Publication: October 2013
Length: 545 pages
My Rating: ***--3 Stars
Source: borrowed from the library
Amazon Blurb: What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?
The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.
My Review: Why, oh why are trilogies giving me grief?? It seems that the first book hooks me and I'm a complete fan; the second one is okay, but seems to be a bridge between the beginning and ending, so of course, I'm left wanting more; the third one is usually disappointing because it doesn't live up to the hype. I will admit that this one was a better third book than others, but it still wasn't what I was hoping it would be.
First of all, if you haven't read the other two recently and you're like me and don't retain a lot, read them before you start this book!! I had a hard time remembering who was who and what was going on. It seems to pick up right where book 2 left off. Yes, questions were answered, but nothing was as expected. It seemed to me that instead of things being black and white, things were very muddled--no clear, right choices, just wrong and more wrong.
We see characters that we know and love and some that were forgettable to me, but there doesn't seem to be a lot happening in the story, except for bits and pieces here and there. I loved some of the realizations that Tris and Tobias came to and the life lessons that were learned. But I wanted more!! I had such high expectations that this would be that one trilogy that would blow me away.
And then I was slammed upside the head. WHAT?! What in the world just happened?! I was taken completely off guard by the ending. I'm still not completely satisfied with it, but in some ways, I guess it was a good ending to the series.
Content: kissing scenes; violence; some language (it seemed like there might have been more than in the others); there was one scene that wasn't very descriptive, but seemed to be an intimate scene involving teens that faded to black.
See if Allegiant (Divergent Series) lives up to your expectations! If you're a big fan, you can get The World of Divergent: The Path to Allegiant (Divergent Series) for free. It includes faction manifestos, a faction quiz, Q&A with #1 New York Times
bestselling author Veronica Roth, book playlists, discussion questions,
series inspirations, and much more! It also contains ten enticing
teasers from Allegiant, the final book in the Divergent series.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Crossroads Saga Book Blast with a $50 Giveaway
The Crossroads Saga
Crossroads (Book 1)
Can two worlds collide in dreams?
Crossroads, Between, Beyond, Eternity, Halo City-novella
Protecting her from the fallen was his duty.
Falling in love was never part of his plan.
Loving her was forbidden.
Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity.
Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident after the homecoming dance. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth, where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. It turns out that this isn't her first visit, which is an enigma, for she has no recollection of being there, and is told that no human has crossed over...until Claudia. Now that she's been there, fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. The situation becomes even more complicated when she is unable to hinder her feelings for her swoon-worthy guardian angel. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should, or will he be too blinded by human emotions and the struggles of being who he is?
Crossroads is FREE
Download a copy today!!
Praise for Crossroads
"Crossroads contains action, twists and romance that has you flipping through the pages so fast that you're at the end and ready for more before you know it." ~Gabby, Nashville Young Adult Fiction Examiner/What's Beyond Forks
"Watch out Edward Cullen! The angel Michael has officially given you a run for your money! Teens everywhere will add a new fictional boyfriend to their ever growing lists! OMWings! An amazing paranormal angel romance that stays with you long after the last page has turned. I need more!" ~Jennifer Howell with LateBloomerOnline.com
“Crossroads by Mary Ting has it all: danger, romance, suspense, incredible characters and an original plot that is sure to thrill. The action never stops as good and evil battle to the death. This well written and fascinating love story will keep readers entranced.” ~ReadersFavorite.com
Book Trailer
Teaser
Though Phillip had already told me that I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between an alkin and a fallen, it was confirmed as I watched the battle. They looked just like the alkins as the two sides battled with swords. Watching, I noticed that Michael had one too, but where had it come from?
“No!” Michael shouted, suddenly standing directly in front of me. “You don’t need her. She’s just a human.”
“Get them!” Aden shouted again.
