The Windfall App by Teresa Richards {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Tour Schedule

The Windfall App by Teresa Richards
Published July 27th 2018 by Evernight Teen
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

  

Marina Berghman is a classical piano prodigy with parents who’ve had her life mapped out since she was in diapers. But their plan leaves no room for her secret love of alternative rock, or Sean, the edgy guitarist who recently moved to town.

When Marina buys a lottery ticket on her eighteenth birthday via the new Windfall app, she expects it to be nothing more than a rite of passage. But she wins—the grand prize of five thousand dollars a day, for life. Suddenly given the means to break free from a life she never felt in control of, she’s quick to cut her family ties and turn her back on everything she knows.

But her lottery win was no lucky break. Her prize comes with strings attached, and Marina soon finds herself at the center of someone else’s life or death game. When she discovers evidence linking her dad to the intrigue, she turns to Sean for help. But he’s harboring secrets of his own.

Now Marina must sort out who to trust and who’s pulling the strings, before her prize turns into a noose.

My Review: 5 Stars

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to win the lottery? Marina buys a ticket to celebrate her 18th birthday and ends up winning a lot of money and I enjoyed the way that Richards develops a cast of charming characters, an entertaining mystery, and a plot full of decisions, fun, greed, and love (not necessarily in that order). 

Marina is quirky and has her own style, but she's never felt truly free to fly her own course. Not until she has the money to do so and goes against her father's wishes of keeping it. I love her savvy, yet somewhat naive, character and I especially enjoyed her budding romance with the slightly mysterious guitarist from LA, Sean. He's full of adventure and fun, and really helps Marina find her true potential.

I loved the setting of San Francisco and seeing it through the eyes of this bold young adult. I wish I really could have heard the impromptu jam session. The mystery really wrapped the whole story up in a satisfying package. I hope that Teresa Richards continues to venture in this genre.

Content: mild language; mild violence; mild romance 

Giveaway:

Teresa Richards will announce the winner of the YA book bundle on her social media accounts (IG, FB, and twitter) within a week after the drawing closes. The giveaway for the books pictured (Lois Lane--Fallout by Gwenda Bond, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, and The Windfall App by Teresa Richards) is open to US addresses only. Internationally, ebooks will be sent instead. You can click on the "Tour Schedule" at the top of the post and enter at each stop.

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Swoon Worthy Spotlights #19

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Katie's Clean Book Collection and Bookworm Nation! Once a month we will feature 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 post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

For this month's Swoon Worthy Spotlights I am going to choose...

 #Moonstruck by Sariah Wilson

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Be sure to stop by and see the choices of:

KJ's Book Nook

and

Bookworm Nation

As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack {Review}

As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: July 31st 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

  

Five a.m.: Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone. And a new chapter of her own life must begin. She has spent four years as her son's only support, desperately trying to understand the actions that landed him on death row and to change his fate. Now Amanda faces an even more difficult task--finding a way, and a reason, to move forward with her own life.

Before the tragedy that unfolded in a South Dakota mall, Robbie was just like other people's sons or daughters. Sometimes troubled, but sweet and full of goodness too. That's the little boy Amanda remembers as she packs up his childhood treasures and progress reports, and discovers a class ring she's never seen before. Who does it belong to and why did Robbie have it in his possession? So begins a journey that will remind her not only of who Robbie used to be, but of a time when she wasn't afraid--to talk to strangers, to help those in need, to reach out. Robbie's choices can never be unmade, but there may still be time for forgiveness and trust to grow again. For a future as wide as the sky.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Amanda's son is dead because of his choices and now she must move on. There are many pivotal moments in life that affect us.  Life is full of resets and I love the way this mother's story unfolded with resets playing such a key part. 

