Love Sidelined by Tiffany Odekirk {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Love Sidelined by Tiffany Odekirk

Kindle Edition, 312 pages

Published September 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

    

Jason Jennings made a tough call two years ago when he left behind his status as a hard-partying star quarterback in order to serve the Lord. Recently returned from a mission now, he’s ready to get back on the football field at UCAL. But despite turning his life around, his bad-boy reputation is proving hard to shake.

Allie Hollis is everything a cheerleader should be—beautiful, outgoing, and smart—but her brilliant smile hides a devastating secret. So when Jason begins to show interest in her, there’s no question: her answer is no.

Yet, in the face of Allie’s chilly response, Jason’s gentle persistence pays off, and a tentative friendship grows. Their chemistry is obvious, but Allie’s determination to steer clear of a relationship with Jason goes deeper than he realizes. When the truth of her painful history comes to light, the couple must decide whether they will remain on the sidelines or jump back into the game of love.

My Review: 5 Stars

I love a story that really shows how people can grow and change, especially through their life experiences as they come of age and mature. Jason is an up-and-coming football star, yet he turned his life around to serve a mission for his church and in doing so, grew tremendously, which completely turned his life around for the better. But try telling Allie that. A chance encounter was like throwing gasoline on the fire, but Allie just can't get over Jason's reputation. These two characters are opposite in so many ways, but they are grounded in things that matter and I loved watching them discover their true selves.

This author does a fantastic job of crafting an engaging story that was hard to escape from. I savored every interaction and even found myself wanting to give Jason and Allie advice. The little snippets of thoughts and letters at the beginning of each chapter added so much more dimension to the story and I loved how the reader was treated to alternating points-of-view. I was able to discover so many deeper layers to these characters from these tactics.This book played like a movie in my head and I loved it!

There are a lot of instances, situations, and lingo specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and while the story is still very inspiring, it might be a big confusing if you're not familiar with the talk.

At the end of the day, I did not want to leave these characters. I loved being immersed in their lives for a few hours and hope there's more to come.

Content: mild romance (vague talk of past situations); moderate+ religion elements; very mild violence (talk of a past incident)

Giveaway:

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Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore

Kindle Edition, 232 pages

Publication: September 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley, through the publisher. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given. 

   

After years of mistreatment, the Israelites prepare to defend themselves against the oppressive Canaanites. Readying for war not only takes secret military training but also an Israelite leader who is willing to both stand against generations of oppression and follow God.

Deborah, a young Israelite woman, lives a quiet and isolated life with her father and brothers. As a shepherdess in the hills near her home, she knows well the perils of her work. But when faced with incredible danger, she witnesses a series of remarkable events that preserve her life. The hand of the Lord is apparent, and it is clear that hers will be no ordinary life.                

Years later, Deborah is a faithful wife and mother when she learns that the Third Judge of Israel has died--and she has been called to take his place. It is a tumultuous time in history, and soon, Deborah--prophetess, judge, and military leader--faces a seemingly insurmountable task: alongside the commander of the Israelite army, Deborah must lead ten thousand soldiers in their final campaign against their Canaanite oppressors with only her faith in God to guide her. 

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm always fascinated by H.B. Moore's biblical fiction books because they bring these people to life, allowing me to visualize them as real people with real struggles, strengths, and weaknesses. 

Deborah definitely has gifts, as all of us do, but she's humble, living a quiet life with her father and brothers. I loved watching her fall in love, rise to accept her calling in life, and becoming the woman she was meant to be, all while maintaining her dignity, faith, and gentleness. She's a legend and it's easy to see why, as her greatness is clearly obvious in this story.

The setting and characters are vivid and I felt transported to another time and place. A big thanks to this author for helping me understand this story better, making it real and relatable.

Content: mild romance (fade to black between a married couple); mild+ violence (times of war and self-defense); mild+ religion (as this is a Christian biblical story) 

 
Giveaway:

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A Stronger Version of Me by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

A Stronger Version of Me by Cindy Ray Hale
Kindle book, 112 pages
Expected Publication: September 2, 2019
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Can new love heal old wounds?

I want to stop thinking about my ex boyfriend. 

