Friday, June 5, 2015

12 Great Summer Reads Day 5: The Pet Palace by Debbie White with Giveaway

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 Everyone need a little love and some furry friends in summer!

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Vanessa wasn’t looking for love. She was looking for the perfect place to open her pet rescue center. However, when best friend Gabby suggests she make an appointment with the handsome realtor Jason, Vanessa soon finds herself intrigued by him.  Filled with twists and turns, and likeable characters, The Pet Palace will have you turning pages to follow Vanessa as she realizes her dream. Set in beautiful wine country of northern California, The Pet Palace will captivate you from the first page as Vanessa fulfills her dreams of a lifetime. 

 Pick up your copy of the book here:
http://amzn.com/dp/B00BC7OO52

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Debbie currently resides in beautiful Sonoma County, California, where the jagged Pacific coastline meets the rolling hills cascading with vineyards. She writes romance novellas that feature strong, independent women, who when faced with adversity, or tragedy, fine strength and overcome the perils that stand in their way. She’s an avid supporter of animal rescue, and happily donates a portion of sales from her books to rescue organizations. She has two adult children, and two granddaughters. In her spare time, she loves to garden, travel; enjoy family, and her beloved rescue dogs, Dash and Briar. Her real passion of course is writing, and she uses her 20+ years as a military wife as inspiration for her stories. The Salty Dog takes places in Bodega, a small fishing community she has the pleasure of visiting often. The project she is currently working on involves travel to exotic and foreign places, another area she has experience.

Check out the authors pages.

www.pinterest.com/authordwhite
www.authordebbiewhite.com
https://twitter.com/@dwhiteauthor
www.linkedin.com/pub/debbie _white/51/249/341/
authordwhite@gmail.com
www.authordebbiewhite.com/wordpress/
www.authorsrevealed.blogspot.com



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 Author Top 10


1. Wine tasting with my honey

2. Vacations to Anywhere!

3. Waterfalls

4. Hummingbirds

5. Sushi

6. Long walks

7. Gorgeous views

8. Sunrises

9. Sunsets

10. Donating money to animal rescue organizations

Snippet



As they descended the staircase, Vanessa eyed Jason with a different perspective. He truly was a handsome man. His body was lean and hard, and his muscles were evident through his shirt and jeans, giving her an idea of what his body looked like under his clothes. She shuddered and then sighed aloud.
“Is everything OK?” he asked, turning around. Slightly embarrassed that she’d been caught looking, she nodded her head everything was good. Even if she never found the perfect place for the center, she might have found the perfect man in her life. She was at least beginning to think that. Time would tell.
Jason and Vanessa left the industrial area for what would be their last stop. They chatted about the other two properties, and she listed the pros and cons off the top of her head.
            &nb sp;   “Next stop – the pony farm,” Jason announced.


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Thursday, June 4, 2015

Review: Summer in Snow Valley


 June 2015, 724 pages
My Rating: 5 Stars
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25507757-summer-in-snow-valley?from_search=true&search_version=service

I am going to write my review underneath each description and will wrap it all up at the end.
#1 Bestselling Amazon Authors of Christmas in Snow Valley, have teamed up again with six wonderful summer novellas that are sure to make your summer sweet and sassy!

Catching Caytie by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland Anderson
On the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she’ll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.
 
I really enjoyed this story. Caytie is a spoiled rich girl but hasn't ever known what it feels like to be loved. Her uncle provides a home, complete with love, for her and I enjoyed watching her discover feelings of contentment. Money really doesn't buy everything. Her first meeting with Jace had me laughing, as did a few other parts. Clean romance and humor is a big bonus for me. Jace is a grumpy cowboy, but soooo sweet and endearing. I really enjoyed Kellan, too, and the way Caytie is able to reach him.

Tin Foil Tiaras by Amazon Top Seller Jeanette Lewis
Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.
 
 
I've always been a little fascinated with beauty pageants myself, just like Cameron, but haven't ever had the desire to be in one. Annalisa doesn't have the desire, but her mom sure does! Cameron is a good coach with a great ability to lift up those around her. Kyle is very protect, with good reason. I love the way they work together...and disagree. They definitely have some chemistry! 

A Touch of Love by Amazon Top Seller Cami Checketts
Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she’s right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn’t ready to give her up. 

This story totally touched my heart! Annie has a speech problem that is made worse when she's in uncomfortable situations. Luke is a gentle cowboy with a giant heart and is able to looks past any barriers and straight into a person's heart. I could completely relate to Annie's insecurities involving people from the past. Such a fun, sweet story.

