Amber Stokes's Blog, page 33

Cover Reveal: The King's Scrolls

Are you ready for this? The Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight continues with Book 2, The King's Scrolls! (Curious about Book 1? Check out all the blog tour fun we had back in May!)

The book should be releasing in early 2015. Here's the blurb:

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

And here's the cover!


My Thoughts
Jaye has some awesome branding going on with this series, and I love how clear it is through the covers that the books go together. (Click HERE to see Book 1 on Goodreads.) The images on this cover fit hand in hand with the title, and there's a definite sense of mystery in the darkness beyond the quill and even in the blank scroll. It says, "There's a story waiting to be written. Open the pages to discover it." :) Nicely done! And how fun is it that one of the giveaway prizes so perfectly matches the quill on the cover? Be sure to keep on reading to learn more about that...

Find a list of other cover-reveal participants on Jaye's blog today.
Excerpt from The King's Scrolls
The other younger crete took a swig of his coffee and set his eyes past her. Kyrin peeked over her shoulder at Kaden who, of course, was staring at the dragon. The female creature stared back in mutual interest.

“Go ahead,” the crete said suddenly. “You can touch her. She loves attention, and she’ll only attack if I tell her to.” A sly glint sparkled in his spring-green eyes.

Besides Jace, Kyrin had never seen anyone with such bright and colorful eyes as these cretes.

Kaden looked at him, his brows rising. “You can do that?”

The crete nodded. “Dragons are highly intelligent. You can teach them almost any command. Storm here is young, but she learns fast.”

Kyrin smiled at the delight in her brother’s eyes as he stepped closer to the dragon and ran his hand over her bluish-gray neck scales. A grin split his face.

“She’s so smooth. Kyrin, come and feel it.”

Kyrin stepped to his side and laid her hand on the dragon. The scales were indeed very smooth, reminding her of the polished marble stair-railings in Auréa Palace, but they weren’t cold. Warmth radiated through them. The dragon, still watching them, let out a little rumble, almost like a giant cat’s purr.

“I told you she liked attention,” the crete said, grinning.

Kyrin chuckled and glanced at Jace to see if he wanted to touch the dragon, but he made no move to come closer. This certainly had more to do with the crete than the dragon. He was very fond of any type of animal. She faced the crete again.

“So they can breathe fire?”

“For short bursts, but that’s usually all it takes to deter any threat.”

“That’s incredible,” Kaden breathed. While he continued admiring Storm, Kyrin observed the dragon’s rider. He appeared to be in his early to mid-twenties—about ten years younger than Captain Darq—though his exact age was impossible to guess. Cretes were said to mature faster than humans, so he could be anywhere from seventeen to twenty-five. He too wore a sleeveless jerkin. Brown tattoos, a little darker than his skin, marked both shoulders. Darq and the other cretes had them as well, but Kyrin hadn’t taken a good look at them until now. This man’s were a complicated pattern of spirals and dots, but the shape of a fox stood out in the center of his right shoulder. Though she tried to be discreet, he must have caught her studying him and suddenly extended his hand to her. “I’m Talas, by the way. Talas Folkan of the Fox Clan.”


About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.


Giveaway!
To celebrate her revealing of the cover, Jaye is giving away one of her handcrafted quill pen necklaces and a $5 Amazon gift card! Enter for a chance to win using the form below! U.S. entries only please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release Announcement: The Fragrance of Geraniums

Happy book birthday to another fellow indie author's brand-new release, The Fragrance of Geraniums! Isn't the cover simply lovely? And the story sounds very heartfelt. Not to mention, it has a flower title, which is something you all know I can appreciate. ;) Enjoy learning more about this new book and its sweet author, Alicia!

Rhode Island - 1934

A Girl…

Grace Picoletti has nothing going for her – but she’s determined to succeed in life, nonetheless. Born to severe destitution, she claws her way up from the pit of family shame and secrets. She avoids close friendships – even with the likable, persistent Paulie Giorgi.

