Book Review: Everlasting by L.K. Kuhl

Everlasting, by L.K. Kuhl
2016, 245p, YA Paranormal Romance
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the author for an honest review



Seventeen-year-old Sophia Bandell is scared of boys, and her biggest fear is dying. Boys make her uncomfortable and itchy and dying is …well …dying. She is ecstatic when her long lost friend calls her, inviting her to spend the summer with her on the beach at Charleston, South Carolina.

When a plastic saucer hits her in the head as she’s sunbathing, Sophia has no idea it will forever change the course of her life. It is there she comes face to face with the impressive Tate Forester.
 
She is scared and …itchy, but he’s gorgeous and she can’t shake him from her mind.

They begin dating and Sophia soon knows he’s the one.

But things turn dark when she finds out Tate isn’t the person he says he is, and the real reason her friend has brought her to the beach will teach her about life after death.

This everlasting summer on the beach gives Sophia a sweet taste of first love—the happiness as well as the heartbreak.

The day after 17-year-old Sophia finishes her junior year of high school, she leaves to spend the summer with her best friend, Mandy. She hasn't actually seen her in years, but when Mandy calls and asks her to come, she feels compelled to go. They are having a fun time and she meets a cute boy, Tate, but it's obvious (to the reader) that something is off. Sophia learns the truth about what's happening, which completely changes her life.

I'm not a huge fan of paranormal but was intrigued by the mystery angle. It starts out fun but doesn't take long to have an eerie feel to it. Something quickly seems off with Mandy and her boyfriend, Matt, and then Tate, once we meet him. Sophia is likable and it's easy to fall in love with her and Tate as a couple. There are definite complications, though, and someone else enters the picture. That relationship was a bit strange to me and something feels off about it as well, but we don't learn what it is, although we are given some clues towards the end of the book.

This book was interesting and I'm glad I gave it a chance! There are unanswered questions at the end and I'll be interested to see the direction the next book takes. There are a few brief, intimate scenes, but none of them are detailed. If you enjoy paranormal romance, this is a series you will want to read!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

L.K. Kuhl lives in Nebraska with her husband Gene of twenty-nine years, young son, Nathan, and Greg, their Black Lab dog. She has two older daughters, Morgan and Brittani and son-in-law, Trevor. L.K. has been writing for over twenty years. She first began writing children’s books and poetry, moved on to writing music, and is now writing Young Adult and Adult novels. She loves spending time with her family, vacationing, writing, reading, and taking long walks. It’s the characters who write their own stories in her novels, and she is just their messenger, sharing it with the world.

My brother-in-law had passed away about 6 months before I began writing Everlasting. One night he came to me in a dream. He stood right beside my bed and I was able to ask him questions about what life after death was like. I asked him about 5 or 6 questions and his answers came back to me so real and lifelike that I felt he was really there. Thus, Everlasting was born. I knew I had to incorporate his answers into a book. Although it is a work of fiction, some of his answers from my dream are here and I think you’ll find it intriguing.

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Book Blast: Whispers of Trees by Ben Woodard

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the children's multicultural fantasy book written by Ben Woodard, Whisper of Trees. The blast will run June 6 - June 8, 2016.

About the Book

Title: Whispers of Trees |Author: Ben Woodard | Genre: Children's Multicultural Adventure | Number of Pages: 57 | Publisher: Miller-Martin Press | Publication Date: March 15, 2016

Book Description: An ancient forest, a dark night, a strange woman—and whispers.

What is going on in this eerie Irish forest? Ten-year-old Declan has to find out. His brother is missing and only he can solve the mystery. But why him? He doesn’t even like his always-yelling brother who his sister says was eaten by wolves. But there are no wolves in Ireland.

Then a witch-like woman tells him the two of them have to go into the spooky woods to save his brother. But from what? The strange trees only whisper the answer and he must discover what they are trying to tell him. But he will learn much more than he ever dreamed.

Whispers of Trees is a fun, page-turning thriller hinting of myth that delivers a multicultural adventure.

This is the second book in the Mythic Adventures Collection. The first book is The Boy Who Flew With Eagles.

