Thursday, December 30, 2010

Judgment Day by Wanda L. Dyson

Book Description:
Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.
The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions..
Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find an entrepreneur she is investigating, John Edward Sterling, unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Sterling is dead, she has his blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.
Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.

My Thoughts:
I very much enjoyed this book! Suzanne is a show host who does her own research. She absolutely loves breaking stories and seems to go out of her way to drag everyone's dirty laundry out. Her boss tells her to tone it down, get sources, and drop one certain story but she refuses. Soon the tables are turned on her and she is arrested for murder when the police arrive at her home and find a body and her with blood literally on her hands. She hires the best PI there is, it just happens to be her ex-fiance and his partner, the ex whom she betrayed in college. Marcus isn't happy about taking the case but he and Alex agreed to take it on. Now they just have to all stay alive to prove Suzanne's innocence.
I absolutely loved Marcus and Alex. They were wonderful people, each has their flaws and issues but that is life. I never did really like Suzanne but I half think that was the point of the whole book. You just like to dislike Suzanne. She has no morals, ethics and seems a complete conspiracy theorist. The twists in the book were unexpected. Lots of suspense and just overall a good book!
4/5 this was a good suspenseful read that anyone would enjoy!

Thank you to Librarything for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Earl of Darkness by Alix Rickloff

Book Description:
Born a lady, but reduced to surviving in the slums of Dublin, Catriona O’Connell has been hired to steal a mysterious book from Aidan Douglas, Earl of Kilronan. But Cat is secretly Other, an age-old mixture of Fey and human—something Aidan recognizes immediately when he surprises the lovely young burglar in his library, about to steal a magical diary.
From the moment Aidan sees her, Cat’s spirited beauty enchants him, but her uncanny abilities are what he truly needs, for Cat can understand the mystical language in the diary he inherited from his murdered father. So Aidan makes an offer: translate the book or be thrown in prison as a thief. And as Cat slowly deciphers each page, she and Aidan are drawn together by passion . . . and into the violence of the Other world that is the Kilronan legacy. Can they defeat those who seek the book, or are their lives in even greater danger than their hearts?
My Thoughts:
Cat is hired to steal an old book from Aidan Douglas, the only problem is she gets caught. Aidan is immediately intrigued by Cat, but more especially when he realizes she can read the diary his father left to him. He gives Cat a choice to either translate the book for him or go to jail as a thief. She makes the smart choice and translates. Another, Lazarus, is hired to steal the book and told to kill anyone in his way. Aidan and Cat are on the run, translating as they go, Aidan is learning things he doesn't like and both are fighting to stay alive!
I was immediately drawn to Cat's character. She may be a thief now but she was born 'royal'! The chemistry between her and Aidan is wonderful. The magic and paranormal elements in the book are quite easy to accept as just normal so I love how easily the author worked those in. Aidan could be a bit self-centered at times but it is understandable with what all he is going through so you can relate well to him. I can't wait for the next in this series!
This is a solid 4/5. I enjoyed all the characters and it was a good, engrossing read.
Thank you to Pocketbooks for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tempted by Fate Giveaway Winners!

And here are the winners of the Tempted by Fate Giveaway:
Brook, east.ofeden, and Loretta Canton. I'll now email the winners. Congrats!!

There were 10 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.8. Brooke
2.6. east.of eden
3.5. Loretta Canton
4.7. Maureen
5.1. elaing8
6.2. Martha Lawson
7.10. Zoe
8.4. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
9.3. Linda Henderson
10.9. Benita
Timestamp: 2010-12-29 18:47:39 UTC

The Scent of Jasmine by Jude Deveraux

Book Description:
Charleston, 1799 — A daughter of Southern gentility and a gifted painter, Catherine Edilean Harcourt has no lack of suitors at home in Virginia, waiting to fulfill her dream of marriage and family. But Cay’s adventurous spirit, fostered by growing up with her three brothers, is piqued while visiting her godfather in South Carolina. Bedridden with a broken leg, he asks Cay to fill in for him on an urgent task: on her way to a fancy dress ball, she must deliver a packed horse to an old friend’s son -- who also happens to be an escaped convict charged with murdering his wife! Cay agrees to the plan, which doesn’t go at all as planned . . . whereupon she finds herself fleeing Alexander McDowell’s captors, riding blind into the night with the fugitive Scotsman. Though she should fear him, Cay finds herself overwhelmingly attracted to Alex, and drawn into his tale of misguided justice and his innocence as they seek refuge in the steamy Florida everglades. Will trusting him be the worst mistake of her life? Or will falling in love be the salvation both of them have been looking for?

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. Catherine or Cay as her friends call her completely adores her godfather, Connor, and would do anything for him. Alex is accused of murdering his bride on their wedding night and is now a fugitive from justice. Per her godfather's request Cay takes a package to his old friend's son and it turns into the adventure of a lifetime! Alex can't believe Conner sent a woman to rescue him but now he's stuck with her and they have to get away so he can prove his innocence. But the woman Connor sent could be just what he needs...
I loved the twists this book took! Connor is so conniving and sure of himself. The author brings in Cay's three brother's wonderfully and they add so much to the plot. Deveraux's description and use of Cay's father is intriguing, men like that are so wonderfully old school and I love them. Cay herself was daring, self assured and just so likable. Alex is a gem and I am now in love with his character :)
This was a 4/5. Definitely an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Pocketbooks for the review copy of this book. I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Ethan's Chase by Bronwyn Storm Giveaway Winner

And the winner of the signed copy of Ethan's Chase is....
Kendra Smith. I'm sending her an email now :)

There were 6 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.1. Kendra Smith
2.6. Benita
3.2. Linda Henderson
4.5. Loretta Canton
5.4. Martha Lawson
6.3. Cheryl F
Timestamp: 2010-12-23 16:41:13 UTC

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Guest Blog Katie Salidas & Ebook Giveaway!

Media Release:
After being forced to reveal her true nature to Fallon her human best friend, Alyssa finds she done more than just broken vampire law, she's created a new pawn in the Acta Sanctorum's game of vampire extermination..
Hunters & Prey, an Immortalis novel, Urban Fantasy, by Katie Salidas, was released by publisher Rising Sign Books, LLC. in December 2010.
Becoming a vampire saved Alyssa from death, but the price was high: the loss of everything and everyone attached to her mortal life. She’s still learning to cope when a surprise confrontation with Santino Vitale, the Acta Sanctorum’s most fearsome hunter, sends her fleeing back to the world she once knew, and Fallon, the friend she’s missed more than anything.
Alyssa breaks vampire law by revealing her new, true self to her old friend, a fact which causes strong division in the group that should support her most: her clan.
Worse yet, her revelation entangles Fallon in the struggle between vampires and hunters and The Acta Sanctorum is ready to attack again, with a new army of hybrid creations: the Frenzy Soldiers.
If Alyssa hopes to survive and keep her mortal friend safe, she’ll have to be willing to make a deal with the enemy, and regain her clan’s support. It will take everyone working together in a precarious truce to fight against the Acta Sanctorum’s new threat.
Immortalis: Hunters & Prey by Katie Salidas, was released in March 2010 – Distributor – Ingram
ISBN 978-0-9844196-5-4– Fantasy Trade Paperback - $13.99 – Page Count 300
Learn more at http://www.risingsignbooks.com/

