Why Not? Because I Said So!

Review of, Christ's Gifts To Women by Heather B. Moore and Angela Eschler

2012-03-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Christ's Gifts to Women
Authors: Heather B. Moore and Angela Eschler
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. ( March, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1608618617
ISBN-13: 978-1608618613
Genre: Inspirational Gift Book for LDS/Christian Women

Book Description:

At times, we struggle to understand exactly who Christ is in our lives. We fail to comprehend the gifts He offers us as we strive to overcome the challenges we face. But Christ’s great message to us is that He has overcome this world—He has given us great gifts that empower and help us realize we are not alone.

With touching artwork from renowned artists, this beautifully written book weaves trials faced in our day with trials faced in Biblical days—and expounds on the timeless power Christ has given women to overcome them. As we strive to draw closer to Christ, He will draw closer to us, magnify our efforts, and fill us with joy and peace. From the gift of mercy to the gifts of experience, wholeness, nurturing, and seeing, authors Heather B. Moore and Angela Eschler help women recognize the incredible rewards Christ has given each of God’s precious daughters, no matter the hardships we face.

My Review:

Women love getting presents, anything from perfume to chocolates and jewelry. My favorite, of course, are books! In the Inspirational book, Christ's Gifts to Women, we learn how the greatest gifts we can receive are free, and they given to us by The Savior, Jesus Christ. The messages found in this book are needed for today's LDS/Christian women. Life is hard as we all try to take care of our families, our jobs, church involvement, and taking care of ourselves. The message of the world is that we should be perfect. Most of us feel less than perfect. In chapter 2, "The Gift of Mercy", we are reminded how we are in the process of perfection, and it does not happen in one single event. Many of us suffer through depression or discouragement because of our imperfections. This is where the authors tell us "We must rally to the gift of mercy... this is the gift that allows us the process of perfection; messing up, learning, and becoming better."

The five gifts discussed, in this beautifully written book,are:

-The Gift of Mercy

-The Gift of Experience

-The Gift of Wholeness

-The Gift of Nurturing

-The Gift of Seeing

Christ's Gifts to Women is full of magnificent illustrations, that harmonize with the messages of hope, faith, being of good cheer, and Christ's never ending love for us.Even though I loved the entire book, the chapter that meant the most to me is, The Gift of Nurturing. The words found there brought a sense of peace to my heart. We are admonished to nurture others in our lives, just as the Savior does..."We draw closer to Him because we come to understand His motives and His love for us and for those around us. We learn to see others as he see them, and we long to bestow on them the same love He bestows." I also loved reading about the comforting words written about trials we may be going through. "When a burden is too large to bear ourselves and we feel 'heavy laden,' we must remember that there is Someone who is waiting to share it and, if necessary, take the burden from us.The Lord has invited us: 'Come Unto Me' (Matthew 11:28). With these simple words, come unto me, the Lord is offering to nurture us."

There was one overall thought that stayed with me, after I finished reading the book. It summed up all of the sacred things that are presented in this book. "We can pray and ponder about these wonderful gifts, and by so doing, we allow Him into our hearts, and are able to embrace the nurturing He offers us. Let's put faith in these words spoken about His daughter Elisabeth:'For with God nothing shall be impossible.' (Luke 1:37)."

This book will be a wonderful gift for any woman in your life; Mother, sister, wife, aunt, cousin and friend. Christ's Gifts to Women will strengthen, uplift, and help heal the hearts of those who have the privilege of reading this book. It will also bring the readers closer to the Savior, to more fully feel his love in their lives.

About the Authors:

Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of several historical novels based on prophets and other inspired individuals from the Book of Mormon, including the Out of Jerusalem series, which are written under H. B. Moore. Her upcoming novel is, Daughters of Jared,which will be released in May 2012. She is also the author of the nonfiction book Women of the Book of Mormon. Heather has found researching the faithful women of ancient Israel and Mesoamerica fascinating and enjoys discussing and sharing insights.Her books have been set in Ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She is not old and doesn’t remember the time period, so google.com has become a great friend. Although she has spent several years living in the Middle East, she prefers to forget the smells. Heather writes under the pen name H.B. Moore so that men will buy her books. She is also the author of one non-fiction book, which took her much too long to research and write, so she is back to novel writing.

Heather graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Business Management—which has absolutely nothing to do with writing novels. But at least she can balance a mean checkbook and color-coordinate her kids’ school clothes.

Visit Heather’s website here: www.hbmoore.com

Angela Eschler is a freelance editor and writer with ten years experience in the field. Most recently retired as senior in-house editor with book publisher Covenant Communications, she has also worked for many other publishers, businesses, individuals, and universities in a freelance capacity. Her greatest expertise lies in editing fiction and nonfiction of various genres. She especially enjoys speculative fiction, women’s fiction, and informational and inspirational nonfiction. Angela is the founder and projects manager of Eschler Editing, a large team of skilled freelance writers and editors specializing in diverse fields. Angela is also the author of the recent best-seller Love Letters of Joseph and Emma. For questions about her books or about Eschler Editing’s services, or to have Angela speak to your organization, contact her at AngelaEschler at gmail . com.

***I was kindly sent a review copy from the authors, of Christ's Gifts to Women. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***

To Purchase Christ's Gifts to Women, go to Deseretbook.com or Amazon.com

Review of Northanger Alibi,by Jenni James, and A Look At Her New Book Trailer Video!

2012-03-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

Product Details:
Title: Northanger Alibi (Jane Austen Diaries)
Author: Jenni James
Publisher: Walnut Springs
Release Date: February 3, 2012
ISBN: 978-0983829317
Paperback: 243 pages
Genre: Young Adult Romance

Book Description:

Book 2: The Jane Austen Diaries

Pride & Popularity
Northanger Alibi
Persuaded
Emmalee
Mansfield Ranch
Sensible & Sensational

Sometimes a guy is even better than you imagined...

The Russo family and Seattle, Washington, are no match for Claire Hart and her savvy knowledge of all things vampire-related. Thanks to her obsession with the Twilight series, if there is anyone who would know a vampire when she saw one, it's Claire. And she's positive totally hot Tony Russo is a vampire - she just has to prove it!

In this modern retelling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, follow Claire's hilarious journey on her first summer adventure away from home, where she learns everything isn't what is seems, and that in some instances, reality is way better than anything she'd ever find in a book.

My Review:

Northanger Alibi (A retelling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey,) is such a fun book! Following in the same footsteps of it's predecessor, Pride and Popularity(Book 1), this book will be loved by tweens and teens. I loved it because of the many references to the Twilight series, written by Stephenie Meyer. Having read the Twilight series, this helped me in understanding a lot of the humor found in this book. Main character, Claire Hart, is obsessed with The Twilight Series. She loves hot vampires and is excited to visit Washington state during the Summer. Claire is hoping to find her own vampire while she is there. This premise is what brings about the funniest happenings in the book. Right off she meets Tony Russo, who she thinks for sure is a real vampire. Then she meets Jaden, who she is sure is a werewolf.

There is a lot of romance, with eye-batting, flirting and kissing...all mild of course. The slight love triangle does not wear on your nerves, like some do. Claire is cute and likable. Tony is a handsome hunk, that I wanted more of in the book.

I can't wait for my daughter to read this book. I know that she will like it as much as me. I am happy to recommend this book to my daughter, her friends, and my blog reader's daughters. Northanger Alibi is a clean romance, with many "giggle" moments, and the wittiness and appeal of Jane Austen's novels, but with a fun modern twist.

Here is a new video book trailer of the first two books in The Jane Austen Diaries. Very cute!!

About the Author:

I love the way that Jenni describes how she fell in love with the writing of Jane Austen, and I wanted to share that with you. I hope that you will enjoy reading this and getting to know Jenni James.

"I never knew what I was missing when my mom first gave me a collection of Jane Austen's works for Christmas. I believe I was fourteen at the time. One glance at the title Pride and Prejudice and I vowed I would never read the book. But, to be nice I placed it on my 'favorites' shelf; and there it sat for approximately two and a half years. Every month or so Mom would ask me if I had read it yet, and guiltily I would reply, "No. One day I will."

Then low and behold, the summer I was sixteen I had completely exhausted EVERY book I owned and almost all of my siblings' books, as well. (There were 5 siblings--not an easy feat I tell you!) With a desperate case of boredom and hair-pulling-cabin-fever anxiety, I finally, grudgingly brought down the book. I went ahead and started with Pride and Prejudice, just to prove to myself it wasn't worth the time.