He doesn’t deserve to be remembered. 

For some reason my brother’s best friend, Preston, has been awesome lately. 

He was super supportive after my break up.

I told him I wasn’t looking for another relationship, but I’m not sure he’s listening. 

And I’m starting to think that he might be the key to forgetting about my ex. 

Maybe a fresh start with someone new is exactly what I need. 

Or I’m a heartbroken fool who has no business staring at Preston’s chiseled abs. 

A Stronger Version of Me is the fifth book in a nine-book rewrite of a contemporary sweet romance series called The Destiny Trilogy. In this series you can expect flirting, blushing, and kisses in the woods, but you won’t find any swearing, nudity, or sex.

My Review: 5 Stars

Love triangles. How in the world do you choose between two completely different, yet equally fantastic guys? That's the dilemma that Destiny is facing. Her family would have her choose one guy, because they belong to the same religion, yet her heart can't forget the guy who broke her heart.

This episode in the saga is heart wrenching, to say the least, and is full of longing, swoony exchanges, and big decisions. This series captures the essence of young love, with the added elements of forbidden attraction and coming-of-age angst.

Destiny is a character worth reading about and I can find pieces of my younger self in her, which makes her fun to relate to. I love the added scenes, as they really solidify the plot and character emotions. Stolen looks, secrets, devastating family news, and steamy kisses in the woods will definitely cause for some serious swooning.

Honestly...how to choose?

Content: mild romance; moderate religion

Fool's Deadly Gold by Clair M. Poulson {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

Fool's Deadly Gold by Clair M. Poulson

Kindle Edition, 248 pages

Published August 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

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

    

Lauralyn LaPlant and her sister, Bridgette, could not be closer. Their shared passion for adventure draws them to scale a sheer cliff one fateful day, but despite their experienced precautions, Bridgette suffers a terrible accident and plummets to an untimely death. Shattered by grief, Lauralyn soon makes a sobering discovery: this was no accident—her sister’s climbing rope was cut. But who wanted Bridgette dead, and why? It’s up to Lauralyn and her grieving brother-in-law, Dade, to uncover the truth, even if it means putting themselves in the path of a ruthless killer. As their search for clues leads them deep into the heart of Gold Country, they discover that in the world of prospecting, greed knows no limits.

My Review: 4 Stars

This suspense was fascinating because I could visualize some of the places where it took places, as I've been in the area before, and because I could picture these types of events really happening. Clair Poulson does a great job of building a suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat and had me reeling from the twists and turns that popped up without warning.

The death of a casual, part-time gold hunter's wife is the catalyst for a tangled web of mystery and greed, resulting in deaths and evil. The author has a background in law and it's evident with the way events unfolded. This fast-paced story focuses on a riveting suspense, which doesn't allow for deep character development and emotion, but those elements aren't really missed with the intensity of the suspense.

There were times when the dialog felt a little lacking, but the suspense made up for it. This was an interesting story that swept me away in a ball of tense anxiety--and that's a good thing.

Content: mild+ violence/death; mild religion

Giveaway:

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A Smarter Version of Me by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

A Smarter Version of Me by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 107 pages

Publication: August 1st 2019 by Amazon Digital Services LLC

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

   

Can she keep him, or will his ex steal him back?

I’m back to sneaking around with my boyfriend, Isaac.
It’s the worst.
But then my parents find out, and I have a new definition of “the worst.”
It’s time to stage a breakup.
But my plan backfires when Isaac’s ex is newly available.
Thanks to our fake breakup, she thinks he’s available, too.
Now she wants him back.
And I’m back to declaring my feelings of rejection onstage while Isaac sings love songs to his ex in our Les Miserables rehearsals.
Isaac swears he only has eyes for me. But I can’t dismiss the feeling in the pit of my stomach that tells me otherwise.
Will I be able to overcome the fear threatening to tear us apart, or will I lose trust in Isaac forever?

A Smarter Version of Me is the fourth book in a nine-book rewrite of a contemporary sweet romance series called The Destiny Trilogy. In this series you can expect flirting, blushing, and kisses in the woods, but you won’t find any swearing, nudity, or sex.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

If you love drama, you'll love this next installment of The Destiny Clark Saga. Isaac and Destiny are officially boyfriend/girlfriend, but both sets of parents are completely against the relationship, which leads them to try and hide it.

