Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt {Review}

Walk of Infamy (Rhea Jensen #6) by Sheralyn Pratt



Rhea Jensen has a date with destiny. A powerful, multi-national group calling itself The Fours considers her a threat. She doesn’t know why The Fours think this, only that they will destroy her life and the lives of everyone she loves if she doesn’t do as she’s asked.

Rhea knows where to be, when to be there, and that the odds are not in her favor for a happy ending. That’s it. What she’s about to learn is that the past seven years of her life were not what they seemed, and there is a 99.9% chance she will not live to see another day. Her date with destiny is rigged to become a date with infamy.

The question Rhea must ask herself is: Is she going to die on her terms, or on The Fours terms?

Her life, and the end thereof, has just become a game for the rich and powerful to watch play out live, and they’ve played this game many time before with other people more skilled than Rhea. The rules are designed so that the House wins every time. Rhea knows she can’t win—not without a miracle. But if she’s not going to get what she wants, well then, neither are The Fours. The clock is running, though, so whatever Rhea’s going to do, she needs to do it quick. 

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My Review: 5 Stars

What. The. Heck?!?! Seriously...what just happened?! Okay...let me back up. I've read all but one book of this series (how did I miss that one?) and I've really enjoy each book, but this one is so full of non-stop action that I was pretty stressed out. Rhea is a pretty normal, very small, intelligent young woman and she's been targeted by The Fours, since they think she's a threat to them. How could this innocent, tiny package be a threat? This elusive group is bent on destroying her and it seems like there's no escape, no way to avoid a certain death. With lightning quick reflexes and instant judgment calls, Rhea tries to control what little she can, but there's not much wiggle room for control...or for beating this group.

Rhea is a brilliant character and I came to admire and like her more and more as the story progressd. The twists and turns literally made me feel like I was on a Tilt-a-Whirl--jerking me from one place to another and spinning faster and faster, but I just couldn't get enough. When the ride came to a screeching halt, I was left stunned--what an amazingly perfect ending! I was blown away by this author's cleverness.

For anyone who loves action, adventure, thriller type stories, this book is for you!

Content: talk of rape; moderate action violence; mild language; some vague innuendo; very brief and mild religious elements. 

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and views are completely my own and I received no compensation for them.*

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Buy Link:

The Official Adventures by Jayne Jones Beehler and Katrina Dohm {Spotlight}

 

“The Official Adventures” is a new children’s chapter book series that teaches the importance of sportsmanship, persistence, discipline, and respect - for referees, each other, and individuals with special needs.

The series tells the tale of two hockey loving brothers, Blaine and Cullen. On and off the ice, they have deep love for the game and also each other! Cullen is the all-star team captain and Blaine, who has Down syndrome, is the team manager and clearly the "unsung hero" of the team. The brothers join Rylee and Rosee, America’s favorite referees, in game day adventures filled with laughter, love and lessons.

“This is a rarity in children’s literature. We’ve seen characters with special needs on stage, film and other artistic expressions. But in books such a character is almost non-existent. It really is ‘ice breaking,’” states Katrina Dohm, Illustrator and Co-Creator, The Official Adventures Series.

The storyline doesn't hide Blaine's challenges; instead the text proudly displays Blaine's heart-warming perseverance, his discipline and love for the game, his family and life. Blaine's leadership and unselfish actions speak louder than any textual words. Through detailed illustration young readers are able to learn respect and a better understanding for the challenges individuals with special needs face on a daily basis.

The first two books in the series “Drop the Puck, It’s Hockey Season” and “Drop the Puck, Shoot for the Cup” are out now, with the third book “Drop the Puck, Let’s Play Hockey” set to be released this Fall 2016.

Praise

  

The book series has received the endorsement and support of NHL greats:

“This is a very worthwhile read that contains life lessons beyond the rink. It’s a great pickup and I especially appreciate that it includes Blaine, a special needs character.” –Mike Hickey, President, American Special Hockey Association.

