Book Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection by various authors

*****--5 Stars.
May 2013, 330 pages.

Description: Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Summer Wedding, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Melanie Jacobson’s charming novella, Love Bytes, Bree is the maid-of-honor and Dallen is the best-man. While they plan and plot over email and texting, Bree realizes that the best part about the Maui wedding might be meeting Dallen. She just hopes that he’ll feel the same way.

Romeo and Julie-ex is a sweet romance by Julie Wright. “Romeo” turns out to be a two-timing jerk, and when Juliet Moore’s pre-ordered wedding dress arrives from UPS, Juliet curses everything male. In a stubborn streak, she decides to keep the bridal photography appointment—when Juliet shows up for the appointment and meets photographer Jack Montague, she might have to take back some of her curses on men.

In Rachael Anderson’s enchanting novella, The Meltdown Match, Courtney spends each summer in her hometown of Heimel, Alaska, to find inspiration for her next novel. But when she runs into former high school friend, Mitch Winters, and they both win the Meltdown Match—a traditional dating contest—Courtney discovers that leaving her hometown at the end of the summer might not be so easy this time.

In Golden Sunrise, an engaging romance by Annette Lyon, Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she's putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

Tide Pools is a captivating story by Heather B. Moore. Lexi makes a quick trip to Hawaii to attend her friend’s wedding, and she discovers that the engaged couple, Sydney and Apelu, are still trying to match-make for her. Lexi laughs because not only does their friend David have a serious girlfriend, but he owns a restaurant on the island. But when Lexi meets David, she has a hard time remembering why all of her plans were so important.

In Sarah M. Eden’s delightful novella, A Regular Bloke from Stanmore, Abby is helping her sister, Caroline, plan her British wedding. That’s right, Caroline is obsessed with all things British and insists on an authentic wedding in . . . Oregon. When they arrive at Sainsbury House reception hall, it has everything Caroline loves, and the host, Matthew Carlton, even has a British accent. Yet Abby isn’t buying the whole good-looking-British man with impeccable manners thing; she’s determined to expose him as a fake. But the more Abby gets to know Matthew, the more she realizes how wrong she really is.

My Review: I am a romantic at heart--especially when it comes to weddings. I think that's why I love romance books so much. I love to see how two people meet, fall in love, and begin their happily ever after (yes, I know it takes a lot of hard work to actually get there). I also think that's why I loved this collection so much!! Weddings, weddings, and more weddings.

As with the previous anthologies, I absolutely love the fact that some of my favorite authors write these great little stories that are just the perfect size. I've said before that I'm not a big fan of novellas, but these stories are well-written and accomplish what they need to without leaving me dying for more.

It's so hard to pick a favorite--weddings set in Hawaii, Alaska, NYC, etc. are just so romantic and the characters and situations are all so different. Like before, I'm sure if I were to read this again next week, it would be different, but I'd have to say that Melanie Jacobson's probably won out for me this time around. Oh, so hard to choose a favorite!!

Content: kissing in all; talk of getting drunk in one.

If this looks like a collection you would enjoy, click  here to buy.

Summer Giveaway Hop 2013!!

 

I'm giving away a paperback copy of Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James. I enjoyed this summery story and hope you do too!!

 

Description:

The chance to break the big story is all Charlotte needs to secure her future. But when the truth comes out—it may cost her the love of her life.
Newport, Rhode Island, in 1900—a glamorous resort town where the rich and famous go to see and be seen.
Charlotte Hale isn't part of that world. She's a working girl, a secretary for a local newspaper, who dreams of becoming a real reporter. When her boss offers her an assignment, she jumps at the opportunity. She'll go undercover as a governess to investigate a scandal about her new employer, Daniel Wilmont, a young widowed professor of religion who writes a controversial column in a rival newspaper.
Charlotte's qualms about misrepresenting herself to Daniel soon morph into a deeper quandary. How can she get the goods on a man who turns out to be so honorable? How can she plot the downfall of a family that has inspired her to rediscover her faith? And how can she protect the man she now loves from a scheme she's been part of since the beginning?
A fascinating tale of love and faith in the Gilded Age . . . from the author of Love on a Dime.

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Book Review: Tuesdays at the Castle (Castle Glower #1) by Jessica Day George

 

Description: Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.
My Review: I love to read a fun, adventurous, and creative story and this one was great! The Glower Castle builds new rooms, turrets, and even wings, on Tuesdays. Celie, the youngest princess, maps the changes out and seems to have a bond with the castle. When her parents and older brother, the crown prince, are deemed dead, Celie, and her older sister do what they can to keep the Castle and kingdom from evil clutches. Celie is a very mature 11 year old and is quick-thinking. I have an 11 year old and I'm not sure he could come up with the things that Celie did, but she was still a very believable character. I loved the way the story came together with just the right elements to keep kids (and adults) of all ages entertained! It really got the imagination flowing.
If you enjoyed this one, be sure to check out the next two books in the series. I can't wait to read them!

  
 

About the Author:

It's all about the books. Friends, family, school, "real jobs", they were just obstacles to be tackled so that I could return to my true love: books. All I have ever wanted in this world is to read and write books. My criteria for choosing a purse is that it must be able to fit a paperback book inside. I took books on my honeymoon, and bought more while we were there. I picked my major because it looked like I would get to read a lot of books, and also I thought it would provide me with interesting background information for my own books (which it did), so I now have a BA in Humanities -Comparative Literature with a minor in Scandinavian Studies. From the time I was twelve on up, I told people that I wanted to be a writer. When they said, "So, you'll teach and then maybe try to write a book?" I would just shake my head. No, I was a writer, and that was all I wanted to do. Over the years I have lived in Idaho, New Jersey, Delaware, and now Utah, because it doesn't matter. I can read and write anywhere. I've worked at a wedding invitation factory (Bet you didn't know they made them in big scary factories, did you?), at a video store (back at the birth of DVD), at libraries and bookstores, and even been an office lady at a school while I waited to get published. I knew that I would be published eventually, because . . . well, I just had to be.
Now, don't get me wrong, I have other interests. I took eight years of German, four of Norwegian, and even studied Old Norse so that I could read the great Viking sagas in the original language. I knit like a maniac: hats, scarves, sweaters, dog sweaters, socks, felted purses, you name it. I play the piano and viola, love to travel and to watch movies. I have a husband and three kids and a dog . . .

