Dec 25, 2015

Princess Nancie Gets Ready for Bed

0 comments
Princess Nancie Gets Ready for Bed
by Leela Hope

Princess Nancie will do anything to get out of going to bed.

She tries to help her parents out with chores and organize a family movie night, but alas her parents still think she should go to bed.

Nancie shows some amazing resourcefulness as she tries to avoid her bedtime. 

The book is brought to life by vivid illustrations and rhyming verse.

A book that the whole family will enjoy and a lesson the whole family needs to learn.

My Review
I read this last night as I was suppose to be going to bed--
Yes, even we as adults put off going to bed.
Why do we do that???
A fun family read!

Heir to Edenbrooke

0 comments
Heir to Edenbrooke
by Julianne Donaldson

Philip Wyndham has never envied his older brother for being the heir to Edenbrooke. He would much rather carve out his own destiny than live under the constraints of that position. But when his older brother dies unexpectedly, Philip's life is turned upside down as duty requires him to give up the life he planned. Philip takes on his new role as the most sought-after bachelor in London with alternating reluctance, boredom, and resentment. But all that changes the night fate leads him to an inn, where he meets the incomparable Marianne Daventry.

My Review
A fabulous addition to the Edenbrooke series!
A quick, fun read!
I LOVED it!

Nov 19, 2015

More Than the Tattooed Mormon

0 comments
A review copy was provided

More Than the Tattooed Mormon
by Al Carraway

“Don’t go, Al. You won’t fit in.”

Being baptized and following the Lord has made Al’s life harder than it ever was before. She endured criticism from friends and family for becoming a Mormon. She faced harsh judgments from Church members for her appearance. She gave up everything and felt more alone than she ever had in her life. All because she chose God.

Now she shares an up-close look at how trusting God has led her to places she never expected. As a blogger, YouTuber, and award-winning public speaker, her message has reached millions. Sharing her love of the Savior, Al goes beyond her own conversion and encourages readers to choose God above anything else. This uplifting book inspires readers to build a true relationship with the Lord that will bring them real, lasting happiness.

My Favorite Quotes
"Ask God, Not Google."

"We are blessed by our efforts of trying, not perfection."

"Hard times will consistently be there, but so will Christ."

"The gospel is not there to prevent hard times from coming but to help strengthen and guide us when they do come."

My Review
Al has been such a motivational person to so many--

Now, with this book, she will reach an even broader audience.

I LOVE her candid telling of her struggles and her fears and her triumphs.

She is a great example of pushing forward, to Christ, no matter what happens...so needed to hear that right now.

This book is a MUST-READ!
Very well written!
A true inspiration!

About the Author
Al Fox Carraway has spent the last four years inspiring the world with her story of conversion, redemption, and finding faith.
As a blogger and award-winning public speaker, her message has reached millions. 

This up-close look at her life will show you what it means to truly trust in the Lord.

She has been on the cover of LDS Living Magazine and countless radio interviews, TV interviews and everything in between. 

She does social media and graphic design full time for The Mormon Channel at church headquarters.

Nov 11, 2015

Espionage Trilogy Book Blast w/ $50 Amazon or PayPal Giveaway

0 comments
A.L. Sowards' World War II 
Espionage Trilogy 
Veteran's Day eBook Sale
All 3 titles are currently on sale!

I have read all three and love them! 
You will too :)


espionage
Espionage (Book 1):
France, 1944: Nobody expects Peter Eddy to survive his first commando mission—to retrieve a code book stolen by the Nazis—so when he does come back alive, his success is rewarded with an even more daunting assignment.

Partnered with French Resistance leader Jacques Olivier, Peter must identify which of three Allied contacts in Calais is a double agent and use the traitor to help implement a strategic Allied diversion that might win the war.

Peter secretly crosses the English Channel to confront the suspects one at a time.

But what appears to be a clean assignment soon turns disastrous, and even the aid of Jacques and his sister Genevieve can’t prevent a Gestapo triumph.

