On the Fringe

I'm so excited to be taking part in Courtney King Walker's ON THE FRINGE 4th birthday celebration blitz! Check out the book below, and be sure to enter the amazing giveaway!

A YA ghost story, where your first embrace could be your last… Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she’s still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn’t helping. Neither is thinking she sees Daniel’s face in the murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination. As Claire and Daniel try to grasp a possible reconnection, other grudge-holding beings have plans of their own. Now, the two of them must decide if their fleeting relationship is worth the possibility of Claire being trapped on the fringe forever. Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Exciting Announcement!

Courtney King Walker's third novel, CHASING MIDNIGHT, will be published January 12, 2016 by Cedar Fort Publishing... and it's a Cinderella retelling!!

Sixteen-year-old Mackenzie knows life is always better for the lucky ones—the problem is, she’s never been one. But when Mackenzie finally gets her wish, she quickly realizes the royal life isn’t exactly what she had in mind. And her dream prince is nothing close to charming! With running shoes as glass slippers, this modern retelling of Cinderella is an enchanting and entertaining read.

 

About the Author

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Courtney King Walker grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area building rocket ships and rafts out of cardboard, hoping to make it the moon or at least Niagara Falls. But a trip across the border to Tijuana was as exciting as it ever got, so she decided writing about adventure was the next best thing. She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and four children, and still dreams of flying to the moon. She is the author of the young adult novel, ON THE FRINGE, and middle grade novel MOLLY PEPPER AND THE NIGHT TRAIN. Her next YA novel, CHASING MIDNIGHT, will be published January 12, 2016 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.

Giveaway

Winner will receive a signed physical copy of ON THE FRINGE and $20 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

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Forgiven

I received a copy of FORGIVEN: THE AMISH SCHOOL SHOOTING, A MOTHER’S LOVE, AND A STORY OF REMARKABLE GRACE by Terri Roberts with Jeanette Windle from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

This is such a gripping tale.  Do not expect to start reading this, put it down, and pick it back up later down.  It will haunt you until you finish it as soon as possible. 

I was partly familiar with the story of the Amish school shooting.  My family and I visit Pennsylvania frequently.  We heard about it there, from many with tears in their eyes, and later on we watched a dramatized movie.  I thought the movie was done tastefully, but somehow reading about it is much more heart-wrenching.  Be prepared to cry through most parts of this book.  You will feel chilled.  The hairs will stand up along your arms. 

The forward is by Beverly Lewis.  I am familiar with her Amish novels.  My mom and I are avid readers of hers.  This, although sad and traumatic, is a perfect companion to those.  It shows a different side to the happy stories, one that is very true. 

FORGIVEN will leave you frozen.  I highly recommend it, but please be prepared for the rawness of this book.

99 Prayers for Children

I received a copy of 99 PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN by Juliet David and illustrated by Elina Ellis from Candle Books via Kregel in exchange for an honest review. 

Now, I’m not saying that a book like this didn’t exist when I was younger, but if it had, I wish I had gotten my hands on it.  This is excellent!  My family has always been religious – there are many pastors in my family tree – and we (my mom, grandmother, and I) have always enjoyed learning more about the Bible. 

This book contains prayers appropriate for children and each page includes a bright picture that is sure to capture anyone’s attention.  The prayers cover a range of topics.  I liked how specific they are, and the topics are ones that many children will be faced with.  The prayers also come with verses so that the child will seek to explore the Bible. 

I can see this being read every night to a child.  I can also see children memorizing the prayers.

I will be sharing this book with my cousin.  I hope that she enjoys exploring it with her daughter. 

This is a perfect gift or permanent addition to a personal library.  

The Hardest Thing to Do

I received a copy of THE HARDEST THING TO DO by Penelope Wilcock from Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  It is the fourth book in the Hawk and the Dove series.  I really enjoy this series.  The other books were all captivating and left me with a warm feeling.  This one is no exception to that rule. 

Welcome to the world of St. Alcuin’s Abbey.  The people are amazing and heartfelt.  Everyone is truly realistic.   I loved immersing myself in the 1300s.  It isn’t something you get to do every day, but it is something Penelope Wilcox will help you to do with each of her books. 