First Love by Amazon Top Seller Taylor Hart
Janet Snow doesn’t expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother’s wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she’d written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet's not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice—play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last. 

I love a good second chance romance story and this one was perfect. Everyone has regrets and makes mistakes, but it takes a big person to try and right wrongs and fix things. Janet tries to shelter those she loves and to keep things secret, but sometimes it's best to keep things in the open. A lot of misconceptions and assumptions lead to confusion and heartache, but all's well that ends well...right? This ending was the most romantic ending ever!

Romancing Rebecca by Amazon Top Seller, Kimberley Montpetit
Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austen and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she’d rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty firemen with muscles the size of the Montana hills. 

Swoon, swoon. Becca does all her swooning through her books and her cheesy writing.  When a group of fire fighters show up to battle a forest fire nearby, all that changes and she has some real men to base her characters on. Becca is such a dreamer and lives with her head in the clouds, but she's so innocent and selfless--you can't help but like her. Her aunt is one fun character and is totally young at heart. Sometimes a true love is not who you expect him to be--he could totally be the boy next door. I also enjoy these types of stories because they parallel (in a small way) my own love story with my husband.

Love in Light and Shadow by Amazon Top Seller Lucy McConnell
Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.

Mercy and Cat are two FUN sisters! They don't fit the mold of elegant Eastern girls and aren't afraid of tools and hard work. They are afraid of good looking men because how can they be anything but heart breakers? Chet is a shy, hard working cowboy who doesn't have a lot to offer, aside from himself. I had fun reading about the way this relationship hesitantly came together. Aiden, Chet's nephew, had me cracking up throughout.

Overall Review: I grew up in a small town and have such fond memories of the lazy days of summer. Most everyone knew each other and the town pulled together for our Town Days, celebrated at the end of July. This compilation really brought back those memories for me and I'm now longing for those simpler times. In fact, I really want to find a place such as this to finish raising my family in. I loved Christmas in Snow Valley and this book solidified my love for this fictional town.

I really enjoyed seeing snippets of the lives of the characters from the previous book (Christmas), but I really loved getting to know new characters. Each story brought a piece of the town and its inhabitants to life and it's so hard for me to choose a favorite. I loved each one for different reasons. 

The feelings of belonging, hope for the future, forging new ties and cementing old ties, hard work, and family are common themes running through each of these stories. I really hope there is more about this place and these people on the horizon! 

Content: mild romance and one or two had mild religious elements. Clean!

Buy Links:
ONLY .99 FOR THIS WEEK ONLY!

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Snow-Valley-Romance-Anthologies-ebook/dp/B00X67KDUG/ref=pd_sim_351_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=19A7GFA0R92QK8PM5Z6J
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-in-snow-valley-cami-checketts/1121863566?ean=2940152142686
  

12 Days of Great Summer Reads Day 4: Summer in Snow Valley with Giveaway

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First Love:
Janet Snow only agrees to go out with the man she’d written off ten years ago because it was understood--no complications. But after a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal Janet has to make a choice…play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.


Tin Foil Tiaras:


Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. He insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.

Love in Light and Shadow:


Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.

Romancing Rebecca:
Rebecca Dash would rather write about Jane Austen-type characters than hang out with her nerdy Chemical Engineering male lab partners—until a team of fire-fighters sets up camp on the lawns of the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast and the devastatingly handsome, Captain Wade, catches her eye. Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than flirty firemen with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

Catching Caytie:
To escape being trapped in an unwanted marriage, Caytie Holbrook hides out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. She intends to stay long enough to inherit a trust fund her grandmother left and then move to Italy…that is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans 


A Touch of Love:


Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. His ex-girlfriend reappears and confirms her fears, but Luke isn't ready to give Annie up.

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Snow-Valley- Romance






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Tin Foil Tiaras:
Jeanette Lewis is a pen name used by author, Janet K. Halling. Dreaming up stories has always been one of Janet's favorite things. Other favorites include her family, good friends, crisp autumn days, decadent desserts, and having adventures. Visit elidryn.com for more info on Janet’s latest projects or check out her author page at https://www.facebook.com/JanetKHalling
.


