I know Christmas is a month past, and most of us are not even thinking of it, or even next Christmas yet.  But I  have a wonderful book to review, that although is Christmas themed, has a message that is wonderful all year long.

Description :
With the mortgage due and funds scarce, Madge Morgan can't afford distractions. Especially not from Judd Kirk, her sister Louisa's meek tutor and—according to their mother's plans—suitor. Madge's focus is on her housekeeping job…little knowing Judd's connection to her employer, or his real reason for coming to Golden Prairie.
At last, Judd has found the man who swindled his mother. Yet if he seeks revenge, he risks losing the one thing he wants even more: a woman with faith enough to rekindle his own. A woman with strong values and a gentle heart. A woman like Madge.



My Review :
I enjoy reading depression era stories.  Reading about the very realistic struggles that families faced, and the strength of character it took to overcome dire circumstances.  This story was no different.  A story of young woman, working to save her home after the death of her father.  Her older sister is ill, and her little sister is very shy.  Their mother hires a tutor for the littlest girl, Louisa.  The tutor, Judd has secrets of his own – trying to find the man who took his mother’s money.

What an interesting idea for a story.  Kept me intrigued to the end.  Some of the story was similar to other books I’ve read, but still a different enough to keep my interest.  Was a pretty quick read for me, easy to follow and easy to put down and pick back up again when my kiddos need me. I recommend this book for romance lovers, clean fiction lovers and those like me who enjoy a good quick clean book.


*Thanks to Netgalley for the digital copy of this book for my review.  See  my Policy & Disclosure page for more info.

My Review:
This story started out with a couple of new fun roomies in college, then took a turn for the weird.  Katherine has a very realistic dream of a gorgeous blonde haired, blue eyed guy who (in her dream) she was madly, deeply in love with.  Unfortunately at the end of the dream, he appears to be dead.  She awakens in an emotional panic!  He seemed so REAL!
I wasn't sure at this point if I was going to like this book, but curiosity (and my promise to review this book) kept me reading.  As I continued along on Kat and her roommate Taylor (and more characters along the way), I really never connected with anyone in the story.  I enjoy a story more when I feel a connection to one of the characters.  I felt Katherine was both shy and outgoing at the same time, had an instant bff relationship with her new roommate, and fell in love with 2 guys all at the same time.  A bit unrealistic I know.  BUT!  This is FICTION, and a bit of a fantasy romance.  Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing what will happen, who will she choose, is there danger ahead???
So, my personal opinion is this ~ do you like YA romance with a bit of a twist?  Do you like love triangles with hot guys, huge biceps, sweet dispositions and amazing personalities?  Well, then you may LOVE this book!  I liked it, but didn't love it.  My personal rating would be a 3.5 out of 5.  Give it a try yourself - come back here and let me know YOUR rating!  :)

For this giveaway, I had the wonderful privilege of reviewing a new book out this month: Treehugger by Kea Alwang.  You can read my review HERE, then sign up for the giveaway on the rafflecopter form below.




About Treehugger:
For fourteen-year-old Chloe, planet hopping is a gift. Righting the wrongs of the multiverse on behalf of a mysterious life form is a privilege. Leading a double life has its perks. Being Earth-born, however, simply bites.

Chloe knows she will never fit in when high school starts; that’s a given. It’s not like she can reveal her true self and her unusual abilities on Earth anyway. She used to be okay with that, as long as her two best friends were part of her extraterrestrial life, understanding her the way nobody else could.

That was before those friends vanished. That was before some jerk displayed her underwear on his head.

Now two-thirds short of feeling whole, Chloe becomes an enemy to herself just as a terrifying nemesis threatens to resurface. Can she fight through weakened skills, fearsome flashbacks, and evolving relationships to meet her future head on? Does it really matter what world you’re on when trying to find yourself?

Book Description :

For fourteen-year-old Chloe, planet hopping is a gift. Righting the wrongs of the multiverse on behalf of a mysterious life form is a privilege. Leading a double life has its perks. Being Earth-born, however, simply bites.

Chloe knows she will never fit in when high school starts; that’s a given. It’s not like she can reveal her true self and her unusual abilities on Earth anyway. She used to be okay with that, as long as her two best friends were part of her extraterrestrial life, understanding her the way nobody else could.

That was before those friends vanished. That was before some jerk displayed her underwear on his head.

Now two-thirds short of feeling whole, Chloe becomes an enemy to herself just as a terrifying nemesis threatens to resurface. Can she fight through weakened skills, fearsome flashbacks, and evolving relationships to meet her future head on? Does it really matter what world you’re on when trying to find yourself?


My Review:
Treehugger by Kea Alwang is a sci-fi, fantasy type young adult adventure.  The beginning few chapters kept me intrigued but a bit confused.  As with most fantasy books or movies, it takes a bit to get used to the author's descriptions of worlds, characters, and language.  Some of the names were difficult to figure out, but I think that added to the fantasy/sci-fi aspect of the story.  It is futuristic in that there are multiple galaxies, worlds, humanoid and non-humanoid type creatures and more.  As I read I got a nostalgic Star Wars type feeling for the ambiance of the different worlds.