 

Every other chapter is from Amanda's point of view and the chapters between are characters who had something to do with Amanda or Robbie, her son. Realistic development occurs because the reader is treated to tiny memories and vivid moments, touching emotion and gripping thoughts, and many miraculous coincidences. This author does a fantastic job of transporting the reader into the head of Amanda and I developed a lot of empathy and understanding. 

 

I felt like Amanda was like many moms--wondering where she went wrong, waffling between love and horror, and feeling alone in her position in life, that she came to be in through no fault of her own. Not every mom deals with what she did, but a lot do on a much smaller scale, with disappointment of failed expectations. The nuggets of wisdom that she comes upon along her journey to move forward are so tender.

 

The writing style is very expressive and the whole story comes together in a way that is deeply moving--this is a story that stayed with me for many days and I'm excited to see what Jessica Pack will come up with next.

 

Content: mild+ violence (nothing too graphic); mild language 

Cover Reveal: My Brother's Bride by Rachael Anderson {with Giveaway}

Coming in November!

A New Book by A Favorite Author!!

My Brother's Bride by Rachael Anderson

Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father's business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby's life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams.

But appearances aren't always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments.

Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband's brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.

 
Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

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$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash

Ends 8/31/18

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.

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Great Summer Reads: The Dragons of Alsace Farm by Laurie Lewis

Laurie (L.C.) Lewis will always be a Marylander at heart—a weather-whining lover of crabs, American history, and the sea. She admits to being craft-challenged, particularly lethal with a glue gun, and a devotee of sappy movies. Her ninth published novel, her first romance novella, Sweet Water, was inspired by a visit to Oregon’s magnificent coastline, and time spent with Mother Eugenie, upon whom the character Mother Thomasine is based. 

Laurie’s women’s fiction novels include The Dragons of Alsace Farm (2016), Awakening Avery (2010), and Unspoken (2004), written as Laurie Lewis. 

Using the pen name L.C. Lewis, she wrote the five volumes of her award-winning FREE MEN and DREAMERS historical fiction series, set against the backdrop of the War of 1812: Dark Sky at Dawn (2007), Twilight’s Last Gleaming (2008), Dawn’s Early Light (2009), Oh, Say Can You See? (2010), and In God is Our Trust, (2011).

She is currently completing a political suspense novel planned for a summer 2017 release, a re -release of a romantic comedy, and she’s working on another historical fiction novel for a 2018 release. She loves to hear from readers.

~ Facebook ~ Website ~

~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~

~ Goodreads ~

Fears and secrets are the dragons we each must face. . . 

In need of his own redemption, Noah Carter finally confronts his childhood hero, the once-beloved uncle who betrayed him. Instead of vengeance, he offers forgiveness, also granting Uncle John a most curious request—for Noah to work on the ramshackle farm of Agnes Deveraux Keller, a French WWII survivor with dementia.

Despite all Agnes has lost, she still has much to teach Noah. But the pair’s unique friendship is threatened when Tayte, Agnes’s estranged granddaughter, arrives to claim a woman whose circumstances and abilities are far different from those of the grandmother she once knew.

Items hidden in Agnes’s attic raise painful questions about Tayte’s dead parents, steeling Tayte’s determination to save Agnes, even if it requires her to betray the very woman she came to save, and the secret her proud grandmother has guarded for seventy years.

The issue strains the fragile trust between Tayte and Noah, who now realizes Tayte is fighting her own secrets, her own dragons. Weighed down by past guilt and failures, he feels ill-equipped to help either woman, until he remembers Agnes’s lessons about courage and love. In order to save Agnes, the student must now become the teacher, helping Tayte heal—for Agnes’s sake, and for his. 

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
~ Goodreads ~ 

Author Interview:

1.     What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it?

a.     Self-doubt is my biggest nemesis. The little voices tell me there are more critical things to do than write. And there clearly are, but then I  tell myself that the books authors write help others to push their own hard things back for a while, and then I feel good about hitting the keyboard again.

2.     What kind of music do you listen to while you write?

a.     I’m inclined to listen to soft music—Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Alex and Sierra, and David Archuletta.