“Drop the Puck, Shoot for the Cup is a great book with a very important message for kids everywhere – Everyone deserves the chance to play hockey, no matter what their capability.” –Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

“The Official Adventures Series books are terrific heart-warming stories that celebrate hockey, family and children with special needs! Our family loves these hockey tales that teach life lessons and encourages everyone to treat others with respect.” –Bridget and Matt Cullen (Pittsburgh Penguins Center)

“This book teaches real life lessons through sport, through victory and losses, and emphasizes the importance of hard work regardless of the score.” –Jocelyne Lamoureux, Team USA, Silver Olympic Medalist

“Playing hockey is awesome and reading about it can be just as fun. It's important to learn fundamentals on and off the ice!” –Claude Giroux, Captain, Philadelphia Flyers

About the Authors

With a shared love and energy-driven passion for outstanding academics, stellar athletics and innovative arts, Jayne Jones Beehler, a college professor, and Katrina Dohm, a high school educator, have teamed up and joined forces as co-authors and co-creators of “The Official Adventures.” Jones Beehler, a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, is passionate about children, education, foster care and adoption, and child abuse/prevention public policy. Jones Beehler worked for US Senator Norm Coleman from 2002-2006, then headed to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she was the Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the House, Steve Sviggum. Jones Beehler teaches political science classes at Concordia University-St. Paul where her students have gained national attention and praise for their legislative activities and involvement.

Dohm was exposed to hockey growing up in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but her true love of the game began when she went to college in January of 1987 at the University of North Dakota. She arrived just in time to cheer on her future alma mater as they skated their way to an NCAA Championship. Dohm graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Education.  For the past twenty-two years, Dohm has dedicated herself to being an art teacher and all the “extras” that go with it.  Her classroom is filled to the brim with personal touches (especially her favorite color, PURPLE) student projects galore, yearbook publications, shelves filled with art and design books, school spirit signs, and memorabilia.

Jones Beehler and Dohm, have earned “Hall of Fame” status for their real-life story-telling, colorful fresh illustrating and combined natural zest for helping young learners enjoy reading, appreciate the arts, while ensuring their writing and books instill life lessons and reader’s adventures of their own, while inspiring and reaching educational goals.

To learn more, go to http://www.officialadventures.org/

Friday Favorites: An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden {Review}

My Friday Favorite for this week is a great Halloween read! With Halloween right around the corner, I remembered this one and I'm excited to share.

An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden is a ghost story and a Regency romance rolled up into one great book.

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed ... except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?

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My Review: 5 Stars

What a sad story!! Nickolas Pritchard inherits a house from a very distant cousin and decides to move in to try and make his mark in society, since he's really a penniless orphan. He has dreams of wooing a certain lady, but her parents won't even consider him because of his station in life--until he gets this property. He decides to host a house party, against the advice of the help, who don't want to risk offending the resident ghost. Gwen, has been haunting the home for hundreds of years and an unlikely friendship forms and things may not be quite as hopeless as they seem.

I really liked the banter between Gwen and Nickolas, especially how he could make her smile and feel important. The supporting characters were great fun as well. This is a book that I read a few years ago and I'm really wanting to re-read it again, especially during this fun and spooky time of year. I'm not always a big fan of ghost stories, but this one hit the spot and is well done.

Content: some mild violence; otherwise clean.   

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All Hallows' Eve (A Timeless Romance Anthology) Deal Alert!

This is a great read, especially for Halloween!

It's only $0.99 through 10/31/16, 

so grab your copy today.

http://amzn.to/2eS3Loj

Arms of Promise by Crystal Walton {Review}

Arms of Promise by Crystal Walton

Kindle Edition, 314 pages

Published August 24th 2016 by Impact Editions, LLC 

 

 

A dancer who won’t back down. A soldier indebted to a promise. The only thing more dangerous than the threat pitting them together is the secret keeping them apart.

Contemporary dancer Anna Madison is determined to honor her mom’s memory. With the life she’s built in downtown Chicago hinging on an upcoming audition, now’s the worst time for her childhood best friend—and the only man she’s ever loved—to reenter her world. Her dad’s current DA case instigates enough danger without adding on the risk of losing her heart. Again.

