Showing posts with label 2014 Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2014 Reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Blog Tour/Review: Lost and Found by Karey White


Tour Schedule

Lost and Found by Karey White

Lydia was supposed to have an adventurous and exciting summer. Instead she’s done nothing more than read and eat takeout. Now it’s time to go home, and what does she have to show for it? A big fat nothing. Unless, of course, her trip to the airport somehow turns into something more than just a flight home.

Blake feels like he’s been sent on a wild goose chase. While work is piling up back in Denver, he’s on the other side of the country, hunting for some mysterious box that his grandfather left him. Well, no more. Nothing inside that box could possibly be more important than the opportunity to make it as the youngest partner at his firm. So he’s going home, and that’s that. But that’s before he discovers his flight has been cancelled.

When these two strangers meet at the airport, they make a split-second decision to search for the box together. Maybe with both of them on the hunt, Lydia can have her adventure and Blake can find the box. And maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll even find some romance.

This was such a fun, fast read! I don't generally have enough time to read a book straight through, but I just couldn't put this one down. Cambri offered Lydia her condo in North Carolina for the summer so she could go somewhere new and have adventures and excitement! However, Lydia wound up staying inside and reading and eating instead of getting out. While at the airport waiting for her flight home, she meets Blake, who's also from Colorado. He's a workaholic trying to make partner in his law firm who came to North Carolina to fulfill his grandfather's wish to get a box from a woman named Gladys. He wasn't able to find her so he's heading back home. Their flight got canceled at the last minute, so they decide to stick around a few days and see if they can track down Gladys.

I loved watching Lydia and Blake's relationship progress. They had great chemistry and Blake definitely helps Lydia have the adventure she had wanted all summer. They each do things that are way out of their comfort zones and enjoy their time together. Blake is able to learn the lesson his Grandpa wanted him to understand before it was too late. Lydia learned the importance of being brave and allowing someone into her heart. The ending put a huge smile on my face and this is a book I will definitely read again and again!

We also meet Francie, who we'll get to know better in the next book, Second Chances 101. I'm looking forward to it!

My Rating=5 Stars

*I received a copy from the tour host for review. My opinion is 100% my own.*

Excerpt:

Blake and Lydia stayed in their seats as the area around them cleared and a line formed. Finally, Blake stood, picked up his duffel bag and briefcase, then waited while Lydia gathered her things. They took a spot at the back of the line. After a minute, Lydia spoke.

“Since you have to change your flight anyway, maybe you should stay another day or two and try to find the box.”

The corner of Blake’s mouth twitched. “Maybe you should stay a couple of days and have an adventure.”

“Touché. I guess if the plane had gone down, I’d have had an adventure to tell about. Or not tell about.”

The line moved slowly. “You know,” Blake said. “Maybe your adventure could be staying and helping me find my grandfather’s box.”

Lydia nearly choked on her last bite of brownie. Was he joking? They didn’t even know each other.

“I have to be back for teacher’s meetings. And I need to get my classroom ready for school to start. The desks are all stacked up in a corner of the room and I need to get them set up and organized and I’ve got to put up a couple of bulletin boards. And I have to get papers for the parents copied for back to school night and…” Blake’s smile widened as she spoke. “And I’m babbling, aren’t I?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry about it. I should get back to the office anyway. It was a crazy idea.”

“Yeah,” Lydia said, relieved. A few minutes passed, and they neared the front of the line. A voice in Lydia’s head wouldn’t be quiet. You’re a coward. You don’t really want an adventure. You’re all talk. You could kill two birds with one stone. Have an adventure and help this guy find the box from his grandfather. But you’re too big of a wimp. She wanted to tell the voice to mind its own business, but it wouldn’t shut up. Chicken. Scaredy cat. But this wasn’t about adventure. This was about good, common sense, right? It wouldn’t be smart to stay with this man she didn’t know. And yet her instincts told her this guy was safe, that she didn’t need to fear his intentions.

It seemed the only way to stop the nag in her head was to speak. “It wasn’t a crazy idea. It was an adventurous idea. And I came here for adventure. I need something to tell Cambri when I get home, right? And you need to find that box or you’ll miss out on something important. And I don’t technically have to be back until Wednesday morning, so...”

“Really? Are you just talking a big game?” Blake teased.

“You’re not a psychopathic killer, are you?”

“No. But I certainly wouldn’t tell you if I was.”

“That’s true. That would really up the whole adventure factor, though.”

“See, you’re braver than you thought.”



Author Karey White 

Karey is a USA Today best-selling author. She grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.
She loves to travel, read, cook, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four wonderful children.




The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series 

Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors.

“Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love.”

