Reena Jacobs's Blog, page 23

Tuesday Teaser: Another Blog Hop?

I signed up for another blog hop. I think this will become a new trend for me. So here's what's next.

Romancing Christmas Giveaway Hop

The Romancing Christmas Giveaway Hop is a hop where each participating blog hosts their own giveaway and then all hosts are linked up so our followers hop between one blog to another! Sponsored by Reading Romances.

Once again, I'm looking for sponsors. Since the idea is to celebrate romance BOOKS, your sponsored prize MUST a romance book, ebook or gift card. If this sounds like something to you, email me at reenajacobs@reenajacobs.com.

For Readers

Here's your chance to get involved also. In addition to the sponsors offerings, you're going to help me choose what other books to offer. This is what I want from you. In the comments leave the title and author of a romance book you absolutely loved and would like others to read also. Also leave the name of a romance book you're DYING to own.

When it's time for the giveaway, only sponsored prizes and books in the commentators left will be a part of the giveaway.

So let's here you! What books would you like to see in this giveaway?

Hanging with Adopt an Indie

Today, I'm hanging at Adopt an Indie. Stop by and we'll talk about writing and hobbies.

Giveaway Blog Hop Winners!

I cannot tell you how excited I am to reach this day. Giveaways are fun while they last, but really I just like to get to the prize portion. Teehee.

For those who don't remember a mere few hours ago , we just finished the November Giveaway Blog Hop. Co-hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Tristi Pinkston.Now that it's come to a conclusion, let's see who won what?

2 eCopies of AMBASADORA (International) ~ Sponsored by the Heidi Ruby Miller.
And the winners are!
Raluca

and

Krysta Banco

If you didn't win a copy of AMBASADORA, don't fret. You can pick up your copy at Barnes & Nobles or Smashwords.

 

[image error]Next up!

A print copy of Driven (US-only) ~ Sponsored by Shellie Neumeier.
And the winner is!
Peggy Hopkins

Didn't win? That's okay. I know where you can find plenty. Head over to Barnes & Nobles and grab your copy of Driven today!

 

Up to $15 worth of books at The Book Depository (International) or a $15 Amazon Gift Card (US-only)
And the winner is!
Ash Krafton (Kraftmatic Adjustable Blog)

 

As a bonus an undisclosed number of follow-up winners will receive a Kindle gift copy of I Loved You First.
And the winners are!

Andrea I, Anne R, Ash Krafton, blackwolf, Carrie Lee Ardoin, Chantel, DANIELA, Darlene, Donna/BLHmistress, Elizabeth L., Hope, Inga Kupp-Silberg, Jasmine1485, Jess R., Judy Cox, June M., Kel Pfeiffer, LadyVampire, Mary @SweepingMe, Peggy Hopkins, Pink Panther, Raluca, Renee Bennett, Sarika Patkotwar, Sheila Staley, Shereifa, SiNn, Sophia Rose, Spav, sue brandes(katsrus), Yto.

 

Many thanks to our sponsors, Heidi Ruby Miller and Shellie Neumeier!
***If you won a copy a copy of AMBASADORA, Driven, or I Loved You First, please leave reviews. They're always appreciated. ****

Emails have been sent to the winners. Winners will have until Monday, November 14, 2011 to claim their prize(s). Non-responsive winners will forfeit their prize(s), and new winners selected.

Thank you all for participating in this blog hop. And remember to visit again. There'll be another giveaway blog hop at the end of the month. XOXOXOX

Want to sponsor a giveaway? Want to do an interview or guest post. Email me. reenajacobs at reenajacobs dot com

 

Giveaway Blog Hop (CLOSED)

The day has arrived! Today, we present the first blog hop of two happening this month at Rambling of an Amateur Writer. So you want deets, right? Very well.

This November Giveaway Hop (Nov. 8th to 11th) is Co-hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Tristi Pinkston.

What is a giveaway hop?

Simple – Each participating blog hosts a giveaway and then we link up together allowing our followers & blog readers to hop easily from one giveaway to another.

