Monday, August 31, 2015

Spotlight: Riding by Cassia Cassitas

Riding by Cassia Cassitas

Book Description for Riding:

Amidst real events and landscapes, men and women like us wander the cities we inhabit, rehearsing happier lives in the pages of this motivational narrative. From each one, destiny took a part to make them perfect.

When he is born, Andre propels his mother's life in a new direction. His father, an executive who organizes Olympic competitions around the world and doesn't know when to come back home, strives to make him a worldly citizen. Cycling, his life acquires purpose: becoming an Olympic para-athlete.

Together with his friends, he experiences disappointments and new beginnings. A doctor that builds robots, the daughter of a lonely teenager, and a retired athlete teach André how to overcome his limits and live his dream.

Set in Curitiba with breaks in Los Angeles, Seoul, Johannesburg and Soweto, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London, the narrative ends in 2012, in Rio de Janeiro.

As a tribute to all those who choose to sign the next episodes of their lives, this book is about overcoming one’s self amid achievements, obstacles, love and heroism, written behind the scenes of life.

Buy the book:    Amazon   ~   Barnes & Nobles   ~    Book Depository

Author's Bio:

In my mind, words came in strides. They aligned themselves in arguments that were ready for combat after rebelling themselves - and that was just inkling. Where was my certainty to support the new image? And where were my emotions, with their brushes to bring color to life?"

Born in the interior of the state of ParanĂ¡, Cassia Cassitas accumulated various degrees throughout her career in Information Technology. The author of three novels, her texts convey ideas accumulated amidst the smell of coffee plantations, shoe factories, and the technology of the 20th century. These texts deal with life-altering episodes, in a path lit by a harmonious blend of memories and imagination.

Connect with the author:     Website    Facebook    Twitter


Friday, August 28, 2015

Review: Mending Hearts: Logan's Story (Second Chances Book 2) by Kimberly Krey

Mending Hearts: Logan's Story, A Companion to the Sweet Montana Bride Series (Second Chances Book 2) by Kimberly Krey
Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: September 7th 2015 by Candle House Publishing 
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26085929-mending-hearts-logan-s-story-a-companion-to-the-sweet-montana-bride-se
Description: 

Candice is through with married life and all it entailed:
infertility, an adoption gone wrong, and the death of
her husband’s twin brother. Now that they’ve been
separated for nearly a year, Candice is finally ready
to set Logan free. But when he steps back into her life,
Candice begins to have second thoughts. Even
though she hasn’t fully healed from the heartache
she endured over their married years, she can't
fathom the thought of losing him a second time.
Can Candice let go of past hurts and give Logan a second chance, or will her fears keep them apart?

Logan has spent the months of separation giving Candice the space she needed. But when he
discovers that Candice is about to file for a divorce, he decides he better take action quick. He didn’t spend the best years of his life with this woman, only to let her slip away. Yet just when the opportunity comes again – his chance to finally make things right – an entirely new force threatens to tear them apart. Will opposition keep the heart-broken couple from getting back together or will they have the strength to break through the barriers, no matter what their future might bring?
 


My Review:

I remember briefly meeting Logan and Candice in Rough Edges and was excited to learn more about their story. Why exactly are they separated?

I love a good romance and love to see the way a couple meets and falls in love, so I wasn't sure if I would enjoy one where the couple has already been married for 10 years, separated for one, and on the brink of divorce. Oh, I was so wrong! 

Kimberly Krey tackles a very difficult subject for many married couples--infertility and adoption. I never personally suffered things to the extent that Logan and Candice did, but I could relate to how  those troubles could cause difficulty in a marriage. Ms. Krey does a fantastic job in portraying feelings and reactions. I understood where the characters were coming from and the reasons behind their actions. There's nothing fun about having to schedule things and tossing spontaneity out the window.

Logan and Candice must decide whether to give their marriage one more chance or to cut their losses and move on. I loved the discoveries made along the journey, the strength the characters developed, and the steamy clean romance. There were a few surprises, which I loved and hated, but this story really captured my attention and had me rooting for two amazing people. I love these people, their extended families (especially because of the bowl), and I love their story!

