunited! The youngest Sinclair, the family“ baby”, is moving from Maine to Cripple Creek, Colorado and joining Kat, Nell, and Ida. But Vivian is a young woman with a will of her own, and made some decisions back in Portland that have begun to haunt her. Will she be able to live up to the expectations of her three perfect and now happily-settled sisters?

The sisters warmly welcome Vivian to the mountain west, but the wild-and-woolly mining town isn’t ripe with opportunities for a respectable young woman. The youngest Sinclair sister is determined to make her own way, so
when she’s offered a job as a hostess in a sporting house, she takes it, thinking the position is appropriate for a tainted, unlovable woman like herself. Although she’s convinced she’ll never be asked to entertain privately, Vivian
keeps her employment a secret from her sisters, knowing they’d be mortified—as will Carter Alwyn, the kind and godly sheriff ’s deputy who’s sweet on her.

Vivian is descending into a life of secrets, lying to the very people who love her and could help her heal from her mistakes. Will an outpouring of grace remind her that she is still God’s beloved and that her past can be washed as clean as Rocky Mountain snow? 

Author's Web Site           Author Bio          More Info         Read Chapter One        


My Review:
I have now read all three of The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek stories to date.  This third book in the series gives the reader an in-depth look at the "baby" of the family, Vivian.  I felt like Vivian had been a typical spoiled baby sister, wanting her own way before she went to join her older sisters in Cripple Creek, and had learned some hard life lessons in a very difficult way.  Though she seemed to be more mature and to have learned from the mistakes in her past, she seemed to continue to resent her older sister's influence in her life at times, and I think it led to her making more mistakes that could possibly been avoided if she would have just taken the time to talk with one or more of them.
This realistic sibling dynamic made the story much more enjoyable for me, as well as the estranged romance between Vivian and Deputy Alwyn.  The overwhelming lesson of forgiveness, faith and acceptance is an integral part of the story from beginning to end.  This heartwarming story is one that shows how forgiveness, love, and family loyalty can help overcome difficult circumstances.  I also enjoyed the mystery and danger involved that gave the wild west type feel to this story that I really like.
This is a good christian fiction romance, with some wild west outlaws, soiled doves,  train robbery and so much more excitement thrown in the mix.  Although it can be read alone, I do recommend reading the first two books in the series first in order to get to know many of the other characters in this story.



I received one or more books or products in the post above for review purposes only from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group   through the Blogging for Books program. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion .  If you have any questions or comments, please see my FTC disclosure or Review Policy.

Aug 27, 2012

Blogfest Bookfair Giveaway Event on Loves 2 Read ~ 8/28 - 9/5




Melynda Fleury had a close call with losing her eyesight due to diabetes, so to honor her fight, Wayman Publishing is throwing a Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway.  The Blogfest will be held during the week of Labor Day. ALL ENTRANTS will have unlimited access to download any of Wayman Publishing's Top 10 Books during the following dates: Sept 2 through Sept 4  ~ what an amazing gift!
On September 1st, all entrants will receive a direct link to download Wyman Publishing's books.

As if that isn't enough of a celebration, Mommy Blog Designs, the blog designer with a reputation for her amazing service and blog designs, has also agreed to contribute one of her Premade Designs with full package ($269 Value) for FREE to one lucky winner!

AND to top it all off ~ we are also giving away $200 paypal cash!

Hailee by Penny Zeller

Hailee by Penny Zeller
Montanna Skies Series #3 

At twenty years of age, Nathaniel Maxwell Adams Jr., better known as Nate, fulfills a prophecy he made eleven years prior by moving to Pine Haven. What he hadn't planned in his youth, though, was to become a pastor, especially since his parents adamantly oppose the idea. So, as he shepherds a flock in the growing Montana town, he feels called to another smaller yet no less significant mission field: his mother and father.

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin, roaming the Cincinnati streets trying to keep food in the mouths of her two younger brothers and herself. This often meant thieving, which landed her in the Sanctuary of Hope, a home for delinquent youngsters. There, her life changed, thanks to her patient, loving teachers. Now, at eighteen, she pursues a dream to become a teacher herself and bravely accepts a position in Montana. She still has faith that she'll find her brothers again someday, but for now, she's ready to put the past behind her.