Goodreads  *  Website  *  Twitter

 

Book Review: Spring Vacation Anthology by various authors

*****--5 Stars.
February 2013, 260 pages.
Description:
Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Spring Vacation, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Moonlight Kiss, a delightful story by Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah is looking forward to the company retreat, namely because she’ll finally meet Clint—the man she’s been Instant Messaging for a few months. As a single mom, Sarah gets out . . . well, never. So adding vacation days onto the retreat so she can spend time with Clint is daring, yet exciting. She just hopes that the suave on-line Clint will live up to the man she hopes to share her heart with.

In Annette Lyon’s charming novella, Chasing Tess, Tess had been patiently waiting through three years of law school for James to pop the question. The night has finally arrived—at his graduation party. But his big announcement turns out to be completely unexpected . . . and devastating. Tess flees the party, promising herself she’ll never let herself waste time on James again. But as she makes a desperate cross-country drive, James makes his own plans on how to win her back.

Dancing at the Flea Market is a sweet romance by Heather Justesen. Mara, fresh out of the cold North Dakota tundra, spends her spring break in Texas with close friend, Anna. When the two women run into Carter, an impatient man with a painful past, it takes hearing Mara’s stunning voice at the local Karaoke club to thaw his heart. But as Mara gets to know Carter, she has to decide if the distance between their lives and homes is worth trying to bridge.

In Sarah M. Eden’s captivating novella, The Best Laid Plans, Madison gives up a vacation to Cancún with her office friends to return home and babysit her mother, who is in another sketchy relationship. The only problem with returning home is running into Derek, her ex-boyfriend who she decided to break up with before he could break up with her—Madison believes in always being one step ahead. When Derek teams up with Madison to investigate whether her mother is dating the right guy, Madison has a hard time ignoring what her heart is telling her about giving Derek another chance.

Picture Perfect, an exciting story by Heather B. Moore, follows Gemma who has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

In Aubrey Mace’s enchanting romance, The Science of Sentiment, Rosie will do anything to forget Kevin, his completely perfect kisses, and the fact that he dumped her. When she arrives at her grandfather’s mountain cabin for a spring getaway, she discovers her worst nightmare—Kevin has been invited to stay the weekend too. Since there is only room for one in such a small space, Rosie is determined to kick Kevin out. But Kevin has other plans . . . which might include a reminder of why he’s the perfect kisser.

My Review:
I loved these stories!! I'm not typically a big fan of novellas (or short stories) because they either aren't well developed or they leave me wanting more. These are definitely an exception!! Six amazing authors crafted some unique and well written stories that totally hit the spot. I love that they're all by different authors because each author has a different style and it was a lot of fun to see that style come through. It's a very tough call for me to pick a favorite, but at this very moment, I'd have to say Picture Perfect (Heather B. Moore) won my vote. Don't get me wrong though--I absolutely adored the others. I could read it again next week and pick a different one. My only wish, aside from never wanting them to end, is that I would have read them during the spring because I love to read books during the season that they take place--don't ask--I'm just weird like that.

Content: a couple of them mention drinking or imply intimate situations; a couple of them have situations with unmarried men and women sleeping in the same condo/cabin, but in different rooms; and of course, some great kissing!! Clean.

Book Review: A Longtime (and at one point illegal) Crush by Janette Rallison

*****--5 Stars.
February 2013, 59 pages.

Book Description: From the day Elsie’s big brother brought his friend Kye McBride over to their house, Elsie adored him. When she was eight she secretly blew kisses to him. When she was twelve she sat on the stairs, unnoticed, and watched him escort another girl to prom. When she was a senior in high school, she walked into math class and found out he was her new math teacher.

With that much emotion fueling her, things were bound to go wrong. And they did. Elsie not only spent the last two weeks of school avoiding him, she turned avoiding-Kye-at-all-costs into her life-long philosophy.

Now three years have passed and Elsie has come home for her brother’s wedding. She’s got to face Kye-–hopefully without getting crushed again.

My Review:  There is something about Janette Rallison's stories that I just LOVE!! They're clean, fun, and absolutely adorable.

I loved Kye. He was kind and a real gentleman, even when he was a teenager. Elsie is a typical girl--pretty insecure about herself and always scheming up ways to get the guy to notice her.

This story had the potential to be creepy in a creeper-ish sort of way, not a horror story way, but wasn't at all. Kye is a few years older than Elsie and at one point, was her math teacher. Of course, being the guy that Kye is, nothing much happened during that time.

My only complaint with this one is that it was way too short!! When I find an author or a story I really love, I just don't want it to end and this one was more of a novella, so it was really too short for me. It is definitely worth the .99 if you're a Janette Rallison fan.

Content: an almost attack; kissing.

Book Review: Emma: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

****--4 Stars.
Coming...August 13, 2013

Book Description: Emma's her name and matchmaking is her game! Quirky life coach Emma wants to help her first-ever client, a lonely nanny named Harriet. But all of her attempts at matchmaking result only in embarrassing miscues and blunders, leaving the pair disheartened and confused. This modern take on the Jane Austen classic shows that sometimes the greatest match is the one we make for ourselves.

My Review: I really enjoyed this modern LDS version of Emma. I thought this story was told in a fun way and I loved the modern twists.