As the Allied invasion approaches, treachery in the least likely places leads to fresh graves in the bloodied European soil—and only the power of loyalty and love can transform tragic endings into new beginnings.


sworn enemy
Sworn Enemy (Book 2):
After narrowly escaping her Nazi captors, French Resistance worker Genevieve Olivier has fled to Allied territory with the help of American Lieutenant Peter Eddy.

Their connection is undeniable, forged in the crucible of danger.

But despite their blossoming feelings for each other, they must both finish the work they began . . .

In the safety of England, Genevieve hopes to find purpose as a nurse—all the while unaware that the Gestapo still seeks the woman who slipped through their grasp.

When she is called upon to resume a life of danger as a French spy, will her desire to prove herself be her downfall?

Recruited by an elite special-ops team intent on thwarting the Nazis, Peter finds himself engaged in a personal battle as well—there is a traitor among his comrades.

Deep in the Carpathian Mountains, Peter combats an unknown foe.

The stakes are high as he fights to save the lives of his teammates.

They are miles apart, yet as Genevieve and Peter fight for their own survival, they find a common well of strength in their faith—and their determination to be reunited.


deadly alliance
Deadly Alliance (Book 3):
When Peter Eddy and his commando team inadvertently upset the Soviets during their most recent mission, they never imagined the diplomatic nightmares that would ensue.

They have one chance to redeem themselves: tasked with destroying a bridge in Nazi-occupied Bosnia, Peter and his war-weary team reluctantly agree to drop behind enemy lines.

The assignment should be a simple one—were it not for the fact that they are being deployed on a suicide mission.

Genevieve Olivier is devastated by the news of Peter’s disappearance.

After all they’ve endured in this war, the determined OSS worker is unwilling to simply let go of the man she hopes to spend her life with.

Desperate for information, her work as a courier soon escalates into a counterintelligence duel with a Fascist assassin—and Genevieve is his newest target . . .


Praise for Espionage, Sworn Enemy, and Deadly Alliance: 
This historical fiction WWII series is amazing! Seriously tense action, intrigue, death-defying danger, strong characters, and even a hint of romance. Sowards really does her research and makes readers feel as if they are right in the middle of the action in different settings throughout war-torn Europe. These aren't your normal WWII books; they are much better. ~Charissa Stastny, author of the Bending Willow Trilogy

A.L. Sowards is a master at telling sides of stories from history that aren't overdone or commonly shared. These books took me on an unexpected journey and they each brought up issues that I hadn't really thought about before. I loved learning information about this time period, while being thoroughly entertained by the events happening to some beloved characters. ~Katie, blogger at Katie’s Clean Book Collection

A.L. Sowards has been a favorite author of mine for years. I was enraptured by the first book in her World War II series, Espionage, and fell more in love with the characters with each book. Her knowledge of World War II is unreal and the way she weaves the historical aspects in is so gripping I could hardly set these books down. I would highly recommend this series, especially if you're a fan of historical fiction. ~Cami Checketts, Author of Shadows in the Curtain

Intrigue, horror, and romance all wrapped up in this brilliant WWII trilogy. A.L Sowards did an amazing job at bringing the time period to life for me. I highly recommend all three books in the Espionage series. ~Bookworm Lisa, blogger

AL Sowards
About the Author
A.L. Sowards has always been fascinated by the 1940s, but she's grateful she didn't live back then. She doesn't think she could have written a novel on a typewriter, and no one would be able to read her handwriting if she wrote her books out longhand. She does, however, think they had the right idea when they rationed nylon and women went barelegged. Sowards grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. She graduated from BYU and ended up staying in Utah, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and children or with her laptop. She does not own a typewriter. She does own several pairs of nylons. Her books are known for heart-pounding action, memorable characters, careful historical research, clean romance, and family-friendly language. Several of her novels have been Whitney Award finalists in the historical fiction category.


50_Amazon_Paypal
   
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 
 Ends 12/2/15 

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

Nov 3, 2015

Huge Book Sale PLUS $200 Giveaway

4 comments

Because it's release week for Christmas Kisses and we're all so excited, we decided to organize a multi-author book sale. Talk about the perfect time to stock your Kindle!! All the books featured on this sale are only $.99 and they are all amazing! Don't forget to enter the rafflecopter giveaway for $200 in Christmas Cash found at the bottom of the post. Happy book shopping!


Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology
Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.

Amazon * iTunes * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * Kobo * Goodreads

Brownies & Betrayal by Heather Justesen
Pastry chef Tess Crawford thought moving from Chicago to quiet Silver Springs, Arizona would simplify her life. That was before she found the body of a woman with whom she had traded heated words the previous night, left her fingerprints on the murder weapon, and came under attack for trying to clear her name. When her cheating ex-fiance shows up, intent on convincing her to come back to work for him, Tess—armed with an extra batch of éclairs—decides to take control and solve the mystery herself, with the help of friends and frenemies alike. But will that be enough to save her when she gets too close and the killer decides it’s safer to get her out of the way?

Amazon * Kobo * Barnes & Noble


Simplify & Savor the Season by Connie E. Sokol
Ready to enjoy the holidays again? Use this two-part holiday organizer to help you savor the celebrations. In the first half of the book, brainstorm the Big Four; then, detail the To Dos including menu, gift-planning, etc. with success tips on how to eliminate the unnecessary and focus on the essential. Wrap up with "5 Holiday Juicers" to make life joyful. Keep your notes handy in the companion Simplify & Savor Take-along Planner.

With the second half of the book. curl up with a cup of cocoa and read "Savory Suggestions and Stories," a collection of laugh-out-loud anecdotal stories including "Let Go of the Cookie Cutter Christmas" and "Thankful for Turkey Warbling". Make this holiday season one you remember and enjoy!

Amazon

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen
Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success—until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. Adri must race to uncover the secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before she becomes the next victim.

With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things will keep you turning pages long into the night.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Apple * Kobo

A Baker's Dozen by Lucy McConnell
Tempt your sweet tooth with 13 delicious, easy, and beautiful dessert recipes. Each recipe has been time-tested and found irresistible. You’ll horde the Lemon Brownies but you might be willing to share the Rock and Roll Cake—with a good friend.

Recipes include: Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies, Pumpkin Bunt Cake, S’mores Cheesecake, No-Fail Lemon Bars

Impress your coworkers, family, friends, and even the guys at the car repair shop with these recipes. They’re sure to become favorites in your recipe box, lunch box, and ice box.

Amazon

The Colony by Cami Checketts
To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property.

Lance, Brinlee's attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion.

While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.

Amazon

Torn Canvas by Donna K. Weaver
Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Up-and-coming talk show host Olivia Howard wants an interview. She, like the rest of the press, expects a hero, but Jori knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.

In seclusion and evading the press, Jori struggles to make a new life as an artist. But he can’t hide from himself; more than his face is damaged. How can Jori possibly make amends for all that he’s broken? When Olivia finally tracks him down, he must decide if he can trust her. Could this unlikely woman be a key to freeing his heart and healing the beast?

Amazon * Audible * iTunes
The audiobook is only $1.99 with the purchase of the ebook.


Son of War Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison
Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for people with the signs: greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents' fears as quirks-things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn's mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can't stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she's been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she's prepared or not.

Amazon


Vocal Crush by Lisa Swinton
Can you ever out run a broken heart?

Lexi Court spent seven years traveling the world, living the nomadic Broadway life, in an attempt to outrun the broken heart Nick Rivers gave her. Now, there’s nowhere left to go.

When she accepted a position as a high school drama teacher in Las Vegas, Lexi hoped to get over Nick, find a nice guy, and settle down. But what should be a quiet summer gets turned upside down when Lexi's best friend, Taffy, drafts her to be an emergency replacement coach on a televised vocal competition.

Feeling out of her league among the other three celebrity coaches, Lexi fights for the most promising contestants to be on her team. One note from a single voice shatters her summer. Nick unexpectedly auditions and joins Lexi's team. With her vocal crush on him raging as strong as ever, she has nowhere to run from Nick’s dreamy looks or siren voice.

Lexi has no doubt that Nick can win the competition. The question is does he want to win her heart as well or will he damage it beyond repair?