For blog readers this means lots of chances to win.

For blogs hosting a giveaway it means lots of new visitors.

It's a win-win!

So there you have it, folks!

I suppose you want to know what's up for grabs? I know if I came here looking for prizes, I certainly would. So let's see.

I have a couple of authors who've graciously sponsored prizes for this giveaway.

First up, Heidi Ruby Miller.

Heidi Ruby Miller writes Science Fiction Romance because the relationship is as important as the adventure. She loves high-heeled shoes, action movies, Chanel, intense music, and video games. Heidi also teaches creative writing at Seton Hill University, where she graduated from their renowned Writing Popular Fiction Graduate Program the same month she appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The writing guide Many Genres, One Craft, which she co-edited with Michael A. Arnzen, is based on the Seton Hill program and her novel Ambasadora was her thesis there.

She has had various fiction and non-fiction publications, as well as various jobs, including contract archaeologist, foreign currency exchanger at Walt Disney World, foreign language teacher, and educational marketing director for a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

Heidi is a member of The Authors Guild, Pennwriters, Broad Universe, EPIC, SFR Brigade, and Science Fiction Poetry Association (SFPA).

You can read her author interview series at http://heidirubymiller.blogspot.com.

She lives near Pittsburgh with her writer husband, Jason Jack Miller.

Ms. Miller is offering two (2) eCopies of her latest release AMBASADORA. (International giveaway awarded via Smashword Coupon)

If everyone told you love wasn't real, would you still be willing to die for it?

Citizens of a six-moon system in our arm of the Milky Way don't remember Earth, only the History of a generational worldship culture. In their multi-partner society a caste system rules tradition, but the governing body of the Embassy rules everything else. Obsessed with celebrity, beauty, and power, relationships and conceptions are based more on DNA than emotional ties…or should be.

What the citizenry can't escape are the human feelings of love and jealousy that turn the sterile to honorable suicide, force a couple to make the ultimate sacrifice, and allow rebels to spin their world into a violent revolution.

Ambasadora Sara Mendoza becomes the unwilling face of this revolution. Captured, tortured, and given a second chance at freedom, she proves that sacrifice for the man she loves is more honorable than sacrifice to a society's antiquated mores.

AMBASADORA is available at Barnes & Nobles or Smashwords.

My next sponsor is Shellie Neumeier.:)

I'm still trying to figure out how to pronounce her last name. I bet it has some cool French meaning.

Married for over 20 years, Shellie and her husband have four wonderful kiddos and two goofy greyhounds. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, she went on to acquire an early childhood education certificate. Shellie also served in youth, children's, special needs and family ministries for over twenty-two years.

Now she enjoys teaching her teens how to drive and chauffeuring her preteens across the Wisconsin countryside. And once in a while, she loves to read big people books (you know the kind without pictures).

Shellie writes because it keeps her away from her husband's power tools and because every now and then, she doesn't have the choice, it just takes over. Her best inspiration comes from God and the occasional walk along a country road with her greyhounds.

In addition to writing, Shellie speaks at youth groups, conferences, and women's retreats. If you would like more information regarding her speaking engagements or to invite her to speak at yours, please contact our office at info(at)shellieneumeier(dot)com.

[image error] Ms. Neumeier is offering a paperback copy of her debut novel Driven. (US-only)

Robyn can't help but notice the handsome new guy at her school. She ignores, however, the arrival of another being at Brookfield Central High School—a demon assigned to destroy her…

Robyn loves her friends, enjoys her youth group, and looks forward to meeting cute Caleb Montague. But when a caustic news reporter challenges her school's prayer team, Robyn must choose: defend their right to meet on campus and pray for whomever they wish or back down at the principal's request.

Now she must learn what God wants her to do. And she had better learn fast, because there's a supernatural enemy in town whose sole mission is to stop her—no matter the cost.

Find Driven at Barnes & Nobles.

Hi! I'm Reena Jacobs.