During the entire fight Michael stayed by my side, protecting me. They fought so swiftly that even with my flashlight it was hard to distinguish alkins from the fallen. I focused intently, trying to figure out who was who, but it was no use. They were too fast for human eyes. I pointed the flashlight, hoping to blind or distract them, but that also proved to be pointless. It was only useful for my vision.
In the blink of an eye they were here, there and everywhere. The clanging of swords colliding was painful to hear. As the screeching sounds continued, all I could see were sparks as the swords made contact, as if we were in the middle of a lightning storm. Fearful of any alkin getting hurt, I covered my ears, hoping that it would end soon.
Suddenly, Aden raised his hand toward the stars, and the fallen stopped. The sounds of the swords crashing against each other came to a dead halt. Aden started circling around Michael and me. As he drew closer, I could see that he looked exactly as I remembered him from my dream. The wrinkles on his forehead defined his age, and though I conceived him as evil, his voice scared me more than his appearance. Aden never lifted a finger to fight; instead, he relied on the fallen to carry out his battle strategies.
“Michael, come with me. I’ll give you anything you want.”
“There is nothing I want from you.”
“They’ve turned you against me. I should have killed you when I had the chance.” Aden’s eyes raged with anger.
“They didn’t turn me against you. I did it of my own free will.”
“Move out of my way!” Aden shouted.
“You’ll have to go through me first!”
As Aden continued to circle around us, I could sense movement from the fallen, edging closer to Michael and me. The alkin must have sensed it too as they positioned themselves right behind us and immediately began to attack the fallen.
Michael moved me to the left and then to the right, fighting while shielding me. Though the fallen were fewer in number than before, they were retaliating in full force. In the midst of all the chaos, I lost my grip on the flashlight, and it tumbled off the cliff. Instinctively I reached for it, and in that split second someone or something collided against me, and I plummeted off the cliff.
Gravity was pulling me faster than my body could resist. I’d always heard that at the moment of death, one’s life flashed before their eyes; all the moments that had brought them to that point, big or small. All I could think of was death itself and the one person who had changed my life forever—Michael.
Author Mary Ting Bestselling/award-winning author Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
The Watcher Book Blast with a $50 Giveaway
The Watcher
Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.
Can he face her without falling again?
Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.
When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.
In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?
Ancient history is only the beginning.
Download your copy today!!
Praise for The Watcher
"Voisin's THE WATCHER blends paranormal mystery and romance into a book that is sure to keep readers turning the pages late into the night."
-- Eileen Cook, author of THE ALMOST TRUTH
"Perfect for fans of angels and demons, Lisa Voisin has created an uplifting tale of redemption, love, and spirituality that gives hope. Never preachy, THE WATCHER is the perfect answer to critics who claim Young Adult literature is too dark."
-- Stephanie Lawton, author of WANT and SHRAPNEL
"The Watcher is stunning! A paranormal romance that you won't want to put down. Voisin will enthrall you until the very last page."
-- Stephanie Keyes, author, THE STAR CHILD series
"Grips the reader, pulls them in and leaves them cheering for good!"
-- InD'tale Magazine
“The Watcher is my favorite angel fiction tale yet.”
-- Katrina @Kindred Dreamheart
“This book is phenomenal! I was hooked in right away and didn't want to stop.”
-- Michelle @Michelle’s Paranormal Vault
Book Trailer
Excerpt
Instead of saying more, he brushed his fingertips along my cheek, and his halo glimmered. I could hear the waves slapping the rocks behind us, the wind driving them in. That same wind whipped against my skin, but the touch of his hand on my face was all I could think about. It sent a current through both of us and filled me with longing for something I wasn’t sure I understood.
“I’m sorry.” He stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets as the light around him faded. “You don’t know what it’s like. Being near you now, remembering those moments we had…” His hair blew into his eyes, but this time he didn’t move. I wanted to brush it back, but I didn’t know how he’d react. Would touching him be bad?