A Woman…

Despite her own agonizing emotional pain, childless Emmeline Kinner reaches out to a young woman so far beneath her. She could never have known whom else God would set in her path through her friendship with Grace.

A Mother…

Long ago, Sarah Picoletti resigned herself to a loveless, abusive life – and she believes that her daughter Grace must inherit the same fate. Yet Sarah’s own soul cries out for the blessed peace and hope of which the radio minister speaks.

Told from multiple perspectives, The Fragrance of Geraniums is a powerful story of three women – of the threads of mercy that connect them – and of heart-wrenching sorrows alchemized by the Heavenly Father’s overwhelming redeeming grace.

Purchase on Amazon | Add to Goodreads

A fourth-generation Rhode Island native, Alicia G. Ruggieri writes stories about the possibility of redemption for all things through the Cross and the cost of true mercy. With a degree in Communications and History, Alicia loves spending her days researching, writing, and caring for her family, and she avows that every life would be enriched through the addition of just one more dog. 

Connect with Alicia on her blog, Facebook, Goodreads, Google +, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Giveaway!

Alicia is offering a copy of the book to one lucky winner! Kindle for international; paperback or Kindle for continental U.S. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New and On Sale from Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Have you visited Goldstone Wood in Anne Elisabeth Stengl's fantasy series? 
If not, you're missing out on some epic, thought-provoking adventures!

But don't despair! :) This week you can snatch up the lone (for the time being) novella, Goddess Tithe, for only $.99 in ebook format. And the rest of the books in the series, including the brand-new Book 7, are only $4.99 each.

Awesome, no?

I confess I've fallen a bit behind on this series... (It amazes me how Anne Elisabeth can churn out such in-depth stories!) I still need to read Dragonwitch and Shadow Hand, as well as Goddess Tithe and Golden Daughter. And here Anne Elisabeth has already announced the title for Book 8! Check it out...














Doesn't she have some of the coolest book titles? Here they are in series order...

HeartlessVeiled RoseMoonbloodStarflowerDragonwitch Goddess TitheShadow HandGolden DaughterPoison Crown
And the covers are just as colorful and unique!













The latest one reminds me a bit of Lisa Frank. Especially with the stars and unicorn featured on the back cover...












I imagine Golden Daughter is much more intense than the cuteness and cuddles of Lisa Frank's artwork, but the pretty design that sparks childhood memories still makes me happy. :)

Tell me, which title and/or cover is your favorite so far? And if you've read the series, do you have a favorite among the stories? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Match Maker Blog Tour + Review

The Match Maker Blog Tour Schedule
Here's a description of the book:

(Note: Summary contains spoilers if you have not yet read Book 1, The Husband Maker.) 

It’s been six months since Charlotte and Kyle broke up, and the Husband Maker strikes again. Kyle is officially engaged, while Charlotte is still nursing a broken heart.

In an effort to get Charlotte out of her rut, she and her best friend decide it’s time for some good old-fashioned matchmaking. While Aleena arranges for Charlotte to meet up with a handsome Scottish tourist, Charlotte gets her two best friends together. But when sparks start to fly between Aleena and Angus, Charlotte is left feeling more alone than ever—at least until the charming Scotsman becomes more than just a safe, rebound guy and teaches her that maybe, just maybe, she can dare to open her heart again.

My Rating

Spring

My Review

I really enjoyed the opportunity to get reacquainted with Charlotte in this adventurous sequel to The Husband Maker. Charlotte's relationship woes are quite relatable, and it was easy to slip right back into her world of great friends and big uncertainties.

I adored the setting descriptions in this installment. The Alcatraz outing, the road trip to Carmel, and especially the welcoming glimpse of Scotland...all were delightful, with charming characters to make the fictional trips that much more memorable. (Might I also add that the mentions of the Trees of Mystery as part of Charlotte's work made me happy?)

The way things came together right before the end left me with a bittersweet joy, and I started to expect that things would wrap up nicely with a sequel that surpassed its predecessor. And then...well, let's just say the very end emphasized a bit too much of the bitter and not enough the sweet to leave me completely satisfied. It paves the way for a third book, which shouldn't be that surprising, but let me tell you, there's one character that has me utterly frustrated! I really don't understand the reasoning behind their claims, and I'm not a fan of how their character changed in this book. It makes me wonder how the third book's going to play out...

Even with all that, I do believe that The Match Maker as a whole is even better than Book 1, and both are great reads. I'm a bit skeptical about Book 3, but Karey White has impressed me with this series so far, and I'm wishing Charlotte a very happy conclusion to her story.

*With thanks to I Am A Reader Blog Tours and the author for providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Get your copy of The Match Maker for just $3.99!Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Have you read the first book in the series?The Husband Maker by Karey White

Grab your copy from Amazon * Barnes & Noble  You can read my review of Book 1 HERE.
Coming Spring 2015 The conclusion to The Husband Maker SeriesThe Wife Maker by Karey White

About the Author (Karey White)

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ~  Ends 11/30/14

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

My Review of The Bound Heart

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

One accidental kiss. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt's world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn't have the time or the desire to fall for her friend Lawry Hampton. However, with Vance out of the country and Lawry constantly at her side, Meredyth can’t help but wonder if what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from their unfortunate past.

When Vance comes home to stake his claim on Meredyth, will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves? Or will she find the strength to accept that God’s plan for her life could include redemption... and quite possibly the love of her best-friend?

My Rating

Spring

My Review

The Bound Heart is a worthy sequel to The Hesitant Heiress, with plenty of its own intrigue, another intense climax, and a tender love that takes its own sweet time in being realized and accepted (alas!).

Having read the first book, this second story wasn't quite as difficult to grasp given the familiarity of many of the characters. The plot does build up a little slowly, though, with just a bit of action but a good deal of drama going on indoors and within Meredyth's heart and mind.

I would have loved to see some more of the strength and generosity Meredyth's character displayed in the first book. There are certainly echoes of it in this, her own story, but the first-person POV perhaps dulls it a bit, since the reader is listening in on her own guilt and doubts without getting a view from the outside. My goodness, though, but Meredyth is stubborn! And carrying an awfully heavy burden in a heart much in need of supreme patience and relentless grace...

The story includes some twists and turns that really take off toward the end, with drama that's quite engaging to read, albeit painful at times. However, the revelations and redemption and romance do lead up to an ultimately sweet and satisfying conclusion, making The Bound Heart a great second installment in this historical romantic suspense trilogy.

*With thanks to the author for providing me with a PDF copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Anon, Sir, Anon Review + Giveaway

Here's a description of the book:

The 12:55 out of Darlington brought more than Orville Farnham's niece; murder was passenger.

In coming to Whistlecreig, Genevieve Langley expected to find an ailing uncle in need of gentle care. In reality, her charge is a cantankerous Shakespearean actor with a penchant for fencing and an affinity for placing impossible bets.

When a body shows up in a field near Whistlecreig Manor and Vivi is the only one to recognize the victim, she is unceremoniously baptized into the art of crime-solving: a field in which first impressions are seldom lasting and personal interest knocks at the front door.

Set against the russet backdrop of a Northamptonshire fog, Anon, Sir, Anon cuts a cozy path to a chilling crime.

My Rating

Spring

My Review

Rachel Heffington is back with another unique take on historical fiction! This time, the story is heavier on the mystery, lighter on the romance, and all shades of interesting with the colorful characters.

As before, I'm impressed with Heffington's command of the English language and the way she strings words together to really set the mood. Occasionally the narrative does come across as a bit pretentious, but the story is soaked in all things British, and that's just not necessarily my cup of tea. ;) I did enjoy taking walks and bicycle rides through the countryside with Vivi and Farnham and witnessing the dynamic duo take some unconventional paths in both their crime-solving methods and their conversations.