When their paths converge in Pine Haven, their lives begin to overlap in ways they can't ignore. And they must discover if God intends for their destinies to converge, as well.



My Review :
I was  drawn to the main character Hailee from the beginning.  Her story of sorry, love and sacrifice for her younger brothers endeared her to me right away.  I was captivated

Aug 25, 2012

Swipe by Evan Angler

SWIPE ~ Book 1 in the Swipe Series by Evan Angler


Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?

Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, Swipe follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn’t even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.

The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It’s almost Logan Langly’s 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.

When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is Left Behind meets Matched for middle-grade readers.

Aug 19, 2012

Review of Here's Lilly & The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue

Here are Two great books from The Lilly Series by author Nancy Rue

Here's Lilly:

Grow with the spirited, sometimes awkward, but always charming Lily as she learns what real beauty is.

In this fun, entertaining story, readers meet awkward sixth grader Lily Robbins who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private “club” with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.

This best-selling, biblically based fiction series for girls—with a fresh new look and updated content—addresses social issues and coming-of-age topics, all with the spunk and humor of Lily Robbins as she fumbles her way through unfamiliar territory. As readers come to love Lily and her stories, they’ll also benefit from the companion nonfiction books that will help them through their own growing pains.



My Review :
Here's Lilly by Nancy Rue is a fun and entertaining book for young girls.  As the main character, Lilly

Aug 17, 2012

Melynda's Labor Day Blogfest/Book Fair - FREE Blogger Opportunity - Sign Up To Participate!


In September, Wayman Publishing is honoring Melynda Fleury for her brave fight against diabetes by offering a 3 part giveaway to get everyone involved in reading and this giveaway!
What are they giving away?

1) Unlimited free downloads of their TOP TEN Bestselling Books to all entrants of this giveaway.

2) Mommy Blog Designs, YES! Many of you know this woman already because she has an AWESOME reputation for her service and blog designs throughout the blogosphere, has also agreed to contribute one of her Premade Designs with full package ($269 Value) for FREE to one lucky winner!

3) They are also offering a CASH POT PRIZE! Wayman Publishing is also contributing $100 towards whatever our pot prize is for the giveaway. So, yes, we begin at $100!

How to participate:

Everyone who enters and agrees to participate as a blogger in this giveaway will be able to enter one link free (no Googl e+ please).  If you refer a friend, you can enter two links free (no Googl e+ please).

You can enter more than one link, but each social link will be $3 and $5 for each Email/RSS subscriptions.

If interested go HERE to Participtate!  AND PLEASE remember to say "LOVES 2 READ" referred you!

Aug 16, 2012

Promo ~ Memories by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Memories
By Deanna Lynn Sletten
Genre: Romance/Women’s Fiction
Book Description:
Michael DeCara came home from the Vietnam War a wounded man, both physically and emotionally.  He tried putting his life back together, but found civilian life difficult after all he’d experienced in Nam. Raising his young daughter, Vanessa, by himself after his wife left, he found it difficult to commit to one job or one woman for any length of time. Then he met a young woman who made him feel good about himself again and who fell in love with Vanessa as well. But a life-changing event occurred and he had to choose between his past and the present. He chose to leave without a word to the young woman, believing he was doing what was best for her. Now, years later, she has walked back into his life and he believes they may have a second chance at love–except she hates him and he doesn’t understand why.
Danielle Westerly fell in love when she was only eighteen and her heart was broken when he left her without a word. Her heartache was increased when she made a fateful decision that would alter her future, and she blamed him for her loss. Years later, she is single and has built up a successful career when she accidently runs into the man who was responsible for her past pain. Yet, their chemistry is

Win a Nexus 7 tablet on Loves 2 Read ~ 8/16 - 9/6

Ready for another amazing Giveaway by Loves 2 Read ?  
Enter below for your chance to win a NEW Nexus 7 thanks to Mom Powered Media!  
Giveaway runs 8/16 7pm through 9/6 11:59pm


Mom Powered Media proudly presents the Nexus 7 Giveaway!