Content: some mild language; no violence or religious elements; steamy clean romance (kissing/making out, talk of intimate relations between a married couple with no details after the kissing--all behind closed doors, glimpse of topless woman--not descriptive). Clean for an older reader!

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Mending-Hearts-Companion-Montana-Chances-ebook/dp/B013LCFFRG/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1440648720&sr=1-2&keywords=mending+hearts http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-hearts-kimberly-krey/1122564284?ean=9781515083092
 
About the Author: 

Kimberly Krey I'm a writer of contemporary clean romance, a lover of home, family, & friends, & the ultimate hater of laundry.
A few of my favorite things: Diet Coke, Cafe Rio, and novels by Marcia Lynn McClure.

I do not go anywhere without: SoftLips Chapstick and Altoids Smalls.
Website ­  Facebook ­ Twitter ­ Goodreads  

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Review: Ms. Communications (Smart Ms. Novel Book 1) by Myra Kendrix

Ms. Communications (Smart Ms. Novel Book 1) by Myra Kendrix
294 pages, June 2015
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25776345-ms-communications?ac=1

Description:

A fast-paced laugh-out-loud romance giving an insider's view of the cut-throat startup world, where yesterday’s impossible becomes today’s reality. 

Gwen Mongan is a thirty-three-year-old Marketing Communications executive in an innovative startup. Besides her exciting career and dream home, former social worker Gwen’s life is full with great friends, community service, and a passion for matchmaking. The only problem is her boss: the impossibly demanding and maddeningly charismatic hi-tech superstar, Jake Folton.

When Jake goes too far, Gwen thinks it’s time to look for a new job. But Gwen soon discovers it’s going to take more spunk and ingenuity than she knew she possessed to get away from a guy who doesn’t take no for an answer. In fact, it’s going to turn her tidy existence upside-down.

Can a racehorse named Purple Lemonade, a deadly Funnel-Web Spider, and a dubious Bachelor-of-the-Year contest finally show Gwen that some people are not what they seem and some risks are worth taking?

Debut novelist Myra Kendrix brings her own experience in hi-tech marketing to this page-turning, romantic comedy, set against the vibrant cityscape of Sydney, Australia.
 


My Review:

I don't work in a fast-paced startup environment, but I have no doubt that Ms. Kendrix really knows her stuff. This book had a lot of very informative information about that world and it was interesting to read about.  

I definitely think I would have liked this story more if I hadn't been expecting a romantic comedy. I kept waiting for something to happen, but the romance is a very small part of the story and almost non-existent. I didn't feel any romantic connection between the characters. I wanted flirting, secret glances, stolen kisses, or anything to show interest in each other. I really like the build up of the romance in a story, but felt it was missing.

Gwen is a very hardworking and eager-to-please type of woman and she puts way more into her job than she should. She's not only a hard-nosed marketing guru, but she also dabbles in matchmaking, with some successful outcomes. She's a real people person who can really read and assess a person. I really liked her character and personality. I loved the friendship Gwen shares with Malia and the dedication she has towards fixing up her house. She has a way of stating things how they are in a tactful way and I loved watching her in action. She's a very family oriented woman and I loved reading about her interactions with her family. Gwen has an interest in her boss, Jake, but he's a jerk!

I'm sure that Jake doesn't mean to be a jerk, but he is. He's very intense, very focused on his job, and has absolutely no social skills. He can't clue in to how others feel and he pushes his employees to work as hard as he does. He admits that he doesn't like to be at home--it's at work where he feels comfortable at and can be himself.

I enjoyed the setting--Australia! It was a lot of fun to get to know parts of that country a little better and to catch of glimpse of life there. I felt immersed in the culture with the language that is used in the story and the descriptions of places.

Content: no language, violence, or religious elements; extremely mild romance. Clean!

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Ms-Communications-Smart-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B0104ZIQZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440119464&sr=8-1&keywords=ms.+communications


About the Author: 

Myra Kendrix3 Facts About Myra Kendrix:

1. Myra is a professional marketer. That means she gets paid to brainstorm wildly creative ideas, which is lucky because she does that all day anyway, even when she's not being paid.
2. Besides authoring chick-lit novels, Myra is also an adept writer of marketing copy, blog posts, collection letters to clients, front-end code, late notes for her children and third-person blurbs about herself.
3. Though she hasn't lived there for many years, Myra thinks that Sydney, Australia, is probably the world's most beautiful city. If you haven't visited, you must go. If you can't go, read Myra's books. It's the next best thing.
4. If you were to say to Myra: "look at that bird in that tree," she would probably answer with childlike enthusiasm, "you mean that Crimson Rosella in the Moreton Bay Fig?"
5. Despite having been promised three facts only, we are now up to No. 5. This is typical of Myra.


Twitter  ||   Website

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Review: Love at the Apple Blossom Inn: A Rose Arbor Novella (Book 4) by Kristy Tate

Love at the Apple Blossom Inn: A Rose Arbor Novella (Rose Arbor Series Book 4) by Kristy Tate
Kindle Edition, 100 pages
Published January 7th 2015
Source: I received a copy from eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars


Description:

A small town girl.
A rock star living a lie.
Their paths cross and lead them down a road neither of them expected to find: love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
Janey knows that life doesn’t come with a happy-ending guarantee. She needs to keep her feet securely on the ground working two jobs, going to school, and caring for her little brother. She has no time or room for romance.
After an accident leaves his charmed life in ruins, Derrick abandons his Hollywood lifestyle and checks into rehab. The world believes that Derrick Cordell the rock star is dead. And despite his beating heart and breathing lungs, that’s exactly how he feels until, disguised and living incognito in the tiny town of Rose Arbor, Washington, he meets Janey, who loves him as plain old Eric Roudell, the wanna-be music teacher.
But secrets have a way of unraveling. When Janey discovers the truth about Eric/Derrick, how can she love someone she doesn’t even know? Especially since love is not on her to-do list?
 

My Review:

I haven't read the other books in this series and I never felt lost. It can stand alone.

I've always wondered how I would act if I met someone famous and Janey gets to experience that firsthand, although she has no idea who Eric/Derrick is. I can only image how refreshing it would be to someone constantly hounded by the press and paparazzi to have someone like you for who you are and not what you are.

I would love to stay at Apple Blossom Inn! The rooms are named after different types of apples and it sounds so cozy. Janey comes from a troubled past, but works hard at her job at the inn and as a volunteer at the library, as well as being a great support to her younger pre-teen brother. She's stable and secure...and not looking for love at all.

Eric/Derrick also comes from a troubled past and it's all from his own doing. When he finally allows himself to sober up, he realizes what he really wants to do with his life and is doing everything he can to get there. I really liked how down-to-earth he is.

I loved watching things unfold, even the trying times, and really got a good feel for this town and some of the people there.

Content: mild romance; mention of characters using/abusing alcohol; some mild innuendo; Clean for an older reader.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Apple-Blossom-Inn-Novella-ebook/dp/B00RYHPASY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440562060&sr=8-1&keywords=love+at+apple+blossom+inn

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-at-the-apple-blossom-inn-kristy-tate/1121014697?ean=2940151733731


About the Author:

 Kristy Tate 
Kristy is the mom of six incredibly brilliant and beautiful children, and the author of several novels. Although many of her novels have won awards and have ranked on Amazon's top 100 list, Kristy has yet to realize her lifelong dream of owning a Schnauzer farm. Kristy studied English literature at Brigham Young University and at BYU's International Center in London.
For updates on Kristy's upcoming novels, please visit her blog at kristystories.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Review: Call to Arms: Nations Fall by Randy Lindsay