One and a half days later, I finished. Sleep deprived, hungry and exhausted, but I finished! It was officially the first book I couldn't put down! It was SO amazing! Afterwards, I devoured every one of Jane Austen's novels, and I haven't stopped since.
Now, as my own daughter gets closer to this wonderfully draining attempt at teenhood, I wanted to share the same stories with her, but in a way she can relate to. I began to rewrite (More like channel) Pride & Popularity in the middle of March and was finished in just 6 weeks! All 25 chapters. It was such an amazing experience. Before I had even begun the long editing process new characters started to talk to me and hound me into writing their stories too.

I'm married to a totally hot, redheaded Air Force Recruiter. Together we have 7 kiddos. We have just moved back to the States after living 9 awesome years in the Azores Islands of Portugal and England! Our kids are really experiencing America for the first time, and I think they're sold."

To contact Jenni or learn more about her books and her free online writing classes, go to these sites...

http://authorjennijames.com/

http://authorjennijames.blogspot.com/

To purchase Northanger Alibi go to Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

***I want to thank Walnut Springs Press for the review copy of Northanger Alibi. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***

Blog Tour Review of, A Woman's Power: Threads That Bind Us to God by Fay A. Klingler

2012-03-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: A Woman's Power: Threads That Bind Us to God
Author: Fay A. Klinger
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (March 13, 2012)
Genre: Non- Fiction/Religious(LDS)
ISBN-10: 1462110290
ISBN-13: 978-1462110292

Book Description:

For any woman who's ever felt like she's hanging on by a single thread, this inspiring book reveals the truth: you're surrounded by threads of strength and power that can bring you safety, peace, and lasting happiness. All you have to do is grab hold of them. Uplifting and empowering, this book offers women everywhere a message of hope.

My Review:

A Woman's Power Book Trailer

This was a book I needed to read right at this time of my life. So many times, things happen that make you feel so powerless. This book helps you realize that you do have the power inside of you to change your life, with the Lord's help.

Faye Klingler also helps you understand how strong you really are, and to just keep trying.

"It is amazing how much more we can handle than we believe we can. Honestly, we have tremendous reserves we’re not even aware of. Our creative abilities will grow as we recognize new avenues to achieve our ambitions. We can reevaluate where we’re headed and how we want to get there. Determine where we are now. What went right? What went wrong? Why? Pat ourselves on the back for trying. We can then begin to feel a sense of sat- isfaction not just for those workable parts that go well and are accomplished, but for the times we tried, even if it didn’t work. The act of trying, or the act of getting back up and trying again, is an accomplishment to be applauded."

There were so many moments, while reading A Woman's Power, that I wanted to stand up and cheer.There were also many "A-hah" moments too. Such as this one...

As in any loving relationship, communication is available between Heavenly Father and His daughters. He knows what we are doing, what we are feeling, and what we are thinking. And He expects us to reason things out and decide our own path. The beauty of it is that with the gift of choice comes divine guidance just for the asking. Well, no, not always “just for the asking.” After all, what kind of parent would give his child everything he or she asked for, especially if the parent knew it wouldn’t be in the best interest of the child (or in the best interest of those associated with the child)? "

I truly have never looked at it that way before, but when Fay wrote it from a parent's perspective, I could understand that! I have had to make that decision many times as a parent. Our loving Heavenly Parent does love us and knows us better than we know ourselves.

A Woman's Power has so many important messages in one tiny book. Here are some of the chapter titles:

-Identity
-Prayer
-Awareness
-Obedience
-Goal Setting
-Patience

This book will be one that I will keep close by and refer to often. It helped me remember who I am, and the potential that lies within me. It also encourages you to develop an even closer relationship with your Father in Heaven. You can feel the love that was put into writing this book. There is also a sense of peace you feel after reading A Woman's Power. I hope that you will also want to read this book, and seek after the power that is within you.

Faye is offering something very beautiful to those who purchase five or more of her books. Here are the details:

"During book launch week (March 13th through March 20th) I am offering something special for quantity orders. Any one person who attends the signing and can show me proof of purchase for five or more books will receive a framed 8 X 10 piece of embroidery . If you are not able to attend the signing and can e-mail to me proof of purchase of five or more books, I will ship to the purchaser a complimentary copy of either Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to Recovery or The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book.

At the book launch signing, there will also be two drawings for complimentary copies of 8 X 10 prints of Elizabeth Stanley’s beautiful artwork “Daughter of God” (http://www.elizabethjrstanley.com/prints.htm)."

Anyone who wants to vie for a free copy of, A Woman’s Power: Threads that Bind Us to God, should go to Goodreads and enter. You don’t have to buy anything, just sign up. Here is the link http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/tag/women. The last day of the free giveaway is March 6th.

A Woman’s Power, a beautifully designed hardbound book, is a marvelous gift for women of all ages—young and not-so-young. The book can be purchased at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, and other LDS retailers. The book can be ordered online from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. A Woman’s Power will also be made available for e-readers.

Check out the other blogs on the blog tour.

February 28^th, Tuesday—“Great Minds Think Aloud”www.greatmindsliterarycommunity.com

I will have a personal guest post at this blog stop that day.

February 28^th, Tuesday—“Connections with Christy” http://christymonson.blogspot.com

Book review

February 29^th, Wednesday—“I Am a Reader, Not a Writer”http://www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/

Author interview and book giveaway

March 1^st, Thursday—“Bonnie Gets a Say” www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com

Author interview, book review, and book giveaway

March 2^nd, Friday—“Why not? Because I said so!”http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

Book review

March 2^nd, Friday—“LDS Women’s Book Review”http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

Book review

March 3^rd, Saturday—“Babs Book Bistro” www.babsbookbistro.net/blog

Book review

March 5^th, Monday—“Renae’s Writespot” http://renaeswritespot.blogspot.com

Book review

March 5^th, Monday—“Thrilled by the Thought” www.thrilledbythethought.com

Book review

March 6^th, Tuesday—“Writer in the Pines” http://marshaward.blogspot.com

Book review

March 7^th, Wednesday—“Weaving a Tale or Two” http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com

Book review

March 8^th, Thursday—“J. Lloyd Morgan” www.jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com

Book review

March 9^th, Friday—“Queen of the Clan” www.queenoftheclan.com

Book review and book PDF giveaway

March 9^th, Friday—“The Character Connection”www.thecharacterconnection.blogspot.com

Personal guest post

March 10^th, Saturday—“Cheryl’s Book Nook” http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com

Book review

March 12, Monday—“A Writer’s Ramblings” http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com

Book review

March 12, Monday—“Star Crossed” www.starcrossedbookreviews.blogspot.com

Book review

March 13, Tuesday—“Bookworm Lisa” http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

Book review

March 13, Tuesday—“Mormon Moms” http://mormonmomswhoblog.blogspot.com/

Book review

March 14, Wednesday—“Good Family Reads” www.familyreads.blogspot.com

Personal guest post and book review

March 14, Wednesday—“Inklings” www.margothovley.com

Book review

March 15^th, Thursday—“families.com” http://lds.families.com/blog/

Book review

March 16^th, Friday—“BooksRUs” www.booksrusonline.com

Book review

March 16^th, Friday—“A Writer’s Reality” http://melissajcunningham.blogspot.com

Book review

About the Author:
Fay A. Klingler is a wife, mother and grandmother as well as a published author. She and her husband, Larry, live in Sandy, Utah. They are the parents of a blended family of twelve children, and sixteen grandchildren.

To learn more about Fay and her books, here are some helpful links...

www.fayklingler.com

http://www.facebook.com/FayKlingler

http://www.cedarfortbooks.com

Read Across America...A Worthy Cause!

2012-02-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

As a 2nd grade teacher, I really like this project. We have some fun activities planned for this Friday, March 2nd, Dr. Seuss's birthday. It is so important for adults, to encourage our children to read EVERY day! Some children don't have access to books. This program funds grants and other resources to motivate kids to read. I feel like it is a worthwhile cause. Read more about, Read Across America, down below.

About Read Across America:

NEA's Read Across America, the National Education Association's award-winning literacy program, focuses the nation's attention on how important it is to motivate children and teens to read in addition to helping them master basic skills.

NEA launched the Read Across America program in 1997. Its signature event, NEA's Read Across America Day, takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss, who epitomizes a love of learning.

NEA's Read Across America calls on every community to celebrate reading not only on Dr. Seuss's birthday, but all year long. Read Across America provides NEA members, parents, caregivers and students the resources they need to promote literacy, including grants, downloadable materials, activities, booklists, and a monthly e-newsletter.