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith


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Ends 5/12/14

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Blog Tour/Review: The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor


The Girl Who Came Home: A Novel of the Titanic, by Hazel Gaynor
2014, 384p, Historical Fiction
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review



A voyage across the ocean becomes the odyssey of a lifetime for a young Irish woman. . . .

Ireland, 1912 . . .

Fourteen members of a small village set sail on RMS Titanic, hoping to find a better life in America. For seventeen-year-old Maggie Murphy, the journey is bittersweet. Though her future lies in an unknown new place, her heart remains in Ireland with Séamus, the sweetheart she left behind. When disaster strikes, Maggie is one of the few passengers in steerage to survive. Waking up alone in a New York hospital, she vows never to speak of the terror and panic of that fateful night again.

Chicago, 1982 . . .

Adrift after the death of her father, Grace Butler struggles to decide what comes next. When her great-grandmother Maggie shares the painful secret about Titanic that she's harbored for almost a lifetime, the revelation gives Grace new direction—and leads both her and Maggie to unexpected reunions with those they thought lost long ago.

Inspired by true events, The Girl Who Came Home poignantly blends fact and fiction to explore the Titanic tragedy's impact and its lasting repercussions on survivors and their descendants.


I'm fascinated with the story of the Titanic, but not obsessed so I haven't read lots of books on it. This is a fictional account inspired by a real group of 14 Irish emigrants who left Ireland to visit relatives in America.

The story focuses on 17-year-old Maggie Murphy. Maggie's parents have both died and her aunt Kathleen has come to Ireland and is taking Maggie back to Chicago with her. While there, others have decided to join them in making the journey. Maggie is sad to be leaving her boyfriend, Seamus, behind. His father is sick so he won't be able to come, but tells her he'll be waiting for her to come home. 

We also get two more stories: "Lucky Harry," and Grace Butler, Maggie's great-granddaughter. Harry is one of the stewards on the ship who Maggie and her friends get to know and who later helps her get into one of the last lifeboats to leave. Grace's story takes place in Illinois in 1982. Grace's life was going well until her father died. She left college and her boyfriend, Jimmy, to help her mother. Maggie starts to help her get her life back, starting with telling her about her journey on the Titanic, a story she has never told anyone. Learning her great-grandmother's story gives Grace the courage to move on with her life.

I loved this book! Most of it is told in flashback so there's a lot of jumping back and forth. I didn't find it to be confusing and actually liked it. Maggie was young and excited to go on the ship, but she was sad to have left Seamus behind. It was interesting to experience the Titanic through her young eyes. Knowing what happened doesn't lessen the impact of the scenes of the tragic night of April 15, 1912. All the talk of the Titanic being unsinkable appeared to have caused confusion and disbelief at what was happening. The author didn't dwell too long on the actual sinking and I liked that. The aftermath is what gets lost sometimes. The journey to the Carpathia in the lifeboats was long and cold. The people waiting to welcome the ship in New York were in shock as they attempted to learn the fate of their loved ones, and even if they didn't see their names on the list of survivors, hoped they would still see them disembark. It's not too surprising that Maggie didn't want to remember and discuss the horror of that night until she was much older.

I also enjoyed Harry and Grace's stories. It was interesting to see what happened to Harry. I thought his ending would be a little different. Grace was able to learn what was important to her and to go for it before it was too late. I also loved Maggie's story and hearing the ending to it. She was able to do something at the end that she'd been wanting to do for a long time and was able to make peace with all that happened.

I like the section at the end where the author shares the story behind the book and tells the parts of the book based on fact. There is also a short Glossary of Irish Terms and Reading Group Discussion Questions. There is a lot to say about this book so it would be great for a book club! This is a clean read. If you enjoy reading about the Titanic, this is a book for you!

You can listen to a sample of the audiobook here.


 
About Hazel Gaynor

Hazel Gaynor is an author and freelance writer in Ireland and the U.K. and was the recipient of the Cecil Day Lewis Award for Emerging Writers in 2012. Originally from North Yorkshire, England, she now lives in Ireland with her husband, two young children, and an accident-prone cat.

Connect with Hazel on Facebook.



Tour Schedule

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Blog Tour/Review: The Weather Girl by Amy Vastine

A themed tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to my stop for the April Showers Book Tour for
The Weather Girl
by Amy Vastine

The Weather Girl

The Weather Girl

by Amy Vastine

Clean Adult Contemporary Romance

January 1st 2014 by Harlequin



Turbulence is in their forecast.