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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3hPMW2laISn-m3sEzMob0tZf4nlTuS1W9BvIq1SUtFutqK9XZQj7zfcvMo2DSGrsnx7qqkrk3wsuH2c63Wosk9n0XxSQ9kZSI2gJLDIFi4k4YCE579mtZlZ8T4pqKf6vDVYeJomeDo8/s400/Call+to+Arms+cover.jpgJoining the military had seemed like the right thing to do, but when war breaks out in Europe Robert wonders if he hasn’t made the biggest mistake of his life. The Russian juggernaut grinds its way toward Italy, the country Robert has grown to love. As one of a handful of American soldiers in the area, he must find a way to help the ragged remnants of NATO’s forces to prevent any more European nations from falling.

While back home, the rest of the Williams family struggles to protect themselves in the face of an impending civil war. The very fabric of society continues to unravel, threatening the destruction of the Constitution and the American way of life.

As Vice President, Calvin McCord continues to defy both sides of the political divide in order to find a solution to the war in Europe, the ravaging of the United States, and an espionage ring within the White House. 



http://youtu.be/38X2-XaENEQ
Purchase your copy here: 

http://www.amazon.ca/Call-Arms-Nations-Randy- Lindsay/dp/1462116884 http://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/call- to-arm-randy-lindsay/1121320431?ean=9781462116881


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaHCJDweRC_kXGQf1fUMvNy7RI02p1lvIzrSZtrQBJm7N31gr53KdXE2Ny3gbbPcJnd1LiPQDWzvMdjZbAzTTwyk1a-yLOI2grMYUbTfaqrFqZd_MDjEL5MErqLetFfjtJSD-PO9ojnc/s400/Author+info.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdrQ3BYv2SdkXSSwIq_sP497m3sCgVnL4NPAUcphyphenhyphen9PCeV6pVbgSRe8MUKgmYxjCvz4PUnTIp8MDgXSMpWQGW7ae9_JiHFiK_vs5e1Y3bOI1CgJy31BXaq5V-NQovv-1AOOQZ0qt55ZQ/s200/Randy1-small.jpgRANDY LINDSAY is a native of Arizona. He lives in Mesa with his wife, five of his nine children, and a hyper-active imagination. His wife calls him the “Storyman” because he sees everything as material for a good story. Randy’s first novel, The Gathering: End’s Beginning, was published in 2014. He has also been published in several anthologies during 2013-2014. If you want to find out more you can check him out at RandyLindsay.net.
  
Website  ||  Facebook  ||  Twitter



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Definitely read The Gathering: End's Beginning before reading this one, as it picks up right where Book 1 left off. I've pondered occasionally what the end of the world would be like and this is a very natural and realistic interpretation from an LDS (religious) standpoint. It's scary to think of how easily this could really become our lives in the not-so-distant future. It doesn't start with the gloom and doom, but is gradually leading towards it.

Call to Arms follows a few different perspectives and is well done. The Williams family is the main focus. John, his wife, and all but two of his children, are building up Camp Valiant in the midst of various groups of enemies who are curious and suspicious of their efforts. John is a leader, as head of security, and finds himself handling most of the volatile situations. It would be so hard not to become defensive--to always follow the Spirit and your heart to diffuse intense situations.

Sarah is 19 and chose not to go with the family to build up the camp. She is finally free to live her life the way she's wanted to for a long time--without the pressures and restrictions of religion, but the lessons she learns are very valuable. The media and secular world, at this point, are very against any organized religion and targets people who belong to such groups. The government is very corrupt and seems to target people for no good reason. With her rose colored glasses off, Sarah learns the world isn't the way she hoped and thought it would be.

Robert Williams, the oldest son, was called home early from his LDS mission in the previous book and is now called to serve in the military--right back in Italy and on the front lines. I can't even imagine the terror of a WWIII starting up and being right in the middle of it. He has good intuition and is able to stand up for what he believes to be right. What a strong character!


The reader also gets a glimpse into the life of the Vice President of the US--Calvin McCord--and sees firsthand how the country is being run at this point. He crosses paths with this family and has some surprising turns of events in his life.