My favorite part of all is getting inside of the characters’ heads to experience their emotions, reasoning, and thoughts of The One.  There is bound to be one character, if not more, in this story who will enchant you to no end.  If you’re like me, you will end up liking everyone as you read about their strengths and weaknesses.  It will also inspire deep religious conversations.  Five stars!

I highly recommend this series and in particular this installment.  The Hawk and the Dove series is one to treasure on your bookshelves. 

On This Foundation

I received a copy of ON THIS FOUNDATION by Lynn Austin from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.  This is the third book in the Restoration Chronicles. 

I have no read too many books by Lynn Austin, but of those I have, I have always greatly enjoyed them.  I was thrilled to receive this copy, especially as I had already read book 2 – and am looking forward to finding a copy of book 1 so that I can read that one as well.  Although this is part of a series, I don’t feel that you need to read the other books in order to fully enjoy this one.

This is religious fiction at its finest, although I do prefer the author’s historical fiction.  This book really makes you think and it also makes you want to reread the Bible, in particular the Old Testament.  It brings to life Nehemiah and Jerusalem in a new, fresh way. 

This comes with five stars and is highly recommended!  I am passing this on to my family, who I know will greatly enjoy this novel.  I have been studying the Bible more frequently with my mother and we both enjoy novels that help to bring to life what we are reading about.  

Tallas

TALLAS was way too good to put down!  I ended up reading it in one night, but didn’t get a chance to review it until now. 

TALLAS is a fantasy dystopian by Cathrina Constantine.  The action scenes are superb.  So often a good premise and engaging characters fall short because of a struggling action sequence.  Cathrina is able to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

I highly recommend this to my dystopian fans.  It is one of the best dystopian novels I have ever read.  So often they feel cliché.  This is fresh and new.

I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Touching Fate

I'm so excited to take part in Brenda Drake's Release Day Launch for TOUCHING FATE! Check out the book and excerpt below, and be sure to enter the amazing giveaway!

Aster Layne believes in physics, not psychics. A tarot card reading on the Ocean City Boardwalk should have been a ridiculous, just-for-fun thing. It wasn’t. Aster discovers she has a very unscientific gift—with a simple touch of the cards, she can change a person’s fate. Reese Van Buren is cursed. Like the kind of old-school, centuries-old curse that runs in royal families. Every firstborn son is doomed to die on his eighteenth birthday—and Reese’s is coming up fast. Bummer. He tries to distract himself from his inevitable death…only to find the one person who can save him. Aster doesn’t know that the hot Dutch guy she’s just met needs her help–or that he’s about to die. But worst of all…she doesn’t know that her new gift comes with dark, dark consequences that can harm everyone she loves. Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt from TOUCHING FATE

The spell was broken when some partiers ran up the beach screaming and laughing. Aster turned in the direction of the noise and spotted Reese standing there. He waved. A moronic move, he reprimanded himself. Strolling up the beach James Bond-style would have been better, but instead, struggling in the sand, he headed for her. He decided if she moved toward him as well, it would be proof that she was attracted to him. Aster spun around and faced the ocean again. Reese stopped. She was still angry with him. Just when he made up his mind to leave her alone, she started down the beach toward him. “Hi,” she said, staring up at him. The golden specks in her eyes were like stardust glinting in the low-lying sun. “What are you doing here?” “Leah invited Jan, and he brought me along.” “I see.” “Well, I didn’t put up a struggle. I have to admit, I was hoping to see you.” He held out the aster. “This is for you. A peace offering. One simple flower can mean so much more than a bunch, don’t you agree?” A shocked expression crossed her face, and Reese thought he had blown it. But then she gave him a sweet smile and took the flower from him. “Stolen ones are even better.” “Well, in all honesty, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. A gentleman doesn’t court a lady without bringing a gift.” “So you’re courting me?” She tried unsuccessfully not to smile. It was rather fetching, her pink glossed lips twitching at the effort. “You don’t even know anything about me.” “Well, that is the point of dating, isn’t it? To get to know each other?” “I’m not sure.” When the silence between them got uncomfortable, she lowered her head and picked at the stem of the flower. “Not sure, huh?” This girl was a hard nut to crack. Reese got an idea. “How about we play a game?” She looked back up at him. “What kind of game?” “One where I tell you something about me, then you tell me something about yourself.” “Sure, why not?” She twirled around and padded across the beach, lifting up sand with her toes and flicking it into the air in front of her. “You go first.” “All right, then,” he said, keeping pace with her. “My family lives in a castle just outside of Amsterdam, complete with towers and turrets. It’s been in the family for generations. We only live in a few rooms. The rest of the place is open for tours. It helps pay for the upkeep and taxes.” “Really?” She knotted her fingers behind her back. “Does that mean you’re royal?” “No. But my father is a count.” He hated talking about his lineage. “It’s just a title,” he said, as if it wasn’t a big deal, which it wasn’t, at least to him. “That’s pretty awesome,” she said. “Now you.”