Help NEA’s Read Across America build a nation of readers:
NEA’s Read Across America is dedicated to helping children and teens read--but we can’t do it alone!
Your donations—small and large—help us create programs and materials that keep kids excited about reading.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your generosity!
1. Kids who read--and are read to--do better in school and in life.
2. The National Education Association asks every community to celebrate reading not only on March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday but all year long.
3. The award-winning literacy program provides resources, activities, grants, and partnerships to encourage kids and teens to read, read, read.

Donations Go To

The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education

Blog Tour Review of, Blue, a novel by Lou Aronica

2012-02-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Blue
Author: Lou Aronica
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Fiction Std (January 16, 2011)
Genre: A Realistic Story with Fantasy intertwined
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936558009
ISBN-13: 978-1936558001

Book Description:

Chris Astor is a man in his early forties who is going through the toughest stretch of his life. Becky is Chris's fourteen-year-old daughter, a girl who overcame enormous challenges to become a vibrant, vital young woman - and now faces her greatest obstacle yet. Miea is the young queen of a fantasy land that Becky and Chris created when Becky was little, a fantasy land that has developed a life of its own and now finds itself in terrible, maybe fatal trouble. Together, Chris, Becky, and Miea need to uncover a secret. The secret to why their worlds have joined at this moment. The secret to their purpose. The secret to the future. It is a secret that, when discovered, will redefine imagination for all of them. Blue is a novel of trial and hope, invention and rediscovery. It might very well take you someplace you never knew existed.

My Review:

Once I heard about Blue, I knew that I needed to read it. Little did I realize what a well-rounded and emotional journey I would be going on. I thought I would be reading a fantasy novel, but soon found this book was more than that. Blue is a story of love, courage, relationships, faith, imagination and hope.

This novel centers on Becky, and her divorced parents, Chris and Polly. Being divorced myself, I know how hard it is on the children. Becky feels torn between her parents. I could relate to the feelings of the parents also. Becky has good relationships with both her parents, but an especially special one with her father. Becky had childhood cancer, and her father helped her through this trial by making up a story about a fantasy kingdom, Tamarisk. Becky and Chris for many years made up stories about all of the details of this kingdom. Years later, now a teen, Becky starts having symptoms that could be her cancer coming back. She soon finds herself able to visit this fantasy kingdom, that once was only a made-up story.

What soon becomes evident is how Becky's life and Tamarisk fates are entwined. When good things happen to Becky, good things happen in Tamarisk, When bad things happen, like Becky's cancer, and her parent's divorce, bad things start happening in the fantasy land. My favorite parts of the book centered around when Becky travels to Tamarisk. It is described in such a beautiful way. I enjoyed the relationship between Becky and Miea. Even though there is some sadness to the ending, there is also a sense of joy and peace. I know that it is a contradiction, but I am not one to give the ending away. You need to read this yourself to understand about the contradiction mentioned. Give this book a try and you will be in for a big treat, and a darn good read.

This book is a good for adults and older teens. Some of the subject matter may be too heavy for tweens, (Talk about the cancer etc.) but some may be able to handle it. I can assure you that there will be some tears at the end of the book, that is if you have a heart. You can't help yourself. I enjoyed reading Lou's writing and hope to read more in the future from this New York Times bestseller.

Lou Aronica is the author of several novels and works of nonfiction, including the New York Times bestseller, The Element (written with Ken Robinson) and the national bestseller, The Culture Code (written with Clotaire Rapaille). He lives in Southern Connecticut with his wife and four children.

To find out more about Lou or to learn more about Blue visit The Fiction Studio

Read an excerpt of Blue here!

You can purchase Blue from these sites:

Buy from:

Independent bookstores

**I was given a review copy of Blue. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.**

Blog Tour Review of, Target in Ties, By Tristi Pinkston

2012-02-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Targets In Ties
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Paperback: 258 pages
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press. (January 30, 2012)
Genre: Mystery
ISBN-10: 1599928078
ISBN-13: 978-1599928074

Book Description:

Series: Secret Sisters Mystery

After two long years, Ren's mission is finally over, and it's time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick him up. They have their itinerary all planned out visiting the ruins in the Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf and then they'll head to Ren's mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But a wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry. Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they can do keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure yet?

My Review:

Is it possible for The Secret Sisters Mysteries to geteven better than the last one? I am here to say, “Yes!” Targets in Ties, byTristi Pinkston, had more laugh out loud moments than the last book. Of course life is never “normal”, whenyour name is Ida Mae, and trouble follows you wherever you go.

Ida Mae, Tansyand Arlette are touring through Mexico with a jewel thief on their tails. Theyare in Mexico for some R&R and to pick up Ida Mae's nephew, Ren, who has been on a two-year mission for the Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. Of course, they end up in trouble sooner, rather than later. Targets in Ties once again makes you snicker and chuckle your way page after page. For example...

"He could very well be telling the truth, but that doesn't necessarily mean we have to help him," Arlette said, "We could let him work this out on his own."

"When have we ever let someone work things out on their own?" Tansy demanded to know.

Arlette nodded. "You're right. We aren't very good at staying out of other people's business. But maybe we should start now!"

That passage had me laughing so hard, while sitting in a quiet DR's office; quiet, all except for me, who was cracking up disturbing others peace. I couldn't help myself!! I also couldn't hold back during a conversation between Ida Mae and Tansy...

"Ida Mae shuddered. "We've never been this close to danger before." She tried to process it. "We've been locked in closets and sheds, and injected with stuff, but...this is different. That person meant to kill someone today."

Tansy shook her head. "They should take people like that and put them in leprechaun colonies."

Ida Mae blinked. "What?"

"You know how they take all of the leprechauns and make them live far away from the villages, where they can't be seen? Well, they should hunt down whoever shot at us and do the same thing to them."

"I think you mean leper colonies." Ida Mae said.

"It's all the same thing, isn't it?"

"Not exactly, but I do understand your sentiment."

That whole conversation was side splitting to me! In my mind I could see all of the leprechauns rounded up and sent away. Tristi's writing always brings out some emotion, especially that it makes me happy. I feel lucky to have her books to read.

Targets in Ties is cleverly written, full of mystery,with a great plot, and of course, the three elderly ladies who know how to kick fanny, in their own bumbling, but delightful way! This is why Target in Ties receives 5 stars from me.

You Can Win This!

Leave a comment on this blog post, and go visit Tristi's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com and become a follower. You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.

More About the Author:

Tristi Pinkston is the author of seven published novels - "Nothing to Regret," "Strength to Endure," "Season of Sacrifice," "Agent in Old Lace," "Secret Sisters," "Dearly Departed," and "Hang' Em High". She also works as a freelance editor and online writing instructor. When she's not writing, editing, or homeschooling her children, she enjoys reading, watching good movies, and taking really long naps.

Purchase your copy of Targets in Ties, or start with Secret Sisters, then Dearly Departed, and Hang ‘Em High.Learn more about Tristi Pinkston and her work as an author, editor, and blogger. Learn more about the publisher, Walnut Springs Press.

I want to thank Walnut Springs Press for the review copy of Target in Ties. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.

Blog Tour Review of, Crater Lake: Battle For Wizard Island by Steve Westover

2012-02-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island
Author: Steve Westover
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (March 13, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599559609
ISBN-13: 978-1599559605

Book Description:

"Wailing and thrashing for escape, Allie’s dad disappeared first, the dirt covering the crown of his head. Ethan and Jordan’s parents followed, gasping for breath before the dirt covered their faces and muffled their screams. Mercifully, they descended faster than Allie’s mom. She had been the appetizer, and the other three adults were the main course."

While visiting his crazy Uncle Bart at Crater Lake National Park, thirteen-year-old Ethan's world collapses when all the adults at Crater Lake disappear, including his parents. Now Ethan must rally his new friends and decipher the legends of Crater Lake to find the key to rescuing his parents from their earthen prison before he s captured too and their captivity becomes permanent.

My Review:

Crater Lake In Oregon

All of the adults at the park have disappeared in front of loved ones eyes. Those only under the age of 16 are still around. Ethan, Jordan, Allie, Jacob and Brady, team up to try and figure out what has happened to all of the adults. A Native American boy, Che-Tan, shows up to help the teens in their search. They soon find that Che-tan is a magical being, who one minute is a boy, and the next he turns into several birds. The teen characters all play very important roles that go along with their strengths. The great part is how they all learn and grow so much as the story progresses. I also liked how there were both male and female protagonists to cheer for. This is why both boys and girls will really like the book.

