The Secret of Isian (Book 3) by Serena Clarke {Review}

The Secret of Isian (Book 3 in the Isian Series)
by Serena Clarke
Published January 15th 2016 by Smashwords Edition



Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intentions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war.
Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies.

With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?

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My Review: 4 Stars

Rimelda is a seer with great talent and she's sure she can help end the war. Trying to work with Prince Ander to do so, proves to be a little more challenging than she bargained for, as he doubts her abilities and there is some attraction present.

Most of this book takes place on the quest to stop the war, which keeps the adventure going. Things often happen suddenly, which spikes the tension levels, and then they would drift down to a steady pace again. Personally, I would have loved the romantic interactions to be more gradual, as they often happened out of the middle of nowhere and were very impulsive, with regrets as to the outcomes, more often than not. Prince Ander is definitely a bit frustrating!

I enjoyed the minor mysteries surrounding the quest and the surprises that crop up. The characters are fun and are not your stereotypical ones. The adventure and battles are what really drives the story to the climax. This is a great addition to a high fantasy series.

Content: violence (war, talk of death and killing in non-graphic details); mild romance (kissing). Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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{Spotlight} Unstuck: How the Savior Frees Us from Our Favorite Sins by Robert Reynolds

Unstuck: How the Savior Frees Us from Our Favorite Sins by Robert Reynolds

Kindle Edition, 131 pages

Published December 28th 2015 by Deseret Book Company 

 

 

''This book was not written by a General Authority. In fact, it was written by a run-of-the-mill sinner. Are you going to keep reading?'' Robert Reynolds, an entertainment attorney and manager of Grammy-nominated band The Killers, refreshingly tackles the why-did-I-do-it-again? cycle that entraps many of us. Reynolds explains that whether we find ourselves reluctant to let go of our ''favorite sin'' or exclaiming in frustration, ''Dang it! I did it again,'' the Savior and His Atonement can change our desires and set us free to become better and stronger. With a fresh, relatable voice, Reynolds provides insights into the why behind the things that tempt us. He also shares the hope we can have in overcoming even the most alluring of sins through reliance on the Lord s grace. Learn how to find and maintain a mighty change of heart and discover a rich increase of spiritual power, joy, and peace in your life.

 

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Rescuing Rebecca by Teresa McCarthy {Review}

Rescuing Rebecca by Teresa McCarthy

Kindle Edition, 152 pages

Published September 7th 2015 

 

 

A land of High Society and fascinating possibilities... Plunge into Regency England where dangerous heroes and despicable villains throw the eligible young maidens of a prestigious school in Bath into a world of chaos and intrigue!

When the rugged Captain Argyle protects the school and its residents from a wave of break-ins, he is surprised to find more than he bargained for in shy schoolteacher Lady Rebecca. But Lady Rebecca has enough trouble without the captain adding to it!

However, neither the captain nor Rebecca are ready for the sparks that fly between them or the villains that are thrown into their path. Protecting the prized school from threatening interlopers is one thing, but protecting their hearts is an entirely different matter!

This series is a spinoff of the Historical Regency Romance series THE CLEARBROOKS!  

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My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love the way the story begins--with a hint of a mystery from the past that affects the future. We are then taken to Regency England, to a reputable boarding school for young women. After a series of break-ins, Captain Argyle is engaged to act as a protector for these ladies.

Rebecca is a teacher at this school and has blended in in the past--at least in Captain Argyle's eyes. She's not blending in anymore. She stands out and captures his attention in the most unconventional ways--ways that had me laughing and rolling my eyes in delighted disbelief. I did like that Rebecca tries so hard to be independent and strong, but sometimes she quick to assume and left me wanting to convince her of the error of her ways.

Because of these assumptions, the Captain doesn't seem sincere in his words and actions, but as time goes by, his intentions are clear. Strong and handsome with a commanding presence, he's a great character and had me swooning.

This is a great start to a series! I'm looking forward to seeing the spunky Miss Pickering and the other girls in the future and reading their stories.

Content: near attacks on a woman; no language; mild romance. Clean!

 

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About the Author:

Award-winning, bestselling author Teresa McCarthy writes books set in the Regency era with its dukes, balls and the fashionable world. The author, known for her tender romances sprinkled with humor, also writes sweet contemporary romances.

