Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephen

Book Description:

One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors, and some very yummy apple pie!
When widow Becky Callis moves to a new town, she thought it would be easier to start over in a place where she's not reminded of her dead husband. Her kids on the other hand, take it as a chance to help their mother start over romantically. The only problem is, there seems to be quite a few eligible bachelors they can choose from! They soon realize it's easier to find someone to like their mother than it is to figure out which man is best for her.
Even though this handsome cowboy is younger than Becky, Scott makes his interest plain and starts courting her almost immediately to the delight of both kids.
Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.
Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them soon after Emily's birth. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is harder than it looks!

My Thoughts:

I loved this book. Becky is the single mother of two interesting children. She has decided to move to a small town, homeschool her kids and live a simple, enjoyable life. She doesn't expect to meet three eligible bachelors all of whom her children like. Scott, is a flirty cowboy and a great male influence on her son. Jack is an old friend and now pastor of their church. Pearce is a single father to an adorable little girl and has wonderful eyes!

I like that the author put so many possibilities for Becky. She didn't just meet one man and poof, it was difficult both in choosing and in making the relationship work. Becky is infinitely patient and I love that her children aren't portrayed as perfect. While they mind, they also have a bit of rebellion in them. The three main male characters are great! Each of them have their own positives and negatives.

I rate it a 5/5. It was a sweet romance with a few twists thrown in.

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

Ther Harbinger of Retribution by CL Ragsdale

Book Description:
The Harbinger of Retribution is a thing of beauty and of nightmares. A seven foot tall statue of black marble depicting a cloaked woman with two swords crossed over her chest, residing in a back room of the local church in the town of Redemption which has seen more than its share of unfortunate events. At least that's how the story goes, and why Irene's Eerie Adventures has come to town.
Cameraman Troy Stenson is elated to find that the object of their investigation does not disappoint in the sinister factor, on the surface anyway, and it even has a curse. The only cloud on his horizon is his partner, Irene Waters, who refuses to judge by appearances alone. To Troy’s chagrin she is proven right as it soon becomes clear that the only trouble being caused by the statue is figuring out what kind of trouble it's supposed to be causing. Mostly because no one can agree on what the supposed curse is actually supposed to do.
There is the information given by Reboot's now infamously incorrect Research Department stating the Harbinger's mere creation caused disaster to its talent but eccentric creator, and then to the town that harbors it. A story encouraged by the ancestors of the artist who claim that the statue really belongs to them, and denied by the pastor of the church where it now resides. Straightforward enough, except the situation is further complicated when the Reboot team finds a competing legend warning that the Harbinger's departure would lead to disaster in Redemption. As for the townspeople they are split as to which story to believe, and the rumors and tall tales just keep getting bigger and more out of control. Irene and Troy and do their best to sort out what facts they have, but are hampered in their investigation by the lack of assistance from their boss, Bernie Youngman, who has suddenly turns surly and uncooperative.
These events may have soured Troy's initial hope of an exciting story, but Irene is convinced that there is more going on than a mere curse. Solving that mystery, however, will involve overcoming her issues with pastors, separating who is lying from those who are merely indulging in wishful thinking and convincing her partner that there really is a story to be had even if it isn't the one he wants

My Thoughts:
Once again, I completely enjoyed this author's work! Troy and Irene are investigating claims that a statue, kept in the church, is causing strange things to happen in a small town. It seems that some thing just getting rid of the statue will stop these occurrences but others think giving it away will cause more problems. The town's pastor, sheriff and resident aunt all have differing stories. Long lost heirs show up and Irene and Troy only have a day to get to the bottom of this strange mystery.
I like that we learn more about both of the main characters, though I still want to know more. The mystery concerns the whole town and intrigues both Irene and Troy. Bernie is strangely grouchy but the next book is set up wonderfully. I love the image I have in my mind of the statue, it is terrifyingly beautiful. I can't wait for the next in this series.
I rate it a 5/5. You will enjoy it and if you haven't read the earlier books in this series, you will want to!

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.

True Grime by Natasha Deen

Book Description:
Grime cop and teen fairy Pepper Powder lives for one thing: protecting the human species from magical zealots who seek to eradicate them with Violent Illness of Unusual Resistance and Strength (humans call them “viruses,” but their mistake is understandable. The very young often get their words wrong.). When a terrorist leader releases a necrophage bomb, it not only decimates Grime headquarters, it turns Pepper into the magical world’s first fairy amputee—but she’s not going to let a little thing like a missing leg stop her. To catch her criminal, and prevent him from unleashing a VIURS in one of the human world’s biggest shopping centers, West Edmonton Mall, she goes undercover as a human. But once Pepper's theories of humanity collide with the reality of bullies, cliques, and environmental destruction, will she still believe humanity's worth saving?