Summer Raines knows when it's going to rain. She can feel it. That's why the local weather girl's so good at her job. Too bad she couldn't have foreseen the tumultuous arrival of Travis Lockwood, everybody's favorite star NFL quarterback. Make that former star NFL quarterback. Sidelined back to Texas after an injury, the golden boy is trying to steal her precious on-air time. Summer is reduced to reporting from…football games. It's enough to make her quit and become a storm-chaser like her parents. She's stuck with a career that's going nowhere and a man who delights in her refusal to be charmed. Falling in love isn't nearly as easy as predicting the weather.

This is a fun, clean read! Summer Raines works at KLVA as a meteorologist. Her parents were storm chasers but were killed in an accident that left Summer an orphan at 16, so she's lived with her grandparents ever since. She's passionate about the weather and is working on a new segment to share her interesting weather facts with the viewers. Then Travis Lockwood shows up. He's a former NFL quarterback who is the new evening sports anchor. Summer appears to be the only one unimpressed with him, but to make matters worse, her boss, Ken, gives Travis 30 precious seconds of her weather segment so he can connect with the audience. That's just one more mark against him as far as she's concerned. Travis starts talking to her and has the nerve to call her "Weather Girl." She's determined not to like him but that's a problem when he's charming and likable. However, there are opportunities for each of them that make a relationship between them difficult.

I fell in love with Travis! Summer is quirky and funny and sweet and I certainly like her, too, but Travis made the scenes come alive. He's persistent and funny and doesn't try to mold Summer into his "perfect girlfriend." Part of that could be because he had the "perfect girlfriend," who wound up dumping him when his career as a quarterback ended and he now has a better sense of the kind of girl he should be looking for. When Summer gets nervous, she spouts off random weather facts and Travis is the only person that doesn't get scared off by that. There are some great moments between Travis and Summer.

There are amazing job opportunities available for each of them that, if accepted, will take them far away from each other. The solution seemed obvious to me, but their lack of communication meant they had to live through some pain and heartbreak first. It also added a wonderfully dramatic ending, which I absolutely loved! I haven't read a Harlequin in years, but this is now the second book I've read in the Harlequin Heartwarming line in the last couple of months and it won't be the last. I love this clean line of romances and look forward to reading more!

My Rating=5 Stars



Amy VastineAmy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read.

In September of 2012, she saw a tweet about Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write contest. She entered, hoping for nothing more than a little feedback from some people in the business. Amazingly, The Weather Girl made it into the semi-finals, thanks to the many wonderful voters out there! The manuscript didn't make it to the finals, but the editors over Harlequin were still interested. A few revisions later and The Weather Girl was contacted for publication with Harlequin Heartwarming - a dream come true!

Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.

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- April 21 - May 11

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Monday, April 21, 2014

Book Review: The 7-Day Christian, by Brad Wilcox


9781609072728
The 7-Day Christian, by Brad Wilcox
2014, 154p, LDS Non-Fiction
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review

Christianity is facing great opposition. No one is being thrown to lions, but many followers of Christ face persecution because of their beliefs. At the very least, most know how it feels to end up on the wrong side of a "politically correct" conversation. More than ever before, we need believing and behaving disciples—men and women who are ready to stand up and stand together to change the world as early Christians did: one righteous choice at a time.

Filled with personal experiences and insightful stories, this book emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with our values every single day, with practical suggestions for how to actually pull it off. "Christ doesn't just want people to acknowledge His grace," writes Brad Wilcox. "He wants them to be transformed through it. He doesn't just want people to come to Him. He wants them to become like Him— a process that takes place 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, and throughout all the years of our lives.

Brad Wilcox is one of my favorite authors and speakers, so I was excited to see that he has a new book and was really intrigued by the title. I am a Christian, and definitely still have a lot to learn. There have been many times that I have not behaved the best. This book is a great reminder that it's important to work every day towards becoming more Christ-like.

Chapter One starts with the big question, "Is there a God?" He also goes into the great debate on this question where there are those who give an emphatic yes to that question and those who will give an equally emphatic no. Each side produces evidence to support their belief. The beauty of it all is that we are given the freedom to choose whether or not we believe in God. I like what he says about this. "To me, one of the clearest evidences of God's goodness is that He does not prove himself to us beyond all possibility of doubt. The fact that He allows compelling evidence on both sides of the argument of His existence preserves and honors my freedom...He may ultimately want me to believe, but more important, it appears He wants me to want to believe." (p. 11) (You can read Chapter One here.)

In another chapter, he says to not check your religion at the door, but rather to live it wherever you may be. There are times when that won't be easy to do, but it does matter. I also loved his chapter titled "Seven Days of Re-Creation." He tells how the pattern God used when He created the earth is the same pattern He uses to re-create us. Then he shares his experience of losing weight and running (first a 5K and later a half marathon), which he started at the age of 50. I found that to be quite inspiring!

There are quotes, scriptures and stories to back up his points as he goes through each chapter. He concludes with a chapter titled "The Core of Christianity." With Easter yesterday, Christ's resurrection and atonement has been on my mind a lot. He had a conversation with a man who told him that it didn't matter if Jesus was resurrected or not and it only has relevance in the next life. He disagreed and said, "Knowledge of Christ's resurrection not only changes the hereafter, it can also change what we are here after. It can profoundly affect our choices, our loves, our priorities, and our ways of reaching our potential." (p. 136)

There are lots of great gems to be found in this book. It is possible for each of us to make a difference in the world simply by living our beliefs on a daily basis. This is a book I will definitely read again and again and I highly recommend it to everyone!


BRAD WILCOX has lived in Ethiopia, Chile, and New Zealand; he and his family now make their home amid the Rocky Mountains. Brad taught sixth grade before obtaining his PhD in education from the University of Wyoming. His contributions as an author and teacher have been honored by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and his work has appeared in Guideposts magazine and Reader’s Digest. He once served as a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and has addressed thousands of youth and adults across the United State, Europe, Australia, and Japan. He and his wife, Debi, are the parents of four children.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Book Review: Heart of the Ocean by Heather Moore


Heart of the Ocean, by Heather B. Moore
2013, 337p, Historical Suspense, Clean Romance
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received an audiobook from the author for an honest review

A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . . What more could Eliza Robinson want?

Except for maybe her life.

In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.


Heather Moore is one of my favorite authors and I have loved every book of hers I have read so far. This time, I was fortunate enough to get an audiobook to listen to and I loved it! I thought the narrator, Erin Spencer, did a fantastic job! 

This is a great mystery, ghost story, and romance which gets more and more suspenseful. Eliza turns down a marriage proposal from her father's business partner, Thomas Beesley, and heads to Maybrook to spend time with her Aunt Maeve. While there, she hears the voice of Helena Talbot, a young mother who disappeared one night and her body was never found. Aunt Maeve is murdered and Eliza goes out in the storm for help when she is rescued by Jon Porter. Jon used to live in Maybrook and has his reasons for retuning. They feel drawn to each other but he's planning to marry Apryl. It gets pretty complex as we learn who Apryl's getting close to and who Jon Porter is and the connection between Jon and Eliza.

I loved all the characters! Some because they were good and some because they were bad. There were some great twists and turns and I was surprised to learn who the murderer was. There is a lot of tragedy and sorrow to get through before the satisfying conclusion. I loved listening to this and want to read it as well since I always get more out of it when I do. It's a clean read and is a book I highly recommend!!

The other great news is that you can purchase it for only $.99 on Kindle today and tomorrow!


Visit the author's blog for more details on a multi-author Easter sale where the books are $.99 (one is even free!) through tomorrow, April 20, at midnight here.


Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, her latest is Finding Sheba. Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction. She’s the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. Other women’s novels include Heart of the Ocean, The Fortune Café, the Aliso Creek Series, and the Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology Series.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Blog Tour/Review: Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson


Tour Schedule

Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year ended in a fiasco. Only Jace Sutton knew the real reason why—that she was a spineless coward. Now, seven years later, her father’s been in an accident and needs help, and Cambri has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and boards a plane, hoping against hope that Jace is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she’d led him on, bruised his heart, and left town without a backward glance, he was forced to pick up the pieces and try not to hate her for it. Eventually, he put it behind him and moved on, creating a life for himself in his beloved hometown. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jake instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs.

If only it were that easy.


We first met Jace in Silver Linings, where he was dating Eden but their relationship didn't seem like it was the best for either one of them. Eden wound up with his buddy, Drew, and as you can imagine, they're not currently close like they used to be. The Prologue starts 10 months later, and Jace is looking to purchase a home that reminds him of a girl he couldn't seem to get out of his system.

Chapter One starts five months after the Prologue, with Cambri coming to town. It doesn't take long to find out that she's the girl that Jace loved all those years ago. She's come back to town to help her grumpy father who just had a heart attack. She's a landscape architect living in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is appalled at the condition of her father's yard. She heads over to the hardware store, where she runs into Jace, who happens to own it. Things are a bit awkward between them and as the book progresses, we find out why. Cambri likes to run away and, after Jace stirs up some old feelings inside her, she is ready to run again at her first opportunity.

This is another fun read! I liked Cambri and Jace together. It was nice to see him in a relationship that was more suited for him. There is a scene with Eden and Drew, where Jace showed his maturity in being happy for them even though he felt empty inside. It was also fun to get a glimpse of Eden and Drew and see how they're doing.