Although they each fell hard and fast for each other, there are some misgivings and insecurities that plague the romance. I love how the author delves into each of their minds, bringing out their innermost feelings and desires, along with struggles, making this a very relatable and entertaining story.

As always, the ending is abrupt, but I know the next book will pick up exactly where this one leaves off and I can't wait to dive back into Destiny's teenage saga.

Content: mild romance (kissing, sneaking around, some light innuendo); moderate religion

A Bolder Version of Me by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

A Bolder Version of Me (Book Three of the Destiny Clark Saga) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 114 pages

Published July 3rd 2019 

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

   

When Destiny and Isaac go public with their relationship, the bullies come out to play. 

Destiny Clark has enjoyed keeping her complicated relationship with Isaac Robinson a secret. But Isaac is excited to declare his feelings for Destiny to the world and convinces her to go public at Homecoming. When the fated day finally comes, and they boldly step into the light as a couple, it’s just as Destiny had feared. Their secret romance has turned into a disaster rivaling scenes from Romeo and Juliet. Bullies emerge from all sides and Destiny and Isaac find themselves in serious trouble.

Although, Destiny has worked hard to be bolder, she’s beginning to discover that standing up for herself comes with a price. As their whirlwind begins to spiral out of control, Destiny fears they won’t be able to hold on much longer. Can their love withstand the blows from their enemies or will the foundation they’ve built together crack and crumble?

A Bolder Version of Me is the third book in a nine-book rewrite of a contemporary sweet romance series called The Destiny Trilogy. In this series you can expect flirting, blushing, and kisses in the woods, but you won’t find any swearing, nudity, or sex. 

My Review: 4 Stars

I absolutely adored this series and I've loved the added details with the rewrite. This contemporary Romeo and Juliet, with a dash of Les Mis, really stole my heart, but I have to say--as a parent of kids the ages of these characters, I would freak out on my kids if they pulled some of this stuff, ha ha.

Destiny is a good girl, but is really coming into her own now. She's the minority in her school and endures a lot of bullying, even from adults, yet she's strong, powerful, and committed. I love her naivety, as she navigates the pathway to her first love. As for Isaac, he's one of those guys who turns out to be pretty amazing, despite his father. He's every girl's dream, yet it's Destiny who intrigues him. The coming-of-age elements are strong with these characters, as they explore new territory and emotions. The volatile feelings are also heavy, as this couple has to deal with oppression on almost every side.

This installment is a little heavier on the religion, since Destiny and Isaac belong to different ones and things need to be sorted out, but there is still enough romance to make this forbidden, secret love swoony. As always, it ended abruptly, but I know things will continue on with the next book.

Content: mild romance; moderate religion; mild violence/peril

Undercover Honeymoon by Kari Iroz {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Undercover Honeymoon by Kari Iroz
336 pages, ebook
Published: April 1, 2019, Covenant Communications, Inc
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Wedding bells are finally ringing for Jacklyn “Jack” Wyatt and her FBI-agent fiancé, Damon Wade. After their adventurous beginning, the happy couple finds the relative calm leading up to their big day a huge relief. Unfortunately, it seems the peace and quiet were too good to last. As they embark on their honeymoon, a weeklong cruise, Jack can’t shake the feeling that something is off with her new husband. When she stumbles upon a secret plot—one in which her husband is a key player—she realizes this getaway will be anything but smooth sailing. When she delves into the shady happenings aboard the ship, Jack realizes Damon’s involvement is just the tip of the iceberg—she has become an unwitting player in a deadly conspiracy, and in such close quarters, there is no escape. Now, Jack has no choice but to work with her new husband to unravel the truth before their happily ever after—and their lives—are ended all too soon.

My Review: 5 Stars

Undercover Honeymoon is such a hilarious and fun story, even in the midst of some pretty terrifying danger. Jack is a character who is easy to relate to. Not only is she slightly clumsy, speaks her mind, and has a charming, witty personality, but she's also fairly dramatic and highly suspicious, often jumping to conclusions that land her in heaps of trouble. She has a knack for finding herself in trouble, yet her quirky self shines.