To be honest, I'm not quite sure how I feel about our unusual hero and heroine. Uncle and niece are both quite clever (and they know it), but they're not without their soft spots and weaknesses. Theirs is a very unique relationship, and there's a bit of Holmes and Watson in their personalities and the ways they balance each other out.

As for the other characters, well, I quite liked Breen (Farnham's charismatic and rather sweet friend). And the murderer... Nope. My lips are sealed. Although I am tempted to throw in spoilers simply because I'd like to express my thoughts on where the story ended up! Alas.

For those Anglophiles who delight in quirky, surprising characters and mysteries that ramble through foggy countrysides and flame-lit manors, Anon, Sir, Anon is a charming read.

*With thanks to the author for providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Purchase the book today in paperback or Kindle ebook format.
About the Author

Rachel Heffington is a novelist, a nanny, and a people-lover living in rural Virginia with her family and black cat, Cricket. Her first novel, Fly Away Home, was independently published in February of 2014, while her novella, The Windy Side of Care, was published by Rooglewood Press in the Five Glass Slippers anthology in June of 2014. Visit Rachel online at www.inkpenauthoress.blogspot.com.

Giveaway!

Rachel is generously offering a "Cozy Quagmire" prize package. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter to win a complete party in a box!

The Cozy Quagmire Party Pack includes everything you’ll need to have an evening worthy of guests such as Vivi, Farnham, and Dr. Breen. Prize includes P.G. Tips (Rachel's favorite British black tea), a $5 Panera Bread gift-card for toasting-bread, a Yankee candle, matchbook, and a paperback copy of Anon, Sir, Anon.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Litfuse Publicity Tour: Where Treetops Glisten

Here's a description of the book:

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?

My Rating

Spring

My Review

Where Treetops Glisten is a really sweet and well-integrated collection of stories about one family's experiences throughout WWII. The way the collection is structured is really clever, and the novellas definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. Now that November is here, I'm feeling ready for some more Christmas music, movies, and books!

The collection begins on a gentle note. White Christmas is more of a quiet story about coming together to solve a mystery and find hope during the holidays. The romance didn't completely sweep me off my feet, but I appreciated the tenderness of it, and I especially enjoyed the details about Abigail's workplace (Glatz Candies) and the fact that Jackson works at a puzzle factory. How fun is that?

The second story, I'll Be Home for Christmas, was my favorite of the three. I love Sarah Sundin's writing - the way she so poignantly depicts themes and sketches details about the era and the characters' personalities. She even does a magnificent job of portraying the secondary characters! But the romance between Pete and Grace especially shines with sweet moments and second chances. Not to mention Pete's interactions with Linnie (Grace's daughter). Cuteness all around! And the message of the story really resonates, especially in a season where we tend to lean on others the most.

As for Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, I liked the change of pace. The hints of suspense kept the story moving along, despite a good dose of introspection. It's a story about making a difference and having the courage to do what's right...even when that means accepting something good you'd never thought you'd be able to have.

All in all, the war-time setting of these novellas really brings out the hope of Christmas. The family connections are wonderful, and even though the stories don't bring a lot of unexpected plot twists or engaging action, they're still sweet and enjoyable reads for the holidays. And the additions of the prologue and epilogue tie the collection together in a satisfying way.

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, to be shared during the Litfuse Publicity blog tour.*

About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger. Cara Putman is the author of twenty books including Shadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. Sarah Sundin is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.

To Buy the Book: click HERE

Blog Tour: Check out the reviews from other blog tour participants HERE.

The Thing with Feathers

To Whom It May Concern,

Sometimes a job in marketing prompts a person to get familiar with current events, even if she generally prefers to avoid news that only serves to strike fear and breed feelings of depression and helplessness. But perhaps it's a matter of balance.

It's good to be aware of what's going on in the world. To not forget that others are suffering, in need of aid and our prayers.

And yet, we need to be reminded that even in the worst of situations, God does not abandon us. Miracles do happen in real life, but occasionally fiction steps in to bring that truth to mind. To help focus our attention on that "thing with feathers": hope.