“You want to know who you were?” he asked. “You may look different, but you’re the same. I look into your eyes and see you.” He took in a deep breath, fixing his attention on the horizon. I’d seen and heard so much now that the logical part of my brain had long since given up arguing with me. I could feel what he was saying was true. All of it.
Author Lisa Voisin
A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction.
A self-proclaimed coffee lover, Lisa can usually be found writing in a local café. When she's not writing, you'll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains to counteract the side effects of drinking too much caffeine!
Though she’s lived in several cities across Canada, she currently lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiancĂ© and their two cats.
BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/18/13 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
From November 28th to December 1st The Watcher is on sale for just $1.99!
BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/18/13 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Amanda's Beau by Shirley Raye Redmond
Publication: October 2013
Publisher: Astraea Press
Length: 221 pages
My Rating: *****--5 Stars
Source: received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Amazon Blurb: The year is 1905. It is autumn in the village of Aztec in New Mexico territory. Amanda Dale is burdened with the responsibility of caring for her widowed sister—an invalid----and Ella’s two children—one a premature infant. But Amanda wants a husband and children of her own and despairs that God does not care about her plight. Schoolteacher Gil Gladney is handsome, intelligent, and God-fearing. He is drawn to Amanda, but feels he cannot propose marriage until he is able to purchase the ranch he has been saving for.
When Gil and his pupils discover the relics of an ancient culture among the ruins outside the village, Gil contacts an old college friend. The possibility of an archeological excavation excites the community of cash-strapped farmers, eager to earn extra money working on the site.
Gil is delighted when Nate Phillips comes to Aztec to take up the challenge. When a rabid skunk reels through the excavation site, threatening the lives of Amanda and her nephew Rex, Gil realizes that life is short and the possibility of true happiness can be fleeting. In the end, Amanda learns to trust God to provide the happily-ever-after ending she’s been praying for.
My Review: It seems that a lot of historical romances take place in the 1800s and I thought this was a refreshing change of pace. Although 1905 isn't that far off, there were a few things added that were unusual and set this time period apart from the rest--a car, for example.
I loved that there were some Christian elements to this story, but they were in no way overpowering. These characters were just good, sensible people, trying to make their way through life.
Amanda was a saint!! She was so willing to help out and sacrifice for her family and her own personal life was left by the wayside. It was sad to see how she almost felt guilty for wanting a home and family of her own, yet she tenderly and patiently cared for her family. I always romanticize the "simpler" times--baking bread, hand washing clothes, gathering eggs, etc.
Little Rex was just adorable. There's something about cute, precocious children in a story that really draw me in. I loved how involved his was in the community and in the mystery surrounding his family's dead chickens.
Of course, Gil was great. I think sometimes people get caught up in doing things that will make the most money or are what their parents want, but Gil taught because he was good at it and loved it. I really enjoyed watching him try and befriend and help Ozzie. Sometimes the hardest kids to love are the ones who need it the most.
I enjoyed the setting and the romance (there could have been a few more kisses), as well as the characters and the storyline. Great, clean romance!!
Buy a copy of your own on amazon and enjoy the story.
Publisher: Astraea Press
Length: 221 pages
My Rating: *****--5 Stars
Source: received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Amazon Blurb: The year is 1905. It is autumn in the village of Aztec in New Mexico territory. Amanda Dale is burdened with the responsibility of caring for her widowed sister—an invalid----and Ella’s two children—one a premature infant. But Amanda wants a husband and children of her own and despairs that God does not care about her plight. Schoolteacher Gil Gladney is handsome, intelligent, and God-fearing. He is drawn to Amanda, but feels he cannot propose marriage until he is able to purchase the ranch he has been saving for.
When Gil and his pupils discover the relics of an ancient culture among the ruins outside the village, Gil contacts an old college friend. The possibility of an archeological excavation excites the community of cash-strapped farmers, eager to earn extra money working on the site.