I enjoyed reading of the strong relationship of the three main characters, but I felt that Chloe was a bit of a brat throughout most of the book.  She had such a "poor me" type attitude that I got a bit fed up with her after a while.  Her attitude makes her character more realistic and believable, so I'll forgive her for being a bit of a brat.

I think most fantasy and sci-fi fans will enjoy this book.  Anyone who likes a good adventure will enjoy it as well.  Chloe's struggles to fit in, her disappointment and frustration of missing her close friends, her determination to help when needed and her tenacity for getting in difficult situations makes her a believable character.  I look forward to reading more by author Kea Alwang.


About the Author :
Kea Alwang ~
blog:        http://www.keaalwang.com/
twitter:     @kea_alwang
email:       kea@keaalwang.com
facebook: #/keaalwang

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

Jamie Carie is the author of Snow Angel, a ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, USA Book News National "Best Books 2007" Awards winner, and 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. Her third novel, Wind Dancer, was a 2010 Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Indianapolis.



My Review :
This story if a heart wrenching journey of a young woman (Lady Kendra) orphaned, abandoned and sent away to live with an Aunt and Uncle she'd never met.  Along the way she finds love; but also that love is not easy or simple.  I enjoyed following Kendra on her journey to discover love, her own determination and her steadfast faith even in the midst of attack and kidnap.  This unique romance has many twists and turns that keep the reader interested from the first word to the last.

I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by author Jamie Carie.  I must say though, that due to some of the content I would not recommend this book for younger readers.  There is mention of intimacy and hints at relationship/marital issues that I don't think younger readers would understand.  I personally would suggest ages 16 and up.

And for those of my followers who are sensitive to religious books, this book does contain Faith in God and Bible scriptures throughout.  Though I would not consider it to be "preachy" in any manner.


*I received a digital copy of this book through Netgalley.com for review purposes - please see my Policy & Disclosure page for more info.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love Blooms in Winter Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012) by Lori Copeland



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.



My Review :

OVERVIEW

Noah lives for piloting spaceships through time, dodging killer robots and saving Earth's animals from extinction.

Life couldn't be better.

But the twelve-year-old time traveler learns it could be a whole lot worse. His mom is kidnapped and taken to Mars; his dad is stranded in the Ice Age; and Noah is attacked at every turn by a foe bent on destroying Earth... for the second time.




Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com (available in paperback or as an eBook)


THE AUTHOR

D. Robert Pease has been interested in creating worlds since childhood. From building in the sandbox behind his house, to drawing fantastical worlds with paper and pencil, there has hardly been a time he hasn't been off on some adventure in his mind, to the dismay of parents and teachers alike. Also, since the moment he could read, books have consumed vast swaths of his life. From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, to The Lord of the Rings, worlds just beyond reality have called to him like Homer's Sirens. It's not surprising then he chose to write stories of his own. Each filled with worlds just beyond reach, but close enough we can all catch a glimpse of ourselves in the characters.


Discover ways to connect with the author by visiting his site at www.drobertpease.com

OVERVIEW

Noah lives for piloting spaceships through time, dodging killer robots and saving Earth's animals from extinction.

Life couldn't be better.

But the twelve-year-old time traveler learns it could be a whole lot worse. His mom is kidnapped and taken to Mars; his dad is stranded in the Ice Age; and Noah is attacked at every turn by a foe bent on destroying Earth... for the second time.






Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com (available in paperback or as an eBook) or the online retailer of your choice (more links below).






THE AUTHOR

D. Robert Pease has been interested in creating worlds since childhood. From building in the sandbox behind his house, to drawing fantastical worlds with paper and pencil, there has hardly been a time he hasn't been off on some adventure in his mind, to the dismay of parents and teachers alike. Also, since the moment he could read, books have consumed vast swaths of his life. From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, to The Lord of the Rings, worlds just beyond reality have called to him like Homer's Sirens. It's not surprising then he chose to write stories of his own. Each filled with worlds just beyond reach, but close enough we can all catch a glimpse of ourselves in the characters.


Discover ways to connect with the author by visiting his site at www.drobertpease.com

Have you been coveting the Kindle, yet just aren't ready to make the purchase on your own yet? Well I've got the perfect solution for you, WIN ONE!


The Mommy Bunch is hosting this awesome giveaway, along with several other super-duper bloggers who joined in (including ME), giving you the chance to win a Kindle Keyboard 3G with special offers to have of your very own! All you have to do is complete the rafflecopter entry form at the end of the post.



It gets even better! On top of winning the Kindle, you will also get three free e-books to get you started:

In addtion, if you complete all of the required and optional entries on the rafflecopter form, you will get bonus entries worth up to 25 additional chances to win each!



So if you want to win one of these amazing ereaders, enter today and share with all your friends too!

Make sure to show some blogging ettiquette and visit the participating bloggers and say hello. By combining together, we are all able to bring these awesome giveaways to you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway