June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 106
April 24, 2018
~ LOVE IN BLOOM 'SUMMER OF 65' FEATURE ~
~ LOVE IN BLOOM FEATURE ~
-- 'Summer of '65' --
by Author Brooke St. James
~ POST INCLUDES BOOK SPOTLIGHT,
EXCERPT, AUTHOR BIO & GIVEAWAY ~
Summer of '65 by Brooke St. James Ivy Lewis went home to Memphis in the summer of 1965 unaware of the adventure that awaited her. She was content to go through the motions of her predictable routines back home while safeguarding a few little secrets about her life in Nashville. In her mind, the two worlds weren't meant to intersect. Then Michael Bishop entered the picture. He had just moved to Memphis from Detroit in hopes of expanding his motorcycle company. He appeared to be nothing more than an outlaw and a menace to the community. Any type of relationship between them was sure to be met with resistance from Ivy's family and friends. But Michael Bishop was too great of a temptation for Ivy. The summer of 1965 would be one of first impressions, first dances, and forbidden love.
I glanced at Alice who gave me a wide-eyed smile. I heard the noise of shifting gravel, and I looked up to find that Michael was getting off of his motorcycle. "Ivy Lewis," he said, closing the distance between us. "Michael Bishop," I returned. "You came back to look for a hairpin," he said as more of a statement than a question. The other waiters came closer to help me look, which caused their shadows to block the light. "I think it was over here," Alice said, redirecting them. She had, thank goodness, caught on to the fact that I might want to say a couple of words to Michael and was helping me out. "I really liked that song," he said. He must have known I wasn't really there to look for a hairpin, because he didn't even bother looking down. "When can I hear you play again?"
“Just like her other books, you get everything a good book provides. It has a beautiful love story, nostalgia and a bit of mystery without repeating things over and over. Love it and will read it again I'm sure.” “I'm always anxious to see what Brooke writes and this book didn't disappoint. Michael and Ivy experienced typical 1965 prejudices and problems but the fun and flirty dialogue is still there. Motorcycles and the preacher's kid, misunderstood music and parental expectations... this story had it all. Can't wait for the next generation!” “What an amazing new book by an incredible author! The story was sincere and well-paced with adorable dialogue, poignant moments and surprises along the way. I can't get enough of these charming and realistic main characters and eagerly await the next book in this series."
Author Brooke St. James is an author of contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
Giveaway Details: Ends 5/14/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour. Book spotlight and review of award-winning author Irene Hannon's latest inspirational romance, 'Pelican Point'.
-- Wednesday, May 2nd: Book spotlight, snippet, artwork feature, and giveaway for a new children's activity book from Cedar Fort, Inc., 'Wizard's Workshop'. Event hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, May 4th: Book Blast with $50 giveaway for a new clean romance, 'Scarlet'. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.
# # # # #
~ POST INCLUDES BOOK SPOTLIGHT,
EXCERPT, AUTHOR BIO & GIVEAWAY ~
Summer of '65 by Brooke St. James Ivy Lewis went home to Memphis in the summer of 1965 unaware of the adventure that awaited her. She was content to go through the motions of her predictable routines back home while safeguarding a few little secrets about her life in Nashville. In her mind, the two worlds weren't meant to intersect. Then Michael Bishop entered the picture. He had just moved to Memphis from Detroit in hopes of expanding his motorcycle company. He appeared to be nothing more than an outlaw and a menace to the community. Any type of relationship between them was sure to be met with resistance from Ivy's family and friends. But Michael Bishop was too great of a temptation for Ivy. The summer of 1965 would be one of first impressions, first dances, and forbidden love.
I glanced at Alice who gave me a wide-eyed smile. I heard the noise of shifting gravel, and I looked up to find that Michael was getting off of his motorcycle. "Ivy Lewis," he said, closing the distance between us. "Michael Bishop," I returned. "You came back to look for a hairpin," he said as more of a statement than a question. The other waiters came closer to help me look, which caused their shadows to block the light. "I think it was over here," Alice said, redirecting them. She had, thank goodness, caught on to the fact that I might want to say a couple of words to Michael and was helping me out. "I really liked that song," he said. He must have known I wasn't really there to look for a hairpin, because he didn't even bother looking down. "When can I hear you play again?"
“Just like her other books, you get everything a good book provides. It has a beautiful love story, nostalgia and a bit of mystery without repeating things over and over. Love it and will read it again I'm sure.” “I'm always anxious to see what Brooke writes and this book didn't disappoint. Michael and Ivy experienced typical 1965 prejudices and problems but the fun and flirty dialogue is still there. Motorcycles and the preacher's kid, misunderstood music and parental expectations... this story had it all. Can't wait for the next generation!” “What an amazing new book by an incredible author! The story was sincere and well-paced with adorable dialogue, poignant moments and surprises along the way. I can't get enough of these charming and realistic main characters and eagerly await the next book in this series."
Author Brooke St. James is an author of contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
Giveaway Details: Ends 5/14/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour. Book spotlight and review of award-winning author Irene Hannon's latest inspirational romance, 'Pelican Point'.
-- Wednesday, May 2nd: Book spotlight, snippet, artwork feature, and giveaway for a new children's activity book from Cedar Fort, Inc., 'Wizard's Workshop'. Event hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, May 4th: Book Blast with $50 giveaway for a new clean romance, 'Scarlet'. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.
# # # # #
April 22, 2018
~ MMGM RETRO FICTION TRIXIE BELDEN ~
~ Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday
Retro Fiction Feature ~
-- 'TRIXIE BELDEN: THE SECRET OF THE MANSION'
BY AUTHOR JULIE CAMPBELL --
BOOK SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}: Trixie’s summer is going to be sooo boring with her two older brothers away at camp. But then a millionaire’s daughter moves into the next-door mansion, an old miser hides a fortune in his decrepit house, and a runaway kid starts hiding out in Sleepyside!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Julie Campbell was born on the 1st of June 1908 in Flushing, New York and shares the same birthday as her character, Mart Belden. As the daughter of an Army Officer, she travelled widely during her childhood and, at the age of eight, won her first short story contest while living in Hawaii.
Campbell married Charles Tatham Jr. on the 30th March 1933 and they worked together on many magazine stories and articles. Campbell lived in a remodelled farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley with her husband and two sons when she began writing the Trixie Belden series.
She had her own literary agency in the 1940s when Western Publishing invited literary agents to find authors who could produce mystery and adventure books that would be marketed to children at an affordable price. Campbell proposed four series, two that would be written by herself and the others by two of her authors Hal Burton and John Henry Cutler.
Both series were published under her maiden name, Julie Campbell. The Ginny Gordon series consisted of five books published between 1948 and 1956, while her contribution to the Trixie Belden series consisted of six books between 1948 and 1958. At the same time, Campbell stepped in to take over the Cherry Ames and Vicki Barr series and wrote twelve books in total for these series over the same time period. It is believed that Campbell wrote Cherry Ames, Cruise Nurse in three weeks during the same period she was also writing the first Trixie Belden and Ginny Gordon books.
Campbell wrote the series under her married name of Julie Tatham. There are several similarities to the Trixie Belden series. Cherry Ames: Dude Ranch Nurse is set in Tucson, Arizona which is the setting of Campbell's last Trixie Belden Mystery. The last Cherry Ames book Campbell wrote in 1955, Cherry Ames: Country Doctor's Nurse, is set in Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson, the setting of the Trixie Belden mysteries. So is a wonderful book called To Nick from Jan, which has many similarities to Trixie Belden except the main character is almost 17 years old.
She is also credited for writing "Rin Tin Tin's Rinty" for Whitman in 1954, but in an article Campbell denied having written that book and wonders why Whitman credited her with the title.
The Trixie Belden series was set in "Sleepyside" but was based on the town Campbell was living in at the time in the Hudson River Valley near Ossining. Her home, "Wolf Hollow", was the model for Crabapple Farm and Campbell actually lived on Glendale Road.
After completing Trixie Belden and the Mystery in Arizona, Campbell decided to stop. Her experience as a literary agent assisted her in negotiating a royalty on the next six books of the series as she owned the characters, but it meant her giving up the originator rights to this series. Western Publishing decided to continue the books under the pseudonym Kathryn Kenny. Campbell also relinquished the Cherry Ames and Vicki Barr series when Helen Wells decided to return to writing them. The Ginny Gordon series was not continued.
There is evidence that Campbell sought a writing position with the Stratemeyer Syndicate in 1957. Timothy P. O'Herin spent an afternoon going through the Stratemeyer archives and found correspondence between Campbell and Harriet Adams, the daughter of Edward Stratemeyer.
"The letters occurred around 1957 and they consisted of Ms. Tatham seeking a writing position with the syndicate. Mrs. Adams responded with glowing praise for her work, but questioning whether Julie would want to relocate for the job. Julie indicated she would be willing to commute. There were only a few letters in this brief correspondence..."
MY REVIEW:
I read some of the Trixie Belden books when I was in elementary school and just loved them! An older cousin of mine gave me a well-worn copy of 'Trixie Belden and the Gatehouse Mystery' when I was probably around ten years old. I read and reread that book until the binding literally broke and the pages began to fall out.
Our local public library purchased the first three books in this series last year, so I wanted to give them a try as an adult reader. I wasn't disappointed.
This book was originally published in 1948 and was rereleased in this format in 2003. This installment is the first book in the series and introduces the setting, core characters, and Trixie's adventurous personality well.
The adventures she and her new next-door neighbor, Honey, enjoy are fast-paced, fun, and a little dangerous at some points. Trixie is strong-willed and high-spirited to be certain, but I did not feel she was a poor role model for young readers. Instead, I felt as if her spunk and sense of fun would encourage youngsters to play outside and make their own fun as we used to say.
***NOTE: Since this book was written seventy years ago, please be aware that some vocabulary usage and socially-accepted behavior and parenting techniques documented in the text are very different than those accepted and practiced in the twenty-first century.
The educator in me liked the way the author teaches first aid and fire safety and such life skill techniques throughout the plot. This is a fun adventure that leaves the reader wanting to read more of Trixie's and Honey's pursuits.-----------------------------
I borrowed this book from our local public library.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour. Book spotlight and review of award-winning author Irene Hannon's latest inspirational romance, 'Pelican Point'. -- Wednesday, May 2nd: Book spotlight, snippet, artwork feature, and giveaway for a new children's activity book from Cedar Fort, Inc., 'Wizard's Workshop'. Event hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, May 4th: Book Blast with $50 giveaway for a new clean romance, 'Scarlet'. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.# # # # #
Retro Fiction Feature ~
-- 'TRIXIE BELDEN: THE SECRET OF THE MANSION'
BY AUTHOR JULIE CAMPBELL --
BOOK SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}: Trixie’s summer is going to be sooo boring with her two older brothers away at camp. But then a millionaire’s daughter moves into the next-door mansion, an old miser hides a fortune in his decrepit house, and a runaway kid starts hiding out in Sleepyside!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Julie Campbell was born on the 1st of June 1908 in Flushing, New York and shares the same birthday as her character, Mart Belden. As the daughter of an Army Officer, she travelled widely during her childhood and, at the age of eight, won her first short story contest while living in Hawaii.
Campbell married Charles Tatham Jr. on the 30th March 1933 and they worked together on many magazine stories and articles. Campbell lived in a remodelled farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley with her husband and two sons when she began writing the Trixie Belden series.
She had her own literary agency in the 1940s when Western Publishing invited literary agents to find authors who could produce mystery and adventure books that would be marketed to children at an affordable price. Campbell proposed four series, two that would be written by herself and the others by two of her authors Hal Burton and John Henry Cutler.
Both series were published under her maiden name, Julie Campbell. The Ginny Gordon series consisted of five books published between 1948 and 1956, while her contribution to the Trixie Belden series consisted of six books between 1948 and 1958. At the same time, Campbell stepped in to take over the Cherry Ames and Vicki Barr series and wrote twelve books in total for these series over the same time period. It is believed that Campbell wrote Cherry Ames, Cruise Nurse in three weeks during the same period she was also writing the first Trixie Belden and Ginny Gordon books.
Campbell wrote the series under her married name of Julie Tatham. There are several similarities to the Trixie Belden series. Cherry Ames: Dude Ranch Nurse is set in Tucson, Arizona which is the setting of Campbell's last Trixie Belden Mystery. The last Cherry Ames book Campbell wrote in 1955, Cherry Ames: Country Doctor's Nurse, is set in Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson, the setting of the Trixie Belden mysteries. So is a wonderful book called To Nick from Jan, which has many similarities to Trixie Belden except the main character is almost 17 years old.
She is also credited for writing "Rin Tin Tin's Rinty" for Whitman in 1954, but in an article Campbell denied having written that book and wonders why Whitman credited her with the title.
The Trixie Belden series was set in "Sleepyside" but was based on the town Campbell was living in at the time in the Hudson River Valley near Ossining. Her home, "Wolf Hollow", was the model for Crabapple Farm and Campbell actually lived on Glendale Road.
After completing Trixie Belden and the Mystery in Arizona, Campbell decided to stop. Her experience as a literary agent assisted her in negotiating a royalty on the next six books of the series as she owned the characters, but it meant her giving up the originator rights to this series. Western Publishing decided to continue the books under the pseudonym Kathryn Kenny. Campbell also relinquished the Cherry Ames and Vicki Barr series when Helen Wells decided to return to writing them. The Ginny Gordon series was not continued.
There is evidence that Campbell sought a writing position with the Stratemeyer Syndicate in 1957. Timothy P. O'Herin spent an afternoon going through the Stratemeyer archives and found correspondence between Campbell and Harriet Adams, the daughter of Edward Stratemeyer.
"The letters occurred around 1957 and they consisted of Ms. Tatham seeking a writing position with the syndicate. Mrs. Adams responded with glowing praise for her work, but questioning whether Julie would want to relocate for the job. Julie indicated she would be willing to commute. There were only a few letters in this brief correspondence..."
MY REVIEW:
I read some of the Trixie Belden books when I was in elementary school and just loved them! An older cousin of mine gave me a well-worn copy of 'Trixie Belden and the Gatehouse Mystery' when I was probably around ten years old. I read and reread that book until the binding literally broke and the pages began to fall out.
Our local public library purchased the first three books in this series last year, so I wanted to give them a try as an adult reader. I wasn't disappointed.
This book was originally published in 1948 and was rereleased in this format in 2003. This installment is the first book in the series and introduces the setting, core characters, and Trixie's adventurous personality well.
The adventures she and her new next-door neighbor, Honey, enjoy are fast-paced, fun, and a little dangerous at some points. Trixie is strong-willed and high-spirited to be certain, but I did not feel she was a poor role model for young readers. Instead, I felt as if her spunk and sense of fun would encourage youngsters to play outside and make their own fun as we used to say.
***NOTE: Since this book was written seventy years ago, please be aware that some vocabulary usage and socially-accepted behavior and parenting techniques documented in the text are very different than those accepted and practiced in the twenty-first century.
The educator in me liked the way the author teaches first aid and fire safety and such life skill techniques throughout the plot. This is a fun adventure that leaves the reader wanting to read more of Trixie's and Honey's pursuits.-----------------------------
I borrowed this book from our local public library.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour. Book spotlight and review of award-winning author Irene Hannon's latest inspirational romance, 'Pelican Point'. -- Wednesday, May 2nd: Book spotlight, snippet, artwork feature, and giveaway for a new children's activity book from Cedar Fort, Inc., 'Wizard's Workshop'. Event hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, May 4th: Book Blast with $50 giveaway for a new clean romance, 'Scarlet'. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.# # # # #
April 19, 2018
~ Blog Tour 'The Burnheart Redemption' ~
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~
'THE BURNHEART REDEMPTION'
BY CEDAR FORT AUTHOR CHELSEA CURRAN-- POST INCLUDES: BOOK SPOTLIGHT, SNIPPET, TEN BEHIND-THE-SCENES FACTS &TWO GIVEAWAYS --
About the Book:
Genre: Young Adult, Regency, RomancePublisher: Cedar FortPublication date: April 10, 2018
Sixteen-year-old Adam Garrow ran away when he learned the truth about his father and his inheritance. After six long years away from his family’s estate, Adam returns to make amends with his parents and help his brother, Phillip, grow into his role as head of the estate. Before he even makes it to the door, a chance meeting with one Solana Rosenlund–his intend from before his self-imposed exile-sparks a fire in his heart that will not be quenched. But before they truly get a chance to explore their feelings for each other, Adam is devastated when ahead injury results in Solana forgetting that they had ever met.
Things only get worse when Phillip’s business venture to Morocco is commandeered by pirates. Adam and his friend Ian O’Connor leave England to rescue Phillip, and in doing so discover a sinister plot that threatens the Garrow estate and all those they left at home. Through conspiracy, sabotage, and kidnapping, can all three men survive what fate has thrown at them and find their way back to the women they love?
GOODREADS | AMAZONAbout the Author:
Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates (now best friends) introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. And no matter how old she gets, that will never change.
Countless authors have inspired to her to write stories for those who seek the same ideas that brought her comfort, joy and hope for the future. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
Behind the Scenes Facts About the Book:
1. I started writing “The Burnheart Redemption” at nineteen years old. It became the first book I ever completed, and tried to publish.
2. The story took me six years to write, mainly because my writing skills were still developing, and I knew very little about romance. Growing up a little, I gained more perspective and wrote a much better version of the story that I’m proud of.
3. My main character, Adam Garrow, is based on a very real man I had a huge crush on at the time. But after six years, all three of my leading men have taken on traits of chivalrous men I’ve met throughout the years, and the book is mostly dedicated to them.
4. The story is based on a short story I wrote for my friends in college as we were all in love with pure romance novels. They also inspired characters in the book.
5. While editing the manuscript, I asked my attractive guy friends to dress as my characters and act out a few of the scenes. They even let me take their photos and publish them on my site. But this helped tremendously in better describing scenes that needed more visual detail.
6. I chose my romantic settings to be an apple orchard because it was where I always pictured my first kiss to be growing. Turns out my first kiss never came close to it, but still fun to write about.
7. When I first decided to give Ian O’Connor Irish origins, it had to do with my friend insisting I’d find a tall, dark and handsome man with an Irish accent to sweep me off my feet. So if not in real life, definitely vicariously through my imagination.
8. Solana Rosenlund is the leading heroine of the story, who has a younger sister name Faye. Though she’s a side character, she’s who I can identify with the most. Whereas Solana is who I’d wish more to be like as far as spirit and bravery goes.
9. Fun fact: The guy who dressed as Adam and took picture for the character profile on my website, I was actually dating at the time. During the editing process, a day before the submission deadline, I was no where near finished and stressed out of my mind. In my moment of need, he heroically rush over with a chocolate smoothie. After a much need hug and swoon-worthy kiss, I was inspired enough to crank out twenty more pages and hit “submit” just in time. Definitely one of my fondest memories.