Gil is delighted when Nate Phillips comes to Aztec to take up the challenge. When a rabid skunk reels through the excavation site, threatening the lives of Amanda and her nephew Rex, Gil realizes that life is short and the possibility of true happiness can be fleeting. In the end, Amanda learns to trust God to provide the happily-ever-after ending she’s been praying for.
My Review: It seems that a lot of historical romances take place in the 1800s and I thought this was a refreshing change of pace. Although 1905 isn't that far off, there were a few things added that were unusual and set this time period apart from the rest--a car, for example.
I loved that there were some Christian elements to this story, but they were in no way overpowering. These characters were just good, sensible people, trying to make their way through life.
Amanda was a saint!! She was so willing to help out and sacrifice for her family and her own personal life was left by the wayside. It was sad to see how she almost felt guilty for wanting a home and family of her own, yet she tenderly and patiently cared for her family. I always romanticize the "simpler" times--baking bread, hand washing clothes, gathering eggs, etc.
Little Rex was just adorable. There's something about cute, precocious children in a story that really draw me in. I loved how involved his was in the community and in the mystery surrounding his family's dead chickens.
Of course, Gil was great. I think sometimes people get caught up in doing things that will make the most money or are what their parents want, but Gil taught because he was good at it and loved it. I really enjoyed watching him try and befriend and help Ozzie. Sometimes the hardest kids to love are the ones who need it the most.
I enjoyed the setting and the romance (there could have been a few more kisses), as well as the characters and the storyline. Great, clean romance!!
Buy a copy of your own on amazon and enjoy the story.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
A Perfect Secret by Donna Hatch
Publication: October 2013
Length: 235 pages
My Rating: ****--4 Stars
Source: bought on kindle
Amazon Blurb: Desperate to protect her father from trial and death, Genevieve breaks off her engagement with Christian Amesbury and marries a blackmailer. After a year of marriage, she flees her husband's violent domination only to have fate bring her back to Christian. Just when she thinks she's started a new life of safety and solitude, her husband tracks her down, stalks her, and threatens everyone she loves.
Still brokenhearted over Genevieve's betrayal a year ago, Christian can't believe she's come back into his life--and worse, that she's done it on the anniversary of his brother's death, a death that haunts him. Though tempted to throw her back into the river where he found her, he can't leave her at the mercy of the terrifying man she married.
When her husband torments Genevieve and puts his family in danger, Christian will do anything to protect those he loves...anything except give Genevieve another chance to break his heart.
My Review: I love the stories about these brothers!! I must admit, I was curious about the brother they always called "Perfectly Perfect Christian." I imagined him to be almost a saint and maybe destined to become a priest. However, I was surprised to learn that there are reasons for him to be the way he is and he's not as perfect as everyone thinks. He's still a great guy, but he's human.
I was a taken off guard by the way the story began. Instead of watching the characters (Christian and Genevieve) fall in love, the story begins with them already in love...and then the trials start. I was appalled at the things Jen went through and had to endure, all in her mind's idea of duty and to protect her parents. I was also appalled at the feelings the two felt for one another when it wasn't legally possible for them to be together. In a way, it proved to me that things aren't always as they seem. I can look at people and be jealous of their perfect lives or I can be sure that they have their own struggles and trials that aren't physical and outwardly apparent.
I thought the twists and turns in the story were cleverly done. I'm just not a big fan of adultery--or anything close to it, no matter the circumstances.
Content: some violence; some murders and attempted murders; kissing; nothing is overly descriptive, so I would label it as technically clean.
Buy yourself a copy on amazon.
Length: 235 pages
My Rating: ****--4 Stars
Source: bought on kindle
Amazon Blurb: Desperate to protect her father from trial and death, Genevieve breaks off her engagement with Christian Amesbury and marries a blackmailer. After a year of marriage, she flees her husband's violent domination only to have fate bring her back to Christian. Just when she thinks she's started a new life of safety and solitude, her husband tracks her down, stalks her, and threatens everyone she loves.