For those of you visiting for the first time, I'm the author of a small collection of books, which you'll find at the top of this blog under "My Works" and also the manager of this site. For the most part, I just like to ramble, which makes me perfect for blogging. So, kick back, look around, and good luck!

I'm offering $15 worth of books from The Book Depository (International) or a $15 Amazon Gift Card (US-only).

Winner's choice if you're in the US, and by default your choice of books if you're not. My understanding is us lowly folks in the US can only send Amazon Gift Cards to folks in the US. If I'm wrong, definitely leave a comment. It won't change the prizes for this giveaway, but keep in mind, another blog hop occurs at the end of the month with a similar prize offer. I'd love to offer the gift card internationally.

International winner must be on The Book Depository's Shipping List.

By the way, I'm still taking sponsors for the blog hop at the end of the month (see details here).

That's not all! All winners have the option to receive an eCopy of I Loved You First. (International giveaway award through Amazon Kindle Gift)

Here's how this works. Whether you win a copy of AMBASADORA, Driven, free books from The Book Depository, or the Amazon Gift card, I'll also throw in an eCopy of I Loved You First if you so desire.

Additionally, I'll be sending an undisclosed number of eCopies via the Kindle Gift feature to follow-up winners. My goal is to distribute at least 10 Kindle copies of I Loved You First.

Alexandria (Alex) Carmichael guards two secrets close to her heart. One–she's in love with her best friend, Seth. Two–he's gay.

As a freshman in college, Alex looks forward to fun times with her best friend. When Seth decides cycling through girlfriends is the way to fit in with the straight crowd, Alex must make a choice: watch Seth give his affection–though phony–to another while her heart breaks or come clean with her feelings and risk losing his friendship forever.

I LOVED YOU FIRST is a new adult love story told through the eyes of Alex, an African-American/Caucasian student, who takes a journey of self-discovery while watching her best friend come to terms with his sexuality.

I Loved You First is available in lots of places. You'll find a list of links here.

As always, entering is easy.

You'll earn 1 point for completing the form.
An additional point for sharing the giveaway and leave the link (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Linked, MySpace, etc.). *Optional*
You MUST be a GFC follower or one of My Honored Ones. To become one, either sign in at the top of the website or via the sidebar to the left.
Comments are appreciated, but only entries from the form count.
Giveaway ends Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:59 PM ET.
Please read the giveaway policy for the nitty gritty.

Are you following the Giveaway Blog Hop? See what the next three participants on the list have to offer!

173.GraveTells Paranormal Romance News & Reviews (US)

174.Heavenly Savings (Int)

175.Big Books Tiny Voices (US)

Giveaway Blog Hop (Nov 8-11, 2011)

The day has arrived! Today, we present the first blog hop of two happening this month at Rambling of an Amateur Writer. So you want deets, right? Very well.

This November Giveaway Hop (Nov. 8th to 11th) is Co-hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Tristi Pinkston.

What is a giveaway hop?

Simple – Each participating blog hosts a giveaway and then we link up together allowing our followers & blog readers to hop easily from one giveaway to another.

For blog readers this means lots of chances to win.

For blogs hosting a giveaway it means lots of new visitors.

It's a win-win!

So there you have it, folks!

I suppose you want to know what's up for grabs? I know if I came here looking for prizes, I certainly would. So let's see.

I have a couple of authors who've graciously sponsored prizes for this giveaway.

First up, Heidi Ruby Miller.

Heidi Ruby Miller writes Science Fiction Romance because the relationship is as important as the adventure. She loves high-heeled shoes, action movies, Chanel, intense music, and video games. Heidi also teaches creative writing at Seton Hill University, where she graduated from their renowned Writing Popular Fiction Graduate Program the same month she appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The writing guide Many Genres, One Craft, which she co-edited with Michael A. Arnzen, is based on the Seton Hill program and her novel Ambasadora was her thesis there.

She has had various fiction and non-fiction publications, as well as various jobs, including contract archaeologist, foreign currency exchanger at Walt Disney World, foreign language teacher, and educational marketing director for a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

Heidi is a member of The Authors Guild, Pennwriters, Broad Universe, EPIC, SFR Brigade, and Science Fiction Poetry Association (SFPA).