Emma, Emma, Emma. I was almost embarrassed for her at times because she was so focused on her life coaching and "helping" that she often made a mess of things--without meaning to, of course. What I also really liked is that Emma was this 6 foot tall woman with flaming red hair, that she insisted on calling auburn, who tried so hard to be a good person, yet wasn't perfect at all. Not at all. There were times when I wanted to snap at Emma to wake her up to see what was right in front of her, but...that's just a part of the story.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters who were all so different, yet they had similar threads that tied them together. I mean, we have a rising country music star, an elusive businessman (who also happens to be a new step cousin, I believe), a nanny, interesting neighbors, a father who can't cut the apron strings, and unique friends from church.

I found myself often groaning or smiling and really enjoying the story. So...if you're a fan of modern re-tellings of classic Austen stories, be sure to pick this one up.

Content: clean.

**I got a copy from Netgalley and that in no way influenced my review**

To purchase, click  here.

Lazy Days of Summer Spontaneous Hop

I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card!! I hope you're all enjoying your summer!!

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A Wicked Kind of Dark by Jonathan K. Benton

Author Jonathan K. Benton

Jonathan Benton always wanted to write books, having won first place in a short story competition when he was ten. Inspired by writes such as Ray Bradbury and Stephen King, Jonathan first discovered the crossover genre of literary/fantasy while reading Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes.
Jonathan grew up in New Zealand, dreaming of travelling to London and finally making the pilgrimage in his mid-twenties. Returning from England, he settled in Australia, the country he now calls home, and decided to take his writing seriously.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

A Wicked Kind of Dark

Robert Duncan no longer believes in magic. A mysterious call about a blood moon, however, leads him back to the magical world of his childhood and to Luthien, the beautiful girl with flame-coloured hair, who he loved and lost.

As Robert unravels the secrets of his childhood, darkness enters his life and an ancient evil awakens. To have any chance of defeating the dark forces that would destroy two worlds, Robert must find Luthien before the rise of the blood moon. He must, once more, believe in magic …

A Wicked Kind of Dark mixes vast and spectacular fantasy landscapes with gritty urban reality. A must-read for people of all ages who believe in the power of imagination, and the importance of never losing touch with your inner child.

Giveaway Details

$10 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Open Internationally

Ends 8/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

*An additional $10 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash is available to anyone who shares this giveaway on their blog.  See link in the rafflecopter form.

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FREE Book and Book Review: Prank Wars by Stephanie Fowers

****--4 Stars.
356 pages, 2012.
Description: All war. No love. Madeleine’s been hurt too many times in the dating scene to let Byron beat her in some huge prank war. They’ve had their deserters, their POWS, their casualties, but no one can risk losing the battle of the sexes.
Except now something strange is happening at the college...and it’s not just the students. Buried deep beneath the pranks is real danger, and the only other person who suspects is Byron. Should Mad join sides with him or does that mean forfeiting her heart to the enemy? 

My Review: I felt like this was really two books in one. Madeleine is dumped hard by her fiancé and comes up with a battle plan to basically get revenge on all men. I felt the first half of the book was almost to the point of downright mean. She was so mean. To men she hardly knew. She and her roommates pull pranks back and forth with guys in their BYU LDS ward and seriously, some of them go too far. I understand that she's bitter and angry, but...there are social limits. I think sometimes it's a natural reaction to lash out when there's been a lot of hurt.

The second half of the book turned up a mysterious situation, which Madeleine found herself right smack in the middle of. I actually enjoyed the second half much better (not as mean) because there was more to the story than pranking.

Content: some mild perilous situations; clean.  

This book is FREE on amazon today!! 

Flashback--A Forgotten Book Series: Swept Away by Eileen Goudge

When I was a young teen, I discovered a book series that I loved. I've searched and searched for it and I finally found what it was called today!! It's the Swept Away series. I don't believe the same author wrote all of the books, but I found them so fascinating.

Here's a description I found: A new series, this one promises a girl ``swept away by time. . .swept away by love.'' The creators deserve credit for this new twist on an old genre: historical romance with touches of Back to the Future . A computer programmed for time travel sweeps the heroines away to their chosen period in history. In the first, Ashley jumps back to her great grandmother's Civil War south and helps her elope with her true love. In the second, 1960s freak Lou goes back to Woodstock and assists at the birth of her boyfriend, as well as uncovers the latent hippie in her mother, a stiff corporate lawyer. A mess of wooden writing and plot contrivance, these are idiotic, but good, clean fun.

I don't recall reading more than a couple of these, but I really enjoyed the time travel element. I believe I read these around the time that Back to the Future came out, so it seems that Time Travel was the thing back then. I wouldn't give them 5 stars, but they were fun for a young teen girl to stir up my imagination.

Book Review: Pwned by Shannen Crane Camp

****--4 Stars.
Publication: April 2013
Length: 248 pages
Book Description: Reagan West has a perfect life. She’s at the top of the high school food chain as co-captain of the cheerleading squad and she’s best friends with the most evil girl in Albany, Tawny Perez, which means she’s never on the receiving end of her wrath. The only trouble in Reagan’s perfect life comes from the constant threat of her dirty little secret leaking to her fellow classmates and casting her into a lifetime of ridicule.

Reagan West is a closet gamer and hates her role as the evil cheerleader.

But, as any well versed teenager knows, it’s better to suppress your own nerdy tendencies than to submit to a lifetime of being shoved into lockers and so, Reagan bravely soldiers through life as a reluctant bully… until a boy from her guild moves to her school and becomes Tawny’s next target. The newcomer threatens to reveal Reagan’s nerdy little secret and force her to come to terms with who she truly is. Now Reagan has to decide if she’s going to defend her fellow geeks, or if she’ll continue to be a total troll.