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book! Pepper is a Grime officer. She has one goal in her ferry existence, to protect humans. She and her partner go undercover to stop an escaped convict from dooming the human race. They become teenagers in a Canadian high school and learn a lot about human adolescence. Will they be able to stop the attack or just become pawns in a bigger strategy?
I loved Pepper! She is a strong, no nonsense type of girl and very caring at the same time. The fact that they had to integrate into a human high school made a lot of human problems come into a different light. It makes you think about some of the things we just accept and how wrong it would seem to someone unused to it. Her partner, the lab workers, doctor and even her boss were wonderful characters that just added to a great story!
I rate this a 5/5. It is a great and original story!

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.

Guest Blogger, author Chris Lindberg

Writing Friends
A guest post by Chris Lindberg
As a writer, how often do you find yourself encountering writer’s block, second-guessing your decisions as you create, having trouble finding the right word, or just plain wondering “is this story going to be any good when I’m done with it?”
If you’re like me, it happens at least once every time you sit down to write. Luckily, most of the time we can dig ourselves out of these ruts: after all, we are writers, and the worlds we’re creating are our own, right? But on those rare occasions where the rut is just too deep, your solution just might be to find a good writing pal.
A few years ago, I was taking a writing class, creating character studies for what would ultimately be two of the main characters in my debut novel, Code of Darkness. One of the characters was Mira Givens, a twenty-something social worker who’d recently moved from her small hometown to the big city, and makes the fateful decision to befriend a loner who turns out to be the target of a covert Federal manhunt. I wanted her to be tough and resourceful for the rigors my story was going to put her through, but also a believable character: I didn’t want her to be Wonder Woman or Lara Croft. And of course she had to be a character the readers were going to care about.
Luckily, my studio class provided a forum for my fellow writers and I to bounce ideas off one another. And outside of the sessions, a few of us would get together to help each other through some of the challenges we faced with our projects. All this resulted in not only Mira becoming more fleshed out as a character, but many of the other main characters benefited as well.
For most of us, writing is a solitary act – we tend to have our best, most creative thoughts when we’re alone, undistracted by other voices or opinions. But having a writing friend or two can definitely help get you over those humps you just can’t get over on your own. And they don’t always have to be writers: my wife, who claims she doesn’t have a creative bone in her body, gave me more ideas than she’d probably ever take credit for.
So the next time you find yourself in a writing rut you can’t get out of, reach out to a writing friend and bounce an idea or two off of them. I’ll bet you’ll be happy you did.
_____
Chris Lindberg’s first novel, Code of Darkness, was released in August. You can find out more by visiting www.codeofdarkness.com, or visiting Facebook and searching on “code of darkness.”
To purchase Code of Darkness in paperback or e-book edition, please check out: http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=code+of+darkness
Or search “code of darkness” on Amazon or BN.com.
You can also email him at chris@codeofdarkness.com – he’d love to hear from you.

Noctourne by

Book Description:
When Nicole Whitcomb’s car runs off a Colorado mountain road during a blinding snowstorm, she is saved from death by a handsome, fascinating, and enigmatic stranger.

Snowbound with him for days in his beautiful home high in the Rockies, she finds herself powerfully attracted to him and soon comes to realize that the feeling is mutual. But there are things about him that mystify her, filling her with apprehension—and Nicole can’t shake the feeling that he doesn’t want her there.

Who is Michael Tyler? Why does he live alone in such a secluded spot and guard his private life so carefully? What secret—or secrets—is he hiding?

Nicole has secrets of her own and a past she is running from—but Michael understands her better than anyone she has ever known. Soon, she is falling as deeply in love with him as he is with her.

But as the sexual tension between them builds, the clues mount up. When Nicole learns the terrifying truth—that her host is an ages-old vampire who is torn between his love for her and his desire for her blood—there’s nowhere for her to run but into the blizzard raging outside, and he’s the only one who can save her life.

Filled with unexpected twists and surprises, Nocturne is a page-turning, haunting, and deeply romantic story of forbidden love that will grab your heart and not let go.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. Nicole is driving to the airport from her friend's Colorado wedding when an avalanche and car crash strand her. She is rescued by a very handsome, but standoffish man, Michael Tyler. The more she gets to know about him, the more attracted to him she becomes. Michael is attracted to Nicole in more ways than one. What will happen when she figures out his secret?
The intense attraction between Nicole and Michael was so strong that it was impossible to not feel it! Nicole's hurt and frustration are clearly felt throughout the book as she tries to understand Michael. He is brooding and secretive, yet his laugh and dancing eyes captivate! I enjoyed the scenery the author described, it was beautiful. I both loved and hated the ending so you can't get much better than that.
I rate this a 4/5. It was a good romance with paranormal twists!