About The Author:

Author of the hot new Urban Fantasy series, Immortalis, Katie has always had a desire to entertain. Since, early childhood, she's dreamed up fantastical characters and scribbled them into pages of various journals and notebooks. Taking an interest in vampires at an early age, she devoured every book, featuring those mysterious, blood sucking creatures, in any genre she could find. She claims that, of all the monsters out there, vampires had always been the most interesting.
It was only natural that a love of reading about vampires, and a love of writing, turned into a desire to write her own stories.
A Las Vegas native, having grown up in the famed City of Sin, Katie loves to feature it as a recurring setting for many of her stories.
Blog
http://myimmortalstories.blogspot.com/

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/ksalidas?ref=profile

Facebook Author Fansite
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Salidas-Author/214780936916

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/katelv

LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=58814031&trk=tab_pro

Twitter
http://twitter.com/QuixoticKatie

GoodReads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3395431.Katie_Salidas

*****Now the wonderful Author above has offered to do a giveaway of one of her 4 books (in ebook format). They are avaliable from Smashwords so you will be sent a coupon if you win. To enter, leave a comment with your choice of the books listed below and your email address. The giveaway will last until January 20, 2011 so tell your friends!!!!

1. Immortalis Hunters & Prey (Book 2 Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
After being forced to reveal her true nature to Fallon her human best friend, Alyssa finds she done more than just broken vampire law, she's created a new pawn in the Acta Sanctorum's game of vampire extermination. If Alyssa hopes to keep her friend alive and her clan safe, she'll have to call in all the support she can, even if that means making a deal with the enemy.


2. Immortalis Carpe Noctem (Book 1 Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
Bleeding to death after brutal mugging , twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by an unlikely hero. The cold and aloof vampire, Lysander. By saving Alyssa, he unwittingly thrust her into a dark world filled with blood lust and thousand-year old vendettas. Now, she must find the strength to accept her terrifying new reality or die by the hands of Lysander's enemies.

3. Halloween Fantasies (paranormal erotica)
Touted as the sexiest party of the year, the annual Halloween Fantasy Ball is the one place a girl can let loose and succumb to her wildest fantasies. Disguised as a sexy vampire huntress, Sasha captures the attention of Dante, a real life creature of the night. And this sexy vampire has a few fantasies to share.


4. House of Immortal Pleasures -(paranormal romance)
Sometimes the only way to mend a broken heart is to get back in the saddle. At least that is how Daphne’s friends see it. And since Daphne isn’t showing any signs of letting that happen, they take it into their own hands. With a few shots of liquid courage, a pat on the ass, and a donated gold card, Daphne is unwillingly sent into a fantasy room to meet her creature of the night, Connor.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Duchess of Sin Giveaway Winners

Here are the winners for Duchess of Sin:
Kendra, Cheryl F. and Lisa R.
I will now send out the email to the winners.

There were 13 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.3. Kendra
2.8. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
3.10. Lisa R/alterlisa
4.5. elaing8
5.7. Michele
6.6. Linda Henderson
7.2. Mary
8.12. Nancy
9.13. mbreakfield
10.9. Maureen
11.1. PoCoKat
12.4. Chelle
13.11. Brooke
Timestamp: 2010-12-17 17:09:39 UTC

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck

Book Description:
Joy Ballard has a secret: she's a cooking show host who can't really cook.
When her South Carolina-based cooking show, Dining With Joy, is picked up by a major network, Joy Ballard's world heats up like a lowcountry boil.
Joy needs help. Then she meets chef Luke Davis who moved to Beaufort after losing his Manhattan restaurant. A cook at the Frogmore Cafe, he’s paying debts and longing to regain his reputation in the elite foodie world.
Luke and Joy mix like oil and water…until Joy is exposed on national television. With her career and his reputation both under fire, they’ll have to work together to fix the mess. Is it possible that they can learn to feast on God’s love and dine with joy?

My Thoughts:
This was an entertaining book! Joy has to take over her father's cooking show with one 'minor' problem....she can't cook! The cooking show is picked up by a national station and now Joy is going to have to be even more creative in hiding her secret. Luke on the other hand CAN cook and Joy thinks he will be her salvation. She can host while he cooks. Before she can get that worked out, her secret is spilled, on the air, and she and Luke lose their jobs!
I loved how the author made you feel what the characters felt. Joy basically had to respect her father's wishes and continue with the show. She didn't have only herself to think about but her mom and nieces (she is helping raise). I also like how she and Luke have complimenting personalities instead of similar ones...that made it much more interesting. Overall a delightfully fun, romantic read.
This book is a 4/5. A sweetly romantic read.

Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Fall Guy by Simon Wood

Book Description:
Todd Collins has failed in every job he's ever undertaken, but that all changes when he backs his jalopy in a shiny, new Porsche belonging to a drug dealer. When the police stop the drug dealer for a broken taillight that Todd has caused and discover a cocaine shipment, a West Coast kingpin holds Todd responsible. On the run from organized crime, Todd discovers his true calling.



My Thoughts:

This was definitely a thriller! Todd backed into the wrong car and gets thrown into the chaos. He is running from criminals who think it is his fault they lost so much money when through an unfortunate (for Todd) series of events leads to their drug shipment being found. He gets tangled in crime's sticky web and finds that he may just fit there....
Todd was a very interesting character. He seems to start out just an average joe who wishes for more and whose money doesn't make ends meet. Then when he gets into the criminal world, he makes some armature mistakes but finds his footing fast! He does have a conscience and I liked that. He wanted revenge and took it but didn't go overboard like I half expected him to.
I rate this a 4/5. It was a good, quick read that had some harsh insight into human nature.


Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Tempted by Fate Giveaway!

Book Description:
Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective. Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determi... more »ned to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .

Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.

  • You must be a follower to participate
  • Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
  • US & Canadian Residents only
  • No PO Boxes
  • Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
  • You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
  • Contest is open until December 25, 2010
  • Winners will be chosen using a randomizer
  • Directly from Hachette: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

Tempted by Fate by

Book Description:

Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective. Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .

My Thoughts:

This was a good book. Willow is a Guardian and takes that job seriously. She is trying to find the person who murdered her mom and being set up for murders by the man she is trying to stay one step ahead of. Rick is a detective and has his hands full when Willow falls into them. She is his main suspect in multiple murders but his method of interrogation tends to be to seduce the truth out of her. They have to trust each other to find the truth and out run the evil trying to catch up with them.

I loved Willow's character. Her whole attitude was just great. Rick sounds so hot! Anyway, the book kept my interest through the whole thing and was an absolute page turner. It had me guessing through most of it as I thought one thing would happen and expected the predictable and it just wasn't! A well written book with wonderful characters that are well developed....highly recommended.

This was a 5/5. It is going on my keeper shelf and I am going to find the rest of the series!

Thank you to Hachette for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Remains by Vincent Zandri

Book Description:
Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape. Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead. Now, it s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year. But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He's back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.