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7xasfm1R6vObBb9ws6Z_H5ZsJyCbdYej4uPadd2QEqCMBPO370wc1eSwdjWNGn3Okdk9-DQtLxeQd6od7phsy_QhyO_inwJpqcKi4p4fPR8lvB6NU5c4PhFqhHbUk4qxU1qCYIn8mKk/s200/Taylor+Hart.jpgFirst Love:
Taylor Hart has always been drawn to a good love triangle, hot chocolate and long conversations with new friends. Writing has always been a passion that has consumed her dreams and forced her to sit in a trance for long hours, completely obsessed with people that don’t really exist. Taylor would have been a country star if she could have carried a tune—maybe in the next life. Find Taylor at:

www.taylorhartbooks.com │ Twitter: @taylorfaithhart │ Facebook: Taylor Hart



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Love in Light and Shadow:
Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. Once caught up in a story, she disappears into a cave until the first draft is done. She writes fantasy, clean romance, Christian romance, historical fiction, and cookbooks (under the name Christina Dymock.) Her Christmas romance, Blue Christmas, was a top seller in seven Amazon categories on its own and in thirteen as part of the Christmas in Snow Valley Anthology.
When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at the elementary school or church; shuttling kids to baseball, soccer, basketball, or football, depending on the time of year; skiing with her family; wakeboarding; cycling; baking; cooking; or curled up with a good book.
You can sign up for her newsletter and get the latest news by clicking here.
Or, you can visit her website at:



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Romancing Rebecca:
Award-winning author, Kimberley Montpetit AKA Kimberley Griffiths Little once spent all her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops when she was in Paris—on the arm of her adorable husband. The author grew up in San Francisco, but currently lives in a small town along the Rio Grande with her big, messy family.
 
Kimberley reads a book a day and loves to travel. She’s stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland, sailed the Seine in Paris, swam in the ocean at Cannes, ridden a camel among the glorious cliffs of Petra, shopped the maze of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria. Find her at www.KimberleyMontpetit.com or her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KimberleyMontpetit< /a>. Kimberley Montpetit Author Page on Amazon




https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fHkPQDmBRW_ue26BoXQYkl2UbogrMYrshjLojMi7JifIFbTx_aCKjmg_CuM6I-an37HjgivfX5lqfJ0O6Vp-ilSfW43Bu_hdhwFp9nrQivdIyEVr56pP5tdLrXSd4KYLrUTna4nWh08/s200/Cindy+Roland.jpgCatching Caytie:
Cindy Roland Anderson is the bestselling author of clean, contemporary romance filled with humor, romantic tension and some pretty great kissing scenes. Cindy has a degree in nursing, and worked in the NICU until she recently retired to write full time. She loves to bake, not cook (there is a difference!) and enjoys spending time with her family.
Cindy is lucky to be married to her best friend John. They live in Northern Utah and are parents to five incredible children. Over the past few years their family has expanded by adding a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and four adorable grandchildren. Cindy loves to read, almost as much as she loves writing. And she loves chocolate—probably a little too much.

To contact Cindy or to see other projects she is working on go to www.cindyrolandanderson.com or check out her author Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cindyr olandandersonauthor



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A Touch of Love:
Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and driving boys to lacrosse practice, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, hiking, biking, running, and water-skiing. Website: http://www.camichecketts.com/





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Tin Foil Tiaras Excerpt:

Kyle maneuvered around the mud and she prepared for him to stop and set her down, but he didn’t. He kept going, walking easily down the trail with her on his back.
“Uh … you can put me down now,” she finally said.
“Yeah, I could,” he agreed … and kept walking.
“We’re over the mud, thank you very much,” she didn’t really want him to put her down, but it seemed polite to suggest it.
“Okay,” he said … and kept walking.
“Now you’re just showing off,” she muttered good-naturedly and he threw her a grin over his shoulder.
“Yup.”
She tightened her arms slightly and her heart leapt when she felt him squeeze her knees in return.
Oh yes, taking the day off had definitely been a good idea.


Excerpt from First Love
“Do you remember the first time we sat on this rock?”
His heart picked up speed. “I remember. It was the first time we kissed.”
Her cheeks reddened, and she laughed. “I thought it was so gentlemanly that you asked me first.”
He knew his own cheeks were red. “Hey, I knew better than to assume anything from you.”
She laughed, too. “I guess last night you thought you could assume.”
The tension grew palpable. He scooted closer, their legs touching. He couldn’t stop looking at her lips. “I guess last night’s episode told me that I still got it.”
After a second, she laughed. “Oh, yeah?”
Warmth filled him. He leaned forward, taking one side of her hair and pushing it back behind her ear. “Yeah.” He stared in her eyes. “But I’ll ask anyway. Can I kiss you?”

Love in Light and Shadow Excerpt

“And grapes explode when you put them in the microwave.”
She lifted her hand. “That one would be worth testing.”
“Did it.”
“What happened?”
“I had to clean the microwave.”
Laughing, Mercedes asked, “Where were you when I had to go to all those stuffy dinner parties with my parents?”
Chet motioned for her to sit and scooted another chair closer.
Mercedes found herself relaxing a smidge because of Chets easy way. He moved with the grace of a man who used his body, knew what it was capable of, and was comfortable in his skin. She also liked that he wasn’t ashamed to be seen in work clothes. Most of the guys shed dated would have run into the house and not come out until they were all decked out. She could handle talking to him.
Just. Talking.
They were going to be neighbors, after all. 

Excerpt of Romancing Rebecca: 
Shea cupped her hands and stared through the window. Men wearing big heavy yellow coats and boots were unloading from the trucks. Taking off their very distinctive hats. Firemen hats. Faces blackened by soot.
Before Becca could protest, her aunt yanked open the door and marched out into the chilly night in her slippers and billowing purple robe.
“Oh, drats!” Becca exclaimed. She should have pulled on some jeans. Combed her hair. There were men—young men—swarming all over their yard.
Tall men. Chiseled men. Despite the dirt and soot on their faces, their awkward fire-fighting uniforms, they were all rugged and handsome and too cute for words. 
Becca pulled her robe tighter just as Aunt Rayna waggled her eyebrows. “Aunt Rayna! No shameless flirting in the middle of the night!”
“Rebecca Dash, just go with it. Have some fun.”
“My flirting skills are lacking even when I’m well rested and well fed.”

Catching Caytie Excerpt: 
She sized him up, not sure if she liked him better in a cowboy hat or a baseball hat. “Remember, don’t shoot the messenger.”
“Geez, am I gonna be as ticked as Kellen?” He took off his ball cap and ran a hand through his hair.
Probably. “That all depends on how you feel about auctions.”
His chocolate colored eyes looked confused. “As long as no one is trying to sell my favorite horse, I like them fine.”
“Great,” she said, passing by him on her way toward the kitchen. “Your horse isn’t going to be auctioned off. You are.”

A Touch of Love Excerpt:
“Do you ever write down what you’re thinking?”
Annie's eyebrows rose. Luke loved the way she did that.
“Would you write for me? What you’re thinking?”
She shrugged her shapely shoulders and studied him for a few seconds before pulling out a notepad. She wrote for a few seconds then handed it to him.
I’m thinking that this cowboy is a nice guy who’s uncomfortable with my silence.
“I guess you got me there. I don’t really talk too much, usually just swear at the cattle. So I’m not a nice guy at all.”
She took the pad back, wrote, and handed it to him again.
You’re definitely a nice guy. I knew that when you bought the thoughtful gift for your sister. Why do you want to take me to dinner? Feeling bad for the new girl in town?
He grinned. “Nope. Feeling intrigued by the new girl in town and wanting to get to know her better.” He handed the pad back to her.
You don’t have the time to get to know me better, it would take hours for me to get anything out with my stutter.

He laughed. “Sweetheart, I’ve got the time and the desire to get to know you better. I really do love the sound of your voice, but if you’re more comfortable we could communicate like this.”

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Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Review: Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 4: Illegal Aliens by Brent LeVasseur

Aoleon The Martian Girl: Science Fiction Saga - Part 4 Illegal Aliens by Brent LeVasseur
Kindle Edition
Published February 1st 2015 by Aoléon Press 
My Rating: 5 Stars
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Description: Science Fiction Series Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 4 Illegal Aliens (Part 4 of 5)

Aoléon and Gilbert have become the Luminon’s top priority in stopping the Martian resistance movement, and after being chased by the Royal Paladin Guard, they are forced to flee the Martian Megalopolis. Aoléon, Gilbert and Zoot escape with the help of Bizwat and his newly found friend, Helios, a first generation soldierbot.

After their saucer is destroyed, they crash land somewhere in the deep Martian desert, and they set out to locate Kyrios and the secret base where Aoléon’s parents are being held captive.

After battling the forces of nature, starvation, a Klyklon dust storm, (and not to mention a giant slor that almost swallows them alive), they finally make it to their destination. However, after Kyrios gives Gilbert some basic training to develop his budding psionic power, they learn that their journey is far from over.

Will Aoléon, Gilbert, Bizwat, Helios, and Zoot be able to rescue Aoléon’s parents and stop the Martian invasion of Earth in time?

Read part 4 to find out!