Thank you to FSB 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.

Insight & Embody by Jamie Magee

Book Description:
Before that fateful summer night, Willow had balanced the insight of emotion, and the vivid images. That night, the figure in her nightmare marked her wrist with a star, giving her father no choice but to tell Willow a family secret that would abruptly change life, as she knew it, forever. Before Willow had time to absorb the shock of her father's secret, her soul mate that had shared every stunning dream with her, found her, and darkness captured her closest friends. In order to save them, she must weave through broken myths and the undeniable power of the Zodiac. In the end, Willow discovers that at the moment of our birth we are all given a divine gift


Book Description:
Not many Scorpio’s are known for their patience, and Willow Haywood is no different. Her only desire is to love Landen Chambers and redeem the lost souls of Esterious, but the path to that desire is long, dark and dangerous...
Before Willow’s life had a chance to balance the sudden revelations and grief she had to endure to get to Chara a disturbing discovery is made. A photo, one that shows Willow blissfully embracing the flawless image of Drake Blakeshire; giving her not only proof that she had lived before, but that she had loved him.
Running away from the memory of Drake’s hypnotizing touch, and the prophecy set before her seemed like the logical thing to do. That is, until a dark dream reignites her passion to save the hopeless dimension of Esterious. Willow struggles to find patience – to learn everything she needs to know before she faces Drake again, but her eagerness is dangerous and one step in the wrong direction takes everything and everyone away from her – the only way to survive this trial is for Willow to remember who she is and what she really wants out of this life. The question is….can she do that?

My Thoughts:

I loved these books. In Insight, Willow has always known she is different and has always had dreams and ways of helping people. She dreams of a blue eyed, wonderful guy and a dark, evil guy. Suddenly, she is told her life and all she knows isn't real and there is a whole new world that she has to learn and the boy of her dreams is a part of it....both boys! Now she has to choose and her choice will change the lives of everyone she knows.

In the sequel, Embody, Willow and Landen are again tested by Drake. This time, the test is different but no less life altering. Willow learns she has had past lives that she has done things she would rather not remember or know about, but then again, so has Landen. When they realize they aren't the only ones with extraordinary abilities and everyone can achieve certain heights. They will need all of them to stay on track and to stay together!

I absolutely fell in love with the characters in these books. Willow at times aggravated me with her naivety but at the same time, she is young and is actually wise beyond her years! Landen is a wonderful and intelligent character. The two kids are great. All the friends and family we meet are amazing and even Drake is a character you have to love! The author does an amazing job with the worlds that are created and the strand.

I rate both books 5/5. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you to the author for the review copies of these ebooks. I received these books in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Kiss of Night by Debbie Viguie

Book Description:
Centuries ago, Raphael was a blasphemous knight who fought in the Crusades purely for his own mercenary benefit, and to satisfy his taste for killing. Now, condemned for his evil passions and hypocrisy, he wanders the earth a vampire, cursed with first-hand knowledge of the supernatural world he once denied existed. The powerful relic he still possesses from his days as a Crusader has been stolen by a rival vampire who has recruited an army of soulless underlings to aid him in spreading evil. At the time he learns this, Raphael has been hunting this vampire for nearly a century, and it seems the final battle is destined to take place in Prague.br For help in this quest, Raphael must enlist the aid of two humans, David and Susan, who suddenly find themselves immersed in a world they never imagined, entangled with supernatural forces they can't control. Susan, in particular, finds herself conflicted as she struggles with her inexplicable attraction to Raphael. In the end, both Susan and Raphael will be called upon to exercise courage and faith, and in the process, the question, "What would happen if a vampire truly accepted God?" is answered.



My Thoughts:
This book was entertaining. Vampires are real and they are trying to take over. That is a scary truth two people, Susan and David learn first hand in the city of Prague. Susan is there for her beloved grandmother's funeral and is helped by Raphael, a vampire that is hundreds of years old. David is only there for work and is dragged into their world. How do you come to terms with a world that exists but is unknown to everyone but those in it? And what happens when one semi-good vampire tries to stop all the evil ones?
I loved the different outlook on vampirism that this author took. It wasn't a glamorous immortal life, but a curse that is put on those who are incredibly evil in the hopes that some day they will see their evilness and change. The attraction between Raphael and Susan was a wonderful twist that I want to know more about. Susan's cousin Wendy was a great character as well. I can't wait to read more from this author.
I rate this a 4/5. It is a very different type of Christian Fiction.

