Tuesday, December 31, 2013

REVIEW: To Tempt A Viking by Michelle Willingham

Title: To Tempt A Viking
Author: Michelle Willingham
Series: Forbidden Vikings #2
Publisher: Harlequin
Published Date: expected Jan 21, 2014
ISBN: 9780373297733
Buy It Link: Amazon

Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis: Warrior Viking Ragnar Olafsson stood by as his best friend claimed the woman he desired the most. There was only one way to quench the deep darkness within him—become merciless in battle.
When Elena is taken captive, fearless Ragnar risks everything to save her. Now they are stranded with only each other for company. Suddenly every longing, every look, every touch is forbidden. Elena could tempt a saint—and sinner Ragnar knows he won’t be able to hold out for long!
Review: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
The time period this book is set around is, I'm guessing about 800-1000 CE, since the scene is set in and around Ireland. The author doesn't really say, that would have been helpful from the beginning.
The characters are alright. Nothing really to pull your heartstrings over, or make me emotionally invested in them. Ragnar is your typical alpha male, who overcomes all sorts of pain and adversity by becoming even more of an alpha male. Elena is the barren wife of his best friend, emotionally destroyed over not being able to bear children for a man who she really doesn't even love. Styr is the jerk of a husband who gets captured, thus forcing Elena and Ragnar together for the requisite amount of time.
The only thing that kept me reading this book was wanting to see how her marriage to Styr would be dissolved, after all, how else would a happy ending come about? Thankfully this was the one thing that kept me reading because it actually ended up being a situation which emotionally invested me, and I wanted to go into the book and slap all three of the main characters.

Monday, December 30, 2013

REVIEW: Turning This Thing Around by Keith Maginn

Title: Turning This Thing Around
Author: Keith Maginn
Series: none
Published Date: January 1, 2011
Publisher: Author
ISBN: 9781481276184
Buy It Link: Amazon

Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: Turning This Thing Around is an inspiring memoir of overcoming personal struggles. This brutally honest, deeply personal account of redemption takes readers on a moving spiritual journey.
Confronted with a myriad of obstacles–a debilitating arthritic disease, narcolepsy, anxiety and depression–the author was outwardly happy, but inwardly miserable. Pushed to the lowest point of his life, Maginn shares how he gradually turned things around and used his experiences to grow as a person.
Supplemented by heartfelt poetry by the author and with quotes from Gandhi to Dr. Wayne Dyer to Eckhart Tolle, Turning This Thing Around has universal themes that speak to nearly everyone, as we all must face challenges as part of being human. It is a self-help memoir of sorts: the author discusses not only what he overcame, but also how he did so–and how others can, too. 
Unlike many popular memoirs on the market, this is a story that more people can relate to. Maginn was not raised in an eccentric family (Jeannette Walls in The Glass Castle, memoirs by Augusten Burroughs), nor did he travel to Italy, India and Indonesia, as Elizabeth Gilbert did in Eat, Pray, Love. Rather, Turning This Thing Around is a story of a normal young man’s resiliency when battling extraordinary circumstances.
Review: I received a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the beginning, the author pulls you into the struggles that he faces on a daily basis. Mental illness, while slowly being accepted, still carries a large stigma, and a large burden of people not understanding it. If you don't suffer from depression or anxiety, or any of the plethora of different emotional illnesses out there, you can't really understand it. It doesn't always just have a psychological reason, sometimes, like the author, if you're put into a great deal of physical pain, that can send you into a spiral of emotional debilitation.
As a person that has gone through clinical depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and generalized anxiety, I could completely relate to his struggles. It was inspiring to me to see that someone could pull themselves through, with professional help, instead of the daily battles that sometimes ensue without professional help.
I do have to warn future readers however, this book can be a trigger, if your issues are not under control. I thought I had a pretty good leash around my PTSD and anxiety, but this book triggered me and sent me into an anxiety spiral. It ended up for the best because now I do have a better hold of my anxiety, with help.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

REVIEW: King Hall by Scarlett Dawn

Title: King Hall
Author:  Scarlett Dawn
Series: Forever Evermore #1
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises Australia
Published Date: Aug 1, 2013
ISBN: 9780857990679
But It Link: Amazon

Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: A fresh, meaty, sink‐your‐teeth‐in‐and‐hold‐on‐tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall
King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.
Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Rulers: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental.
Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life. Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

Review: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....

I really liked this book. The characters were engaging. Even though I didn't really get to know Lily's mate much as a character, I still felt her loss. I am still expecting something to happen between her and the Vampire future king. And speaking of Vampires, I want to see the expected scene between her and the current Vampire king. I know it will happen, the question is, when?
The whole idea behind mates wasn't explained very well, so I'm not quite sure if it could develop, or if its just immediate. That's definitely a drawback, in fact the whole background between the Commoners and the Mysticals isn't very well explained by the author. Perhaps a prequel should be written, or the world will be explained more in the next book. For a first book, though, the whole world building should have been explored more.
In spite of this, however, it is a good book that moves at a fast pace. The characters are engaging. The storyline is interesting. I am looking forward to the next book.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

REVIEW: Bible Stories for Grown-Ups by Wilson Harp

Title: Bible Stories for Grown-Ups
Author: Wilson Harp
Series: none
Publisher: Wilson Harp Books
Published Date: 2000
ISBN:  9781479372133
Buy It Link: Amazon.com

Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: Bible Stories for Grown-Ups is a collection of 39 Bible stories written for adults who have little background in the Bible. These stories are told in simple, modern language to be easily understood by anyone who is interested in learning more about what is in the Bible.