You can preview it here: The Boy Who Flew With Eagles

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords
iTunes | Kobo

What others have to say...

"This is a great story for young readers. It has a great sense of nature and a great feeling of listening to your heart. I love that the author combined fantasy with folklore to create this perfect length story." - Deal Sharing Aunt 

"The author did a great job revealing a ten-year-old's inner struggle against fear, suspicion, and emotional distance from his father and brother." - Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest 

"It has the perfect amount of mystery and suspense as well as a wonderful lesson for kids and adults. " - Lizards Laughter and Love 

"Well written story that inspires your imagination." - Kay LaLone

Take a peek at the trees...

About the Author: Ben Woodard

Ben is an adventurer and storyteller who has traveled the world including climbing on Mt. Everest. He now writes adventure stories for boys and girls. Tales of lost gold and river caves, and flying with eagles. Stories of friendship that endure through adversity and danger. Adventures that inspire and educate and, most of all, entertain.

For more information about Ben, please visit BooksByBen.com.

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Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: June 20, 11:59 pm, 2016

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Ben Woodard and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

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Book Review: Tooth Goblins by Ash Toroid

Tooth Goblins, by Ash Toroid
2015, 184p, Middle-Grade Fantasy
My Rating=4.5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the author for an honest review



When Ellie's older brother is turning thirteen, she want's to see the 'transformation' into a teenager for herself. Ellie hides in a cupboard and waits. She is shocked to witness her brother kidnapped by goblins and replaced with a clone. A passing Tooth-Fairy is drawn by the use of magic and gets caught up in the commotion, to discover that Ellie is descended from the legendary Merlin. Together they embark upon an adventure for Ellie to rescue her brother, whose destiny begins to take shape as he must attempt to incite a rebellion against the goblins that try to enslave him. The siblings' combine their efforts with the fairies in their fateful struggle against the Tooth-Goblins.

Duncan is turning 13 tomorrow and 9-year-old Ellie hides in the his room to witness his transformation into a teenager. Instead, she witnesses him being kidnapped and replaced with a clone. She sets out to rescue him and finds herself caught up in a world of tooth fairies, goblins and magic.

This was a creative and entertaining book to read! I enjoyed the way the author explained the truth behind moody teenagers and the real reason tooth fairies exist. The story switches back and forth between Duncan and Ellie so we learn what's happening with each of them and how magic is able to help them in their separate quests for Duncan's freedom. There are family stories that they are related to Merlin and it was fun to see how that storyline entered in.

This book moved along pretty well, but there was some slowing in the middle. Once I got past that, I couldn't put it down until I knew how it ended.  The author left it open for more. I am definitely interested in reading more about Duncan and Ellie!

Amazon 

 No-one knows how such a mass of burned organic matter ended up in space, but over the years it has formed into a rocky doughnut shape orbiting our sun. It calls itself Ash Toroid. When drifting aimlessly through space isn't occupying his full attention, he likes to write.

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Splash into Summer--$250 Cash Giveaway!!

Splash Into Summer $250 Cash Giveaway

June 1st to 20th

An awesome group of bloggers and authors have joined with me to bring you one fabulous prize!

One lucky winner will receive…

$250 Amazon.com Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash

Thanks to these fabulous Sponsors!!

I Am A Reader
Helen Smith
Lori's Reading Corner
Heather Gray, Author
Erin Richards
The Lovely Books
Walking on Bookshelves
Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages
Caroline Clemmons
Ashley Farley, author
Literary Winner
Simple Wyrdings
TMBA Corbett Tries to Write
Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke
Everly Frost, YA Author
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Danielle Annett
Stacy Claflin, Author
Elizabeth Isaacs
Mel's Shelves
Krysten Lindsay Hager author
Callie Hutton
Suzi Love
Serena Clarke
Rockin' Book Reviews
Megan Tayte (YA author)
Bonnie Blythe Faith-Based Romance
Bella Street Time Travel Romance
Author Deb Atwood
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More
Glistering Bs Blog
Author Inger Iversen
Diana's Book Reviews
The Page Unbound
Tim Hemlin

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 6/20/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Blast: John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In by Leigh Shearin

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the children's historical fiction book written by Leigh Shearin, John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In. The blast will run June 1 - 3, 2016.