To learn more about Teresa McCarthy's books and future projects, you can visit her website, or for more up-to-date information visit the author on Facebook. She loves to hear from readers.

www.TeresaMcCarthybooks.com
www.facebook.com/TeresaMcCarthyAuthor  

  

Falling Like Snowflakes (Summer Harbor #1) by Denise Hunter {Review}

Falling Like Snowflakes (Summer Harbor #1)
by Denise Hunter

Kindle Edition, 346 pages

Published September 8th 2015 by Thomas Nelson 

 

 

Eden Martelli is too busy fleeing the clutches of danger to realize she’s running straight into the arms of a new love.

Speeding north through rural Maine, Eden Martelli wonders how her life came to this—on the run with her mute five-year-old son dozing fitfully in the passenger seat. When a breakdown leaves them stranded in Summer Harbor, Eden has no choice but to stay put through Christmas . . . even though they have no place to lay their heads.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem solver—for other people anyway. He left the sheriff’s department to take over his family’s Christmas tree farm, but he’s still haunted by the loss of his parents and struggling to handle his first Christmas alone.

When Eden shows up looking for work just as Beau’s feisty aunt gets out of the hospital, Beau thinks he’s finally caught a break. Eden is competent and dedicated—if a little guarded—and a knockout to boot. But, as he soon finds out, she also comes with a boatload of secrets.

Eden has been through too much to trust her heart to another man, but Beau is impossible to resist, and the feeling seems to be mutual. As Christmas Eve approaches, Eden’s past catches up to her.

Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. But who’s going to protect his heart from a woman who can’t seem to trust again.

 

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

I can't even imagine being on the run and constantly looking over my shoulder, as Eden is forced to do, but she handles herself and life so well. Me? I would be a complete mess! I love reading suspense, but there's no way I could actually live it. I thought that Ms. Hunter did a fabulous job in weaving together a great suspense with some fine, clean romance.

 

Eden's controlling husband is dead and when witness protection failed, she's on the run. I really loved how strong and resourceful Eden is. She's got a true mother's heart and will do whatever it takes to protect and provide for her son. When Beau helps her out, by providing her a job, she's unable to resist his manly charms and true goodness. Good thing he's taken! I absolutely adore Beau! He's a protector and as head of his family and a strong member of the community, he's got a lot going for him in solving some secrets--especially surrounding his new employee. He's definitely persistent, but in a steady and kind way.

 

I love a story with a good supporting cast. Paige, Beau's girlfriend is such a sweet woman and even grumpy Aunt Trudy grabbed a place in my heart. Of course, Beau's brothers are amazing--I'm hoping that Riley and Zac will get their own stories. My only issue is a slight inconsistency. Eden is very good at deciphering a person's personality and aura, yet she married a jerk. It was hard for me to understand why, except that she was desperate and young. Aside from that, I was completely happy with the story from start to finish and I'm looking forward to more!

 

Content: mild violence (vague and matter-of-fact descriptions of murder, spousal abuse, moments of peril); mild-moderate religious elements (the characters are obviously religious, but there's no preaching); no language; mild romance (kissing). Clean for an adult reader! 

 

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

 

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About the Author:

Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of 20 novels, including Dancing with Fireflies and Convenient Groom.

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! 

  

Grand Finale: A Family Like Hannah's by Carol Ross with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

A Family Like Hannah's

By Carol Ross

We hope you enjoyed coming along with us to an Alaskan ski resort and two strong characters who begin at odds, but may just find family and love in each other. If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Intro to the Book

A Family Like Hannah’s is my version of an Alaskan winter - and more specifically - a wintertime in Rankins. On each stop of the tour, I’ve tried to infuse some of this enduring and inspiring winter spirit Alaskans seem to so easily embrace. Hope you enjoy!

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Sweet, clean romance that will still have you reaching for your fan on occasion, A Family Like Hannah’s by Carol Ross takes you through a whole gamut of emotions. From anger and heartbreak to laughter and joy, you will ride the slopes along with a cast of compelling and truly likable characters."

I Am A Reader - Let’s (Really) Get to Know Hannah & Tate from A Family Like Hannah’s

Hannah James – professional skier, owner and manager of Snowy Sky Ski Resort...

Tate Addison – professional snowboarder, businessman, inventor, ski area consultant...

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"This was such a delightfully touching tale of possible romance and enduring love amongst life's challenges."

