Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 8

Blog Tour: Trapped (Review)

Irene Hannon has done it again. She has taken her skills as a mystery writer, and crafted a novel that is suspenseful, full of intrigue and kept my interest.

Trapped is the second of Hannon's third series witth Revell Books. The first series revolved around the military, the second, pulled in law enforcement/FBI guys.

This series, Private Justice, focuses on a trio of guys who run a private investigative service in St. Louis - with a variety of law enforcement/military experience in their backgrounds - and the women who come into their lives via their work.

I am a fan of Hannon's work. She's one of four Christian suspense authors I follow with dedication. The fact that her novels are set in Missouri, well, that adds an additional layer I appreciate.

She reminds me some of Dee Henderson, another suspense writer, who captured my attention more than a decade ago. In fact, one of the reasons Hannon caught my eye, with her first full-length novel, is because Henderson "endorsed" her work. She's definitely a must read for fans of Henderson.

This novel focuses on Laura Griffith, a sister desperate to find her 16-year-old sister who disappeared on a frigid February day in St. Louis.

Laura decides to do whatever it takes to find the runaway, even if it involves recruiting an ATF agent turned private investigator, James Devlin to help.

What starts as the case of a missing teen, who appears to be a runaway, evolves into something sinister and at times, gut wrenching. If anything, it also shows how one decision, which seems simple at the time, can lead to circumstances beyond a person's control.

Trapped has intrigue, suspense and of course, a dash of romance. Once again, the romance is tempered by the main focus of the story - the mystery.

On a scale of one to five, I give this series a solid four, and this novel, a four. Once again, Hannon created a book that held my attention, and captured my interest from start to finish.

About The Author

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series.

Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.

For more information about Hannon or her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

Online Resources
Buy it on Amazon
Read an excerpt online
Download the book club reading guide

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Bits & Pieces: Who inspires you?

As I've been getting ready for the Inspirational Woman contest we're sponsoring in conjunction with next month's Women's Fair, I've had a chance to talk to several people about the women who inspire them.

The reasons vary, but there is a constant theme. The "inspirational" women mention challenge, love and, well, find a way to influence people, in a variety of ways.

It made me think about the inspirational women in my life. I've been very blessed to have a plethora of women encourage me, challenge me, and support me during the last few (um, we'll skip the number) years.

Women like Katie Struckhoff, who has been my "forever friend" since 1988, when I was a geeky high schooler at church camp. Katie inspires me by her dedication to her faith, and to her first-grade students. She also inspires me because of the positive attitude she continues to have, despite life's challenging moments.

Or someone like Jan Duncan, who was there for me when I needed someone most—again, those awkward, rough, middle and high school years. Jan listened, cared and offered encouragement. (Let's face it, I was probably one of those "extra-grace required" teens.

I'm also inspired by women like my new sister-paper editor, Janet Barber. She inspires me by her outlook on life, how she faces things with grace, and also helps keep my feet to the ground. She's not afraid to "tell me like it is" or to say "have you thought about it this way." I'm blessed to call her a friend and colleague.

My friend Denni Palmer inspires me. She's a mom raising five kidlets who call me "Auntie K" (yes, the picture is on my desk). She was balancing life with her two girls and a full-time ministry position, when life, well changed. Their family expanded, unexpectedly—and amazingly—with three additional children through a family adoption. She inspires me as she follows God's call to pastor a small church, raise five amazing kids and walk alongside her husband, who is also a pastor.

Locally, I'm inspired by the gumption Sharon Lebow has shown me in the last few weeks. Sharon is taking a computer class at the NEO-Grove campus, in order to learn a new skill. She inspires me to never quit learning and to continue to find ways to improve myself. Kudos to my new friend. FYI I know you can do this!

I'd probably be remiss if I didn't mention my mom. Mom inspires me, by her attitude for life, and also by how she strives to be a great Oma for my nephew. (OK, where was this laid-back spirit when she was raising me???!) My mom has faced a lot of challenges in life, and is now embracing retirement. I hear joy in her voice as she talks about new experiences with her church and volunteer opportunities.

