Fair to Hope by Sam Reed

Book Description:

Velma had lived two lives: her first as a former foster kid, and her second as an unlikely recruit into a secret order that satisfied her need for retribution. Her fifteen-year-old self had given up on hope, but after three years with the Taram, she’d found her life’s purpose.

That is, until she is surprisingly named Kachina, the fabled chosen empowered to fight the last battle for the fate of the world. Having to kill someone she loves was never part of the bargain, even if it means saving everyone else from damnation.

Building a normal life free from the pull of the Taram—seems like the only answer to her prayers. Except her best friend, the other Kachina, is coming. The legend is clear that one of them must die.

Velma will have to weigh the cost of her life against a world that’s constantly betrayed her and quite literally decide if she’ll be damned in dying, taking the whole world with her.

My Thoughts:

This book piqued my interest from page one.  I liked Velma, the main character and several of the other characters in the book.  The author wrote an original story that I did get pulled into and mostly enjoyed.  Velma doesn't want her destiny.  She is Kachina, but the one she has to fight is her best friend.  

The book starts out somewhat in the middle of the story and the author uses memories or flashbacks to answer questions throughout and fill us in on what has happened.  I felt a bit lost at first but excited to read more because it seemed like a great story line.  I was somewhat rooting for Velma's simple life to work out for her while knowing it couldn't.  A lot happened in this book and I wanted to love it but got bogged down in the middle.  That being said, I think it is a great concept and really worth the read.

It was a 3/5 for me.  Definitely a unique story that I plan to pick up again and reread to see what I may have missed.

Healing of the Heart by Loree Lough

Book Description:
Ruby McCoy is haunted by her father's sins....When Ruby McCoy arrives in Fairplay, her ornate carriage is followed by an entourage who heft steamer trunks, hatboxes, and traveling bags into the hotel?where she has booked the entire second floor. Upon her notorious gangster father's death, the now-wealthy Ruby, hiding under her mother's maiden name, set out to right her father's wrongs. Ruby is determined to spend every penny of the inherited "blood money" on those who paid the price for her father's crimes.Sheriff Rex Truett doesn't trust Ruby and doesn't care who knows it. The keeper of Fairplay's law and order makes it his business to find out why a stranger; especially a beautiful, spoiled, rich, female stranger; would set up businesses, donate to schools, hire workmen to rebuild houses, and provide access to the best medical care. But when a typhoid epidemic sweeps through the city, he is forced to reconsider. Will Rex blame Ruby for her father's sins? Or will he accept the possibility that she is trying to create; and feel; the peace her father stole?

My Thoughts:
This book pulled me in from the start.  Ruby was a genuinely good person.  She thought she was doing good deeds because her father was so bad and was making up for it, but in reality, she was just that good of a person.  Rex's father was one of the victims of Ruby's father.  He is the town sheriff of Fairplay, and is wary when Ruby shows up to town.
Ruby isn't perfect but neither is Rex.  He thinks she is bad business, just like her father until the town is hit by an epidemic and she jumps right in.  The author does a good job with making the characters, all of them, believable and the story one that you won't want to put down.  I felt bad for Ruby constantly trying to make up for something that wasn't her fault, but that does happen to a lot of people in life.  
It was a 4/5 for me.  I completely enjoyed this book.

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

Finding Margo by Jen Turano

Book Description:
Off the charts and on the run. 

International pop star Margo Hartman could use a night off. A grueling tour and overbearing entourage have sent her over the edge. It’s time for this diva to disappear. And who would think to look for the superstar in a small Dutch town in Ohio? 

Sheriff’s deputy Brock Moore is undercover as well. He knows Margo isn’t who she appears to be, but her uncanny resemblance to a local Amish woman is raising all sorts of questions…the kind that make her a target for a killer. 

Both are determined to find answers, but their mutual attraction stands in the way of either of them doing it alone. Is finding Margo the solution to Brock’s problems or just the beginning…?