Army Ranger Evan O’Riley has always known his place in Anna’s life. Letting his feelings compromise her safety simply isn't an option. Especially when his promise to protect her drives him off the sidelines and into the one place even his special ops training can't save him from. Anna's arms.

Keeping her from uncovering the real reason Evan returns is one thing. Trying to hide the reason he left to begin with could destroy them both. But when the past they’ve both tried to outrun launches them down a heart-pounding road of threats, secrets, and attraction, resisting love may turn into the greatest risk they face.

If you like emotional romances mixed with humor, depth, and characters who come alive on the page, then you'll love Crystal Walton's moving story of love and forgiveness.

Read Arms of Promise today and be swept into a moving tale of romance and suspense that'll have you turning pages until the end.

 

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 My Review: 5 Stars

 

Anna and Evan have a past and when he suddenly comes back to town after years away, she is ecstatic. Each have an experience from their joined past that they have internalized in a different way, which has shaped who they are today. Anna's dream of being independent, along with her desire to dance professionally, overshadow everything else. Evan is now an Army Ranger and tougher than ever, yet she still has a sweet spot for Anna and will protect her at all costs.

 

I found this book to be well-written. The way this author portrays tangible emotions, nail-biting suspense, and wonderfully melt-your-heart romance is spectacular! The characters came alive and their sparky chemistry made me swoon. I believe that timing is key in relationships and love it when a couple gets a second shot at love. Sometimes I got frustrated when they acted a little gun-shy, but I would probably be the exact same way. Their reactions felt real.

 

Anna is a little clueless, but she is determined and selfless, and that combination makes her a daring, putting her into dangerous and scary situations. Evan is a protector, sacrificing many things for the sake of safety. There were times when he sacrificed a little too much, in my opinion. But wowza--that guy is loyal. The peak of the suspense and the resulting conclusion were perfect and satisfying. I think that Crystal Walton's books just keep getting better and better and I'm looking forward to her next release. 

 

Content: mild, swoony romance (clean); mild violence. 

 

*I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own--I received no compensation.*

 

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Buy Link:

 

 

About the Author:

 

Amidst multiple moves up and down the east coast, Crystal received her bachelor of arts from Messiah College in PA, married her exact opposite in upstate NY, and earned her master of arts from Regent University in VA, where she currently resides with her husband. Crystal writes contemporary clean romance fueled by venti green teas from Starbucks.

When not working her accounting day job, she's delving into the wonder of words, supporting her Starbucks habit, or laughing over movie quotes & singing eighties songs with her husband.

She'd love to connect with you at http://crystal-walton.com and http://facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites

For This We Are Soldiers: Tales of the Frontier Army by Carla Kelly {Review}

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For This We Are Soldiers by Carla Kelly

Paperback, 288 pages

Published October 1st 2016 by Sweetwater Books 

 

 

From master storyteller Carla Kelly comes this collection of frontier tales that take you behind typical army lines and into the hearts of ordinary men and women who perform extraordinary acts of bravery. From handsome hospital stewards and dashing soldiers to courageous children and wives who will pull at your heartstrings, there’s something for everyone’s fancy.

 

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My Review: 3.5 Stars

 

My favorite way to learn some new facts about history is to pick up a great historical fiction and Carla Kelly really knows her stuff. This book is a collection of short stories that all revolve around soldiers and life in the army. Although the characters, situations, and details are realistic and sordid, each story is told in a way that is gentle and certainly warms the heart. 

As I previously mentioned, details were brought to my attention through each story that I hadn't thought of before. Specifically, the roles that women played during different wars. Am I ever grateful to live when and where I do! 

Some of the stories were quite short and just ended. I wanted more--more details, more development...just more. Others were a little longer and fulfilled some of that desire for more. While I was left wanting, I still enjoyed each story and loved getting to see a snippet into the lives of these characters during their times in history.

Content: very mild war violence; very mild romance. Clean!

*I received a copy through the publisher, which in no way affected my review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own and I wasn't compensated for them.*

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Buy Links:

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)

Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.

The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)

Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."

Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.

Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.

Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.

Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.

Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.

And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin.