Thank you to FaithWords 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.

Heiress by Susan May Warren

Book Description:
Book One in the Daughters of Fortune series
The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved--without an enormous price tag attached? When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privilege, will she also find the happily-ever-after she seeks? Her sister rejects the trappings of wealth, choosing instead to build a new life on the still-untamed frontier. Will she find happiness in independence or discover that she's left her heart behind in New York's glittering society? Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything--including the chance for true love.

My Thoughts:
Wow! This was a great read. New York, 1890's, we meet prominent newspaper man August Price's two daughters Esme and Jinx. Esme is the oldest and has to make the first match so her sister Jinx can. Esme isn't overly happy with having to marry as that doesn't fit into her goals for life but she knows who her family has picked for her. Including lies, adultery, deceit and abuse...will the lives of these sisters ever be happy?
The author did a wonderful job of making each and every one of her characters realistic. Some of them were more relateable than others but you felt ALL of the emotions and it was a roller coaster. I did like that the book wasn't predictable. You didn't know how everything would resolve itself or what would happen. Also, the author didn't skip around some hard topics or emotions but it was all there! I can't wait to read more in this series!
I rate this a 5/5. It was a good book!
Thank you to Litfuse 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.

Check out the blog tour and giveaway for this book http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13429072.

Please Vote For Me???

Hi everyone! Here is another of my shameless self-promo :) I'm a finalist in the Author Show's '50 Authors You Should be Reading' contest & I would really appreciate your votes! (Ashey Dawn) Thank you everyone!!!!

http://www.wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShow50Writers2011.html

Diane Tatum's Gold Earrings Book Showcase!

Backmatter:
What a glorious day! Angelina Mercy praised God and her godfather Dr. Ben Graves for this opportunity to start her adult life free of entanglements and judgments concerning her mother’s occupation. She pulled her midnight black hair back exposing her glinting gold earrings to the sun. Hopefully she’d also escape the nightmare that reoccurred on nights when she was exceptionally tired.
The train would take her to St. Joseph, Missouri, where she would meet the Reverend Jonathan Thomson, who had procured employment and a place to live for her. Dr. Ben had only told her that he was 28, had been his theology student, and had been a chaplain in the Union Navy during the Civil War. In fact, Dr. Ben had been quite mysterious when he’d told her, “It’ll be good for both of you for you to settle in St. Joe.” Surely he just meant that the Reverend Thomson was someone she could trust with her life.


Author Bio:
While in high school in St. Louis County, MO, Diane Tatum wrote the short story “Gold Earrings” which grew into this novel. After teaching middle school language arts for eleven years in Tullahoma, TN, Diane “retired” from teaching in 2009 in order to write full-time. She writes for AssociatedContent.com and Suite101.com. Diane teaches Youth Sunday School (since 1981) and has written Bible study materials for middle schoolers for LifeWay and David C. Cook. Diane and her aerospace engineer husband Ken live in Tullahoma, TN.

Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller

Book Description:
Emma always put the needs of others ahead of her own. When will it be her turn to be treasured?
Adam was her first love and best friend. But then he went away. Determined to experience the freedom of living in the Englisch world, he left Emma heart-broken. How could he have chosen the world over her?
Now Adam is back in Middlefield and Emma can't seem to keep him away from her family's farm. But this time she's determiend to guard her heart. It might be love that keeps him there . . . or perhaps just guilt.
When a newcomer arrives in town and shows an interest in Emma, she dismisses Adam's insistence that she be cautious. All this attention is new to her and she doesn't know quite how to accept it. Emma knows her Heavenly Father treasures her. But will her new beau?

My Thoughts:
This book was pretty good. Emma has spent her life caring for people. Now her mother has passed and she needs to pay the bills. Her 'lost love' has left and joined the English lifestyle. Her grandmother interfears and contacts him. Her sister has a different idea to pay the bills and causes stresses. Suddenly Emma has some attention that is unexpected and doesn't know how to handle it.
The author did a good job with the characters. We don't just get the stories of the main characters but of the support characters as well. The plot was somewhat predictable but overall it was good. I liked Emma was so giving and she wasn't vain.
I rate this a 4/5. It is a good Christian Amish fiction.

Thank you to Booksneeze 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.