You can read her author interview series at http://heidirubymiller.blogspot.com.

She lives near Pittsburgh with her writer husband, Jason Jack Miller.

Ms. Miller is offering two (2) eCopies of her latest release AMBASADORA. (International giveaway awarded via Smashword Coupon)

If everyone told you love wasn't real, would you still be willing to die for it?

Citizens of a six-moon system in our arm of the Milky Way don't remember Earth, only the History of a generational worldship culture. In their multi-partner society a caste system rules tradition, but the governing body of the Embassy rules everything else. Obsessed with celebrity, beauty, and power, relationships and conceptions are based more on DNA than emotional ties…or should be.

What the citizenry can't escape are the human feelings of love and jealousy that turn the sterile to honorable suicide, force a couple to make the ultimate sacrifice, and allow rebels to spin their world into a violent revolution.

Ambasadora Sara Mendoza becomes the unwilling face of this revolution. Captured, tortured, and given a second chance at freedom, she proves that sacrifice for the man she loves is more honorable than sacrifice to a society's antiquated mores.

AMBASADORA is available at Barnes & Nobles or Smashwords.

My next sponsor is Shellie Neumeier.:)

I'm still trying to figure out how to pronounce her last name. I bet it has some cool French meaning.

Married for over 20 years, Shellie and her husband have four wonderful kiddos and two goofy greyhounds. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, she went on to acquire an early childhood education certificate. Shellie also served in youth, children's, special needs and family ministries for over twenty-two years.

Now she enjoys teaching her teens how to drive and chauffeuring her preteens across the Wisconsin countryside. And once in a while, she loves to read big people books (you know the kind without pictures).

Shellie writes because it keeps her away from her husband's power tools and because every now and then, she doesn't have the choice, it just takes over. Her best inspiration comes from God and the occasional walk along a country road with her greyhounds.

In addition to writing, Shellie speaks at youth groups, conferences, and women's retreats. If you would like more information regarding her speaking engagements or to invite her to speak at yours, please contact our office at info(at)shellieneumeier(dot)com.

[image error] Ms. Neumeier is offering a paperback copy of her debut novel Driven. (US-only)

Robyn can't help but notice the handsome new guy at her school. She ignores, however, the arrival of another being at Brookfield Central High School—a demon assigned to destroy her…

Robyn loves her friends, enjoys her youth group, and looks forward to meeting cute Caleb Montague. But when a caustic news reporter challenges her school's prayer team, Robyn must choose: defend their right to meet on campus and pray for whomever they wish or back down at the principal's request.

Now she must learn what God wants her to do. And she had better learn fast, because there's a supernatural enemy in town whose sole mission is to stop her—no matter the cost.

Find Driven at Barnes & Nobles.

Hi! I'm Reena Jacobs.

For those of you visiting for the first time, I'm the author of a small collection of books, which you'll find at the top of this blog under "My Works" and also the manager of this site. For the most part, I just like to ramble, which makes me perfect for blogging. So, kick back, look around, and good luck!

I'm offering $15 worth of books from The Book Depository (International) or a $15 Amazon Gift Card (US-only).

Winner's choice if you're in the US, and by default your choice of books if you're not. My understanding is us lowly folks in the US can only send Amazon Gift Cards to folks in the US. If I'm wrong, definitely leave a comment. It won't change the prizes for this giveaway, but keep in mind, another blog hop occurs at the end of the month with a similar prize offer. I'd love to offer the gift card internationally.

By the way, I'm still taking sponsors for the blog hop at the end of the month (see details here).

That's not all! All winners have the option to receive an eCopy of I Loved You First. (International giveaway award through Amazon Kindle Gift)

Here's how this works. Whether you win a copy of AMBASADORA, Driven, free books from The Book Depository, or the Amazon Gift card, I'll also throw in an eCopy of I Loved You First if you so desire.