My Thoughts:
This book was chilling! Rebecca and Molly were kidnapped as children and swore never to reveal any of this to protect their parents. Shortly after they got away, the kidnapper was captured and jailed for 30 years. Now Rebecca's parents and sister are dead and she is receiving strange texts, paintings with hidden messages, and having horrible nightmares.
A page turner through and through! I love how you aren't just given the story of what happened to the twins but have to 'work' for it. Some of the twists were predictable but not many! Rebecca's character was wonderful to get to know and it was so creepy some of the things she went through. Wonderful plot, great imagery, and just a good book!
This was a solid 4/5....really close to a 5/5 but I'm still creeped out! If you love the terrifying suspense it is a must read! Just remember you won't be able to sleep!
Thank you to the author for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Ethan's Chase by Bronwyn Storm Giveaway

Book Description:
Still wounded from a disastrous love affair, advertising executive Ethan Phillips has spent the past five years outwitting Cupid with a series of dekes and fakes. Who knew the tricky cherub would get wise? Rather than piercing Ethan's heart with an arrow, he douses it with amaretto-flavored milk. A quick visit to the drycleaner and a stern lecture on the dangers of gorgeous, charming women, and he figures he has made another clean getaway. But when the sexy woman turns out to be Chase Logan, his new systems programmer, Ethan's got no where to run. Her charm, humor and intelligence soon have his heart racing and his libido revving. Suddenly, the man who spent his time running from Cupid, is now looking to borrow a few arrows. Ethan's ready to give chase and pursue love. Will he catch the heart of his programmer or just be left catching his breath.

Thanks to the wonderful author, Bronwyn, I have a SIGNED copy of this book to giveaway. Just leave me a comment with your email address and you will be entered to win. US only....sorry! Good luck to all!!!!!

Ethan's Chase by Bronwyn Storm

Book Description:
Still wounded from a disastrous love affair, advertising executive Ethan Phillips has spent the past five years outwitting Cupid with a series of dekes and fakes. Who knew the tricky cherub would get wise? Rather than piercing Ethan's heart with an arrow, he douses it with amaretto-flavored milk. A quick visit to the drycleaner and a stern lecture on the dangers of gorgeous, charming women, and he figures he has made another clean getaway. But when the sexy woman turns out to be Chase Logan, his new systems programmer, Ethan's got no where to run. Her charm, humor and intelligence soon have his heart racing and his libido revving. Suddenly, the man who spent his time running from Cupid, is now looking to borrow a few arrows. Ethan's ready to give chase and pursue love. Will he catch the heart of his programmer or just be left catching his breath.

My Thoughts:
This was a good book! I started it then just couldn't put it down! Ethan has been burned by relationships in the past so is determined not to let himself be pulled into one emotionally. He literally runs into Chase on the street and is attracted to her but determined never to think of her again. Then he realizes that she is the computer programmer for his business. Chase doesn't understand why Ethan runs hot and cold toward her but also has to focus on the escalating troubles coming her way. When Ethan finds out Chase is in trouble, he can't stay away and has to protect her but will his heart be the sacrifice?
I thought the title of the book was perfect. The play on words....just wonderful and unexpected. Ethan, Austin and Jesse are the men in the book and the descriptions of them are just yummy! Ethan is the focus and wow....he can be annoying and frustrating but that just makes it even better when Chase puts him in his place. Chase and her cousin are wonderful characters as well. Chase has her own issues but it is great to see how close she and her 'favorite' cousin are and that they would do anything for each other. Overall, I loved this book.
I rate this book a 5/5. It was a quick, fast paced read! Just so you know there is one sex scene so if those offend, you have been told :)
Thanks to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann

Book Description:
When fragmented images and unfocused panic force Noelle St. Claire to flee her wealthy, sheltered life in New York, she gains sanctuary on a ranch in the Rocky Mountains. There Noelle finds solace in the breathtaking scenery she paints. But as the attentions of two brothers, Rick and Morgan Spencer, breach the wall she hides behind, the past she yearns to escape becomes a menacing threat from which she can no longer hide. Award-winning and bestselling author Kristen Heitzmann has skillfully created a story resonating with emotion and depicting a poignant spiritual journey.


My Thoughts:
I loved this book. Noelle has a horrible past she is trying to stay one step ahead of that keeps catching up with her. She runs straight into a love triangle! In the Rocky Mountain foothills she comes to a ranch and meets Rick and Morgan, brothers and both interested. Rick is a Christian cowboy and Morgan a non-Christian business man. Noelle wants neither but both at the same time. She is just settling down into some sense of safety her past comes flying toward her and shatters the comfort she was beginning to feel.
I love that the author tackled so many touchy subjects and did it in straightforward but tasteful way. The characters were wonderfully developed and REAL. They didn't come off as some of the other religious fiction that get immediate answers to their prayers. They HAD to have faith to get through difficulties and just believe God was there for them without a miraculous sign, but with a strong true faith. Also the author didn't shy away from giving Noelle realistic reasons for not wanting anything to do with faith and good arguments against it! The suspense was nonstop, romance wonderfully suspenseful, and the whole package was just great!
I rate this 5/5! Very inspiring book...you won't be able to put it down.

Thank you to Bethany House for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

April Gardner Book Launch!

If you love historical fiction, you should check out April W Gardner’s, recently released Wounded Spirits. Today marks the novel’s Amazon Book Launch.
Buy the book today and receive:
1. Gifts from the author
2. E-gifts from generous supporters

“In Wounded Spirits, April Gardner has skillfully blended research with fiction to create a story that entertains and educates. Wounded Spirits has something for everyone: forbidden love and romance, brutal war scenes, sacrificial love, history of the 19th century, and a faith that triumphs over adversity. This is a debut novel to remember.”--Suzanne Woods Fisher, Bestselling Author of The Choice

ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the frontier, Adela McGirth’s life is simple, rugged, and exactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement’s most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough to wait on God's provision?
A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate--and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.
Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is a man on a mission - he'll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can't see his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him...or has He?
Their lives molded by the course of history, can these Wounded Spirits learn to rely on God's grace during one of the bloodiest conflicts in the South?
BUY NOW! And receive… http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2

FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE AUTHOR—
Every buyer receives a PDF of the first chapter of the sequel, Warring Spirits
PLUS a personalized, signed book plate mailed straight to you!

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WOUNDED SPIRITS—
“This is a solid debut from Ms. Gardner, one that demonstrates not only her skill with words, but her insight into the human condition. The characters will grip your heart, the story will seize your mind, and the hope at the end will leave you with the surety that your God is bigger than any human troubles.”-Rosanna White, Christian Review of Books

“Wounded Spirits is a powerful story of love, loyalty, the effects of war, and faith in God. The writing is vivid and compelling. The characters were so real I felt I knew them, and I was caught up in their lives and compelled to read on. The ending was sweet yet realistic. The story and its characters will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to reading future books by this talented author.” --Melanie Dickerson, Author of The Healer’s Apprentice

BUY NOW! And also receive… http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2
FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE SUPPORTERS OF
WOUNDED SPIRITS, including—
Three free e-books!
A set of children’s greeting cards!
A free devotional book mailed to your house straight from the author!
Just for writers--two free critiques from professional editors!
All these gifts (and much more!) will be yours by purchasing Wounded Spirits today. Follow this link to learn how. http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2
As a thank you for your interest in Wounded Spirits’ Amazon Launch, follow this link http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2 to enter the drawing for a bundle of amazing books! (No purchase necessary)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Don Burns

Book Description:
It's official: stumbling, bumbling James Lessor and Skip Moore are licensed private investigators. Now, that's some scary stuff. It could take time to get Moore or Less Investigations off the ground, so James takes a job with a traveling carnival show. But this show has a dubious reputation, having had a string of accidents and at least one death in the past year. When they're hired to investigate what's caused the carnival chaos, James and Skip set into motion a dizzying, roller coaster chain of events. After a terrifying trip on the Dragon Tail ride, a not-so-fun dust-up in Freddy's Fun House, and a host of threats, James and Skip realize they'll get anything but cooperation from this cantankerous cast of carnies. But when a carnival worker is murdered, James and Skip will have to act fast-because they might be next in line. For James and Skip, the only thing sweeter than the smell of corndogs and fried dough will be the sweet smell of success-but in this case, 'success' means getting out alive. This investigation is going completely off the rails.


