Friday, September 30, 2016

BLOG TOUR: The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah Eden


ABOUT THE BOOK

The small town of Savage Wells is barely big enough for the people who call it home; it certainly isn’t big enough for more than one sheriff.

Yet when famed lawman Cade O’Brien rides into town, he finds he’s not the only man ready to take on the job. What’s more, one of his competitors is a woman.

Paisley Bell loves her town and the eccentric people in it. She’s been the acting sheriff for months and isn’t too keen on relinquishing the job to anyone else. Not only does she love the work, but she also needs the income to take care of her ailing father.

It’s a true battle of the sexes, and sparks fly between the two as Cade and Paisley banter and boast, neither one ready to acknowledge the attraction they have for each other. But when Paisley’s former beau shows up, along with a band of bank robbers, Savage Wells is suddenly faced with the kind of peril that only a sheriff can manage. Who will be man enough—or woman enough—to step up, claim the badge, and save the town?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SARAH M. EDEN read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster. Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.

REVIEW

I just love Sarah Eden's books.  They always have great characters that I can't help but love, along with fun plots and interesting settings.  The setting for this one is a small Wyoming town in need of a new sheriff, or so the town council thinks.  Paisley Bell thinks they should just promote her to the job full time.  But when Cade O'Brien, an accomplished sheriff arrives in town sparks immediately start to fly, and not just over the job.  The banter slowly shifts from awkward to flirtatious, but there is a lot standing in the way of a romance between the two.  The competition for the job, Paisley's friendship with Gideon, the local doctor, and eventually, Paisley's former fiance who is looking for a second chance.  Through in problems at the bank and a wide variety of quirky characters around town and Cade and Paisley both have their hands full.  Paisley struggles to provide for herself and her father, who is sinking deeper and deeper into dementia, but Cade isn't one to take no for an answer.  I always have a hard time putting one of Sarah's books down because I get so drawn into their lives, they become so real to me.  I love reading Eden's books again and again.  It always feels like I've come home to familiar friends. I also love the witty banter that seems to fill Eden's books.  I'm not good at it myself  but I always find it entertaining to read.  I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a clean, entertaining romance.  There is depth here as well as Paisley struggles with self-doubt and trust issues and Cade with bad memories from the war.  And the relationships between the different townspeople create a place you'll love to visit.


Thursday, September 22, 2016

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Infected by Gregg Luke


ABOUT THE BOOK

Mother Nature: the world's most innovative killer.

Deep in the jungles of Venezuela, mycologist Dr. Julia Fatheringham is engrossed in her study of native fungi. But what begins as a standard research trip quickly spirals into chaos when her associate's erratic behavior results in his horrifying death. Soon, Julia makes a startling discover: her partner was contaminated by an organism found only in insects. It alters the victim's mind in alarming ways, with an invariably deadly outcome. Julia is baffled by her discovery—this organism has never appeared in humans. It shouldn't be possible. There is only one terrifying conclusion: The infection has jumped species.

Now, in this remote corner of the world, a contagion of unparalleled horror rests in Julia's hands. But even as she works to contain the organism that could spell devastation of apocalyptic proportions, there are others with a different agenda. They've learned of her discovery and will go to any lengths to acquire a sample—there is good money to be had in eco-terrorism.

Armed only with her strength of mind and what courage she can gather, Julia prepares to battle the devastating scourge—and the terrorists determined to unleash it on humanity.

REVIEW

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to finish this book yet.  But I'm liking what I've read so far.  I do have a tendency to enjoy books set in unusual settings and the Venezuelan rain forest qualifies.  And medical thrillers also appeal to me, so once again, I'm disposed to like this book.  I do like what I've read so far.  I'm say more once I've finished the book.

GIVEAWAY

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TOUR SCHEDULE

*Sept. 19th
*Sept. 20th
*Sept. 21st
*Sept. 22nd
*Sept. 23rd


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

BLOG TOUR: Second Season by Heather Chapman


ABOUT THE BOOK

Caroline is not looking forward to this year’s Season in London. Her mother already has schemes for her marriage prospects—and none of them include love, it seems. But when a dashing young duke begins to pursue her, Caroline has second thoughts. Caught between ambition and desire, Caroline may gamble her heart away without even realizing it.

REVIEW

The Second Season provides the story of young Caroline Hopkins who arrives in London for her second season with concerns about whether she is ready for marriage.  But her mother is bound and determined to see her daughters paired off with appropriately titled suitors.  Unfortunately for Lady Hopkins' plans neither Lucy nor Caroline is particularly concerned with titles.  Both girls are more interested in finding someone they can care about.  While Caroline has caught the eye of the Duke of Rembridge, she finds herself doubting his motives and rather uncomfortable with his attentions.  Yet the talented shoemaker, Mr. Clark, she finds very appealing.  Lucy also finds herself falling for someone beneath her mother's ambitions.  Luckily for both girls, their father is very much on their side in the finding someone to love department.  An interesting side plot revolves around the girl's parents and the misunderstanding that stands between them from the time they wed.  This particular challenge weighs heavily on both Lord and Lady Hopkins' plans and wishes for their daughters.  I think what I enjoyed most about the book though was how both Caroline and Lucy were willing to look for men who were good and could make them happy, titles or not. 