So what women inspire you? If you have a local inspirational woman, I would challenge you to nominate her for the 2013 Grand Lake's Most Inspirational Woman contest.

To nominate someone for the contest (the deadline is Sept. 30), visit www.grandlakenews.com/women and complete the form. We ask that you submit contact information for both yourself and the nominee, along with a photo of nominee. We also ask that you write up to 250 words, explaining why you find this woman to be inspirational.

Speaking of inspirational things, two quick notes.... I was inspired to sit through a Mass at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church last Sunday, as the congregation honored first responders from Grove. I know I often say "it's nice to live in a community that...." (trust me, the community aspect wasn't there necessarily in Little Rock); but it was nice to sit in a congregation that wanted to take a few moments to encourage and bless people who often help us in our worst moments in life.

The other note... I've been "inspired" by my Aunt Janice, to say "Have you tried JJ's Wing'n'it in Grove?" Apparently my aunt, and JJ's grandmother, are cohorts in the retired-teacher circle in Kansas City. Apparently, the "small world" aspect in life, and the fact that both have significant others in Grove became a topic of a gathering last week. So JJ, please tell you grandmother that I have tried your food (love the boneless wings), and here's your mention in my column.

So happy Friday. Enjoy REC Day and more this weekend. Hopefully I'll see you around town!
 
Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228. This column originally appeared in the Sept. 20, 2013 issue of The Grove Sun. 

Bits & Pieces: Traditions

Traditions. I heard this word a lot this week, especially as it applied to homecoming including homecoming at Grove High School.

For those not in the "loop" here's the issue in a nutshell. Two years ago, the GHS student council polled students and made changes to the traditional format of homecoming.

Rather than have four ceremonies, during the school year—representing band, football, wrestling and basketball—the student body instead chose to hold one school-wide event. Representatives in the ceremony would come from every organization, rather than a few, allowing more students to be recognized in the time-honored tradition known as homecoming.

On Tuesday, adults and students, some led in part by an online petition drive, approached the school board to return the ceremony back to its traditional format of years past.

Two columnists in today's edition lay out both sides of the issue succinctly. Feedback on the various posts related to the topic on The Grove Sun's Facebook page shows a sampling of the thoughts of the community.

To say this is an issue many are passionate about is putting it mildly.

But here's the deal. Like it or lump it, the decision has been made. The school board has decided the course of action for this school year.

Homecoming on Oct. 11 will continue to be the "new version" put in place two years ago by the student government. Think of it as Homecoming 2.0. Nothing wrong with it, it's just had some improvements and looks different. Homecoming 3.0 will not be unveiled until 2014.

Girls (and guys) are now in the process of being tapped to represent various clubs at the ceremony. Some are already looking for the perfect outfit and dreaming of standing under the Friday night lights.

It is my hope, regardless of what side of the issue you stand on, that we as a community find away to uphold the best homecoming tradition of all—honoring and supporting the current students involved in this year's event.

Every single young person who walks across the football field during the ceremony deserves nothing less than the best support the community can, and should, offer.

Each candidate, regardless of what organization they represent, deserves to have an amazing moment in the spotlight.

Personally, for me, that's the best part of the homecoming tradition. The community coming together to recognizing students and their achievements.

Ultimately, we have a choice. We can either hold our heads up, act like adults and support the students on Oct. 11; or we can choose to be resentful because of disagreements with Tuesday's decision.

It is my hope, we can do the former. The community will stand along the streets during the parade, and football field sidelines, cheering its heart out for the various candidates. We will unite to celebrate the moment and rejoice with the the students crowned king and queen.

The students at Grove High School deserve nothing less than the best.


Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228. This column originally appeared in the Sept. 13, 2013 issue of The Grove Sun.

Bits & Pieces: Falling into September in Grove

A friend joked with me last week, about all of the upcoming events taking place in and around Grove in the next few weeks.

"For a small town, you are really busy," she said with a grin.