My Review: Reagan has a dilemma--remain a bully cheerleader or come out of the gaming closet and expose her true nerd self to the high school. On one hand, I could totally understand Reagan's need to keep her real self hidden. High school can be tough and unfortunately, it often matters what people think of you. It's so much easier to start picking on others so your weaknesses aren't exposed, but Tawny was W-A-A-A-Y over the top. I honestly cannot believe that someone as sweet as Reagan could be friends with someone as mean and evil as Tawny. I also can't believe that Tawny could get away with everything she did with no one knowing. What a brat!!

I like how Parker helps Reagan realize that there is more to life than having an important label. There is definitely a lesson for all of us here. I loved the ending. :)

This is a great high school story with a great message and even if you're not a gamer (like I'm not), it's still a fun read!!

Content: some kissing.

To buy, click here.

Book Review: Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden

Publication: August 2013
Length: 432 pages
Book Description: Though she was only a child during the darkest days of Ireland’s Great Famine, Katie Macauley feels responsible for the loss of her family’s land and the death of her sister. Now a woman grown, Katie has left Ireland for America and the promise of earning money enough to return home again and plead for her family’s forgiveness. She arrives in Hope Springs, Wyoming Territory, a town sharply divided between the Americans who have settled there, with their deep hatred of the Irish, and the Irish immigrants who have come searching for a place to call home. Her arrival tips the precarious balance, and the feud erupts anew. Even in the midst of hatred and violence, however, Katie finds reason to hope. Two men, as different as they are intriguing, vie for her heart, turning her thoughts for the first time toward a future away from Ireland. Katie must now make the hardest decision of her life: stay and give her heart a chance at love, or return home and give her soul the possibility of peace.

My Review: This was a little different from Sarah Eden's other stories. First of all, it was a little more depressing than her regency ones. Secondly, it wasn't a regency story--it was a western.

Let me just say that I loved the name of the town--Hope Springs. I was surprised at how much the town was divided. I'm not sure if this was based off of any facts, but I was surprised that the hatred extended out West. I know the people spread out, from the East, but I would have thought that everyone was just trying to make a go of life out west and were generally more accepting--not as judgmental as the folks in the East.

I am a reader who doesn't mind a love triangle, as I've mentioned before. However, I am usually able to choose which guy I want her to go for, even if he's the less popular one. This time, I really struggled with it. I really liked both guys for her and could see how both could be really good for Katie. I wasn't able to choose a favorite, which bothered me a little bit.

Katie is a character that draws a lot of sympathy from the reader. She blames herself for things that happened in her past that she had no control over and struggles to support herself. She is strong and brave.

The guys, Joseph and Tavish, were both great!! Fiercely protective of those they care about, yet very kind. Different, yet the same.

Content: nothing of note--clean.

To buy, click  here.

Book Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

****--4 Stars.
Publication: January 2012
Length: 389 pages
Book Description:  Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
In her enthralling debut, Veronica Rossi sends readers on an unforgettable adventure set in a world brimming with harshness and beauty.

My Review: I was a little confused at the first with all the different groups and terminology, but once I got the hang of it, it was a very fun, interesting book. Such a unique take on how the future could be.

I really enjoyed how the characters names really meant something and represented who they are.

Aria was so naive, and as a friend pointed out, the reader seemed to grow with her as the book progressed, which is really clever writing.

Content: a few instances of language; violence; an intimate scene with no details given.

Book Review: The Knight of Redmond by Jennifer K. Clark

***1/2 (3.5) Stars
Publication: May 2013
Length: 272 pages

Book Description: Lily is desperate to experience the world beyond her small village. A summer trip through the kingdom in the company of her uncle promises just the sort of escape she yearns for until, scarcely a day into their journey, the threat of battle on the road ahead ends her exploration before it’s even begun. But the path home proves more perilous than she could have imagined. After a terrifying encounter with her uncle’s merciless adversary, Lily must flee for her life. Separated from her uncle, she has no choice but to enter enemy territory alone. It appears that adventure is on the horizon after all . . .Thrust into an unfamiliar world, Lily is forced to align herself with Wren, a young knight from a rival land. With war looming, they must set aside generations of contention to save the ruling family—as well as Lily’s own people—from annihilation. But when a shocking secret is revealed, her allegiance to her clan—and her growing feelings for Wren—are called into question. Now, Lily must make a choice: continue on the conflict-ridden path of her kin, or break down the barriers in her land . . . and her heart.

My Review: Where to start? Positives first or negatives? I guess I'll go with the bad to get it out of the way, although there's nothing really bad to say. It started out a little slow for me. I understand that Lily had a lot of reasons to be negative, but she seemed to really dwell on those things and for me, it bogged the story down for the first little bit. About 1/4 of the way through, things started to pick up more, although Lily was still pretty negative. It's crazy because she had an awful family--who should she trust??--even her own parents had their lies. I guess in spite of all these feelings, I wanted more emotion from her. Not drama-queen emotion, but real, raw emotion.

Whew. Moving on. I did like the way Wren wriggled his way into her life. Even though he's from Redmond, he is a really good, powerful guy.

I also liked the adventure. The thought of knights roaming around and of all the battles going on--it was very exciting and I felt it was an original story. And I must mention--I love the cover!!

All in all, it was a great, clean book, especially for a reader who loves the tales of knights and medieval times.

If you want to buy this one, click here.

Book Review: Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

****--4 Stars
Book Description:  Charlotte's Web is the story of a little girl named Fern who loved a little pig named Wilbur—and of Wilbur's dear friend Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider who lived with Wilbur in the barn.
With the help of Templeton, the rat who never did anything for anybody unless there was something in it for him, and by a wonderfully clever plan of her own, Charlotte saved the life of Wilbur, who by this time had grown up to quite a pig.
How all this comes about is Mr. White's story. It is a story of the magic of childhood on the farm. The thousands of children who loved Stuart Little, the heroic little city mouse, will be entranced with Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and Fern, the little girl who understood their language.
The forty-seven black-and-white drawings by Garth Williams have all the wonderful detail and warmhearted appeal that children love in his work. Incomparably matched to E.B. White's marvelous story, they speak to each new generation, softly and irresistibly. 