3.     What is your favorite part of writing? O

a.     h wow, there are so many delightful things. Creating interesting characters is fun. Sometimes I just laugh my head off at their idiosyncrasies, and sometimes they become part of you. I love seeing complex threads come together seamlessly. That’s when you know your story is tight and comes full circle. Typing THE END feels great because you met your goal. And the best part is hearing back from readers when they tell you your book touched them in some way. That’s immeasurably wonderful!

4.     Which of your personality traits did you write into you characters? (Deliberately or accidentally)

a.     All my characters have some part of me in them. It’s how I can relate to them and help them grow. Tayte from “The Dragons of Alsace Farm,” is very much me. She wants to do what’s right, but she has a tendency to be a steamroller. I think I do a pretty good job of reigning that trait in, but it’s there.

5.     Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

a.     There are a few. First and foremost, I hope “Dragons” inspires readers to have the hard conversations with their aging loved ones early. There is so much guilt in managing an aging loved one’s life, and it triples when that loved one has dementia. Knowing their wishes and working out a plan before it hits, relieves so much of that guilt. Secondly, I hope readers feel the power of redemption in the book, that we all need to  be, and can be redeemed from even our biggest mistakes.

6.     Do you have any advice for other writers?

a.     Get started. Get a notebook to jot down things that inspire you—character treats of people you meet, places that wow you, fun words and names, story ideas, etc. Make a character bible for each of your characters. Know them and what they like look so well that you can see and hear them as you write. Outline your story. It’s awful, and the creative part of our brain hates doing it, but it will make your story stronger, and you’ll write more quickly with better continuity.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event Page 

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Great Summer Reads: The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ 

~ Amazon ~

~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~

The widowed Elise is a perfect English lady living within the confines of society for the sake of her impressionable young son. Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for adventure. But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret.

A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared must complete one last assignment from the Secret Service before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging. His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not survive the revelation of Jared's past...or still love him when the truth is revealed.

The Guise of a Gentleman is a clean and wholesome Regency Romance, a.k.a. "clean" that explores finding one's true self, loyalty, honor, and trusting loved ones. With plenty of swashbuckling action, it provides a several good twists that play off of familiar situations and proudly proclaims the redemptive power of love.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
~ Goodreads ~ 

Author Interview:

1.      What is your favorite book that is not yours?

That’s almost like asking me which of my children is my favorite. I love so many! It might be a shorter list of favorite authors. One of my favorites as a child, that I read over and over was A Little Princess by Frances Hodgsen Burnett. I also ate up the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

2.      Do you write in multiple genres? Which genre is your favorite to write?

I’m pretty stuck on historical—specifically Regency, but I’m also published in fantasy (with strong romantic elements) and plan to write more fantasies, too.

3.      How young were you when you started writing?

I dabbled with in when I was in second grade and go serious in junior high.

4.      If you could meet any author, past or present, who would it be and why?

Probably Jane Austen, partly to ask her questions about the era in which she lived to fill in research holes, but also because she was both snarky and romantic that I think we are kindred spirits.

5.      How long does it take you to write a book, and what was your fastest book to write?

Each book is different. I can write a novella in a few weeks if I really put my mind to it. Once, I wrote one over a weekend. A full-length novel usually takes several months. The fastest I ever wrote a full-length novel was probably somewhere in the area of three months.

6.      What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime?

Hands down, my favorite summer activity is go to the beach. In fact, I’ll do that in the winter, too—I just dress differently. I also love to swim if the water’s warm, and to go hiking if it’s not too hot.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event Page 

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Amish Acres: The Celery Patch by Samantha Bayarr {Book Blast and Giveaway}

Amish Acres: The Celery Patch by Samantha Bayarr

When a celery patch mysteriously crops up overnight in the Yoder's field, it attracts some unwanted suitors competing for Naomi's hand.

