Babs Hightower's Blog, page 127
January 10, 2015
Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend by Becky Monson book blast
Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend
***The highly anticipated sequel to Becky Monson’s bestseller – Thirty-Two Going on Spinster!***
Julia Dorning thought she would die a lonely spinster. That was until nine months ago, when her world was turned upside down. Now she’s got a dream career as a bakery owner, and a relationship with handsome Jared Moody—a life she never thought possible.
Just as she’s starting to feel comfortable in her new life, Julia is invited to battle it out on national television making cupcakes. An amazing opportunity, if she can muster up the confidence to do it, that is. Then, out of the blue, Jared goes and throws a rather large wrench in their relationship causing Julia to have to make some big decisions. With her two trusted confidants off in wedding la la land, Julia is on her own to figure everything out.
Left to her own devices, will Julia be able to work things out for herself? Or will she make a disaster of it all? Find out in Becky Monson’s sequel to Thirty-Two Going on Spinster!
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes
Praise
“After reading the first book, I have been waiting impatiently for this one. I was not disappointed. I laughed so hard, it was a fun read that left me with a good feeling.” -Amazon Reader
“Get ready for another crazy ride with Julia Dorning. This sequel not only lives up to expectations of the first, but surpasses it!” – Author Kathryn Biel
“After what seemed like an age of (impatient) waiting, I finally got my hands on the next instalment of Julia Dorning’s life. And it was worth every single finger drumming minute.” -BestChickLit.com
Excerpt
I can’t believe I am here.
I can’t believe I’m standing here, gazing lovingly at Jared, surrounded by our friends and family, on this amazing beach with this marvelous sunset, as we make these vows—these incredible, sure-to-make-you-cry vows—to each other.
The colors are all muted, antique tones of pink, yellow, gold. My bouquet is practically bursting with soft pink roses.
My makeup is not whorish, as my sister, Anna, would have preferred, and my hair is done in perfect, long curls, half pulled up with a small, antique jeweled clip. Simple. Understated. Exactly what I wanted.
And then there’s my dress. My dress is spectacular. It’s timeless, really, just slightly off-white, an off-the-shoulder bodice with details of stunning Chantilly lace and a sweeping train. I heart it. I heart it all. Especially Jared. In his classic suit—none of that penguin stuff for him—he looks like something out of a style magazine. His pants and jacket are perfectly tailored, and he wears the antique pink tie just because I want him to.
I glance over at my bridesmaids—my baby sister Anna and my dearest friend, Betsy Brown—gazing at us with bright smiles. Anna’s has an ever-so-slight look of jealousy, but I beam at them. This is the perfect day. My perfect day with Jared.
“Do you, Jared Nathan Moody, take Julia Warner Dorning to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, until death do you part?” the officiant, dressed in white, asks Jared.
“I do,” he says simply.
“And do you, Julia Warner Dorning, take Jared Nathan Moody to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, until death do you part?” the priest asks.
“I do,” I say as I stare into Jared’s eyes. His are filling up with tears, and I begin to well up too.
“Then by the power that is vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wi—”
“JULIA! What the hell? What are you doing in my dress?” Anna’s screeching pulls me out of my fantasy. “Geez, I leave you alone in here for ten minutes, and you think it’s okay to put my wedding dress on? Mom! Tell her to take my dress off!” Anna stomps her foot in a ridiculous, childlike manner.
My mom comes in the room just after Anna and puts her hand to her mouth. “Oh, Julia dear, what are you doing?”
“Nothing! Geez, I was just seeing how it felt, that’s all. Stop pouting like you’re ten,” I say to Anna, who is practically throwing an adult version of a temper tantrum.
Author Becky Monson
By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last… but it probably won’t.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest
Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/28/15
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.
The post Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend by Becky Monson book blast appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
January 9, 2015
Royal Flush, by Rhys Bowen review
1930’s London: Poor Lady Georgiana-thirty-fourth in line to the throne- has been sent home due to a little scandal. Now she must keep the entirely unsuitable Mrs. Simpson from seducing the Prince of Wales-and help Scotland Yard by preventing someone from shooting the Prince of Wales instead of quails.