Additionally, I'll be sending an undisclosed number of eCopies via the Kindle Gift feature to follow-up winners. My goal is to distribute at least 10 Kindle copies of I Loved You First.

Alexandria (Alex) Carmichael guards two secrets close to her heart. One–she's in love with her best friend, Seth. Two–he's gay.

As a freshman in college, Alex looks forward to fun times with her best friend. When Seth decides cycling through girlfriends is the way to fit in with the straight crowd, Alex must make a choice: watch Seth give his affection–though phony–to another while her heart breaks or come clean with her feelings and risk losing his friendship forever.

I LOVED YOU FIRST is a new adult love story told through the eyes of Alex, an African-American/Caucasian student, who takes a journey of self-discovery while watching her best friend come to terms with his sexuality.

I Loved You First is available in lots of places. You'll find a list of links here.

As always, entering is easy.

You'll earn 1 point for completing the form.
An additional point for sharing the giveaway and leave the link (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Linked, MySpace, etc.). *Optional*
You MUST be a GFC follower or one of My Honored Ones. To become one, either sign in at the top of the website or via the sidebar to the left.
Comments are appreciated, but only entries from the form count.
Giveaway ends Friday, November 11, 2011 at Midnight ET.
Please read the giveaway policy for the nitty gritty.

Are you following the Giveaway Blog Hop? See what the next three participants on the list have to offer!

173.GraveTells Paranormal Romance News & Reviews (US)

174.Heavenly Savings (Int)

175.Big Books Tiny Voices (US)

Novel Review: Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller

[image error]Long live NetGalley and their abundant selection of books! Yeah… I'm hooked. Treasuring Emma is the second book I've received from Netgalley which featured Kathleen Fuller. The first, was a novella in a short story anthology called An Amish Love (see review here). Let's see how Treasuring Emma panned out. But first, the review from Ms. Fuller's website:

Emma always put the needs of others ahead of her own. When will it be her turn to be treasured?

Adam was her first love and best friend. But then he went away. Determined to experience the freedom of living in the Englisch world, he left Emma heart-broken. How could he have chosen the world over her? Now Adam is back in Middlefield and Emma can't seem to keep him away from her family's farm. But this time she's determiend to guard her heart. It might be love that keeps him there . . . or perhaps just guilt. When a newcomer arrives in town and shows an interest in Emma, she dismisses Adam's insistence that she be cautious. All this attention is new to her and she doesn't know quite how to accept it. Emma knows her Heavenly Father treasures her. But will her new beau?

I know the book was supposed to be about Emma, but my first major thoughts about the book were, what in the world is going on with Emma's sister, Clara? She lived in an Amish community where I thought materialism was frowned upon. Yet here was a woman who seemed obsessed with finances. I loved how human she was.

I completely sympathized with Clara and her husband, Peter. I've been were Clara was, fretting over the lack of money, wondering what I could do to relieve the financial stress, feeling trapped in a situation with no respite. It was nice to see members of the Amish community portrayed as less than pure. This does not mean at all I want to see them fail. It's just comforting to know they face similar demons as the Englisch, yet still find the Godly strength to overcome the trials.

Then there was Clara's wandering eyes. Truly she seemed like a fair weather friend: with her husband during good times, but seeking elsewhere for companionship during rough times. She wasn't at all endearing, yet I felt sorry for her and her inability to find joy.

Lucky for Clara, Mark (Peter's cousin) was more than willing to fill her need for companionship… maybe. Mark was an anomaly in the story. I didn't get him. Was he a sociopath? I remember thinking at one time, the only thing which could keep this from being a 5 star read is if Mark didn't pan out. He did well and had sufficient motivation for his villainous ways.

So I've talked about everyone but Emma… almost. Granny was awesome too.

So Emma. The poor girl was tugged in every direction. She knew what she wanted (most of the time) and had no problem expressing herself. Yet she was constantly bombarded with the desires of others, and put under pressure to make a choice between what she thought was best for her peace of mind and what would please others. She faced a tough struggle. She knew others imposed on her unfairly, but her Amish upbringing valued putting others before self.