Think television reality show The Voice meets Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Amazon

Picture Perfect by U.S.A. Today Bestseller Heather B. Moore
Gemma has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

Amazon

Endless Modern Cinderella by Jaclyn Weist
Sydney lives her nightmares every night. While other teenagers are dreaming of boys or traveling to exotic places, she must run a staircase with no beginning or no end, or a terrible debt will never be paid.

Just before her seventeenth birthday, the dreams change. She is no longer alone.

But her nightmares don’t end when she wakes up. Her stepmother and stepsisters threaten to ruin everything she holds dear. She must protect the secret that both she and her father have magic or they will use it to their advantage.

As Sydney learns to control her magic, what seemed impossible before—escaping her stepmother and those ever-present stairs—is now at her fingertips. When she learns the ultimate plan of her evil captor, Sydney must stop her at all costs, or she will forever be trapped inside her nightmares.

Amazon

Cookie Girl Christmas by Christene Houston
Molly Hayes has one more job before Christmas and then she can put her plans for a storefront bakery of her own in motion. What she doesn't bargain for is the handsome young Scrooge who insults her cookies and makes her blood boil. Toss in a heaping helping of snowstorm and a pinch of romantic old Inn and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a not-so-silent-night.

Amazon


And Something Blue by Paige Timothy
Bridal consultant Laurie Fletcher spends all her time helping others prepare for the most special day of their lives. Logan Reese is easily the most irritating man on the planet, and for some reason, he's made annoying Laurie his mission in life. Will true love ever come Laurie's way, or is she doomed to watch others get their happily ever after while she sits on the sidelines?

Amazon

Six Days of Christmas by Kaylee Baldwin
When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children who seem to be multiplying, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother—someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Amazon


Ring Around the Rosie by Julie Coulter Bellon
As the ex-wife of a law enforcement officer, Sarah Reed has known loneliness and loss. In order to cope, she makes a life for herself that's full of routine while building a wall of ice around her heart. Everything about her is as predictable as she can make it until a tiny detour for her ex-husband, Ron, changes her life forever. Caught in a bomb crisis, Sarah is taken hostage by a man who wants Ron and everyone around him to suffer---and his idea of suffering is more terrible than Sarah had ever dreamed.

Captain Ron Reed has seen the worst of humanity in his job with the Hostage Negotiation Team, but he never expected his past to come back with a vengeance---literally. Aaron Starks, a criminal explosives expert, has stolen next-gen bomb technology. He uses it to force Ron to bargain for the lives of his team and his ex-wife, Sarah, the woman he still loves. But the situation escalates when Ron discovers that Starks has an even bigger objective in mind---using the bomb to show how vulnerable America and her people truly are.

Ron is willing to risk everything to save his country and those he loves, but when negotiations break down, will his sacrifice be too little too late?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo

Yesterday by Amanda Tru
Her yesterday was five years ago. What will her tomorrow bring?

When Hannah Kraeger saves a family injured in a car accident, she has no idea she has changed events in the past. Waking the next morning, Hannah discovers her yesterday was really five years ago.

Each trip Hannah takes through time changes the timeline and her own life. With help from Dr. Seth McAllister, Hannah must unravel the mystery of why she time travels and who she actually is before the strange ability costs her future, the man she loves, and even her life.

YESTERDAY is a thrilling Christian Romantic Suspense filled with unexpected twists, mystery, and romance.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

My One and Only by Shannon Guymon
Meredith Jensen has seen her share of ups and downs. She’s found love twice already and lost it in spectacularly traumatic ways. Now? She just wants a peaceful life, free from love and drama. Meredith’s plans for the future center around planning other people’s weddings and her new online dating website. Just because she works to help other people find love doesn’t mean she wants any part of it though. Unfortunately for Meredith’s plans, Asher Murphy is determined to get her to give love another chance. But then again, so is Pule Matafeo. Meredith has never denied that she’s stubborn and feisty so it might take the combined forces of all their friends in Fircrest to get her heart back on track in time for Valentine’s Day.