There is no romance in this story, but maybe a little flirting that takes place. Crater Lake is a great book that teens, and tweens will love to read. It is full of adventure, fantasy, and mystery. It also had the allotted balance of plenty of bad guys and some "good" guys (I use this term loosely because the one who you think is a good guy, really turns out to be a bad guy) to balance things out. The ancient people are in a battle that has been going on for 7000 years. Chief Llao and Chief Skell, and their many minions, battle, so Chief Llao and his people can escape their underground prison that they have been contained in for all of those years. The final battle is very exciting! I enjoyed reading about it and don't want to say what happens, because that is not how I review a book. ;) You have to read to find out if the teens succeed in saving their parents from the underground prison.

Even though I said this book was mainly written for tweens and teens, I still felt like this was a good read and it kept me wanting to read more to find out the outcome. I do know that Steve is writing book 2, so I am looking forward to reading what else will happen with this group of kids. My own kids are the most excited that I am done with this book, because they now will fight it out to see who gets to read it first!

Follow this link to read other reviews of Crater Lake that are part of the blog tour.

http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-crater-lake/

***I want to thank Cedar Fort Books for the review copy of Crater Lake. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***

If you want to know more about the author or the publisher, here are all of the links that you will need to find them.

Author Website: http://stevewestover.com/Home.html

Author Blog http://westoversleftovers.blogspot.com/

Author GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4095511.Steve_Westover

Book Poster page: http://craterlakebook.com

Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/

Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks

Publisher GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4202252-cedar-fort

Review of, Before I Say Goodbye, by Rachel Ann Nunes

2012-02-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Before I Say Goodbye
Author: Rachel Ann Nunes
Genre: LDS Women's Fiction
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Deseret Book (September 7, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1606414259
ISBN-13: 978-1606414255
FTC:FYI: Borrowed book from the public library.

Book Description:

After a twenty-year absence, Rikki Crockett has come home to Utah, to the same house where she grew up. When she left, she was young, hurt, and angry abandoned by her parents and her best friend. She' d vowed never to return, but when the worst happens, home is the only place she might still find a future for her two children, a rebellious teenage girl, and a sweet little boy with a learning disability. To do that, she must turn to her former best friend, Dante Rushton, and hope that he can be her hero one final time. Before I Say Good-Bye is a tender story about choices, about family, and about a woman who makes peace with her past and discovers the last and greatest hope of all.

My Review:

This book was simply an amazing and very moving read. It is so emotionally packed, you will be in tears the last few chapters of the book. I love Rachel's writing, especially how she brings her characters to life. I always get so involved in the story and the characters, I forget that they are not real. The story is told from four different character's viewpoints, Rikki, Dante (her old boyfriend), Dante's wife, Becca, and Rikki's daughter Kyle. They all have such unique voices. This aspect shows the strength in Rachel Nunes writing. She truly knows how to write memorable character's that draw out the emotions in the reader.

This is a powerful story of what true love is all about. I am not talking about romantic love, but that love you show to others when you serve and care for them. This is a book that has LDS characters, but you do not need to be a Mormon to read this book. If you are a Christian that believes in second chances, then you will enjoy reading Before I Say Good-Bye. Without giving anything away anything, and ruining the story for the rest of you, just know, this is a book about a woman who is ill, a rebellious teen girl with a dream, a busy Bishop who hasn't had the time to see all of his blessings, and his wife who has always given and never followed any of her dreams. All together they end up healing one another, while finding their true selves.

I enjoyed this five star book so much, I will be purchasing it. The messages found in this book will make you hug your loved ones more often, and not take for granted the many blessings surrounding you daily. Beautiful job Rachel Nunes, beautiful job.

To purchase Before I Say Goodbye, go to Amazon.com, or Deseret Book.

About the Author:

Rachel Ann Nunes learned to read when she was four, beginning a lifetime fascination with the written word. She avidly devoured books then and still reads everything she can lay hands on, from children's stories to science articles. She began writing in the seventh grade and is now the author of twenty-nine published books, including the popular Ariana series and the picture book Daughter of a King. Her most recent novels are Tell Me No Lies and Before I say Goodbye.

Rachel and her husband, TJ, are the parents of three boys and four girls. Rachel loves camping with her family, traveling and meeting new people, and, of course, writing. As a stay-at-home mother of seven, it isn't easy to find time to write, but she will trade washing dishes or weeding the garden for an hour at the computer any day! Her only rule about writing is to never eat chocolate at the computer. "Since I love chocolate and writing," she jokes, "my family might never see me again." Rachel writes Monday through Friday in a home office, often with a child on her lap. She takes frequent breaks from writing to build Lego towers, practice reading, or go swimming with the kids.
For more information or to join her e-mailing list, visit http://www.RachelAnnNunes.com.

Winner of the Follower Love Giveaway Hop...

2012-02-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Winner of the Follower Love Giveaway Hop is....Blacky! She will be contacted with the good news.

Thanks to all of my followers, new and old, for entering. It is great to have you on board. Come back often to read my reviews and see what contests or interviews are happening.

Blog Tour Review of Venom by K.C. Grant

2012-02-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Venom
Author: K.C. Grant
Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.;
Published:1st edition (January 3, 2012)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
ISBN-10: 1608611426
ISBN-13: 978-1608611423
FTC:FYI I was given a review copy of Venom. In no way did this influence the honest review given.

Book Description:

Samantha Evans is determined to make a name for herself in the cutthroat world of advertising. Newly hired by a prestigious ad agency, she volunteers to work on location in Mexico City as a personal assistant to the beautiful and driven creative director Katrina Edwards. At first the association seems promising. But Ms. Edwards seems preoccupied in a way that makes Samantha increasingly uneasy. In fact, many in the group seem like they are not being completely open about the project, including David Ayala, the mysterious and moody photographer for whose attention the two women find themselves competing. After several strange accidents and numerous appearances by an unknown man, Samantha discovers the truth: not everyone on the team is in Mexico to create a stellar advertising pitch. When her sleuthing leads to her abduction, she is brought to the pyramids of TeotihuacÃ¡n and comes face-to-face with the venomous evil of the South American crime boss known as The Serpent. Now Samantha must not only fight for her life, but she must also discover if she can trust the man she's come to love.

My Review:

Samantha's main goal is to forge ahead in her career. She volunteers herself to join a group on an advertising job to Mexico. With her being fluent in Spanish, because of her serving a Spanish speaking mission, she was the perfect candidate. Little does she know what danger she is putting herself in, both physically and emotionally. Working for her boss, the beautiful and fashionable Katrina Edwards, she never feels quite up to her level. Then Samantha is attracted to freelance photographer, David Ayala, who is also the object of Ms. Edwards interest. What was supposed to be a simple business trip turns into something strange and scary. Odd things start happening that don't add up and everyone around her looks guilty. Samantha notices that a strange man starts following her. Then, accidents start happening to her, which don't seem so "accidental".

To make things worst, back in the USA, Samantha's father is diagnosed with cancer. Not only is she worried about the alarming events taking place in Mexico, but she wonders if she should leave, to head home, and support her parents through this trial. As Samantha starts discovering things about her boss, and other members of her team, she doesn't know who to trust. The unfriendly co-workers,Lin and Mike, who are keeping secrets, and the over friendly co-worker, Seth, coming on to Samantha, lead her to start delving into what is really going on. Meanwhile, Samantha is falling in love with the allusive David, and she's not entirely sure she can even trust him.

K.C. weaves a mystery that is very difficult for the reader to unravel. With so many people suspect, you also have a hard time figuring out who the bad guys really are. It takes awhile to get into the intrigue, but you learn so much about the history of Mexico and its people. With the author's colorful writing, this country and it's beauties, and the gray areas, are brought to life. The majesty of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, are detailed so dramatically, you feel as if you are there. The sadness of so much poverty is also shown. I loved the added history that was found in this book. Most people reading this book will be surprised by the ending. Who you first thought was involved with "The Serpent",the South American crime boss, will change with the unexpected happenings.

Venom's exciting ending will not leave you disappointed. Just taking the ride, and seeing who falls in the end,(Literally!!), makes this a welcome read.

To purchase Venom, go here to Amazon.com or Deseret Book.