My Thoughts:
This one really is a combo of several different genera.  There is romance, Amish, contemporary, suspense and it is all nicely tied up in an amusing package.  I enjoyed the story this author wove from start to finish.  Margo just needs to get away from it all.  Her fame is too much and she needs a break.  She walks right into a situation that is a completely different kind of stressful.
Brock is undercover when he meets Margo and she looks familiar.  He knows she isn't what she says, but he isn't sure who she really is.    They are attracted to each other from the start but there are complications.  I liked all the odd characters the author added in and that the book's story is overall just well written.
A 4/5 and I want to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Dark Diving by Lia Davis

Book Description

His darkest secret is revealed while her greatest fear comes to life.

New mother and Divinity, Lydia Rayners, is no stranger to heartache and loss. Her father, husband, and brother were taken from her by the demons, and now they want her son. Lydia will never let that happen, and she is determined to bring them down one by one—by herself if necessary. Her plans are going well until a certain sexy deputy discovers that she's the rumored demon slayer and is hell-bent on stopping her.

Witch and deputy sheriff, Zach Manus, has run from his past for too long and it’s catching up to him now. He’s determined to keep his dark family secret hidden as he fights for control over his emotions and growing powers. His darker side controlled him once before, and he won’t let it happen again. But the closer he gets to Lydia, the more the darkness threatens to consume him, just as the gorgeous Divinity consumes his thoughts and threatens his resolve.

Zach is powerless to resist her, and while Lydia may understand him like no other, trusting her might unleash a new dark power that could destroy them both and put everyone they love in danger in the process.

My Thoughts:

I am really enjoying this series and this book was a great addition.  Zach is an officer and a witch.  That is what everyone knows about him.  Lydia is determined to protect her baby at all costs.  Both Zach and Lydia have secrets.  As the Divinities get closer to figuring out the bad guy's plan, Zach's trying to keep his feelings for Lydia under wraps.  The problem is, she brings something out in him that no one else ever has.

I like the chemistry between Zach and Lydia.  The pull they have had since the first meeting has made me excited to read their story.  I understood Lydia's need to keep her baby safe and feeling like no one else would make it as much of a priority as she would.  Zach has always been a favorite character and I just loved watching him evolve.  There were some unexpected twists, heartbreaking decisions, and plenty of action!  This author packs a lot into her books.

It was a 4/5 for me and I can't wait to read the next book!

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

One Way Ticket Home by K.C. Hardy

Book Description:
Days before boarding the plane to Italy for her daughter’s wedding, Julie Whitaker receives an unexpected phone call from her past. The memory of Mark Jennings, a handsome and charming Top Gun pilot, had haunted her for decades. Their fairy tale wedding was everything she’d ever dreamed of, but it quickly turned into her worst nightmare.

Starting a new a life without Mark proved to be much harder than Julie had imagined. But in her darkest hour, God revealed Himself in a miraculous way, giving her the strength she needed not only to battle depression, but to face a diagnosis of breast cancer that threatened to cut her life short.

Now, amidst the splendor of the Italian Alps, on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, Julie’s thoughts are catapulted back to Mark and the reason for his call. After thirty years, will Julie have a chance to see him once again? And would she even want to?

Based on true events, One-Way Ticket Home will take you on an unforgettable journey of love, loss, hope and forgiveness. With grace, candor and an indomitable wit, K.C. Hardy reminds us that it is often in our darkest hours that the strength of the human spirit shines the brightest. 

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. Julie is going to her daughter's wedding when Mark calls. He is both a good and a bad memory. The start of the fairy tale was wonderful but the story ended more like a nightmare. Now with her life on track because of her faith, why would she ever want to bring those memories or that man back into her life?
The author did a great job telling this story. I felt so bad for Julie and all that she went through. It makes the situation more understandable for real life situations and all that people put up with/go through. I love how God was there and her strength and guidance. It is a wonderful story of pain, strength, faith, forgiveness and many other emotions.
4/5 for me. The story is going to stay with me for a while. 

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. 

The Chronicles of Heart & Soul Release Day Blitz

Title: The Chronicles of Heart & Soul

Author: L.L. Hunter  

Genre: YA Fantasy

Cover Designer: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography

Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Blurb:There was once an angel born of fire who was fated to rule the world.