I liked watching Cambri's growth as she realized what she really wanted in life and decided to take a chance. Cambri's dad and Jace's grandpa added a lot to the story and were fun to read about. We also got to meet Lydia, Jace's sister, and we'll get her story next in Lost and Found. I'm looking forward to it!

My Rating=5 Stars

*I received a copy from the tour host for review. My opinion is 100% my own.*


Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.




The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series 

Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors.

“Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love.”

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith


Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/28/14

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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Blog Tour/Review: Healing Stone by Brock Booher



Healing Stone, by Brock Booher
2014, 336p, Fiction
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Provided a copy from the publisher for an honest review

Abandoned in a graveyard and a mother who was never found--that's all Stone Molony knows about his birth. But now he needs to know more. A tragic accident has awakened a powerful gift inside him that changes everything. As the town stirs up around him, Stone journeys through corruption, racism, and violence to uncover the truth about his past.
  
1950's, Kentucky. Stone Molony is a 17-year-old boy who finds out he has the gift to heal when he runs over his dog with the tractor. He doesn't understand what's happening--he can just do it. His father doesn't want word to get around about what he can do, but it's too hard to contain it and soon everyone does know. 

Stone learns that there's one key ingredient to healing anyone and he can't necessarily use his gift any time he wants. Stone was adopted, left crying on a graveyard when he was a baby with a note to give him to Billy and Ada Molony. They were only able to have one son, Leck, who left for the Korean War as an athlete and hunter and returned broken, barely able to get around on crutches. Ada has high hopes that Stone will be able to heal Leck, but Stone doesn't seem to be able to use his gift on him. Stone is determined to find out who he really is so he can learn more about this amazing gift.

This is a fantastic coming of age story! Stone is somewhat sheltered and learns about the world as he sets out to figure out who his birth parents are. He's also not familiar with racism. His father, Billy, delivers feed to the local black community and he doesn't understand why they travel certain ways. He's also friends with one of their daughters, Wonnie, and he's surprised at how she's treated when she tries to sit in the white section at the movie theater. This book deals with what racism looked like during this time.

There are some tragedies that Stone has to deal with and his life is endangered as he comes closer and closer to the truth. The suspense builds and then comes to a satisfying conclusion. There are some tragedies and sad moments. Some amazing and great things happen as well. This is a book that will make you think and stick with you long after you turn the final page. I really feel like there's so much more to say, so it would make a great discussion book (there are Discussion Questions at the end), but I also feel like it's a book you need to experience for yourself. This is a debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from Brock Booher in the future. Highly recommended!


Here's my interview with Brock Booher:

1. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was just sharing my writing with my friends and family, I didn't feel like a writer. When people would smile and give me polite feedback because they didn't want to hurt my feelings, I didn't feel like a writer. I considered myself a writer when a total stranger read something I had written and enjoyed it. In order to feel like a writer, you have to be willing to put your work out there and risk rejection, and the possibility that a total stranger will enjoy it.

2. What inspired you to write Healing Stone?

Most of the inspiration for Healing Stone came from the stories my parents told me. From there, I drew from personal experiences. After that, the idea was improved through research. The nugget for the novel first started as a short story that I wrote while at Orson Scott Card's Literary Boot Camp, but it lacked the exaggeration needed to make it a novel. As I was combining all of those varied inspirations, I had a few "aha" moments that made the story what it is. I find that even though I am inspired to write a story because of personal experience, the process itself is inspiring, and I draw inspiration through research, others' experiences, and from good old-fashioned imagination.

3. How did you come up with the title?

It originally had another title, but as the story unfolded, I realized that the title wasn't right. When I finished the story, I came up with several possible titles. This title spoke to me because it has a double meaning. After that, I searched other titles to avoid conflict, and stuck with this one. At first the marketing arm of the publisher wanted to change the title, but after they understood the story, they stuck with it. I think it captures the feeling of the novel.

4. Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I do a little of both. When an idea hits me, I like to capture it in a notebook. (I usually carry a notebook because you don't know when inspiration will strike.) At the beginning, I will just sit down and write trying to discover the story. Once I feel like I have captured the essence of the story, I write an outline. Of course, as I write the story, the outline changes, and I find myself discovery writing new characters, new scenes, and new exposition that I did not envision when I first wrote the outline. I like the outline because it gives me a destination, but like any good journey, I like to get off the beaten path and explore a bit.

5. What project are you working on now?

I am almost done with another novel manuscript about a street orphan in Lima, Peru, that gets caught up in an organ-smuggling organization. I am also working a couple of nonfiction projects. If I ever have a lack of things to write, I look in my notebook.