About K.C. Grant:

K.C. Grant was born in rural Idaho, but has made Utah her home for most of her life. After serving an LDS Spanish-speaking mission to Anaheim, California, USA, she returned and continued her studies at Weber State University, participating in a study abroad program that allowed her to study at the Centro Mexicano Internacional in Michoacan, Mexico. She has been a freelance writer for eight years. Much of her work appears in family-oriented magazines such as LDSLiving, Latter-Day Woman, Back Home, Parents & Kids, and Natural Life and also The Deseret News/Mormon Times. She served as president of the Bountiful chapter of the League of Utah Writers for three years and is also a member of the Association for Mormon Letters and LDStorymakers. Though raising her children is still her most important task, she combines it with the demanding job of working out the numerous plots she has for future novels. She and her husband of seventeen years love to travel and scout out new settings for books. While ancient Mexico was the setting for her first published novel, Abish: Daughter of God, which was released by Covenant in 2010 and its sequel, Abish: Mother of Faith, released March 2011--modern Mexico was perfect for her suspense novel titled, Venom, recently released in 2012. Other publications include short stories published in Covenant's seasonal compilations, How Will Christmas Find Us? and A Christmas to Remember, by various LDS authors.

To learn more about K.C. Grant or would like to contact her, here are some helpful links:

Website: http://www.kcgrant.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/kcgrantauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authorkcgrant
Blog: http://www.kcgrantwriterscorner.blogspot.com/

Follower Love Giveaway Hop!!

2012-02-06T22:58:00.001-07:00

So excited for this hop!It is opened to US and International followers. This is where I thank you, my followers, for your support. Thanks to I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Author Rachael Anderson
for hosting this hop.

Here is what you can win....

A $10 Amazon.com gift certificate

OR books valued at $10 or less from the Book Depository:

Make sure to visit all of the other blogs down below the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Insight:Beholders Book One by Terron James

2012-02-05T00:33:00.002-07:00

Insight by Terron James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: Nypa Distributing(2011)

ISBN:978-0-578-08858-7

Book Description:

Rumors are surging through Appernysia that a Beholder has been born, the first wielder of True Sight in over a millennium.

Seventeen-year-old Lon Marcs discovers he has been blessed—or cursed—with this gift. He cannot control the power of True Sight and feels it killing him with each passing day. He realizes that the only people who might possess the knowledge to save his life are the sworn enemies of his king. To obtain their help, Lon would have to journey into exile, leaving behind his village, family, and beloved Kaylen.

Although this is the hardest decision Lon has ever made, it is only the first of many that will test his strength and challenge his interpretation of right and wrong.

My Review:

Insight is the first book in the Beholders fantasy series. Terron creates a world set in a medieval time. The World of Appernysia is vividly introduced as the reader gets to know main character, Lon. Though there is a slow start, the adventure soon takes over and you have to keep reading. There are many exciting moments, as Lon discovers that he is the long awaited Beholder that people have been waiting a millennium to be born. Lon fights against what is right and wrong.The lines will become blurred as to the decisions he makes. It was thrilling to see Lon's journey as he became a Rayder. The Rayders reminded me a lot of the French group of Musketeers, because of their loyalty to each other and their cause.

Lon's twin sister, Mellai, is also vital to the heart of the story. I enjoyed seeing the twins, grow and mature along the way as they are faced with hardships of life. The romance between Lon and Kaylen is told realistically, but heartbreaking at the same time.

Insight has something for all readers, adventure, romance, fantasy elements,and an exciting twist at the end of the book. You are left wanting to read the second book immediately, even though it is not ready to read yet; soon I hope!

Go to http://terronjames.blogspot.com/ to read more about The Beholder series.

View all my reviews

Blog Tour Review of Persuasion: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

2012-02-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale
Author: Rebecca H. Jamison
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort, Inc.)
Published Date: (February 7, 2012)
Genre: LDS Romantic Fiction
ISBN-10: 1599559471
ISBN-13: 978-1599559476

Book Description:

"I saw him. We spoke. Now I have nothing to worry about. We can treat each other as old friends. . . .
But all the logic in my brain can't change my feelings. Eight years might as well be eight days. I still love him."

When Anne broke off her engagement eight years ago, she thought she'd never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil's brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil's return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen's most romantic novel.

My Review:

Persuasion is a story of two people, once in love, that find their way back to each other, It is a novel based on LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) characters.They are members of the LDS church and live by the morals most church members follow. This book is a refreshing romance where there is no sex or bad language. Some times all you want is a story of good people, facing the odds, and falling in love and living happily ever after. Persuasion is not exactly that...but close to!

Anne is 27 years old, still single, not dating anyone, and wondering why her life is boring and why she is still alone. After eight years, her once fiance, Neil,now a police captain, comes back into her life. Neither one knows how the other person feels about what happened in the past. Neil gets involved with Anne's younger friend, while Anne becomes involved with a handsome and wealthy socialite. This story has a lot of humorous moments as well as many misunderstandings that take place between Anne and Neil. Rebecca has a fun writing style, bringing out the funny situations Anne finds herself in. The novel is told in first person, by main character Anne. One moment you are laughing at what Anne does or says. The next you are feeling bad for her as she is so self-sacrificing, letting others needs come before her own. It is refreshing, to see Anne grow and change, as she finally starts learning how to stand up for herself. There is also an element of suspense as a stalker haunts Anne's life. Neil becomes somewhat of a hero as he comes to Anne's rescue.

I have to say I did not want to put this book down. I loved the characters, the humor, and even the ending. The minor characters are also very colorful and bring a lot of fun to the story. Anne's family will make you laugh as well as grit your teeth. Neil's "girlfriend" Lily and her sister Hannah bring a smile to your face, and shake your head at their actions. Overall, you will enjoy this clean romance, with lessons of love and forgiveness woven into it's pages.

Now watch the book trailer to make you even more excited to read this great book.

About the Author:

Rebecca Jamison hopes that her ex-boyfriends don't get any ideas from this book. She wants them to know that she is happily married to her husband, another writer. Her only regret is that her husband doesn't like to dance as much as she does. Rebecca grew up in Vienna, Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a BA and MA in English. In between college and grad school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Rebecca and her husband have six children, so there is never any emergency ice cream to be found in her house. She enjoys running, making jewelry, reading, and watching chick flicks.

You can learn more about Rebecca at:

http://www.rebeccahjamison.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/RebeccaHJamison (If you like her facebook page you have a chance of winning a copy of her book!!)

To purchase Persuasion use this link: http://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-Latter-day-Rebecca-H-Jamison/dp/1599559471/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326255452&sr=8-1

Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/

Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

Visit the other stops on the blog tour here.

****Main character, Anne, makes some killer cinnamon rolls in the book. Here is the recipe that was posted at Rebecca's website.

Here's Anne's recipe for Cinnamon Rolls:

Anne's Super Quick Cinnamon Rolls

Mix and let rest for fifteen minutes:

3 1/2 C warm water

3/4 C white sugar

4 T yeast

While you are waiting, complete the following:

Preheat oven to 425°. Grease all pans (Anne uses cookie sheets or 9" x 13" pans, but you can use any pans you have.) Melt one cube of margarine or butter. Soak raisins in water for about five minutes. Make cinnamon sugar mixture (2 T to 1 C sugar).

To yeast mixture, add:

1 T salt

3 eggs

1 C oil

Gradually add:

10 C flour

Mix well. Roll dough into an oblong shape on a floured surface. Spread with melted margarine or butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and top with raisins, if desired. Shape into rolls by rolling from the long side and cutting in one-inch wide pieces. Place in greased pans with sides of rolls just touching. Let rise about 15 minutes. Bake at 425° for 10 - 15 minutes. Rolls should be lightly brown on top and the bottoms should be just starting to brown.

Frosting:

In a small pan, place:

1/2 square margarine or butter

1/3 C milk

Heat until hot but not burning.

Remove from heat and add:

1/2 t vanilla

1 lb. powdered sugar

The Two Winners of the Young Adult Giveaway Hop Are...

2012-02-01T21:41:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Young Adult Giveaway Hop. Using a random drawing site, I now have the names of the two lucky winners who will receive an e-copy of Darkspell by Elizabeth Mueller. The winners are...

-Ramblings of a Part Time Druid AND
-Sara Kovach

Congratulations to the winners and I will be giving your names and e-mail addys to Elizabeth. She then will be sending you the information about how to get your books.

I will see you again in February for the Followers Love Giveaway Hop! I can't wait!

Young Adult Giveaway Hop & Review of Darkspell by Elizabeth Mueller

2012-01-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Young Adult Giveaway Hop. This giveaway is hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Amber at Down The Rabbit Hole.Thanks so much ladies!!