Her existence was planned, her destiny mapped out before she even knew who she was.

When Scarlett was a little girl she never dreamed she would one day be the one to rule the entire Nephilim world.

Now as an adult, her nightmares are making up for lost time.

Plagued with visions she doesn’t know what to make of, and a dark secret hidden deep within, she turns to an unlikely ally for guidance.

Afraid for her future child’s life, Scarlett makes a choice that could change everything forever.

After a heartbreaking sacrifice is made, 

Scarlett never thought she would ever taste darkness, but this time she can’t escape.

Especially when her son is fated to rule the underworld.

In the epic finale to the bestselling Legend of the Archangel series, will the world burn in heavenly fire or be saved by the girl who was fated to rule it all?

L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Garden of Eden. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. 

She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction, to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.” Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @llhunterbooks, and her blog - http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au.

Author Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooks Amazon: http://amzn.to/1So75bF Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_Hunter Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/LLHunterbooks

Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/578667812172906/

Instagram: @llhunter

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-l-hunter

Buy Links: 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2fSJuzy

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N09NBMT

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/chronicles-heart-soul/id1059305443?mt=11

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-chronicles-of-heart-and-soul-ll-hunter/1122952876?ean=2940152467796

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-chronicles-of-heart-and-soul

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/593352

Love in the Seams by Jodie Wolfe

Book Description:
Mae Stafford longs for the companionship and unconditional love her sister has found in her new husband. But after years of refusing potential suitors because of a pact they made as children, Mae no longer has any choices left once their agreement is broken. She has no hope that God will give her what she desires most, a family of her own. Instead of dwelling on what she doesn't have, she throws herself into her work as the recent sole owner of the local dress shop.

As a promise made to his late wife, Johannes Mueller agrees to travel west to be a school teacher in Calder Springs, Texas, away from the bigotry associated with being an immigrant in New York City. He hopes to improve his life and forget his loss. Johannes isn't counting on his five-year- old daughter's search for a new mother when they arrive. His little LillyAnn finds ways to bring the seamstress and him together…often. Can he learn to embrace his German heritage and unlock his heart to love again?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book.  It is the second in a series but I didn't have an issue feeling like I was missing anything.  Mae wants a family so bad but has gotten completely into work to avoid facing that God hasn't given her exactly what she wants. Johannes is still grieving but doesn't think he is ready to move on after the loss of his wife.  The two of them, Johannes and Mae are each perhaps just what the other needs in their life.

I think LillyAnn was by far my favorite character.  She was written so well and just so perfect in the story (not that she was a perfect child, but her character was written well).  The book wasn't a long one, but the author did a good job packing her story into a good package.  The characters were all done well and the story woven together in a realistic and good way.

It was a 4/5 for me.  A good, quick read!

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

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things Freebie Book Blitz

Title: Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things

Author: Martina McAtee 

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Blurb: 17 year old Ember Denning has made an art of isolating herself. She prefers the dead. She spends her days skipping school in old cemeteries and her nights hiding from her alcoholic father at the funeral home where she works. When her own father dies, Ember learns her whole life is a lie. Standing in the cemetery that’s been her sanctuary, she’s threatened by the most beautiful boy she’s ever seen and rescued by two people who claim to be her family. They say she’s special, that she has a supernatural gift like them…they just don’t know exactly what it is. 

They take her to a small Florida town, where Ember’s life takes a turn for the weird. She’s living with her reaper cousins, an orphaned werewolf pack, a faery and a human genius. Ember’s powers are growing stronger, morphing into something bigger than anything anybody anticipated. Ember has questions but nobody has answers. Nobody knows what she is. They only know her mysterious magical gift is trying to kill them and that beautiful dangerous boy from the cemetery may be the only thing standing between her and death. 

As Ember’s talents are revealed so are the secrets her father hid and those in power who would seek to destroy her. What’s worse, saving Ember has put her cousins in danger and turned her friend’s lives upside down. Ember must learn to embrace her magic or risk losing the family she’s pieced together.