Snippet:Slowly, her senses began to disappear one by one. First, her sight. Then sound, and then feeling. Though the taste of smoke lingered on her tongue, all she could comprehend was the sound of cries in the distance.
Then she felt two strong arms carry her away from the nightmare she fell into. She was weightless and at peace. Then all at once, her breath returned.
Her senses followed too quickly, but what stood out the most was pain. She opened her eyes and was not surprised at all to see who rescued her.
“Thank the Lord,” Adam said, pulling her tightly against his chest.
She gasped for air again, and he helped her to lean forward, relieving some of the pressure off her lungs.
“Adam!” a voice called. His brown eyes moved from hers to the distance. Then, gently, he laid her back down, pulling himself up.
“Don’t leave me,” she said, her voice hoarse and barely a whisper.
He hesitated, returning to his knees. Although her vision was dimmed, she could still make out the relieved look in his eyes.
He pulled her up so she rested against his side. Taking a deep breath, despite the smoke, she could smell the tangy citrus of oranges on his clothes. It was comforting. It smelled like home during the springtime.
“Adam!” someone screamed again, more desperately this time.
“We’re here!” he called back.
The sky was getting darker by the minute from the black stacks of smoke in the air.
The firelight’s glow became more prominent and cast a silhouette on a figure that hurried into view.
“She’s alive,” Adam said.
The other voiced cursed. “What happened to you?” She was also waiting for an explanation, but he ignored the question.
“We need to get her out of here, Phillip” he said.
She felt him shift his arms underneath her shoulders and legs.
“Wait,” Phillip said.
“We can’t wait! Now please help me.”
“Your hand, Adam! You’re burned.”
“I’m fine,” he said, but the coughing fit that followed contradicted what he said.
“She needs to be attended to first.”
“I will take her. Get to the stream and cool your skin.”
Without answering, Adam struggled to his feet with her still in his arms. She heard him grunt as her weight was transferred into another set of arms.
“Make sure she’s safe,” he ordered.
Those were the last words Solana heard until her senses dulled into dim voices and rough movements. Eventually it grew more difficult to separate reality from her dreams. And through all the fog, she attempted to hold onto the vision of the strange man holding the torch. She tried her best to hold onto it, fighting to stay conscious so she could tell someone what she saw. But like the rest of the world, the vision had slipped away, and she finally closed her eyes in blissful sleep.
Two Giveaways:
Tour Wide Giveaway
Enter the giveaway HERE********** Blog Stop Giveaway 
Instructions for blog stop giveaway:Comment on this blog for a chance to win an e-copy of The Burnheart Redemption.********** Tour ScheduleApril 16-Reading Is My SuperPower | Bookworm Lisa
April 17-Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations | Faery Tales Are Real
April 18-Singing Librarian Books | Remembrancy
April 19-Heidi Reads… | Locks, Hooks and Books
April 20-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic | Red Headed Book Lady
April 21-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette’s Papers
--TO READ MY POST ON CHELSEA'S FIRST BOOK FROM EARLIER THIS SPRING, CLICK OVER TO:
BOOK SPOTLIGHT & EXCERPT FOR 'UNSEEN ROAD TO LOVE'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, April 23rd: We're going retro on the blog for our Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday this week! I'll be featuring a book originally published seventy years ago, 'The Secret of the Mansion'. This is the first book in the Trixie Belden series. Book spotlight and review.
-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour. Book spotlight and review of award-winning author Irene Hannon's latest inspirational romance, 'Pelican Point'.
-- Wednesday, May 2nd: Book spotlight, snippet, artwork feature, and giveaway for a new children's activity book from Cedar Fort, Inc., 'Wizard's Workshop'. Event hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, May 4th: Book Blast with $50 giveaway for a new clean romance, 'Scarlet'. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.# # # # #
About the Book:Genre: Young Adult, Regency, RomancePublisher: Cedar FortPublication date: April 10, 2018
Sixteen-year-old Adam Garrow ran away when he learned the truth about his father and his inheritance. After six long years away from his family’s estate, Adam returns to make amends with his parents and help his brother, Phillip, grow into his role as head of the estate. Before he even makes it to the door, a chance meeting with one Solana Rosenlund–his intend from before his self-imposed exile-sparks a fire in his heart that will not be quenched. But before they truly get a chance to explore their feelings for each other, Adam is devastated when ahead injury results in Solana forgetting that they had ever met.
Things only get worse when Phillip’s business venture to Morocco is commandeered by pirates. Adam and his friend Ian O’Connor leave England to rescue Phillip, and in doing so discover a sinister plot that threatens the Garrow estate and all those they left at home. Through conspiracy, sabotage, and kidnapping, can all three men survive what fate has thrown at them and find their way back to the women they love?
GOODREADS | AMAZONAbout the Author:
Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates (now best friends) introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. And no matter how old she gets, that will never change.
Countless authors have inspired to her to write stories for those who seek the same ideas that brought her comfort, joy and hope for the future. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
Behind the Scenes Facts About the Book:
1. I started writing “The Burnheart Redemption” at nineteen years old. It became the first book I ever completed, and tried to publish.
2. The story took me six years to write, mainly because my writing skills were still developing, and I knew very little about romance. Growing up a little, I gained more perspective and wrote a much better version of the story that I’m proud of.
3. My main character, Adam Garrow, is based on a very real man I had a huge crush on at the time. But after six years, all three of my leading men have taken on traits of chivalrous men I’ve met throughout the years, and the book is mostly dedicated to them.
4. The story is based on a short story I wrote for my friends in college as we were all in love with pure romance novels. They also inspired characters in the book.
5. While editing the manuscript, I asked my attractive guy friends to dress as my characters and act out a few of the scenes. They even let me take their photos and publish them on my site. But this helped tremendously in better describing scenes that needed more visual detail.
6. I chose my romantic settings to be an apple orchard because it was where I always pictured my first kiss to be growing. Turns out my first kiss never came close to it, but still fun to write about.
7. When I first decided to give Ian O’Connor Irish origins, it had to do with my friend insisting I’d find a tall, dark and handsome man with an Irish accent to sweep me off my feet. So if not in real life, definitely vicariously through my imagination.
8. Solana Rosenlund is the leading heroine of the story, who has a younger sister name Faye. Though she’s a side character, she’s who I can identify with the most. Whereas Solana is who I’d wish more to be like as far as spirit and bravery goes.
9. Fun fact: The guy who dressed as Adam and took picture for the character profile on my website, I was actually dating at the time. During the editing process, a day before the submission deadline, I was no where near finished and stressed out of my mind. In my moment of need, he heroically rush over with a chocolate smoothie. After a much need hug and swoon-worthy kiss, I was inspired enough to crank out twenty more pages and hit “submit” just in time. Definitely one of my fondest memories.
Snippet:Slowly, her senses began to disappear one by one. First, her sight. Then sound, and then feeling. Though the taste of smoke lingered on her tongue, all she could comprehend was the sound of cries in the distance.
Then she felt two strong arms carry her away from the nightmare she fell into. She was weightless and at peace. Then all at once, her breath returned.
Her senses followed too quickly, but what stood out the most was pain. She opened her eyes and was not surprised at all to see who rescued her.
“Thank the Lord,” Adam said, pulling her tightly against his chest.
She gasped for air again, and he helped her to lean forward, relieving some of the pressure off her lungs.
“Adam!” a voice called. His brown eyes moved from hers to the distance. Then, gently, he laid her back down, pulling himself up.
“Don’t leave me,” she said, her voice hoarse and barely a whisper.
He hesitated, returning to his knees. Although her vision was dimmed, she could still make out the relieved look in his eyes.
He pulled her up so she rested against his side. Taking a deep breath, despite the smoke, she could smell the tangy citrus of oranges on his clothes. It was comforting. It smelled like home during the springtime.
“Adam!” someone screamed again, more desperately this time.
“We’re here!” he called back.
The sky was getting darker by the minute from the black stacks of smoke in the air.
The firelight’s glow became more prominent and cast a silhouette on a figure that hurried into view.
“She’s alive,” Adam said.
The other voiced cursed. “What happened to you?” She was also waiting for an explanation, but he ignored the question.
“We need to get her out of here, Phillip” he said.
She felt him shift his arms underneath her shoulders and legs.
“Wait,” Phillip said.
“We can’t wait! Now please help me.”
“Your hand, Adam! You’re burned.”
“I’m fine,” he said, but the coughing fit that followed contradicted what he said.
“She needs to be attended to first.”
“I will take her. Get to the stream and cool your skin.”
Without answering, Adam struggled to his feet with her still in his arms. She heard him grunt as her weight was transferred into another set of arms.
“Make sure she’s safe,” he ordered.
Those were the last words Solana heard until her senses dulled into dim voices and rough movements. Eventually it grew more difficult to separate reality from her dreams. And through all the fog, she attempted to hold onto the vision of the strange man holding the torch. She tried her best to hold onto it, fighting to stay conscious so she could tell someone what she saw. But like the rest of the world, the vision had slipped away, and she finally closed her eyes in blissful sleep.
Two Giveaways:
Tour Wide Giveaway
Enter the giveaway HERE********** Blog Stop Giveaway Instructions for blog stop giveaway:Comment on this blog for a chance to win an e-copy of The Burnheart Redemption.********** Tour ScheduleApril 16-Reading Is My SuperPower | Bookworm Lisa
April 17-Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations | Faery Tales Are Real
April 18-Singing Librarian Books | Remembrancy
April 19-Heidi Reads… | Locks, Hooks and Books
April 20-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic | Red Headed Book Lady
April 21-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette’s Papers
--TO READ MY POST ON CHELSEA'S FIRST BOOK FROM EARLIER THIS SPRING, CLICK OVER TO:
BOOK SPOTLIGHT & EXCERPT FOR 'UNSEEN ROAD TO LOVE'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, April 23rd: We're going retro on the blog for our Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday this week! I'll be featuring a book originally published seventy years ago, 'The Secret of the Mansion'. This is the first book in the Trixie Belden series. Book spotlight and review.