6. What are some of your favorite books and what book are you reading now?

I love John Steinbeck's East of Eden. Growing up I read a lot of science fiction and a lot Jesse Stuart. I like to mix up my reading. I recently enjoyed Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I also enjoyed Dan Well's Partials series. One of my favorite books from the last few years is The Rent Collector. As you can see, I bounce around a lot and enjoy a variety.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I run for my sanity. My family keeps me grounded. I love traveling, boating, motorcycles, playing most sports (not watching them), and just about any activity that gets me outside. I am not one to sit still, unless I am reading.

8. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

I don't feel qualified to give you any of my advice, but I can pass on what has been given to me by much more successful writers. Write. Read. Study the craft. Write some more. Get feedback. Write some more. Accept rejection as a part of the process. Write some more. Every large and worthy endeavor, no matter how pleasant, usually boils down to self discipline in order to complete it.

9. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

THANK YOU! I will try not to waste your time, and hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Thanks, Brock, for visiting my blog today. It was fun getting to know you better. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work in the future!


Brock Booher grew up on a farm in rural Kentucky, the fourth of ten children, where he learned to work hard, use his imagination, and believe in himself. He left the farm to pursue the friendly skies as a pilot, and currently flies for a major US carrier. A dedicated husband and father of six children, he began writing out of sheer arrogance, but the writing craft quickly humbled him. During that process, he discovered that he enjoyed writing because it is an endeavor that can never quite be mastered. He still gladly struggles everyday to improve his writing and storytelling skills.

Monday, April 14, 2014

CD Review: He Is Risen by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir



Featuring heartwarming and uplifting hymns like Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, and He is Risen, your Easter holiday will be filled with true remembrance and thankfulness for Christ, His life and the love He shows for each of God's Children.

I absolutely love The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and this album is one of their best! I love having peaceful, uplifting music to listen to and this has six beautiful arrangements of Easter songs. The track list is as follows:

1. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
2. In the Garden
3. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
4. Jesus Has Risen
5. He Is Risen
6. Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain (from Messiah)

I have enjoyed listening and singing along with this album. The CD cover is also a booklet which includes the words to each song, as well as a little bit of background on each one. There is also a message in the front of the booklet and I love the last sentence: "In a variety of styles, and from different eras, these musical expressions of faith share the same fervent message--that our Savior lives, and has redeemed us with His love." I highly recommend this CD to remember Jesus Christ and His Resurrection during Easter and year round. Definitely a 5-star album!


Here's a video of He Is Risen:



About the Choir

The 360 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir represent men and women from many different backgrounds and professions and range in age from 25 to 60. They reflect a medley of unique lives and experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Their incomparable voices are the common chord that unites to form the choral group known all over the world as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir originated in the mid-19th century in Salt Lake City. As the Latter-day Saints moved west, Church President Brigham Young included musicians among members of the advance parties. Consequently, a small choir first sang for a conference of the Church in the Salt Lake Valley on August 22, 1847, just 29 days after the first group arrived. The origins of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir may be found in the desire and commitment of early converts to include appropriate music in both sacred and secular events.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has appeared at 13 world’s fairs and expositions, performed at the inaugurations of five U.S. presidents, and sung for numerous worldwide telecasts and special events. Five of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s recordings have achieved “gold record” and two have achieved “platinum record” status. The most popular was the Grammy-Award-winning 1959 release of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” with the Philadelphia Orchestra.


Friday, April 11, 2014

Blog Tour/Review: Fortune Cookie by Josi S. Kilpack


Tour Schedule

Fortune Cookie

Sadie Hoffmiller has always liked things to be just so. A place for everything and everything in its place. Order over chaos. And of all things Sadie should be able to control, her own wedding is at the top of the list.

With the big day just three weeks away, Sadie is busily adding the final touches to her wedding plans but the arrival of a mysterious letter from San Francisco changes everything. The only person Sadie knows in San Francisco is her older sister, Wendy, whom she hasn’t seen since their mother’s funeral nearly fifteen years ago.

Sadie has faced off against murderers and criminals in recent years, yet the possibility of reconnecting with her sister is both overwhelming and frightening. Sadie soon discovers, however, that the letter is just the beginning when Wendy’s world turns out to be a place of unanswered questions, twisted truths, and more than one person with a motive for murder.

The more Sadie digs into her sister’s past, the more she places her own future at risk.

What a great book! Sadie is getting ready for her wedding when she finds out that her sister Wendy died. Wendy's son, Ji, has requested Sadie's help in clearing out her belongings. Sadie hasn't seen Wendy in fifteen years and has never met her nephew, Ji. Sadie and Pete take off to help clean out her belongings.