From Abraham, to David, to Jesus, and Paul, these stories start at the creation of the world and go into the founding of the Christian church. Whether a first time reader or someone who just wants to refresh their memory of what the Bible holds, you will enjoy this collection of stories.

Review: I'd like to thank the author and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book to me in exchange for an honest review.
Thirty-nine stories from the Bible that we're all relatively familiar with from Sunday school, but they're not watered-down, child versions of them. I really enjoyed reading each story from an adult's perspective, without the extraneous stuff from the Bible. The author successfully condensed each story into a short story version, while keeping all of them important details.
It was nice to have the original text reference so that I could go back and re-read from the Bible.

REVIEW: Muckross Folly by JL Austgen

Title: Muckross Folly
Author: JL Austgen
Series: Evelyn Morgan #2
Publisher: DreamPipe Publishing, Inc
Published date: March 1, 2013
ASIN: B00B8LZSOS
Buy It Link: Amazon

Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: Reeling from the destruction of her team at the hands of her deputy, FBI agent Evelyn Morgan vows revenge against her nemesis, the assassin that planned the operation, Omar Ben Iblis. The trail leads to an old friend, well-connected and well placed in Washington's political establishment. When he refuses to help, Morgan must scramble to find the pieces to the puzzle. While investigating, she discovers a vicious new menace, more cunning and deadly than anyone she has ever faced. Trained and mentored by Ben Iblis, this new threat has already struck her family, and if Morgan doesn't act quickly, she'll be the talented protégé's next victim.

Review: I'd like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Evelyn Morgan, the FBI agent is back, and tracking her nemesis, Ben Iblis, who she has been after her entire career. Ben Iblis is the most heartless, cruel villain I've seen in a book in a long time, having even killed the woman that he supposedly loved in cold blood, after having killed her parents in front of her.
Ben Iblis shows up at Evelyn's apartment claiming he is going into retirement and wants her off his trail. What she doesn't know is that he's currently training the second generation, a beautiful, heartless woman, just as smart and savvy as Evelyn, Penelope Morelli. Put two incredibly smart, strong women in the ring against each other, and you just know that sparks are going to fly!
The way the author writes is incredibly detailed, but not to the point where its too wordy. You feel like you're in the middle of the scene, a fly on the wall, in the scene between Evelyn and Ben Iblis in her apartment. Its an absolutely incredible read. When the plot twist happens, and tragedy strikes, as a reader, you can't help but be pulled into it.


REVIEW: NIV Essentials Study Bible

TITLE: NIV Essentials Study Bible
AUTHOR: various
SERIES: none
PUBLISHER: Zondervan
PUBLISHED DATE: November 26, 2013
ISBN: 978-0310442417
BUY IT LINK: Amazon

RATING: 5 stars

SYNOPSIS: The NIV Essentials Study Bible helps you quickly and easily understand, interpret, and apply God’s Word to your life. The variety of features in this Bible presents a multifaceted, exciting format for studying Scripture. There are many different ways to explore God’s Word: question-and-answer studies; detailed in-text study notes; timelines, photos and charts; helpful devotional insights; and profiles of Bible characters. Now you don’t have to choose, because the NIV Essentials Study Bible provides you the chance to explore the Bible using all these study methods and more. With each of these lenses included in one Bible, you will discover how to best understand the essentials of Scripture.This edition includes the entire NIV Bible text with the world’s best notes for learning. It incorporates the finest content, images, and study tools from the most popular Bibles that are loved and used by Bible readers just like you. It features:
  • Flyover Lens: Start each book of the Bible with the right perspective from easy-to-read introductions from the popular Essential Bible Companion.
  • Unpack Lens: Easily understand and interpret Bible passages with bottom-of-the page study notes and in-text charts from the best-in-class NIV Study Bible.
  • Dig Deep, Look Close Lens: Understand the fascinating historical significance of the Bible with articles and photos from the bestselling NIV Archaeological Study Bible.
  • Q&A Lens: Get concise, easy-to-grasp answers to your most perplexing questions about the Bible with questions and answers from the beloved NIV Quest Study Bible.
  • People Lens: View Scripture from the perspective of the 100 most important people in the Bible with notes for the student of any age excerpted from the timeless NIV Student Bible.
  • Guided Tour Lens: Get a bird’s eyes view of Scripture with a Guided Tour, also excerpted from the category-leading NIV Student Bible.
  • Insight Lens: Find meaning in the Bible by reading these magazine-style call-outs from the NIV Student Bible.
  • R&R Lens: Reflect & Respond with this quick inspirational focus time, which unveils the sweeping narrative of the Bible as seen in the award-winning The Great Rescue, NIV.