So this letter is one of gratitude to the Hallmark Channel show, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (and to my friend Rissi for making me want to give it a try):

Thank you for Episode 1 (Time to Start Livin'), which reminded me of a grandma's love and how precious those memories with my grandparents are.

Thank you for Episode 2 (To Whom It May Concern), which reminded me that even in the horror of war, hope can bloom and heroes can be born.

Thank you for Episode 3 (Soulmates), which reminded me that a love delayed is not always a love departed - and words of love don't need to be romantic in nature in order to touch our hearts.

Thank you for Episode 4 (The Masterpiece), which reminded me that even though parents and their children can have very different dreams for their lives, a bit of understanding can go a long way.

Thank you for Episode 5 (The Edge of Forever), which reminded me that a lack of communication can bring about long-term damage, but honesty and forgiveness can ease years of heartache.

And thank you for the episodes I have yet to watch. I look forward to each happy, teary reminder of "the thing with feathers."

Sincerely Yours,
Amber

New Release Announcement: Corral Nocturne

I'm happy to be a part of the blog announcement for a fellow indie author's brand-new release. :) I haven't yet read any of Elisabeth's stories, but the cover of her latest is simply enchanting, and her impressive array of stories looks intriguing. Here's some more info about Corral Nocturne, which is now available!

Life on her brother’s ranch is lonely for Ellie Strickland. Ed’s ungracious manners and tight-fisted habits keep visitors away and his mother and sister close to home. But when Cole Newcomb, son of the wealthiest rancher in the county, meets Ellie by chance, he is struck by an unexpected impulse to rescue her from her solitude—and Ellie’s lonely summer is transformed.

When Cole asks her to go with him to the Fourth of July dance, Ellie is determined that nothing, from an old dress to Ed’s sour temper, will stand in her way. By the time the Fourth of July fireworks go off at midnight, will they herald only more heartache, or maybe—just maybe—a dream come true?

Novella, approximately 21,000 words. 

Purchase on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords
Add to Goodreads

Doesn't it sound so sweet? And again, I adore the cover. Stars on a purple background...the silhouetted fence that reminds me of a scene in one of my favorite museums...and the whimsical font... Yep, it's a winner!

Here's more info about the author:

Elisabeth Grace Foley is a historical fiction author, avid reader and lifelong history buff. Her first published story, "Disturbing the Peace," was an honorable mention in the first annual Rope and Wire Western short story competition, and is now collected with six others in her debut short story collection, The Ranch Next Door and Other Stories. Her other works include a series of short historical mysteries, the Mrs. Meade Mysteries; and short fiction set during the American Civil War and the Great Depression. A homeschool graduate, she chose not to attend college in order to pursue self-education and her writing career.

Connect with Elisabeth on her blog, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Giveaway!

Elisabeth is generously offering a Prairie Cinderella Prize Package to one lucky winner! You can enter using the Rafflecopter form below. And here's the list of prizes:
Corral Nocturne ebook mp3 of “After the Ball” Pink cameo ring (in the style of the cameo brooch in the story) Custom-made Corral Nocturne bookmark a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's Play Tag and 20 Questions

Super sweet friend and fellow indie author Meghan Gorecki (A Northern Belle) kindly tagged me for the 20-questions post that's been going around. (Thank you so much, Meghan!) I couldn't resist joining in on the fun, so here are my responses...

1. How tall are you?

I think I'm still 5' 1". I've been that height for pretty much forever. It's not so bad. :)

2. Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?

Well... "I would love to become a professional whistler. I'm pretty amazing at it now, but I want to get, like, even better. Make my living out of it."

(For all you Madagascar 2 fans out there. Anyone else besides me? Anyone?)

Perhaps my hidden talent has to do with my response to Question 7. Not sure if I'm really all that talented at either, but hey! At least I have fun.

3. What's your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

Maybe an overabundance of ads. Or a lack of interaction with readers. Or those silly, difficult to decipher CAPTCHA verifications and the spiteful spamming that necessitates them. Grr.

