Tuesday, May 31, 2016

BOOK TOUR: Jericho (Lauren Reardon #2) by Alex Gordon

Inside the Book:
Title: Jericho

Author: Alex Gordon

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Genre: Supernatural

Format: Ecopy/Paperback

For readers of Deborah Harkness, J.D. Horn, Lev Grossman, and any supernatural thriller, a young witch must risk death and damnation to defeat a powerful ancient evil in Alex Gordon's follow-up to the masterful debut Gideon.

In unearthing her father’s secret past, Lauren Reardon discovered a shocking truth about herself. She is a Child of Endor, a sect of witches who believe they are the guardians of the “thin places”—areas across the globe where evil can seep through the divide between the worlds separating the living and the restless dead. At any time, she can be called upon to close one of these breaches and prevent demons from infiltrating our realm. When Lauren has a disturbing vision of an Oregon forest, she is drawn back to the familiar woods of the misty Pacific Northwest to investigate.

Locals had long whispered about an abandoned logging camp known as Jericho—of the strange disappearances and eerie sounds heard in the woods deep in the night. But these ghost stories only hint at the true evil lurking within the camp’s dilapidated buildings, a primeval malevolence far more terrifying than Lauren’s darkest imaginings. And now, Lauren must face this evil, even if it takes her life . . . even if it costs her soul.

Review: I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series, Gideon, so I could hardly wait to start reading this one. Unfortunately, it just didn't grab me in the same way. There was almost no paranormal action for a large part of the book, which is what I was really looking for in the plot. The antagonist didn't really make a lot of sense to me, as we didn't seem to get much background on how she got to be in the situation she was in.

I still love the character of Lauren, but I hope her next adventure will be more like her first and less like this one. I wanted to be scared of the antagonist, as I was in Gideon, but the author just never got me there this time.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Three stars

Meet the Author

Alex Gordon resides in the Midwest. When she isn’t working, she enjoys watching sports and old movies, running, and playing with her dogs. She dreams of someday adding the Pacific Northwest to the list of regions where she has lived.

Monday, May 30, 2016

NEW RELEASES/FREE AND BARGAIN BOOKS Weekly Link-Up

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

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(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

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Come back and check out the new selection every week x

Mother And Son:The Respect Effect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs #flyby #motherandson

Book Information

Genre: Christian parenting

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 5, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0849948215
ISBN-13: 978-0849948213

Synopsis: Love is important but it is respect that is the key to your son's heart.

The idea of moms respecting their sons may sound alien to some, but it seems to ignite curiosity across the board. It is easy to relate to the need for all of us to feel a mother's love, but is that the same thing as respect? Even for young boys, the effect of respect is nothing short of astounding when applied properly.

Moms yearn to learn anything that better helps them with their sons. After all, they love their boys, but many find them more difficult to parent than their girls, especially from age four and up.

What makes this all the more urgent is that moms are coaching fathers to love their daughters, but no one has said boo to moms on specific ways to show respect to their sons, at least not in a way that is applicable and fully explained. All realize that little girls need daddy s love, but who is strongly promoting the truth that little boys (and big ones) need Mom's respect? No wonder mothers feel left in the dark on this topic.

Just as Emerson Eggerichs transformed millions of marital relationships with a biblical understanding of love and respect, he now turns these principles to one of the most important relationships of all, a mother and her son.

For more information: http://loveandrespect.info/mother-and-son-the-respect-effect

Review: While a great deal of the book seems geared toward mothers with young sons, based on the idea of starting to use these techniques from birth, more or less, I still found a great deal of useful information for me as the mother of an adult son. Although I tell him on a regular basis that I love him, and that I'm proud of him for this or that, I don't know that I have ever let him know, in so many words, that I respect him. After reading this book, I have already thought of things I respect about him which I can let him know at various times.

The book is well-written and informative. The information is laid out in easy to read, easy to understand language, and the amount of research put into the subject is obvious.