There are over 200 blogs participating in this hop. This hop is dedicated to Young Adult books. The book that I will be giving away today is Darkspell by Elizabeth Mueller, her debut novel. She is generously donating 2 e-copies of her book for the giveaway.

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.

As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magickal realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Will love prove thicker than magick?

There are 4 ways to enter to win a copy of Darkspell...

#1.You must be a follower of this blog. This is the only mandatory entry. Please leave your GFC name in the comments.(+1 entry)
# 2. Follow me on twitter at ssdawn2002. (+1 entry)
#3. Follow my blog by e-mail.(+1 entries)
#4. Follow Elizabeth's blog here. (+1 entry)

So altogether you could have up to 4 entries. Please let me know in the comments how you entered and please total up your entries for me. The giveaway will end on February 1st at 12:01 AM.Thanks so much!

Here is my review of Darkspell, and then down below you will find the links to the other blogs participating in the hop.

Darkspell is a paranormal, young adult romance, very different from many of the typical vampire or werewolf books. This book does have everything to do with very powerful magick practiced by a coven. At first I thought this book was about witches, but it is not. I will not go into details about the particulars of the magick, but you will like the unique magick that is found in this story.

The story centers around main character Winter and two handsome brothers, Alex and Jareth. The love triangle is alive and flourishing in this book. Winter keeps bouncing back and forth with her affection between the brothers. Personally, I really liked both brothers,though their personalities are very different.But ummm, yeah, Alex is...my favorite! This is a very character driven book, which I tend to really like regardless of the genre.

The very beginning of the book is dedicated to character development, but when the plot starts unfolding you are in for a fun ride. There are many times that you will be very surprised by what happens. Yes, I am being evasive because I want you to read this great YA book for yourself. Another awesome aspect about Darkspell, is the art work found in the novel. Elizabeth is a phenomenal artist! Here are a few pictures from the book:

Darkspell was a combination of humor, angst, spookiness, and romance. It truly kept me guessing until the end. Then...you will be anxious to read the next book in the series. You knew that was coming right?

To learn more about Elizabeth, her book, and her art work, you can find her at these many places: Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Smashwords, Amazon, and her blog.

Now go and visit other blogs on the hop!

The Series I Am Reading Now: Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

2012-01-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

I am reading a great series. I've heard people talking about it for awhile now, and was excited to finally get the chance to sit down and read all three books. It is the Tiger's Curse Series by Colleen Houck.It is different as far as there are no vampires, werewolves,(but you will run into some fairies in book 2) or anything you will read in most of the popular paranormal books out there. Instead, there are tigers,old magic,and hot men from India.The storyline moves as the characters are in pursuit of a way to break the curse. Here is the lowdown on each book in the series.

Tiger's Curse (The Tiger Saga #1)

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Tiger's Quest (The Tiger Saga #2)

Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest--this time with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger's Curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGER'S QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them.

Tiger's Voyage (The Tiger Saga #3)

In the third installment of the Tiger series, Kelsey Hayes pushes through the pain of lost love and strengthens her friendship with Kishan. Despite his strong feelings for her, Kishan has agreed to be her ally in helping her reunite with the man she still loves. Together, they seek to help Ren regain his memory and begin the search for the third magical gift—an object of power that will help break the curse that causes them to live part of their lives as tigers.

They board a luxury yacht and seek Durga's aid once again, who supplies them with her golden weapons. With Nilima, Mr. Kadam, Ren, and Kishan at her side, she soon learns that the task ahead will be even more difficult than the others. Confronting a dark magician, multiple dragons, and terrifying denizens of the deep seems easy when compared to facing the daunting task of stitching up her heart. Just when she thinks she's ready to set her feet on a new path, she is yanked back with a jolt to the one she's determined to leave behind.

The jarring tug-of-war that ensues for Kelsey's heart leaves her anxious and confused. Combined with the stress of almost being killed every other day, it would appear that saving the tigers is almost more than she can handle. Still, she presses on, knowing that a choice is looming on the horizon. One she cannot put off making for long.

Tiger's Voyage is an irresistible romance with a barrage of action on the high seas, where a reader will find a treasure chest full of dragons, sea monsters, knights in shining armor, fabled weapons, and enduring love. The tropic waters of India create the backdrop for the latest installment in the tiger series. This novel, a multicultural take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, delves into the complex emotional turmoil and pressure associated with not only making the best choice for a nation but also the best choice for yourself.

If you want to read some chapters from the books here are the links I found on Colleen's website:

Free Preview!

Tiger's Curse
Read Chapters 1-7

Tiger's Quest
Read Chapters 1-4

Tiger's Voyage
Read Chapters 1-4

If you want a change in what your reading, with a fascinating dose of Indian lore, and a great love triangle, you need to check out the Tiger's Curse Series.

UPDATE: I just found out, after finishing book 3, that there will be 2 more books in the series! I figured as that book ended, and the bad guy was not defeated, there was more to come. I don't want to wait!

To learn more about the series go to Colleen's website here.

About this author

Colleen Houck is first and foremost a reader. She loves action, adventure, sci-fi, and romance, and her favorite books include a little bit of each. After getting an Associate’s Degree from Rick’s college and transferring to the University of Arizona, she dropped out of school to go on a church mission where she met her husband. Since then, she’s had a variety of job titles including; Group Home Advocate, Donut Sprinkle Girl, Chinese Kitchen Manager, Salad Bar Maven, and more recently American Sign Language interpreter. She also considers herself an expert in the assembly of Big Macs and Big Bacon Classics and yes, the Food Network Channel is her favorite station. Colleen has lived in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, California, and North Carolina and is now permanently settled in Salem, Oregon with her husband and her giant stuffed white tiger.

Review of The Death Cure by James Dashner

2012-01-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: The Death Cure
Author: James Dashner
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers; Exclusive Edition edition (October 11, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0385738773
ISBN-13: 978-0385738774

Book Description:

Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.

What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.

The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

My Review:
What a fantastic ending to one of my favorite series! I was very satisfied and was happy to not be shaking my head after reading the last page.(I will not reveal which series ending did that to me; but...if you are close to me you know what series I am talking about.) I love this third book, The Death Cure, as much as I did the first book in the series.(The Maze Runner)

I love reading books written by James Dashner. His writing pulls you in, and you don't even realize that you are reading because you get so involved with the story and it's characters. I would describe it as watching a movie. I so excited to read the prequel to this series.

This is a must read book, and series, for readers that love a fast paced, dystopian novel.

You can purchase any of the Maze Runner Series at Amazon.com.

About the Author:
James Dashner is the New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner trilogy and The 13th Reality series. Learn more by checking out his website, www.jamesdashner.com.

View all my reviews

100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012

2012-01-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

I have already signed up for the goodreads reading challenge and said that I would read 110 books in 2012. I am also joining this challenge in 2012. It is the 100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012. If you like challenges, come join me. Here are the details to sign up.

Challenge Details:

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

• Rules: Read 100+ books in 2012 (any genre)

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.

• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.

• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.

• Only fiction, no non-fiction.

• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.

• You DO NOT have to write reviews of the books you read, but if you decide to then Mr Linky will be available each month so you can link up your reviews.

• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog but who use Goodreads, Amazon, LibraryThing etc, you can add the URL to where you track your books.

Here is the link to go to Book Chick City's blog and sign up for the challenge. Have fun!

Blog Tour Review of Queen of Common Cents: 1001 Tips & Tricks To Save Time and Money

2012-01-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Product Details:

Title: Queen of Common Cents: 1001 Tips and Tricks to Save Time and Money
Author: Michelle Snow
Paperback: 136 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (January 8, 2012)
Genre: Non-fiction
ISBN-10: 159955982X
ISBN-13: 978-1599559827

Book Description:

Be it in the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, out in the garden or on vacation, bestselling author Michelle Snow, will help you save time, money and resources by teaching you everyday money and time saving tips and facts that work! This is a must-have book for every person who wants to make their life a little easier and their pocket book a little fatter!

My Review:

Have you ever read one of those books with few pages(125 in this case), but the content within is very powerful? Well, Queen of Common Cents: 1001 Tips and Tricks To Save Time and Money is one of those books! There really are 1001 ideas to make you save lots of money and I feel,also help with organization. As a full-time, working single mom,I am always looking for ways to manage my home. If I can do it easier, faster and more inexpensively, then I feel great!