4. What's your biggest non-blog-related pet peeve?

The ways I too-often thwart myself with greed, materialism, and misplaced priorities.

5. What's your favorite song?

I love music so much that I don't want to name a favorite favorite song. But John Denver's songs always remind me of coming home, and "Sunshine on My Shoulders" has been dear to my heart through the years.



6. What's your favorite Etsy shop that isn't yours?

Christy's Belle on a Budget has been my go-to Etsy store for gifts for myself and others. :) Such sweet and fun jewelry!

7. What's your favorite way to spend your free time when you're alone?

Singing along to music. And dancing around my apartment, like a certain character or two from my upcoming release. :)

Found on Pinterest
8. What's your favorite junk food?

Ummm...all of it? Well, maybe not quite, but still. Let's go with chocolate. I have an insatiable sweet tooth - just ask my coworkers.

9. Do you have a pet or pets? If so, how many, and what are their names?

There's a cat who lives at my grandparents' house that's my baby. My grandparents bought Mr. Murphy for me when I was ten, and I love him so. He's so sweet and such a great listener. :) Sadly, I live in a practically no-pets apartment, so I couldn't bring him with me. Since he's now thirteen and content with roaming my grandparents' property, it's probably for the best. But with my grandparents' house on the market, it's a difficult thing.

At home with my parents and sister, there's Muffin Man (another cat) and Candy (the bunny). And a kitten has been added to the family since I moved out - a sweet thing named Paris that I'm eager to meet sometime!

10. What're your number-one favorite nofiction and fiction books?

These are always the hardest questions to answer. I'm going to cheat by directing your attention to my "favorites" shelf on Shelfari.

11. What's your favorite beauty product?

I don't really wear much makeup, so I guess it would have to be cover-up (does one ever completely outgrow acne? *sigh*) and good ol' chapstick.

12. When were you last embarrassed? What happened?

I get embarrassed frequently. One of the more recent incidents was at the young-adult group associated with the church I've just started attending. Let's just say that my sister got all the artistic genes, and who knew my attempts at drawing an ape for Pictionary would have everyone guessing that it was some sort of bear? No point for our team that round. *hangs head in shame*

13. If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably low-fat milk. Or some sort of juice.

14. What's your favorite movie?

There are a couple of Hallmark movies at or near the top of the list. Also, Always . You've Got Mail . Tuck Everlasting . IQ . Kate & Leopold . Anne of Green Gables and its sequel. The Journey of Natty Gann. Brother Bear.

15. What were you in high school? Prom queen, jock, nerd, cheerleader, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

Valedictorian. And prom queen. Okay, maybe not the second one (just in my own mind). ;)

16. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

There are lots of places I'd like to travel to, but as far as living... Well, I'm really quite happy right here in Oregon for this season of my life.

 At the Sea Lion Caves on the coast of beautiful Oregon
17. PC or Mac?

PC. I'll leave the Macs to the designers in our marketing department.

18. Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boyfriend, or spouse?

Is it just me, or does this question feel like a land mine for those who aren't in a relationship, no matter if there are "crush" and "date" options? I'll step very carefully around it and just say "a listening ear." Having someone express genuine interest in what you have to say can be such a meaningful gesture, friend or otherwise.

19. Favorite celebrity?

Hmmm... I guess some of my favorites would be Adam Young (AKA Owl City), Scotty McCreery, Zachary Levi, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, and JJ Feild (who played Henry Tilney and Henry Nobley - *swoon*).

The sweet little owl my mom bought me on her last visit :)
20. What blogger do you secretly want to be best friends with?

Is "all of them" an acceptable answer? ;) Seriously, I'm so grateful for my blogging friends, including the awesome and ever-thoughtful Rissi (Dreaming Under the Same Moon) and the fantabulous, kind-hearted Kara (Flowers of Quiet Happinesss). And there are so many colleagues and former clients I'd love to meet in person!

***

I now tag lovely bloggers Emily (Zerina Blossom) and Ganise (Rêves Bleus), if they'd like to participate. :)