About the Book

Title: John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In | Author: Leigh Shearin Genre: Children's Historical Fiction | Number of Pages: 106 | Publication Date: January 22, 2016

Book Description:

The fun continues in Appleside, NJ, as John Bloom and his pals live, laugh, and watch the incredible events of late 1942 as they unfold across the world. The attack on Pearl Harbor has brought America into the global war, and everyone's involved- even children! Join them as they do what they can to help with the war effort, even from a small, rural, American town.

Take a peek inside the book...

About the Author: Leigh Shearin

Leigh Shearin is a farmer, writer, photographer, baker, and lifetime dreamer.

Leigh earned a B.A. degree in Studio Art at Maryville College and worked as a graphic artist before earning an ASS degree in Culinary Art.  She has worked as a chef, baker and culinary arts instructor.  Most recently, she and her husband bought rural land and are developing Winter'Rest, a small farm in central New York.  Through all this, Leigh wrote stories and poems…some published; some tucked away.

She is happiest living off the land and is an ardent supporter of local and sustainable farms, farmers and practices. Seasonal fresh produce from Winter'Rest Farm is even on the menus of some Farm-to-Fork restaurants in the Central New York. Leigh is also an accomplished photographer, working in Fine Art Photography from age 20, under the name M. Leigh Emery.

Leigh writes fiction stories for middle-grade readers. Along with illustrator Kate Shearin, Leigh spins tales of self-sufficiency and independence, along with gentle agriculture education. Since historical fiction is also a lifetime interest, Leigh uses true stories of the past to bring inspiration and joy to modern-day children.

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Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: June 15, 11:59 pm, 2016

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Leigh Shearin and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.


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Blog Tour/Review: Competing with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager

Tour Schedule

Competing with the Star, by Krysten Lindsay Hager
2016, 232p, YA Contemporary
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the author for an honest review



Hadley Daniels’s life seems perfect…

Before the beginning of sophomore year of high school, Hadley and her family move to a beautiful beach town, where she makes amazing new friends and lands the boyfriend of her dreams—Nick Jenkins. He’s the kind of guy every girl swoons over, and it isn’t long until Hadley discovers some are still swooning.

A famous ex-girlfriend makes matters more complicated…

After some time dating, Hadley and Nick form a deep bond. But insecurity sets in when Hadley discovers her boyfriend once had a huge crush on her friend—who just happens to be the beautiful former teen TV star, Simone Hendrickson.

The past is the past—or so they say…

Hadley confronts Nick, who confesses about his history with Simone. Though he claims to only have eyes for Hadley now, it’s hard to believe—especially when she’s blindsided with the news that Nick and Simone kissed after school.

Now Hadley must determine who is telling the truth. Love, betrayal, friendship…who needs soap opera drama when you’re busy competing with a star?

This is the second book in this series. Hadley met Simone, a former teen TV star, in the first book. She also met Nick, who confused her. At the beginning of this book, they are just starting to date and it's a bit awkward at first. Hadley is insecure around him but he's patient with her and continues to show her she can trust him. Just as she's starting to feel secure in their relationship, she overhears a conversation which turns everything upside down.

This book was more about Hadley and Nick's relationship and I liked it a little bit more. Reliving the awkward teen years is always fun. Nick is easy to fall in love with! He makes mistakes, some of which were humorous to me, and finds a way to make things right with Hadley. I loved how their relationship developed and it felt real--their emotions and reactions to certain situations were perfect.

Hadley forms some new friendships in this book. Some of the girls who played a larger role in the first book don't appear as much in this one. Again, there are some mean girls who aren't very likable and don't treat Hadley well at all. It's interesting to see how she deals with each of them. This is a fun series to read and I'm looking forward to reading more!

Praise:

“Hadley our teenage heroine has many of the insecurities, which inflict most of us at this young age…A lovely story, with some good lessons about friendship, self-esteem and relationships, perfectly pitched for teen/young adult readers.” From author Jane Hunt.