Thursday, September 15, 2016

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson




ABOUT THE BOOK

Lila Mae Guidry is a Southern girl through and through. As a fourth-generation Latter-day Saint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she's proud of her heritage as both a Southerner and a Saint—and she doesn't take kindly to people who disparage either. Ten years ago, Max Archer was just that kind of jerk. As the mission president's son, Max spent his entire three years mocking the South...and teenage Lila. After Max's family moved away, Lila forgot about her sworn enemy. Almost.

When a new job brings a grown-up Max back to Baton Rouge, Lila is less than thrilled with his reappearance, especially since everyone seems intent on throwing her together with this old adversary. Yet fight as she may, Lila soon realizes resistance is futile—their connection is undeniable. Max embodies everything she wants in a man—except perhaps the most important thing—her life is rooted in the city she loves, but his dreams are bigger than Baton Rouge. With such mismatched visions of the future, Max and Lila are faced with a life-altering decision: jeopardize their aspirations or risk losing love.

REVIEW

Melanie Jacobson has written a truly charming book about a place that she clearly loves.  And so does Lila Mae Guidry, a Lousiana girl through and through, who teaches at a local high school and dreams of getting married.  But Max Archer isn't her ideal man, at least not at first.  When she knew him as a kid he hated Baton Rouge and he humiliated her at a stake dance.  But Max isn't the same person she knew and she has to fight to remind herself that he has no intentions of staying in the place she doesn't plan to ever leave.  But hearts don't always follow their owners advice and the two fall in love despite their geographical differences.  I couldn't help falling in love with both Lila and Max, two good people, each with their own plans and strengths.  Stories like this remind me that while life often doesn't go the way we plan, sometimes things turn out far better than one could have ever dreamed.

GIVEAWAY

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TOUR SCHEDULE

*Sept. 12th
*Sept. 13th
*Sept. 14th
*Sept. 15th
*Sept. 16th:


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

BLOG TOUR: The Holy Ghost Discovering Your Extraordinary New Gift/Blessing the Nephite Children


ABOUT THE BOOK

Get to know the Holy Ghost, from baptism on! This engaging book provides fill-in-the-blank stories, coloring pages, and other fun activities for your kids to help get them ready to receive the Holy Ghost and rely on Him for the rest of their lives. Come to understand and feel the Spirit, one of the greatest gifts from God.

REVIEW        

For young children who have just been baptized this book makes a great gift.  The book explores the concept of who the Holy Ghost is, the difference between the influence of and the gift of the Holy Ghost and the many different roles the Holy Ghost has.  In addition to explaining basic doctrines about the Holy Ghost, there are activities and codes and scriptures as well as questions and memories for the child to record his/her thoughts.  Quotes from prophets and scripture story references and family home evening suggestions make this a great reference for family time as well as personal time.  Ideas for developing the gift, serving others, and following the commandments are also all included.  I think this makes for a great way to help children develop a better understanding of the Godhead and the Holy Ghost specifically.  I have only one rather minor quibble and that is the phrasing on one statement in the book where it states that the Holy Ghost appeared AS a dove when Jesus Christ got baptized.  I felt like this should say LIKE since that is the word that the Bible uses.  Other than that though I thought the book does a fine job of providing a multitude of ways for a young child to learn about the important roles and value of having the Holy Ghost in one's life.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Snuggle up with your kids and learn about Jesus’s visit to the Nephites. This colorful board book is perfectly designed for little fingers and small attention spans. Experience the beauty of Christ’s personal love in the Book of Mormon with your little ones and come to see the ways the Savior reaches out to them today.
REVIEW

Blessing the Nephite Children is an adorable baby board book version of a story told in 3 Nephi from the Book of Mormon.  This book focuses on the love the Savior has for children everywhere and what the children during his visit to the American continent after his death experienced.  The illustrations are sweet and attractive.  This book makes for a great introduction to the Book of Mormon for young children.


Monday, September 12, 2016

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Her Fateful Debut by G.G. Vandagriff


ABOUT THE BOOK

Classic Regency romance with a dash of suspense . . .

Beautiful Miss Penelope Swinton wants to live out her life as a spinster in her beloved Northamptonshire, but with an ailing father and an entailed estate, she must come to London and enter the Marriage Mart. And if she must marry, she is determined to marry for love.