This is a hosted giveaway, not sponsored by Loves 2 Read.  Neither the Host nor I received any compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Loves 2 Read is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Aug 13, 2012

Girly Girl Giveaway ~ Tutu Momma's Ultimate Girl Prize Package ~ 8/14 - 8/28

With all the Back to School Chaos going on, 
I thought a fun girly giveaway would be perfect.  
So, for your girly girls, and cutie pies; 
here is a fun giveaway full of fun and frilly prizes!



Alison is a stay at home mother of 4. She started her business, Tutu Momma, in February of 2011, just after she had her first daughter. She wanted to be able to make her cute hair things and tutus without breaking the bank! She makes hair accessories, tutus, custom shirts, and lots of other girly things. Nearly everything she makes is completely handmade. She is giving away an AWESOME girly prize package, valued at over $100.

Aug 10, 2012

Dyson DC24 Giveaway on Loves 2 Read ~ 8/10 - 8/31


Mom Powered Media proudly presents the Dyson DC24 Giveaway

The dates of the contest are:  Aug 10th through Aug 31st 
Entry form will open at 7pm on Aug 7th
and will close at 11:59pm on Aug 31st


Dyson "The Ball" DC24 Vacuum

Impress yourself with your beautiful floors when you use the Dyson DC24 All-Floors Lightweight Upright Vacuum. Ultra lightweight and compact makes vacuuming with this machine effortless. The Dyson "Ball" technology turns the vacuum on a dime with no loss of suction, combined with the patented Root Cyclone technology makes this one extreme powerhouse of clean.

Dyson "The Ball" DC24 All-Floors Lightweight Upright Vacuum Includes:

Aug 8, 2012

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy - CFBA tour

Over The Edge
Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Aug 7, 2012

Beezer Indoor Playhouse Giveaway on Loves 2 Read - 8/8 - 8/22

Beezer Playhouses  are  perfect for kids who love imaginative indoor play! 
Each playhouse comes with a variety of letters, numbers, and accessories that offer a personal touch.
What do your kids do on a Rainy day?  
Cold, windy day?  
Hot sweaty, too humid to go outside day?
Now they can play indoors with a Beezer Playhouse!

Beezer Playhouses are cute, durable, and interactive with plastic windows and a strong plastic door frame.

Aug 3, 2012

Beneath the Slashings by Michelle Isenhoff

Beneath the Slashings
by Michelle Isenhoff


Extended Description
Beneath the Slashings is the final book in Ms. Isenhoff’s Divided Decade Trilogy, which views the American Civil War from three different angles. But because they’re only loosely related, each book can be read independently.

The story begins with 12-year-old Grace Nickerson celebrating the end of the war. After four long years, Pa’s finally coming home! Grace is eager to move back to the family farm (from her aunt and uncle’s house) and resume a normal life. But then Pa’s letter comes in the mail–he’s sold the farm and taken a job in a lumber camp, and Grace and her twin brother, Sam, are to go with him.

Grace is devastated. She’s never been brave. “She wasn’t one to swing out over the creek on a hot summer day and drop blindly into a pool.” And her fear quickly turns to anger. When her tears and tantrums don’t change Pa’s mind, she stops speaking to him altogether.

In camp, Grace spends long hours working with Sam and Ivan, the surly Russian cook, but at least in the kitchen she’s safe from the lumberjacks. She’s seen them from the window. They’re rough, unkept, and terrifying. But slowly, with Sam’s help, she comes to understand they’re all missing home and recovering from loss, just like she is. Her fear begins to evaporate–until she learns one of them is trying to kill Pa.

Aug 2, 2012

Review ~ Lunchbox Love Cards for kids and adults - share joy, laughter & love each day in a special way

Lunchbox Love Cards



Lunchbox Love is a colorful collection of credit-card sized notes that have a heartfelt message on the front and a fun fact on the back. They say things like, "I love spending time with you" on the front and "Did you know tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur" on the back. They are a simple, yet powerful way for busy parents and caregivers to stay connected with their kids during the day.

You may have seen them on the Today show a couple of times or in Parents Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. They have won a Parent Tested Parent Approved award and are loved by parents and kids everywhere.

