Saturday, August 27, 2016

The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks by Cindy Vincent {Blog Tour Spotlight and Giveaway}

Series: Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper
Genre: Christian, Children's, Cat-themed Mystery, Suspense
Publisher: Whodunit Press
Publication date: October 11, 2013
Number of pages: 178
Buckley and Bogey, Cat Detectives, find their next case hits a little too close to home. Because someone has been breaking into houses and stealing all the Christmas presents! And the first two robberies even took place in their very own neighborhood. Holy Catnip! Of course, the boys leap in on all fours to investigate right away. Then it isn't long before they realize they are dealing with some real criminal masterminds, since these burglars know exactly how to cover their tracks. Plus, the crooks have the whole town of St. Gertrude on edge and they're threatening to ruin Christmas for everyone.
But figuring out the identity of the Christmas Crooks isn't the only mystery around. After all, Buckley had just been adopted from the cat shelter this year, and this was the first he'd ever heard about Christmas. And he quickly finds out there is a lot to learn! From Christmas trees to Santa Claus, and jingle bells to the birth of baby Jesus, the real meaning of Christmas is a mystery to him. But he and Bogey can't really enjoy any of it until the Christmas Crooks are caught. That's because it becomes very clear, very quick — these Christmas Crooks have set their sights on the boys' house, too! And the burglars are headed straight for their door. Holy Mackerel!
Cindy Vincent, M.A. Ed., is the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers, a mystery series for kids and cat-lovers that features the adventures of two black cat detectives. And yes, as she is often asked, Cindy used her own black cats, Buckley and Bogey, as the inspiration for the series, since they seem to run surveillance on her house each and every night. Cindy is also the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls, along with the Daisy Diamond Detective novels, which are a spin-off from the games. She lives in Houston, TX with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines. Cindy is a self-professed “Christmas-a-holic,” and usually starts planning and preparing in March for her ever-expanding, “extreme” Christmas lights display every year . . .
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Favorite quote:  Jeremiah 29:11. 11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Favorite book:   (Right after the Bible,) How to Murder the Man of Your Dreams, by Dorothy Cannell.   So, so funny . . .
Favorite dessert:  Chocolate Molten Lava Cake.  ‘Nuff said.
Favorite flower:  Roses, red or bright pink.
Favorite season:  This is a hard question to answer, since I absolutely enjoy all the seasons.  But I guess I’d have to say Summer, which is sort of crazy, since I live in Houston and our climate is pretty much like that of Calcutta.  Even so, I absolutely love floating around my pool, and I love the laid-back, lazy attitude of Summer.  I always consider it the perfect time of year.  I write in the morning, then take a little swim, and write in the afternoon.  Then we might barbeque something for dinner, and finally, I might go swimming before bedtime, with the moon and the stars out.  Perfect.
Favorite movie:  Casablanca.
Favorite place to visit:  Gallatin Canyon in Montana.  There is just nothing more majestic than the road between West Yellowstone and Bozeman.
Favorite Restaurant:  Pappas Seafood, near me.  I’ve never had a bad meal there.  Yum.  I get hungry just thinking about the place!!
Favorite author:  Dorothy Cannell
Favorite holiday: Christmas, which in my household begins with decorating in October and lasts until late January.  I put up three different Christmas trees.  But here in August, if you were to look close enough, you’d see my Swarovski ornaments are still hanging around . . . And I have a few “minor” trees up all year long.
​ Holy Mackerel!  I could hardly believe my eyes.  There I was, sitting at the top of the stairs with my best friend and brother, Bogart, or “Bogey” for short.  We were peeking out between the spindles of the staircase.  That meant we had a perfect view of what was going on just below us. Of course, since we’re both cat detectives, we were ready to jump into action at a moment's notice.  And believe me, judging from what we saw below, we figured we'd have to spring into action at any second!  So we sat in a crouched position, and our keen cat eyes took in every movement.
Though to tell you the truth, I guess I was really the only one in a crouched position.  And well, I was probably the only one whose eyes were watching every movement.  Actually, Bogey was kind of lolling on his side with his eyes closed.  He opened them just enough to help himself to a cat treat from a foil pouch.  He passed one to me and then closed his eyes again.
But I, Buckley Bergdorf, was almost too nervous to eat the fish-flavored treat.  My heart was racing, and I'm sure my long, black fur was standing on end.
I couldn't believe that Bogey wasn't even the least bit worried.  Then again, he was a professional when it came to being a cat detective.  He'd been in the business for years, ever since he'd been adopted from the cat shelter.  As for me, I was barely more than a rookie.  In fact, I'd really only solved a few cases so far.  Thankfully, I had Bogey to lean on to help me learn the job.  He'd been teaching me everything he knew about the cat detective business.
And believe me, there was a lot to learn!  But I was happy to have the job and happy to help out my family.  Especially since I didn't even have a family for a while.
I still remember the day when my human Mom adopted me and brought me home from the cat shelter.  Bogey took me under his paw right away, and I’ve been grateful for it ever since.  After all, I’d once been out on the mean streets with nothing to eat.  Now I have a home with plenty of food, and people and cats who love me.  Plus I have the best big brother in the world.
I jumped when a loud whump suddenly echoed up to us.  I noticed yet another box had appeared in the hallway below.
I gulped.  "Aren't you scared?" I asked Bogey.
He grabbed another cat treat.  "Nope, kid.  I've seen this kind of thing before.  It happens every year."
It did?
http://amzn.to/2byEjTR