Someone has grown an oversized patch of celery in Naomi's family field and now she's being accused of trying to "catch" a husband.

Will rumors spread by a jealous friend damage her reputation and threaten her chances of marrying the man she loves?

Amazon

5 Star Praise for Amish Acres: The Celery Patch

This book keeps you guessing. I loved it. If you love to try and guess what's going to happen, and you find yourself talking to the characters in your book, then you'll love this story. I can't wait to read the next book. Samantha Bayarr is a gifted author. I would recommend all of her books. ~ Fred Coenen, Amazon Customer

This book was such a wonderful read! The characters were interesting and the storyline was fun. This read was one I could not put down from start to finish. The interaction between the characters kept me guessing who planted the celery and who would wind up together and getting married. I highly recommend reading this book for a relaxing and enjoyable evening! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!! ~ Hope W, Amazon Customer

Great book. Very good storyline. Loved the characters, even the not so nice one! The ending holds a nice surprise, not the one I expected! ~ Beba Wildes, Amazon Customer

Naomi and Jeremiah’s story was an enjoyable read. It was well written with a well developed plot and characters. It contained jealousy, mystery, suspense, romance and enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages. I highly recommend this book! ~ Judith Tulloch, Amazon Customer


Excerpt

“I’m getting married this wedding season, too!” Naomi Yoder blurted out before she could stop the words from pouring from her lips.
Her sister, Ruthie, sucked in her breath and covered her mouth, then quickly recovered from the shock.
Her best friend, Katie Troyer, squealed and pulled Naomi into a hug. “So he asked you, then?” Katie gushed, a giggle exploding from deep within her.
Not exactly!
Ruthie sat across from them. “Who asked you? Jeremiah?”
Naomi nodded, enjoying the attention she was getting over her fake announcement.
Annie Lapp, who’d walked over to their house to discuss a community quilt project, sank into the wicker chair nearest the swing where Naomi and Katie sat. “I don’t believe you, Naomi; you’re a liar!”
Naomi felt her blood run cold despite the heat of the morning sun beaming across the covered porch; her heart drummed against her ribs like a team of horses galloping at full speed. Of course, it was a lie, but she didn’t have much experience with lying the way Annie did; was it possible the girl’s bad habits were rubbing off on her? She hadn’t meant to say it, especially in front of Annie, who was the biggest gossip in the community. If only Katie hadn’t made her jealous with her own wedding news to Benjamin Mast. Not only had it made her worry that she was the last to make such an announcement from her age group, but Naomi just couldn’t take another minute of Annie’s or her sister’s teasing.
Hearing the word spinster coming from her own sister’s mouth had caused her to overreact, and now it was too late to take it back. Not only would Annie tell the entire community about her lie, but she would also add her own lies to make the situation worse. Annie annoyed her with her constant invasive prying, just so she’d have something to gossip about. Well, this time, Naomi had gone and given her plenty to wag her tongue about.

 

Author Samantha Bayarr

Samantha Bayarr, a former Paralegal, became the first Independent Author of Amish Fiction when she published Little Wild Flower on paperback in 2005. Since then, she has written over 130 Christian Fiction Books in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Western & Cowboy Romance, Amish Romance, and Amish Suspense.

She lives in an historic home in a small town in Florida with her husband, John Foster, who writes children's books. Samantha illustrates her husband's books, the first in the series entitled: Walla Walla and the Great Pirate Adventure.

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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 8/12/18

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.


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The Affair at Wildemoore by Annette Lyon {Review}

The Affair at Wildemoore by Annette Lyon

Kindle Edition, 53 pages

Published July 8th 2018 by Blue Ginger Books 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

  

 

Ellen Stanhope escorts her three daughters to a ball. As her oldest flirts with a beau, Ellen is reminded of her courtship and early years of marriage with Anthony, before tragedy struck, which made their marriage fade and dull. Not until Ellen sees Anthony dancing with a woman he courted years before does she realize how much she misses him, still loves him, and wish he still loved her.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

This tender story is a little bittersweet. Ellen and her husband, Anthony, have been married for a long time, but have grown apart. I love how they each come to realize their true feelings and the action they take to renew their devotion.