My Thoughts:
This was an amusing read! James and Skip get their PI Licence from the Florida Department of Agriculture. As a side job, James gets a job at the carnival and is asked to investigate the 'accidents' surrounding the event. Skip has the article where a woman fell to her death from one of the rides and is suspicious. As they investigate, the carnies are uncooperative, a man is murdered and someone is targeting them now!
For a mystery, this book was so funny! The two PIs are smarter than most think, but still bumble around a lot. The women are so much more competent (of course!) and the gadgets are helpful. The best part is the relationship between James and Skip. They are room mates on top of partners but friends above all else and it shows....mostly in humor! Apparently these characters have had books before but this one stands quite well on its own and will make you laugh out loud!
I rate it a 4/5. Not exactly what I was expecting, but very entertaining. The ending will leave you hanging though!!

Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Children of Dreams by Lorilyn Roberts

Book Description:
"Children of Dreams" is borne out of Lorilyn Roberts' shattered dreams. The inspiring story of turning stolen dreams into life-changing hope not only for her but two destitute children will bring tears to the reader as he identifies with her feelings of insecurity and fear. The timeless theme of God's faithfulness-the stuff out of which God brings redemption-will leave the reader riveted to the pages of this book. "Children of Dreams" is more than an adoption story set in the remotest regions of the planet. Facing insurmountable odds-communist blockades, life-threatening illness, betrayal and deceit-Lorilyn Roberts' courage and determination never to give up will touch the reader. Despair transformed into heavenly joy and evil overcome by God's redemptive love will inspire even the most skeptical to believe in miracles. "Children of Dreams" resonates with Biblical truth at a deep level and in a sense is everyone's story. Timeless in nature, "Children of Dreams" is sure to be a favorite adoption story for years to come. Ms. Roberts is intimately familiar with adoption, having also been adopted as a child, and is able to present the spirit of adoption, as never before captured, in this tender story. Comparing the adoption of her daughters to her adoption by the heavenly Father throughout the story flows naturally.

My Thoughts:
I was very touched by this book. Ms. Roberts takes the reader through the emotional turmoil of wanting a child so badly and having that dream ripped away while her husband moves on with someone else and has his own child to attempting to adopt children and facing insurmountable obstacles. With God's help, she persevered and now has two beautiful daughters but there is an amazing story of how she got from divorcee to mother....and it is a beautiful story! Her comparison to how we are adopted by God is, I believe, original and right on!
Let me start this section by saying, I don't generally read this type of book. I usually stick to fiction, but the description and cover caught my attention. I was immediately taken through a roller coaster of emotions when she described her desire for a baby, her divorce, the hoops she jumped through, her joy of finally getting her babies, her fear for her children's' health and safety, and many many more. She has a unique understanding of how we are adopted by Christ because of her experiences and I think it makes a beautiful book. She doesn't take a 'lofty' approach of I did all this, but says instead that GOD did all this for her and that to me is the most important thing. She adamantly states that she waited on God and that is why everything worked out for her in the end. It wasn't an easy journey for her or her daughters but God brought them together in His time and way.
I rate this book a 5/5. You will laugh, cry and feel an emotional roller coaster while you take the journey with Ms. Roberts!

Thank you to the author for providing a review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Guest Blog Joe Sivak

Blog

I first started writing When Can I Go Home? back in 1989 when I was in my last year of medical
school. That was about a year after my mother died from Alzheimer's disease.
The book is a memoir about my mother's futile struggle with the disease. After she passed away
I had a tremendous need and sometimes furious drive to record the journey in a timeless and
permanent way. As a teenager, I had been my mother's primary caregiver for a few years , as
the disease progressively robbed her of her cognitive abilities, personality and her very essence.
At the time writing about it was very cathartic.
The disease process is profoundly isolating for families and I wanted to scream out and tell
the world. That element is there in so many Alzheimer's memoirs. Unfortunately the issue of
isolation has not improved in our society and much as we like to pretend it has in the last thirty
years since my mother was diagnosed. At that time most people had not heard of Alzheimer's
disease and of course now it is a household term, but as a society we are still ignorant and
terrified about it till it affects our own family. The isolation is still there.
The book is a bit unusual or even paradoxical from an Alzheimer's memoir point of view in that
It presents a dual perspective. First is a family caregiver specifically a teenager son, which is a bit
unusual and at times even bizarre, since that is not the prototypical demographic of a caregiver.
The other perspective is a clinical one from a physician. I have treated thousands of patients
and their families affected by many psychiatric and neurological problems including many
Alzheimer's victims. The clinical information is broken down and translated for the reader.
So you essentially have these two very different points of view sort of flip-flopping but sort
of coming into what I hope is a harmonious symmetry. The third aspect of the book is an
underlying and ongoing commentary on all the relevant sociological and psychological issues
this book interfaces with. Such issues as the state of health care delivery, being a doctor, and
the aging population are addressed and sometimes not in a very convenient way for those
that need to hold onto pretense and prejudice for security. For example as a society we really
don't treat the aging population with the honor and dignity they deserve. We are pretty much
obsessed with youth and appearance. We also have a lot of bias toward the medical profession
if not at times completely vilifying the field. So in that sense speaking candidly about things
albeit my opinion yet based on experience may open the readers eyes, on some issue conversely
it may propel some to try to look the other way even more. It's not always politically correct, but
it is a memoir and it is honest. It is sort of visceral, some people will cry some will laugh some
will get more angry, it makes you feel first, then think.
The manuscript was hard to finish, it lay dormant for some fifteen years, I never had an ending.
Even after the death of an Alzheimer's victim, there is never an ending for the five million
families affected by the disease. something hit me, after all these years. We are all universally
humanly connected by this disease process, and I had the clarity to finish this book.
I love writing, but most of my energy and creativity is spent in my day job. I am currently
working on a novel about psychiatric residency. Fiction is obviously a much different prospect
than a memoir but it taps a different part of your brain and soul to create something like this
compared to a memoir.