-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour. Book spotlight and review of award-winning author Irene Hannon's latest inspirational romance, 'Pelican Point'.
-- Wednesday, May 2nd: Book spotlight, snippet, artwork feature, and giveaway for a new children's activity book from Cedar Fort, Inc., 'Wizard's Workshop'. Event hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, May 4th: Book Blast with $50 giveaway for a new clean romance, 'Scarlet'. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.# # # # #
April 18, 2018
~ Whitcomb Springs Trio April Blast ~
~ 'WHITCOMB SPRINGS' TRIOBOOK BLAST ~
-- INCLUDES BOOK SPOTLIGHTS,
EXCERPTS & GIVEAWAYS --
For a complete listing of all currently available and upcoming Whitcomb Springs stories, visit http://www.mkmcclintock.com/whitcomb-springs-series.
'RETRIBUTION ROAD' BY CHRISTI CORBETT Montana Territory, 1867 Graham Patterson, an accomplished veterinarian, is leaving Seattle and heading east to start a new life for himself. Opportunities abound for men who understand how to make the land work for them, rather than work the land. But after he overhears two scoundrels plotting to take advantage of a lonely spinster, his well-laid plans go awry. Willow Bennet lives just outside the town of Whitcomb Springs with only her beloved dog to keep her company. It’s a predictable life, until late one night when she foils an attack and her dog is wounded as revenge. Can she trust the mysterious stranger who insists he can help?
EXCERPT FROM 'RETRIBUTION ROAD' -- Chapter One Friday, November 1, 1867 GRAHAM HID IN the shadows, his hand resting on his pistol while he considered the rising flames. Normally he’d take a wide path around a stranger’s camp, but the glowing coals promised warmth and the pot the two men had hanging over the fire smelled of beans. Eating nothing for three days made a man consider a lot of things. Even worse, he was lost. In Seattle, taking a wrong turn had meant simply backtracking or trying another street. Deep within the wooded and ankle-busting terrain of Montana Territory, it meant he could die. His stomach growled again, and he took another swig of icy water from his canteen to quiet the rumbling. Graham’s numb fingers fumbled with the metal cap and a clang broke the silence. The younger man leapt to his feet. “Pa, did you hear something?” The older man rose and swung a Henry rifle into firing position. “Who’s out there?” he demanded, his voice raspy from years of hard liquor and harder living. Graham sighed. Unless he wanted to start a fight with strangers, he’d best answer. “No need to get riled up. I’m just passing through.” “You alone?” shouted the younger man, planting his legs wide while shucking off his coat. “Yes,” Graham replied, his fingers lowering to test the knot securing his holster to his leg. They exchanged whispers, then the older man called out, “You cold?” “Yes.” Graham grimaced. Late fall out here was a lot colder than his brother’s letters had led him to believe. The frigid winds seemed to blow right through his clothes—a blanket-lined coat, flannel shirt, wool pants, long socks, and high boots—and settle deep in his bones. He’d been cold for the past month. “Better come in then. Keep your hands where we can see them.”
'FORSAKEN TRAIL' BY MK MCCLINTOCK Montana Territory, 1865 Cooper McCord enjoyed a solitary life. When he first showed Daniel and Evelyn Whitcomb the beautiful mountain valley in Montana, he didn’t expect to stay. After the War Between the States began, Cooper remained close and helped build the town, not realizing he was building a home for himself. When an unexpected arrival to Whitcomb Springs makes him question his reclusive life, will Cooper retreat to his wilderness or allow himself to take a chance and risk happiness?
EXCERPT FROM 'FORSAKEN TRAIL'
Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory May 30, 1865 SHE NEVER imagined dying at the hands—or paws—of a bear. Either she’d end up dead like the poor driver she hired in Bozeman or find a way to escape unscathed. Considering the layers of skirts and petticoats she wore, Abigail wasn’t going to bet on her ability to outrun the great animal. She remained still in the low branches of a tree. Unable to climb higher unless she removed her skirts, Abigail controlled her breathing so as not to alert the animal. The past few years of her life had been in pursuit of an education. Her work in the war relief had kept her busy for four long years, but she found time in the evening hours to consume knowledge. The more she learned, the more she wanted to know. Abigail read most of the leather-bound volumes of work in her family’s library, from philosophy to geography to history, and everything in between. Unfortunately, not a single text had explained what to do when confronted by five hundred pounds of bear. Magnificent though the animal was, Abigail didn’t want to become dinner. Poor Mr. Tuttle had fallen from the wagon and broken his neck when the horses spooked and ran off. She’d been unable to drag him away, let alone pull him up a tree. Even now, she watched as the massive brown bear sniffed around the body. She dispelled a deep breath when she realized it wasn’t going to eat Mr. Tuttle. It looked around instead, smelling the air. Abigail swore it stared directly at her. Too late, she recalled that bears climb trees. Her first thought had been to escape, and unable to outrun the creature, she went up. She calculated if the bear stood on its back legs, it could reach the low-hanging branches where she hid and knock her from the tree with one swipe. She grabbed the nearest branch above her head and pulled herself up. Abigail ignored the loud rip in her skirt and the sudden gush of cool air that hit her legs and climbed higher. Two more branches put her out of swiping distance. The grizzly sauntered toward her and stood, staring and studying. She imagined it thinking of all the ways it could rip her apart and savor her like a delicious meal. The stays on her corset would be no match for those great claws, and the teeth . . . Abigail shuddered and reminded herself that most living creatures weren’t vicious by nature. Abigail knew the animal was aware of her location. It landed back on all fours and approached the base of the tree. The heavy breathing and snorting filled the silence.
'TRACKING AMY' BY SAMANTHA ST. CLAIRE Riley Buchanan knew he’d been in the mining camps too long when he mistook the pretty Amy Sutton for a boy. Why she kept her gender disguised puzzled Riley. Curiosity put him on her trail. Destiny placed him in her life. Would Riley become the missing piece to the puzzle that was Amy?
EXCERPT FROM 'TRACKING AMY'
WITH A SATISFYING “clunk,” the can flew up from the fence rail. Amy lowered the carbine and turned to smile at her daughter. “I think we may yet have some venison on the table.” Rose grinned at her mother and asked, “Do you want me to set them up again?” “No, I think that’s enough practice. Tomorrow, I’ll head back and see if I can find the deer I wounded. I’ll try find him before some cat or bear tracks him down.” “Can I come this time?” Amy looked down into her daughter’s imploring eyes. “Rose, you know the livestock need someone to care for them.” Rose’s face fell into a sullen pout. “I’m a good shot, too.” With a finger, Amy lifted her daughter’s chin and waited for Rose to meet her gaze. “I know you are, even better than me. But until we can hire another hand to help us, we are all we have—you and me. Besides, when you are older, I’ll send you out hunting. Agreed?” Her countenance lifting, Rose nodded. “Agreed.”
-- $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway-- Ends 4/30/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
-- Monday, April 23rd: We're going retro for the Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post this week! Book Spotlight and Review of the first 'Trixie Beldon' Mystery book published 70 years ago this year!
-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour for award-winning author Irene Hannon's newest inspirational romance release, 'Pelican Point'. Spotlight and review.# # # # #
-- INCLUDES BOOK SPOTLIGHTS,
EXCERPTS & GIVEAWAYS --
For a complete listing of all currently available and upcoming Whitcomb Springs stories, visit http://www.mkmcclintock.com/whitcomb-springs-series.
'RETRIBUTION ROAD' BY CHRISTI CORBETT Montana Territory, 1867 Graham Patterson, an accomplished veterinarian, is leaving Seattle and heading east to start a new life for himself. Opportunities abound for men who understand how to make the land work for them, rather than work the land. But after he overhears two scoundrels plotting to take advantage of a lonely spinster, his well-laid plans go awry. Willow Bennet lives just outside the town of Whitcomb Springs with only her beloved dog to keep her company. It’s a predictable life, until late one night when she foils an attack and her dog is wounded as revenge. Can she trust the mysterious stranger who insists he can help?
EXCERPT FROM 'RETRIBUTION ROAD' -- Chapter One Friday, November 1, 1867 GRAHAM HID IN the shadows, his hand resting on his pistol while he considered the rising flames. Normally he’d take a wide path around a stranger’s camp, but the glowing coals promised warmth and the pot the two men had hanging over the fire smelled of beans. Eating nothing for three days made a man consider a lot of things. Even worse, he was lost. In Seattle, taking a wrong turn had meant simply backtracking or trying another street. Deep within the wooded and ankle-busting terrain of Montana Territory, it meant he could die. His stomach growled again, and he took another swig of icy water from his canteen to quiet the rumbling. Graham’s numb fingers fumbled with the metal cap and a clang broke the silence. The younger man leapt to his feet. “Pa, did you hear something?” The older man rose and swung a Henry rifle into firing position. “Who’s out there?” he demanded, his voice raspy from years of hard liquor and harder living. Graham sighed. Unless he wanted to start a fight with strangers, he’d best answer. “No need to get riled up. I’m just passing through.” “You alone?” shouted the younger man, planting his legs wide while shucking off his coat. “Yes,” Graham replied, his fingers lowering to test the knot securing his holster to his leg. They exchanged whispers, then the older man called out, “You cold?” “Yes.” Graham grimaced. Late fall out here was a lot colder than his brother’s letters had led him to believe. The frigid winds seemed to blow right through his clothes—a blanket-lined coat, flannel shirt, wool pants, long socks, and high boots—and settle deep in his bones. He’d been cold for the past month. “Better come in then. Keep your hands where we can see them.”