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in this exciting middle school sci-fi adventure!
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24810329-science-fiction-series-aoleon-the-martian-girl-part-4-illegal-aliens?from_search=true&search_version=serviceMy Review: I really enjoyed this 4th installment. This is where the action really picks up and engages the reader. Aoleon and Gilbert learn that the Martians really do plan to invade Earth and are determined to stop it from happening. A few Martians make it to the planet and what happens is really funny. I think younger readers will really love the mental pictures these words create. The story goes back and forth between Mars and Earth for a little bit and it was a lot of fun to see what was going on.

Speaking of pictures, once again, the graphics are amazing--you can tell just by the cover. I love the way there are pictures interspersed with the story. That little purple guy pictured in the album cover is a pet (Zoot) and the close up of him is incredible. You can literally see each little piece of his fur. The characters and places are done in brilliant colors that really catch the eye.

Back to the story...Aoleon and Gilbert are like dear friends now and I couldn't help but cheer them on in their quest. They encounter some crazy, perilous adventures, along with their friend Bizwat and his friend Helios. I enjoyed getting to know Bizwat better and he surprised me. There's more to him than just being a pizza delivery guy. There are some theories on different things introduced in Part 4, such as, what really happened to dinosaurs and what happened in Roswell, that I found to be very creative.

I think the things I enjoy most about this series are the facts that it really causes a reader to think, question ideas, and spurs creativity. As I've mentioned before, these engaging pictures, fun characters, and an adventurous storyline will really draw kids in.

Content: two uses of mild language; moments of peril.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Aoleon-Martian-Girl-Science-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00T3P4S92/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433338823&sr=1-1&keywords=aoleon+part+4
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aoleon-the-martian-girl-brent-levasseur/1121650438?ean=2940151839747
Buy The Martian Girl Song!
Another World - Single
Featuring Ã‰lan Noelle
Download on iTunes 
 




Meet the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 


Monday, June 1, 2015

Review: Heart Like an Ocean by Christine Steendam

Heart Like an Ocean by Christine Steendam
316 pages, 2013
My Rating: 4 Stars
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description:  In a society where she doesn't belong, Senona Montez, a strong-willed and free-spirited woman refuses to follow the path expected of a Don’s only child.
On the eve of her marriage to a stranger, she saddles her horse and flees everything she knows, only to discover the petty concerns of society did not prepare her for the harsh life on the open sea. She finds an unlikely protector in a reckless privateer, Brant Foxton.


Straddling the worlds of independence and privilege in 1600′s Europe, this captivating man challenges her in ways she never thought possible, shows her what living to the fullest really means, and allows her to follow her heart wherever it leads.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332130-heart-like-an-oceanMy Review: Pirates are dangerous men, yet I can't help but find a fascination with them--especially with the "good" ones. The story begins with Senona fleeing Spain the night before her arranged marriage. She finds a pirate who will take her and her horse and get them away quickly. Brant, a privateer, knows this evil pirate's reputation and kidnaps Senona in order to help and protect her.

Of course, I was intrigued by their journey on the ocean. I came to really enjoy the characters and their strengths and weaknesses. Brant is brave, commanding, and strong, but he really made me mad. He has a past and can't quite get over it. He comes across as so indecisive and fickle about love throughout most of the book and I wanted him to really think about where his decisions were leading and who they were affecting, especially where his younger brother, James, is concerned. James--I really enjoyed him and the battles he faced as he tried to do what he wanted to do, but still come across as "cool" to those around him. Senona is a woman of privilege, but she really works hard to prove herself and to earn her keep. We don't always belong in the box we're placed into and Senona really tries to find her place in life. I couldn't stand the housekeeper, but loved her children.

I really liked the way the story went from the tropical seas to England and back again. The societies at this time were vastly different and it was fun to be immersed in each one for awhile. This alone set the story apart from others in the same genre. I'm curious--were balls a big thing in England in the 1600s? I always thought they came later, but they were still fun to read little snippets about. I really enjoyed this one.

Content: a few mild swear words; mild violence (pirates--murder, plunder, etc but not graphic); mild romance. Clean!

Buy Links: 


http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Like-Ocean-Christine-Steendam-ebook/dp/B00BC2TCJA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433107256&sr=8-1&keywords=heart+like+an+ocean
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-like-an-ocean-christine-steendam/1114336385?ean=9781939217325

About the Author: 
Christine SteendamChristine Steendam is the award-winning romance author of the Foremost Chronicles and the Ocean Series. She also flirts with sci-fi and comic book writing and is a yearly participant in NaNoWriMo.
Christine makes her home in Manitoba, Canada on a sprawling 15 acre ranch with her husband, two young sons, and a brood of animals including Guinness, her beloved chocolate quarter horse, Beau, her St Bernard/Golden Retriever cross, and a gaggle of barn kittens.
 


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