I just loved the realistic, worldly problems in the Amish setting.

The introduction of a final character toward the end, Laura, was a bit shaky in the presentation, but overall, I quite enjoyed myself. I'm definitely curious about this Laura gal. Hopefully she'll be the star in the sequel. 4.5-5 out of 5 stars.

Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller is available at: Barnes & Nobles and The Book Depository

Tuesday Teaser: Blog Hop Sponsors

This week we're going to stretched the rules of Tuesday Teaser once again. So I mentioned last week I was participating in two blog hops for this month. If you're interested in knowing the types of prizes up for grabs for the blog hops, definitely take a look at last week's blog post.

What do you know, the first blog hop starts next week. A quick reminder of the two upcoming giveaways.

It's not too late to sign up and sponsor a giveaway. Pop an email off to me at reenajacobs@reenajacobs.com and we'll work out the details.

Today I have a couple of authors sponsoring giveaways that I'd like to share with you today.

First up, Heidi Ruby Miller.

Heidi Ruby Miller writes Science Fiction Romance because the relationship is as important as the adventure. She loves high-heeled shoes, action movies, Chanel, intense music, and video games. Heidi also teaches creative writing at Seton Hill University, where she graduated from their renowned Writing Popular Fiction Graduate Program the same month she appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The writing guide Many Genres, One Craft, which she co-edited with Michael A. Arnzen, is based on the Seton Hill program and her novel Ambasadora was her thesis there.

She has had various fiction and non-fiction publications, as well as various jobs, including contract archaeologist, foreign currency exchanger at Walt Disney World, foreign language teacher, and educational marketing director for a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

Heidi is a member of The Authors Guild, Pennwriters, Broad Universe, EPIC, SFR Brigade, and Science Fiction Poetry Association (SFPA).

You can read her author interview series at http://heidirubymiller.blogspot.com.

She lives near Pittsburgh with her writer husband, Jason Jack Miller.

Ms. Miller has graciously offered her latest release AMBASADORA in both Blog Hops.

If everyone told you love wasn't real, would you still be willing to die for it?

Citizens of a six-moon system in our arm of the Milky Way don't remember Earth, only the History of a generational worldship culture. In their multi-partner society a caste system rules tradition, but the governing body of the Embassy rules everything else. Obsessed with celebrity, beauty, and power, relationships and conceptions are based more on DNA than emotional ties…or should be.

What the citizenry can't escape are the human feelings of love and jealousy that turn the sterile to honorable suicide, force a couple to make the ultimate sacrifice, and allow rebels to spin their world into a violent revolution.

Ambasadora Sara Mendoza becomes the unwilling face of this revolution. Captured, tortured, and given a second chance at freedom, she proves that sacrifice for the man she loves is more honorable than sacrifice to a society's antiquated mores.

Are you an eager reader? Pick up AMBASADORA today at Barnes & Nobles or Smashwords.

My next sponsor is Shellie Neumeier.:)

I'm still trying to figure out how to pronounce her last name. I bet it has some cool French meaning.

Married for over 20 years, Shellie and her husband have four wonderful kiddos and two goofy greyhounds.   After receiving her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, she went on to acquire an early childhood education certificate.  Shellie also served in youth, children's, special needs and family ministries for over twenty-two years.

Now she enjoys teaching her teens how to drive and chauffeuring her preteens across the Wisconsin countryside.  And once in a while, she loves to read big people books (you know the kind without pictures).

Shellie writes because it keeps her away from her husband's power tools and because every now and then, she doesn't have the choice, it just takes over.  Her best inspiration comes from God and the occasional walk along a country road with her greyhounds.

In addition to writing, Shellie speaks at youth groups, conferences, and women's retreats. If you would like more information regarding her speaking engagements or to invite her to speak at yours, please contact our office at info(at)shellieneumeier(dot)com.

[image error] For the November 8-10 Blog Hop, Ms. Neumeier is offering her debut novel Driven.