Friday, August 26, 2016

Dear Jane by Rachel Ward {Review}


Dear Jane by Rachel Ward
Paperback, 256 pages
Published August 9th 2016 by Cedar Fort, Inc 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29324389-dear-jane?ac=1&from_search=true
The plan was to serve a mission, marry her boyfriend, and live happily ever after. But all of that changed when Quinn got a Dear Jane email. Now she's stuck at home with no boyfriend, no job, no major, and absolutely no social life. Will Quinn ever find the path that leads to her eternal happiness?
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My Review: 4.5 Stars
I really loved this book on so many levels. This story is specific to the LDS (Mormon) faith and while not preachy, there are many references that those who are not of the faith won't understand.
Quinn has always been in love with her best friend's brother and after they finally get together, she decides to serve a mission. Shortly before she comes home, she receives an email that changes her life--she's been dumped. After coming home, she struggles to figure life out and as she slowly begins to put the pieces together, she finds that what she thought she wanted might not be what she really needs.
I think most people can understand and relate to Quinn to some degree. Transitioning into adulthood is difficult, at best, and it's hard to find the "right" path to take--the path that will bring the most happiness. Quinn is fairly humble and oblivious, which leads to some tricky situations. She doesn't always make the best choices and those decisions lead to a little reader frustration. I wanted her to come around and fix things. It's hard to see people make "mistakes" but they do have to resolve things in their time, as did Quinn.
I'm a big believer that people are constantly changing and our experiences play a big part in that. If a couple isn't morphing together, it's easy to find themselves on completely different paths. What might be "right" at one time, isn't necessarily "right" later. This theme is very evident throughout the story in many ways. I love watching the different relationships progress--from friendships, to family, to romance. There are so many great characters and circumstances. It was easy to feel a part of the story, since these things felt so familiar. There are some difficult and sensitive issues found within these pages, but they are handled well and don't drag the story down. I've found another new author to watch!
Content: moderate religious elements (not preachy); mild romance (some innuendo and implied situations). Clean!
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
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Buy Links
http://amzn.to/2bKlMG8
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dear-jane-rachel-ward/1123424398?ean=9781462118939
 https://deseretbook.com/p/dear-jane?variant_id=137011-paperback
 http://booksandthings.com/dear-jane-paperback.html


About the Author
  
Rachel grew up reading every book she could get her hands on and spending time with her cat. At least, that was the report in every annual Christmas letter. The humiliation was enough to spur her into action, and she began writing. And she never stopped. Rachel studied English at Brigham Young University-Idaho and then wrote and blogged in between the births of her six children. She currently lives in West Jordan with her family, and while she no longer has a cat, she still reads every book she can get her hands on.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Bayside Evenings (The Hunters #2) by Stacy Claflin {Review

Bayside Evenings (The Hunters #2) by Stacy Claflin

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31371911-bayside-evenings

She’s single and stuck. His relationship is going nowhere. Will the next wedding they plan… be their own?