While I looked at the book mainly from the mother-son perspective, I can also see it being beneficial in a marital relationship, because husbands need to feel respected just as much as sons. I can see this being a resource I consult many times in the future--for my husband, my son, and my young grandsons.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Five stars

About the author

As a researcher, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, who has a Ph.D. in child and family ecology from Michigan State University, garnered the testimonies of thousands of mothers following the release of his New York Times Bestseller, Love & Respect. These moms consistently reported they applied the respect side of the message to their sons with significant effects. Emerson and his wife, Sarah, present the Love and Respect Marriage and Parenting Conferences across the country. Emerson has also spoken to groups from the NFL, NBA, PGA, Navy Seals, and members of congress. He was the senior pastor of Trinity Church in East Lansing, MI for almost twenty years. He and Sarah have been married since 1973 and have three adult children. Emerson also has a BA in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College, an MA in communication from Wheaton College Graduate School, and an MDiv from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Precious In His Sight by Karen Pashley

Book Information

Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Willow Branch Publishing (April 26, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0997140402
ISBN-13: 978-0997140408

Synopsis: What if your husband was cheating? What would you do?

A determined wife, her guilt-ridden husband, and the other woman, whose struggle may set them all free . . .

Feisty, tenacious, and adorably flawed Sugar Brennan is fiercely committed to her family, her traditional Christian values, and her spotless reputation in her affluent Southern community.

When she discovers her husband Clay has been unfaithful, Sugar is determined to right the wrongs in her life.

But when Clay’s former mistress returns to Westfield with devastating news, it poses a heart-wrenching dilemma that challenges Sugar to rethink all she’s believed about faith, family, and the healing power of forgiveness.

She’s been raised in a preacher’s home, taught to love her enemies.

She’s got the fish sticker on her car and a collection of good works under her belt.

But . . . reach out to the woman who nearly destroyed her marriage? Surely God wouldn’t ask her to go that far.

Review: Oh my goodness! I can't say enough good things about this book! It is an amazing story of faith, strength, love and family. Each of the main characters is faced with his/her own struggles along the way, and you'll find yourself asking how you would deal with that situation if it appeared in your life. You may even find yourself empathizing with a character you are sure you will never be able to like, as I did.

There are so many intricate relationships woven into this story, and each one is presented wonderfully by the author. None of the characters make a single appearance and then disappear, never to be heard from again....they are all woven into the greater fabric, even though it may not seem possible when we first meet them.

This book will touch your heart, if not your soul, with the realization that, no matter what mistakes we've made, no matter how far away from God we may feel, each and every one of us is, and always will be, PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Five stars

About the author

I’m proud to call Nashville home. Though I grew up in New York and lived in Florida for more than two decades, I’ve been grafted into Nashville’s eclectic southern culture. I love the people, the easy-going vibe, and the lingo. I’m a southern transplant, y’all!

I’m also:

A Christian. In awe of the transforming power of the Word of God. A daily recipient of God’s abundant grace. A redeemed sinner who still messes up regularly. I have a heart for women and the pressures we are faced with in today’s complicated world.

A wife. Thirty years. I didn’t have much training on how to be a wife. Wasn’t prepared for the many ups and downs we would face as we learned by trial and error what marriage was all about. Trials and errors. There have been plenty of them. But there’s also joy, and friendship, and matchless intimacy. I’m committed to one man—my husband Jay.

A proud mom of four incredible young women. Over the past twenty-nine years, they have been my reason for waking in the morning, my motivation to be the best person I can be, and the reflection of a Father in Heaven who loves me inconceivably more than I love them.

An author. An encourager. A storyteller. I wrote my first novel PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT to inspire others to grasp the very personal truth of God’s amazing love for each one of us. It’s a story of hardship and heartache, and the power of forgiveness to set us free. You can read more about it and my upcoming projects in the Books menu under the Fiction tab.

A foodie. I am the founder of Girls Dine In. Part cooking class, part supper club, my monthly events bring women together for an evening of great food, fellowship, and loads of fun. No kids. No hubbies. Just the girls. Check out the Food tab under the Blog menu for recipes, entertaining ideas, kitchen tips, and more.