 

  

Cowboys and Calico BOOK BLITZ with Giveaway

Kirsten Osbourne, USA Today bestselling author, knows how to write romance. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love.
Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, she has lived in Texas for over thirty years as a mother, writer, and wife. Married to the love of her life for more than fifteen years, she knows that true love exists and shares that vision with the world. 
She writes contemporary and historical romance as well and also ventures into the realm of paranormal romance. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, no matter the location, where there is always a happily ever after at the end.

 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kirsten-Osbourne/e/B005G995IS/ 

Amelia C. Adams is a wife, a mother, and a novelist. She spends her days dreaming up stories and her nights writing them down. Her biggest hero is her husband, and you might just see bits and pieces of him as you read her novels.

She loves all things historical and enjoys learning about days gone by, but she's glad she was born more recently (she won't say how recently or not recently) because the Internet is awesome, and she's glad she doesn't have to wash her clothes by hand in a galvanized tub. She has hit Amazon bestseller status twice, once for A Clean Slate and once for A Clear Hope.

Author Information:

Website: www.ameliacadams.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amelia-C-Adams-584870491648423

Cassie Hayes, Bestselling author, grew up pretending she was Laura Ingalls (before that pesky Almanzo arrived on the scene) in the middle of Oregon farm country. She writes sweet stories about love and adventure in the Old West and lives with her husband and cat on the Pacific Ocean. 

Connect with her at: 
list.cassiehayes.com
www.CassieHayes.com
fb.me/authorcassiehayes
www.goodreads.com/cassiehayes
www.pinterest.com/TheCassieHayes
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a new release or sale: list.cassiehayes.com

Kristin Holt, USA Today Bestselling Author, writes Sweet Romances (G- and PG-rated) set in the Victorian American West. While secular in nature, her titles are "Appropriate for All Audiences" and appeal to selective readers and fans of Christian historical romance.

Readers are welcome to contact Kristin on her website (www.KristinHolt.com) with questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hello. She enjoys connecting with readers and replies to every (reasonable) email. Her site offers links to social media, previews of upcoming releases, book lists, an ever-growing cache of articles about all things "Old West", and more!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kristin-Holt/e/B00FPXLSLW/

Margery Scott is the author of more than twenty romance novels, novellas and short stories. She lives on a lake in Canada with her husband, and spends as much time as possible travelling in search of the perfect setting for her next book. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her wielding a pair of knitting needles or a pool cue. She loves to hear from readers. 

Newsletter: www.margeryscott.com/newsletter

Website: www.margeryscott.com

Contact: margery@margeryscott.com

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

"Five bestselling Western romance authors come together to bring you one collection of all-new stories that will sweep you off your feet!

MAIL ORDER MIDWIFE by Kirsten Osbourne - Widowed midwife Patsy Lawrence spent too much time working and not enough with her young daughter. She knew Emily's childhood would be over before she realized it, so she responded to an ad for a mail-order bride, hoping for a better future for them both.

Dr. Wesley Hardy needed a wife to complete him, so he sent a letter to a mail-order bride agency back East, hoping to find someone compatible. When he received a letter from a widow with a young daughter, he was thrilled with everything but her profession. Could he live with the fact that his new bride was a midwife? Or would they be destined to live without love for the rest of their days?

A BROKEN WING by Amelia C. Adams - Bored beyond all reason while riding a train from Missouri to Colorado, Trinity Scott amuses herself by imagining things about the passengers around her, including the handsome man sitting across the aisle. With his dark curly hair and warm brown eyes, he’s certainly intriguing, and the fact that his arm is in a sling makes him all the more a curiosity.

But when three dangerous men board the train, her desire for adventure and excitement takes a sinister turn, and she must call on her inner strength to do what’s needed to survive.

THE MARSHAL’S REBELLIOUS BRIDE by Cassie Hayes - U.S. Marshal Curtis ‘Griff’ Griffith is on the trail of a wanted man. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by the newest resident of the Dalton Brothers Ranch. So why does he keep returning? It’s certainly not to see the beautiful-but-bullheaded Catherine James.

Catherine has no interest in men or marriage, but there aren’t many choices for single ladies to earn a living on a remote Texas ranch. When she discovers that she holds the key to capturing the outlaw — and collecting some of the reward — she doesn’t hesitate to force Griff’s hand.