Each point of view left me frantically wanting to know more of the story, but then I would get immersed in the one at hand. I can't wait for the next installment!

Content: violence consistent to this type of story, but not overly graphic (death, fighting, etc); suspense and moments of peril; no language or romantic elements; the characters are religious and they base decisions on that, but it's not preachy. Clean!

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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Monday, August 24, 2015

Review: Losing the Ice (Ice Series Book 2) by Jennifer Comeaux

Losing the Ice (Ice Series Book 2) by Jennifer Comeaux
Published February 23rd 2015
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22552374-crossing-the-ice

Description:

Courtney and Josh are in love and excited to finally compete as skating partners. When they take the ice for their first competition, they want to show everyone, especially Josh's family, they are the perfect pair. But ice is slippery, and one misstep puts all their dreams in jeopardy. Now they must show each other both their love and their partnership are strong enough to survive.

My Review:

I love the world of ice skating. I must admit that I don't always get as involved in it as I could when it's not the Olympics, but if I happen to see it on tv, I'm completely captivated. I love the way Ms. Comeaux really digs behind the scenes to the blood, sweat, and tears of the sport and brings the reader along with her. You can see my review of the first book here. You definitely want to start with Book 1.

Courtney and Josh have had a rough go of their partnership and don't have all of the support they desire--especially from his family. They want to show them that this partnership is a great idea, but an accident changes all that in an instant.

Courtney is so patient and supportive! I honestly don't know if I could've put up with Josh as well as she does. I love the way her feelings are conveyed so well through the writing of this story. Josh was devastated with this change of events and his personality changed so much that it was almost shocking. My heart broke at what he went through, but at times I felt like enough was enough. He handled things the best he could, so I couldn't fault him with that, and again, the writing was done in a very nice way to really help the reader understand what was going on--not only on the surface, but deep down.   

I'm really looking forward to the next book, Taking the Ice, that will be released soon.


Content: mild-moderate romance (kissing and vague talk of taking things further; technically clean, as events are completely behind closed doors); mild language (some swearing); a disturbing accident, but nothing graphic. Clean!

Buy Links: 

http://www.amazon.com/Losing-Ice-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00SVESAGI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439611435&sr=1-1&keywords=losing+the+ice http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/losing-the-ice-jennifer-comeaux/1121214732?ean=9780990434221 

About the Author:

Jennifer ComeauxJennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren’t any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she’s a diehard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing. Jennifer loves to hear from readers! Visit jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com for contact information and to learn more about her books.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Grand Finale: Guardians of the Heart by Loree Lough

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

We're sharing the Grand Finale for
Guardians of the Heart
By Loree Lough

Nell and Asa have guarded their hearts, but to let love in, they'll have to let go.
We hope you enjoyed finding out more about their story.
If you didn't get a chance to get to each stop, you can go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Interview

And how do you develop your deep POV?

I love living in the heads of my characters, and accomplish it (and avoid ‘head hopping’) by writing each scene from a specific character’s point of view. It’s almost as though I take up residence in their brains (like a parasite! LOL). When I’m thinking their thoughts, reacting to what other characters do and say, deep POV is a lot easier.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"Loree Lough has written this story in an easy to read voice. The pacing is excellent. She kept my attention and I really came to like the characters." 

Worthy2Read - Nonna's Authentic Spaghetti Sauce

As any ‘on a deadline’ author can tell you, we’re really, really good at procrastinating. We tidy drawers, organize closets, poke around in our flower beds. And we cook. One of my favorite recipes was handed down by my Italian grandmother’s family. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!

Zerina Blossom's Books - They Called Her Shoog Guest Post

The summer I turned ten, a pretty little redheaded girl moved into the house on the corner. Her parents and older siblings called her Shoog…and it was Shoog who introduced the kids on our block to a whole new way to spend our summer days...


"A sweet heartfelt romance that reminds us of the importance of forgiveness – of other people and especially of ourselves. With true, likable characters and a plot brimming with all the great elements of a story, Guardians of the Heart will gently refresh your soul."