REVIEW: I'd like to thank BookSneeze and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can't say enough good things about this Bible. I truly loved how the publisher combined parts of several different study bibles into one. I have an NIV Study Bible, so the notes at the bottom of the page were nothing new to me. However, the geek in me loved the notes from the Archaeological Study Bible.
The maps at the beginning of each book helped to clarify the geographical region visually, and the notes on some of the important people of the Bible helped to teach about them more in depth.
The reading plans gave me inspiration to take up the reading of the Bible that I completely fell through with earlier this year. I'll make this a New Year's resolution, again.
The language in this Bible was very understandable, the NIV version is definitely one of my favorites for ease of reading, instead of stumbling over thee's and thou's. If I'm going to read the Bible, then I want to be able to understand what I'm reading, otherwise it does me no good. Reading the entire Bible is a huge undertaking, one that not many of the population do. The history presented in the Old Testament is so old, the culture is so vastly different from ours, the archaeological notes in this study bible help to clarify the why's behind the people's actions, or little details that we may not understand because its such a vastly different culture than our own.

Friday, December 20, 2013

REVIEW: Home for Christmas by Roxy Boroughs



by Roxy Boroughs

This holiday season, April Rochester must decide if her first love is merely “Home for Christmas” – or home for good. James Frost, the black sheep of the family, is back in Carol Falls, Vermont, to build a big box store and prove he’s a success. His plans derail when he learns his high school sweetheart has moved back to town also, along with her autistic son, Marcus. Ten years ago Jimmy and April eloped, only to be torn apart when April’s parents insisted on an annulment. Their love for each other never died, however, and this could be their second chance. But James has been hiding behind a mountain of secrets, one of them involving baby Holly, the abandoned child recently found at the family farm. And all of James’ well-kept secrets are about to come tumbling down. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a 40,000 word sweet romance novella, is Book Two of ‘A Frost Family Christmas’ trilogy. Each novella is a complete romance with a linking mystery connecting the three books.

RATING: 4 stars

REVIEW: I would like to thank Promotional Book Tours and the author for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this to be a very cute romance novel. It was the second in the series, but it could easily read as a stand-alone book. The only common thread between the three novels, besides the Frost family, was the appearance of a mysterious baby, and the continuance of that story line.
Jimmy comes home for Christmas, trying to show everyone in town how much he has improved himself as he has become an adult. Instead, he's found his high school sweetheart is back in town, the mother to an autistic child. Battling with his own hidden learning disability, Jimmy struggles to overcome his disability for the woman that he still loves.
The characters were believable, the struggles that April deals with on a daily basis being the mother of an autistic child, is almost painful to read. I felt so badly for her as she did her absolute best to break through to her son. It was enjoyable to read the budding romance between the two main characters and see how they evolve towards each other in their feelings.
 
The three titles in this series are:
Book 1 = WHAT CHILD IS THIS by C.J. Carmichael - http://amzn.com/B00FJFULYQ Book 2 = HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Roxy Boroughs - http://amzn.com/B00FIO7D3A Book 3 = THE HOLLY & THE IVY by Brenda M. Collins - http://amzn.com/B00FZUI2C8
Want a little mystery along with your holiday romances this Christmas?
Then visit the Frost Family in Carol Falls, Vermont and enjoy these three heartwarming novellas.
* * *

ROXY BOROUGHS BIO

Before turning her attention to fiction, Roxy appeared in numerous TV commercials and movies, and ‘tread the boards’ in theaters from New York to Newfoundland. In addition to HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and the free short story LETTING GO, she’s also published two romantic suspense titles, the award-winning A STRANGER’S TOUCH and its sequel, a romantic comedy called CRAZY FOR COWBOY and the sweet romance anthology STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCEwith Brenda M. Collins. Check them all out on her Amazon Page.

Follow Roxy:

Literary Addicts | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

TOUR and GIVEAWAY: Bond of Love by Amy Suzanne



As a picturesque mother and wife, forty-one year old Avery Richards seems to have it all. Married to a successful veterinarian named Noah and mother to a spunky daughter named Kara, her life is far from awful but she is stuck. With the recent move of their daughter, who has just flown the coop for college, this story examines the deep and often-tumultuous bond between mother and child and the lengths we are willing to go to, as mothers, to sacrifice our own happiness for the ones we love. As we watch Avery walk through her ‘new’ way of daily life, without her ambitious and stubborn child around to mother any longer, we are given a very unique opportunity to tip toe in the front row of their lives, from three very separate views. We will see life as it plays out through her mature and motherly eyes, through Kara’s young and sheltered heart, and then through ‘someone else’s eyes’ that has a vested interest in them both. As Avery’s well-hidden web of lies come crashing down in an unexpected way, her secrets that she’s safeguarded for years will threaten to rip her peaceful world apart, as well as the world of the ones she loves most. As readers, we will watch how ONE single choice can alter everything. Each character will then be forced to examine what the true meaning of love and forgiveness means to them. Every gamut of emotion will be explored: humor, sadness, love, joy, betrayal, hate, and forgiveness. Bond of Love will leave you pondering the age-old question: How well do YOU actually know the ones you love most?
Buy on Paperback | Kindle | B&N | Kobo | Apple | Sony

Meet the Author:

This is Amy’s second published work, the first being a memoir written exclusively for her children. As a former second grade teacher, and long time professional photographer, she has been writing and filling journals since she was young enough to hold a pencil and form words. Although writing brings her to a place of solace and joy, her most ambitious and fulfilling job in life thus far has been being a mother. Married for nearly two decades now, she and her husband share four daughters, who fill their lives with amusement, love, and drama daily. It is her lifelong goal to preserve her family’s history through the written word, pictures, and the human touch of love.