Will they kill each other before they find the murderer, or will they risk their damaged hearts for a shot at a new life?

COURTING MISS CARTWRIGHT by Kristin Holt - Courtship, by the book, is supposed to be easy…

As the daughter of an unwed mother, Felicity Percival is accustomed to rejection. Her mother was her only family ... until she is summoned to the reading of her father's will. To learn he was a married preacher with a second daughter horrifies her. The stipulations attached to her inheritance infuriate her. The last thing she expects is the emergence of truths that destroy her life-long beliefs. The last thing she wants is to feel the blush of first love for a man she can't have.

The road to Happily Ever After should not be rocky, especially for level-headed, rule-following Rocky Gideon. His courtship of the minister’s daughter is successful and on track, surviving everything life throws at them … except the appearance of the preacher’s other daughter. Felicity asks too many questions, forces him to evaluate his carefully constructed plan, and somehow steals his heart.

Rocky desperately needs a solid marriage that will go the distance … so why does he yearn for the wrong sister?

WANTED: THE PERFECT HUSBAND by Margery Scott - Sybil Franklin needs a husband—fast! In order to keep her ranch, she must be married within thirteen days. Devin McGregor meets all her requirements and comes highly recommended, but he has no interest in marriage.

Devin McGregor had a ranch once, a fiancée, a future. He made a mistake, and it cost him everything. Now, even though he’d love to own his own land again, he’s afraid to risk failure.

Sybil decides to post an advertisement for the perfect husband. As Devin tries to protect her from being taken advantage of, his feelings for her grow, but his fear of failing her won’t let him accept her proposal.

~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon UK ~ 

~ Amazon Canada ~ Amazon Australia ~

Interview With Author Amelia C. Adams

&

Snippet from A BROKEN WING

1.     Describe yourself in 50 words or less.

I’m organized and yet messy, eclectic and yet somewhat predictable, very sure of myself in some things and totally doubtful in others, and I love chocolate, movies, and naps. Lots of naps. And lots of chocolate.

2.     What do you love most in the world?

I love my husband and children more than anything else, but that’s probably an expected answer, so I’ll give you a little more for fun. I love the smell of baking bread and also the smell of rain. I love rolling over and going back to sleep. I love laughing until I cry. I also love chocolate and naps. I think I already mentioned those, but they bear repeating.

3.     What do you fear most?

I fear something bad happening to one of my kids. I’m also not crazy about heights and spiders. And if there’s a spider up high, forget it.

4.     What is your largest unfulfilled dream, and what are you doing to reach it?

You know what, I feel so blessed. My dream was always to be a published author, and now I write full time for a living. I’d say that my dreams are being fulfilled every day, and I just need to keep on the path I’m on.

5.     What is the hardest thing you've ever done?

Wow. Um, answering this question is pretty hard. Hardest physically? Giving birth was sort of painful.  J  Hardest emotionally? Facing some demons from my childhood and sitting in the feelings instead of smashing them down.

6. Now that we've gotten to know each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short. From your childhood or last week. Funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it's yours. What's your story?

            Well now, there was the time when I was about five and I swallowed a plum pit. I was absolutely certain that I was going to die. I could picture the pit sprouting in my stomach and branches coming out of my ears. I was terrified. My parents came home soon after and explained that pits need dirt and sunshine to grow, and since neither of those things were in my stomach, I was fine. And you know what, I think they were right.

Snippet from A Broken Wing:

Across the aisle sat a handsome young man with his left arm in a sling. He’d come on board at the last stop, and he was certainly a nice change in the landscape. She’d all but memorized the other passengers’ faces since she began her journey. Only a few of the originals were still on the train—the rest had gotten off to be replaced by equally tired-looking people who slid down in their seats and didn’t seem inclined to be social.

The man’s eyes were fixed steadfastly on the novel he held in his right hand, so she felt comfortable studying him. His hair was dark, and a bit wavy along the neck. She imagined it curled all over when it was freshly washed, then became straighter as it dried. He had a small mustache on his upper lip—not one of those overgrown things that looked like an animal had climbed up on his face to die, but instead, it was tidy, and lent him distinction.