Dakota Hunter is great at wedding planning but terrible at finding a guy. Each one she encounters is worse than the one before… until she meets Clay. There’s one teensy problem: her attractive new assistant has a long-term girlfriend.

Clay Harper is thrilled to land his new job with Dakota, surrounding himself with happy couples day in and day out. But when he sees true love in person, he realizes his own relationship is far less than happy. It doesn’t help that being around Dakota feels easy. It feels right.

As Dakota and Clay grow a deeper connection, Clay’s girlfriend refuses to go down without a fight. Can the wedding planners go from seeing happy couples… to being one?


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My Review: 4 Stars

Dakota is a wedding planner and one of the best, but she's unlucky in finding love for herself. When she hires a new assistant, a friend of her brother's, sparks fly, but then she discovers that Clay has a longtime girlfriend. And she's not one to break up a relationship.

Dakota is very driven and good at what she does. You'd think after being around happy couples and bridezillas all day, she'd know exactly what she wants in a relationship and how to go after it, but she still seems a bit hesitant and assumes way too much. That right there shows she's completely human, after all. Clay seems content to float along in life with the way things have been for practically forever, but Dakota awakens some feelings in him that he didn't know existed. I love how he's quick to make decisions and to implement them into his life, no matter the cost. 

Some people aren't fans of love triangles, but this one feels like something that could honestly happen in real life. I like the emotions that are played upon, although I wish the character development went just a little deeper.

I love this series. I love how close-knit the family is and enjoy getting to know them each better on an individual level. Their family relations are so cozy, secure, and heartwarming. If family doesn't watch your back, who will? I can't wait to read about the next sibling.

Content: 1-2 very mild words; clean romance (mild kissing).

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Buy Links

http://amzn.to/2bhf6v0
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bayside-evenings-stacy-claflin/1124368210?ean=2940153393230

About the Author

Stacy ClaflinStacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.

Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.

Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
 
   

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The Reclusive Billionaire by Lucy McConnell {Review}

The Reclusive Billionaire by Lucy McConnell
Kindle Edition, 127 pages
Published April 2nd 2016 by Gelato Publishing 
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29768395-the-reclusive-billionaire?from_search=true
 
Lucas Scott, a world-renowned microbiologist, is desperate to find a cure for the butterfly flu before it spreads. Hounded by the media, he escapes to his houseboat in Santa Barbara where he meets a vivacious veterinarian with a penchant for taking in strays. While he searches for the key to unlocking the butterfly flu, Becca somehow unlocks his analytical heart. 

Becca Lee isn't impressed with her new neighbor. His clothes are constantly wrinkled and he's grumpier than a cat with digestive problems. However, Luke isn't easy to brush off. He's always around, has a magnificent mind, and is full of surprises. But, what she can't figure out is why her instincts tell her to trust this rouge billionaire. It doesn't take long to realize he is the only one alive who can save the world and Becca has to make a choice--open her heart or watch Luke sail off into the sunset.  
 
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My Review: 3.5 Stars
 
It seems that every so often, a new pandemic crops up that leaves people in a panic. In this story, the dreadful butterfly flu is killing people and Lucas is trying to find a cure. After a death that hits close to home and a resulting investigation, he seeks solace on a boat in Santa Barbara, where he meets the cute and perky vet, Becca. She has a heart that's a little too big, as she's always getting into trouble for taking in strays.
 