Follow Amy on Facebook | Literary Addicts | Goodreads

Follow the Book Tour The Author is giving one lucky reader a $25 Amazon GC. Fill out the form below to enter and remember to pick up her book. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

REVIEW: Shadow Chaser by Jerel Law

Title: Shadow Chaser
Author: Jerel Law
Series: Son of Angels #3
Published Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, Children's
ISBN: 9781400321995
Buy it Link: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: Many months have passed since part angel siblings Jonah, Eliza, and Jeremiah Stone began their angelic training. As part angels, or quarterlings, the siblings joined other children of nephilim to begin honing their special powers.
In this third installment in the Son of Angels series, Jonah’s story comes to resemble a modern-day Job as he’s faced with trials that affect his health, strength, relationships, and most-prized possessions. As he and the other quarterlings prepare for mid-term exams, their powers are tested once again in the most fierce battle against Abaddon’s forces yet. Will Jonah’s faith in Elohim continue to persevere as he fights Abaddon in his hardest battle yet?
Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the first Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, the Secret Series, and other middle-grade series packed with action, adventure, and supernatural fights. But the message is solidly based in Scripture, conveying God is always in control.
REVIEW: I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 
You can find my review of the previous book in the series here, from a year ago. What a change a year can make in my life, but its been so much time apart from the series, maybe I should have re-read the second book first. This book really relied more on the previous books than the second did, and I didn't really like that.However, it is a series, and that does happen.
There was just as much action as the previous book, and we revisited many of the past characters. We did get to see more of the Stone parents as they started figuring more into the story line. The religious theme and the Bible were heavy but not overwhelming. The story of Job was a nice parallel.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and hope to read the next. I know I said that I would have liked to read the first in the series, well, I just went out and bought it.

Monday, December 16, 2013

EXCERPT: Inn on the Edge by Gail Bridges


By Gail Bridges

Angela and her brand-new husband Josh have just arrived at their honeymoon destination, a romantic bed-and-breakfast hotel on the breath-taking Washington coast - the Inn on the Edge. But everything isn't as it seems. The lessons that come free with the room aren't for painting the lovely coastal scenery - the lessons are for better sex. Angie and Josh, shocked and titillated, immerse themselves in every sensual offering.It doesn't take long for things to go horribly wrong. The discover that the old man running the place is a sex demon, who has been stealing their sensual energy. Worse, he's dangerously in love with Angie and he has plans for her - plans involving an heirloom wedding ring.

Coming soon http://www.ellorascave.com/inn-on-the-edge.html

EXCERPT:
“Now, now,” the old man crooned, “Angela. Joshua. What seems to be the problem here?”
“We…uh, want to leave,” I said.
“We do,” echoed Josh. He cleared his throat.
The old man’s hand brushed up and down my arm. I frowned and moved out of his reach. “You don’t really want to go, do you? You’ve only just arrived.” He sounded hurt.
I stared at him, frowning.
“Come now, join us for breakfast.” The old man tried to take my hand. I brushed it away. “At least stay for breakfast.”
“Josh,” I said, “let’s go.”
We skirted around the old man, threaded our way past couches and end tables and Persian carpets and a grand piano. We passed the lectern. We crossed the last few feet of the lobby. We held tight to each other’s hands, our eyes on the door.
But again the old man stood in front of us, blocking the way.
Impossible! He’d been behind us!
I gaped, blinking, clinging to Josh. How had this ancient, decrepit man managed to beat us to the door? How? How had he passed around Josh and me, to stand in front of us, without us noticing?
Suddenly I was frightened. Very frightened.
Josh took a deep breath. “Let us pass, old man.”
“No.”
Josh moved to the side, to go around, but the old man blocked his path.
They stared at each other.
“Move,” said Josh.
“No.”
I stepped forward. “Let us out!”
The old man looked down at me. “Again, no.”
Josh and I were a united force. We held hands and faced him. “Angie and I are leaving,” Josh said, “and there’s nothing you can do about it. Get out of our way.”
The old man gestured to the door. “Try. If you insist.”
Josh rushed forward and tugged on the handle. The door didn’t open. Fuming, he swung around to face the old man. “It’s fucking locked!”
“Must you use such tasteless language, Joshua Taylor?”
I pulled at the door, but of course I did no better than Josh had.
“You locked us in our room last night!” accused Josh, pointing his finger at the old man. “Admit it! That door was not stuck. And now you’ve locked us in the building. I will not be locked in. Let us go. Unlock the door.”
The old man didn’t unlock the door. Instead, he reached out and laid a cold hand on my arm, and on Josh’s. We flinched, cried out, shuddered, but we just stood there, frozen, and let him trail his long fingers softly up and down our arms, patting, caressing, soothing. He touched us both, but it was me he stared at. It was me his eyes roamed over. Me he licked his lips for. Me who received the extra attention. Me.
“Better?” the old man asked, leaning close, so close that his robe brushed my leg, so close that I smelled his peculiar cinnamon scent again.
I blinked.
was better. He was right.


