Swoon Worthy Spotlights

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights,

hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! 

Swoon Worthy Spotlights features 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month.

We will share the cover(s), our review(s)

and a link to each other's posts

so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

Swoon Worthy Spotlights!

The books that made me swoon this month are:

 

Sweet Dreams by Stacy Claflin

 

 

Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor

 

Once Upon a Wish by Danyelle Ferguson

 

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Be sure to stop by 

KJ's Book Nook

and

Bookworm Nation!

Grab the graphic and join in the fun!

Don't have a blog? Post in the comments

which books made you swoon.

Can't Wait Wednesday

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishing Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. 

My choice this week is:

Sweet Regrets by Jennifer Peel
Coming June 13, 2017

Melanie Dixon never thought she would find herself divorced, pregnant, and living back with her parents in Indigo Bay. Not one to let misfortune get the best of her, she picks up the broken pieces of her life and bit by bit puts them back together. She’s determined to go it alone, but her loving and equally determined family and friends have another idea.

Enter Declan Shaw, the boy next door from long ago. The boy she wasn’t quite ready to commit forever to at eighteen. Back in Indigo Bay due to a recent job promotion, Declan sees this as a second chance to reunite with the girl who has owned his heart since the day they met in their junior year of high school. But Melanie is a tougher sell on the idea than he thought she would be. Now it’s up to him to prove to Melanie that she can trust him with her heart and that he’s the man she and her baby deserve.

Will the regret and hurt of the past win out? Or will love prevail? 

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Join in the fun! Grab the graphic and post on your blog.

Don't have a blog? Comment below and tell me what you're waiting on!

Once Upon a Wish by Danyelle Ferguson {Review}

Once Upon a Wish (A Destines for Love Romance) 
by Danyelle Ferguson

Paperback, 174 pages

Publication: May 30th 2017 by Wonderstruck Books 

Be careful what you wish for . . .

Delphine Baudry wished to be a best-selling author, and now instead of celebrating and jumping into her next novel, she's frozen with fear. What if she turns out to be a one-hit-wonder? What if all her new fans hate the next book? To top it all off, she can't even discuss the situation with her favorite brainstorming partner, her mother, who is losing her memory to Alzheimer's. Taking a cue from some teens tossing Euros into a fountain, Delphine gives into some whimsy and wishes for her next book plot.

Jean-Paul Chassériau wished to start an online marketing company in La Rochelle. Now the real work begins. Feeling pressure to live up to his father's name in traditional marketing and far enough away to be out of his shadow, he has a million ideas but no clients. When he finds a funky old Franc lodged between cobblestones near a fountain, there was only one thing to do. Make a wish.

When their coins collide, Delphine and Jean-Paul's wishes become intertwined, changing the course of their futures and teaching them that wishes are sometimes fulfilled in unexpected ways.

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My Review: 5 Stars

If I had to sum this one up in one word, it would be...adorable! Delphine is a romance novelist and a very lucky chance meeting with Jean-Paul sets an adorable romance into motion. How many chance encounters in life alter our course? That was a prevalent thought that ran through my mind as I read this. Fate definitely has a hand in life, especially when needed.

The reader is treated to a charming setting, La Rochelle, France, through the eyes of these characters and I'm dying to visit now! Delphine and Jean-Paul each have some challenges in their lives, but through a very open, communicative relationship, their status naturally progresses from strangers to more in a believable span of time and they are able to help one another in ways they never imagined. This is very refreshing and I felt like a fly on the wall, watching it all unfold with an almost giddy excitement. My attention was captured right from the start and I completely enjoyed every single page--with a smile on my face. 

One side note...I don't speak French and especially appreciated that the French words are made obvious and it was easy to determine what the author was trying to say. This is sure to be a fun escape series and my time was well spent, as I could vividly picture it all. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the set. 

Content: mild romance

*I received a copy from the author, which didn't influence my thoughts or opinions in any way.*

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Buy Link:

 About the Author:


I'm a stay-at-home mom to four boisterous kids, trying to cram in my writing & review deadlines between the never-ending laundry pile and constant calls for mom.

 

First Line Friday

Welcome to First Line Friday hosted by Bookworm Nation!

This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story--
make you want to keep reading. My selection for this week is:

Planet of the Red Dust
by N. Tolman Rudolph

 

"Every shovelful of red-gold sand he threw from the hole whispered, who will dig a grave for you, Jared Adams?"