I love that Jack and Damon are finally getting married and starting their happily ever after, but of course, sailing off on a dream honeymoon cruise isn't all it seems to be. I was constantly smiling and laughing out loud, but a part of me could feel the subtle terror mounting and wanted to warn Jack.

The humor, adventure, danger, and romance are all wrapped up in a perfect package of tropical secrets. I enjoyed it all and would highly recommend reading A Date with Danger and Mormon Girl Incognito first.

Content: mild romance; mild violence/moments of peril; mild-moderate elements of religion (not preachy, but pretty detailed to a specific religion)

Giveaway:

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A Better Version of Me (The Destiny Saga Book 2) by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

A Better Version of Me (Book 2 of the Destiny Clark Saga) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 183 pages

Published March 1st 2019 

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

 

    

 

Destiny Clark is shocked when she finds out she got a major role in her school’s production of Les Miserables. And better yet, she’s cast alongside her crush, Isaac Robinson, the most popular guy in school. But then she realizes she’s not cast as his love interest, but instead has to sing her true feelings of rejection onstage in front of the whole school.
 

That’s when she decides to launch plan B. If she can get Preston Nelson, her guy friend from church to agree to be her boyfriend, maybe she won’t look so stupid in front of everyone. The problem is, she can’t ignore her feelings for Isaac, and the more time they spends practicing, the stronger her feelings seem to get.
 

Will Destiny be able to cool things off with Isaac and start something new with Preston or will she be stuck facing humiliation?

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

I love this series and love the additional details that have been added to Destiny's story. This author does such a great job of channeling the angst, insecurities, and first love experiences of a teen, especially with the parents of both Destiny and Isaac against the crushes.

 

The friendships and connections between the characters are very sweet, strong, and emotionally realistic. In fact, they're probably my favorite things about the story, aside from the budding chemistry. 

 

There is an invisible, yet tangible tension overshadowing the story, as it's apparent that this relationship just may be doomed before it even begins, but the heart knows no boundaries and it's amazing to watch everything unfold. 

 

Destiny is a solid character and I can't wait to continue on with the sage. My only complaint? It just ends. Ugh--I don't like to be kept waiting. 😉

 

Content: mild romance; moderate religion 

Meant For You by Ranee S. Clark {Review and Giveaway}

Meant for  You by Ranee S. Clark
Published: January 1, 2019, Sweetly Us, 238 pages
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

   

A hometown hero that’s suffering a personal crisis. A single-mom who’s finally back on her feet. And the what-ifs they finally have a chance of seeing come true.

A year after her divorce, Chelsea Lewis spends most of her days working part-time at her cousin’s bakery and hiding veggies in her picky son’s lunches. Then she reconnects with an old friend who helps Chelsea in all the ways she’s forgotten she needs—including romantic ones.

Former football player, DJ Kaiser, is back in his hometown, working as a fireman to serve his community, but after nearly burning down his own house with a barbeque and wrecking the Chief’s truck, his mistakes are stacked against him—until he sets out to ease the stress of Chelsea’s load. Serving her has him feeling like a hero again.

When Chelsea’s ex shows up and begs Chelsea to move closer so his young son doesn’t grow up without his father, Chelsea and DJ have to consider what’s best for Chelsea’s little family, even if that means sacrificing the relationship that has saved them both.

My Review: 5 Stars

Being a mom is hard work, but it's especially hard for newly single mom, Chelsea. Her two year old, Austin, has reverted back to not eating or sleeping with his dad gone. As a mother myself, I loved reading about Chelsea's attempts to parent and to feel adequate enough to fill both shoes.

Since the divorce, Chelsea is back in her small Wyoming hometown and I adore small town settings! Chelsea works for her cousin, who is trying to get a treat business off the ground, and the results made me hungry. I also had to admire the desires to create something new, but similar, to offer the town of Clay.

Chelsea and her ex-husband had a good friend, DJ, and his role in the story is absolutely heartwarming. I love that he tries so hard to make life better than before he came into the picture, yet he isn't perfect. He's one sweet, genuine, and lovable man!