Martina McAtee lives in Jupiter, Florida with her teenage daughter, her best friend, two attack chihuahua's and two shady looking cats. When she isn't writing young adult books about worlds with reapers, zombies, werewolves and other supernatural creatures she's reading or watching shows that involve reapers, zombies, werewolves and other supernatural creatures. Her debut novel Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things released in August of 2015. Her second book in the Dead Things series, Dark Dreams and Dead Things, will release July 15, 2016.

Author Links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/MartinaMcAtee1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authormartinamcatee

Twitter: www.twitter.com/MartinaMcAtee1

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Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1705944216312868/

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Web Site: http://www.martinamcatee.com/

Buy Links: #Free with KindleUnlimited

Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things: http://amzn.to/1Z4L4NH Dark Dreams and Dead Things: http://amzn.to/1Z4KVtH

A Very Jaguar Christmas by Terry Spear

Book Description

There are all kinds of surprises under the mistletoe!

As a protector of all jaguar-kind, Guardian agent Demetria MacFarlane isn’t surprised to get a call near Christmas—but when she’s sent to protect a cub whose species she didn’t even know existed, her holiday season gets complicated. And it doesn’t help that her partner is a distraction of the hottest kind.

Hotshot JAG agent Everett Anderson can handle dangerous poachers and wildlife traffickers, no problem…but kids? Everett fears he’ll be stuck cub-sitting under the Christmas tree, but working with one sexy Guardian she-cat may be the best present he’s ever gotten.

My Thoughts:
I really liked this one.  It was a bit of a change of pace and not as suspenseful as most of the books I've read by this author but that didn't change how much I enjoyed it!  Demetria and Everett have avoided each other since her boyfriend/his best friend was killed in the field.  I liked that it wasn't an instant, I have to be with you now thing, but something that they had both always felt.
The finding out about wolf shifters was a shock to say the least but I liked how most all of the Jaguar shifters handled it.  The kids playing together was adorable!  Everett's family was great, I liked seeing the couples together, especially knowing how each of them got together.  It is great to catch up a little bit.  I cannot wait to see what happens with the new branch of this agency and what crazy adventures it sends some of the hot agents on!
4/5 for me.  Really a feel good Christmas book!

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

Death's Storm by Lia Davis

Book Description:

Technical genius and demi-goddess—a.k.a Divinity—Khloe Bradenton relies on no one for help, and she definitely doesn’t need comfort from anyone but her twin. After her parents were killed by the demons over two years ago, she graciously accepts her role in the war between the demons and witches. But when a creature far more dangerous than the ones responsible for killing her parents claims he is her guardian and steps in with help she never asked for, she is torn between her desire for the dark predator and memories of the painful loss she endured at the hands of her enemies and from those who claimed to love her in the past.

One of the last Death Demons still in existence, Jagger has pledged his life to the Goddess of Witchcraft, Hecate. Charged with guardianship of the Divinities—one particular spitfire, in particular—he was told never to approach them, but simply to aid from a distance. But when Khloe sacrifices herself to save her twin and best friend and thus becomes the demons’ prey, Jagger has no choice but to reveal himself to her. However, he is taken by surprise when the desire to claim her as his own emerges, and his need for her burns hotter than her Fire. But in the midst of the war, their feelings for each other could prove more dangerous than the demons out to destroy them.

My Thoughts:

Yeah!  I'm really enjoying this series.  A continuation on the already going Divinities story, this is about the 'other' twin, Khloe.  Since everything that happened with her sister, she has felt a presence but it has been reassuring.  The presence she is feeling is none other than a demon, Jagger.  Jagger has been tasked with protecting Khloe and takes his job very seriously.

I still like Khloe.  She is strong, impetuous, and you don't mess with her.  Jagger wants to mess with her.  His job may be to keep her safe but he wants to do way more than that.  I loved all the characters here and am interested in where some of them will eventually end up in it all.  Some of the surprises were great, some left me curious and I cannot wait to read what happens next with this group!

It was absolutely a 4/5.  Great series!

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

Death at First Sight Book Blast!

We're happy to present to you Lena Gregory's DEATH AT FIRST SIGHT Book Blast today! Lena is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Enter below!

Title: Death at First Sight
Author: Lena Gregory
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 304
Genre: Cozy Mystery

It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that something’s not right on Bay Island...