About the Author

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Brenda Drake grew up the youngest of three children, an Air Force brat, and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up are of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When she’s not writing or hanging out with her family, she haunts libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or reads someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

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Alice Takes Back Wonderland

I received a copy of ALICE TAKES BACK WONDERLAND by David D. Hammons from Curiosity Quills Press in exchange for an honest review. 

This is an excellent story reminiscent of the Alice movie by Disney and it keeps true to the original books.  It also felt like the Once Upon a Time series.  A term I would use for this work is “literary mashup.”  Truly delightful.  Everything blended smoothly.

I don’t want to give any spoilers, but this is a book I highly recommend to fairy tale fanatics. 

Pop Travel

I received a copy of POP TRAVEL by Tara Tyler from Curiosity Quills Press in exchange for an honest review. 

What a story!  Murders.  Technology.  The future.  Mystery.  This is really more of a mystery novel with a lead, Cooper, who you can root for with relish. 

I loved the idea of people anywhere in the world.  I would enjoy doing that and I know many others would too.  The thriller aspect kept me on my toes and the mystery kept me guessing.

Simulation

I received a copy of SIMULATION by Tara Tyler from Curiosity Quills Press in exchange for an honest review. 

In two words: MARVELOUS ENTERTAINMENT.  I happened to be sick, so it was perfect entertainment for laying on the couch with a cup of tea beside me.

This is the second book in the Pop Travel series.  It takes place in the future – 2082 to be precise.  I love reading stories that take place in the future because the author’s imagination always blows me away.  This book was no exception. 

I was worried that this wouldn’t be as wonderful as book one, but it didn’t suffer from sequel syndrome, where the sequels never live up to the first. 

Hour of Mischief

 I love a book with a strong heroine.  Add in some magic and it is a winner for me.  HOUR OF MISCHIEF by Aimee Hyndman had all that for me.  The steampunk aspects were an added bonus. 

The setting is spectacular.  Other than the steampunk, I enjoyed reading about the gods.  Highly recommended. 

I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Chasing Cassidy

Title: Chasing Cassidy

Author: D. Kelly

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 28, 2015

Synopsis

When Zachary Stafford first set eyes on Cassidy Pope she was being beaten by her father. After witnessing the traumatic event, he made it his mission to befriend her. As the years pass, their relationship evolves and Cassidy not only gives Zack her friendship but her love, as well. 

Cassidy spent her childhood being verbally and physically abused. The best part of her life is her friendship with the Stafford twins, Zack and Rylee. Although she tries to put on a brave front, the years of abuse have turned Cassidy into a woman filled with insecurities who doesn’t believe she deserves love. Especially not the kind of love Zack has given her for the last twelve years.  On their wedding day, Cassidy’s insecurities get the best of her and she does the one thing she knows how to do well…she runs. Zack is devastated and when he discovers why Cassidy ran, his devastation becomes fury. Long ago, Zack made Cassidy a promise he fully intends to keep and sets off on a journey to bring her back into his arms where she belongs.  Will Zack and Cassidy get their happily ever after, or will Cassidy’s inner demons keep her from getting the only thing she ever wanted in this world? To be loved.