Christy's Cozy Corners - A Promise to Jake, Part 1

When a mysterious package arrives shortly before Christmas, a wealthy author is forced to remember what’s truly important about the holy day…and about life.

Writing Pearls - Review

"This was a surprising out of bounds romance. It was clean, well-written, with strong characters that become a part of your reality."


Regrettably, no one was hiring. Few things scared her more than the prospect of being homeless and destitute. Nell sat on the steps of the bank, held her head in her hands and tried to pray. She’d said countless prayers for others—in church, others on her knees before bed—but couldn’t remember the last time she’d prayed for herself. Did she remember how?

Mel's Shelves - Review

"I loved Asa and Nell! Asa puts on a rough front but does care about others while trying not to. He feels guilt for some things he did in the past and needs to learn to forgive himself. Nell was sweet from the beginning! What I loved about this book is that the author didn't just tell me; she showed me."


Oh, what he wouldn’t give to go back in time to the little house on the outskirts of Denver that always smelled of fresh-baked bread, where he’d never gone hungry and never felt cold, thanks to his ma’s talent for turning scraps of cloth into warm quilts.


"I could not put this book down it was wonderful. . . . A nice relaxing read that brings out the love and coziness."

Mommabears Book Blog - A Promise to Jake, Part 2

He stared at the blinking cursor. "I've let you down big time, Jake," he said, eyes on the blank white screen. Maybe telling his friend’s story would ease his conscience. Squaring his shoulders, Homer pulled out the keyboard drawer and gave his knuckles one last crack, and began to type:

Wishful Endings - A Promise to Jake, Part 3

FIVE YEARS LATER:

"Homer, schweetheart," Bobby said, "so what's up with your answering machine? I've been trying to get hold of you for days."

"Don't have one up here." Don't want one, don't need one.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Special Author Interview

Me: You are such a prolific writer! (5,000,000 copies in circulation – 108 books, 72 short stories, and over 2500 articles in print) Where do you get your inspiration for so many new plots and characters?

Loree: Inspiration is everywhere. Literally. I’ve come up with story ideas while reading a dog-eared old magazine in the doctor’s waiting room. At the grocery store. In the movie theater. Here at home, watching the TV news or reading the Sunday paper. Sitting on a bench at the soft ice cream parlor, listening to the conversation of patrons on the next bench. Talking to a neighbor over the back fence. While on hold to make corrections to a DirecTV statement. I could go on (and on!), but I think you get the idea!

Singing Librarian Books - Review (Author Interview here)

"Throughout the novel Loree has brought her characters to life in a true and heartwarming way. I would recommend this novel to Christian, historical fiction, romance readers."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

They carried their bowls to a nearby bench and sat down to enjoy the treat, and Asa realized immediately that they were facing the wrong direction. Fifty yards due north, he had a direct line of sight to where Gus and Nell sat, munching fried chicken, corn bread, and apple slices. Oughta be you sitting there, he thought.

Guardians of the Heart
(Secrets on Sterling Street, #2)
by Loree Lough
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 272 pages
August 3rd 2015 by Whitaker House

Nell Holstrom wanted no part of her grandfather's barren gold mine that had taken the lives of her mother, father, and younger brother; even if there may still be hidden wealth inside. Instead, she went to Denver and took a job as housekeeper at the old Stone Hill Inn.

Asa Stone was barely more than a boy when his father dragged him and his brothers to fight with Colonel John Chivington. But Asa refused to participate in the raid on the peaceful Cheyenne and Arapahoe; and when the smoke cleared, his father and brother lay among the slaughtered. Besieged by guilt, Asa wandered the West for years before returning to Denver to rebuild the old inn he'd inherited. 

Together, Nell and Asa work hard to restore Stone Hill. But when disaster hits the inn, Asa retreats into despair and Nell is forced to return to her family's mine. Asa faces the hard fact: He'll never be the man Nell deserves. Can he overcome the dark secrets of his past? And will Nell still love him when she learns the truth?