A creator. A visionary. A bigger picture kind of thinker. I love coming up with ideas and setting them in motion. Seems like I’ve always got a new project to tackle!

I enjoy entertaining, going for morning hikes in the woods, hanging out with my daughters, cuddling my sweet grand baby, painting old furniture, trying to grow things in my yard, planning events, wandering through museums, and lounging at the beach.

I do not enjoy mani/pedis or massages (I know, I’m weird). I’m not fond of carnivals, heights, doing paperwork of any kind, watching my plants whither and die despite my best efforts, and I’m probably the only person in America who did not like the Broadway musical Wicked. So there you have it.
Read more at http://www.karenpashley.com/

Saturday, May 28, 2016

BOOK TOUR: Death At A Fixer-Upper (A Home Sweet Home Mystery) by Sarah T. Hobart

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BOOK INFORMATION

Death at a Fixer-Upper: A Home Sweet Home Mystery

Genre: Cozy mystery
Publisher: Alibi (May 17, 2016)
ASIN: B012089P3W

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Synopsis: In Sarah T. Hobart’s wickedly funny and fast-paced Home Sweet Home mystery series, small-town real estate agent Sam Turner discovers it’s bad for business when her clients keep dropping dead.

Newly armed with her real estate license, Sam Turner loves Arlinda, her quirky seaside hometown in Northern California. But life by the beach isn’t exactly a breeze: She and her teenage son, Max, are being evicted from their apartment, her long-absent ex-husband unexpectedly resurfaces, and her possibly romantic relationship with sexy Chief of Police Bernie Aguilar is, well . . . complicated. All Sam wants is a quick and easy sale. What she gets instead is a killer headache—or three.

Sam’s trying to drum up interest in 13 Aster Lane, a rambling Victorian fixer-upper that’s more than a little neglected—and possibly haunted—so when a trio of offers arrive out of the blue, she can’t help thinking it’s too good to be true. But after a new client drops dead on the property, she fears she’s lost more than a commission. Before Sam’s out of house and home, she must unmask a killer targeting her clients, or the only property she’ll be moving will be plots—at the local cemetery.

Review: What a fun new series! It has murder and suspense, but it also has plenty of humor. Sam Turner is a wonderful main character. She's a single mom dealing with a teenaged son, an annoying ex-husband, and a love life that stays complicated. While she has her weak moments, for the most part she is a strong, independent woman.

When she has to start dealing with a rising body count, as well as ghosts, things get VERY interesting. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with Sam, even though I didn't figure out who the killer was until it was actually revealed.

Sam is definitely a heroine I can relate to, and I look forward to more of her adventures.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Sarah Hobart is a real estate agent and former newspaper reporter in Northern California, where she lives with her husband and two children in a majestic fixer-upper overlooking State Highway 101.

Purchase Links:

Amazon

B&N

Friday, May 27, 2016

THE ELEVENTH: ORIGINAL SERIES FROM FEELN.COM

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ABOUT THE ELEVENTH
“The Eleventh” focuses on a young girl’s journey to getting to know her estranged grandmother in order to bring closure to the past and unite her family. The series has heart-warming themes of family, forgiveness, healing, and love.

"The Eleventh" stars Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Cloris Leachman ("Raising Hope", "Phyllis", "Mary Tyler Moore"), Christopher Atkins ("Blue Lagoon"), Emmy winner Ed Asner ("Up", "Lou Grant", "Mary Tyler Moore"). Florence Henderson ("The Brady Bunch") and Tracy Nelson ("Down And Out In Beverly Hills", "Father Dowling Mysteries", "Square Pegs").

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ABOUT FEELN.COM
Feeln is the streaming service that brings you heartfelt stories of love and togetherness, anytime, anywhere. Feeln carefully selects every title so you spend less time searching and more time with the stories you love. Feeln brings home the exclusive library of Hallmark Hall of Fame features, handpicked Hollywood movies and TV series, and award-winning originals you won't find anywhere else.