While I enjoyed watching Lucas and Becca interact and grow their relationship, it felt a little rushed and not as deep as I would have liked it to be, but that's hard to do with a shorter story. I would have loved to have seen this one just a tad bit longer. I loved both Lucas's and Becca's personalities and found that sometimes opposites really do attract. First impressions aren't everything, as this couple seemed to get off on the wrong foot, but they have to form an alliance in an unlikely way. 
 
I love animals and liked the way animals played such a big role in this story, especially the dog, Big Red. This is a really sweet story and the ending is satisfying.
 
This is an ideal read for those who are short on time, but love a fun, unique, clean romance.  
 
Content: mild, clean romance. 
 
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
 
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Buy Link
 
http://amzn.to/2bBwyiT

Cover Reveal: Heart Strings by Donna Hatch with Giveaway


We are so excited to have Author Donna Hatch with us once again to feature her newest book! For those who haven't yet met Donna, let's get to know her:


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

Connect with the Author:

      

   

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And now, let's check out her fantastic new book!

Synopsis:
Gently bred young ladies don’t run away from home to find employment, but when forced to choose between marrying a brutish oaf or becoming another man’s mistress, Susanna makes an unconventional decision. Following her passion for music, she flees to London with dreams of securing a position as a harpist. Becoming entangled with a handsome violinist who calls himself Kit, but who seems too aristocratic for a working-class musician, may be more problematic than sleeping in the streets.
Kit's attention is captured by Susanna’s breath-taking talent, admirable grace, and winsome smiles…until a lawman exposes the new harpist as a runaway bride and a thief. With peril lurking in the shadows, Susanna’s imminent danger not only forces Kit to choose between his better judgment and his heart, but he must also embrace the life to which he swore he would never return.

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And now ... are you ready to see the wonderful new cover??


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Then share the fun news and enter below!






Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Carousel Nights by Amie Denman {Blog Tour Guest Post and Giveaway}


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Carousel Nights (Starlight Point Stories)Carousel Nights
(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
August 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Every first love deserves a second chance

June Hamilton left home to pursue her dream of dancing on Broadway. Seven years later, she has one regret: Mel Preston, her teenage crush and onetime summer love. Now a single dad and the head of maintenance at Starlight Point, her family's amusement park, Mel's easy smile still makes her heart beat in triple time. But June came home with a plan. She would spend the summer revitalizing the park's aging theaters, then make a graceful exit back to the big city. Until Mel and his young son start making a powerful claim on her emotions, and June faces an impossible decision…

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequiniTunesKobo

Guest Post
Sisters

If you have siblings, you know how much they contribute to shaping you as a person. I have three sisters with whom I’ve always been close, and I know that they have influenced me—almost always in a good way! The four of us even have a vague pact to end up in a bungalow in Key West together someday to raise a margarita glass to our gray hairs. My Starlight Point series focuses on romance, of course, but the relationship between the three siblings who inherit an amusement park is also close to my heart.

In Carousel Nights, middle child June Hamilton comes home to Starlight Point for the summer. Although she tells her family and everyone else that her summer plans are to revitalize the live theater shows at the summer resort and amusement park, she has another reason. After dancing on Broadway for several years, her knee is in need of rest. Not willing to show weakness, June forges ahead with her plans to choreograph and stage all new shows to wow the guests at Starlight Point.

One of my favorite things about this book (aside from her romance with handsome maintenance chief and former love Mel Preston) is her relationship with her sister Evie. Evie will get her own love story in Meet Me on the Midway (December 2016), but you get a chance to know her in Carousel Nights. June and Evie are close in age, but they’ve always had different goals. June wanted to get away from Starlight Point and dance in front of the bright lights of the Broadway stage in New York City. Evie got her accounting degree with every intention of devoting her life to working in the family business.