He wore a suit of medium brown, and his hat, which was black, rested on the seat beside him. He didn’t seem to be traveling with anyone, and she wondered what had brought him on this journey. A fiancée awaiting him in Topeka? Perhaps a new job in western Colorado? Or was he going to head south and adventure on in Wichita?

“With the liberties you’re currently taking, madam, I believe it best if we introduce ourselves.”

She jolted at the sound of his voice. He had lowered his novel and now looked at her with curious brown eyes.

“I . . . I beg your pardon? What liberties, sir?”

“You’ve been staring at me for ten minutes at least. At first, I was flattered, but now I’m becoming uncomfortable. Is there a spot on my tie? A wrinkle in my shirt? Tell me, madam, so I can fix whatever it is at once.”

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Jack Templar and the Last Battle (Book 6) by Jeff Gunhus {Book Spotlight and Giveaway}

    

 

 Jack Templar and the Last Battle by Jeff Gunhus 

In the last book of the Jack Templar series, Jack and his friends race to stop Ren Lucre before he launches this Creach army against humankind. But the Lord of the Lesser Creach and the Lord of the Zombies hold the last two Jerusalem Stones Jack needs to have any chance of success. To make matters worse, the Oracle predicts that one of their group will die in the upcoming fight, and Jack discovers betrayal among those he trusts most. Even so, Jack must find the courage to lead his friends into battle. Either they collect the Stones in time to defeat Ren Lucre or die trying. It’s "Do your duty, come what may" no matter the cost. The fate of the world hangs in the balance. 

Excerpt 

Before the witch could move, a shadow crashed through the hole in the collapsed roof, snarling and growling. Simultaneously, the cottage door flew open, nearly ripping from its hinges, and something ran into the room moving faster than I could track it. A second later, a person flew in from a side window, landing on the floor with a grunt, rolling and then popping up into a fighting stance.

This last addition was Will, sword pulled, ready for a fight. The other two took me a second because my mind still wasn’t used to their appearance. Daniel had dropped in from the roof, but he was in his werewolf form. Up on his hind legs, he clawed the air in front of him, lines of saliva dripping from his long snout. The shadow that had rushed in from the door was Eva. She stood near the fire, but even in the glow of the flames, her skin appeared pure white, almost translucent. Her posture was perfect, her back slightly arched. Chin out, she stared down the witch as if challenging her to one-on-one combat.

“What took you guys so long?” I asked.

“Oh, I don’t know. You sneaking out without telling anyone. And then trying to cover your tracks,” Will said. “You’re a real bonehead. You know that, right?”

“He knows,” Eva said. “Everyone knows.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I kind of liked it better when it was just me and Bella.”

“Really, looked to me like she was about to let you have it. If you want, we could just leave and –”

“Enough,” the witch yelled, sending the flames higher in the fireplace. “This changes nothing. You think you are any match for me?”

“I don’t know,” Eva said. “You’re looking pretty beat up to me. I feel like I might be able to get a little payback for last time.”

Daniel snarled, chomping the air with his teeth in agreement. The last time we’d had a run-in with Bella of the Woods, she’d easily mopped the floor with Eva and Daniel. I wondered if her ragged appearance meant she was less powerful now – or just more desperate and dangerous.

“We don’t have to do this,” I said. “We all want the same thing.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Templar,” the witch said. “You want to save your friends. Save your father. Save the world by stopping Ren Lucre’s mad plan to start an open war against humans all over the world. All I want is to have my son back.”

I lowered my sword, hoping to buy more time. “You can’t get him back,” I said softly. “I think you must know that by now, even if you don’t want to admit it. Look at all of your attempts,” I said, pointing to the stack of Talib heads against the wall. They all stared, wide-eyed, their mouths opening and closing like fish out of water gasping for air. “That’s not your son. Not really. And you know it never will be.”

The witch hunched over slowly as if each word I said made her chest ache more. I decided to make my final appeal.

“I said this to you last time I was here. If you can’t bring your son back, at least let me take my best shot at avenging his death. Let me have the Jerusalem Stone back so I can continue my quest to defeat Ren Lucre once and for all.”