Joseph J. Sivak MD
www.niagarapress.net
http://alzheimmers.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/When-Can-I-Go-Home/357170603956
twitter @whencanigohome

Book Info: The true life account of a young man living with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a parent. The disease was diagnosed in his mother when the author was seventeen years old in 1979, long before Alzheimer's disease was a household term.
The book candidly traces with graphic detailed description and dialogue the course of the fatal illness. The emotional issues of such pivotal events as the loss of autonomy of driving a car and entry into a nursing home are experienced through the eyes of a young son. From a concurrent viewpoint Alzheimer's is explained with the wisdom of a 21st century physician who has personally experienced the emotional anguish, and thus the fact-based journey is a truly unique dual-perspective Alzheimer's memoir. The story juxtaposes the active uphill battle to become a doctor set against the backdrop of the passive helpless struggle of losing a parent to the disease
The narrative provides explicit commentary on the modern plight of the physician and the global connection family members of an Alzheimer's victim painstakingly share. The unusual, seldom before elicited insights of the dual-perspective vigorously address universal issues such as coping, hope, futility, humiliation and societal bias toward the disease throughout the text. About Joe Sivak: Joseph J. Sivak MD is a board certified adult psychiatrist with twenty years of experience in direct patient care. He has taught and lectured in the United States and internationally in the areas of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood disorders, and chronic suicidal ideation. He completed medical school at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and Residency Training at the University of Rochester. Dr. Sivak has served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Alzheimer's Association and the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross and hosted a weekly mental health Radio Program for eight years on KUWS- Wisconsin Public Radio. Currently Dr. Sivak serves on the legislative committee of the Minnesota Medical Association, is a assistant professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth College of Pharmacy and is in full time private psychiatric in Duluth

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Man's Heart by Lori Copeland

Book Description:
Jules broke off her wedding to Cruz practically at the altar. Not just once, but twice. Now the man Jules loves best can't stand the sight of her. Only for Pop could Jules have made such a sacrifice. And now Pop is gone, leaving Jules with his struggling Washington State potato farm; with a sister excluded from his will; and with a heart wounded by the sacrifice she has made on behalf of her father. It looks like strengthening her relationship with her sister and improving the prospects of the Blue Bayou farm will be Jules' chief concerns. But when cancer takes the life of her best friend, Jules finds herself caring for her friend's two small children as well as the Blue Bayou. A drought-stricken farm. A promise to a dead friend and two needy little lives. And disturbing memories stirring up a growing relationship with her sister. How can one woman handle it all? The answer lies with a God who holds the keys to yesterday, today, and tomorrow---and to the heart of the one man whom Jules could ever love.





My Thoughts:


This was a good, quick read. Jules is a bit skittish when it comes to commitment, and that is putting it mildly. Her mother left, taking her younger sister when she was young and moved to Florida. She has been engaged and 'almost' married twice....to the same man! Cruz is the neighboring farmer to her Pop's farm and Jules' ex-fiance. When her father dies and leaves the farm for her to run her life gets complicated quickly and she realizes she could only ever love Cruz. The problem is he is done waiting on her, can she and God change his mind?
I thought all the characters in this book were well written. I thought it was good that the strong character, Jules, had several flaws and wasn't perfect. She had to 'win' Cruz back. She also had a lot on her plate with her sister and the two kids. I did love the mental picture I conjured of Cruz from the author's description! I think the message in the book was great as well, everyone has issues, they have to heal, forgive and/or be forgiven, and with God's love and guidance anything is possible.
I give this a 4/5. It is a 'one sitting' read that you will enjoy.

Thank you to Zondervan for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Edge of Sight Giveaway Winners!

The 3 winners for the Edge of Sight Giveaway are:
Sheila Deeth, Mary and Maureen. Congratulations!!!

There were 17 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
5. Sheila Deeth
1. Mary
11. Maureen
12. Marianna
2. PoCoKat
6. Benita
9. Loretta Canton
14. Brooke
15. rubynreba
10. Martha Lawson
16. barbjan10
3. Linda Henderson
17. Sarirose
8. Debbie F
7. Cheryl F {The Lucky Ladybug}
13. mbreakfield
4. Pamela Keener
Timestamp: 2010-11-30 17:45:20 UTC

Montana Glory Giveaway Winners!

Here are the winners of Montana Glory:
elaing8, Maureen, & PoCoKat! Congratulations.

There were 9 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
3. elaing8
9. Maureen
1. PoCoKat
7. Cindy W
5. Linda Henderson
2. rubynreba
4. Sheila Deeth
6. brendajean
8. mbreakfield
Timestamp: 2010-11-30 17:38:16 UTC

Monday, November 29, 2010

Dutchess of Sin Giveaway!

Book Description
Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.
Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.


Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.

  • You must be a follower to participate
  • Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
  • US & Canadian Residents only
  • No PO Boxes
  • Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
  • You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
  • Contest is open until December 15, 2010
  • Winners will be chosen using a randomizer
  • Directly from Hachette: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

Duchess of Sin by Laurel McKee

Book Description
Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.
Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.

My Thoughts:
This was a fun read. Anna is a Lady who is completely mischevious. She loves getting into trouble but for propriety sake has to seem like a 'good girl'. Conlan is every woman's dream. He is fighting for Ireland, but when he runs into Anna again, all bets are off! A hot and steamy relationship starts and danger is right in the middle of it.
I am in love with Conlan! He is so HOT :) Anna is so different from what she has to pretend to be that it is comical. The romance is hot and spicy. The action is thrilling and the characters are just wonderful.
This book was a 4/5. It is a fun, quick read.
Thank you to Hachette for the review copy of this book. I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Jury (Sisterhood Book 4) by Fern Michaels

Book Description:
The women of the Sisterhood know life isn't fair, but that doesn't mean they have to like it--or let it pass. Instead, these best friends share their joys, troubles, triumphs, heartaches, and one collective mission: to right wrongs and bring justice where it is desperately needed. Even reeling from loss of one of their own, the Sisterhood is always prepared to rally behind a new friend. For years, Paula Woodley has suffered the broken bones and shattered self-esteem caused by an abusive marriage. But what can she do? Her high-profile, Washington powerbroker husband is not a man to be crossed. Or so he thinks. The Sisterhood may not be an organization found in any of his memos, but he's about to take a meeting with them--and they'll be setting the agenda.

My Thoughts:
I am loving this series! It is Nikki's turn for revenge and she is having problems coming to terms with what she believes the sisterhood expects her to do. She is given a reprieve from having them come down on her when a lawyer in her office crosses the line and the clients are horrible. Then Paula Woodley showed up and needed the sisters' help and how could they turn her away? It didn't matter that his best friend was the President of the United States or that he had personal security....no problem for the sisters!
I very much enjoyed the further development of characters. I am sooo loving the sisterhood, and each of the characters is wonderful. The focus on Nikki this time was so interesting. She has a lawyer's mind but so many emotional struggles in her personal life. I absolutely LOVED the revenge portion of the book. Not to mention how each of the sisters, Charles, and so many of the other wonderful characters fit into it.
4/5 this book is a wonderful addition to the series and I very much enjoyed reading it. Great for a mildly suspenseful wonderfully fun read!