Jared Adams is the sole survivor of the space ship Wayfarer, wrecked on a dead planet, alone in this barren world. Until he sees two humans arrive at the crash site.

Aaronia, daughter of the king, and her uncle Porto are in awe of this strange man who speaks babble and yet appears God-like. He rescues her uncle from a deadly beast by throwing lightning from his hand, then takes them back to their camp in a miraculous cart that runs on its own power.

Though their languages are different, Aaronia and Jared are drawn to each other. Still, her father the king, in fear of Jared’s technology, imprisons him and sentences him to death.

Aaronia must not only prevent Jared’s execution, she and Jared must find a way to save the people of Sionon from their forced execution by a dying planet.

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If you want to participate, use the graphic and link up with

Bookworm Nation. Don't have a blog? Leave a comment.

***

What are you reading?

Beauty and the Billionaire Beast by Maria Hoagland {Review}

Beauty and the Billionaire Beast by Maria Hoagland

Kindle Edition, 180 pages

Published April 28th 2017 by Gelato Publishing LLC 

 

 

Landscape architect Emma Treager is searching for answers to a family mystery. She stumbles across an important clue at the run-down Indio Pointe Plantation where mystery floats through the air like the ghosts of the former owners. She can’t pass up the job that property owner Theo Lambert offers like an enchanted rose, despite his reputation of being a beast of a boss. As the two of them delve into the secrets of the past, Theo and Emma discover that finding clues is almost as much fun as finding each other.

This contemporary retelling of Beauty & the Beast with a touch of Romeo & Juliet is the next sweet romance in the Destination Billionaire series.  

 

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My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love a good fairy tale retelling, especially when it's a sweet contemporary romance. This version takes the reader on an adventure to an interesting setting--Louisiana. There's a mystery waiting to be discovered, with secrets that bring Emma and Theo together. 

 

I really liked the subtle ways that aligned this book with the original story. The rose seems to be at the heart of things and Emma is a landscape architect who really knows her stuff. Theo is a normal man--not some paranormal creature, but the important parallels are still present. This location always seems to be secretive and magical, which is a perfect setting for this story.

 

I love a sweet romance, the solid characters, and the mystery element, which is a lot of fun, making this a very enjoyable take on a favorite classic.

  

Content: mild romance

 

*I received a complimentary copy, which did not influence my opinions in any way.*

 

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Buy Link:

 

About the Author:

 

  

When Maria Hoagland is not working at her computer, she can be found walking barefoot in soft grass, remodeling houses with her husband, or enjoying campfires with their three children. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals on her iPod. Maria earned her degree at Brigham Young University.

See You Later Broadway by Melissa Baldwin {Book Blast + Giveaway}

See You Later Broadway by Melissa Baldwin

It’s finally here . . . the much-anticipated sequel to See You Soon Broadway! Maris is back! Decisions, decisions, decisions . . . Maris Forrester’s exciting new life is not everything she was hoping it would be. Although she’s happy in her new career, she’s plagued with the feeling that something is still missing. Imagine her surprise when an old friend presents her with an unbelievable opportunity that could change everything. This new career sounds almost too good to be true, including the upcoming trip to London. She quickly learns that even the most perfect scenarios have their drawbacks, and when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is . . . In addition to making a life-changing career choice, Maris realizes she has other decisions to make—whom to love and where to find happiness. What if neither is what she thought they should be?

Excerpt #2

“Exactly, that’s why I don’t want to go through that again with Selena. I need to be one hundred percent sure this is the right decision. And not only that, I finally got up the courage to come here and I haven’t even done anything I set out to do yet.”

Poor Georgie. She’s such a good sport when it come to my complaining.

“Stop that,” she demands. “So, you haven’t made it on Broadway yet. How do you know this isn’t the opportunity you’ve been working toward? This could open so many doors for you, more than you ever thought about.”

She makes an excellent point. What if she’s right? This could be exactly what I’ve been waiting for all along.

Author Melissa Baldwin

Melissa Baldwin is an avid runner, planner obsessed, and has always had a love for writing. She is a wife, mother, and avid journal keeper who took her creativity to the next level by fulfilling her dream with her debut novel, An Event to Remember...or Forget. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women and is now a published author of seven Romantic Comedy novels and novellas. When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multi-tasking master organizer is busy spending time with her family, chauffeuring her daughter, traveling, running, indulging in fitness, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then.  

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram * Pinterest

 
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 6/14/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can't Wait Wednesday

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishing Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well.