This story is a great feel-good romp through the summer fields of second chances and I loved it!

Content: implied teen intimacy; divorce; mild romance; mild+ religious elements

Giveaway:

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Once I Was a Beehive by Carol Lynch Williams {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Once I Was a Beehive by Carol Lynch Williams

Kindle Edition, 297 pages

Published December 1st 2018 by Mirror Press 

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

    

Charming, clever, and heart-warming. Carol Lynch Williams' novelization of the motion picture Once I Was a Beehive is sure to be a family favorite.

Sixteen-year-old Lane Speer spends her family vacations camping in the mountains, taking the memories for granted until she loses her father to an unexpected bout with cancer. One year later, as Lane is still reeling from her father's death, her mother remarries a guy who Lane hardly knows. To top it off, he's a Mormon. Worst of all, while her mom and new stepdad are on their honeymoon, they arrange to have her stay with her Mormon step-aunt who takes her to a bible-themed girls camp with a bunch of Mormon girls. Confronted with memories of camping with her family, Lane tries to find peace with her new surroundings as she deals with the death of her father.

My Review: 4 Stars

Lane's world has been turned upside down in the space of a year and now she's expected to stay with near strangers while her mom is off enjoying her honeymoon with a new step-dad. A few days camping with a bunch of girls seems like a better option, especially when Lane forms a sweet attachment to her new step-cousin, Phoebe.

I watched this movie a couple of months ago and really enjoyed the way the plot captured life at a Mormon girls' camp. When I saw this book was based on the movie, I thought for sure it would pretty much be a word-for-word copy of the movie. I was pleasantly surprised that this book offered more thoughts about and backstory relating to Lane's character.  

Lane is brought to life through the words of this book. In fact, the wedding and resulting camp experience doesn't happen until almost halfway through and the funny, frivolous details are skimmed over, while the important feelings and emotions are explored in a way that makes this story vulnerable and relatable. 

The messages of peace and hope are much needed and bring the story and movie full circle, hand in hand.

Content: death; mild+ religion (not preachy)

ABOUT CAROL LYNCH WILLIAMS: 

Carol Lynch Williams, who grew up in Florida and now lives in Utah, is an award-winning novelist with seven children of her own, including six daughters. She has an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College, and won the prestigious PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship. The Chosen One was named one of the ALA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and Best Books for Young Adult Readers; it won the Whitney and the Association of Mormon Letters awards for the best young adult novel of the year; and was featured on numerous lists of recommended YA fiction. Carol’s other novels include Glimpse, Miles From Ordinary, The Haven, Waiting, Signed, Skye Harper, and the Just in Time series.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/288481.Carol_Lynch_Williams

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Lynch-Williams/e/B001H9RQLE/

Website: http://www.carollynchwilliams.com/


Giveaway:

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Schedule:

Dec 10: The Bibliophile Files

Dec 11: Katie’s Clean Book Collection

Dec 12: My Book a Day

Dec 13: Literary Time Out

Dec 14: Min Reads and Reviews

One Little Kiss by Kaylee Baldwin {Review}

One Little Kiss by Kaylee Baldwin

Kindle Edition

Published August 13th 2018 by Sweetly Us Press 

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

   

Tessa has her future planned to perfection. First get into medical school and become a doctor like everyone else in her family—despite her queasiness around blood. Second meet and marry someone who is just as successful as her brother—the new, handsome doctor in her ward will be just right. And last, prove to her brother that, despite what he thinks, she has it all together. Easy, right? Except that she’s just been called to be the ward road show director for the upcoming stake singles activity, a distraction she doesn’t need. And when a mix-up means that she’s partnered with her bug-eating, seventies dressing home teacher? It’s a disaster with a capital D, and she knows that no one in her family can ever find out about this.

As a PhD student studying insects, Henry White has had his fair share of girls try to change him into someone more socially acceptable—including his ex- fiancé. When his sister convinces him to join the singles ward for his last year of school, he decides to play up his oddness in order to keep the singles at a distance. When he begins to work with Tessa on the road show, he finds that she’s managed to get past his defenses. One little stage kiss is all it takes to make him question everything. But then his ex-fiancé comes home from her mission with one goal in mind: win Henry back, no matter what it takes.

Tessa is soon faced with a choice. Go for the perfect life she’s always pushed herself to have, or find the courage to look past appearances and figure out what she really wants.

My Review: 5 Stars

I think everyone can understand Tessa to some degree. She lives to make her family proud and about kills herself in the process. Everything she does is to please them, especially her snotty brother, Jenkins. I could have smacked that dude--a few times. But do you know who is disappointed when you don't live up to high expectations? Only the one setting them, as Tessa learned.

Backing up a bit, Tessa is on track to becoming a doctor and her new home teacher, Logan, is the perfect guy for her--because he'll win her family's approval. That first meeting with Logan and Henry was absolutely hilarious and unexpected, and right away, I was endeared to dear old Henry.

Their roadshow, a modern spin on the Princess and the frog, was so perfect and fun and really brought out a whole display of feelings and true colors. 

In a class case of opposites-attract, this story completely captivated me, especially the characters. I loved the message of following your dreams...and your heart.


Content: mild romance; mild religion (not preachy)

Love Unscripted by Tiffany Odekirk {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Love Unscripted by Tiffany Odekirk

Paperback, 333 pages

Published September 1st 2018 by Covenant Communications 

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

   

Evie Jennings doesn't believe in happily ever after—it's been a year since moving home to Los Angeles to gather the pieces of her broken heart after her divorce, but she is only going through the motions. That is, until a chance encounter on her college campus brings about an unexpected turn of events: Evie finds herself face-to-face with the heartthrob whose poster decorated the wall of her teenage bedroom. And he's desperate for her help.

Hollywood sensation Ridge Dashly is facing a career crisis—a bad review threatens his A-list status. Desperate to win back the favor of the media and his fans, Ridge reluctantly agrees to enroll in college, never dreaming he'll meet someone who can see past his fame to his true self.

As their paths continue to cross, Evie's seeming disinterest intrigues Ridge, and the pair form a tentative friendship that slowly grows into something more. But when confronted with the unrelenting paparazzi and the nagging shadows of their pasts, will they follow everyone else's script or fight for their own happy ending?

My Review: 4 Stars

What a perfect title for this story! Love never goes as planned, and adding an actor into the mix makes it ideal, especially that first encounter.

I've been curious about Evie since reading Love on Pointe, as she is twins with the main character from that book. Evie is very endearing, from her vulnerability to her quick wit. In an effort to move on with her life and find the peace she craves, she isn't one to back down to anyone, and yet, who can control love?

I've always had a fascination with celebrities and Evie's run-in with Ridge was utterly adorable, but it's the way she treated him--separates him, if that makes sense--that hooked my heart. 

This story offers so many wonderful and compelling emotions. Evie has a very loving and supporting family, and she needs it because she cannot get over her past mistakes and move on with life, but it's not just her who needs love. These characters are deep and complex, with many layers to unravel and this author does a great job of revealing their true selves in a swirl of hope, forgiveness, and love. And of course, there are challenges, because every good story has them.

Content: mild+ romance (only kissing, but vague talk of immorality before marriage); talk of addictions (pills and porn); moderate+ religious aspect (the references are specific to the LDS church and are relevant to the story (repenting, forgiving, praying, etc).  

Schedule:

*Sept. 24^th: http://mybookaday.com/

*Sept. 25^th: http://fireandicereads.com/, https://brightlystreet.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 26^th: http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 27^th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

*Sept. 28^th: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:

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Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg

Kindle Edition, 312 pages

Publication: July 17th 2018 by Mirror Press 

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

Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it.

Abandoned by their father for the gold rush, Gentry and her siblings labor to survive alone in the inhospitable west. When bizarre natural disasters begin wreaking havoc on the land, Gentry discovers a world of magic. Desperate for help, she accepts aid from a mysterious stranger.

Winn not only sees the magic, but controls its hunger by feeding it gold—the very thing Gentry’s father left to acquire. But the earth’s unrest only grows worse, and Gentry’s fear leads her to a terrible choice: marry a wealthy man she does not love, or trust in Winn’s unpredictable power to save her family.

My Review: 5 Stars

This story is not what I was expecting at all. With a slightly depressing beginning, Gentry and her siblings, Rooster and Pearl, are trying to survive after their father leaves for the gold rush. In a wonderful and shocking mix of rich Western history, romance, and magic, the book really comes alive and captivated me from then on out.

The desperation rolls off of the pages through Gentry's character, as her family's struggles were realistic. I loved the characters--their relationships and emotions were gripping, and I especially enjoyed the friendship and bond they share with Hannah, a Mormon second wife, who has an interesting tie to their family.

The way the magic is tied to the story really invested me and had me curious. It really adds a unique element to a typical historical that sets it above and apart from the rest. 

Content: mild romance

 

Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie N. Holmberg was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She is a proud BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, owns too many pairs of glasses, and finally adopted a dog. Her fantasy Paper Magician series, which includes The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician, and The Master Magician, has been optioned by the Walt Disney Company. Her stand-alone novel, Followed by Frost, was nominated for a 2016 RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, and her novel The Fifth Doll won the 2018 Whitney for Speculative Fiction. She is a board member for Deep Magic Ezine and currently lives with her family in Utah.

Charlie’s links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7801879.Charlie_N_Holmberg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnholmberg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CNHolmberg

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00KQQXYGK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnholmberg/

Purchase links:

Ebook: http://a.co/5zd2GNh

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Veins-Gold-Charlie-N-Holmberg/dp/194715222X

Schedule:

July 16th: Book Geek Reviews

July 17th: Katie’s Clean Read Collection / Min Reads and Reviews

July 18th: Wishful Endings / The Bibliophile Files

July 19th: Heidi Reads / Books in the Skye

July 20th: R.Q. Woodward / Bookworm Lisa

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Pretty Much Perfect by Sally Johnson {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Pretty Much Perfect by Sally Johnson

Paperback, 272 pages

Publication: July 2nd 2018 by Covenant Communications 

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

   

Camille Weston, a recently returned missionary, anticipates returning to college for her degree and perhaps to meet a nice guy. A sensible young woman with her future mapped out, Camille would never do something dangerous—like pick up a stranger on the side of the road. And yet, inexplicably, she does just that. This is one split-second decision that changes everything.

Determined to lend assistance, Camille gets more than she bargains for when she is roped into helping Liam, a handsome British man, with more than just a ride. As they are thrown together over the coming days and their mutual attraction grows, they realize they just . . . click. That is, until she makes a shocking discovery: the mysterious stranger is William Liam Jones, lead singer of the popular band Gear. Camille has never been one to swoon over a celebrity, and she knows her and Liam's lifestyles could never be compatible. But how can she convince her heart to listen to logic?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

This book is, well, pretty much perfect. I think most girls dream of meeting their celebrity crush and having said guy fall for them, but in this case, Camille doesn't even know who it is she's crushing on. I've often wondered if I were to actually meet a celebrity, how I would act and how I would treat them. I can't even imagine not having any privacy and living the life of fame and fortune, and it's not surprising when Liam jumps at the chance to be "normal" for a few days.

Camille has a pretty good idea of what she wants in life and refuses to veer from her life path, but we can't always control things. I love the personal growth Camille goes through, and I especially loved the relationship she has with her sister and parents and the wise advice she gets from them.

Liam is adorable! He doesn't understand the ways of Mormon life, but is respectful and willing to learn when situations arise. I love a good celebrity who is selfless and kind--no big heads for me--and he's utterly charming. Their banter warmed my heart.

One of my favorite things was the songs these two came up with--I wish I could hear Gear in real life...or at least on the radio.

This story is sweet and slightly messy, but it's as satisfying as an ooey, gooey, S'more.

Content: mild romance with some light innuendoes; some vague drug and alcohol use; mild violence; moderate religious elements.

Schedule:

*July 9^th: http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*July 10^th: https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

*July 11^th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*July 12^th: https://brightlystreet.com/category/book-reviews/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*July 13^th: http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/category/book-shelf/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
Giveaway:
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