Recipes for a Beautiful Life by Julie Keye and Madaline Hall

Book Description:
Calling upon verses and Psalms from the Bible, these inspirational messages are framed by breathtaking color photography of nature's splendor, including sun-drenched deserts, white-capped mountains, and people of all ages and ethnicities. A charming addition to these messages is a sumptuous array of natural recipes for the enhancement of a woman's beauty and relaxation, more » using simple ingredients found in one's home. A life open to God and filled with the beauty around you, sharing it with those you love, and finding time to relax so that you can be the best you can be: these are the "Recipes for a Beautiful Life".

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book. It has beautiful pictures, very wise verses. Sometimes it didn't seem the verses went with the picture exactly, but it was very warming and helpful. I enjoyed the recipes in the second section, all natural! The moisturizers and masks look wonderful and I am going to try them soon!
I rate it a 4/5. This book is a great gift book that every Christian woman would like.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Rescuer by Dee Henderson

Book Description:
Stephen O'Malley is a paramedic who has been rescuing people all his life. But he's running now -- from the burden of his profession, from the grief of losing his sister, and from a God he doesn't want to trust. He's run into a mystery. Stolen jewels are turning up in unexpected places, and his friend Meghan is caught in the middle of the trouble. Stephen's about to run more into a night he will never forget: a kidnapping, a tornado, and a race to rescue the woman he loves ...

My Thoughts:
This is a wonderful ending to a great series. I absolutely loved this book. Stephen has 'run' from his family, his hurt, and God. His family pulls him back, even when he isn't' ready and he comes back to a 'new' life. Meghan is an old friend with a new issue. She is a loving woman that Stephen wants to rescue and together they have to solve a mystery about stolen jewelry. The closer they get to an answer the more dangerous it becomes and Stephen has to realize he can't rescue everyone, especially when he needs the biggest rescue of all! I have loved Stephen all through the series and this book only made him better. He is loving, kind, loyal, and all the characteristics a woman loves....good looking!!! Meghan is a wonderful character. She has recently lost her sight and is coping very well with God's help. This book shows the plan of salvation clearly and how much we need God, even when we don't want to admit it! The mystery is great, suspense plentiful, and twists surprising!
5/5. This whole series is on my keeper shelf and I am going to read them many more times!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Testimony by Anita Shreve

Book Description:
A sex scandal at a New England boarding school unleashes a storm of shame and recrimination throughout the small community. A chorus of voices--those of the men, women, and teenagers involved--details the events of that night and their aftermath.Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve brings us a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellinglyexplores the impulses that drive ordinary people into intolerable dilemmas, or the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment.
My Thoughts:
I honestly didn't care for this book that much. It starts with a very graphic first chapter....three boys and a girl. It tells of parties in an elitist school where the students are hand picked but that doesn't make it 'perfect'. The parties have drugs, sex, alcohol and scandal erupts.
This story is told from several view points and the author did that well....that is about the best thing I can say for it. I don't generally get uncomfortable at all with a sex scene or two but the first chapter in this book managed to make me completely uncomfortable. It does show that actions have consequences and far reaching ones at that but some of it seemed a bit much. I didn't connect much at all with the characters so that could be part of my issue, but I read this book in one setting and cannot say that I would recommend it to anyone I know.
I rate it a 2/5. If you can get past the first chapter it gets better, but it takes a bit.
Thank you to the publisher for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Guest Blogger Betty Collier

How to Find Humorous Inspiration

An editor for a magazine in which I ran an ad to promote my book, Living Inside The Testimony, asked me to come up with “A HOOK” that she could use as the headline for the ad. She said it needed to be something “catchy” that would peak the curiosity of radio and TV producers. This is what I came up with:
• I Became an Author Overnight, and I Remember the Exact Night it Happened
• How to Become a Best Selling Author Overnight
• When You Live Inside a Testimony, You Can’t See It
• Why Read a Book Written by Someone Who Never Wanted to Write One?
• Is it Luck or is it all Part of THE MASTER’S Plan?
• Is Your Life Part of a Master Plan?

She considered all these suggestions, but after she read the book for herself, this is the headline she created and used for the ad:
Marrying Your High School Sweetheart is Great: Until Your Kids are in High School
Don’t Miss this Woman’s Fun Advice About Life
Having said all this, my point is simply that the book takes on so many different faces. It was written to be inspirational and encouraging, but it offers much more than that. It’s hard to categorize it only in the inspirational genre because it has so many other facets that are neatly tied together to flow very smoothly. The editor said she was definitely inspired, but felt the main thing I had been missing in my promotions was to stress the humorous side of the book also. She thought it was very funny, but also full of life, love, and faith. It has enough variety to appeal to the general population, whether you share my faith or not.
I never considered myself an author, and if you had asked me prior to January, 2009 if I would ever write a book, my answer would have immediately and adamantly been "absolutely not!" Perhaps my honesty will make you wonder if the book is even worth reading, but I can assure you...I am an author. I became one overnight, and in fact, I remember the exact night it happened. It was after midnight when January 9th turned into January 10th, the night I dreamed about this book. I am confident that if you allow me to share my journey with you, you will understand perfectly, but only if you have the faith to believe. I wrote this book based on faith, well aware that not everyone would share my faith. If you read the book, you will see that my journey has been inspired by faith, hope, humor, romance, and alot of love. As one reader told me, "It's like being on a roller coaster. I didn't know what to expect next. I was laughing on one page and crying on the next...This book is a masterpiece!"
Also I would like to mention what has resulted because of the ad I ran in the magazine. I guess the “hook” worked because the president of an internet radio station has asked me to host a new talk show. Beginning November 15, I will debut as the host of “Living Inside The Testimony with Betty Collier” on www.webtalkradio.net. You will be able to listen or play on demand and download the shows at any time beginning November 15.
Here is a sneak peak at the show’s description: ABOUT THE SHOW: “Get ready to remember this name: LIVING INSIDE THE TESTIMONY. Your life is never going to be the same. Host Betty Collier and her guests live each and every day inside the testimony. They will help you discover the inspiration that lies within all of us and prepare you to share it with others. Hear incredible stories of faith, hope, humor, romance and love, offering a source of inspiration and encouragement. Join Betty on this truly incredible journey of faith as if you, too, have been touched by an angel.”

Also, I would like to offer a complimentary copy of my book to one of your readers. I will send a free book and tote bag to the first person who leaves a comment to say that they read this post on your blog. Please click on my facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/livinginsidethetestimony and leave a comment. The first person to do so will receive a free book and tote bag.