File Size: 749 KB
Print Length: 332 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 042522788X
Publisher: Berkley; Reprint edition (July 7, 2009)
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Language: English
My thoughts:
This is book 3 of the series and Georgiana is at it again. Someone is trying to take out the royal family. She is supposed to help since she is on the inside and figure out who and why someone is doing this. She is called back to Scotland to do just that.
The family home is over ran but americans and especially Willis who wants Prince Phillip. I thought it was interning bring this into the book. I do like how Bowen weaves in fact with her fiction. She helps her sister in law Fig take care of them and try to run them off. It is funny when they turn down the furnace to it will be cooler and the water temp cooler.
We meet Darcy again and of course he is on and off again like normal.
For me this one was a bit slower then the others. I was finding myself skipping a few pages here and there to get moving. Otherwise a nice read. I will keep reading more books in this series.
The post Royal Flush, by Rhys Bowen review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure Review
Youthful beauty, naïve innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure…an apt description of Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience…in the form of a man.
A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly disinterested in people and their trivial affairs. And somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way…either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary.
Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden’s unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man.
But there were other life’s lessons Ransom Lake would inadvertently bring to her as well. The darker side of life…despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden’s dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?
File Size: 690 KB
Print Length: 296 pages
Publisher: Distractions Ink (October 20, 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00486U66U
My thoughts:
Vaden and her older sister Yvonne arrived to help their aunt and uncle run the mercantile they own. As they are arriving at the store and getting settled Vaden notices a man (Ransom) ride by the store. Long beard and hair he captured Vaden’s attention. She immediately wants to know more about him. Something in his eyes she knew he was more than a recluse man. Vaden likes the outdoors and nature. She can not stand behind cooped for long and likes to take walks.
Ransom has been holding up in the woods for 1o years. He decides now is a good time to come back to his farm in town and settle in. Vaden is always clumsy when he is around. The favorite part of the book for me, Ransom came in to get some boots. He doesn’t like the ones her aunt shows him and wants a different type which Vaden knows where they are. Up at the top of a shelf instead of using a ladder she climbs up the shelf and thinks she has them and falls. Ransom catches her and they to fall to the floor and just when he looks up the pair of boots hits him in the head.
When Ransom gets shot protecting Vaden, she takes care of him. She gets curious and shaves off his beard. To her shock she sees a handsome man underneath all those whiskers. She knew all along there was something special about Ransom not just his looks.
The story is lovely I enjoy this authors writing and clean romance. The characters work well together and entice the reader to turn the pages to learn more and take it all in. The scenes are remarkable you can picture yourself in the town right along with the characters. I hope to learn more about Denver and if he and Yvonne will get together.
The Haunting of Autumn Lake is book two in this series and I look forward to reading it.
The post The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure Review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Reese’s Spread Review
I was lucky to get into the Reese’s Spread by Influenster. The boys were so excited. We received a 13oz. jar. I have to tell you, when I opened the jar and took a big smell, I thought I had crawled into a Reese Peanut Butter Cup. The boys were begging to try it. I had some apples as you can see below in the picture.
I cut the apple and we started dipping them into the spread. It really does taste like a peanut butter cup. You can see and taste the peanut peaces in the spread. The smell and texture alone entice you to jump right into the jar. We also tried it on toast and that has beats apple butter any day of the week. There are so many things you can do with the spread on fruit, rolls, cupcakes and more. I have a list of ideas. We want to try banana’s next time, but until then you can tell from my 4 year old he loves it.
I tested this product for free, but all opinions are your own.
The post Reese’s Spread Review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
I Am Radiant Facial Serum – Vit C, Argan, Hyaluronic Acid 3x Review
A serum that empowers your beauty and takes the years off.
You’re unique and beautiful, but is your skin not reflecting it? Let your skin become radiantly alive again and surprise your friends!
The I AM RADIANT Facial Serum is better by design
* Helps you naturally look as young as you feel with 3x Toning System.
* Compatible with all skin types. (sensitive skin included)
* Instantly moisturizes and protects.
* Lightweight, with no greasy residue.