When I was growing up, we didn't have a library in our small town. I remember when I started school, my mom got special permission for me to check a book out for a month from my school library. I was in Kindergarten and we weren't allowed to check books out, so this was a big deal. She had me get Charlotte's Web. Oh, how I loved that book!! I've read it to my kids twice and have enjoyed each time all over again.

My Review:  Such a classic! I remember this book from when I was a child and it's such a comforting story. My kids love it as well.

Wilbur is the runt of the litter and is set to be killed when Fern, the farmer's daughter, steps in to rescue the pig. When he gets bigger, he is sent to live on her uncle's farm, where he is set to be killed in the winter. Wilbur's best friend, Charlotte the spider comes to his rescue this time but spinning words into her web to attract attention and make the people realize what a great pig he is.

It's funny to me that all that attention is directed to the pig and not to the incredible spider who weaves those magical words, as Mrs. Zuckerman is quick to point out. I think sometimes our words can put thoughts into others minds. 


I love the chats and discussions that the barnyard animals have. The snooty goose; the lazy rat; the wise and kind spider; the innocent pig. So much fun!! To this day, I love pigs!! I wonder if this book is the reason for that...

A fun, cute, coming-of-age story that people of all ages would enjoy.

Cover Reveal: A Portrait for Toni by Annette Lyon

I love Annette Lyon's books and I'm am excited for this one to come out in about a month!! Keep an eye out for this one...it looks terrific!!

Book Review: Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

*****--5 Stars
What a fun Regency romance!! Athena's intimidating brother-in-law, who happens to be a duke, is in charge of launching her into society. Of course Adam has no interest in doing so, so he forces his best friend, Harry, to weed out the bad ones. Little does Adam know, but Harry is secretly in love with Athena, which makes his job.....not so fun.

The characters were pure fun!! Adam is such a tough, grumpy guy, with a secret tender heart; Persephone is so sweet; Harry is hilarious and fun; Athena is a delight as well. And the potential suitors? Great! I thought the author did a terrific job with the characters and the story!! I seriously think Harry was the best and it's possible I could be half in love with him myself. :)

Don't forget, as of now, this little gem is FREE on amazon!! Get your copy before the price goes up--you won't regret it.

GIVEAWAY and Book Review: The 7 Principles of Fat Burning by Eric Berg DC

Author Eric Berg Eric Berg, DC, 47 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in weight loss through nutritional and natural methods. His private practice is located in Alexandria, Virginia. His clients include senior officials in the U.S. government and the Justice Department, ambassadors, medical doctors, high-level executives of prominent corporations, scientists, engineers, professors, and other clients from all walks of life. He is the author of The 7 Principles of Fat Burning, published by Action KB Publishing in January 2010. In addition, Eric Berg is widely published in trade magazines, including Chiropractic Today and The American Chiropractor, and in consumer publications such as First for Women, Men’s Exercise, New Beauty, Upscale and Let’s Live. Dr. Berg trains chiropractors, physicians and allied healthcare practitioners in his methods, and to date he has trained over 2,000 healthcare professionals. He has been an active member of the Endocrinology Society, on the advisory panel for the Health Science Institute, and has worked as a past part-time adjunct professor at Howard University. Eric Berg’s nonprofit foundation, Health Technology Foundation, is currently being approved nationally for the purpose of providing research to substantiate alternative healthcare technologies, giving cost-effective solutions and result-oriented healthcare. As a leader in natural health and food coaching, Eric Berg has appeared on many radio and television shows, including ABC, CBS, and as a monthly host on Channel 8’s Sports Talk. He has also had his own radio health show on WOL in 2005.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

 

The 7 Principles of Fat Burning

The 7 Principles of Fat Burning is the handbook to the sensational Berg Diet that has empowered thousands of people to get healthy, lose weight and keep it off. It shows how to activate your fat-burning hormones with a tailor-made eating and exercise plan for your body type. The 7 Principles is a highly practical book that provides clear explanations-aided by dozens of charts and illustrations-of the principles of healthy weight loss. Easy-to-understand health and nutrition information and simple tests to determine your correct body type are the keys to its success. Knowledge is power and The 7 Principles of Fat Burning gives dieters the power to take command by eating the healthy diet that activates the fat-burning hormones for their body type. For years people have been told to lose weight to be healthy. The truth is, you need to get healthy to lose weight. The Seven Principles of Fat Burning shows you how. Dr. Berg thoroughly educates readers and puts them right where they should be: in charge of their own weight.  

Amazon

  Giveaway Details 3 copies of 7 Principles of Fat Burning Open to US only Ends 8/4/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway

****--4 Stars
My Review: I found this book to be very informative and helpful. I didn't realize that there are certain diets and types of exercises that different body types should do. There's a section with a questionnaire that helps you determine which body type you are and then chapters that follow that give support to weight loss for these types. For example, some types need more protein than others. Some do better with aerobic exercise, while for others, simple walking is enough. I also didn't realize that 80% of your hormones are effected by your liver and it's important to get your liver healthy to get the best results and maximize your hormone production. There were very good tips in meal planning as well. There were some parts that were repetitive, but overall, it was a great book and one I would recommend looking into.

Basically, there are 4 main ways that a person gains weight--4 body types. Each type has a certain way they need to eat and exercise in order to burn fat. If a person doesn't take their body type into consideration, they may actually be causing it to hang on to that fat. Each type is also associated with hormones, but what surprised me was that most of the hormones are related to the liver.

Dr. Berg suggests that everyone go through a liver cleanse or detox to get the liver healthy again (at least 14 days). In some cases, a person can go months on the detox because it may take that long to get that liver healthy again. He has listed out what he feels is the best way to do so. Once that's done, a person is to eat and exercise according to his/her body type. 