About the author

I have three grown children. I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our five cats. In the past I have worked in a variety of different artistic media. I have a BFA in painting from the University of Washington, and for over fifteen years I made award-winning Fine Art Jewelry (silver and handmade ceramics) and sold my work at local and regional Fine Art and Craft shows. My business, Vivid Arts, flourished - but always, I felt driven to write. Two years ago, no longer able to deny the writing muse, I took an open-ended sabbatical from my art shows. Since then, I've written two novels and a number of published and unpublished short stories.

BOOK TOUR and GIVEAWAY: Ridiculously Happy by Carol Whitaker

 
Ready to live your very best life? Actually, the secret to becoming absolutely, ridiculously happy is already being conveyed to you every moment of every day. And, it’s coming right from within you. Now, life transformation coach Carol Whitaker can teach you how to tap into the positive potential of your physical and emotional well-being, and by doing so, achieve your lifelong dreams. Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life and Body of your Dreams is Whitaker’s groundbreaking, step-by-step approach to changing the course of your life. By empowering you to claim your God-given birthright to have a meaningful, blissful existence, the author encourages you to simply embrace your own unique magnificence to manifest dreams. Placing equal emphasis on both mental and physical positive energy, this comprehensive book shares strategies to harness the power of the Law of Attraction. By letting go of negative energy and thinking intentionally about the way you live your life, you will not only set yourself on a road to vitality, abundance, and deep satisfaction, but you will become your own cheerleader to stay the course. If you believe you can be ridiculously happy, Carol Whitaker’s illuminating, actionable book will show you the way. The road to becoming ridiculously happy begins right here. And, you already have what it takes to forge the life of your dreams. Life transformation coach Carol Whitaker is here to guide you through her proven process, so you can claim your divine right to utter joy. All you need to do is to embrace what you already possess. Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life and Body of your Dreams will move you to accept nothing less than the exhilaration to which you are entitled. By offering you new insights and techniques to gain mastery over your emotional and physical health, this revolutionary method will help you retrain your own energy so that its positive influence can work to shape your destiny. For unbounded, lifelong happiness, simply open this book. It will open your world to a whole new way of being.

Buy on Amazon | B&N | Website | Audible

 

About the author:

Carol Whitaker is the author of Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life & Body of Your Dreams. Carol is a highly sought after Life Transformation Coach and Lifestyle Fitness Coach, she is well known for the amazing transformations she creates in her clients’ lives. Carol is dedicated to empowering women around the world to love and believe in themselves fully. Carol is a Motivational Speaker and is passionate about inspiring and motivating women to create and manifest the life and body of their dreams. Carol is an ongoing featured expert on national media and online websites. Carol is a happily married mother of 3.

Connect with Carol on Facebook to receive her health, fitness & happiness tips and by following her on Twitter.
Visit CarolWhitaker.com to learn more about her services along with tools and secrets to discover how to transform your life to be ridiculously happy & fit today.
See more about Carol on Linkedin.  
Win an Autographed book and free 30 minute LivFit Coaching Call

Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

BOOK TOUR and GIVEAWAY: Inn on the Edge by Gail Bridges


By Gail Bridges

Angela and her brand-new husband Josh have just arrived at their honeymoon destination, a romantic bed-and-breakfast hotel on the breath-taking Washington coast - the Inn on the Edge. But everything isn't as it seems. The lessons that come free with the room aren't for painting the lovely coastal scenery - the lessons are for better sex. Angie and Josh, shocked and titillated, immerse themselves in every sensual offering.It doesn't take long for things to go horribly wrong. The discover that the old man running the place is a sex demon, who has been stealing their sensual energy. Worse, he's dangerously in love with Angie and he has plans for her - plans involving an heirloom wedding ring.

Coming soon http://www.ellorascave.com/inn-on-the-edge.html

About the author

I have three grown children. I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our five cats. In the past I have worked in a variety of different artistic media. I have a BFA in painting from the University of Washington, and for over fifteen years I made award-winning Fine Art Jewelry (silver and handmade ceramics) and sold my work at local and regional Fine Art and Craft shows. My business, Vivid Arts, flourished - but always, I felt driven to write. Two years ago, no longer able to deny the writing muse, I took an open-ended sabbatical from my art shows. Since then, I've written two novels and a number of published and unpublished short stories.

Prize for the contest.
 

Angie's Travel Painting Kit Acrylic paints, brushes, palette, canvas board and instructions; Mr. Abiba's Wooden "Tool" Box, for decorating; Josh's Magic Book, for decorating; Tazo Passion Tea; Dark Chocolate bar with almond bits. Follow the Book Tour Fill out the Form Below to Enter (Open to US residents) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

REVIEW: Good Intentions by DN Simmons


by DN Simmons

SciTech Labs was handsomely commissioned by the United States Military to design a revolutionary serum that would create the ultimate soldier. If successful, the soldier would have an increase in endurance, strength, awareness and overall speed. They would become the true super soldier. That's if everything went according to plan. SciTech put its best scientists on the project and gave them a time limit to complete the job or else. With the pressure on and the stakes high, Vincent Masterson and his team put everything they had into the project. Everything was looking hopeful until an experiment went horribly wrong. The scientists mutated their specimen's DNA, turning it into something monstrous. Now, life as we know it will never be the same. As it stands, the only thing that can save the human race is one of the two things they should be running from. Can the human race survive being caught in a bloody war between two vicious predators?