Robyn can't help but notice the handsome new guy at her school. She ignores, however, the arrival of another being at Brookfield Central High School—a demon assigned to destroy her…

Robyn loves her friends, enjoys her youth group, and looks forward to meeting cute Caleb Montague. But when a caustic news reporter challenges her school's prayer team, Robyn must choose: defend their right to meet on campus and pray for whomever they wish or back down at the principal's request.

Now she must learn what God wants her to do. And she had better learn fast, because there's a supernatural enemy in town whose sole mission is to stop her—no matter the cost.

Can't wait for the blog hop? Find Driven at Barnes & Nobles.

That's not all! Ms. Neumeier is also offering her latest release for the Black Friday Bonanza.

One Magical Summer in Oakville, Wisconsin,

Love Finds its Way through Four Entwined Lives.

Tessa Hasmer Murphy has a secret. Estranged from her husband, will she let a past love and a fight to save the family farm destroy her marriage and daughter Lindsay's happiness?

Lindsay Murphy plans to live on her grandparents' farm until she can find a job, but developer Brandon Calloway has other plans for the property. As she wages war against him, will she lose her heart and the farm both?

Widower Arthur Hasmer's life and that of his son, Andy, spiral out of control. Then old friend, Dana London, reenters the picture with the power to help them all back to love, joy and faith.

Andy Hasmer has the ultimate bummer life. No mom, not much of a dad, no future. When he's sent to the farm and wrecks the truck, nothing could be worse than the lousy job he takes to pay Grampa back—except maybe putting up with the pastor's daughter, Ella.

Pick up your copy today at Barnes & Nobles or The Book Depository.

Interested in joining the fun? Become a sponsor for one or both of the above giveaways hops. Email me at reenajacobs@reenajacobs.com.

Never miss a post. Get your subscription for Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, today.

Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she's known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for "just one more purchase." Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.

Novel Review: A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf

I absolutely loved the story of Esther growing up. And when I saw A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf offered on NetGalley, I just had to take them up on their offer. I was ecstatic when NetGalley approved me for a copy, and started this goodie almost immediately. How about the blurb from Goodreads?

An inspired re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.

See the story of Esther in an entirely new way-with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.

Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith's great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity.

Despite Esther being one of my favorite biblical stories, I wasn't sure about this work when I first started. The writing focused on quite a few mundane descriptions written like a laundry list, and I feared the entire book would be muddled with them. As the story progressed, it was as if the author got so wrapped up in telling the story, she forgot to throw in the drab descriptions.

It was wonderful. I went from wanting to skim the passages to wanting to take in every word. Truly, The Reluctant Queen was an interesting take on the story of Esther. I never knew what to expect or how Esther would handle each situation.

The king. He was a very attractive character. Despite the many problems he faced, he never lost his cool, always waited until he had the relevant facts before making a decision. A wise king. You'd think he was King Solomon. On the other hand, I couldn't help but feel sympathetic toward his plight.

Speaking of sympathetic… one character I didn't expect to feel any for was Haman. Ms. Wolf did a wonderful job giving him motive and making him human. He was actually a character I could root for and mentally say, "Don't do it!" Despite knowing the biblical story, I hoped for the best for Haman. He was like the Sandman in Spiderman. "I'm not a bad person, I've just have bad luck." Of course, Haman had a hand in his bad luck. Still… couldn't help but feel bad for him.

Bottom line: Ms. Wolf mentioned taking liberties with the story and embellishing at times.  I think by doing so, she created a culturally rich piece with a realistic and fresh take. Over all, this was an enjoyable story of Esther.

A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf is Available at: Barnes & Nobles and The Book Depository

Never miss a post. Get your subscription for Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, today.

Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she's known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for "just one more purchase." Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.

Sunday Showcase #21

Another week hanging at the NetGalley has brought me a few reads. Thank you NetGalley for creating such an awesome system… and special thanks to all the publishers offering the goodies.

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure… people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a one night stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?