Getting Your Read On - Review

"This book was easy to read and hard to put down. I was drawn in and invested in this story. So good!"

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

" I love that this isn't just an easy, fluffy story, but had some real filling to go along with it, while maintaining a lighter feel--it wasn't heavy. What a perfect recipe for a great story!"

Colorimetry - Hey, Honey, Let’s Load up the RV and Take the Kids Skiing!

Sure, we saw some of those charming resorts and lodges. From the parking lot. Out the window of our old motorhome. I still can’t believe my dad braved winter weather and treacherous mountain roads in that beast. (Visualize one-step up from Cousin Eddie’s “RV” from Christmas Vacation.) It would only putt along at about 15 miles per hour up the hills, so he would frequently have to pull over and let cars pass. Yep, we were those people. As kids, most of these realities and hazards escaped us. We were just thrilled to be there. For me, there was (is) no place I’d rather spend a winter day than skiing up in the mountains.

underneath the covers - Is the Road to Love Paved with Embarrassing Moments?

Alaskans are pretty inventive with their wintertime endeavors. Luckily, the town of Rankins had already laid a solid foundation for some of the best “meets” between Hannah and Tate. Add a little humor, a lot of tension, some creative license, and I’m excited to bring you a few of my favorite moments from A Family Like Hannah’s...

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"This story takes you deep into a small town filled with kind people and history. . . . Tate and Hannah’s ideas for the resort don’t line up very well, so there is tension between them, but there’s also attraction … a lot of it!"

Becky on Books - Review

"A Family Like Hannah’s is a sweet, feel-good romance. . . . This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. It worked well as a standalone. . ."

deal sharing aunt - Interview

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

My ideas always come from my characters. I start by creating a person in my mind. I give them a personality first, including family situation, a job, hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes, and even little quirks. Then I try to drop them right into some kind of action. I add a line or two of dialogue, and I’m off and running. I do love to research my settings also, and often interesting scene ideas will arise from that.

Heidi Reads... - Review

"The characters in this book are vibrant and easy to visualize. . . . I loved the setting of winter in Alaska, especially at a ski resort since I've only been snowboarding twice."

Zerina Blossom's Books - Love, Snow, and Hot Cocoa

When I started writing this story, Hannah’s character was already sitting right beside me - telling me what she wanted to do, what she wanted to say – and what she likes. And Hannah likes hot chocolate...

Wishful Endings - Baby, it's (Really, Really) Cold Outside

Spending the last couple years doing research and just learning fun things in general about this state, I thought it would be fun to show how an Alaskan winter really stacks up.

A Family Like Hannah's

(Seasons of Alaska #4)
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Starting over is serious business

With her professional skiing career cut short by an accident, Hannah James is putting all her energy into transforming Snowy Sky Resort into something special. There's only one obstacle. Famous pro-snowboarder-turned-consultant Tate Addison has his own ideas about taking the Rankins, Alaska, lodge to the next level. But Hannah won't compromise her dreams. She gets that Tate is trying to create a stable home for his orphaned six-year-old nephew—a boy Hannah already adores. And if she isn't careful, she could also fall for the boy's too-attractive uncle. Is she risking heartbreak? Or do she and Tate really want the same things out of life?

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - Kobo

The Other Books in the Series

Carol Ross is the author of three books for the Seasons of Alaska series for the Harlequin Heartwarming line. She lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. For a complete list of her books, giveaways, and other fun stuff stop by and visit her new website: carolrossauthor.com.

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of A Family Like Hannah's (open internationally)
Rankins' Alaska Prize Pack: signed copy of A Family Like Hannah’s, an infinity scarf, gray fluffy mittens, a tin of Starbucks hot chocolate, a coffee mug, and a sterling silver snowflake necklace. (US only)

Copy of A Family Like Hannah's (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 26th

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Release Celebration for Wolfsbane's Daughter by Jennifer Silverwood with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to the Release Celebration for

Wolfsbane's Daughter

By Jennifer Silverwood

Read the exclusive excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

Wolfsbane's Daughter

(A Wylder Tale Novella)

by Jennifer Silverwood

YA Dark Fantasy

ebook, 52 Pages
February 25th 2016

Wolfsbane and his daughter Resha are on a never ending quest in the Wylder Mountains, to wipe out the wolves who destroyed their village. Before their enemies stole everything she loved, Resha cared for little beyond learning how to be a hunter. After, she learned a hunter must be prepared to fight as well as flee. Now she cares for nothing but revenge.