Amazon

Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh
WRITER’S BLOCK, NIBBLED NAILS, PLAGIARISM, OH MY! AND DID I MENTION ROMANCE? Life for Adda Sinclaire, New York Times best-selling author and historical romance writer extraordinaire, reads more like a country song than a breathless, bodice-bursting affair. For starters, she has no romance in her own life. That might have something to do with the fact that her husband—correction, ex-husband—ran off with Stick Woman, whom everyone knew would never be more than a mid-list author anyway. To add insult to injury (and another verse to the country song), her ex not only took their dog but gave it to Stick Woman. If that isn't enough, Adda has come down with a horrible case of writer's block, finds herself gifted with a Bible that is determined to speak to her, and is the unwitting target of a romance cover model's misdirected advances. Just when she catches her breath—and quite possibly the eye of a certain fabulously good-looking man (ahem…her new editor)—her arch-nemesis gives the pot one final stir.

Amazon

Spy by Night by Jordan McCollum
After watching her parents’ marriage crash and burn, CIA operative Talia Reynolds doesn’t believe in “happily ever afters.” Besides, her job entails eighty-hour weeks, juggling a dozen covers and disguises, and tracking down a dangerous Russian spy ring. She hardly has time for romantic entanglements, even if she could let her guard down enough to get close to anyone.But all the rules she lives by could be broken when she meets aerospace engineer Danny Fluker.

Danny moved to Canada for a great job — and a chance to start over after a bad breakup. Dating definitely isn’t in his plans . . . until beautiful and enigmatic Talia throws a perfect storm right in his flight path. When he catches a glimpse of the real woman behind her façade, he has to get to know her better.

Talia has to find a Russian spymaster before he figures out she’s not who she claims, and failing to keep her two lives separate in the process could mean the death of more than just her budding relationship. Danny has to decide if a future with Talia — and facing the past — is worth the risk of getting hurt again. If they can break through the barriers keeping them apart (and avoid a major international catastrophe), they just might have a chance at being happy together.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords * Jordan McCollum Store

Saving Grace by Michele Paige Holmes
From #2 Amazon Bestselling Historical Romance Author and Whitney Award Winner, Michele Paige Holmes, comes SAVING GRACE, a regency romance from the Hearthfire Romance series:

After the death of her grandfather, the Duke of Salisbury, Grace Thatcher wants nothing more than to live quietly in the country with her younger siblings. Her father’s debts thwart those plans, and to protect her sister, Helen, Grace must marry a man of her father’s choosing.

As each suitor proves less than desirable, Grace comes up with clever schemes, causing each to reject her. While staying at the mysterious Sutherland Hall, a middle-of-the-night mishap sends Grace into the arms of a stranger, Nicholas Sutherland—and provides inspiration for her grandest plan yet—one that will leave her reputation in tatters yet free both her and Helen from all possibility of marriage.

Too late Grace regrets her rash actions when her father’s last choice, Mr. Samuel Preston, proves to be a gentleman and a friend. But Samuel is the sworn enemy of Nicholas Sutherland, the man responsible for her “ruin.” Now instead of being free, Grace is caught between two men—each with his own agenda.

Other Hearthfire Romances: LOVING HELEN & MARRYING CHRISTOPHER

Amazon


An Unexpected Proposal by Annette Lyon While working at a wood camp in the Logan canyon during the winter of 1880, Caroline Simpson is forced to thwart the aggressive advances of Mr. Butch Larson, and in the process discovers that her long-time friend James has genuine affection for her. But as stubborn as Caroline is, she minimizes the emotions James has awakened in her, and it takes almost losing him to admit her true feelings.

An Unexpected Proposal was introduced in the first volume of the bestselling and award-winning Timeless Romance Anthology series, Winter Collection:

Amazon #1 Bestselling *New Release* in Clean Romance, Top 10 in Regency Romance, Top 5 in Victorian Romance