I just laughed. I told her between the Fall Open House, Delaware County Fair, Oktoberfest, REC Day, a Sailboat Race, and Pelican Festival, the month is packed with all kinds of fun.

Grove may be a small town, but its residents know how to party and ring the fall in with a bang!

I'm looking forward to popping into a few stores this weekend during the fall open house, as well as capturing some action at the fair.

Speaking of the fair, by the time you read this Friday, I may be hanging out in the show ring at the fair.

I hear there's an "adult showmanship" class, and I've been invited check it out, and see if my FFA and 4-H skills are still there for showing dairy cattle.

I'll admit, it's been a wee-bit since I've stepped into a show ring. Probably at least 10 years (or more). My dad laughed when I went home over the weekend to "borrow" my niece's boots for the event—my "show ring" boots seem to have been lost in the move. I imagine my FFA advisor (who coincidentally, is now my nephew's advisor) would also laugh.

So we'll see if I still have show skills—and I'm sure there will be a picture or two posted to Facebook of my attempts, along with other staff members from The Delaware County Journal. We shall see.

If you capture a photo at the fair, be sure to enter your favorite in the Fair photo contest. You'll only win bragging rights, but you will probably see it in print, and help us capture the memories of the fair!

Football is here!

Tonight marks the first football game of the season, and the first home game. Miami vs. Grove. Do you have your game face on?

Want to keep up with all things sports this fall? Have an iPhone (or Android), check out the Sports Blitz app. (In the app store, search for it using "American Consolidated Media" and "Miami Sports Blitz." http://bit.ly/162hgbv. The app showcases things from both the Miami News Record and Grove Sun sports departments - so you'll have area sports news at your finger tips!

Tailgating and more

Speaking of the first game, we heard yesterday the Grove PTO will hold its Seventh Annual PTO Tailgate Party at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6, at the Mid-School Practice Field. For $5 you can get hot dogs, chips and a beverage—and support a district-wide organization.

Golf Carts

Here's something I never anticipated writing about. Grove Police Chief Mark Morris would like the public to know—people driving golf carts within the city limits must have a valid driver's license.

The police department is keeping an eye out for underage golf-cart drivers, especially it seems, on Patricia Island, after a rise in complaints of reckless and or underage driving.

So be forewarned.... citations may be issued if your kidlet is caught behind the wheel of the cart.

Common Core

Common Core—and its potential impact on Oklahoma teachers continues to be a "hot topic" among both Democrats and Republicans alike.

Next week, Linda Murphy a Republican who has worked within the state government and education, plans to talk about Common Core at the "Get America Back" meeting (set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Trinity Baptist Church.)

Organizers hope the meeting will continue to spread information about Common Core and how it will impact students, teachers and administrators alike. If you have an interest in this issue, you might want to check out the meeting.

Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228. This column originally appeared in the Sept. 6, 2013 issue of The Grove Sun. 

Highlights from 09/03/13 issue

Highlights from the Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013
issue of The Grove Sun.
Front page focuses on the end of the summer season with GRDA, an upcoming city council meeting, and the breaking news: the death of former Jay resident, Boxer Tommy Morrison (of Rocky V fame.)

While the picture of Sam and Patti Williams, flying in the plane over Grand Lake for the Bobber Drop was cool, my favorite pic of the issue came as a fluke.

On Sunday morning, as I drove to church on Sunday, I saw members of the Grove Fire Department collecting money in their "boots" for MDA.

So, being late to church was worth getting this photo below. I was catching pics from different angles, and then, the flag caught my attention.

Politics aside related to Jerry Lewis and MDA, I thought it was a unique way to frame a "traditional" event - especially since this is a Labor Day tradition.
Jeremy Brown, with the Grove Fire Department collects money for MDA on Sunday, Sept. 1, in Grove.
Saturday was busy in Grove, with Jana Jae's Fiddle Camp and the Fifth Annual Great Grand Bobber Drop.The fiddle camp was fun - it's the third musical event Jana Jae has held in Grove this summer. I have a new appreciation for this style of music. 
Below are a few scenes from the weekend event. More appear online at www.grandlakenews.com in a photo galery.  This picture, of three-year-old Madysen Weeks of Buffalo, Mo.,  was my second favorite photo of the issue. I loved the spunk of this wee-one, as she performed with her workshop group. She was the youngest performer (I believe) at the fiddle camp.

It was fun to capture scenes of the Fifth Annual Great Grand Bobber Drop - and also encourage readers to submit their favorite images from the event.

Just another day in the #lifeofaneditor.

Bits & Pieces: Miley Cyrus, Sexting & More

Miley Cyrus.

Who knew that that name would now be synonymous with twerking and all things wrong with society.

Putting Cyrus’ actions aside, and those of her dance partner Robin Thicke, this column is about more than the VMA’s.

For the record, I think both of them were equally culpable, but marketing geniuses. Let’s face it, Thicke is now a recognizable name — beyond his famous father, and Cyrus, well, she’s effectively shaken the Disney brand in one thrust of her hips.

Each day, we try to have a question of the day on The Grove Sun’s Facebook page. Sometimes we ask random questions, other times, we pull questions “ripped from the headlines.”

Past questions have ranged from “If they made a movie about your life, which actor would play you?” to “If you attend a church/faith group in the area, what would you like people to know about it.”

Questions designed to engage readers and encourage a discussion, albeit on Facebook. Questions also designed to help us, as a newspaper staff, gain an understanding of our readership.

On Monday, I posted a question regarding the Civil Rights movement’s 50th anniversary. According to our page insights, 327 people “engaged” with the post. No one commented, liked or shared it.

Later in the day, I joined the crowd and posted second question of the day, along with a picture of Cyrus and Thicke and asked a bland question about their performance at the VMA’s.

Within an hour, more than 20 people had weighed in on the subject. As of today (yes, people are still commenting), 2,560 people engaged with the post, and it had 62 likes, comments or shares.

Wow.

On Tuesday, feeling a bit philosophical, I posed a follow up question, comparing the silence regarding civil rights vs. the popularity of Cyrus’ actions.

As of today, 1,176 people engaged with that post, with 27 commenting, liking or sharing the post. Most continued to discuss the downfall of Cyrus and her actions. Others took the silence on civil rights as a sign of society’s downfall.

It struck me though, a few individuals said they wanted to comment on the civil right's issue, but refrained. It seems talking about a “pop culture” issue is safe, while talking about one that could merit a serious discussion carries the possibility of potential reprisal.

It’s interesting to see what engages people on Facebook, and which questions elicit response.

Frankly, we’ll keep asking questions each day. Hopefully it will generate discussion — because ultimately, that’s what it takes to make a change or difference.

Speaking of discussion. I know from friends they have used Cyrus’ and Thicke’s actions Sunday night to talk to their teens about a variety of related issues.

One friend, whose daughter is named Mollie, (the subject of Cyrus’ song) found herself explaining how the name Molly is now synonymous with a pure form of the drug ecstasy. A painful, but necessary discussion.

In today’s issue, we have a story about an Eucha man accused of “sexting” lewd messages and images to what he thought was a 17-year-old female. His mistext (a.k.a. he messaged the wrong person) led to his arrest on Wednesday evening.

All puns and comments aside, it is my hope you use this story to remind your teen (and tween) about the issues surrounding sexting (or sending sexually explicit images and messages via mobile devices). Think it can’t happen here? Think again. It does, and it did.

Remember, it’s our job as adults to have open and honest discussions with the students in our lives about these issues. The issues are too important to simply ignore.

Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228. This column originally appeared in the Aug. 30, 2013 issue of The Grove Sun. 

Bits & Pieces: A Day is a Day Is A Day

Do you collect quotes?

Maybe it’s because I’m a “wordy” person, but I often find myself searching out “nuggets” of truth from a variety of people.

I love looking for things that speak to my life in a variety of ways.