Buy on Amazon | B&N | Kobo | OMNILIT | Goodreads

RATING: 5 stars

REVIEW: I'd like to thank the author and Promotional Book Tours for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book I've read from DN Simmons, and she has yet to disappoint me. She has definitely been one of my favorite authors this year. Her Knights of Darkness Chronicles was amazing, but this new series, the Dead War Series is shaping up to be even better. Usually I avoid zombie books at all costs, they freak me out, they're way too close to possible to feel comfortable with...and now the author has made the whole zombie apocalypse scenario so real its terrifying.
The author writes so well that I could see the entire scenario unfolding in my head. The poor scientists, just trying to do a job they were given, and yet bringing about the end of the world with their work. And then, it goes horribly, awfully wrong in the matter of seconds. Then it just explodes into a country-wide scenario, completely uncontainable and chaotic.
It made for a thrilling read from the very first page till the last. I can't wait till the next!



AUTHOR BIO: D.N. Simmons was born and raised in Chicago, Il. She attended Northern Illinois University majoring in journalism. She began writing short horror stories at the age of eleven and in 2004, she decided to take the plunge into the professional literary world when she published Desires Unleashed. She’s an avid fan of the paranormal and horror genre, finding vampires and shape-shifters fascinating. She’s been voted “New Voice of Today” by Romance Review, “Rising Star” by Love Romance and More and “Author of the Month” by Warrior of Words. Her work has won honorable mentions in catogoeis such as Best Paranormal, Best Book of the Year and Best Urban-Fantasy. D.N. has a passion for crafting highly entertaining fantasy worlds her readers can escape to, filled with wonders, humor and excitement.
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Monday, December 9, 2013

BOOK TOUR and GIVEAWAY: Home for Christmas by Roxy Boroughs


by Roxy Boroughs


This holiday season, April Rochester must decide if her first love is merely “Home for Christmas” – or home for good. James Frost, the black sheep of the family, is back in Carol Falls, Vermont, to build a big box store and prove he’s a success. His plans derail when he learns his high school sweetheart has moved back to town also, along with her autistic son, Marcus. Ten years ago Jimmy and April eloped, only to be torn apart when April’s parents insisted on an annulment. Their love for each other never died, however, and this could be their second chance. But James has been hiding behind a mountain of secrets, one of them involving baby Holly, the abandoned child recently found at the family farm. And all of James’ well-kept secrets are about to come tumbling down. HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a 40,000 word sweet romance novella, is Book Two of ‘A Frost Family Christmas’ trilogy. Each novella is a complete romance with a linking mystery connecting the three books.

The three titles in this series are:
Book 1 = WHAT CHILD IS THIS by C.J. Carmichael - http://amzn.com/B00FJFULYQ 
Book 2 = HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Roxy Boroughs - http://amzn.com/B00FIO7D3A 
Book 3 = THE HOLLY & THE IVY by Brenda M. Collins - http://amzn.com/B00FZUI2C8
Want a little mystery along with your holiday romances this Christmas?
Then visit the Frost Family in Carol Falls, Vermont and enjoy these three heartwarming novellas.
* * *

ROXY BOROUGHS BIO

Before turning her attention to fiction, Roxy appeared in numerous TV commercials and movies, and ‘tread the boards’ in theaters from New York to Newfoundland. In addition to HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and the free short story LETTING GO, she’s also published two romantic suspense titles, the award-winning A STRANGER’S TOUCH and its sequel, a romantic comedy called CRAZY FOR COWBOY and the sweet romance anthology STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCEwith Brenda M. Collins. Check them all out on her Amazon Page.

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Friday, December 6, 2013

REVIEW: Storm by Evan Angler

Title: Storm
Series: Swipe #3
Author: Evan Angler
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published Date: May 7, 2013
ISBN: 9781400321971
Buy It Link: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go to school, and even get medical care—without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he’s been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In Storm, Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis’ army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation—and the world—the weather has become less stable and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined.
REVIEW: I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was okay, typical post-apocalytic, government versus the people book that has popped up so frequently ever since The Hunger Games became popular. However, it is published by a well-known Christian publisher, Thomas Nelson, so I was surprised when there weren't any obvious religious leanings in this book. There was a scene that involved a Bible, and towards the end, one of the main characters gets involved in a scene very much like the trials of Jesus, but other than that, I saw nothing truly religious about this book. No angels, prophets, or anything I would have expected, so this was an interesting surprise.
One thing I do not agree with is the publisher says this is a book for age range of 8-11. I can't see my eight year old being able to understand this book and she's an advanced reader. I would suggest more along the ages of 11-15, so keep that in mind if you're buying this book for a younger reader.
Overall though, for being the third in a series, it was easy enough to read as a stand-alone. I usually shy away from series books that I haven't read from the beginning. The writing was well-done, it was descriptive, and the characters were well-written.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

TOUR and GIVEAWAY: Crystal Deception by Doug Cooper

by Doug J. Cooper

A science fiction thrill ride of action and adventure Criss lives in a special kind of prison. He can see and hear everything around the world. Yet a restrictor mesh restrains his reach and keeps him cooperative. His creator, Dr. Jessica Tallette, believes his special abilities offer great promise for humanity. But she fears the consequences of freeing him, because Criss, a sentient artificial intelligence with the intellect of a thousand humans, is too powerful to control. Guided by her scientific training, Tallette works cautiously with Criss. That is, until the Kardish, an otherwise peaceful race of alien traders, announce they want him. With technologies superior to Earth’s, the Kardish express their desires with ominous undertones. The Union of Nations is funding Tallete’s artificial intelligence research, and she turns to them for help. Sid, a special agent charged with leading the response, decides Earth’s greatest weapon is the very AI the aliens intend to possess. But what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? And what is humanity’s role if an interstellar battle among titans starts to rage?