Always commercial-free, Feeln is available online and on dozens of devices including iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, and at home on Roku, Apple TV and Xbox 360.

Founded in 2007 by Academy Award-winning film producer Rob Fried, Feeln has produced over 100 original short films and programs that have amassed millions of views online. Feeln is a part of Hallmark Cards and is based in Los Angeles, California.

Here is a trailer for "The Eleventh" to give you just a little taste of what it's all about:

MY REVIEW
I was given the opportunity to watch the first two episodes of this series, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing more. There are a LOT of secrets in this family, and I imagine there will be a great deal of conflict as they all come to light and have to be confronted.

One of the great things about this series is that each episode is only about 12 minutes long, so you don't have to carve a lot of time out of your schedule to watch it. Need a short break during a busy day? Watch an episode of "The Eleventh"!

Cloris Leachman does a fabulous job of portraying Margaret, who has been estranged from the family for many years, and has obviously missed her daughter and granddaughter.

Ren Harris, who plays the granddaughter, is a new face, but also a very talented actress. She takes you into the confused emotions of Janine and makes you feel them as well.

To watch full episodes of ‘The Eleventh’ on Feeln go to:

http://www.feeln.com/films/the_eleventh_s1e01?couid=GHMNorganic_052616_the11th_BookBabble

BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: A Flair For Chardonnay (Sadie Kramer Flare Mystery #1) by Deborah Garner

BOOK INFORMATION
Series: Sadie Kramer Flair Mysteries
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Cranberry Cove Press (May 13, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0996044957
ISBN-13: 978-0996044950

Synopsis: NEW RELEASE....

When flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer learns the owner of Cioccolato, her favorite chocolate shop, is in trouble, she heads for the California wine country with a tote-bagged Yorkie and a slew of questions. The fourth generation Tremiato Winery promises answers, but not before a dead body turns up at the vintners’ scheduled Harvest Festival.

All four Tremiato siblings have possible motives, as well as a few peripheral acquaintances, but only one could be the guilty party. As Sadie juggles truffles, tips and turmoil, she’ll need to sort the grapes from the wrath in order to find the identity of the killer.

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk

Review: This is the first book in a new series for this author, and it definitely sets the stage for even more fun and adventure to come.

The main character is very likable and realistic. I enjoyed her conversations with her Yorkie, and can just imagine people thinking she is talking to her tote bag.

The plot is well-developed, and the mystery has the reader asking all sorts of questions along with Sadie, trying to figure out who committed murder and why.

I can't wait to see what Sadie's next adventure is going to be.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website Facebook Twitter Google+ Goodreads Amazon Author Page

Follow the book tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

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Thursday, May 26, 2016

BOOK BLAST: Saved By Grace by Natasha C. Pointer

Genre: Poetry/ Christian/Autobiography

Book Title: Saved By Grace

Author: Natasha C. Pointer

About The Author

Author | Motivational Speaker | Entrepreneur

Born and raised in Fort Myers, FL, Natasha C. Pointer, shares her stories of faith and encouragement through poetry. She serves in ministry at Destiny Life Ministries. Saved by Grace is her first published work and is currently working on her next book Expressions. She is the owner/founder of Mysteri Message-In-A-Bottle.

About The Book

Saved By Grace is an Autobiography told thru poetry about her life, the hardships she faced, but most importantly how she overcame it all through prayer, faith, and steadfastness.

Poetry to touch the lives of others, to inspire someone, to encourage, and to bring joy in someone’s life. This book is filled with great hope for those facing life’s most challenging moments.

As a storyteller, Natasha shares where she found her greatest strengths through prayer, faith and her steadfastness.

Blessed

From the day you were born,

you were a blessing.

You were a comfort and

inspiration to those around you.

You suffered enormous tragedies

and faced many challenges.

You suffered a great deal

and life as you saw it was over.

Each day seemed like an eternity—

every moment seemed everlasting.

You went in with your eyes closed,

but came out with them wide open.

You fell to your knees and asked,

why, why me?