Amazon * Smashwords

Paris Cravings by Amazon #1 Best Selling Author for Clean Romance, Kimberley Montpetit Can life really turn on a dime, a missed bus—or a stuck pastry shop door? Chloe Dillard's life has always been complicated. Her mother is a neurotic romance novelist and her boyfriend, Mathew, has been pressuring her to go "all the way". But after The Worst Night of Her Life, Chloe escapes on her Senior Class trip to the swoon-worthy city of Paris which takes her mind off her troubles—temporarily. On the final leg of her dream trip, Chloe squeezes in one final run for a last-minute box of decadent pastries. Add a broken shop door, subtract a broken four-inch heel from her cute strappy sandals, and Chloe ends up one stuck girl on the bakery shop floor with a sprained ankle. Rescued by the shop owner’s dreamy son with chocolate-syrup eyes, the beautiful city of Paris suddenly becomes Chloe’s personal secret adventure. And even though Jean-Paul, the oh-so-kind La Patisserie shop boy is the gentlemanly guy Chloe has always dreamed of, even he has a girlfriend. The police are tracking her down as a run-away, Mom’s having a nervous breakdown over her daughter’s “disappearance”, and Chloe’s just trying to have a Happily-Ever-After even as her dreams with Matt are swirling down the drain. What’s a girl to do in the most romantic city in the world? Easy Pastry Recipe in the back of the book!

Amazon
$200 Giveaway

Click below to enter the giveaway for $200 of Christmas cash. Good luck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Home and Away w/ $25 Amazon or PayPal Giveaway

0 comments
A review copy was provided

HOME AND AWAY
by Dean Hughes

A historical fiction novel told from the perspective of a son fighting on the battlefields of Europe during World War II and his mother, struggling with worry and uncertainty about her soldier son while she tries to keep a semblance of a normal, happy Christmas holiday back on the home front.

Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but 1944 will make that more difficult with money being tight and wartime rationing making everything hard to come by. 

Aware of his mother’s hardships and the worry from having her eldest son at war, second son, Dennis, is determined to buy his mother a special gift this Christmas, a lavender blue dress he hopes will bring her comfort as a symbol of special times gone by and the hope of a brighter future with the family reunited at war’s end. 

Meantime, on a battlefield far from home in Holland with his 101st Airborne battalion, her soldier son catches a familiar scent of lavender which briefly transports him back to the home front to the perfume scent his mother wore, giving him a short respite and reuniting the family once again if only in his imagination.

My Review
I cannot even image what this would be like for I have never had anyone from my family be away because of war or even active military duty.

My heart and thanks goes out to all those who serve our country!

Dean Hughes has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time and his books are always a delight.

Even though this book deals with wartime absence and coming home wounded it also tells a tender story of a family with feelings, and hopes, and fears, and emotions, and love.

It also tells of the effects of wartime and the rationing and the penny-pinching...A splurge on a dress would have been a very big deal.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
A GREAT read!

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 
Ends 11/30/15 

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author
Dean Hughes has published books for readers of all ages, including the bestselling historical fiction series Children of the Promise. Through Cloud and Sunshine is his one-hundredth published book. Dean holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Washington. He has taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. Dean and his wife, Kathleen Hurst Hughes, served a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois. The parents of three children and grandparents of nine, they live in Midway, Utah.

Christmas Kisses w/ $200 Gift Card Giveaway

1 comments

Are you on the hunt for that special Christmas book?

The one that will get you into the holiday spirit, bring back memories of your own family traditions, and inspire you to revel in this Christmas season like no other?

(What about $200 in Christmas cash to go along with it?) 

Every year, I search for stories that will fill my Christmas reading list--romance is always a fun read, but I want them to be clean and wholesome too. That's why I'm sharing this spectacular book. Christmas Kisses is not just one story, but five romances, all clean, wholesome, and beautifully written in one anthology now on sale for .99 cents!

Let's show the reading world that there is a demand for clean and wholesome romances by purchasing this book today. For less than a dollar, you get a delightful read and help send a message that we want more of these kinds of books. Purchase your copy HERE, or your preferred vendor and then, will you please help spread the word about this book?


Feel free to share any part of this post. 

Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway for 

$200 in Christmas cash!
*** $ .99 November 3 - 7 ***


Add it to Goodreads


Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.



The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling; award-winning author
Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.


Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.

Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.


Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling; award-winning author
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.


Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author
Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?


One Winter Night by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author
Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.

Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?


Nov 1, 2015

Christmas Book Gift Ideas

0 comments
Christmas is quickly descending upon us 
and many people love to receive books as gifts.
Here are my top suggestions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Rare Nativity 
by Sam Beeson

We have all heard the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, and we have all seen the traditional Christmas crèche. Now, author Sam Beeson and photographers Nina and Terral Cochran combine these two classic Christmas icons to create A Rare Nativity.