This little manual (that's what I am calling it) is going to stay front and center in my home. It is like a quick reference guide to all aspects of your life. Here are just some of the chapters that are included in this book:

-Saving on Clothing
-Saving on Groceries
-Gardening Tips
-Making Old Things New Again through Recycling
-Saving on Household Expenses
-Entertainment, Dates, and Vacations for Dollars a Day
-Cleaning and Hygiene Tips

As you can see, their are a wide variety of topics and I have only listed about 1/3 of them. Another thing I loved about this book are the recipes included, especially for "Quick Mixes" for things like pancakes, brownies and Onion Soup to name a few. If you are looking for practical advice that will change your life for the better, you will love this book.So do yourself a favor and purchase Queen of Common Cents...it only makes "Cents" to do it!

You can purchase this book at Amazon.com

***I was given a review copy of this book from the publisher Cedar Fort. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***

About the Author:

Michelle has published 3 books and over 25 articles (in peer reviewed professional and scientific journals) and has presented her public health research at national and international conferences.

Michelle and her family reside in Utah. They are kept company by their dog, Lady Isabella of Bromfield, four pet chickens, Hog Mama, Gertie, Argee, and Puffy Cheeks, and two cats, Senorita Peachalina Gato and Archimedes.

You can visit Michelle at:
Facebook
Michelle Snow Website
Michelle Snow Blog
Book Poster Page

Winner of the Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop!

2012-01-04T19:23:00.001-07:00

I picked a winner for the Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop and the winner is...Becca (sbcashortie)!

Congratulations to Becca who won the $10.00 Gift Certificate to Amazon.com. Becca has been notified by e-mail. Thanks everyone for entering and being followers of my blog. See you at the next blog hop in a few weeks!

20 (or so) Books I Loved Reading in 2011

2012-01-01T19:36:00.001-07:00

I know that 2012 is now here and I should have posted this information earlier, but I still wanted to share. I read 119 books (this does not include ALL of the children's picture books I read to my own kids and my 2nd graders) during 2011. My goal was 125 books, but I am still happy with what I did get read. In no particular order, here are at least 20 of the books I read that I enjoyed the most. Many of these book I gave 5 stars to on goodreads.com. I would like to know which of these books you also read last year. Which of these books would you like to read in 2012? Let me know!!

Here you go...

-Variant by Robison Wells

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.
But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan

I’m dying, I thought. This was unexpected and not at all how I envisioned my death. I was supposed to die gardening in a flowerbed as a hundred-year-old woman, not as a seventeen-year-old trapped in a lake beneath inches of ice.

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

In this breathtaking and romantic adventure, Rachel McClellan delivers a truly mesmerizing story that will keep you guessing to the very end

The Armor of Light by Karen E. Hoover

Ember has been accepted into the mage academy, but not without cost. She has gained a new enemy, ancient and dark, whose entire purpose is to destroy all white magic and her along with it. After nearly losing her life in a brutal attack, DeMunth is assigned her guardian, and the keystone he wears, The Armor of Light, begins the transition that will make it a true power.

Kayla has lost most everything of importance to her—the people, the prestige, and all she fought for the past ten years. With nothing left to lose, she continues her search for the birthplace of The Sapphire Flute and the Wolfchild she believes to be its player. Her journey will take her to strange, foreign, and often dangerous places, and everything she had thought to be true will be proven wrong.

In a showdown full of betrayal and heroic loss, Ember and Kayla finally meet on the battlefield, fighting a war on two fronts—against C'Tan and her people, and the mysterious enemy bent on destroying all magic—the shadow weavers.

The story is full of power, betrayal, hope, and love. The elements of the universe are coming together, and none can know who will stand in the end.

The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley

"Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise--she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black

Fiona Claridge, a smart and stylish New England college professor, strives to pull herself together after a car crash kills her roommate, Mia Hardy. Yet Fiona’s guilt and grief come flooding back after opening a gift-wrapped box left outside her office that contains car keys and a malicious note.

Shaken, Fiona travels to her hometown to attend a funeral but is followed by vivid nightmares as well as her unknown enemy, who leaves another sinister gift on her doorstep. She assumes the stalker is Kimberly Bailey, a disgruntled former student, and enlists the help of fellow professor James Hampton. But when Fiona encounters an old flame at the funeral, it’s clear her student isn’t the only one with an eye for revenge. Soon, through the maneuverings of her unknown enemy, Fiona faces criminal charges as well as continuing threats. As past and present become horribly entangled, Fiona unravels the truth about a determined killer—and finds herself on the wrong end of a knife.

Don't Fear the Reaper by Michelle Muto

Book 1 of the Netherworld series

Grief-stricken by the murder of her twin, Keely Morrison is convinced suicide is her ticket to eternal peace and a chance to reunite with her sister. When Keely succeeds in taking her own life, she discovers death isn’t at all what she expected. Instead, she’s trapped in a netherworld on Earth and her only hope for reconnecting with her sister and navigating the afterlife is a bounty-hunting reaper and a sardonic, possibly unscrupulous, demon. But when the demon offers Keely her greatest temptation—revenge on her sister’s murderer—she must uncover his motives and determine who she can trust. Because, as Keely soon learns, both reaper and demon are keeping secrets and she fears the worst is true—that her every decision will change how, and with whom, she spends eternity

Identity by Betsy Love

While vacationing in Mexico, two similar-looking young women find themselves caught in a chain reaction of mistaken identities. Amelia is a wealthy heiress and business owner, and Savannah is a sweet Mormon girl deciding whether or not to serve a mission. When they end up on the same flight to Phoenix, Savannah and Amelia unravel the sequence of events that wreaked havoc on their trips, and they make plans to resolve the subsequent misunderstandings. But their flight is cut short when the plane crashes, killing one of the young women and plunging the other into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price? Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life? Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others? The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.

Bloodborne by Gregg Luke

One ordinary afternoon, research specialist Dr. Erin Cross steps into a local deli to get some lunch, and nearly takes a bullet instead. Thanks to the timely intervention of a former Marine, she walks away from the seemingly freak incident. But when she returns to find her lab under security lockdown and her apartment ransacked, she realized the attack was anything but random. Erin can’t make sense of the threat, given her low profile after a disastrous H1N1 vaccine trial. She doesn’t know her former colleague has used the virus to develop a potent bioweapon or that her recent research hold a key to his success. And she doesn’t know that his collaborators want her dead before she blows the whistle.

Fleeing for safety with her research in hand, Erin unravels the threats with the help of the timely Marine, former Special Ops agent Sean Flannery. But the closer they come to finding answers, the more questionable Sean’s behavior becomes. His erratic moods and suspicious communications are more fitting for an enemy than a friend. And as the crisis comes to a head, Erin can’t be sure who harbors more secrets—the bioterrorists pursuing her or the one man who can give her protection.

Outer Edge of Heaven by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Montana truly is heavenly. Especially those handsome cowboys.

Filled with colorful characters of all shapes, sizes and species, including an orphaned baby pig, most of the Langston family put the fun in dysfunctional, give or take a couple of black sheep. There's one in every family, isn't there? Add to that glorious scenery, a horse of her own, and one extremely attractive cousin rancher, Luke Lanston, and it makes for a summer Charlie will never forget. Which might not be a good thing. She has the time of her life, but her heart may never recover.

Seers by Heather Frost

For Kate Bennett, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes — and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O'Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.

No Angel by Theresa Sneed

An angel with an attitude

Jonathan Stewart is not at all happy about having to return to earth
as a guardian angel, but it's required of all post-mortal spirits to
fulfill at least one angel guardianship. Fortunately, on the Guardians Unlimited application, he had the good sense to request a client with early-marked-death status, so he believes that while his stay on earth will be most unpleasant, at least it will be short. What he doesn' t know is that a spirit with EMD status can choose his or her time of death! Jonathan's client, Celeste Knight, has a mind of her own and refuses death at every turn, leaving him stuck as her
guardian angel in a place he only wanted to forget.

Countdown to Love by Julie N. Ford

Kelly Grace Pickens is an excited bride—until she's abandoned at the altar. Desperate, she accepts an offer to appear on a reality TV show, Count Down to Love. Her country ways are a stark contrast to the mysterious bachelor from New York. Wading through hurt and betrayal both on and off screen, Kelly discovers that being true to yourself is essential to finding happiness and love.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa M.D.

A remarkable cat. A special gift. A life-changing journey.

They thought he was just a cat.