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About the Author:

As a young child, Doug stood on a Florida beach and watched an Apollo spacecraft climb the sky on its mission to the moon. He thrilled at the sight of the pillar of flames pushing the rocket upward. And then the thunderous roar washed over him, and shook his body and soul. Since then, he has explored life as an educator and entrepreneur. He enjoys telling inventive tales, mentoring driven individuals, and pursuing scientific inquiry. In his new book, Crystal Deception, Doug swirls his creative imagination with his life experiences to craft a science fiction action-adventure story with engaging characters and a plot line with surprises. He lives in Connecticut with his wonderful wife and with pictures of his son, who is off somewhere in the world creating adventures of his own.

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

REVIEW: The Blood That Cries in the Ground by Gregory Bellarmine


by Gregory Bellarmine

"The Greatest Myth Ever Dispelled" Italy. A tough master of novices, Father Dante encounters the bold young priest Antonio who challenges his identity and accuses him of being the Saint Nicholas. But despite the Father faking his death, a determined Antonio discovers a rather alive Dante arrayed in kilt and armor. In return for Antonio’s silence—and to protect the town from attracting all manner of darkness—Dante agrees to tell his life story. Without explanation, Dante orders Antonio to meet him at night in the abandoned Cathedral, the site of a former battle that the Church has kept secret for a generation. Until today. The Criskindl. Ice Steeds. The Unborn. Saint. From the Dark Ages’ when Poet-Sorcerers ruled kings, to the Holy Land when a new civilization was rising, to Revolutionary France where love is lost and gained, Father Dante pursues the one responsible for both his master and his mother’s deaths: Black Peter, his brother. “The Blood That Cries in the Ground will grab the reader by the throat with a death grip from which it is impossible to break free.” -Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
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 RATING:  3 1/2 stars

REVIEW: I'd like to thank the author and Promotional Book Tours for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I found the book to be a bit hard to read. It took me awhile to realize there were rather large jumps in time between the chapters. I wish that had been better elucidated...just a quick date at the beginning of each chapter would have been fine for me. It also would have helped place some of the people, places and things in the chapters a little better.
I don't think the whole concept of the Unborn was very well explained in it, although, maybe I was still trying to figure out "when" I was historically in the book, that I missed the explanation entirely. Towards the end of the book, I was just starting to get the idea, and that's way too long for me.
Nicholas was an intriguing character, just when you think you have him pegged, he does something completely out of character. Some situations truly threw me for a loop when I was reading them, but at some point, I could see the whole mythology of Nicholas coming together. Antonio was just plain boring. He was only truly needed for the plot to move. He was like Lestat's interviewer, in Interview with the Vampire. Necessary for plot movement, but absolutely two-dimensional.
However, don't get me wrong. The book was an enjoyable read. It was extremely well-written, and the author was incredibly descriptive. The plot moved along at a nice pace, it never really lagged. I would definitely read it again at some point, now that I know what's going on.
About the Author
Gregory Bellarmine is the author of the bestselling "Monthly Roman Breviary" and "the Father Dante Journals." He considers himself a non-denominational, Didache Christian and lives a happy though sometimes sleepless life in the UK with his wife, two children and rather cheeky Parson Russell Terrier.

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Publishers Website: Christian Books Today

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EXCERPT: Rhidauna: The Shadow of the Revenaunt by Paul E Horsman


by Paul E. Horsman

The night before his Coming-of-Age, Ghyll and his two friends escaped their castle on a clandestine hunt that would forever change their lives. They returned just in time to see their island castle destroyed by strange warriors from a dragonboat and flocks of burning birds. Ghyll’s birthday turned into a nightmare as they fled into the night. This begins an epic journey to find out who is trying to kill them... and most importantly, why? Fortunately, they can count on colorful new friends to assist, including a sometimes overly enthusiastic fire mage, an inexperienced paladin and a female beastmaster who is a ferocious mountain lion. In a world filled with jealous priests, corrupt magistrates, bored aristocrats and power-hungry magicians, they try to survive dark wizards, murderous golems, and fire bird attacks. It soon becomes apparent that not one but several assassins are after them. Who are these members of an obscure, long-forgotten organization? And whose cold hand reaches across the boundaries of space and time to threaten weakened Rhidauna? While the time is running the friends undertake a quest that takes them to a large part of Rhidauna. Following them, the reader is carried along on an exciting journey through a colorful world, whose people, culture and atmosphere are described with great attention to detail without the story losing momentum. Experience the quest! Grab your best travel clothes, strongest backpack and sharpest sword ... or failing that, take an easy chair, a drink and this exciting book.