My choice for this week is the last book in the

Destined for Love: Europe series

Never Trust the Rain by Laura D. Bastian

June 20, 2017

When Ami goes to help her sister with a new baby in Scotland, she never imagined she’d fall for the hot Scot that came to rescue her from the airport when the baby comes a few weeks early.

Duncan’s always been willing to help his American co-worker adjust to life in Edinburgh, but when he’s sent to retrieve the guy’s sister-in-law from the airport, he didn’t expect to want to spend more time with her than just the short drive.

As they spend time together, their feelings grow, but can either of them agree to give up the life they know for the chance of a life together?

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What are you waiting to read?

Waves of Murder (A Fiona Quinn Mystery) by C.S. McDonald {Spotlight and Giveaway}

Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Waves of Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery
Author:  C.S. McDonald
Category:  YA Fiction, 190 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  April 11, 2017
Tour dates:  May 15 to 26, 2017
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

Book Description:

School’s out for the summer!

Kindergarten teacher, Fiona Quinn is looking forward to spending some quality time in her yard and with her boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry. However, Fiona’s plans get squelched when her mother volunteers her to edit a manuscript for famous romance author, Wyla Parkes.

What’s so bad about that? The author insists Fiona must work on the manuscript at her beach cottage on Presque Isle--three hours away from her yard and Nathan. Spending six weeks in an adorable cottage on a private beach doesn’t really seem all that bad until people start turning up dead—beginning with the author! Fiona’s summer of sun and sand is instantly transformed into a murder investigation. Can Fiona and Nathan crack the case or will the murderer get away on a wave of deceit?

Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!

Buy the Book: 

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author: 

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. She was a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. Now she adds the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series for her young granddaughters, and has found that so many adults love them too.

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook


BOOK SPOTLIGHT TOUR:

May 15 - Library of Clean Reads - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 15 - Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama - book spotlight / giveaway
May 15 - Working Mommy Journal - book spotlight / giveaway
May 15 - Corinne Rodrigues - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 16 - Reviews in the City - book spotlight / giveaway
May 16 - Celticlady's Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 16 - Books, Dreams, Life - book spotlight / giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight / giveaway
May 17 - Rainy Day Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
May 17 - Sleuth Cafe - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 17 - Zerina Blossom's Books - book spotlight / giveaway
May 17 - Mystery Suspense Reviews - book spotlight / guest post
May 18 - FUONLYKNEW - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 18 - The Book Drealms - book spotlight / giveaway
May 18 - Laura's Interests - book spotlight / giveaway
May 18 - #redhead.with.book - book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 - Babs Book Bistro - book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 - Brooke Blogs - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 19 -100 Pages a day - book spotlight / giveaway
May 19 - Puddletown Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
May 22 - Hall Ways Blog - book spotlight / giveaway
May 22 - Literary Flits - book spotlight / giveaway
May 22 - Books for Books - book spotlight
May 22 - Bound 2 Escape - book spotlight / giveaway
May 23 - Kristin's Novel Cafe - book spotlight / giveaway
May 23 - Katie's Clean Book Collection - book spotlight / giveaway
May 23 - Cassidy's Bookshelves - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 23 - Travelling Through Words - book spotlight / giveaway
May 24 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 24 - Seasons of Opportunities - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 24 - Bookworm Cafe - book spotlight / giveaway
May 25 - JBronder Book Reviews - book spotlight
May 25 - Carole's Book Corner - book spotlight /
May 25 - Deal Sharing Aunt - book spotlight / giveaway
May 26 - 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy + Sissy, Too! - spotlight / giveaway
May 26 - StoreyBook Reviews - book spotlight / giveaway
May 26 - Jessica Cassidy - book spotlight

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends June 3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

True to You by Becky Wade {Blog Tour Review}

True to You by Becky Wade

Book info

About the book: It's the exciting start of a brand-new series by a contemporary romance fan favorite! After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now. Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another. Learn more and purchase a copy.  *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* My Review: 5 Stars There's something so deliciously perfect about an opposites attracting story. John is a slightly tortured Navy SEAL, who is set on discovering secrets of his past. Nora is a very old-fashioned, vintage librarian who thrives on genealogy. This story completely captured my heart, hard subject matters and all. I absolutely adored Nora and her sisters. I have two sisters and there's such a special bond and relationship they all share and it makes me miss my sisters. I can't wait to read their stories and dig into more of this family's lives. The importance of family is prevalent in these pages. John's quest is a tug on the heart, but I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story came together, especially the gradual way the friendship and romance develops. I love the way John and Nora incorporate their strengths and faith into the story and come to fully rely on God to do so. As I mentioned before, I can't wait for more in this series! Content: moderate+ religious elements; mild romance; talk of abuse/rape, nothing to graphic.  *I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not required.* *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Buy Links:    About the author: Becky Wade is a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She's the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