Still brokenhearted over Genevieve's betrayal a year ago, Christian can't believe she's come back into his life--and worse, that she's done it on the anniversary of his brother's death, a death that haunts him. Though tempted to throw her back into the river where he found her, he can't leave her at the mercy of the terrifying man she married.
When her husband torments Genevieve and puts his family in danger, Christian will do anything to protect those he loves...anything except give Genevieve another chance to break his heart.
My Review: I love the stories about these brothers!! I must admit, I was curious about the brother they always called "Perfectly Perfect Christian." I imagined him to be almost a saint and maybe destined to become a priest. However, I was surprised to learn that there are reasons for him to be the way he is and he's not as perfect as everyone thinks. He's still a great guy, but he's human.
I was a taken off guard by the way the story began. Instead of watching the characters (Christian and Genevieve) fall in love, the story begins with them already in love...and then the trials start. I was appalled at the things Jen went through and had to endure, all in her mind's idea of duty and to protect her parents. I was also appalled at the feelings the two felt for one another when it wasn't legally possible for them to be together. In a way, it proved to me that things aren't always as they seem. I can look at people and be jealous of their perfect lives or I can be sure that they have their own struggles and trials that aren't physical and outwardly apparent.
I thought the twists and turns in the story were cleverly done. I'm just not a big fan of adultery--or anything close to it, no matter the circumstances.
Content: some violence; some murders and attempted murders; kissing; nothing is overly descriptive, so I would label it as technically clean.
Buy yourself a copy on amazon.
Monday, November 25, 2013
12 Gifts for Christ by Merrilee Boyack
Publication: October 2013
Length: 112 pages
My Rating: *****--5 Stars
Source: I received a copy from the publisher for review
Book Blurb:
My Review:
I thought this was a fantastic book with some really good ideas on how to bring Christ more into your Christmas traditions. I loved how each chapter had ideas for personal scriptures study, family devotionals, family home evening ideas (including songs, lessons, games and activities), as well as things to do specifically on Christmas. The conclusion shares some great ideas as well.
I have two teenagers and two younger kids. Even though this book seems geared more towards a younger family, I found there are definitely some things in here that can benefit us and help us focus more on Christ this holiday season. I'm not a really creative person, so having someone give me ideas on ways to serve and show love gets me thinking and a lot of these ideas are easily adaptable to your own personal situations.
This is definitely a keeper and I'm glad I read it before the Christmas season officially starts so that I can start plugging some of these things into our own family traditions.
About the Author:
Merrilee Boyack is a crazed woman who loves eating out and taking naps when she can. She is an estate-planning attorney who conducts her law practice from home. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in business management—finance, and from University of Santa Clara Law School. Merrilee is also a professional lecturer, featured for many years at BYU Education Week, and a published author. Her interests include reading, camping, talking, eating, and helping children in Africa. She’s now a pesco-vegetarian and is having to relearn how to cook!
She is the author of several books and talks, including The Parenting Breakthrough, Strangling Your Husband Is Not an Option; Toss the Guilt and Catch the Joy; and her most recent, In Trying Times, Just Keep Trying. Merrilee and her husband, Steve, reside in Poway, California, and have four sons, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way!
Length: 112 pages
My Rating: *****--5 Stars
Source: I received a copy from the publisher for review
Book Blurb:
Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth
of Christ and a time for giving. In the middle of this busy season, it
is easy to forget the very reason why we celebrate. The first Christmas
began with gifts of light and gold. This Christmas
ask: What gifts can I give to Him?
In 12 Gifts for Christ, author
Merrilee Boyack suggests ways we can give to the Savior, including
having gratitude, sharing through service, and loving others. With
examples of these gifts shared through personal
stories, scriptures, activities, and family home evening lessons, she
suggests presenting those gifts to Christ in letters placed in stockings
or brightly wrapped boxes. Following the ideas of this book will truly
add joy to the spirit in our hearts and homes
during Christmas!