* Daily positive empowerment for your beautiful state of mind.
* Luxury spa formula endorsed by herbalists and estheticians.
* High standards in quality – safe, natural, organic, and vegan.
* Amber glass bottle extends shelf life. (saving you money)
Ingredients Breakdown
VITAMIN C – Revitalizes aging skin by rejuvenating your collagen production and repairing photo-damange skin.
ARGAN OIL – Essential fatty acids and antioxidants to restore dull skin.
HYALURONIC ACID – Minimize fine lines and wrinkles. An excellent moisturizer to increase smoothness and youthfulness of the skin.
ALOE VERA – A powerful antioxidants containing extra Vitamin C and E. Improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated while cooling inflammation.
GERANIUM OIL – Minty fresh to keep your skin contracted for a toned look.
My thoughts:
I have been using this product for a few days. With just a few drops each time but face feels softer and non oily after applying. Very easy to apply after you wash you face and works with other products such as moisturizer and or lotion. My son who likes to touch my face says, “Mom, your face is so smooth.” Something is working and I for one say I am Radiant.
You can find them at:
-Website – www.jeffen.com
-Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hellojeffen
-Twitter – https://twitter.com/jeffen
The post I Am Radiant Facial Serum – Vit C, Argan, Hyaluronic Acid 3x Review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Marine Toner By GreatFull Skin Review
~~Would you like your skin and hair to be refreshed and revitalized day in and day out? Do you wish you had better skin complexion? Marine Toner is the best way to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin and hair to a more youthful appearance. It leaves your skin and hair radiant and glowing while restoring the pH balance. This will even out your skin tone and significantly improve your complexion.
•Do you have excessively dry or oily sky conditions? Do you struggle with preventing acne or pimples? Marine Toner is extremely EFFECTIVE for balancing skin out while lifting excess dirt, cosmetics, and oil. Tightens and cleans pores to prevent clogging and blackheads. This special toner formulation contains sea kelp bioferment which will naturally nourish, replenish, and regenerate your skin and hair.
•Does your skin get oily and clog your pores? Would you like an all natural way to cleanse and refresh your skin that also smells nice? A PREMIUM and 100% NATURAL product with no fillers, preservatives, or unclaimed ingredients means no adverse skin reactions. Mix it in as a supplement to one of your favorite skin or hair care products. MADE IN THE USA in an FDA approved facility. No GMOs and no animal testing.
My thoughts:
I have been using Greatfull Skin Toner for about a week now. I like the fact you only have to use a few drops and message into your face. It works really well with my moisturizer which is a good thing. In only a few days I can tell a difference. I am surprised how well this works. I am always skeptical of trying things like this but I have not been disappointed in this product at all.
You can find them online here . They have other products as well. I will be looking at other product by Greatfull Skin to try.
The post Marine Toner By GreatFull Skin Review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Texas Cowboy Blog Tour Featuring Carolyn Brown and Linda Broday
Texas Cowboy Blog Tour Featuring Carolyn Brown and Linda Broday
They are tough, hard working, and have the manners their mama gave them. Is it no wonder that readers are in love with the ultimate hero — cowboys. Today we’ve got Western romance authors Carolyn Brown and Linda Broday to explain how to woo a cowboy with some filling grub — once and for all proving that the way to a man’s heart is definitely through his stomach. Take it away ladies!
Carolyn Brown: After a long day out in the cold bitter north Texas wind a cowboy likes something that will stick to his ribs. Most of them like a good hearty soup or chili or pot of beans and ham. For a fancy meal try making chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy and hot biscuits. Or maybe a big old T-Bone thrown in the cast iron skillet long enough to sear both sides, served up with fried potatoes and onions, and corn on the cob on the side. Don’t ever forget the dessert! Jill found out in The Trouble with Texas Cowboys that even though she couldn’t cook (thank goodness Sawyer knows his way around the kitchen) that Sawyer, like most cowboys, had a huge sweet tooth. And she could bake all kinds of delicious desserts. So they made a deal. He cooked the meals. She made the brownies, chocolate cakes and cobblers.