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Excerpt

Placing my hand behind her head, I gently roll her over and position myself on top of her. I’m going to make this girl feel the depths of my love if it’s the last thing I do in my life. “I love you,” I whisper a breath away from her lips then cover her mouth with mine. I take my time kissing her then pull away slightly. “I’m going to love you and only you until the day I take my last breath,” I tell her softly before meeting her lips again, claiming them with mine. This time, I kiss her longer but still don’t breach her mouth with my tongue.  Again, I pull away just a bit but whisper into her mouth in hopes that my words will not only weave themselves into her mind but also into her heart. “Love is love. It comes without strings, without obligation, without judgment, without fear. It is unconditional and all-consuming. I couldn’t separate my love from you if I tried, so please stop trying to push me away because I’m not going anywhere, baby.”

About The Author

I'm a wife, a mom, and a dog lover. I'm also a taxi, problem fixer, extreme multi-tasker, and my kids’ biggest fan in anything they do. I’m married to my high school sweetheart... how cool is that? Margaritas and sarcasm make me happy. Chocolate makes that happiness grow exponentially. People who make me laugh are my favorite kind of people. I believe Karma is a bitch who slaps back hard and mean people suck. I'm California born and raised, and I love the beach but hate the sand. And, of course, I believe Starbucks makes any day better. I’m the author of The Acceptance Series and Chasing Cassidy with more books soon to come. Mailing List | Facebook | Google+ | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook Group | TSU

Breaking Kate Is Free

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The Methuselah Project

I received a copy of THE METHUSELAH PROJECT by Rick Barry from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. 

 

The cover is top-notch.  My dad was present when I opened the package.  He saw the airplane on the cover, threw out a bunch of facts about that model, and then asked if he could read it when I was done.  (Of course he can!  He will be getting it next)  Later on a friend saw it sitting on the stairs and fell in love with the male model’s eyes.  She asked if she could read it.  Sorry, you’re getting it after my dad!

 

For my own opinions, I really enjoyed the novel.  I loved the mixture of history with the contemporary.  There is also some romance mixed in, the kind that makes you say “awe” out loud.  I stumbled over some of the pilot lingo, but I know people like my dad will revel in it. 

 

My favorite part of the novel is Roger’s reaction to modern day things.  Often I was laughing out loud.

 

My friend who liked the model’s eyes read the back cover and related the book to captain America.  After reading it, I do sort of see a resemblance, but this book has much more depth. 

Butterfly Ginger

I'm so excited to be sharing an excerpt from Stephanie Fournet's upcoming novel, BUTTERFLY GINGER! Check out the book below, read the excerpt, and be sure to enter the amazing giveaway!

Sometimes first love deserves a second chance.

The summer before freshman year, Nate Bradley and Blythe Barnes meet and fall hard.  Blythe has the bluest eyes Nate’s ever seen; she smells like butterfly ginger blossoms, and she makes him feel at home in his own skin.

For Blythe, meeting Nate is like finding her best friend—one she wants to climb on top of and kiss forever. Even with plans to attend college in different cities, they’re convinced that nothing can tear them apart—until everything does.

Now, six years later, life in South Louisiana is giving them the chance to put the pieces back together.

Butterfly Ginger, Stephanie Fournet’s third novel, is a romance for anyone who believes that true love is made to last.

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 Excerpt from Butterfly Ginger