Ji isn't very welcoming towards Sadie and she realizes what she's missed out on by not trying harder to find him when he was younger. She finds out that Wendy may have been murdered. Wendy has been living a different life than what Sadie imagined and she doesn't seem to have made many friends, which makes the suspect list pretty lengthy.

Sadie deals with quite a bit in this book. She's trying to learn more about her sister and the kind of woman she turned out to be. She's also trying to start a relationship with Ji and help him with his family issues. Then, Pete is dealing with letting go of his past. His home that he shared with his late wife has a potential buyer and they took trips to San Francisco so he's working through his memories.  

There are some great characters and their relationships are realistic and complicated. There's a lot of sadness in this book, but it didn't feel depressing. There were a lot of moving parts that came together nicely in the end. Some issues were resolved and hopefully one other one will be in the next, and final, book! We get a sneak peek at the end of this book (the title is, appropriately enough, Wedding Cake.) Sadie's wedding is getting even closer but there are still bumps in the road. I've only read some of the books in this series but if you like a good mystery, this is a great series to check out! And the recipes are a fun bonus, too.

My Rating=5 Stars

*I received a copy from the tour host for review. My opinion is 100% my own.*




Author Josi S. Kilpack

Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Lemon Tart, the first book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series was a finalist in 2009.  Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, children and super-cute cat.


Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Thursday, April 10, 2014

Blog Tour/Review: What Goes On Tour by Claire Boston


A themed tour with Prism Book Tours...

Welcome to my stop for
The Rock Star Tour
for What Goes on Tour by Claire Boston

What Goes on Tour

What Goes on Tour

by Claire Boston

Adult Contemporary Romance

Ebook, 282 pages

February 11th 2014 by Momentum Moonlight



What goes on tour, stays on tour … or does it?

Few people know that socially awkward Adrian Hart is actually rock god Kent Downer, and that's the way Adrian likes it. His privacy is essential, especially now that he has guardianship of his orphaned, ten-year-old niece, Kate. But when the nanny quits in the middle of his tour Adrian finds himself in a bind.

Until Libby Myles walks into his life.

Libby has only ever wanted to become a full-time author and prove to her parents that she can make it on her own. On the surface, the temporary job as the nanny for Kent Downer's niece looks perfect—the pay is fabulous, the hours are short and Kate is a big fan—it's the rock star that's the issue.

Arrogant and way too attractive for anyone's good, Kent Downer has enough swagger to power a small city. But when he's out of costume he's different—shy and uncertain. For Libby it's a far harder combination to resist. She needs to find a balance between work, writing and ignoring her attraction to the rock star, because if she falls for him, it could mean the end of her dream.

But when a horrible scandal is unleashed—putting young Kate in danger—there's more heat between Libby and Adrian than just sexual attraction. Libby must figure out if Adrian ever cared for her, or if it was all just part of the show …

I liked this book! It takes place in Australia. Libby is an author and meets Kent Downer when they're both guests on a talk show. Kent is an American rock star and has no personality when they're in the Green Room but turns on the charm when he's in front of an audience. Something happens during the talk show which reveals one of Kent's fears and Libby helps him get through it.

Then we get to know Kent as Adrian Hart who is shy and sweet and takes care of his niece, Kate, since her parents were killed in an accident. Her nanny, Emily, propositions Adrian and quits in a huff when he rejects her so he needs to find a new nanny fast. Libby is able to fill in and, since Kate is already a huge fan of her books, they become fast friends. Libby and Adrian are attracted to each other, but he and Kate will be returning to America soon so what they have is only temporary. Or is it?

I liked Libby and thought she and Kate had some great scenes together. She's an author so it was fun to read about that aspect of her life. I also liked how her relationship with Adrian/Kent progressed. It was gradual and took time to develop, especially since they each started out not being impressed with the other one. Adrian's biggest rule was his privacy and when the scandal occurred, he made some rash judgments which affected his relationship with Libby. I was hoping she would fight back more but it made for more drama that she didn't.

The plot was more complex than I originally thought it would be and I enjoyed it. There were some twists and turns and I knew how I wanted it to end, but wasn't sure if it would turn in that direction. This book is close to being clean but has a couple of short scenes that might go beyond some people's comfort levels. If you enjoy contemporary rock 'n roll adult romance, this is the book for you!

Content: Mild language and a couple of short scenes which has some description of intimacy but nothing too graphic.

My Rating=4 Stars

*I received a copy from the tour host for review. My opinion is 100% my own.*

Excerpt:

This scene is at night when Adrian returns from one of his concerts and is in Libby’s point of view.