I liked having chapters dedicated to the hows, whys, and benefits to dedicating your diet to your body type. Some recipes were included, as well as meal plans. I also enjoyed having good snack ideas, as my kids are always hungry. I think a person would be able to mix and match these ideas and plans to come up with something that works for them, so a person isn't eating the same 6 meals for the rest of his/her life.

For me, personally, I found this book to be very educational. I look forward to actually trying out what I've read to see how effective it really is, but it all makes sense and sounds good.

**I received a copy for review and that in no way influenced my opinion.**
 

GIVEAWAY!! Blog Tour and Book Review: Ashes Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon

My Review:
****--4 Stars.
I didn't realize this is book 2 in a series until I was into the story. It could easily be a stand alone. After reading about book 1, I think it just goes into different characters lives and maybe book 1 might have mentioned the characters in this book in a different light or more detail, but I didn't feel lost because I missed out on book 1. I definitely need to go back and read book 1 now though. :)

Sophia is running and that makes her look guilty, although she is yet to be proven so. While staying at a friend's empty house, she meets her  new neighbor, Colby, who has just gone through a very tough situation with his job. Speaking of his job, I can't imagine having one like that. He's a cop and deals with intense situations. I'm glad there are people out there who can handle jobs like his, because I really don't think I could. How much counseling would you have to go through to stay sane and believe in humanity?

Colby took his role as a neighbor, friend, and cop seriously. He went to great lengths to protect and help Sophia. I really liked Colby. Even though he was serious about the important things, he wasn't at all cold. He wasn't all rules and protocols--he felt things with his heart.

Sophia was burdened with a big responsibility and handled it pretty well. Her reactions to different situations felt real. I could almost feel her fear and uncertainty about what to do and who to trust.

I am a fan of romantic suspense. Although, sometimes when I read these types of books, I wonder how many situations there are in real life that compare to this. I'm not going to think too hard about that, I'll just enjoy the escape read and hope that things aren't really this bad for normal people in the real world.

I thought things flowed well and there were twists and turns (surprises) that kept the reader turning pages and engaged in the story. I think it takes a real talent to come up with these types of elements because most readers want that unpredictability in this genre. Julie Coulter Bellon is very talented!!

Content: some violence; clean.

  Ashes Ashes Are you ever really innocent until proven guilty? Sophia Naziri is wanted for questioning in the murder of a U.S. senator. She’s worried the police will show up on her doorstep any moment, but when Detective Colby Black appears, it’s to help her put out a kitchen fire, not take her in. Yet. His easy smile and persistence in getting to know her pushes all her troubles to the back of her mind, until a hit man tracks her down. Getting arrested becomes the least of her worries and the handsome detective could be her only way out---if she tells him the truth. Colby Black’s sniper skills have been a blessing and a curse to him. As a member of a Hostage Negotiation Team, he can use them to save people, but sometimes he can’t protect the innocent despite his best efforts. When a hostage situation goes bad, he tries to put it behind him by helping out his mysterious next-door neighbor, Sophia Naziri. But she pulls Colby into a web of lies and conspiracy that will force him to use every skill he has in order to survive. Faced with the moment of truth, can he trust anyone around him---including the woman at the center of it all?  

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Author Julie Coulter Bellon

Julie is the author of seven international suspense novels: Through Love's Trials, On the Edge,Time Will Tell, All's Fair, Dangerous Connections,Ribbon of Darkness and All Fall Down. She loves her work partly because she gets to travel to distant lands to research and add an authentic feel to all of her books. Her favorite cities so far are Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She taught journalism at BYU for fourteen years and that kept her on the cutting edge of current events and world news---which is where she gets her story ideas. She also has one non-fiction title: Be Prepared: A Parent's Guide to the Duty to God and Eagle Scout Awards---What You Should Know and is part of two compilations, How Will Christmas Find Us and Life Lessons From Mothers of Faith. She is the mother of eight children and when she's not busy being a mom or a writer, you will find her browsing through bookstores to add to her book collection, at the library borrowing books, or reading the treasures she's found.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

  Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/24/13
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpts:

Excerpt 1

It was gut-check time.

Detective Colby Black looked down the scope of his rifle, a bead of sweat running down his back. It felt like they’d been there all day, but the afternoon sun still beating down on him high overhead told him it’d only been an hour or so.

“Black, can you see the suspect?” Captain Reed’s voice came over his earpiece.

“Affirmative.”  Colby had hardly been able to take his eyes off the stringy-haired

guy with the gun who was pacing behind his hostage, shouting at her and anyone else within hearing distance. The shrill ringing of the phone on the wall behind them punctuated whatever the man was yelling at her.  “He’s still pretty agitated.  You think he’s going to answer that phone anytime soon?”

A shot cracked the air and the ringing abruptly stopped as a bullet ripped into the phone.  “I guess that answers that question,” Colby muttered to himself.

“Stand by for orders.”  The captain sounded calm, but Colby knew him well enough to hear the thread of frustration.  If they couldn’t make contact, the entry team would be sent in, and it was game over for any type of negotiation. 

Colby flexed his wrist before hunkering down once again.  From the little they knew about this guy, he’d already killed two store clerks today and shot an officer in the thigh during the getaway attempt.  When he barricaded himself in the house with his wife and two kids, the Hostage Negotiation Team was called and Colby headed out.  In the hour they’d been there, the guy had shot out two windows and screamed obscenities at the cops outside as he fired his gun randomly.  Colby always hoped the situation stayed controlled and they could get everyone out safely, but his instinct was telling him this one could get out of control fast with how erratic this guy was acting. 

Colby adjusted his earpiece a bit, but didn’t miss a syllable of Claire Michaels checking in with the team.  She was the main negotiator and was good at her job, but she was always a little anxious until they established contact with the hostage-taker.  Once that line was set, she calmed right down.  Colby clenched his teeth together, hoping she could figure out a way to make contact so the patrolman using the bullhorn could stop.  The man’s grating voice was getting on his nerves. 