Linda Broday: Rancher Cooper Thorne, the oldest of his blood brothers, is the hero in Texas Mail Order Bride. He’s the founder of the Battle Creek Bachelors Club and has vowed to never marry because of his horrific past. He’s happy being a bachelor. It’s the only way to protect himself from pain. It gets a mite lonely at times but he’s accepted that as his fate. He just wants to focus on the Long Odds Ranch and make it succeed. If he can do that, then he’ll be satisfied.
After a long day of herding cattle, he loves his meat, something a cattleman has plenty around. Give him a nice tender rib eye or T-bone cooked over an open fire and his mouth starts watering. Add a pan of fried potatoes with onion, a good helping of beans, a thick slice of fresh-baked bread and Cooper is a happy man. Then to bring out a hot peach pie to fill his sweet-tooth and he thinks he’s died and gone to heaven. Oh man! No better meal. I hope you’ll try Texas Mail Order Bride and if you like it, look for Twice a Texas Bride coming in May. Happy Reading!
***
Book and Author Information
Title: The Trouble With Texas Cowboys
Author: Carolyn Brown
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Genre: Contemporary (Western) Romance
Summary
Can a girl ever have too many cowboys?
No sooner does pint-sized spitfire Jill Cleary set foot on Fiddle Creek Ranch than she finds herself in the middle of a hundred-year-old feud. Quaid Brennan and Tyrell Gallagher are both tall, handsome, and rich…and both are courting Jill to within an inch of her life. She’s doing her best to give these feuding ranchers equal time-too bad it’s dark-eyed Sawyer O’Donnell who makes her blood boil and her hormones hum…
Buy Links
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1sflaWH
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1B10J58
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1z2DfME
Author Biography
Carolyn Brown is a New York Times bestselling author with more than sixty books published, and credits her eclectic family for her humor and writing ideas. Carolyn was born in Texas but grew up in southern Oklahoma where she and her husband, Charles, a retired English teacher, make their home. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young.
Social Networking Links
Website: http://carolynlbrown.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carolyn-Brown/198727816879253
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13554.Carolyn_Brown
***
Title: Texas Mail Order Bride
Author: Linda Broday
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Genre: Historical (Western) Romance
Summary
Rancher Cooper Thorne thinks his life is finally on an even keel. But when mail-order bride Delta Dandridge steps off the stagecoach and claims he sent for her, he scrambles to set her straight. The tempestuous woman makes him see red and also challenges all his vows to remain a bachelor. It turns out Delta Dandridge is going to set Cooper Thorne straight about a few things…
Buy Links
Amazon: http://amzn.to/13PWr5h
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1AOk7Sg
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1xshaI9
Author Biography
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda Broday writes western historical romance. She lives in the Texas Panhandle on the Llano Estacado where the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed. She’s always been fascinated with cowboys and the American West way of life because to her these men and women embody strength. Her desire to keep history alive is what drives her to write unforgettable characters.
Social Networking Links
Website: http://lindabroday.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1204489.Linda_Broday
***
Rafflecopter Giveaway
The post Texas Cowboy Blog Tour Featuring Carolyn Brown and Linda Broday appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Blind Passion by Bonnie Dee Book Blitz
Blind Passion
Bonnie Dee
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Publication Date: December 26, 2014
Through personal darkness, two strangers find their way to each other.
Leah Schaeffer has come a long way since an accident took her sight. She’s finally ready for independence, but convincing her wealthy parents she’ll be safe on her own isn’t easy. The first night in her own place at last, she encounters her neighbor with the midnight velvet voice and her world shifts again.
Since finishing a military tour, J.D. Wyatt has struggled both financially and emotionally. When Leah’s parents hire him to act as her bodyguard, he seizes the opportunity. The catch—she can’t know she’s being followed. As he grows closer to the intriguing woman and begins to have feelings for her, the burden of this secret grows heavier.
Although Leah and J.D. have suffered different types of trauma, their mutual understanding of each other’s pain bonds them. But their relationship, dependent on absolute trust, is rooted in lies which will detonate like an IED when exposed.