Ten minutes later Adrian walked into the room, all traces of Kent gone. His smile was genuine, as if he was happy to see her.
“How was your night?” she asked, holding on to the back of one of the dining chairs.
“The crowd was amazing.” His tone was one of awe. “They knew the words to all my songs and the noise was incredible.”
“It must be fabulous to know you’ve had an influence on so many people.” She should be making a move, not making conversation.
He nodded and then sobered. She knew he was thinking about the attempted suicide. “I made you a drink,” she said, gesturing to the dining table, and then, embarrassed by her need to be thanked, she turned to pack up her bag.
“Why don’t you join me?” He picked up the book she’d been reading and brought it over to her. “I wanted to thank you for talking to Kate with me today.”
He held out the book and she took it, shoving it into her bag.
“It’s fine. I’m glad she’s okay.” Fine. Okay. Great use of adjectives, Libby. Really creative. He got her so flustered, being so close. She turned to put some distance between them but stopped as he took her hand.
Heat rushed up her arms. Adrian drew her closer to him.
Her heart slowed and beat heavily in her chest.
“You’ve helped me a lot in these few short days.” He took her other hand so she was facing him directly.
What was he doing? She had to stop this.
“You saved my reputation on the talk show, you’ve become Kate’s nanny at short notice and you helped me broach a difficult subject with her today.” His voice was soft and he pulled her ever so slightly closer to him. Libby stared at him like a kangaroo caught in a car’s headlights.
He brought his hand up and brushed her cheek. “Thank you.”
Libby couldn’t answer. Every coherent thought in her head vanished with the sweep of his hand over her cheek. She had to say something, even if it was just a murmur in acknowledgement. She parted her lips to respond and suddenly his mouth was on hers.
His lips were warm and gentle and stole her breath away with their tender-ness. Heat curled in her belly and moved outward, suffusing her with longing as she wrapped her arms around Adrian’s neck and drew him closer. He groaned, deepening the kiss, taking her further until her whole body felt on fire.
All her doubts and fears vanished in the moment. She couldn’t think. Every nerve in her body was concentrated on the sensation as his hands slid around her body, cupping her bottom and pulling her closer still.
She held on, meeting his tongue with hers, pouring her passion into the kiss. “Uncle Ade?” Kate’s voice calling from the bedroom stopped Libby cold, as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water over her. They sprang apart and turned to the door.
Kate wasn’t there but her voice came again. “Uncle Ade, are you home?” Adrian cleared his throat and stepped further away from Libby, not looking at her. “Sure am, kiddo. I’ll be right there.”
Libby blinked. What had she been thinking? She’d kissed her boss. She had to get out of there. Gathering up the rest of her things, she avoided Adrian’s gaze. “I should go.”
Adrian nodded, but didn’t say anything. He followed her to the entrance, and when she opened the door, he put his hand over hers.
“Libby, I –” He stopped, his eyes full of confusion, and she waited for him to continue.
“Uncle Ade,” Kate called.
He glanced toward Kate’s door. “I’ve got to go.”
Libby pulled her hand out from under his. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She tried to smile but it felt as though her face was cracking. He regretted what had happened, that much was certain.
Hurrying down the corridor, she didn’t look back.
Safe in her own room, she sank down on the bed and put her fingers to her mouth. Her lips were warm and swollen from his kisses. He had instigated the kiss but she hadn’t held back.
She’d never felt such a rush of tenderness before. It had flowed through her whole body until she felt she must be glowing and then it had ramped up to sparking.
If Kate hadn’t been there…
Libby refused to think of what might have happened. How was she going to face him tomorrow?

   
 

SALE! What Goes on Tour for $2 (50% off)!!
Purchase through Momentum's store from April 8-15.
Click on the "Buy Direct" button and use this coupon code:
wgot

Claire Boston was a voracious reader as a child, devouring anything by Enid Blyton as well as series such as Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Baby-sitters Club and Sweet Valley High. Then one school holidays when she’d run out of books to read her mother handed her ‘Hot Ice’ by Nora Roberts and Claire instantly fell in love with romance novels.

The love of reading soon turned to a love of writing and she struggled to keep within the 1500 word limit set by her teachers for her creative writing assignments. When she finally decided to become serious about her stories she joined Romance Writers of Australia, found her wonderful critique group and hasn’t looked back.
When Claire’s not reading or writing she can be found in the garden attempting to grow vegetables, or racing around a vintage motocross track. If she can convince anyone to play with her, she also enjoys cards and board games.
Claire lives in Western Australia, just south of Perth with her husband, who loves even her most annoying quirks, and her two grubby, but adorable Australian bulldogs.


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10 ebooks of What Goes on Tour

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