My Review:
I thought this was a fantastic book with some really good ideas on how to bring Christ more into your Christmas traditions. I loved how each chapter had ideas for personal scriptures study, family devotionals, family home evening ideas (including songs, lessons, games and activities), as well as things to do specifically on Christmas. The conclusion shares some great ideas as well.
I have two teenagers and two younger kids. Even though this book seems geared more towards a younger family, I found there are definitely some things in here that can benefit us and help us focus more on Christ this holiday season. I'm not a really creative person, so having someone give me ideas on ways to serve and show love gets me thinking and a lot of these ideas are easily adaptable to your own personal situations.
This is definitely a keeper and I'm glad I read it before the Christmas season officially starts so that I can start plugging some of these things into our own family traditions.
About the Author:
Merrilee Boyack is a crazed woman who loves eating out and taking naps when she can. She is an estate-planning attorney who conducts her law practice from home. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in business management—finance, and from University of Santa Clara Law School. Merrilee is also a professional lecturer, featured for many years at BYU Education Week, and a published author. Her interests include reading, camping, talking, eating, and helping children in Africa. She’s now a pesco-vegetarian and is having to relearn how to cook!
She is the author of several books and talks, including The Parenting Breakthrough, Strangling Your Husband Is Not an Option; Toss the Guilt and Catch the Joy; and her most recent, In Trying Times, Just Keep Trying. Merrilee and her husband, Steve, reside in Poway, California, and have four sons, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Holiday Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway!!
Just in time for the HOLIDAYS - Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Holiday Kindle Fire Giveaway #1 Sponsors:
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Holiday Kindle Fire Giveaway #1 Sponsors:
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Friday, November 22, 2013
The Emerald Ring (Cleopatra's Legacy) by Dorine White
Publication: May 2013
Length: 192 pages
My Rating: *****--5 Stars
Source: e-copy provided in exchange for an honest review
Book Blurb: The instant she touched the ring, a
lightning-like shock traveled up her fingers and into her shoulder, and
she fell squarely on the floor. Most people would have stopped right
then, but not Sara. The ring called to her. She had to have it.
Sara Bogus’s life turns upside down when she discovers an emerald ring
that once belonged to Cleopatra. The fun of discovering the ring’s
unique abilities turns to fear when she finds out a dangerous cult bent
on restoring Rome to power is after the ring. Forced to choose between
keeping the ring and saving her friends, Sara learns the price of
bravery in this electrifying read!
My Review: I thought this was a very creative adventure that is perfect for the middle grade reader--or others who enjoy a fun, clean, fantasy adventure. I loved how there was a mystery going on--well, several, actually--and it was up to these young 6th graders to figure things out. I remember being that age and thinking how cool it would be to have some type of mystery to solve or some adventure to my life. I loved the magical elements of the ring and the way that Sara handled things, really using her brain and friends to think of ways to solve things.
I think one of my favorite things about the book is the message that it's okay to befriend people who are a little bit different from yourself and you might just discover that they have more in common with you than you think.
I would love to read the rest of the books in the series. This one tied up nicely, but left things a little open for the next adventure. It sounds like there are 5 jewels and I'm guessing that there's a story surrounding each one.
Content: mild violence. Clean.
About the Author:
Dorine White graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in
Humanities and Art History. She began writing at a young age, proudly
producing picture books for her parents. Now, her writing has turned
into a passion for children’s books. Currently she lives in the
beautiful yet rainy Northwest, with her husband and six children.
Author Website- http://www.dorinewhite.com/
Blog- The Write Path- http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/
Twitter @Dorinewhite- https://twitter.com/DorineWhite
Facebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/dorinewhite
Triskele Books GRAND FINALE
By Triskele Books and Prism Book Tours...
A Week of Interviews and Giveaways!