Why I Picked It Up: Normally, contemporary works aren't my thing. The title sort of pulled me in on this one. It reminded me of Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala. I know… silly reason, but it got my interest. I'm really hopeful about this work. I don't have anything against contemporary. It's just mundania has never really called to me as unique. I know I miss out on a lot of fantastic works because I've constantly got my eye out for paranormal goodies. It's time for me to get a taste of realistic drama.

Available at: Barnes & Nobles and The Book Depository

[image error] She isn't looking for love. He's mending a broken heart. It will take divine intervention for these two to get together.

Local Amish schoolteacher Lilly Lapp is tired of weddings, afraid of horses, and immersed in caring for her depressed mother. But when Jacob Wyse, a handsome horse breeder from her small community rescues her from a dangerous accident, Lilly discovers a renewed interest in life and the possibility of love.

Yet Jacob has lost the one true love of his life to another man and doesn't care to expose himself to the vulnerabilities of loving again.

God works to bring this unlikely pair into a sweet romance to produce a pattern of faith, which leads to the creation and comfort of Lilly's Wedding Quilt.

Why I Picked It Up: Simply put, I've become addicted to Amish romances. There's just something about reading about a group of people who are so far removed from the materialistic rat race.

Available at: Barnes & Nobles and The Book Depository

[image error]Jean Vale Horemarsh is an ordinary, small-town woman with the usual challenges of middle age. She's content, mostly, with the life she's built: a semi-successful career as a ceramics artist, a close collection of women friends (if you ignore the terrible falling out she had with Cheryl all those years ago), a comfortable marriage with a kind if otherwise unextraordinary man. And then Jean sees her mother go through the final devastating months of cancer, and realizes that her fondest wish is to protect her dearest friends from the indignities of aging and illness. That's when she decides to kill them . . .

Why I Picked It Up: Now Chicklit typically isn't my thing, and I'm pretty sure this is what this is. The premises is just so out there, I had to check it out.

Available at: Barnes & Nobles and The Book Depository

So this was a unique week of requests (other than Lilly's Wedding Quilt) for me. Have you stepped out of your normal reading habit recently? How did you fare?

Never miss a post. Get your subscription for Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, today.

Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she's known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for "just one more purchase." Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.

Novel Review: Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Well, I lost my notes for Pretties by Scott Westerfeld. Or did I even take notes? Let's see how this review goes with my less than perfect total recall. But first, a word from our author… well, at least the blurb from Goodreads:

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun — the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom — is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life — because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

First things first: I liked Pretties more or less the same amount as I liked Uglies. There were plenty of annoying aspects about Pretties, but the story was unique. In fact, I have to admit, the trilogy is really starting to grow on me.

Let's start with what I disliked the most about Pretties so we can move on to the good stuff. The lingo. The lingo sucked big time. It reminded me of Neal Bortz when he tries to sound like a valley girl with all the "like this" and "like that" "like" "like." Okay… we get it. It's obnoxious. Now can we get OVER it?

Same thing with Pretties. Everything was bogus or bubbly or whatever-making, and totally overboard. I don't know if the overuse of the special lingo was purposeful, but the excessiveness of it made it seem like an adult trying to fit in the young crowd but failing miserably.

What I enjoyed? I loved that despite being transformed into a Pretty, Tally was still the same person inside — pretty but still full of insecurities. Instead of the focus being on her outward appearance and being adored, the focus shifted to fitting in. Just like when she was ugly, she still had doubts about being good enough.

In a way, it was sad. We had a society which perfected individuals physically… in essence, giving them all they dreamed of having. To help the pretties along, they turned them into the addle-brained, content with having fun. They created an utopian environment, at least it appeared that way to an ugly looking in. Well, even Pretties believed they were living the ultimate life despite their continual strive to be cool. In reality, they had a broken society full of daft people who never had an opportunity to be comfortable with who they were.

Though I consider the books middle of the road reads thus far, I still think the trilogy is worthy of attention. Well, I'm working on the last book of the trilogy. It'll be interesting to see how everything resolved itself.

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is Available at: The Book Depository and Barnes & Nobles

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Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she's known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for "just one more purchase." Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.