For more information about my book, please visit http://livinginsidethetestimony.com/

Thank you very much for allowing me to guest blog on your site and thank you to all the readers who took time to read it.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Guest Blog Kristin Roisin

Blog:
I was asked a rather interesting question not too long ago. It's one that lurks around, in the alleyways of my brain, popping up at the most unusual times. It's a question, that even in it's utterly harmless way, has consumed a great deal of my own brain power, to figure it out.
"How do you come up with your original names?"
This isn't something I'd ever thought about before. The names I've given characters, or places... They've just always, well, been. Or have they? These names had to come from somewhere, right? I mean, I wasn't born with them, lingering in my head. So, where did Desta Rayne, or Morrigan Rosen, or the Village of Tealsyleene come from?
Sometimes, it was an idea. Like Desta. Logan needed a soulmate. Someone destiny had ordained just for him. Hmm.. Destiny. That's pretty.... But kind of cheesy. And obvious... So... I tweaked it. And Desta was born.
Sometimes, a lot of work goes into a name. Like Morrigan. Inherently Irish. Heart of gold. Rough, thorny exterior. Very much like a rose. Skip to a page filled with Irish and Gaelic names. Fast forward 18 letters, and Rosen was penned. (Of course, after some tweaking. Haha)
And believe it or not, sometimes, a name is born, out of nothing more, and a typo. My husband and I used to roleplay. Online, in chats and forums. A sort of updated, electronic version of Dungeons and Dragons. And he'd made ONE mention of a town name he'd heard. I liked it, but didn't give it much thought until I was ready to create Desta. A couple of years later. In her backstory, I needed a place of origin. "What was the name of that place?" "Shoot.... what was it!?"
Tealsyleene. "Aah, It's close enough."
Imagine my surprise, when my husband smirked, in that way he does, that tells me, "I'd laugh, but I know you hate being laughed at."
"What?"
"Is that supposed to be Tearsylene?"
"Shut up."
"It's okay. I actually like Tealsyleene better. Very nice."
Sometimes... typos aren't such a bad thing, huh?

Excerpt:
Serenity approached the front door to the loft. She was determinedto fix the mess that had become her life. If it was the last thing she did,Serenity vowed to keep her marriage together. She would just have tosomehow convince Logan that he wasn’t as pivotal or vital in theother’s lives as they all believed.
Perhaps she could convince him to move her to Venice. He wouldhave er to focus on then. She would think on that later. For now, shewould focus her efforts on making everything in the loft appear normal.As she started to enter the code into the keypad, she her the doorclick open. Preparing herself, she took in a deep breath, andstraightened her dress, hoping to keep Logan off his guard.
As the door opened, the sweet smile Serenity displayed faded, as shegazed upon the petite, but fierce red-head. “Let me in. I want to seeLogan.” She said, stepping forward to push herself past Morrigan.Morrigan braced herself in the doorway, allowing Serenity to walkinto her arm. “Aye. I’m afraid that’s no’ possible.” Morrigan said.
“Don’t play Logan’s strong arm with me. This is my home, now letme pass!” Serenity yelled.
“Morrigan squared her shoulders. “And don’t you go playin’ at theLady of the Manor, with me.” Morrigan retorted. “…for you are neithera resident…nor a lady.”
Serenity huffed. “Just let me in so I can speak to Logan.”
“I can’t. He’s not here.” Morrigan said with a look of mock distress.“And, I’m afraid he won’t be returnin’.”
“So, as ya can see,” Morrigan continued. “There’s really nothin’ leftfer ya here.”
“I don’t believe you.” Serenity said with a touch of indignity in hervoice. “I’m not leaving.”
“Well,” Morrigan said, mocking Serenity’s tone. “You don’t have achoice.” Morrigan reached behind the wall, and dragged a large metaltrash bin towards the door. “Ya see, I’m here ta take out the trash.”Serenity gasped, seeing the container filled with her clothing andpersonal belongings. “You wouldn’t dare!” Serenity yelled, steppingaway from the door. ‘You have no right to throw my things away, youIrish toad!”
Morrigan began to laugh, listening to Serenity’s rant. With only ashrug, she pulled the trashcan out through the front door.
“I swear Morrigan,” Serenity continued. “If you ruin a single thing,you’ll regret it, you bit…”
Serenity stopped with a gasp as she watched Morrigan lift a smallbook of matches from the pile, and with a single stroke, light the match,and toss it into the metal can. Almost instantly, the contents becameengulfed in flames. Serenity could barely contain herself.
“NO!! My things! Oh my God, what have you done!?” Serenityranted.
Morrigan laughed, as Serenity paced frantically back and forth,mumbling to herself. As the fire burned on, Serenity grew moreenraged, and after several moments of indecisiveness, Serenity ran off,leaving Morrigan alone in her amusement.

About NyteBeauti:
The epic journey of one woman's search for identity, belonging, and love.When Desta awakens each evening, all she knows is that unquenchable hunger, and a familiar pair of gray eyes. Aside from that, she doesn't remember anything... yet. It doesn't take long, before she finds herself thrust into the adventure of a lifetime (or several, as the case may be) as she dodges danger, experiences heartbreak, and ultimately, discovers herself, and true love. About Kristin: A very happily married, stay at home mother, raising two little boys. Kristin has been writing since junior high, loving all forms of the written word, including poetry, short stories, scripts and even music, but only in the last 6 or 7 years, has had the inspiration, and support, to actually have her works published.And now, that dream is coming true! With a wonderful team at PublishAmerica, to help Kristin realize this dream, and with the love and support of friends and family, she knows that this book can only do great things.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Haunted Echoes by Julie Ann Howell

Book Description:
Sarah Reddington traveled to far-away Maine to escape the chaos of the windy city. She wanted to concentrate on completing her novel and enjoy the peaceful quiet of the Atlantic's craggy shore. Although she was the only registered guest staying in an elegant, but quaint Victorian Inn, subsequent events quickly placed her writing on hold. The haunting cries that echoed around her made her question not only her own mortality, but made it difficult for her to decipher between fiction and insanity. This is an old-fashioned ghost story through-and-through that will keep you guessing until the last written word.

My Thoughts:
Creepy!!! Wow, a very chilling book. Sarah is trying to get away so she can finish her second novel. Her publisher 'sends' her to Otter Cove Inn to relax and unblock her writer's block. The only thing is the house is haunted...and Sarah is the only guest! There is an old man, a little girl, a police officer, and freaky phone calls that may or may not be real. The house is messing with Sarah's sanity so much she can't tell reality from fiction or if she is just going crazy!
This book gave me chills! Sarah is a former reporter turned writer so she is naturally curious which I totally relate to. The terrors she faces will freeze your blood. She is warned about the dangers but by the time she realizes there is danger, she is already sucked into the mystery and craziness of the 'haunting'. Her dog is written well and may have been my favorite character in the book. All the characters are good, but the story pulls you along with Sarah's journey and they just help in giving it more credence.
4/5. This book will keep your attention and keep you up all night!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Winners!! Safe Haven (audio) by Nicholas Sparks

And the 3 winners for this giveaway are:
Julie, Barb V., and windycindy....I will now send the email!

List Randomizer
There were 19 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
15. Julie
12. Barb V.
16. windycindy
13. Chelle
10. Debbie F.
11. SimplyStacie
19. rubynreba
9. Benita
14. Ola
7. bunkercomplex
8. heatherzilla
1. PoCoKat
4. Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}
18. Charayah
17. sunshine9
5. Autumn
6. Kendra
3. Karen
2. Teresa
Timestamp: 2010-11-17 15:09:19 UTC

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Flaming Dove by Daniel Arenson


Book Description:
Outcast from Hell. Banished from Heaven. Lost on Earth.
The battle of Armageddon was finally fought... and ended with no clear victor. Upon the mountain, the armies of Hell and Heaven beat each other into a bloody, uneasy standstill, leaving the Earth in ruins. Armageddon should have ended with Heaven winning, ushering in an era of peace. That's what the prophecies said. Instead, the two armies--one of angels, one of demons--hunker down in the scorched planet, lick their wounds, and gear up for a prolonged war with no end in sight.
In this chaos of warring armies and ruined landscapes, Laila doesn't want to take sides. Her mother was an angel, her father a demon; she is outcast from both camps. And yet both armies need her, for with her mixed blood, Laila can become the ultimate spy... or ultimate soldier. As the armies of Heaven and Hell pursue her, Laila's only war is within her heart--a struggle between her demonic and heavenly blood.