The witch’s head twitched to the side as if she heard a new noise. Her lips curled into a cruel grin. “Sorry, Jack. That’s not what I had in mind.”

With a high-pitched scream, she pointed her hands at Eva and Daniel. The two of them blew backward as if a battering ram had run into them. That instant, Will was on the move. He was in the air as the witch turned to him, but he’d been just fast enough. He landed both feet on the witch’s chest, kicking her backward.

The dozens of Talib heads opened their mouths, and their screams joined the witch’s. I lunged forward, ducking as she spun around, the hand with the Jerusalem Stone stretched out toward me. I felt a surge of energy pass over my head like a solid thing. No doubt, if I hadn’t ducked, it would have taken my head clean off my shoulders.

I rolled onto the ground and used my momentum to crash into the witch’s legs. It wasn’t the most graceful move, but it worked. The witch tumbled over, her hand with the Jerusalem Stone smashing into the stone hearth. The Stone rolled out of her hand and into the fireplace.

“Bella, don’t!” I yelled.

Too late.

Author Jeff Gunhus
 
Jeff Gunhus is the USA TODAY bestselling author of thriller and horror novels for adults and the middle grade/YA series, The Templar Chronicles. The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year-old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born. His books for adults have reached the Top 30 on Amazon, have been recognized as Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalists and reached the USA TODAY bestseller list. After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active life in Maryland with his wife Nicole by trying to constantly keep up with their kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel or on JeffGunhus.com.

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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

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Between Hope & the Highway by Charissa Stastny {Book Spotlight}

Between Hope & the Highway by Charissa Stastny

Kindle Edition, 468 pages

Published September 20th 2016 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes things get so messed up you have to pick up and get the heck out of Dodge. That’s what Liz Ruthersford does. Memories can be weapons, and hers have become incoming missiles. Fleeing home and her parents’ pity, she seeks refuge on a remote ranch in Montana where no one knows her tragic past. When she meets Bentley and Rawson Law, brothers with wounds of their own, life veers off course from her plans. Embers of hope and love flicker to life, but will Liz let them burn bright enough to warm her heart? Or will she hit the highway and run once again? A clean, heart-pounding romance and redemption story.

 

 

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About the Author:

 

Charissa Stastny hails from Las Vegas, Nevada, but has never pulled a handle of a slot machine and can't shuffle cards to save her life. Her hobbies include reading, writing, painting, spending time outdoors, and savoring good food (especially sushi and chocolate...but not together). She resides in Utah with her husband and children (where shuffling isn't required. Whew!).  

 

Defenders of the Family by Benjamin Hyrum White {Review}

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Defenders of the Family 
by Benjamin Hyrum White
Illustrated by Jay Fontano



Defenders of the Family, assemble! God’s magnificent plan for us rests upon the strength of the family. In this engaging children’s book, discover the roles and teachings needed to unite your family, from devoted parents to extended members, all centered on the power of the gospel. Help your children see their families as they can be: incredible, empowered, eternal followers of Jesus.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I feel that it's important to defend the traditional family and this is a great book to explain to children what that means and how to do so. The book is set up in a comic book format, which is appealing to kids and adults of all ages. I love how simple the text and explanations are. The words are easy to understand and the pictures are bright and colorful and really bring the thoughts to life.

Each page focuses on a different aspect of what someone might do to bring strength, loyalty, and courage in today's society to defend a long-standing plan. I love how the book relates to superheroes--it's easy to relate to and to show kids, especially, how powerful they can be when they can do good things to uphold the family. This is a perfect book for families, but especially for those younger members.

*I received a copy from Cedar Fort Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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About the Author:

Benjamin Hyrum White was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He labored in the Colorado Denver North Mission and was employed at the MTC during college. Ben met his wife, Keenan, while they both were dancing with the International Folk Dance Ensemble at Brigham Young University. They each graduated from BYU with a degree in Family Science. Brother White is a seminary teacher and recently received his master’s degree in religious education from BYU, where he wrote the history of Preach My Gospel. Ben and Keenan reside in Utah Valley with their five children.