Until she discovers two majikal humans half frozen in the forest. Resha has a choice, to follow her instincts and leave the strangers to the wolves, or save them. Yet the enemy is on the prowl and there is little time for Wolfsbane's daughter to find safe haven before they are discovered.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Smashwords

Exclusive Excerpt

There was a time when she did not hate her father, when her only concern was checking her traps and learning knives from Grandfather. But this was before their village on the ridge of Mount Grimm was attacked and destroyed by their enemies. After that she learned a hunter’s claws must be longer and much sharper. A hunter must always be prepared to fight as well as flee, Father said.

“Stay close, Resha!” her father hissed, drawing her attention to their bleak present.

They had been on the run ever since the attack on Mount Grimm. An entire moon had passed since half the village was murdered, including her brother Vilhelm. If any others survived they were hiding deep in the mountains. The beasts had always been a threat to them. But recent attacks alluded to a new hunger, to wipe out the last humans living in the Wylder Mountains.  Some in the village had blamed Wolfsbane and his quest to avenge Grandfather’s death. Those who might still have blamed her family were dead.

Now all that was left to them was this hunt, her first true hunt. Before this she had been little more than a trapper, practicing her knife on the small creatures she found in the woods near their village. Every time she ended a hare or tripe’s life, she felt nothing of the thrill the other children did.

“Sometimes I wonder if you are too soft to be a predator after all.”

Truly, Father’s words resonated with her far more deeply than she wanted them to. A part of her was so much a child. She had never plunged her knife into the heart of a true beast. It was her greatest fear she would fail in a task Vilhelm would have fulfilled without flinching. Now the legacy of vengeance was left to her hands and the dagger Grandfather made for her last moon day.

Resha took a deep breath and watched it hover in the freezing air. The territory they hunted in was new, closer to the lost city than most of their kind had ever dared to trail. Her father, Wolfsbane, said they were searching for signs of man and beast. She watched the way Father crouched and inspected every curve of the path the tracks had made. When she looked down it was difficult to see anything but shadow and snow. Yet she could almost feel the faintest traces of their prey’s footfalls. It was the smell and the warmth Wolfsbane was following now.

Her attention was diverted by a bright splash of red along the roots of a nearby tree trunk. Her stomach clenched at the thought of the berries hanging from those thin branches. Mother told her to forage whenever they came across nuts and rare plant life. Just because they were hunting, didn’t mean she couldn’t savor a morsel. And there might even be a chance she could snatch enough to save for when they made camp. She glanced up, hopeful Wolfsbane would not notice.

She poked through the fur wrappings keeping her palms and wrists warm, making quick work of the winter berries. Meanwhile, she kept her eye on the glow of torchlight up ahead and slipped the rest into the satchel attached to her belt. The juice stained her fingers a faint purplish hue and she licked them, hoping to hide the evidence. Her eyes shut involuntarily as she drank in the sweet taste. A hand grasped her wrist roughly and pulled so she was forced to face Wolfsbane’s grizzled visage.

“Foolish pup!” he growled. “This land is cursed and you are a fool to touch it! Do you wish to fall asleep forever in these woods?” With every word he squeezed her wrist tighter, drawing tears from her eyes.

“Wolfsbane!” her mother interrupted, gripping his arm tightly with her free hand. “You will not harm our last remaining child. She is hungry and we have not stopped for three days. Leave her be.”

They stood together against the torch, the light illuminating the sickly rage in Father’s eyes and the fear in Mother’s. Resha tried not to give into that same fear. Father would only see it as a weakness. He was too deep into the hunt, and addled by grief to know better.

So she lifted her chin and willed her tears to stop. To say anything would only spark his fury again. Instead she kept her eyes locked with his. Mother’s fingers crept higher, resting over both her wrist and her father’s tense grip. His anger faded, and for a moment, Resha saw the love her father had for her. He opened his mouth to speak and hope bloomed in her chest.

That was the moment a chorus of howls rose together like a nightmare in the woods around them. The cries began ahead of them, further up the valley. Often she had heard them in the distance as a small child within their cottage. Never had she heard them so close and so far away from all she knew.