My Thoughts:
I very much enjoyed this book. It is set 27 years after the battle of Armageddon and neither side has won the war for Earth. Laila is an enigma, an original. She is half demon and half angel, so she belongs with neither heaven nor hell. Both sides actively recruit her, but all she wants is a place to call home. Michael the archangel is in charge of heaven’s forces on earth and Beelzebub is now the ruler of hell and its armies. Laila is who each believes can win the war for them. She loves the demon but is loyal to her sister, an angel…
The author did a great job with originality here. I like that this story used a fictional version of an event I believe to be prophesied (though not anywhere close to how I expect it to happen). I was surprised that he used so many actual biblical names and terms but it just worked. Also, it wasn’t just a ‘fluff’ book, it was meant to make you think and it does. Laila is an outcast and he wrote her wonderfully, she was a great character. You feel her heartache and pain. Bat El, her sister, is also one of my favorites in the book, but I must say that I did like her wolf, Volkfair, the best! Great character development, wonderful imagery, and just great imagination. Just as an aside I absolutely LOVE the cover art for the book as well!
This was an engaging read. 4/5 if you are into fantasy you will enjoy this book. If you are into actual biblical fiction, I doubt very seriously you will like it.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Guest Blogger Debbi Mack author of Identity Crisis

Debbi Mack's 20 Questions Blog Tour
Question 15: Who do you look to for inspiration (writing or otherwise)?
First, I'd like to take a moment to thank Ashley Wintters for hosting me here on Ashley's Bookshelf. I really appreciate your interest and support. Now, onto the question of where I get inspiration.
I find sources of inspiration in many walks of life. Not only do I take inspiration from other writers (check the post answering Question 12 about the books and other works that have inspired me and influenced my work), but I get inspiration from people who aren't even famous for being fiction authors.
For me, inspiration comes from the people who do the seemingly insurmountable. People like Martin Luther King, Jr., Ghandi, the Dalai Lama, Susan B. Anthony and Gloria Steinem. These are people who made a difference in a HUGE way. They actually effected change by insisting it was possible. They didn't let little discouragements like people telling them they couldn't do it get in the way.
I also take inspiration from creative people in endeavors other than writing. People like Marie Curie (scientific research requires creative approaches to work), Courtney Love (her absolute refusal to stop creating music, despite all the setbacks has been nothing less than completely heartening) and Albert Einstein (now, here's a man who created nothing less than a revolution in scientific thinking – and what was he doing at the time? working as a clerk in the patent office, previously having been dismissed as a child as being possibly retarded).
In addition, I take inspiration from the people who won't be compromised. The people who live life completely on their own terms and succeed. People like Hunter S. Thompson (the King of Gonzo journalism), Harlan Ellison (who has the temerity to insist that writers be PAID and won't suck up to people simply to get ahead), Patrick McGoohan (the creator of the highly experimental show The Prisoner, which tells you everything you need to know about the man) and Sue Grafton (she absolutely refuses to allow Hollywood to take her Kinsey Millhone series and, in her opinion, ruin it – she could make a boatload of money off it, but she chooses not to – not that I'm worried about her starving anytime soon LOL).
I also take great inspiration from the risk-takers and pioneers. People like Sir Edmund Hillary (try climbing Everest yourself and see if that wasn't hard), Dian Fossey (how many women would be willing to live in the jungle to study gorillas?), Jane Goodall (ditto, except with respect to chimpanzees), Greg Mortenson (just read the book THREE CUPS OF TEA and you'll know what I mean) and Charles Darwin (talk about a man who took risks – this man challenged our cherished assumptions about being God's special creations – can you imagine the risks he ran by doing so? – the earliest version of the Tea Partiers surely must have had it in for him).
Oh, yeah. And since I've been dealing with a disability (dystonia in my left hand and foot, caused by a stroke – it's a long story) for nearly six years, I take inspiration from anyone similarly situated who succeeds. I could give you a long list of names of people who've made a difference. Unfortunately, you won't recognize most of them. But know that anyone who deals with disability in any form and manages to achieve great goals has nothing but my total respect.
You want me to name a few? Okay, I'll give you the ones you may recognize. Diane Rehm (who works in radio and suffers spasmodic dysphonia – a form of dystonia that affects the vocal chords), Martha Grimes (an author with the same disability), Billy McLaughlin (a guitarist who developed dystonia in his playing hand and learned to play with his other – nothing less than amazing in my book), Leon Fleisher (a pianist who also developed dystonia in one hand and learned to play with his good one!), Scott Adams (the Dilbert cartoonist who also developed dystonia in his hand), Lauren Chiten (a dystonia sufferer who created a documentary about dystonia called Twisted), everyone who appeared in Twisted – and those are just the people I know about with dystonia. The people who absolutely refuse to quit because of disability. The ones who absolutely refuse to be defined by their limitations. The ones who succeed despite all the odds and obstacles against them.
And, yes, this would most definitely include Helen Keller. (That blind, deaf over-achieving b*tch! LOL Hey, I'm kidding, I'm kidding ... sorta :)).
Finally, the big award for inspiration has to go to my parents. I'm not just being sentimental when I say that each of them has been unafraid to face life's challenges head on. They have each in their own way refused to be anything other than what they are. They each taught me the importance of this little thing called "integrity." They each in their own way contributed toward my wanting to become a writer. They each instilled in me the importance of never giving up. They also insisted that I was capable of being anything I wanted to be.
I've always wanted to be a writer. Well, mom and dad, you've inspired me to make good on that. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so inspiring and believing in me.
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Thanks for reading, everyone! Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address if you'd like to enter the drawing for the 10 autographed copies of IDENTITY CRISIS I'm giving away. (One entry per person, but comment as often as you like.)

The drawing will be held on my blog My Life on the Mid-List after the tour is finished. Check my blog for the entire tour schedule.

And please join me at my next stop tomorrow: Readaholic

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Debbi Mack is the author of IDENTITY CRISIS, a hardboiled mystery and the first in a series featuring lawyer Stephanie Ann "Sam" McRae. She's also a short story writer whose ebook anthology, FIVE UNEASY PIECES, includes the Derringer-nominated "The Right to Remain Silent," originally published in The Back Alley Webzine. Debbi's work has also appeared in two of the CHESAPEAKE CRIMES anthologies.

Be on the lookout for her next Sam McRae novel, LEAST WANTED, which will be published soon (in print and ebook versions).
Debbi practiced law for nine years before becoming a freelance writer/researcher and fiction author. She's also worked as a news wire reporter covering the legal beat in Washington, D.C. and as a reference librarian at the Federal Trade Commission. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three cats.
You can find out more about Debbi on her Web site and her blog My Life on the Mid-List. Her books are available on Amazon, BN.com, Smashwords and other sites around the Web, as well by order at stores. You can also buy autographed copies of her novel from her Web site.