This week, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Henry David Thoreau: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”

Do you live out that statement? Do you go confidently towards your dreams? How do you live life?

This week I sat and talked to a “non-traditional” student who is living out her “dreams” and is taking a computer class at NEO-Grove.

The excitement in her eyes was contagious, as she talked about the class. Contagious and full of enthusiasm. That frankly is a great way to live life.

So here’s to living life confidently and exploring dreams.

A few bits of life

Here’s a “shout out” to Curtiss Tate’s Tire & Services. I was out and about on assignment and the dreaded “low tire” light appeared on my dash.

They were very gracious to help me check my tires and air up the low one — before sending me on my way to finish last Friday’s paper. Just another reason I love living in a small town — people who help others out during the “crunch” time.

GLA Legislative Event

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of hanging out on the lake, during the Grand Lakes Association Legislative event. It was a great time to meet a few new faces in Oklahoma politics, and enjoy a nice lakeside evening.

Kudos to the GLA and Doug Cox for organizing an event, that introduces legislators around the state to the “grand” nature of Grand Lake.

Guns & Hoses

Saturday marks the second annual Guns & Hoses blood drive. The drive kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Grove Community Center.

I hear from Samantha Edwards, chief organizer, that both departments have been working hard to see who can get the most people to show up to donate blood.

Haven’t signed up? No worries. Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the drive.

The fun goal for this event is to see which department chief will have to push the other, in a wheelbarrow in front of a hometown crowd during an upcoming football game this fall. The ultimate goal is to have at least 60 successful donations to benefit the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

So show up at the drive, roll up your sleeves and decide if you are Team Fire or Team Police. Easy peasy.

Have You Voted?

Have you checked out the Back To School Photo Contest on our Facebook page? It’s been so much fun to watch the entries roll in. There’s still time to submit photos or vote on your favorite pic. Just visit http://a.pgtb.me/SRbR98 and follow the instructions on the screen.

Humane Society

I learned today that the Humane Society of Grove and Grand Lake has entered the Tractor Supply Company “Shelter Stories” contest on Facebook.

I hear the shelter is competing for a $5,000 donation. Here’s where you can help out. Go tohttp://bit.ly/grovetractor, click on “view entries” and type in “Humane Society of Grove” in the search engine. You’ll find the picture collage, that tells the shelter’s story — and you can vote once each day thru Aug. 25. The direct link for the contest page is: http://bit.ly/13PtSyO.

One Last Thing

Earlier this week, someone asked me how long I’ve been here. Officially, it’s been four months this week.

I’m discovering that it’s getting easier to find things — but please, still give me “newbie” directions to events. I’m also doing better at recognizing faces and names. Thanks though, for your continued patience if I look at you blankly for a few minutes.

Life in a small town is enjoyable. I’m already looking forward to the Pelican Festival and Homecoming, and I hear Taste of Grand is an event you don’t want to miss.

Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228. This column originally appeared in the Aug. 23, 2013 issue of The Grove Sun. 

Blog Tour: Catch A Falling Star (Review)

In her sophomore debut, Catch a Falling Star, Beth Vogt has created a book that is not only realistic, but also enjoyable.

She has developed a main female character, Kendall Haynes, who is a successful doctor, who has everything - but the "happy ever after" she desires.

Then along comes Griffin Walker, an Air Force pilot who is learning to find peace with a medical condition that keeps him grounded, rather than in the air.

Along the way, the two discover friendship and more, as they navigate life in a new way.

On the scale of one to five, I give this book a solid three and a half to four. I thoroughly enjoy Vogt's writing style. She has a way that draws people into the storyline, and she adds in doses of humor. I also liked the two parallel story lines - Kendall's arch, involving another doctor, Griffin's involving his desire to fly again and his younger brother.




This is the second book I've read by Vogt, and honestly, she seems to be a fresh voice in Christian fiction. Her books contain just enough realism to be honest and true. I'm looking forward to her next novel. She is definitely an author I'll want to follow with future releases.


More About The Book
(From the publisher)
What does a girl do when life doesn't go according to her plan?