16 – Literally Jen - Wolfsangel by Liza Perrat
Jill: “This quote is quite typical of Liza’s writing; evocative and magical, creating beautifully rich descriptions and conjuring an atmosphere out of a few well chosen words.”
‘We watched in enchanted silence, as the music grew louder, faster, as if it were rolling across the cobblestones and echoing deep through the secret valleys and the fringe of trees that looked like hooded nuns shuffling into the woods’
17 – Beck Valley Books - Ghost Town by Catriona Troth
Liza: “Mentioned several times in the story, this phrase struck me as it perfectly sums up one of the basic conflictual themes.”
‘Too Paki to be white, too gora to be desi.’
Complicit
“Centurion Marcus Sextus grimaced as a masked soldier strode into the makeshift arena, leading two shackled slaves …”
Jane: “It has Romans, so it is winner right away for me. I love how Gill has managed to echo the Roman past alongside the modern day story, it’s a brilliant mix that really works.”
Tread Softly
“A journey from first taste to last, it tells you of the soil, the climate, the land. That is not simply a wine. That is an adventure.”
Gill: “Says so much in so few words, it sums up not only the tone of the book, but Beatrice, Adrian & Matthew without even mentioning their names.”
21 – Colorimetry - Triskele Trail
WHICH chapter or segment of advice did you learn the most from while researching the book?
I think we’d all have different answers to that. So many of the chapters and tips written by the others are gold dust. Not just as eye-openers, but reminders of things I knew but had forgotten about. Putting the book together has been an inspiring experience, and totally reinforced my decision to go the independent route.
22 – Grand Finale
Giveaway:
1 Signed Paperback,
2 eCopies...
Wolfsangel by Liza Perrat
Ghost Town by Catriona Troth
Overlord, The Rise of Zenobia by JD Smith
1 Signed Paperback of any one book out of each series,
1 eBook Boxset of each,
1 eBook of each book in both series...
The Charter, Closure, Complicit by Gillian Hamer
Behind Closed Doors, Raw Material, Tread Softly by JJ Marsh
Print copies available to win in US/Can/UK. eCopies available Internationally. Open to those who can legally enter and are able to receive winnings. Winners will be drawn randomly on Rafflecopter. Winners will be awarded according to their preference in the order they are drawn. If there is no preference indicated, they will win according to the consecutive posting order. Winners will be announced on Rafflecopter and notified by email after the giveaway has ended. They 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 odds of winning are determined by the number of entries. This giveaway was organized by the authors of Triskele Books and Prism Book Tours: www.prismbooktours.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Rebels Book Blast!!
Rebels
The world is on fire. From the ashes like a phoenix rises a new America, one that will save it all. Under one condition; absolute and complete surrender.
The world complies without question. Those who don’t are destroyed. It is in this world, John is born. His very name is treason.
If the New America, now known to everyone as the State, knew what John was, they’d kill him, but instead they give him a gift.
Praise for Rebels John has a lot of potential (especially for someone so young) in that he sees the flaws in this society. He wants to be like George Washington and knows a lot about the manner in which a government should be run... Highly recommended. ~Amazon Review
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/20/13
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 authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Praise for Rebels John has a lot of potential (especially for someone so young) in that he sees the flaws in this society. He wants to be like George Washington and knows a lot about the manner in which a government should be run... Highly recommended. ~Amazon Review
About the Authors
Scott Powell was born in Burlington, Vermont, to a father who was a
police officer and a mother who emigrated from South Korea. He received a
degree in marketing from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, and a
master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Scott
served a two-year Spanish-speaking mission for his church. He is a mixed
martial artist who continues to train with his father, a second-degree
black belt in Tae kwon do and a kick boxer.
Besides being married to Scott for over seventeen years, Judith Powell
is a stay-at-home mom whose whole life has been full of stories. Being
raised by an Irish storytelling father and a Native American mother,
stories have filled her life and her head until they finally had no
choice but to flow out through her fingertips.
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