Not realizing that your trials

would prepare you for your future.

Not knowing you were a blessed child

and you were called for a purpose.

Many obstacles came your way

and the enemy tried to bring you down.

He never wanted you to succeed,

let alone see the light of day.

Your cries reached up to God.

He said, You are my child.

No matter where you go,

I will be with you.

You are blessed.

Blessed you shall be,

and blessed you shall continue to be;

not only to yourself, but to others.

Website Facebook

www.wnlbooktours.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: The Madness Of Mercury by Connie di Marco

The Madness of Mercury

by Connie di Marco

on Tour May 7 - June 3

Synopsis:

Astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought her chosen profession would bring danger into her life, but her outspoken advice in her newspaper column, AskZodia, makes her the target of San Francisco’s recently-arrived cult leader, Reverend Roy of the Prophet’s Tabernacle. The followers of the power hungry preacher will stop at nothing to quell the voices of those who would stand in his way and Julia’s at the top of his list. She’s willing to bet the charismatic Reverend is a Mercury-ruled individual, and she knows all too well that Mercury wasn’t just the messenger of the gods, he was a trickster and a liar as well.

Book Details:
Genre: Mystery

Published by: Midnight Ink

Publication Date: June 8, 2016

Number of Pages: 312

ISBN: 978-0738749129

Purchase Links:

Review: I was fascinated by the idea of a mystery series involving astrology, and I was not disappointed by the first book in this series. The story is very well-written, and the characters are realistic and likable.

The author does a great job of integrating astrological information throughout the book, thanks to the main character's work with an astrological advice column and her creating astrological charts for private clients.
I think that is going to be a big draw for me as the series continues.

Julia has a genuine concern for her friends and clients, and that shines through in her actions during the book.
She makes you care about what is happening to them, and to her. And she gets herself into some incredibly dangerous situations along the way.

I can hardly wait for the next book in this series!
Rating: Four stars

Read an excerpt:

As I stood in line at the checkout counter of the bookstore an uncomfortable feeling stole over me. Was I being watched? I turned slowly and surveyed the customers in line behind me. No one looked suspicious. No one turned away suddenly. Just holiday shoppers focused on their own business. When I turned back my eye caught someone standing at a table close by, separated by a metal bar from the line of shoppers. A man, dark hair, black jacket, seemingly immersed in a book he was holding in his hands. No shopping bags in sight. Something about him . . . I mentally shook myself, pushing the thought out of my mind. I was being paranoid. Nerves were getting the better of me.
I paid for my purchase and left. Bundling up against the cold, I retraced my steps and approached the garage entrance. I took the elevator down to the lowest level where I had parked, stepped out and glanced around. In contrast to the crowds of people above on the streets, not a soul was in sight. I felt a frisson of fear. Why was it so deserted? My nerves were just on edge, I decided. I was imagining threats where there were none. I took a deep breath and hurried to my car. I unlocked the door and threw my bags onto the passenger seat. Before I could turn the key in the ignition I glanced in the rearview mirror. A face in a ski mask stared back at me, the eyes bright in the ambient lighting. A gasp caught in my throat. My heart raced as a gloved hand pulled my head back and covered my mouth. I felt the sharp prick of a knife point at my neck. I froze. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak.
“Forget about the Prophet. Make sure you keep your big mouth shut or my next visit won’t be so nice,” he growled. He pulled the knife away, let go of my jaw and jumped out of the car.

Author Bio:

Connie di Marco is the author of the new Zodiac Mystery series from Midnight Ink, featuring San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti. Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime. Some of her excerpts and recipes can be found in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. She grew up in New England and now lives on the other coast.

Tour Participants:

Join In:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for Connie di Marco. There will be 3 US winners. One winner will receive one $20 gift card from Amazon.com (US Only) the other 5 winners will each receive eBook copy of Deceived by Ashlee Mallory. This giveaway is for US residents only. The giveaway begins on May 1st and runs through May 31st, 2016.

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Monday, May 23, 2016