“…Hager’s main character is representative of every teenage girl. The author really nailed the reality of a young girl’s early high school years. I think this is a valuable read for girls ages 12-18.” Review from Readers’ Favorite book reviews.

“…The story gives you so much insight into the minds of teenage girls and makes you realize that deep down, everyone has the same insecurities and everyone goes through the same things in life. Despite these insecurities and fears, the main character stands up for herself. This is such an important message for teen girls!” Amazon customer review

Author Krysten Lindsay Hager

Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends…Forever?, Next Door to a Star, Landry in Like. and Competing with the Star (The Star Series: Book 2). Her work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Bellbrook Times, and on Living Dayton.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/12/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour/Review: A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles by Mary Elizabeth Williams

About A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; 1 edition (April 26, 2016)

A wry, witty account of what it is like to face death—and be restored to life.

After being diagnosed in her early 40s with metastatic melanoma—a "rapidly fatal" form of cancer—journalist and mother of two Mary Elizabeth Williams finds herself in a race against the clock. She takes a once-in-a-lifetime chance and joins a clinical trial for immunotherapy, a revolutionary drug regimen that trains the body to vanquish malignant cells. Astonishingly, her cancer disappears entirely in just a few weeks. But at the same time, her best friend embarks on a cancer journey of her own—with very different results. Williams's experiences as a patient and a medical test subject reveal with stark honesty what it takes to weather disease, the extraordinary new developments that are rewriting the rules of science—and the healing power of human connection.

I was interested in reading this book since my sister had cancer removed from her body in January of this year (2016). I learned quite a bit in that process and was interested to compare the differences and similarities. The similarities are there--the questions of why this is happening, starting out with zero knowledge of cancer and quickly learning, feeling like a lab rat at times, and the incredible job the doctors and nurses do. Cancer is a tough condition to deal with and there are so many different kinds that there's not one protocol and there's quite a bit of guesswork involved. The author was able to get into a trial which worked rapidly for her, so that was a definite blessing! She gets raw at times and doesn't hold back, which is refreshing to read in a book like this. 

The main difference is that the author doesn't attribute any of her healing to God, but rather to science. Science certainly plays a role, but in the case of my sister, faith did as well. There was also a good deal of swearing, which I don't personally enjoy reading, including the "f" word, which was used quite a bit. 

The author did a great job explaining cancer and the different treatments that are available in layman's terms so you won't feel lost or like you're reading a textbook. She also shares experiences she has with other women who are dealing with cancer as well and how important those relationships were to her. Cancer sucks! Overall, I found this book to be an interesting read. It's a story of hope and I'm glad that things turned out well for this author and her family!

My Rating=3 Stars

Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review 

Purchase Links

National Geographic | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Mary Elizabeth Williams

Mary Elizabeth Williams is a senior staff writer for award-winning Salon.com whose columns are regularly among the top viewed, commented on, shared, and cited as the best of the week. The "Lab Rat" series on her clinical trial was nominated for the 2012 Online Journalism Award for Commentary, and her essay on receiving a melanoma diagnosis is in the Harper anthology The Moment, an Entertainment Weekly "Must List" pick—alongside essays by Elizabeth Gilbert, Jennifer Egan, and Dave Eggers. She is the author of Gimme Shelter: Ugly Houses, Cruddy Neighborhoods, Fast Talking Brokers, and Toxic Mortgages: My Three Years Searching for the American Dream. A starred Booklist selection, Gimme Shelter was called "poignant and funny" (Kirkus), "a must-read" (New York Daily News), "hilariously evocative" (Time Out Kids) and "compelling" (Publisher's Weekly). She lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

Find out more about her at her website.

Tour Schedule:
Wednesday, April 27th: The Discerning Reader
Wednesday, April 27th: Bibliotica
Friday, April 29th: Peeking Between the Pages
Tuesday, May 3rd: Stranded in Chaos
Wednesday, May 4th: Back Porchervations
Tuesday, May 10th: Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
Thursday, May 12th: Patient #1
Wednesday, May 18th: Booby and the Beast
Thursday, May 19th: A Bookish Affair
Tuesday, May 31st: Mel’s Shelves
TBD: Darn Good Lemonade