Colby was grateful for a straight line of vision into the kitchen where the subject had holed up and he looked into the scope again just in time to see the man grab his wife by the hair and haul her against him, still screaming in her ear.  He waved his .40 caliber handgun in front of her before pointing it right at her temple.  “Sir, he’s got the gun to his wife’s head,” he reported. 

He kept a close watch, waiting for orders, but sucked in a breath when he saw a child around four years old enter the room where the hostage-taker stood with his wife.  “Sir, we have two hostages confirmed.  Woman and child.  No sign of the reported second child.” 

“Colby, the entry team’s about ready.  They’ve got a flash-bang coming through the back as a diversion.”

Colby heard Captain Reed’s words, but knew it was the wrong move to make.  “A flash-bang, sir? When there are hostages?”

“We need to get this guy’s attention, fast, so we can move in as safely as possible and that’s the only choice we’ve got right now.”

Colby shook his head.  This guy was on the edge and if they entered now, it would end badly. Colby could feel it.  He squinted to see if he could get any better view, anything that would force the entry team to wait and give them a little longer to try to get him to negotiate.  “Come on,” he said to himself.  Nothing.  “Sir, does Claire¾”

His sentence was cut off at the sound of gunfire and the scream that followed it. 

Excerpt 2

Colby grabbed Rafe’s backpack and pulled out two flash bang grenades.  Rafe was calling in reinforcements, but Colby knew they might not make it in time to help.

“You guys head for the garage, I’ll meet you there,” Rafe said, ending his call.

Colby took Sophia’s hand.  The fire seemed to be coming at them from every angle.  “Keep down,” he told her.  She just nodded and he was glad she was agreeing, since she looked more than panicked.  He opened the side door leading to the garage and peeked around the corner. 

“We can’t leave Rafe behind, but the motorcycle won’t take three of us.”  She was talking so low Colby could hardly hear her.

“We’re not leaving Rafe.  He’s going to take care of the three in the back and we’re going to open the garage and take care of the ones out front.”  He pulled her toward the corner behind a large barrier in the garage.  Colby was always amazed with what the safe houses were equipped with.  Who else would need a concrete barrier in a garage?

“Stay here, and keep this safe.”  He handed her the backpack with the laptop and flash drive in it.

She did as she was told, clutching the bag to her.  Colby didn’t linger, but got ready to throw out the flash bang.  He pulled open the side garage door, just far enough so he could see two of the men standing guard, waiting for them to be smoked out.  He threw the grenade and shut the door, but as soon as he heard the explosion, he pushed it open and darted out. 

Excerpt 3

He rested his hands on her shoulders, but didn’t say anything. 

“This is where I make my stand,” she told him.  “If I don’t, I know I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.  I have a chance to make a difference, to get justice for Philip.”

He let out a breath.  “I know about wanting to make a difference, but what if you don’t make it out?  Is it worth your life?”  He gently turned her around to face him.  “Because I don’t know if it is.”

She held her hand to his cheek, her brown eyes intense and searching his face.  Putting a hand at the back of her neck, he pulled her to him, brushing his lips over hers.  Her arms slid around his neck and she melted into his arms.  His feelings that he hadn’t consciously admitted he had for her surged to the surface and his mouth pressed into hers, no longer gentle.  She responded with just as much fire and Colby could barely suppress a groan.  His hand slipped to her back, running the length of it.  His entire body felt like there was nothing else, just her, and without her there was nothing.

Book Review: Miss Grimsley's Oxford Career by Carla Kelly

*****--5 Stars!!

Blurb: Beautiful and brilliant Miss Ellen Grimsley considers it a scandal that she---a female---cannot attend Oxford while her dunderhead brother can. That's why she dons his robes to do his work for him. But when a handsome lord learns Ellen's secret, he decides to teach her a lesson of his own. This delightful period romance will earn top marks from readers everywhere!

My Review:  I was completely enchanted by this novel!! I love the way Ms. Kelly words her stories. The characters come to life and jump off the pages. I could envision Ellen, with her slightly snooty attitude, verbally attacking Jim...and her dunderhead brother, Gordon. I could picture Jim, with his slightly messy appearance and love of bantering. Even Gordon was a vivid picture in my mind. I wanted to slap him silly for being such an awful brother, only intent upon squeaky by no matter what the cost. Better yet, I wanted to slap Ellen to wake her up. I think she secretly enjoyed bailing him out time and again. However, I especially loved her attitude towards the Dragon and Fanny. She could have blown up, but chose to turn the other cheek and deal with her consequences.

I loved the gradual path the romance took. Ellen wondered what feelings she was really feeling and I loved watching her work through things. Ellen was a lady ahead of her times and was a very brave pioneer for equality of women in the education system.

This has got to be one of my favorites of Ms. Kelly's so far. I hope they all get reprinted.

Content: talk of gambling and drinking; maybe a cuss word or two; overall clean.

To buy this one, click  here.

FREE ebooks--Two Favorites!!

Freebies from two of my favorite authors. Please make sure the price reflects $0.00 before purchasing if you want them for free. They were free at the time of this listing.

Flashback Book Series Review: Sunfire Romances from the '80s

****--4 Stars
 When I was in middle school, I discovered these Sunfire Romances and absolutely loved them!! I put a link for only one of them--there were probably 30+ available. What I really loved about them was:

• They were always centered around an important time or event in history. I felt like I learned something, but in a fun way.
• They always had a love triangle.
• The girls in the stories were all so different, yet so strong and brave.
• They were all written by a variety of authors.
• I loved that the names of the books were simply the name of the heroine for that story.

I have some friends who hate the love triangle angle (ha, that sounds funny) in a book, but I like it. Even when I love both guys and can't decide who the heroine should go for, I enjoy that aspect. Come to think of it, I'm not sure why I like it because I've been a part of a love triangle a couple of times back in the day and I was always the girl who lost out. No worries--I did get my own story and my happily ever after...eventually. These books are also great for a reader who enjoys clean romance and fluff reading.