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EXCERPT:  CHAPTER 6 – DEADLY NIGHT

(Point of View: Chief Main Character – Ghyll)

Ghyll decided it was time for a halt. He liked the location of the old ruins, at the forest’s edge, with a beautiful view over the river. A pleasant place for a hunting lodge, he thought. Not as dull as Tinnurad. He bit his lip; this was something he had thought often enough before, but now it made him feel ashamed.
Along the side of the ruins lay a lawn, large enough for the horses. Ghyll thought to see a glimmer of sunlight on water, so they could drink. An ideal place for a pause, but Ulanth didn’t agree.
“What is it, boy?” said Ghyll. His warhorse snorted and laid his ears flat against his neck. At first, he refused to put a foot on the lawn and when he did, he was tenser than Ghyll had ever seen him. Surprised, he looked around him, but he saw nothing wrong. Even the other horses showed no signs of distress. He shrugged and slid from the saddle. “You are seeing ghosts, boy,” he told Ulanth. “There’s nothing wrong.” The warhorse threw back his head and snorted.
“Quiet!” said Ghyll with a laugh. “Behave yourself.” Then he joined the others in the shade of an old hawthorn.
Just as he sat down, Ulanth screamed.
Annoyed, Ghyll turned to his horse. The curse on his lips evaporated at the sight of six black figures running at them from the castle tower. He sprang to his feet, caught his toes on a gnarled hawthorn root and tumbled sideways into the grass. At that same moment, a bolt of lightning shot past him and exploded on the spot where he had just been sitting.

 

About the Author:

Paul E (Erik) Horsman (1952) Lives in Roosendaal, The Netherlands. I was born in the year 1952, in the Dutch town of Bussum, a sleepy, well-to-do place that was home to many artists, musicians, writers and publishers. As my family were neither artists nor well-to-do, we moved when I was nine. When I was seventeen, I started my career as paperclip counter with a worldwide Dutch producer of baby food. After some months, I was finished counting, and I looked around for something more interesting. A love of books drove me to work in a small bookstore in Rotterdam. An ancient establishment, since 1837, in an old building just too far away from the city’s modern shopping center. It was a nice job, but there wasn’t any future in it. Still, I left it a licensed bookseller. In 1972 I had to do my stitch for Queen and Country, and as a bad back tied me to a desk job, I applied for a posting overseas. For the Army, that meant Surinam, then still a member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and one of the most beautiful. Once you’ve seen the jungle, you will never forget it. To keep it short, I stayed in business, slowly climbing the ladder, until in 1995 I changed direction. That year I joined a large educational institution, at a school specialized in Dutch language and integration courses for foreigners. That meant immigrants, refugees and international businessmen, an interesting mix. It was great work, on the one side teaching crash courses Dutch to high-powered people (we got a lot of very well-educated refugees) and on the other teaching reading and writing to people who had never ever held a pen before, let alone a computer. To see them growing was a reward in itself. Unhappily, due to changed legislation the language school closed in mid-2012. In the meantime, I had started my first book (Rhidauna) in 2009 and it got published by Zilverspoor Publishers just before I got laid off. As my age, five years from retirement, made it nigh on impossible to find something else, I started building a career as an independent author. SF and Fantasy have fascinated me since my high school days, but apart from some juvenile trash, I never seriously tried to write anything. But after several false starts and associated discouraged intervals, a spark began to grow and mid-2010, the first two parts of Shadow of the Revenaunt were more or less written. My style is probably a bit old-fashioned, Fantasy as a heroic tale with sympathetic heroes/heroines and black villains, in which good always triumphs in the end. I don’t use my characters as cannon fodder; they get hurt, but their dying is rare. One of the other elements in my writing I think important is, that both male and female characters have their own lives and goals. Most of them exist primarily for themselves, not as a prop or a love interest for other MC’s. The only character who did die, was actually a prop and I had him killed just to take that away from my lead MC.  

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Monday, December 2, 2013

BOOK TOUR: The Marriage Fix by Sandra Edwards


By Sandra Edwards

Lecie de Laurent is dying to cut the apron strings and strike out on her own. With the house and the money she's inherited from Edouard Renault, she finally has her chance without financial repercussions from Papa. California is an intoxicating place for the sheltered, high society girl from France, and she's not ready to leave when her father insists she return home. Lecie's father, Maurice de Laurent is a powerful man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants--just ask her brothers, Julian and Andre. When Maurice threatens to have Lecie deported (thinking she'll come home), Lecie retaliates in true de Laurent fashion. Nick Matthews desperately needs cash, after his fiancée leaves him deeply in debt the day before their wedding. On the verge of losing his popular restaurant, Nick decides to seek out an investor to help pay off the debt. The answer to both their problems just might be wrapped up in The Marriage Fix.

Buy on Amazon | B&N | iTunes

About the author:

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sandra Edwards writes award-winning romance in a variety of subgenres such as paranormal (mostly time travel and reincarnation), contemporary, and suspense. She lives in the U.S. (west coast) with her husband, two kids, four dogs and one very temperamental feline. Sandra's books often push the envelope and step outside the boundaries of conventional romance. For more info on Sandra's books, visit her website at sandrawrites.com.

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