Her breath came in short, violent gasps as her heart pounded in her ears. These were the beasts who stole everything from them, the ones they had been hunting ever since. For the first time, Resha felt the stirring of the hunt in her blood.

The First Book in the Series

Craving Beauty

(A Wylder Tale, #1)
by Jennifer Silverwood

YA Dark Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 239 pages
October 31st 2015

Vynasha has spent the last four years tending her mother's roses and looking after her nephew. The fire that killed their family has left her scarred and put Wyll on the brink of death. Soon the first frost will come down from the mountains and she knows this winter will be his last.

Until a strange beggar appears on the road, telling her of the majikal Source that can heal her Wyll. With nothing left to lose, Vynasha braves the forbidden Wylder Mountains to seek out a cure and her fate.

A lost kingdom is uncovered by an equally lost girl, but the castle is not abandoned as she believes. Shadows cloaking unseen eyes watch. Tapestries whisper from the hidden corners, wondering if the one to break their curse has come. And a hungry beast waits, ready to devour her soul.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Jennifer Silverwood was raised deep in the heart of Texas and has been spinning yarns a mile high since childhood. In her spare time she reads and writes and tries to sustain her wanderlust, whether it’s the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, the highlands of Ecuador or a road trip to the next town. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, in print or reality, she dreams of one day proving to the masses that everything really is better in Texas. She is the author of the Heaven’s Edge series, Stay and Silver Hollow.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Tumblr

Other Books by the Author

   

Release Celebration Giveaway

$20 Amazon eGift Card (Open Internationally)
Signed copy of Craving Beauty, ebook of Wolfsbane's Daughter, & Swag (US Only)
Ends February 26th

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Caribbean Crossroads by Connie E. Sokol {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Caribbean Crossroads by Connie E. Sokol

Kindle Edition, 270 pages

Published June 8th 2012 by Sokol Publishing



New college grad Megan McCormick just got dumped. Hard. Swearing off men and relationships, Megan is coaxed into performing on a cruise ship where she meets the star performer, Bryant Johnson. Handsome and charismatic, he looks like trouble, but she can't deny the intense attraction between them. Urged to find a wife and run the family lumber business, Bryant is torn between his family's expectations for his life and his own. However, when he meets spunky, but love-skittish Megan McCormick, settling down doesn't look so bad. Just when Megan begins to trust again, and Bryant makes some big decisions regarding his future, her former fiance returns with a malicious surprise, taking Megan and Bryant to their own CARIBBEAN CROSSROADS.

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My Review: 4 Stars

I've never been on a cruise ship (yet), but this has me wanting to go! Megan's heart was shattered and in an effort to help a friend out and to try and move on, she gets a job as an entertainer (singing and dancing) on the ship. As hard as she tries not to fall for Bryant, the star of the show, she just can't quite help herself, but she's got some serious baggage.


I've never been hurt to the extent that Megan was, but I really wanted to her recognize that Jackson the Jerk gave her signs and warnings that he wasn't what he seemed to be and Bryant didn't. If I were Bryant, I would've hit the highway after being shunned several times, yet that man is persistent and patient! It's easy to say, "Just get over it!" but it's another thing to actually move on. I wish that Megan could have had a better relationship with her mother, in a way that she could talk things out. Therapy could have been beneficial too.


I love the characters and the friendships that are formed during this time. The camaraderie is so much fun, especially when they really have to pull together. There are some quirky characters, who really add an added element to the story line. I also enjoy it when characters have big decisions to make, ones that really affect their futures and seeing their actions play out is always enjoyable. I loved the setting, although only about half of the story takes place on the ship. I loved Jamaica and seeing these characters in their true elements back at home. I always enjoy a fun, contemporary romance and this was a great escape.

Content: mild romance (talk of cheating, kissing). Clean!!  

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Buy Link:
Only $1.99 for a limited time!

  

About the Author:

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor "Studio 5 with Brooke Walker" and a national blogger for www.ksl.com. She is one of seven female hosts of The Living Room, an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning (www.fromthelivingroom.com). Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including her fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and her nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the Season, Create a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com.

Giveaway:

  

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Follow the Tour:

Feb. 22 Cathy J., Bookworm Lisa

Feb. 23 Mel's Shelves, Katie's Clean Book Collection

Feb. 24 Rachel D., Rachelle C.

Feb. 25 Sydney A, Sheila S.

Feb. 26 Brooklyn Berry, Peggy Urry