The One Who Sees Me by Kandi J. Wyatt {Book Spotlight}

The One Who Sees Me by Kandi J. Wyatt

Paperback, 172 pages

Published September 16th 2015 by Vox Dei

Teenage slave girl Faru’s life has been turned upside down when she discovers she’s been traded to a new master, forcing her to leave all she‘s ever known. Upon her arrival, Faru meets a friend, Cailean, who helps her adjust to life in the strange location. Life settles into a new pattern, and romance blossoms between the young friends. But as soon as they plan to get married, another proposal comes about – one that cannot be ignored. Being a slave means not always marrying who you love.

On a daring journey to heal her heart, Faru encounters the Existing One. Will she trust Him and do His bidding even if what He requests is so hard?

Follow Faru’s tale in author Kandi J Wyatt’s retelling of a Biblical story found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, showing that when things don’t make sense, God will guide the way.

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*About Kandi J Wyatt*
Kandi J Wyatt is a wife, mother of five, teacher, artist, and author. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy stories and Christmas programs, and drawing with graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. Kandi also enjoys photography, thanks to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey as both his model and apprentice, and she occasionally serves as his assistant when he needs a “light stand with feet.” To learn more, visit:

Blog:  https://kandijwyatt.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kandi-Wyatt-author/647179792053374
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kandijwyatt
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/kandiwyatt3/
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/kandijwyatt/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KandiWyatt
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kandi-J.-Wyatt/e/B00ZTC4T10/
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13817774.Kandi_J_Wyatt

*Find the Book*

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26811451-the-one-who-sees-me?from_search=true&search_version=service
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/One-Who-Sees-Me-ebook/dp/B01GLYCTG6
Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-who-sees-me-kandi-j-wyatt/1123919939
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-one-who-sees-me
Scribd:  https://www.scribd.com/book/315731225/The-One-Who-Sees-Me

Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor

ebook, 256 pages

Published May 1, 2017 by Covenant Communications

Lane Bishop is a hardworking, intelligent, young woman. With her recent move to Chapel Hill, she is determined to leave behind the drama and effort of keeping up with the dating scene. Even so, Lane somehow manages to get dragged out by a gaggle of girls to go watch boys play soccer. Just watching is not Lane’s forte, so she joins in the fun and leads her team to victory.

Rather than feeling intimidated by the vivacious beauty on the opposing team, Jamie Hamilton is intrigued. Risking his “untouchable” dating status, he decides to pursue Lane—with a little help from his older brother Simon. With Simon’s behind-the- scenes assistance, Jamie proves irresistible, even to a disillusioned dater like Lane. But as she gets to know both brothers, Lane can’t help but wonder—beneath the grand gestures and romantic words, is she falling for the wrong guy?

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My Review: 5 Stars

Sometimes a book just squishes my heart and resonates with my soul and that's exactly how this one is. I spent a fair amount of time in a YSA ward (LDS) and this really brought back some long forgotten feelings.

Lane is starting a new job and is back in North Carolina. She's bi-racial and I love how that aspect is touched on, because although we live in a more progressive society, there are still some prejudices floating around and it's vaguely apparent in this book. Lane isn't afraid of competition, and in fact, thrives on it. That first meeting with the Unobtainable Foursome (brothers) is classic and they all immediately captured my interest. I love how little pieces of Lane are attracted to different parts of Simon and Jamie, two of the brothers.

Through a series of texts between the brothers, as well as some dire moments for Lane, where she desperately needs help, the reader comes to know these characters and their diverse personalities. I found myself smiling, swooning, and hoping for a happy ending as I turned these pages and I enjoyed every minute of it. This is a great read for those who enjoy clean, new adult, contemporary romance with some religious undertones.

Content: clean romance; mild religious elements.

*I received a complimentary copy. All thought expressed are my own opinions.*

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Buy Links:

    

About the Author:

 

Jenny Proctor was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she still resides and considers the loveliest on earth. She hikes to spend time with her family, runs because her love for food requires it, and writes because it keeps her calm in an otherwise crazy world. She believes that life in the south has a certain flair to it--and works to capture that flair in her novels.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

May15th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

May 16th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

May 17th: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

May 18th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

May 19th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/