'FORSAKEN TRAIL' BY MK MCCLINTOCK Montana Territory, 1865 Cooper McCord enjoyed a solitary life. When he first showed Daniel and Evelyn Whitcomb the beautiful mountain valley in Montana, he didn’t expect to stay. After the War Between the States began, Cooper remained close and helped build the town, not realizing he was building a home for himself. When an unexpected arrival to Whitcomb Springs makes him question his reclusive life, will Cooper retreat to his wilderness or allow himself to take a chance and risk happiness?
EXCERPT FROM 'FORSAKEN TRAIL'
Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory May 30, 1865 SHE NEVER imagined dying at the hands—or paws—of a bear. Either she’d end up dead like the poor driver she hired in Bozeman or find a way to escape unscathed. Considering the layers of skirts and petticoats she wore, Abigail wasn’t going to bet on her ability to outrun the great animal. She remained still in the low branches of a tree. Unable to climb higher unless she removed her skirts, Abigail controlled her breathing so as not to alert the animal. The past few years of her life had been in pursuit of an education. Her work in the war relief had kept her busy for four long years, but she found time in the evening hours to consume knowledge. The more she learned, the more she wanted to know. Abigail read most of the leather-bound volumes of work in her family’s library, from philosophy to geography to history, and everything in between. Unfortunately, not a single text had explained what to do when confronted by five hundred pounds of bear. Magnificent though the animal was, Abigail didn’t want to become dinner. Poor Mr. Tuttle had fallen from the wagon and broken his neck when the horses spooked and ran off. She’d been unable to drag him away, let alone pull him up a tree. Even now, she watched as the massive brown bear sniffed around the body. She dispelled a deep breath when she realized it wasn’t going to eat Mr. Tuttle. It looked around instead, smelling the air. Abigail swore it stared directly at her. Too late, she recalled that bears climb trees. Her first thought had been to escape, and unable to outrun the creature, she went up. She calculated if the bear stood on its back legs, it could reach the low-hanging branches where she hid and knock her from the tree with one swipe. She grabbed the nearest branch above her head and pulled herself up. Abigail ignored the loud rip in her skirt and the sudden gush of cool air that hit her legs and climbed higher. Two more branches put her out of swiping distance. The grizzly sauntered toward her and stood, staring and studying. She imagined it thinking of all the ways it could rip her apart and savor her like a delicious meal. The stays on her corset would be no match for those great claws, and the teeth . . . Abigail shuddered and reminded herself that most living creatures weren’t vicious by nature. Abigail knew the animal was aware of her location. It landed back on all fours and approached the base of the tree. The heavy breathing and snorting filled the silence.
'TRACKING AMY' BY SAMANTHA ST. CLAIRE Riley Buchanan knew he’d been in the mining camps too long when he mistook the pretty Amy Sutton for a boy. Why she kept her gender disguised puzzled Riley. Curiosity put him on her trail. Destiny placed him in her life. Would Riley become the missing piece to the puzzle that was Amy?
EXCERPT FROM 'TRACKING AMY'
WITH A SATISFYING “clunk,” the can flew up from the fence rail. Amy lowered the carbine and turned to smile at her daughter. “I think we may yet have some venison on the table.” Rose grinned at her mother and asked, “Do you want me to set them up again?” “No, I think that’s enough practice. Tomorrow, I’ll head back and see if I can find the deer I wounded. I’ll try find him before some cat or bear tracks him down.” “Can I come this time?” Amy looked down into her daughter’s imploring eyes. “Rose, you know the livestock need someone to care for them.” Rose’s face fell into a sullen pout. “I’m a good shot, too.” With a finger, Amy lifted her daughter’s chin and waited for Rose to meet her gaze. “I know you are, even better than me. But until we can hire another hand to help us, we are all we have—you and me. Besides, when you are older, I’ll send you out hunting. Agreed?” Her countenance lifting, Rose nodded. “Agreed.”
-- $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway-- Ends 4/30/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
-- Monday, April 23rd: We're going retro for the Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post this week! Book Spotlight and Review of the first 'Trixie Beldon' Mystery book published 70 years ago this year!
-- Friday, April 27th: Revell Reads Blog Tour for award-winning author Irene Hannon's newest inspirational romance release, 'Pelican Point'. Spotlight and review.# # # # #
April 17, 2018
~ 'Better With You'
~ BLOG TOUR STOP INCLUDING BOOK SPOTLIGHT,EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY ~-- 'BETTER WITH YOU' --BY AUTHOR RACHEL JOHN
ABOUT THE BOOK: Better with You by Rachel John Paige Parker has no time for romance. She’s too busy building up her house-flipping business. But when a charming guy comes between her and the house she wants, Paige is a little more torn than she expected. For a girl who’s always gone with her firm business sense, she’s not sure how to trust her heart. When it comes to dating, Shaun Randall is not about to get serious with anyone. He has his mother to take care of and enough family secrets to keep him running from any girl who gets too close. Spending time with Paige starts out as a means to get the house he wants, but every time he thinks it’s time to bail, he finds himself drawn in a little more. When is it worth taking a chance on love?
Praise for this book: "I have to say this story was freaking awesome! I breezed through it in an afternoon." "I loved this sweet romance story. The characters were believable and there were some funny moments. I've also read (and loved) the first book in the series, but you could easily read this as a standalone."
EXCERPT: She pulled out her phone, and Shaun rolled his eyes. “Oh, no. You’re one of those.” “I have a lifestyle blog. There’s a lot of curiosity about this place.” She turned the plate and took a few pictures. Then she adjusted the vase of roses next to it and messed with some setting on her phone. Their beautiful food was about to get cold while she let it sit untasted. When she held up her phone to take more pictures, he leaned his head in and opened his mouth, pretending he was about to devour the whole plate. “Ugh, stop.” She picked up an appetizer and shoved it into his open mouth. He would have been shocked, but the amazing flavors took hold and he chewed slowly, savoring it. “Oh wow. That is so good.” He wiped the corner of his mouth where she’d gotten him with blue cheese. “Am I supposed to feed you now? I wouldn’t want you to feel left out. We could link arms and feed each other at the same time. Maybe that waiter over there could take a picture for your blog.” She leaned back, but not before swiping a crostini off the plate. “I can feed myself, thanks.” He watched her nibble it, taking her time. “It’s better if you get it all in one bite, you know, like if someone shoves it in your face without warning.” She shook her head, holding back a grin. “Your mouth was wide open, Shaun. You looked like some poor starved baby bird and instinct took over.” He’d just taken a bite and had to throw a hand over his mouth to keep from spewing it as he laughed. “Those darn mothering instincts.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her understanding husband, four crazy kids, and a desert tortoise. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 4/30/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Blog Tour Schedule
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
ABOUT THE BOOK: Better with You by Rachel John Paige Parker has no time for romance. She’s too busy building up her house-flipping business. But when a charming guy comes between her and the house she wants, Paige is a little more torn than she expected. For a girl who’s always gone with her firm business sense, she’s not sure how to trust her heart. When it comes to dating, Shaun Randall is not about to get serious with anyone. He has his mother to take care of and enough family secrets to keep him running from any girl who gets too close. Spending time with Paige starts out as a means to get the house he wants, but every time he thinks it’s time to bail, he finds himself drawn in a little more. When is it worth taking a chance on love?
Praise for this book: "I have to say this story was freaking awesome! I breezed through it in an afternoon." "I loved this sweet romance story. The characters were believable and there were some funny moments. I've also read (and loved) the first book in the series, but you could easily read this as a standalone."
EXCERPT: She pulled out her phone, and Shaun rolled his eyes. “Oh, no. You’re one of those.” “I have a lifestyle blog. There’s a lot of curiosity about this place.” She turned the plate and took a few pictures. Then she adjusted the vase of roses next to it and messed with some setting on her phone. Their beautiful food was about to get cold while she let it sit untasted. When she held up her phone to take more pictures, he leaned his head in and opened his mouth, pretending he was about to devour the whole plate. “Ugh, stop.” She picked up an appetizer and shoved it into his open mouth. He would have been shocked, but the amazing flavors took hold and he chewed slowly, savoring it. “Oh wow. That is so good.” He wiped the corner of his mouth where she’d gotten him with blue cheese. “Am I supposed to feed you now? I wouldn’t want you to feel left out. We could link arms and feed each other at the same time. Maybe that waiter over there could take a picture for your blog.” She leaned back, but not before swiping a crostini off the plate. “I can feed myself, thanks.” He watched her nibble it, taking her time. “It’s better if you get it all in one bite, you know, like if someone shoves it in your face without warning.” She shook her head, holding back a grin. “Your mouth was wide open, Shaun. You looked like some poor starved baby bird and instinct took over.” He’d just taken a bite and had to throw a hand over his mouth to keep from spewing it as he laughed. “Those darn mothering instincts.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her understanding husband, four crazy kids, and a desert tortoise. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 4/30/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Blog Tour Schedule
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
April 16, 2018
~ 'Julie' Blitz Tour ~
~ BOOK BLITZ FOR 'JULIE' ~BY AUTHOR CATHERINE MARSHALL -- BLITZ INCLUDES SPOTLIGHT,AUTHOR BIO, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY -- 
Title: Julie
Author: Catherine Marshall
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Reissue Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance Fiction
Links*: Goodreads l Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes
*A New York Times bestseller*
-------------------------------
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will the dam hold?
Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could endanger the entire community.
Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.
When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested.
Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?
TO PURCHASE A COPY*
Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.
EXCERPT:
Dean's eyes were studying me. "You have a way with words. What kind of writing do you want to do?"
"Articles for Dad's paper, to start."
"What do you want to write about?"
I paused, suddenly uncertain about how much to share. Dean's eyes were reassuring.
"When I know more, I'd like to write about deeper things."GIVEAWAY:
(1) Winner will win: $25 Amazon Gift Card, Bookmark Swag, Antique Dark Brown Journal (exact or similar & *subject to change)
NOTE: (Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
TOUR SCHEDULE:
JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page
All of a Kind Mom
A Baker's Perspective
Book Reviews by Steph
Maureen's Musings
Locks, Hooks and Books
Coffee Addicted Writer
Quilting Along Life's Way
The Power of Words
Book by Book
Mom 2 Mom Connection
Jami's Words
Moments
Lighthouse Academy
Remembrancy
My Full Cup
Singing Librarian Books
By The Book
Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
Edits and Reviews by Leslie
Cafinated Reads
Tell Tale Book ReviewsJust Commonly
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
Title: Julie Author: Catherine Marshall
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Reissue Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance Fiction
Links*: Goodreads l Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes
*A New York Times bestseller*
-------------------------------
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will the dam hold?
Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could endanger the entire community.
Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.
When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested.
Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?
TO PURCHASE A COPY*
Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.
EXCERPT:
Dean's eyes were studying me. "You have a way with words. What kind of writing do you want to do?"
"Articles for Dad's paper, to start."
"What do you want to write about?"
I paused, suddenly uncertain about how much to share. Dean's eyes were reassuring.
"When I know more, I'd like to write about deeper things."GIVEAWAY:
(1) Winner will win: $25 Amazon Gift Card, Bookmark Swag, Antique Dark Brown Journal (exact or similar & *subject to change)
NOTE: (Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
TOUR SCHEDULE:
JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page
All of a Kind Mom
A Baker's Perspective
Book Reviews by Steph
Maureen's Musings
Locks, Hooks and Books
Coffee Addicted Writer
Quilting Along Life's Way
The Power of Words
Book by Book
Mom 2 Mom Connection
Jami's Words
Moments
Lighthouse Academy
Remembrancy
My Full Cup
Singing Librarian Books
By The Book
Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
Edits and Reviews by Leslie
Cafinated Reads
Tell Tale Book ReviewsJust Commonly
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
April 15, 2018
~ MMGM STEAM Feature Impact: Asteroids ~
~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADEMONDAY S.T.E.A.M. FEATURE ~
-- 'IMPACT! ASTEROIDS AND THE
SCIENCE OF SAVING THE WORLD'
WRITTEN BY: ELIZABETH RUSCHPHOTOS BY: KARIN ANDERSON --
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Asteroids bombard our atmosphere all the time. Some are harmless, burning up in a flash of light. But others explode with a great sonic boom, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. Worst of all, some asteroids strike our planet, blasting out massive craters and destroying everything nearby on impact.
Follow the award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch into the field with scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have smashed into the ground, and make plans to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
ELIZABETH RUSCH is an award-winning book author, magazine writer, editor, writing teacher and speaker. Her wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches her fancy. She is inspired by stories of exploration and discovery, stories that have been overlooked by history, and stories that grapple with persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, she hopes her work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities.
MY REVIEW:
Besides oceanography, my favorite area of science to study when I was a middle-grade student was astronomy. My love for space is what prompted me to pick up this new book from the non-fiction shelves at the local public library.
The photographs and diagrams in this book are awesome! I learned so much about asteroids just by studying the photos and diagrams. They are detailed and colorful, and I felt as if they were a nice size for middle-grade readers.
The author has done a fantastic job of presenting complicated information in a reader-friendly manner. She shares some text from interviews she conducted with a geologist who studies craters and rock formations along with a NASA research scientist who is the curator of space rocks for NASA. There is also a passage about an astronomer who uses computers and high-powered telescopes to identify asteroids traveling through space. I feel this engaging material will be meaningful for young readers.
The enthusiasm these scientists exhibit and the excitement that comes through when they share about their various discoveries is a great example for middle-grade readers, I believe. It shows real-life examples of people who have followed their childhood passions when chosing what to study in college so they could attain work in their 'dream' career. It gives students hope that their future jobs don't have to be filled with drudgery. The individuals in this book are role models for youngsters interested in S.T.E.A.M. careers!
The back matter in the book includes a 'What You Can Do!' section which encourages youngsters to discover and track an asteroid, spot a fireball, and collect meteorites. There is a 'Learn More About Asteroids and Meteorites' section which includes print and online resources. The Glossary, which I wisely reviewed before I began reading the book, is thorough.
There is so much to like about this book! Highly-recommended for S.T.E.A.M. educators, parents/grandparents, middle-grade and higher grade students, and adults like me who enjoy reading about astronomy.
I borrowed a copy of this book from our local public library.
----------------------------------***CURRENT GIVEAWAYS: Don't forget to check out my Current Giveaways Page before you leave the blog! I have a non-fiction gardening book, 'Perennials', just waiting to be claimed by two lucky US e-book winners! So click on over to see what interests you.***
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Asteroids bombard our atmosphere all the time. Some are harmless, burning up in a flash of light. But others explode with a great sonic boom, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. Worst of all, some asteroids strike our planet, blasting out massive craters and destroying everything nearby on impact.
Follow the award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch into the field with scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have smashed into the ground, and make plans to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
ELIZABETH RUSCH is an award-winning book author, magazine writer, editor, writing teacher and speaker. Her wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches her fancy. She is inspired by stories of exploration and discovery, stories that have been overlooked by history, and stories that grapple with persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, she hopes her work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities.
MY REVIEW:
Besides oceanography, my favorite area of science to study when I was a middle-grade student was astronomy. My love for space is what prompted me to pick up this new book from the non-fiction shelves at the local public library.
The photographs and diagrams in this book are awesome! I learned so much about asteroids just by studying the photos and diagrams. They are detailed and colorful, and I felt as if they were a nice size for middle-grade readers.
The author has done a fantastic job of presenting complicated information in a reader-friendly manner. She shares some text from interviews she conducted with a geologist who studies craters and rock formations along with a NASA research scientist who is the curator of space rocks for NASA. There is also a passage about an astronomer who uses computers and high-powered telescopes to identify asteroids traveling through space. I feel this engaging material will be meaningful for young readers.
The enthusiasm these scientists exhibit and the excitement that comes through when they share about their various discoveries is a great example for middle-grade readers, I believe. It shows real-life examples of people who have followed their childhood passions when chosing what to study in college so they could attain work in their 'dream' career. It gives students hope that their future jobs don't have to be filled with drudgery. The individuals in this book are role models for youngsters interested in S.T.E.A.M. careers!
The back matter in the book includes a 'What You Can Do!' section which encourages youngsters to discover and track an asteroid, spot a fireball, and collect meteorites. There is a 'Learn More About Asteroids and Meteorites' section which includes print and online resources. The Glossary, which I wisely reviewed before I began reading the book, is thorough.
There is so much to like about this book! Highly-recommended for S.T.E.A.M. educators, parents/grandparents, middle-grade and higher grade students, and adults like me who enjoy reading about astronomy.
I borrowed a copy of this book from our local public library.
----------------------------------***CURRENT GIVEAWAYS: Don't forget to check out my Current Giveaways Page before you leave the blog! I have a non-fiction gardening book, 'Perennials', just waiting to be claimed by two lucky US e-book winners! So click on over to see what interests you.***
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
April 12, 2018
~ A PLACE CALLED HOPE' SPOTLIGHT & SNIPPET ~
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~
-- 'A PLACE CALLED HOME'
by AUTHOR CATHERINE McGREEVY --
~BLOG TOUR STOP INCLUDESBOOK SPOTLIGHT, SNIPPET,AND TWO GIVEAWAYS~
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Genre: Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: March 13, 2018
Prompted by her mysterious origins, young English heiress Letty Leighton seeks to establish a Utopian community called New Hope. To do this, however, Letty must marry African explorer Patrick Marlowe, an unconventional man who proves as hard to control as the residents of New Hope. Together they must confront an unknown enemy seeking to destroy both of their dreams. This inspirational romance novel belongs on the bookshelf next to books by Anita Stansfield, and Julianne Donaldson.
GOODREADS | AMAZON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine McGreevy
Author of clean, inspirational fiction
The daughter of a foreign-service officer, Catherine McGreevy attended international schools in France, Spain, and Morocco. During her time abroad she learned to appreciate other cultures as well as the ideals that make America special. A true book-worm, she dreamed seeing her own novels on a shelf next to those of her favorite writers, including Mary Stewart and Elizabeth Peters.
After majoring in Communications (Journalism) with a minor in English at Brigham Young University, she later earned her Secondary Education Teaching Credential at Cal State Fullerton, and taught high-school and middle-school English before moving to Northern California.
A history buff, Catherine lives in Northern California’s gold country, where she has been known to don a bonnet and petticoats to re-enact the past with the Sierra Nevada Mormon Pioneers, appearing in parades and at Sutter’s Fort and the Gold Discovery site in Coloma.
Her first historical novel, Chance’s Bluff, was released by Cedar Fort Publishing in January, 2018. A Place Called New Hope followed in March.