Upon reading the first lines of the book, it is clear the narrator holds a bitter grudge as he sends his enemy crude and discarded gifts: On the first night of Christmas I gave my enemy a briar from a tanglewood tree. On the second night of Christmas I gave my enemy two rotten eggs.

Night after night the gifts pile up shards of glass, rusty nails, gnarled twigs, and more. What the narrator s enemy decides to do with each of these odious gifts is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. The photographic creation of the rare nativity at the end of the book is both a work of art and a wonder to behold.

* I absolutely love this book! Unique pictures tell a fabulous story of what happens when you person asks for forgiveness and tries to turn the ugly thing into a beautiful display.

Remembering the Joy of Christmas
Compilation

A beloved season of festivity and tradition, Christmas heralds the creation of treasured family memories and inspires our hearts to turn to the tender recollections of the past. In Remembering the Joy of Christmas, more than a dozen of the finest authors in LDS fiction have joined together to craft a heartwarming compilation of their own personal accounts of Christmases gone by. From the magic of one family’s inspiring Twelve Days of Christmas to a miraculous holiday spent in a hospital waiting room, each poignant story demonstrates a simple truth: it is not the lights or decorations that are central to a joyous holiday season. The true meaning of Christmas comes in focusing on the spirit of the season.

* This book is on my Christmas Wish List. Each year a book like this comes out with wonderful Christmas memories from multiple authors. Always a treat to read.

It's All About Christmas
Collection

Like heirloom ornaments on a splendid tree, It’s All About Christmas will put you and your family in a festive frame of mind for a glorious holiday season. Stuffed with stories, songs, poems, Christmas history, joyful traditions, recipes, and activities, this delightful book celebrates all things Christmas—from the sacred story of the Nativity to the lore of Saint Nick. Opening this book is like tearing the paper off a much–anticipated gift, offering new surprises with each turn of the page. Generously illustrated with scores of vibrant vintage images, It’s All About Christmas will remind you of Christmases past, help you appreciate Christmas present, and guide you to creating memories for the Christmases to come.

* Another book on my Christmas Wish List. Looks fabulous!

Words of Christmas
by Covenant Communications

Investigate the deeper meanings of Christmas day by day with this beautifully designed book filled with thoughts to keep you close to the heart of the holiday. Explore one word each day from December first through Christmas Day-like an advent calendar-or choose to reflect on a word that is right for the moment. These elegant words of cheer and wisdom will surely help you reflect on the Savior this Christmas season.

* When you need to take a break from all the hustle and bustle that is before you this is the book to grab. Calming words bring your life back into focus and help you remember the true meaning for the season.

Asleep on the Hay
by Ben Sowards

It is Christmas Eve when a knock comes at the door of Paul's family farmhouse. A small family is stranded due to a broken-down truck and seeks shelter for the evening. Paul's grandfather not only welcomes them in, but offers them dinner and a bed for the night. Even though it is a season of giving, Paul's heart is not filled with charity. It is the height of the Dust Bowl and food is scarce. Why should he share what little he has with strangers? Worse, in order to help the sick baby, Paul will have to sell his beloved calf to buy a part to fix the truck.

Angry, he retreats to the barn, where he sleeps and dreams of faraway Bethlehem. In his dream, he visits Mary and Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The family offers Paul food and shelter and warmth extending to him the love and charity he lacks and teaching him of the true meaning of Christmas.

* A new book that is also on my Christmas Wish List... you will love the illustrations.

Oct 30, 2015

The Book of Mormon is True: Evidences and Insights to Strengthen Your Testimony

0 comments
A review copy was provided

THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE:
Evidences and Insights to Strengthen Your Testimony
by Marilynne Todd Linford

How do you know the Book of Mormon is true?

The answer to this question provides the foundational basis for the beliefs of countless members of the Church. 

For bestselling author Marilynne Todd Linford, the decision to type, word-for-word, the entire Book of Mormon as a method of study led her to discover incredible truths regarding the authenticity of this sacred volume of scripture. 