At 36, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She's a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives-a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But the feeling of being "the kid never picked" looms large when romance continues to evade her and yet another one of her closest friends gets engaged. Are Kendall's dreams of having it all-a career, a husband, children-nothing more than childish wishing upon a star? Should she hold out for her elusive Plan A? Dust off Plan B? Or is it time to settle? God says he knows the plans he has for her-why can't Kendall figure them out and be content with her life?

Griffin Walker prefers flying solo-both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of "flying a desk" are complicated by his parents' death-making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can God get his life back on track ... or has there been a divine plan all along?
Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn't just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your "wish I may, wish I might" dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you.


More About The Author
Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice), though she said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four, though she said she'd never have kids.

She's discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." Her contemporary romance novel, "Wish You Were Here", debuted in May 2012 (Howard Books), and "Catch a Falling Star" released in May 2013.

An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Vogt is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren.

Online Resources
Follow Vogt online here
Buy it online here
Read more reviews here
My review of Wish You Were Here

As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.

Blog Tour: The Icing on the Cake (Review)

It takes skill and talent to write a humorous novel, that weaves in a fun story line as well as laughter.

Janice Thompson is well, quite gifted in the art of storytelling.

Once again, Thompson has created a novel that is full of humor, grace and real life.

In The Icing on the Cake, Thompson tells the story of Scarlet, a baker who doesn't always feel like she lives up to the recipe card which makes up her life.

Scarlet has a dream - to become an extravagant baker. To get there, she has to endure the leavening
agent of her aunt, a successful baker who sometimes comes across as, well grumpy and set in her ways.

Along the way, Scarlet sorts out her feelings for Armando, and how the unexpected spice of his love, could impact the future direction of her life.

In all, this book is quite enjoyable, humorous and well, just what the baker ordered. The book pulls in just enough pieces from Thompson's previous works to some extra spice to the work.

On the scale of one to five, this book is a solid 3.5 to 4. Humor, grace and charm. All wrapped up in one package.

More about the book
Scarlet isn't sure if she has just the right ingredients for true love--or utter disaster

Scarlet Lindsey is busy making her dreams come true. She's moved her bakery to a prime spot on Galveston's most popular street, she's planning an extravagant cake for her best friend's wedding, and she has a great relationship with Bella Neeley, the island's most popular wedding coordinator. Business is booming and Scarlet is enjoying the ride.

But when Bella's dangerously handsome brother Armando breezes into her life, Scarlet is faced with a sticky situation. Should she stay with the safe, sweet guy who's been a fixture in her life for years? Or will this brash Italian hunk melt her guarded heart?

More about the author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect and The Icing on the Cake. She lives in Texas. Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more information.

Online Resources

Weddings by Design
Book 1: My review of Picture Perfect
Read an excerpt online: here
Buy at Amazon
Check out her website here: http://janiceathompson.com

Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail. 

Blog Tour: Once Upon A Prince (Review)

Every little girl dreams of being a princess or at least a great romance that lets her find a prince amidst life's frogs.

In the first bok in the Royal Wedding Series, Rachel Hauck has captured the magic of a fairy tale romance in a modern setting.

The story centers around Susanna Truitt, who falls in love - unknowingly - with a prince who is visiting St. Simon's Island incognito.

The prince falls in love with Susanna, and a whirlwind ensues.

This book is sweet. It's light-hearted. It weaves together all of the great aspects of a storybook fairy tale. It shows romance in the best way.

Could it happen in real life? Eh, who knows. It's just a fun book to read. On the scale of one to five, I give it a four. I'm kinda looking forward to the second book in the series. Hauck is a proficient storyteller I've enjoyed reading.

More About The Book
The Royal Wedding Series Book One

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation.

It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own?

More About The Author
Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner "Sweet Caroline", and RITA Finalist "Love Starts With Elle", and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, "The Songbird Novels".

She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets. Hauck earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor.

Online Resources
Buy it online: here
Visit Rachel's website here:
 


Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.