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOG
SNIPPET:
“Ye’ve found it then.” The deep, cracked voice made her jump. Letty twirled, clutching the locket closer. Henry chuckled. “Just now, ye looked as she did. Desperately crawlin’ on your hands through the reeds, as if everything depended on it. But ye’re the one who found it, while the other lass went home empty handed. But that be the way of things, ain’t it? Nothin’s fair, not in this life nor the next.” “She?” “One of yer new ones, there, what ye brought here.” He nodded his grizzled head toward New Hope. “The lively one with the red hair. Her gentleman friend did give the trinket to her, and no sooner had he left than she took it off to look at it and dropped it in the reeds. Careless of her.” Henry seemed to read Letty’s thoughts, as if her face was registering every emotion. “Yes, I saw them in this very spot, many a time, her and her fellow, but never did they know it. I’ve been watching you these ten minutes past, nor did you ever know it neither. Not till I wanted you to.”
BLOG STOP GIVEAWAY:
Post a comment on this blog answering the following question:
--Have things improved for the poor in the past 150 years? In what ways?
GRAND PRIZE - BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Genre: Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: March 13, 2018
Prompted by her mysterious origins, young English heiress Letty Leighton seeks to establish a Utopian community called New Hope. To do this, however, Letty must marry African explorer Patrick Marlowe, an unconventional man who proves as hard to control as the residents of New Hope. Together they must confront an unknown enemy seeking to destroy both of their dreams. This inspirational romance novel belongs on the bookshelf next to books by Anita Stansfield, and Julianne Donaldson.
GOODREADS | AMAZON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine McGreevy
Author of clean, inspirational fiction
The daughter of a foreign-service officer, Catherine McGreevy attended international schools in France, Spain, and Morocco. During her time abroad she learned to appreciate other cultures as well as the ideals that make America special. A true book-worm, she dreamed seeing her own novels on a shelf next to those of her favorite writers, including Mary Stewart and Elizabeth Peters.
After majoring in Communications (Journalism) with a minor in English at Brigham Young University, she later earned her Secondary Education Teaching Credential at Cal State Fullerton, and taught high-school and middle-school English before moving to Northern California.
A history buff, Catherine lives in Northern California’s gold country, where she has been known to don a bonnet and petticoats to re-enact the past with the Sierra Nevada Mormon Pioneers, appearing in parades and at Sutter’s Fort and the Gold Discovery site in Coloma.
Her first historical novel, Chance’s Bluff, was released by Cedar Fort Publishing in January, 2018. A Place Called New Hope followed in March.
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOG
SNIPPET:
“Ye’ve found it then.” The deep, cracked voice made her jump. Letty twirled, clutching the locket closer. Henry chuckled. “Just now, ye looked as she did. Desperately crawlin’ on your hands through the reeds, as if everything depended on it. But ye’re the one who found it, while the other lass went home empty handed. But that be the way of things, ain’t it? Nothin’s fair, not in this life nor the next.” “She?” “One of yer new ones, there, what ye brought here.” He nodded his grizzled head toward New Hope. “The lively one with the red hair. Her gentleman friend did give the trinket to her, and no sooner had he left than she took it off to look at it and dropped it in the reeds. Careless of her.” Henry seemed to read Letty’s thoughts, as if her face was registering every emotion. “Yes, I saw them in this very spot, many a time, her and her fellow, but never did they know it. I’ve been watching you these ten minutes past, nor did you ever know it neither. Not till I wanted you to.”
BLOG STOP GIVEAWAY:
Post a comment on this blog answering the following question:
--Have things improved for the poor in the past 150 years? In what ways?
GRAND PRIZE - BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC': -- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
April 11, 2018
~ REVIEW & SPOTLIGHT, 'IN PLACES HIDDEN' ~
~ REVIEW & BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~-- 'In Places Hidden', Golden Gate Secrets Book One -- ~ Written by Award-Winning Author, Tracie Peterson ~
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The search for her missing brother leads to the most dangerous part of the city . . .
Camrianne Coulter's brother Caleb is a successful San Francisco attorney. But when three months go by without a word from the usually communicative Caleb, Camri boards a train to the booming West Coast city to find out for herself why he hasn't written. When she arrives at his home, nobody seems to know where he is, or what has become of him.
Camri's search for her brother leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, who Caleb successfully defended from a false murder charge. Getting to know this handsome Irish contractor challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but Patrick is unshakably loyal to her brother, and he seems to know more about what happened to Caleb than anyone else. As the two edge closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance, they risk angering the powerful forces that control the city. Can Camri trust Patrick to protect her from the dangers that lie hidden in San Francisco's backstreets?
LINK TO EXCERPT ------------------------ ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com
LINK TO AUTHOR Q & A
-----------------------
MY REVIEW:
I was eager to read this novel because it is set in San Francisco in 1905. I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and have spent a lot of time there over the years. I think it's fun to read a story set in a location with which I'm familiar. Also, I have read dozens of Tracie Peterson's historical novels, and I count her among my top ten favorite authors.
The story begins with Camri Coulter's arrival in San Francisco in late November, 1905. She has been sent from Chicago on a mission by her parents to find her missing brother, Caleb, an attorney in San Francisco. Her two previously unknown traveling companions on the train accompany her to Caleb's home as they need a place to stay due to their own misfortunes. The three women forge close friendships during the course of the book.
Kenzie Gifford is a jilted bride from Missouri who was stood up at the altar by her fiancee. She is searching for a new life--one which will allow her to find peace and happiness after the shame suffered by her family because of Kenzie's becoming an abandoned bride.
Judith Gladstone from Colorado is searching for an aunt she never knew existed until her mother passed away. While she was going through her mother's belongings, Judith found an old letter from many years ago addressed to Edith Whitley in San Francisco. She surmised from the contents of the letter that Edith was the older sister of Judith's late mother.
In the course of looking for her brother, Camri meets a former client of her brother's, Patrick Murdock. Patrick is a poor Irish immigrant who is out of work most of the time. Camri is led to believe Patrick has something to do with Caleb's disappearance by Caleb's employer.
The relationship Camri forms with Patrick's terminally ill sister, Ophelia, is touching and heartwarming. I don't want to say too much so as to spoil the story, but this was one of my favorite threads in the book. Ophelia is a beautiful soul with a kind, loving spirit filled with faith and hope.
Camri is persistent in her investigation of the circumstances surrounding Caleb's disappearance, and she is led into some of the more unsavory areas of the City as the time such as the Barbary Coast. Her determination and moxie are admirable.
Camri is a highly-educated woman for the time period, and she ruffles lots of feathers by insinuating that her new friends need to be more educated and liberated to be happy in their lives. She is a bit haughty and arrogant at times, and she learns a lot about how to treat people who are different than she by talking to her new friends, including Patrick Murdock.
As usual, the author has done her research about the San Francisco Bay Area, the clothing and customs of the era, and the lifestyles of the wealthy and poor for the time period. The story is enriched by the author's knowledge of what went on in San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century.
Corruption, prejudice, poor treatment of immigrants, and the differences between the economic status of various groups are all included in this fantastic novel. The book flows seamlessly, and I'm eager to read the rest of the books in this series.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, California history, mysteries, suspense, romance, inspirational fiction, and Christian fiction.
I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation from any party for posting my review on this blog or any other site.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC': -- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
ABOUT THE BOOK: The search for her missing brother leads to the most dangerous part of the city . . .
Camrianne Coulter's brother Caleb is a successful San Francisco attorney. But when three months go by without a word from the usually communicative Caleb, Camri boards a train to the booming West Coast city to find out for herself why he hasn't written. When she arrives at his home, nobody seems to know where he is, or what has become of him.
Camri's search for her brother leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, who Caleb successfully defended from a false murder charge. Getting to know this handsome Irish contractor challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but Patrick is unshakably loyal to her brother, and he seems to know more about what happened to Caleb than anyone else. As the two edge closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance, they risk angering the powerful forces that control the city. Can Camri trust Patrick to protect her from the dangers that lie hidden in San Francisco's backstreets?
LINK TO EXCERPT ------------------------ ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com
LINK TO AUTHOR Q & A
-----------------------
MY REVIEW:
I was eager to read this novel because it is set in San Francisco in 1905. I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and have spent a lot of time there over the years. I think it's fun to read a story set in a location with which I'm familiar. Also, I have read dozens of Tracie Peterson's historical novels, and I count her among my top ten favorite authors.
The story begins with Camri Coulter's arrival in San Francisco in late November, 1905. She has been sent from Chicago on a mission by her parents to find her missing brother, Caleb, an attorney in San Francisco. Her two previously unknown traveling companions on the train accompany her to Caleb's home as they need a place to stay due to their own misfortunes. The three women forge close friendships during the course of the book.
Kenzie Gifford is a jilted bride from Missouri who was stood up at the altar by her fiancee. She is searching for a new life--one which will allow her to find peace and happiness after the shame suffered by her family because of Kenzie's becoming an abandoned bride.
Judith Gladstone from Colorado is searching for an aunt she never knew existed until her mother passed away. While she was going through her mother's belongings, Judith found an old letter from many years ago addressed to Edith Whitley in San Francisco. She surmised from the contents of the letter that Edith was the older sister of Judith's late mother.
In the course of looking for her brother, Camri meets a former client of her brother's, Patrick Murdock. Patrick is a poor Irish immigrant who is out of work most of the time. Camri is led to believe Patrick has something to do with Caleb's disappearance by Caleb's employer.