The First Book in the Series

Currency of the Heart
(Secrets on Sterling Street, #1)
by Loree Lough
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 pages
January 1st 2015 by Whitaker House

Young widow Shaina Sterling hates living a lie. Desperate to keep bill collectors from the door, she secretly sells valuable possessions piece by piece, and hopes Denver’s elite never discover that his lavish lifestyle left her a near pauper.

She’s unaware that as her husband lay dying, successful rancher Sloan Remington made him a promise. And Sloan guards her secrets
as carefully as he looks after her safety.

When fire devours Sterling Hall, leaving her homeless and penniless, he brings her to Remington Ranch to manage his household. His kindness makes Shaina beholden to him … and threatens to expose the secret that could destroy him.

Will trials and tragedies bring Sloan and Shaina together?
Or will secrets—and the cost of exposing them—drive them apart forever?


Yes, it's true: Once upon a time, best-selling author Loree Lough (literally) sang for her supper, performing before packed audiences throughout the U.S. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two for the "grandorables," but mostly, she just writes. (And writes.) Over the years, her stories have earned nearly 100 industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 7 movie options, and over 80 4- and 5-star reviews.

There are more than 5,000,000 (yes, that's FIVE MILLION) copies of Loree's books in circulation, and in September of 2015, she'll have 108 books (fiction and non-fiction for kids and adults) 72 short stories, 2,500+ articles in print. To date, she has received 50,000+ letters from fans (a carton of books goes to Meredith P. in Joliet, IL -- which she has elected to donate to her local library --for writing the 50,000th letter)!

Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, college and high school writing programs both here and abroad.

A writer who believes in "giving back," Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers' Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and other worthwhile organizations.

She splits her time between her home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and shares both with her real-life hero Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of lighthouses, wind chimes, and "wolf stuff."


Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card
Print copy of Guardians of the Heart
Kindle copy of Guardians of the Heart (to be gifted through Amazon)
Open internationally
Ends August 29th
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Review: Teaching Christ's Children about Feeling Angry by Corine Hyman

Teaching Christ's Children about Feeling Angry by Corine Hyman
Kindle Edition, Published July 29th 2015 by Teaching Christ's Children
Source: I downloaded it from Amazon and it was free at the time
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26077821-teaching-christ-s-children-about-feeling-angry?from_search=true&search_version=service 


Description:

Does your child have trouble expressing their anger? Do they call names when angry or hit when mad? Teaching Christ’s Children about Feeling Angry helps children understand and manage the difficult emotion of anger from a biblical perspective. Once again, Corine Hyman breaks down what the Bible says in a way that children can understand. Like all of Corine’s books, Teaching Christ’s Children about Feeling Angry is designed to speak directly to the child, and acts as a discussion starter for children and adults to use together.

My Review:

I do love the way this story teaches children that anger is a normal and natural feeling, but it needs to be controlled. Each page has a nice illustration and has a scripture from the New Living Translation Bible to go along with the thought. The writing is on a child's level, which makes it easy to relate to and I thought it was done in a way that can open up great discussions between a parent and a child. 

I am Christan, but I use a different translation of the Bible. I do think this is a great way to help a child learn to control feelings in a way that Christ would do, as we are all God's children and need to be treated as such. There are some scriptures listed at the end of the book that would be good for a family to memorize. I think those could be helpful for a child who struggles with anger, to help remind him or her the value of self-control.

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Christs-Children-about-Feeling-ebook/dp/B012Z13P7Q/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1440293794&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=teachcing+christ%27s+children+angry


 About the Author:

Corine is the author of several Christian Children Books including: Why We Give Gifts at Christmas Time; What is Love; My Journey with Jesus Christ and Why I Give. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and dancing. While she has no biological children, she has had the privilege of helping raise four children through foster care and a host of nieces, nephews and other little people. Among the little people, she is known as Aunt Cor. To learn more about Corine visit www.booksbycorine.com
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