Since she left her psychiatric practice in New York City to open up a psychic shop in her hometown on Bay Island, Cass Donovan has given her fair share of readings to conflicted customers. But what she sees in Ellie Callahan’s future doesn’t bode well.

When Ellie’s mother, Marge, publicly confronts Cass about the reading, the embarrassment makes her want to curl up and die. And when she later stumbles across Marge’s body—and is a suspect in her murder—Cass is suddenly the star of Bay Island’s rumor mill.

Cass is determined to prove her innocence and save Ellie from meeting the fate in her unfortunate vision. But even with the help of her friends Bee and Stephanie, Cass will have to channel some serious sleuthing instincts to find the real killer...

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Excerpt:

Cass sucked in a breath, the gasp audible in the silence of the small room. Oh no . . . The walls pressed in on her, loomed over her, threatened to suffocate her. This can’t be

happening again.

“Is everything all right?”

“Umm . . . sure.” Darkness encroached, tunneling her vision. She forced it back, counted to ten, took deep breaths—anything to fight back the blackness. She struggled against the urge to push the glass ball away from her. “Sorry. I must have zoned out for a minute.” She averted her gaze, hoping the other woman wouldn’t catch the lie.

The woman’s eyebrows drew together, a frown creasing her forehead.

“Are you sure you didn’t see anything bad?” Cass forced a laugh as she shoved her chair back, stood, and moved away from the table. “Of course not. I told you

I would only allow good spirits to enter.” Liar.

About the Author

Lena Gregory lives in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island with her husband and three children.

When she was growing up, she spent many lazy afternoons on the beach, in the yard, anywhere she could find to curl up with a good book. She loves reading as much now as she did then, but she now enjoys the added pleasure of creating her own stories.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

* * *  GIVEAWAY * * *

Lena Gregory is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Card
• This giveaway ends midnight November 30.
• Winner will be contacted via email on December 1.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Sister's Wish & An Amish Family Christmas by Shelly Shepard

Book Description:

In the third book of New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s Charmed Amish Life series, a young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger may seem like the perfect Amish woman, but she is harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember.

Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home and landed in prison. Now back in Charm, he’s determined to put his wild past behind him and make a new life.

And Amelia is off limits. Everyone thinks she’s too good for Simon—most of all her older brother, who just happens to be Simon’s best friend. When a chain of events forces them to face their past mistakes, all their secrets are revealed. Now Simon must dare to trust Amelia, and she must show him that he is already everything she ever wished he could be.

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles—and love.

Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Having just returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi tries to fit into his old life only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

When Julia, Levi’s young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, he finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a task Levi takes seriously. Soon enough, his friendship with Julia grows into attraction, but Levi can’t help harboring doubts. There’s something about Julia that doesn’t ring quite true . . .               

Like Levi, Julia Kemp has survived her fair share of hardships—but only by hiding the truth of her past. Then she meets Levi and, for the first time, she feels hopeful. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret and eventually . . . perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together in order to find the healing, support, and love they so desperately desire.

My Thoughts:
I hadn't read the previous books in this series but I really enjoyed these two.  In A Sister's Wish, Amelia and Simon are the main focus.  There is quite a bit about family woven through but they are the focus.  I liked that Simon was not the typical Amish hero, but more of a 'bad boy' who has been redeemed.  Amelia was a unique character that I got to like quite a bit.  Sometimes the family was great and sometimes they annoyed me but overall that was a lot like a normal family!  
In An Amish Family Christmas, the focus of the family/story is Levi.  He is having trouble dealing with his parents' death and not being present in his life.  Julia is new and there is an attraction between the two.  Secrets may keep them apart but it is after all, Christmas time so a time for miracles!
I truly enjoyed getting to know these characters and this family.  I do have a few questions but mostly it is just wanting to know how the previous books went and those stories.  These aren't the typical Amish romance but delve into some things that are difficult to deal with and the author did a wonderful job with these touchy subjects.
Both are 4/5 for me.  I plan to go read the previous 2 books.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copies of these book (via litfuse).  I received these books in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine