Review: Proper Attire: A West Indies Proper Romance by Danielle Thorne

Proper Attire: A West Indies Proper Romance by Danielle Thorne

Kindle Edition, 150 pages

Published September 25th 2014 by Kindle Direct Publishing 

Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description: Pressured to marry for money, Julia Scott flees England and a cruel stepmother to determine if the West Indies is the paradise of her dreams. Attacked by pirates and desired by island natives, the only person she can trust is John Smith -- if that's her rescuer's true name. Reaching her uncle's station in English Harbor, Julia must find a way to face her feelings and deal with her traitorous family, a dashing new suitor, and the guardian angel, John Smith, who has no qualms sporting counterfeit names and less than what is proper attire.

 

My Review: Julia is an orphaned girl with a mean step-mother. When she is shipped off to the West Indies to visit her uncle after refusing a marriage offer, all craziness happens. While aboard a naval ship, they are attacked by pirates and Julia is rescued and carried off by one of them--a Mr. John Smith. And that's just the beginning of the adventures.

Julia is a sweet girl, who really doesn't want to make waves. She is eager and accepting, yet she knows her mind and doesn't want to settle in life. I can't even imagine the terror I would feel in some of the situations she found herself in, yet she handled herself quite well.

John Smith is a heroic rescuer...or is he? I loved discovering the mystery surrounding him.

This is a very enjoyable clean romance, set in fun period of time.

Content: no language; mild violence (pirate attack, fighting, etc)--not graphic; mild kissing. Clean!

 

Amazon

About the Author:

Danielle Thorne freelanced for online and print magazines from 1998 through 2001, adding reviewing and editing to her resume. She has published poetry, short fiction and novels. Danielle is the author of sweet romantic adventure books, both historical and contemporary.

Other work has appeared with Espresso Fiction, Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review, StorySouth, Bookideas, The Mid-West Review, and more. She won an Honorable Mention in Writer’s Digest’s 2006 annual writing competition and won the 2008 Awe-Struck Short Novel Contest. In 2009, Danielle won Classic Romance Revival's Work in Progress Contest, which resulted in another contract for her fiction.

Danielle currently writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. She was the 2009-2010 Co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers, is active with online author groups such as Classic Romance Revival and EPIC and moderates for The Sweetest Romance Authors at the Coffee Time Romance boards. Danielle reviews for online review sites and edits for two publishing houses and Romance Junkies. She has four sons with her husband, Rob. Together they enjoy travel and the outdoors.  

Goodreads  *  Website  *  Amazon 

{Tour Launch} Christmas, Actually w/Giveaway

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to the Launch for the MISTLETOE KISSES TOUR for

Christmas, Actually

Three Harlequin Heartwarming novellas

By Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis

Introducing the Three Stories in Christmas, Actually

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams

This anthology was born one night in January when Melinda Curtis and Anna J. Stewart and I (Anna Adams) were chatting on Skype, and Melinda suggested a holiday anthology. From there we went to setting, and then to the kind of stories we wanted to write. Christmas Town, Maine came to life and the Banning siblings began living. I hope readers will be moved as I am by Jack and Sophie?s story.

Sophie Palmer was confused when the pregnancy test came back positive, but one thing she knew?she already loved her unborn child. She didn?t expect former Army surgeon, Jack Banning to break all contact with them. He?s promised financial support, but he wants no other contact with her or their coming child.

He must have a reason. She?d known him and loved him for two years. At Christmas, she follows him to Maine to tell him she?s putting his name on the birth certificate.

She no longer loves him. He?s destroyed those feelings, and she will never give their daughter a reason to believe she can expect more than her father?s name, but Sophie can?t forget the soldier who lived by the code of ?Leave no man behind,? the doctor who?s cared more for his patients than himself, the man who didn?t know how to be dishonorable.

Fatherless herself, Sophie doesn?t care about the financials. She?ll take care of her own, but she needs to understand why Jack?s become an impossible-to-love stranger.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart

For as long as I've been writing, I never thought I'd ever write a novella. I'm a novel length kinda girl--I just write long books; sometimes very, very long. But when my friend (and writing Yoda) Melinda Curtis proposed the idea of interconnected novellas featuring a set of siblings, I couldn't say no. Especially not when she, Anna Adams and I decided to make it a holiday themed anthology. There's something magical about the holiday season, and writing Callie and Dean's story was a true pleasure. In all honesty, it was also the easiest thing I've ever written; probably because this story comes straight from my heart. 

When Callie Banning's student declares war on Christmas, it's up to her to teach the little girl--and her widowed father--to believe again. 

Normally when I start a story, the heroine is first to pop into my head. This time around, Dean Galloway entered the scene first. I could see him so clearly, shoulder length blonde hair, the brown leather jacket, the haunted twinkle in his eye as he struggled to raise his little girl on his own. And he came with a camera. No idea why, he just arrived that way. Like a gift. There's something incredibly appealing to me (and hopefully to readers) about a father who is so in love with his child he'll do anything--even move them all across the country--to keep them happy. Adding a tinge of grief to their story and Callie Banning was just the healing effect they'd been looking for. There are people who just fit from the moment they meet; not necessarily that clich?d "you complete me" fit, but that something special that makes life and love all that more exciting. The Christmas Wish is more than about celebrating the holiday season and rediscovering the magic those months bring--it's about finding where one truly belongs, both in home and heart. So come on, welcome to Christmas Town, Maine and meet the Banning siblings, who have a very special New Year coming their way.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis

The Christmas Date is the third novella in Christmas, Actually ? three holiday stories about three siblings living in Christmas Town, Maine, where tradition has it that a kiss on Christmas Eve in the town square gazebo will lead to wedding bells in the new year!

At a critique session, the Annas and I were talking about how we loved holiday stories. It was a natural progression to creating our own special town with heartwarming traditions.

In The Christmas Date, Gina Vernay was in an accident as a child and has a scar down her right cheek. Since then, Gina has always sat on the sidelines, lacking the self-confidence to shine. Wanting what many of her friends have ? love, a family ? Gina signs up for an online dating account. But her picture doesn?t show her scar. And she?s always too busy running The Tea Cup in Christmas Town to meet anyone, much less a man to share a kiss under the mistletoe in the town?s gazebo. But when one persistent on-line suitor arranges to meet her on Christmas Eve, Gina?s life turns upside down.

Will your heart be warmed by a sweet kiss under the mistletoe this year? 
Come along on the tour to find out!

11/11

Christy's Cozy Corners

Coffee Books & Art

11/12

Getting Your Read On

The Book Lovers' Lounge

11/13

Colorimetry

Southern Chelle

11/14

Kelly P's Blog

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

11/16

The Wonderings Of One Person

Christian Chick's Thoughts

11/17

Bookworm Lisa

fundinmental

11/18

Beck Valley Books

Mel's Shelves
Painted Words

11/19

I Am A Reader

Deal Sharing Aunt
Wishful Endings

11/20

Harlie's Books

JoJo's Corner

Underneath the Covers

11/21

Undercover Book Reviews

Katie's Clean Book Collection

11/23 - Grand Finale

Christmas, Actually

by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis

Clean Contemporary Romance

Paperback & Ebook, 202 pages

November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!

Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:

Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child? But she doesn't need money, she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:

Callie Banning's student has declared war on Christmas, so it's up to her to help the little girl?and her widowed father?believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:

Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date?and she's in for the surprise of a lifetime!

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - iTunes

About the Authors

Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who?ve become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing "what if" games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say "He made her heart pound." That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Tumblr - Pinterest

Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

- US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)

- 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

Ends November 30th

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Sebastian and the Hibernauts: Beyond the Gloaming by Brendan Murphy {Spotlight}

Blog Tour Schedule

Sebastian and the Hibernauts: Beyond the Gloaming It is Easter, 1973 and twelve year old Sebastian Duffy has some serious self-esteem issues. He is beaten by his parents, bullied at school, steals from his friends and still mourning the death of his brother. To cap it all, strange things have begun happening around him and he is finding it hard to distinguish dreams from reality. After a nightmarish assault, he wakes in the Gloaming, a shadow world inhabited by ghosts. There to greet him is Porrig, a creature from Hibercadia, a magical realm crafted from Celtic dreams. Inhabited by Fir Bolg, Tuath and Milesians, it has been overthrown by brother gods from another dreamworld. One brother, Phobitor, is a tyrant and even the Tuath, who took to their underground sidhe millennia ago, are concerned. Sebastian discovers that he alone can save Hibercadia by finding an enchanted spear. Teaming up with the Hibernauts—a mercurial sorceress, an orphaned druidess, a taciturn warrior, a snuff-sniffing leprechaun and a lovelorn poet—he embarks on a fantastical quest, but can he succeed when he is yet to find his magical potential or even his courage, and half the realm is bent on his destruction?   

Amazon * Kindle * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Book Depository

Excerpt

Sebastian concealed himself amongst the boulders and bracken, the only noise a low breeze that fluttered through the fernery. Though he knew his friends were close, he suddenly felt quite alone. As he peered at the ebony sky, thinking he had never seen such darkness, he noticed a faint blue light. He took it for a star until it grew steadily brighter and he realized it was an aiia. The nervous excitement he had initially felt—long since dispelled by the irritation of staggering across moors—returned as icy fear. He pushed back against a rock, desperate to meld into it. Unsure where his friends had hidden, he contemplated calling to them, but stopped himself for fear of the aiia overhearing. He felt an irresistible urge to up and flee, to take his chances and try to outdistance it, not to stay there like a helpless animal, easy pickings for the monstrous creature. The longer he stayed, the greater he worried he was losing his head start, yet as the light advanced pitilessly he found himself unable to move. Now he could see her outline, the floating body no bigger than his thumb, the silhouetted head darting this way and that. He tried to dive for cover, but his body froze, unwilling to move despite his exhortations. It was not until the aiia steadied forty feet from the ground and began to pass back and forth, scanning the moors, that his body finally heeded him. He slid to the ground and pressed his face to the earth, screwing his eyes shut and covering his ears, desperate to zone out. 

“Sebastian!” she cried, the hills echoing to her lamentation. 

Never had he heard anything so alluring. He removed his hands and raised his head. As she flew overhead, he turned to her and was transfixed by her beauty, surrendering fully to the uncontrollable passion that hurtled into him, possessed his entire being, and vanquished all fear. All he wished was to behold her forever. 

“Sebastian!” she repeated, desperately, achingly. 

Such pain. Such yearning. His love-addled mind had an epiphany. He would return to her, for surely it was she, the one eternal love that each renewed life was a quest for. They had finally found each other. How she craved him. How she missed him. Seized with a violent desire, his arms reached out to her, but the tall fernery conspired to conceal him. 

“Sebastian!” she wept in heartrending tones, sweeping directly above. As she sang his name, a metallic liquid issued from her mouth, carried on the breeze this way and that. A chain of drops descended to him, pouring into his ears, filling him with ecstasy. 

“I’m here,” he gasped, yet his love-parched throat would brook no words. 

The desire was so intense it became agonizing. He struggled to find his feet, yet his leaden limbs betrayed him, as if his mortal frame were jealous of the pending reunion of souls. With a Herculean effort, he sprang up and began to wave his arms wildly. Too late. She was some way off and did not look back. Finding his lungs, he released a plaintive howl. 

Beyond the Gloaming from Kaleb Lechowski on Vimeo.  

Praise for Beyond the Gloaming
I cannot say just how much I have enjoyed this book; you are a very accomplished writer with a wonderfully rich imagination. Your use of the English language is amazing and your ability to create the many different speaking styles in the book and to maintain them is remarkable. You have an incredibly inventive mind and readers will come to love the many wonderful creations in this novel, it is jam-packed with the most wonderful and inventive characters; new, exciting and beautifully realised. ~The Oxford Editors  

An imaginative epic...an intricate and fully realised fantasy world with a big cast of likeable characters that are charming, well drawn and endearing, with wonderfully apt names. The depth and breadth of your high-voltage imagination, and the richness of the world you create is very impressive. ~Sam Mills, author of Blackout, The Boys Who Saved the World, and The Quiddity of Will Self
  
Author Brendan Murphy Brendan Murphy was raised in Sheffield, England, with dreams of becoming a writer, and has written every day since he was nine years old. After reading medicine in London and psychiatry in Manchester, he moved to Australia in 1999. He is an Associate Professor at Monash University and has written widely on youth mental health. His nonfiction work on the development of football in Victorian society, From Sheffield with Love, was published in 2007. He lives with his wife, Katrina, and their children, Sebastian and Violette, in a sprawling property built for the composer, Dorian Le Gallienne. They share their garden with a mob of kangaroos, a wombat, two possums, any number of creepy crawlies, and some very feisty kookaburras. In 2013, he was signed to Assent Publishing for a six-book deal. Beyond the Gloaming, the first Sebastian and the Hibernauts adventure, will be published by Assent imprint, Phantasm Books in 2014.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/28/14 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

Review: Christmas in Snow Valley w/Giveaway

Tour Schedule

     

Christmas in Snow Valley

Christmas in Snow Valley is packed with six wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring romance into your holiday season. Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.  

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?  

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.  

Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn't pursue him or even seem interested. Ty's career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.  

The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart When Molly O’Hare gets a prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve, she thinks it’s utterly ridiculous. But when she gets teamed up with Kevin Snow, aka her ex-boyfriend, to decorate a Christmas tree, things start to change. Too bad getting over the past is hard and seeing him kiss another girl is even harder. Now Molly is left with a choice—run away from home and heartbreak or let Christmas work out a miracle all of its own.  

Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit Succumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend's death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael’s grave, she's surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell As head of Snow Valley hospital's fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn't have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She's been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

My Review:
I absolutely loved this book! I've discovered that I enjoy books that build on each other. Each of these stories takes place in Snow Valley, Montana and deals with different characters. I loved seeing a brief glimpse of characters from one of the other books. Pastor John is a constant character in each of the stories and he's such a great man. I love the way all these characters are connected to him.

Snow Valley is a place that goes all out for the month of December. Instead of having their carnival in the summer like most places, they hold it in December. From the Polar Express train ride, to the gingerbread house contest, to the carnival, and more, and all culminating at the Christmas Ball on Christmas night, the residents and visitors encounter romance and memories. I loved reading about lost loves and new loves; those who left this fun town and came back and those who have always stayed. There are so many unique circumstances that were so much fun to read about. I really did enjoy each and every one--it's so hard to choose a favorite!

This is a book I will enjoy re-reading each year. The only problem with it is: I really want to go to Snow Valley and there's no such place!

 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Smashwords * iTunes

    

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/20/14 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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Sweet & Clean Romance Collection Review/Giveaway

 

Clean romance lovers these books are for you!! 

 Trifecta Books is excited to announce their new line of short contemporary romance novels for e-book. The Sweet and Clean Romance Collection will melt your heart and sweep you off your feet. There are currently four books out with many more titles coming soon.  

Tour Schedule

And Something Blue by Paige Timothy (Main Street Merchants #1) Bridal consultant Laurie Fletcher spends her days helping others prepare for the most special day of their lives. Will true love ever come her way, or is she doomed to watch others get their happily ever after?

My Review: First of all, there was a map included at the beginning of the book that showed where each business was located on Main Street. I really enjoyed looking at that, so that I could visualize just where everything was. It really drew me in. Secondly, it was a short, fun story and I can't wait to read more about this great street!

Laurie works in a bridal shop and helps brides-to-be find their perfect wedding dress. She's really good at what she does and when she makes a fantastic sale, she is very surprised to find herself under attack a few days later by the bride's lawyer brother, Logan.

Laurie is a likable girl. She knows her stuff and isn't one to be bullied, but she really goes back and forth between hating and loving Logan. Logan is a man used to getting what he wants and with the results he expects. Isn't there a saying about love and hate being very closely related? I loved watching their relationship play out and seeing the twists and turns that came with the story. I wasn't expecting a few things that happened towards the end, but that's what makes it fun--I love being surprised.

Content: Clean!!

Amazon

For Love And Money by Paige Timothy (Main Street Merchants #2) Cynical Morgan has just about decided that no one could possibly fall in love with her - all the good guys want perfect girls, and she's anything but perfect. But then along comes the guy who falls head-over-heels in love with her just as she is and helps her find the bright side of life again.

My Review:  I enjoyed this book even more than the first! Morgan, one of Laurie's roommates, decides that she's just not good enough for all of the good guys. When Max comes into the bank where she works and comes through her line, she's surprised that he shows interest in her. Could he be the one she's been waiting for?

I really enjoyed Morgan and Rory's best friendship and relationship. Rory works with Morgan and is the nicest guy. Morgan is really confident where men are concerned, but she's able to be herself around Rory. It was interesting to see how Max fit into the picture and to see what a great guy he ended up being. I don't know many men who could be as selfless and helpful as he was.

This story began in the same time frame that Book 1 did and it was interesting to see the different points of view and the ways the story overlapped. However, it continued on and took a direction all its own. There were so many characters that I loved being introduced to and I hope they each get their own story eventually.

Content: Clean!!

Amazon

Hearts in Harmony by Raine Gillespie (Love Notes #1) Elahna Nezario gave up her musical dreams to help run the Queen of Hearts, her mother’s chocolate shop, after her sister’s sudden death. After an unfortunate run-in with Elahna’s childhood crush, owner of the Dolce Theater, not only do her dreams surge back to life, but so does her heart. 

My Review:  This is another clean line, but is a completely different series from the previous two. I had a harder time connecting to the characters in this story, but it had a lot of potential.

Elahna has had a crush on her childhood best friend's brother for years. When she literally runs into Timothy, the owner of a local theater, she finds that sometimes it takes an unfortunate event to bring dreams back to life.

I've been analyzing why I felt a disconnect and I think it's because the characters weren't consistent for me. Timothy is called Timothy for most of the story and then all of the sudden, 3/4 of the way in, it switches to Tim, and then back. There's a situation, for example, where Elahna is very happy to be going to see Timothy's sister and after a few miles in the car, completely flips out, complete with yelling and fighting. A few minutes later, she's back to normal. In another instance, Timothy's sister was very angry to see him, but after a short explanation of why he's been absent from her life, she's joking and normal about everything. There are several instances like this. The transitions in mood were too abrupt.

As I mentioned before, there is a lot of potential. Childhood crushes can be romantic and the musical theater world is a great setting. For the most part, aside from the mood jumps, I really loved seeing the story and the mystery unfold. I loved the way everything ended up, especially the last two chapters.

Content: Clean!!

Amazon

Waltzing on Wheels by Raine Gillespie (Love Notes #2) Meredith Aaron lost all hope for love after a car accident put her in a wheelchair. Who would want her, broken as she is? After her brother tells her to save a dance for him at his wedding, she decides to somehow learn how to dance on the only legs she has left—her wheels. 

My Review: I enjoyed this one because sometimes characters seem a little too perfect and there was nothing perfect about these characters. Meredith is in a wheelchair and struggles with her broken dreams. She used to be a phenomenal dance and would love to marry someday, but who would want her? Even though she has a lot to deal with, she is still a mostly positive person. I love the way she is about to latch on to an idea and take off with it. That determination is what really helps her deal with her situation. She is also kind, even in the midst of a self-pity moment or two.

She wants to dance with her brother at his wedding more than anything, but it feels hopeless. Until Kyler comes up with the perfect solution. Kyler hasn't had an easy life, either, yet he is motivated to push forward and make the best of what he has. He is devoted to making this dance happen and the motivation that Meredith offers him doesn't hurt.

I loved watching things gradually unfold and the story left me rooting for the characters and really gave me hope.

Content: Clean!!

Amazon

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/20/14 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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My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carroll Spotlight/Giveaway

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway and Spotlight
 
My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carroll
If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up. 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Smashwords * Kobo

Praise for the book:
"I plowed through his story, amazed at how he could so easily accept something that would destroy anyone else and just move forward with such a positive attitude. I don't give many 5 stars, but it's well-earned. This book really touched me. It's the kind of story that stays with you for a long time." --Amazon customer

"I actually love stories like this. Ones that show the power of the human spirit and what love and determination can achieve. I cried multiple times while reading this but they were a happy sort of hopeful tears. If you are looking for something uplifting and motivational read this heart-felt story of love and hope." --Inspired Kathy ;)

"You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wring your hands in frustration, and you won't be able to put it down to go to sleep as you keep waiting to read about Bryan's happily ever after. This is one of those books that stick with you long after you've finished reading it." --Bookmom

"Each chapter begins with an inspirational quote to lead the reader into the goodness, hardship, unconditional love, and humor that is Bryan's life. The 30 year journey the reader takes runs smoothly page after page. You will cry and you will laugh. You will want to hug Nedra and Bryan when you are finished." --Kriss A.

Excerpt:
     The sun was scorching now, with the temperature at 100 degrees and steadily climbing. Despite the heat, Bryan’s face grew paler by the hour. His tongue felt swollen and rough, like sandpaper rubbing against the roof of his mouth. It was harder and harder for him to stay awake. His mom remained steadily by his side, waking him each time he began to doze. His friends continued to try and make him smile and laugh, but he didn’t return the smile as easily. The waiting was pure agony. His body tingled occasionally, but it was becoming less and less frequent. He had been trying to get his foot, a finger, anything to move, but he was becoming increasingly tired and the concentration it required was exhausting. He had to stop thinking about his stationary limbs and focus his mind on staying awake.

Carol Jean looked at her watch for probably the millionth time. Glenn left seventeen hours earlier. She stared up at the bright blue sky, squinting into the sunlight, and straining her ears for any sign of hope. All she could hear were the voices of youth all around her and an occasional bird. She couldn’t see even a cloud in the sky and pretend the helicopter was hiding behind them.

One of the EMTs approached her cautiously. “Do you want us to start preparing a raft?”

“I just . . .” She looked to the sky again and found nothing. “No, but yes.”

The EMT nodded. “I’ll have my guys start moving supplies around to make room, just in case.”

Carol Jean waved him away and placed a hand on Bryan’s forehead. His pale, clammy skin had become beet red and cracked in a matter of hours. Her palm seared from his touch. She grabbed her bottle and dripped the last remaining drops onto the crusty sock. Bryan’s lips were cracked and stained with dried blood. He didn’t even react to the sock being placed on his mouth. His eyes were closed, his breathing shallow. They were out of time. 

 

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Author Stacy Lynn Carroll
Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English. Go Aggies! She then finished her BA at the University of Utah (to be closer to her then boyfriend, now hubby) where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. It seemed like fate when Matt and Stacy married. She was a writer, and her father-in-law had a story that demanded to be written. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don.

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Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/21/14 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