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QGZDIPM
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blind-passion-bonnie-dee/1120872275?ean=294004644314
AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:
I began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy reading stories about people damaged by life who find healing with a like-minded soul. When I couldn’t find enough books to suit my taste, I began to write them.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
The post Blind Passion by Bonnie Dee Book Blitz appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
Cover Reveal Before He Was A Secret by Becky Wicks
BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:
Before He Was A Secret by Becky Wicks
(Starstruck #3)
Publication date: Winter 2015
Genres: New Adult, RomanceSynopsis:
Another standalone Starstruck romance from the HarperCollins author who brought you Amazon #1 bestseller Before He Was Famous and Before He Was Gone
“What if we can’t choose
Every battle we win and lose
What if we decided years before, to live this life, to fight these wars
And all the dreams we ever thought were ours
Were written in the stars”
Waiting tables isn’t exactly what singer/songwriter Stephanie has in mind for her move to Nashville, but memories of the past and a case of writer’s block mean inspiration isn’t coming easy. When brooding pianist Conor Judge opens his mouth in a smoky bar he proves music can heal, and even help you re-write your story, but a history of his own means the one thing he starts to want most is always just out of reach. Stephanie.
Enter Travis Flynn – an upcoming star who won’t take no for an answer, and a record label intent on helping Stephanie shine, without Conor. As fame comes knocking as hard as the ghosts of their pasts, it soon becomes clear that no matter how hard you might fall in love, having the perfect songs doesn’t always mean perfect harmony.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22885177-before-he-was-a-secret?ac=1
AUTHOR BIO:
Becky Wicks lives in Bali and scribbles books, and she’s mostly powered by coffee. Her first book in the Starstruck Series, Before He Was Famous recently reached #1 in Amazon’s Coming of Age and New Adult & College categories, and her three travel books, published by HarperCollins are online to make feet nice and itchy. Mostly though, she loves to write love stories. She blogs most days at beckywicks.com and always welcomes distractions on Twitter @bex_wicks. Especially if you have photos of cats.
Author links:
http://beckywicks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Becky-Wicks-Author/242645109127479
https://twitter.com/bex_wicks
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4658054.Becky_Wicks
The post Cover Reveal Before He Was A Secret by Becky Wicks appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
January 7, 2015
Honeymoon For One (Honeymoon Series Book 1) by Lily Zante Review
Blurb:
Ava Ramirez has known happier days.
Suffering from fever and all alone at home on New Year’s Eve, she is unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé just six weeks before their Valentines Day wedding.
Devastated, she cancels all the wedding arrangements she had painstakingly made over the past year. All except for one.
She decides to go on her honeymoon anyway. Alone.
Hoping to find inner peace and a clarity of mind with her solo trip to Italy, Ava is even more surprised to find herself drawn into yet another romantic encounter with the mysterious Nico.
But is she ready to handle even more heartbreak so soon?
File Size: 1734 KB
Print Length: 168 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Lily Zante (January 12, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00CO6DD4I
My Thoughts:
Ava is dumped by her fiancé’ before their Valentine weeding he doesn’t love her anymore and has been sleeping with someone else. Devastated she cancels all the wedding plans with the help of her sister. She does however keep one thing, her honeymoon plans. Why not go to Italy and forget what happened? She shows up to the airport and the driver ( Nico ) or so she thinks, from the hotel is there to pick her up.
Nico is captivated by this woman Ava and wants to make her happy. He drops her off at the hotel and orders her some clothes as her luggage was left behind but would arrive sometime the next day. He wants her stay to be nice as he could see she was upset over something.
During the time Ava as at the hotel Nico takes her where she needs to go and offers new places to visit. He also helps with her business. Ava is falling for Nico but knows he is holding back.
The book was good I liked reading it. Editing needs to be done more on this book. The Cliffhanger was for the series but it was a bit of a let down. I will read book 2 as I would like to see what happens.
Books in the Honeymoon Series:
Book 1 – Honeymoon For One
Book 2 – Honeymoon For Three
Book 3 – Honeymoon Blues
The post Honeymoon For One (Honeymoon Series Book 1) by Lily Zante Review appeared first on ~*~Babs Book Bistro~*~.