Lunchbox Love is not only for lunch boxes, or even just for kids. With each month comes different holidays in which Lunchbox Love makes a great way to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for all the important people your life.


You can see our full line of cards, for kids and adults, at www.sayplease.com. We also sell Lunchbox Love on Amazon.com.

Watch this video for more about Lunchbox Love:

Review & Guest Post ~ The Exceptionals by Erin Cashman YA adventure

The Exceptionals
by Erin Cashman



Born into a famous family of exceptionally talented people, fifteen-year-old Claire Walker has deliberately chosen to live an average life. But everything changes the night of the Spring Fling, when her parents decide it's high time she transferred to Cambial Academy--the prestigious boarding school that her great-grandfather founded for students with supernatural abilities.

Despite her attempts to blend in, Claire stands out at Cambial simply because she is normal. But unbeknownst to her new friends, she has a powerful gift she considers too lame to admit. Suddenly, the most talented students in school the Exceptionals begin to disappear. In an attempt to find out what happened to them, Claire comes across a prophecy foretelling a mysterious girl who will use her ability to save Cambial students from a dire fate. Could she be that girl? Claire decides there is only one way to find out: she must embrace her ability once and for all.



My Review:
The Exceptionals by Erin Cashman is a fantasy adventure for pre-teens through young adult readers.  The main character, Claire Walker is an ordinary high school student at public school.  Her father is a professor, and her mother is the vice-principal at Cambial Academy: a boarding school for students who have special abilities and talents.  The students at Cambial do not have magical abilities, but rather exceptional and sometimes a bit paranormal qualities.
I really liked Claire, and her new friends at Cambial.  I could empathize with her wanting to keep her special gift a secret.  Her relationship with her mother and siblings, as well as some of the other students made the story more realistic and interesting to me.  The mystery surrounding the missing students kept my interest til the very end.
I liked how the author made sure that the ending was both a dramatic finish to the story, but also left it open just enough to make the reader want more.  I really enjoyed reading this book, and hope the author writes a sequel.  A great story for ages 12 and up, in my opinion.



GUEST POST by Author Erin Cashman :

Blogger Sign Up Event - Beezer Playhouse

Free blogger sign-ups for the first 100 bloggers! 
Join us for this fun summer giveaway for Beezer Playhouses 
and get a FREE Facebook entry.

Blogger Opp and Upcoming Giveaway - sign ups open


Tutu Momma’s Ultimate Girl Prize Package Giveaway Free Blogger Opp

The lovely Tutu Momma has paired up with Kara’s Deals and Steals for this awesome giveaway and has provided a girly little prize package full of goodies to give away to one lucky winner. The prize package includes:

Petti Skirt-$22 value
Tutu-$15 value
Necklace-$10 value
4 boutique bows- $20 value
8 shabby rosette character clips (skulls(2), Barbie, Raggedy Anne, Strawberry Shortcake, Lala Loopsy, Smurfette, and Cinderella's carriage ) - $32 value

These items fit 18 months-4T and she can go up to a 5 or 6 in the pettiskirt or tutu.

The giveaway will run from August 14-August 28. It is open to the U.S. only. Kara’s Deals and Steals is offering one free link to bloggers in this giveaway and another free link if you post an announcement! You must have 1000+ Facebook fans to be eligible for this opp. Sign up here .

Blogger Opp- sign up to be part of a Nexus 7 Tablet Giveaway

The Nexus 7 Giveaway Event 

hosted by  

Mom Powered Media

Prize: Nexus 7 Tablet

The event dates: 8/16 - 9/6

Sign-Up Here – Bloggers Wanted

Aug 1, 2012

Back to School Giveaway Event on Loves 2 Read - 5 winners! 8/1 - 8/14








Prizes for Loves 2 Read's Giveaway include:
(click titles to read my reviews)



There will be 5 winners total
Prize 1
Qwirkle ~ Mindware Games

Prize 2

Prize 3
Lunchbox Love Cards sets 1-4






Disclaimer: Please note that the Back To School Blast hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize, but we will make every effort to help the winner in obtaining it.