The relationship Camri forms with Patrick's terminally ill sister, Ophelia, is touching and heartwarming. I don't want to say too much so as to spoil the story, but this was one of my favorite threads in the book. Ophelia is a beautiful soul with a kind, loving spirit filled with faith and hope.
Camri is persistent in her investigation of the circumstances surrounding Caleb's disappearance, and she is led into some of the more unsavory areas of the City as the time such as the Barbary Coast. Her determination and moxie are admirable.
Camri is a highly-educated woman for the time period, and she ruffles lots of feathers by insinuating that her new friends need to be more educated and liberated to be happy in their lives. She is a bit haughty and arrogant at times, and she learns a lot about how to treat people who are different than she by talking to her new friends, including Patrick Murdock.
As usual, the author has done her research about the San Francisco Bay Area, the clothing and customs of the era, and the lifestyles of the wealthy and poor for the time period. The story is enriched by the author's knowledge of what went on in San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century.
Corruption, prejudice, poor treatment of immigrants, and the differences between the economic status of various groups are all included in this fantastic novel. The book flows seamlessly, and I'm eager to read the rest of the books in this series.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, California history, mysteries, suspense, romance, inspirational fiction, and Christian fiction.
I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation from any party for posting my review on this blog or any other site.~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC': -- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
-- Thursday, April 19th: 'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.
-- Friday, April 20th: 'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.
# # # # #
April 10, 2018
~ Author Interview, Spotlight & Giveaway -- 'Perennials' ~
~ AUTHOR INTERVIEW, BOOKSPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY ~
-- 'PERENNIALS: THRIVING FLOWER
GARDENS IN EVERY TYPE OF LIGHT'
BY CEDAR FORT AUTHOR NEDRA SECRIST --
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Master Gardener Nedra Secrist is a retired schoolteacher who teaches gardening seminars at libraries, churches, garden clubs, and civic groups. She has been growing perennials for over fifty years. She and her husband own Secrist Gardens, a home-based perennial nursery with locations in Brigham City, Utah, and St. Charles, Idaho. She uses 'green' gardening methods and hands-on training courses to help gardeners succeed.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
June: Welcome to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic', Nedra. Tell us a little about yourself.
Nedra: Hi, My name is Nedra Secrist. I’m both a teacher and a gardener. As the saying goes, "Once a teacher always a teacher." Kids and flowers are God’s most perfect creations, and I’ve been blessed to live and work with these things I love.
June: You have a lovely outlook on your life's passions, Nedra. -------------------------
June: What is your earliest memory of working in a garden?
Nedra: My earliest memories of gardening are helping my Dad on our farms in western Tremonton, Utah. I’m the oldest of six children so I was lucky enough to be Dad’s son and he taught that if you wanted something, roll up those shirtsleeves and get to work. When my husband, Donrey, my partner of 65 years now, proposed marriage I replied: "Only if you promise I won’t have to live on a farm." Now he laughs as he gazes at our unending perennial flowerbeds and teases, "You’re just a frustrated farm girl."
June: What a blessing to learn to love and appreciate gardening beside your father.-------------------------------June: Please tell us a little about how you selected which flowers to include in this book and how you organized the information in the book.
Nedra: The flowers in both books were chosen by hands-on growing situations of what works. If they grew in the high mountain valleys with cold winters, hot dry summers, wildlife neighbors, and the poorest of alkaline soils plus water they belonged in the books. Perennials with long-lives, excellent foliage, deer resistance qualities and a preference for alkaline soils are also necessary qualities to belong in the books. -------------------------------
June: Please share with us what type of research you did for your book.
Nedra: My husband and I have gardened together for over 65 years in both Utah and Idaho, and we know what grows here. Our children and grandchildren are avid gardeners and I felt it was important to get our gardening knowledge in writing. There has been a need in this area for this type of enjoyable reference material for a long time, and I’m pleased the information is now available.
June: I'm certain gardeners in Utah and Idaho appreciate having your personal knowledge and expertise in print for their own reference and enjoyment!---------------------------------June: Please tell us about your first publication, 'Powerful Perennials: Enduring Flower Gardens That Thrive in Any Climate' published in 2015, and how it relates to your newest release.
Nedra: The connection between my first book, 'Powerful Perennials', and 'Perennials and Light' is that they complete and complement each other. There is so much to teach to ensure success that one book was not adequate!
June: Thanks for taking the time to answer this garden-lover's questions and for sharing your expertise with my readers. Best wishes on your gardening and writing endeavors, Nedra.----------------------------------- CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:
http://secristgardens.com/
http://powerfulperennials.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PowerfulPerennials/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11661896.Nedra_Secrist
https://www.bookpeopleofmoscow.com/
------------------------------------
ABOUT THE BOOK:Learn to work with the light in your yard to create gorgeous displays for shady spots or take advantage of the hot afternoon sun. Master gardener Nedra Secrist will teach you how to pick the right plants for any spot so your garden can thrive. Spend less time maintaining your garden and more time enjoying its abundant beauty.
BOOK BUY LINKS:
Barnes & Noble
Books & Things----------------------------------- GIVEAWAY: The publisher, Cedar Fort Inc., is giving away two e-format copies of Nedra's book to two lucky US or International winners! Please enter to win a copy of this colorful, informative book by using the Rafflecopter entry form below. {Must be over 18 years of age to enter.} a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Thursday, April 12th: Review of Author Tracie Peterson's newest release, 'In Places Hidden'. Bethany House Blog Tour.
-- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
# # # # #
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Master Gardener Nedra Secrist is a retired schoolteacher who teaches gardening seminars at libraries, churches, garden clubs, and civic groups. She has been growing perennials for over fifty years. She and her husband own Secrist Gardens, a home-based perennial nursery with locations in Brigham City, Utah, and St. Charles, Idaho. She uses 'green' gardening methods and hands-on training courses to help gardeners succeed.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
June: Welcome to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic', Nedra. Tell us a little about yourself.
Nedra: Hi, My name is Nedra Secrist. I’m both a teacher and a gardener. As the saying goes, "Once a teacher always a teacher." Kids and flowers are God’s most perfect creations, and I’ve been blessed to live and work with these things I love.
June: You have a lovely outlook on your life's passions, Nedra. -------------------------
June: What is your earliest memory of working in a garden?
Nedra: My earliest memories of gardening are helping my Dad on our farms in western Tremonton, Utah. I’m the oldest of six children so I was lucky enough to be Dad’s son and he taught that if you wanted something, roll up those shirtsleeves and get to work. When my husband, Donrey, my partner of 65 years now, proposed marriage I replied: "Only if you promise I won’t have to live on a farm." Now he laughs as he gazes at our unending perennial flowerbeds and teases, "You’re just a frustrated farm girl."
June: What a blessing to learn to love and appreciate gardening beside your father.-------------------------------June: Please tell us a little about how you selected which flowers to include in this book and how you organized the information in the book.
Nedra: The flowers in both books were chosen by hands-on growing situations of what works. If they grew in the high mountain valleys with cold winters, hot dry summers, wildlife neighbors, and the poorest of alkaline soils plus water they belonged in the books. Perennials with long-lives, excellent foliage, deer resistance qualities and a preference for alkaline soils are also necessary qualities to belong in the books. -------------------------------
June: Please share with us what type of research you did for your book.
Nedra: My husband and I have gardened together for over 65 years in both Utah and Idaho, and we know what grows here. Our children and grandchildren are avid gardeners and I felt it was important to get our gardening knowledge in writing. There has been a need in this area for this type of enjoyable reference material for a long time, and I’m pleased the information is now available.
June: I'm certain gardeners in Utah and Idaho appreciate having your personal knowledge and expertise in print for their own reference and enjoyment!---------------------------------June: Please tell us about your first publication, 'Powerful Perennials: Enduring Flower Gardens That Thrive in Any Climate' published in 2015, and how it relates to your newest release.
Nedra: The connection between my first book, 'Powerful Perennials', and 'Perennials and Light' is that they complete and complement each other. There is so much to teach to ensure success that one book was not adequate!
June: Thanks for taking the time to answer this garden-lover's questions and for sharing your expertise with my readers. Best wishes on your gardening and writing endeavors, Nedra.----------------------------------- CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:
http://secristgardens.com/
http://powerfulperennials.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PowerfulPerennials/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11661896.Nedra_Secrist
https://www.bookpeopleofmoscow.com/
------------------------------------
ABOUT THE BOOK:Learn to work with the light in your yard to create gorgeous displays for shady spots or take advantage of the hot afternoon sun. Master gardener Nedra Secrist will teach you how to pick the right plants for any spot so your garden can thrive. Spend less time maintaining your garden and more time enjoying its abundant beauty.
BOOK BUY LINKS:
Barnes & Noble
Books & Things----------------------------------- GIVEAWAY: The publisher, Cedar Fort Inc., is giving away two e-format copies of Nedra's book to two lucky US or International winners! Please enter to win a copy of this colorful, informative book by using the Rafflecopter entry form below. {Must be over 18 years of age to enter.} a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Thursday, April 12th: Review of Author Tracie Peterson's newest release, 'In Places Hidden'. Bethany House Blog Tour.
-- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
-- Tuesday, April 17th: 'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
-- Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!
# # # # #
~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~
Welcome to my Goodreads blog!
Follow me on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/June-McCrary...
Follow me on Pinterest at: https://www.pinterest.com/junemccrary...
View and subscribe to my 'Reading, Wri ...more
Follow me on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/June-McCrary...
Follow me on Pinterest at: https://www.pinterest.com/junemccrary...
View and subscribe to my 'Reading, Wri ...more
- June McCrary Jacobs's profile
- 153 followers