With the aid of expert analysis of the text, the author shares a unique blend of both spiritual and secular evidence substantiating the claim that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. 

Through an exploration of ancient literature and cultures, Joseph Smith's educational background, and the science of wordprints, The Book of Mormon Is True invites audiences to strengthen their testimony of this sacred scripture as the divine word of God.

My Review
This book intrigued me from the very first page--

Marilynne wanted to type the Book of Mormon out word-for-word?
What an concept! Why though? I had to read more!

Interesting that she started out with a goal to write out the Book of Mormon NOT write a book about it...

Yet through her typing...she discovered something quite thought-provoking...unique words.

Yes, words that were not commonly found in any other scripture...so who wrote this book? How many different people? For that is what it is testifying of.

She also discovered a pattern with punctuation, or lack thereof, that is "evidence for the antiquity of the Book of Mormon."

How could she keep something like this to herself?

Grab a copy and she what else she discovered...

She even shares the unique words that she found so that you too might make this a study of your own.

SO GRATEFUL that she did share!

My own understanding and love of the Book of Mormon has been increased by this book!

I am now looking for these words with joy and anticipation.

I highly recommend this book!

About the Author
Marilynne Todd Linford is married to Richard Linford. They have eight children, twenty-four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She served for eleven years on the Materials Evaluation Committee of the Church and is entering her sixteenth year as a docent at the Church History Museum. Marilynne has published eleven books, including two books for LDS children, seven books for LDS women, and two books for a general audience on health issues. This book, The Book of Mormon Is True: Evidences and Insights to Strengthen Your Testimony, came to her as a complete surprise, emerging from her decision to type out the entire text of the Book of Mormon.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I like to teach children.

I like to teach Gospel Principles in Sunday School.

I am a docent at the Church History Museum.

I can never get enough of LDS Church history.

I also love colonial and revolutionary United States history.

I'm a fan of the Founding Fathers.

I like to play piano duets.

I like to play word games.

I like to hike the red rock canyons of southern Utah.

I am a breast cancer survivor of almost 20 years.

This is my 12th book.

I am the oldest of eight children and the mother of eight.

Oct 29, 2015

Fudge Made Easy!!!

0 comments
Just in time for the holidays--

FUDGE MADE EASY
by Shannon Smurthwaite

~ SUPER EASY ~

Oct 26, 2015

North For Christmas

0 comments
 A review copy was provided

NORTH FOR CHRISTMAS
by Christina Dymock

Have you ever known exactly what you wanted for Christmas?

As a child, you may have written a letter to Santa, made a wish upon a star, or locked your dream away in your heart afraid that it might not come true if you so much as whispered it out loud.

Even as adults, Christmas wishes carry a magic that can't be explained.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In North for Christmas, Ruby Jeavon certainly has her heart set on an engagement.

It's the first step in creating the family she's always wanted.

But things go slightly off course and instead of flying to Italy with her boyfriend, Ruby heads out of town to work as an elf in Nashville.

Even though she's far away from her dream, she's about to discover the magic of a Nashville Christmas through the eyes of North Foxwell, her fellow elf and a Christmas expert.

Even though North struggles with his own Christmas ghosts, Ruby manages to bring new light to his life.

Can Ruby let go of her dream to find what her heart truly desires?

Only time--at the North Pole--will tell.

You can pick up your copy of North for Christmas at your local book store, iTunes, Barns and Noble, or from Amazon.

My Review
Christmas stories are magical and help put you in the mood for the season.

Well this one has a guy named North and an elf named Ruby and is set in Santa's workshop-- SO FUN :)

So impressed with the creativity of the writing and who actually helps in running the "North Pole." Makes for a truly terrific tale!

I adored this one!
Grab a copy and get ready to celebrate the best time of the year!

About the Author
Christina Dymock graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications. She currently resides in Central Utah with her husband and four children who are often her inspiration for new recipes and ideas. Among other things, she enjoys cycling, skiing, wakeboarding, sewing, reading, and baking. You can contact Christina through her blog at:http://christinadymock.wordpress.com.

 

I Love to Read and Review Books :) Copyright © 2012 Design by Ipietoon Blogger Template