 

I used to think marriage was like a fairy tale--once you say, "I do," all is right in the world, but marriage takes a lot of work and time to get to that point and it was refreshing to see that in this book. The emotions are real.

 

Content: mild romance

#Moonstruck (#Lovestruck #2) by Sariah Wilson {Review}

#Moonstruck (#Lovestruck #2) by Sariah Wilson

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Published July 17th 2018 by Montlake Romance 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Over one million “likes”—but only one of them matters.
After pop star Ryan De Luna praises Maisy Harrison’s YouTube cover of his classic hit, he offers Maisy and her fledgling band the opportunity of a lifetime: to be his opening act.

Music may be Maisy’s life, but she has one ground rule: never date a musician. That goes double for a heartbreaker like Ryan. If only she didn’t feel so vulnerable to his larger-than-life charm. And maybe now more than ever, when he asks for her help to shake off his playboy image. How can she resist playing the part of his fake girlfriend for the duration of the tour?

Ryan’s never met anyone like Maisy. She sees past all the star-studded fame and treats him like any other guy. And the more time they spend together, the more he finds himself falling for her. Now he’d like to make their imaginary fling an IRL thing. But can he convince her to take a chance and trust him with her heart?

My Review: 5 Stars

Maisy has had a hard, but good, life and I love how real she is. Because of her past, she has one rule and it just may become a broken when Ryan the charmer enters her life. I love how they meet and how they get to know each other at first and wow, do the sparks fly throughout this one! I almost melted into a puddle of goo on a few occasions. My favorite books involve sizzling hot fake romances, a whole cast of fantastic characters, and witty, hilarious banter, so let's just say I was in heaven with this one.

Maisy is tough and has to be with three overprotective older brothers, but she's also sweet, sensitive, insecure, and a bit snarky on the inside. The changes she goes through as she grows up and accepts more responsibility are tender and heartwarming. As for Ryan, that man could charm the horns off of a raging bull. I don't know how Maisy could keep him at arms length for so long!

I've decided that this author has a great recipe for writing romances that are just as satisfying to me as a plate of decadent brownies and I'm craving more ASAP!


Content: mild+, swoony, steamy-clean romance (kissing, some innuendo)

Cover Reveal: Night at the Opera by Stacy Henrie

 

Release date Oct 16th

 

 

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40792176-night-at-the-opera

Goodreads Summary:

From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie, comes NIGHT AT THE OPERA, an American Heiress Novel.

NIGHT AT THE OPERA - Book 1 (1908)

When American heiress Gwen Barton aids an injured gentleman in an opera box in London, she shares a kiss with the stranger that changes her life. More determined than ever to be herself, in spite of the limp she’s sustained since childhood, she will marry for love and not a title. She also resolves to learn the identity of the man she helped—and kissed. Surely he can’t be the irritating Avery Winfield, though. But as circumstances continue to throw Gwen and Avery together, she begins to wonder if there is more to this man than she first thought. 

While most of London only knows him as the nephew of a duke, Avery Winfield is actually working for the Secret Service Bureau to ferret out German spies from among the ton. It’s a profession that gives him purpose and a reason to remain a bachelor. But the more he interacts with Gwen Barton, an heiress from America, the more he begins to question his plans and neglected faith. Then he learns Gwen is the young lady from the opera box who helped him. Now his most important mission may have nothing to do with saving Britain from danger and everything to do with risking his heart for the woman he met that night at the opera.

More American Heiress books:
Beneath an Italian Sky (April 2019)
Among Sand and Sunshine (October 2019) 

Pre-order link:  http://a.co/eih2Kxz