Parked in front of his house, Nate sat in the driver’s seat of his truck and gripped the steering wheel. Why did I think this was a good idea? He watched Lila chop onions in silhouette through the kitchen windows. “What’s the matter?” Blythe asked beside him. “Are you losing your nerve?” Nate shrugged. “Maybe.” Of course, she laughed. He’d made her laugh every day for two weeks straight, and he couldn’t get enough of it. The sound energized him every time he heard it. Clear water, sunlight, and Blythe’s laugh must have been made of the same elements. “Too bad,” she teased, poking him in the ribs and making him flinch. “It wouldn’t be fair to bail. You’ve already met Seth and Calvin — and my dad!” “Don’t forget Phoebe the Flatulent.” Nate made a grab to tickle her waist, but she jumped back and swatted his hand away. “Hey! Don’t make fun of my dog!” she protested, trying to disguise her laughter as outrage. “It’s not her fault Seth fed her Brussel sprouts.” “Your brothers are a trip,” Nate said, shaking his head. Blythe rolled her eyes. “Yeah, it was great fun when they showed you that picture from eighth grade. Braces and headgear? I’ll never forgive them.” Nate shrugged. “Well, the braces worked.” He reached for her again, and this time she let him catch her. “You have a killer smile.” “Ugh. Really? That’s the best you’ve got?” Blythe arched a brow at his pathetic attempts at flirting. “No,” he whispered. “Come here.” Nate pulled her into his arms, and she tilted her chin up to meet his kiss, like she did every time. Her lips were so soft, and when he reached up to cradle her face, she opened her mouth to him. It seemed impossible that she wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted to kiss her, yet she was just as eager, just as hungry, and it drove him crazy. He could kiss her all day. It had become his new religion. “Nate?” she whispered against his lips. “Can your mom see us?” “No…” he murmured, moving his mouth to her neck, inhaling the scent of butterfly ginger in her hair. “You smell so good…” Blythe stilled against him. “I think she can see us.” Blythe pushed herself away and sat bolt upright. “Oh my God.” Indeed, Lila had moved to the sink just in front of the windows. She wasn’t looking at the truck, but he knew that meant nothing. “Um… Yeah, she can see us,” Nate admitted, shrugging awkwardly. “But she won’t care. She’s not like that.” Blythe shot him an exasperated look, and he realized that he’d screwed up. “I care, Nate! I don’t want her to think I’m some slut!” The word was like a blow. “No… No,” he said, silently cursing himself. “She’d never think that. And neither would Richland.” Nate took a deep breath and decided to level with her. “Blythe, I’ve never brought a girl home,” he admitted. He watched her eyes widen just a little. “Never?” she whispered. Nate shook his head. “Never. Sometimes… sometimes people are uncomfortable around Lila. I was always afraid it would be too weird.” He gave a weak laugh. “Hell, I’m still afraid, but with you, I want to try.” Blythe’s blue eyes glinted with her smile. “You’re different,” Nate said, shrugging. “I’ve never met a girl like you. Someone who made me so comfortable. And Lila and Richland know that. They know you’re special. They’d never think you were a… a slut.” Nate shook the word from his mouth. He hated even saying it around her. The thought of someone calling her that made him angry. “Thank you,” she said, grabbing both his hands and weaving her fingers through his. “Thank you for inviting me. Yeah, I’m nervous about meeting your mom, too, but not because of her disability. Because she’s your mom.” This was why he’d thought it was a good idea to bring her home. Blythe was amazing. She would accept Lila for who she was, which was more than most of his friends from high school had managed. “Then let’s go,” he said, opening the door of his truck. Blythe hopped down from her side before he could do the gentlemanly thing and get her door for her, but he clasped her by the hand and squeezed it as they climbed the front steps.

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About the Author

Website | Facebook | Twitter | G oodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Stephanie Fournet, author of Fall Semester, Legacy, and Butterfly Ginger, lives in Lafayette, Louisiana—not far from the Saint Streets where her novels are set. She shares her home with her husband John and her daughter Hannah, their needy dogs Gladys and Mabel, and an immortal blue finch named Baby Blue. When she isn’t writing romance novels, she is usually helping students get into college or running. She loves hearing from fans, so look for her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and stephaniefournet.com.

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Zein

I received a copy of ZEIN: THE PROPHECY by Graham Wood in exchange for an honest review.  To say the least, I found the book exciting.  To say the most, well, here goes…

It is a science fiction page turner.  Now, I love fantasy, but a lot of times I struggle with science fiction novels because terms and world-building slow down the story.  That is not the case at all with ZEIN.  I look forward to reading more books by Graham Wood to experience more of his smooth writing style.

I don’t want to give any spoilers so I won’t go into details with the plot.  Let’s just say you have to read this for yourself.  You will get some backstory in with the current action.  At first I stumbled with this, but quickly got into the rhythm.