When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little guy with attitude. He loved to stretch out in a puddle of sunlight and chase his tail until he was dizzy. Occasionally he consented to a scratch behind the ears, but only when it suited him. In other words, he was a typical cat. Or so it seemed. It wasn't long before Oscar had created something of a stir.

Apparently, this ordinary cat possesses an extraordinary gift: he knows instinctively when the end of life is near.

Oscar is a welcome distraction for the residents of Steere House, many of whom are living with Alzheimer's. But he never spends much time with them--until they are in their last hours. Then, as if this were his job, Oscar strides purposely into a patient's room, curls up on the bed, and begins his vigil. Oscar provides comfort and companionship when people need him most. And his presence lets caregivers and loved ones know that it's time to say good-bye.
Oscar's gift is a tender mercy. He teaches by example: embracing moments of life that so many of us shy away from.

Making Rounds with Oscar is the story of an unusual cat, the patients he serves, their caregivers, and of one doctor who learned how to listen. Heartfelt, inspiring, and full of humor and pathos, this book allows readers to take a walk into a world rarely seen from the outside, a world we often misunderstand.

The Cross Gardner by Jason F. Wright

Married and the father of a young daughter, John Bevan had finally found the traditional family he lacked as an orphaned child. But all that disappears when a fatal car accident steals away his wife-and the unborn child she carried.

Filled with sorrow, John withdraws from life and love. He erects a small cross at the scene of his wife's accident and visits daily, grieving. Then one morning he encounters a young man kneeling before the cross, touching it up with white paint. John's conversations and travels with this mysterious man-known to him only as the Cross Gardener-will forever change his world.

From Jason F. Wright comes a timeless tale that explores the questions we ask when our lives are touched by loss: How do we carry on? And who will show us the way? The answers John Bevan finds illuminate the hope that even in our darkest hours we are not alone.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives.

The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.

Wolves, Boys & Other things that might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler

KJ Carson lives an outdoor lover's dream. The only daughter of a fishing and wildlife guide, KJ can hold her own on the water or in the mountains near her hometown outside Yellowstone National Park. But when she meets the shaggy-haired, intensely appealing Virgil, KJ loses all self-possession. And she's not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing that they're assigned to work together on a school newspaper article about the famous wolves of Yellowstone. As KJ spends time with Virgil, she also spends more time getting to know a part of her world that she always took for granted . . . and she begins to see herself and her town in a whole new light.

The Third by Abel Keogh

In this stark and haunting look at the not-so-distant future, an environmentally minded society elects to limit the number of children couples can have, enforcing dire consequences for lawbreakers. But when his wife gets pregnant with a forbidden third child, Ransom Lawe is forced to choose between the government who's trying to save the world from ecological disaster and the family he loves dearly.

Bound by C.K. Bryant

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans

My name is Michael Vey, and the story I’m about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It’s my story.
To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

A powerful secret. A dangerous path.

Rigg is well trained at keeping secrets. Only his father knows the truth about Rigg's strange talent for seeing the paths of people's pasts. But when his father dies, Rigg is stunned to learn just how many secrets Father had kept from him--secrets about Rigg's own past, his identity, and his destiny. And when Rigg discovers that he has the power not only to see the past, but also to change it, his future suddenly becomes anything but certain.
Rigg’s birthright sets him on a path that leaves him caught between two factions, one that wants him crowned and one that wants him dead. He will be forced to question everything he thinks he knows, choose who to trust, and push the limits of his talent…or forfeit control of his destiny.

Slayers by C. J. Hill

Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it – these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.

The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

I could go on and on about great books I read in 2011, but I need to stop. These books are just some of the most memorable books that I truly enjoyed reading. To read my full list of books I've read, head on over to goodreads.com for more of my book suggestions. If you have made it this far, thanks for hanging in there with me for this long post. ;)

My Review of Exiled by Rachelle Workman

2011-12-31T12:53:00.002-07:00

Exiled by RaShelle Workman
My rating: 3 1/2 of 5 stars

Product Details:

Paperback: 338 pages
Publisher: Polished Pen Press (November 2, 2011)
Genre: Science Fiction/Romance
ISBN-10: 0615537456
ISBN-13: 978-0615537450

Overview of EXILED:

An alien princess exiled to Earth.

An arrogant boy.

One week to get back to her planet or she'll die.

Her only chance for survival? She must help the boy find his soul mate.

Piece of cake!

My Review:

Exiled is one of those books I have such mixed feelings about. I love the cover of the book and it truly grabs your interest. The first 1/3-1/2 of the book I wasn't thrilled about and would give it 3 stars. I found myself putting it down a lot and reading other things. I wasn't pulled in as fast as I like to. There is some graphic violence in the book from aliens killing humans. It was disturbing and I wasn't ready for it. The last 1/3 of the book I REALLY liked and would give it 4 stars. It had a very satisfying ending. I liked it so much I can't wait to read the sequel.

It took awhile to connect with main character Venus, but it did happen 1/2 way through. I loved the character of Zaren, Venus's guardian, right from the start. He is everything that a hero and love interest should be. RaShelle did an awesome job with this character! The human, Michael, becomes a strong character at the end. He is a tragic teen that is flawed from his life experiences.He does end up making the third part of a love triangle. All of the characters seemed to deepen near the end where I cared about them more.

So...I am giving this book 3 1/2 stars. Those that love science fiction and romance will really enjoy reading this book. If you are looking for something more original and different from all of the dystopian/paranormal books you have been reading,Exiled will be a good read for you.

About The Author:

RaShelle Workman

RaShelle Workman lives with her husband, three children and three dogs. Her first novel, EXILED, has been nominated for a Whitney award. And, in case you were wondering, yes, she does believe there is other life out in the Universe.

View all my reviews

Why Not? Because I Said So!

Review of, Christ's Gifts To Women by Heather B. Moore and Angela Eschler

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Review of Northanger Alibi,by Jenni James, and A Look At Her New Book Trailer Video!

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Blog Tour Review of, A Woman's Power: Threads That Bind Us to God by Fay A. Klingler

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Read Across America...A Worthy Cause!

About Read Across America:

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Blog Tour Review of, Target in Ties, By Tristi Pinkston

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More About the Author:

Purchase your copy of Targets in Ties, or start with Secret Sisters, then Dearly Departed, and Hang ‘Em High.Learn more about Tristi Pinkston and her work as an author, editor, and blogger. Learn more about the publisher, Walnut Springs Press.

**I want to thank Walnut Springs Press for the review copy of Target in Ties. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.**

Blog Tour Review of, Crater Lake: Battle For Wizard Island by Steve Westover

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Review of, Before I Say Goodbye, by Rachel Ann Nunes

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Winner of the Follower Love Giveaway Hop...

Blog Tour Review of Venom by K.C. Grant

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Follower Love Giveaway Hop!!

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Blog Tour Review of Persuasion: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

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"I saw him. We spoke. Now I have nothing to worry about. We can treat each other as old friends. . . .But all the logic in my brain can't change my feelings. Eight years might as well be eight days. I still love him."

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The Series I Am Reading Now: Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Curse (The Tiger Saga #1)

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Tiger's Quest (The Tiger Saga #2)

Tiger's Voyage (The Tiger Saga #3)

Free Preview!

Tiger's CurseRead Chapters 1-7

Tiger's QuestRead Chapters 1-4

Tiger's VoyageRead Chapters 1-4

If you want a change in what your reading, with a fascinating dose of Indian lore, and a great love triangle, you need to check out the Tiger's Curse Series.

UPDATE: I just found out, after finishing book 3, that there will be 2 more books in the series! I figured as that book ended, and the bad guy was not defeated, there was more to come. I don't want to wait!

To learn more about the series go to Colleen's website here.

Review of The Death Cure by James Dashner

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100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012

Blog Tour Review of Queen of Common Cents: 1001 Tips & Tricks To Save Time and Money

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Winner of the Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop!

20 (or so) Books I Loved Reading in 2011

Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa M.D.

Pathfinder by Orson Scott CardA powerful secret. A dangerous path.

My Review of Exiled by Rachelle Workman

Product Details:

RaShelle Workman

I want to thank Walnut Springs Press for the review copy of Target in Ties. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.

"I saw him. We spoke. Now I have nothing to worry about. We can treat each other as old friends. . . .
But all the logic in my brain can't change my feelings. Eight years might as well be eight days. I still love him."

Tiger's Curse
Read Chapters 1-7

Tiger's Quest
Read Chapters 1-4

Tiger's Voyage
Read Chapters 1-4

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

A powerful secret. A dangerous path.