I believe these books are all out of print now, but I've seen them here and there at thrift stores or online for cheap.

Book Review: Falling for the Boss by Erica Matthews

****--4 Stars
Publication: June 2013
Length: 179 pages

Book Description (from amazon): Maggie Pelham did something very silly; she fell in love with a house. Since buying the five-story mansion in Charleston’s historic district isn’t remotely possible, Maggie settles for working there.

Into this nearly perfect situation comes Marcus Seymour, an admittedly attractive, but cynical attorney with an eye for a good investment. His purchase of Bradford House brings Maggie into the orbit of a seasoned womanizer.

Her disdain is immediate and heartfelt. But will it last? Will her dislike survive Marcus’ unique blend of sarcastic wit and charm, a manner wickedly flirtatious one minute and aloof the next? Will she be able to continue to ignore the words of a man who knows just what to say and more disturbing, knows just what to do?

My Review: I'm always on the lookout for a fun story and this one fit the bill. It was also a *clean* romance and I really appreciate that as a reader. I really liked the aspect of an engagement of convenience.

Maggie is a naive young lady with her head in the clouds. I so much prefer that to a cynical woman. She has a jealous streak, which made her a fun character--not perfect. I felt that Maggie was a real character because she had feelings about herself that a lot of women have--insecurity, not seeing herself as others see her, kind, loyal, etc.

Marcus is a big jerk at first. I thought he was so rude to treat Maggie the way he did and then steal a kiss. I thought, "What?! Who does he think he is?!" However, I grew to like him the more I got to know him. I guess he's just one of those people who doesn't make a good first impression, but proves that things aren't always as they seem. One thing I noted about him--he seemed a lot older than Maggie and although he was, I think he seemed so because of the words he used. He came across as being very educated and...old.

I thought their relationship happened kind of suddenly, especially considering how he treated her, but once it started, it was a fun journey.

Content: clean!!

**I received a copy for review and this didn't influence my opinion at all**
  
To buy this one on amazon, click here.

Book Review: Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Blackmoore, how I love thee!! What a terrific novel by a great new(ish) author!!

Kate comes from an embarrassing family. Her father sits back in oblivion, while her mother flirts with any man she can get her claws into. Her sisters seem to be patterning themselves after their mother. Kate determines to become and old maid and travel to India with her spinster aunt, but her mother won't allow it unless she receives...and rejects...three marriage proposals. She asks her longtime friend, Henry, to help her out so that she can live her heart's desire. But some bargains are hard to drive...

My heart went out to Kate. She was known as Kitty as a child and no one, save Henry, will let her break that mold and grow up. She is forever correcting everyone on her name. Her family is so selfish and Henry's mother is just plain mean toward her, yet Kate is the most unselfish and kind person ever, always thinking of the feelings of others. I really liked her and felt a connection to her, which for me, draws me into the story even more.

Henry was such a gentleman and true friend. He goes against his (mean) mother to help a friend have a dream come true. Those stormy gray eyes... Any girl would be lucky to have someone like Henry on her side.

I loved the friendship and chemistry these two have together. I loved the flashbacks to the past that Kate had--they were the strings that tied the story together to help the reader understand what makes Kate tick. This author has a way of drawing the reader in--I really felt like I was a part of their lives.

Put this one on your "to-read" list because you don't want to miss out on this one!!

Content: clean.

**received a copy from Netgalley and that in way influenced my review**

Book Review Flashback: Trixie Belden series

I was just reminiscing about my younger years and I remember I went through a phase every summer for a couple of years where I loved to read and re-read the Trixie Belden series. I believe I was about 10 when I read them for the first time and I even re-read some of them just a few years ago. I remember I really, really wanted Brian (Trixie's older brother) and Honey (her BFF) to get together and I wanted Jim (Honey's adopted brother) and Trixie to fall in love. I think it was about then when I realized that I'm a romantic at heart.

I have such fond memories of this series. In this first book, there is a mansion just down the street from Trixie's modest farmhouse and a new millionaire family moves in and suddenly, Trixie has all sorts of mysteries to solve and adventures to go on. I used to wish I could go on adventures such as these.

They are perfect for middle grade readers, even if they might be a little old fashioned. For me, that's a very nostalgic feeling and I love it!!

FREE Kindle ebooks!!!

Here are a few ebooks that are currently free on amazon (make sure the price reflects $0.00 before buying):


I haven't read all of these, so I'm not positive that the content is clean, so reader beware. 

Book Review: Someone Else's Fairytale by E.M. Tippetts

****--4 Stars.

 My Review: Chloe is college student in Albuquerque who had a rough upbringing, but her life changes when she, her roommate, and her best friend, Matthew, were extras on the set of a movie. Big-time actor, Jason, notices her and they become friends. Too bad Chloe feels like this should be someone else's fairytale and not hers. She doesn't get caught up in all the Hollywood stuff--she thinks his life is weird.

Chloe is a strong young woman who has very high morals. She goes through a difficult trial and overcomes it, but she doesn't seem to show a lot of emotion through it all. At first, I liked both Matthew and Jason a lot. It almost felt like it should be a love triangle, but one of those where you don't know which guy to cheer on. Jason, although so famous and fake-looking, is really down-to-earth. He's definitely not what he seems.

Some of the content was a little edgy (but not over the edge)--talk about sex (especially how Matthew and Chloe are abstaining and how Jason is a man influenced by fame and hasn't). With no real details given, it could be considered clean for an adult reader.

Overall, who hasn't had the dream of some famous guy falling for you, whether or not you think of him as a friend...or more? It was a fun escape book and was entertaining.

To buy this book on amazon, click here.

Right now, amazon has book 2, Nobody's Damsel, for only 99 cents!! Get it while it lasts!!