Their father’s sudden death the previous season changed everything, and now June feels compelled to come home (at least for a while) and help. Evie never intended to leave, but she begins to wonder if managing the books is enough for her. The sisters become closer throughout the summer, sharing their secrets and working together for the future of the family business. With her practical nature, Evie provides an entertaining contrast to her more dramatic sister June. Although Evie thinks she has no room in her life for romance, she plays an important advising role from the sidelines for her brother Jack in Under the Boardwalk and her sister June in Carousel Nights.

— Amie


Other Books in the Series

Under the BoardwalkUnder the Boardwalk
(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Everyone's counting on him

With the sudden death of his father, Jack Hamilton finds himself running the family amusement park, Starlight Point. His first job? Balance the books, and that means raising the rent for vendors like baker Augusta Murphy.

Gus won't accept the new contract…not without a fight. She rallies the other vendors and sets out to negotiate with Jack. At least, she tries. How do you play hardball with a man who's charming and kind and still grieving? Gus needs to figure it out fast, because the closer she gets to Jack, the more she risks losing everything.





Amie Denman lives in Ohio with her husband, sons, cats, and dog. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and playing outside. Born with an overdeveloped sense of curiosity, she's been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what's going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.
10 copies of the first book in the series, Under the Boardwalk (print if US, ebook if outside the US)
Open internationally
Ends September 2nd
Grab Our Button!

Monday, August 22, 2016

The Beautiful Balance by Michelle Wilson {Blog Tour Review}


The Beautiful  Balance by Michelle Wilson
152 pages
Published August 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31441929-the-beautiful-balance?ac=1&from_search=true

Whether in your family, your ward, or your community, you’ve observed them: those noble individuals who are strong, patient, and stalwart in the face of adversity. When times are tough, how do they manage the challenging shift from victim to victor? Chances are they have figured out the balance of control—what they have charge of and what is in the Lord’s hands.

Trying to manage the ups and downs of life can feel overwhelming, but fortunately we’re not alone on this journey. With inspiring doctrinal insights and a healthy dose of humor, author Michelle Wilson inspires readers to let go of fear and find peace, even in the midst of lost jobs, health challenges, or everyday chaos at home. In a world that seems so tempestuous, The Beautiful Balance is a sweet reminder of exactly what we can control—ourselves—and what God controls—all the rest.

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My Review: 5 Stars 

I'll be honest. I wasn't sure that I wanted to read this book right now because I'm so busy and so stressed. Life is tough, with so many unknowns, and I'm wallowing around, wondering how in the world I'll muddle through and gain control over everything in my life. And then I picked this book up and my outlook and attitude changed drastically.

This book is written in a way that really touched my soul. Scriptural references, humorous antidotes, fantastic quotes, and pep talks fill these pages and I feel so much better about life now. I think this author was writing directly for me.

One of my favorite quotes from the book comes when Michelle Wilson is enduring a trial and feels the words come from the Lord , "No, you do not have control over your surroundings, but there is no need to fear. I have given you control over the one thing that matters--yourself." This is for me. The book goes on to talk about the beautiful balance that comes with control--control yourself and trust the rest to God. The book then breaks down four areas of personal control--priorities, actions, attitude, and beliefs. 

I love the way each chapter is broken down in a way that is easy to internalize. There are so many thoughts found in this book that almost force me to savor and ponder. I really loved it and will be re-reading parts of it frequently. If you're wondering how to find balance in your life, this is a must-read.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review* 

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Buy Links
http://amzn.to/2bu3jNB
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-beautiful-balance-michelle-wilson/1124284568?ean=9781524401542
 https://deseretbook.com/p/beautiful-balance?variant_id=136986-paperback

About the Author

Michelle Wilson 
Michelle Wilson writes magical realism and inspirational nonfiction. She is the author of "Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?" and "The Beautiful Balance: Claiming Personal Control and Giving the Rest to God," along with other fiction and nonfiction works on the way.

She is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of the Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Michelle loves faith, family, food, and smiling. She is an expert at Guitar Hero, has a bad habit of laughing at the wrong times, and hates writing about herself in third person because it's just weird.

GIVEAWAY

 
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Tour Schedule

*Aug. 26thhttp://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/