In a brief respite from the social whirl of the season, she retreats from the restrictions of the ton to sketch in the park and stumbles over a French spy. When Penelope finds her life in danger, Viscount Beau Wellingham steps up to protect her, however he has secrets of his own. Wellingham leads a clandestine life as an agent for the Foreign Office trapping spies. In defending her life, he unwittingly puts her reputation at risk.

In order to save Penelope from society’s scorn, Beau presses for a betrothal. Though she resists, he insists. Soon Beau is unable to deny the attraction he feels towards her. Before he can act on his feelings, danger rises again. This time, his life is on the line.

With a desperate spy closing in, Penelope must choose the safety of what she has always known or a chance for love. But will she be too late?


REVIEW

Vandagriff has done it again.  I always think that she can't possibly write another book as appealing as the one I just read, but she always manages to pull it off.  I found Her Fateful Debut to be as compelling as all Vandagriff's other works that I have read.  Beau and Penelope are both sympathetic and interesting characters.  Beau, an experienced Londoner and employee of the Foreign Office, inadvertently meets Miss Penelope in a park early in the morning when the double agent he is working with attacks Penelope's sketchbook with a vengeance.  This leads Beau into shadowing Penelope to protect her and then to a forced betrothal.  But Penelope has her own mind and several interesting twists get in the way of Penelope and Beau really getting to know each other.  But this is at its heart a romance and it was enjoyable to see Beau and Penelope's growing feelings for each other, despite their differences and the dangers involved.  A great Regency romance for those like me who just can't get enough.

GIVEAWAY

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, September 8, 2016

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore




ABOUT THE BOOK

Miss Diane Snow is everything a British chaperone should be—she finds satisfaction in order and depends wholly upon the rules of decorum as she negotiates the isle of Greece with her young charge. But Miss Snow's prim and proper exterior masks a disquieting past: orphaned and alone in the world, she has only her stiff upper lip to rely on. When a brief encounter with a handsome stranger challenges her rules of propriety, Diana is unwittingly drawn into an adventure that will turn her ordered world upside down.

Alexandros Metaxas is a Greek spy working to recruit individuals to the cause of revolution. His mission seems to be going perfectly until he encounters Diana Snow, a captivating—if slightly cold—beauty. When their paths cross again, the ill-fated reunion threatens all Alex has been fighting for. But more importantly, it places Diana's life in jeopardy. There is only one way to save her: they must put themselves at the mercy of the most powerful pirate family in the Mediterranean. Soon, Diana is plunged into a fantastic world of gypsy curses, blood feuds, and unexpected romance. But when a bitter vendetta places her in mortal danger, will she have the courage to fight for life and love?

REVIEW


Jennifer Moore has a gift for writing a book that isn't too long and yet contains a great deal of content.  Her characters are always likable, though flawed and the situations they find themselves in are fascinating.  I love the way she depicts the time periods and places.  It's clear that she puts a lot of time and energy into getting it write, which I love in historical fiction.  The setting and circumstances of this particular book were entirely unfamiliar to me, maybe that's why I found it so intriguing.  I mean a Greek spy who is fighting for freedom for his homeland meeting up with a structured, controlled English chaperone.  What a great story.  I loved everything about this one, the characters, the setting, and the plot.  I even learned things about a time and place I knew very little about.  What a great combination of features for a regency romance.

GIVEAWAY

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TOUR SCHEDULE

*Sept. 5th: 
*Sept. 6th
*Sept. 7th
*Sept. 8th
*Sept. 9th


Monday, September 5, 2016

LDS BOOK REVIEW: On the Path Home by Henry B. Eyring


ABOUT THE BOOK

"Each time a line of truth comes to us, we get to choose what we will do about it," writes President Henry B. Eyring. "If we try hard to do what that truth requires of us, God will send more light and more truth. It will go on, line after line, as long as we choose to obey the truth."

In this classic collection of quotations from President Eyring, eternal truths are presented a line or two at a time, giving us opportunity to ponder, to learn, and to grow. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations and typography, these gems of thought will spark meaningful discussion, offer a quick uplift, or inspire readers who just want to take a quiet moment to draw closer to the Lord.

REVIEW

Deseret Book knows how to create a beautiful quote book.  Not only is the book full of beautiful words by President Eyring (1st counselor in the presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) but the photographs have clearly been carefully and beautifully chosen to highlight those words.  Gorgeous photographs of outside shots of light along with inside shots of typewriters and people and books and a variety of other things.  This is the sort of book that one turns to for a quick shot of inspiration when time is tight and the heart is weary.  The quotes focus on the journey of life, the truths, light, trials, and tribulations that all people face while here on earth.  A wonderful combination of inspirational words and gorgeous photographs makes this a great gift book.

On the Path Home

On the Path Home