Book Review: Sleigh Bells In The Snow

Author: Sarah Morgan
Title: Sleigh Bells In The Snow
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: Oct 29, 2013
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb: 

Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green's favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year.

Jackson O'Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family's resort—it's in his blood, and he can't let it fail. Now that he's got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus.

Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she's out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it's terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?

Review: There are some books that you simply fall in love with. Sleigh Bells In The Snow is one of those books. I had not doubt about that. Sarah Morgan is one of my favorite Harlequin authors.

I wish I had read this book at Christmas, but things kept coming up and I never got around to it. However, just because it is a holiday book, doesn't make it less enjoyable any other time of the year.

What makes this book so wonderful is Snow Crystal. Sarah Morgan really brings the Vermont resort to life. Her descriptions make you want to be there, to appreciate all the snowy beauty. (Even if you don't usually like snowy beauty). I could easily envision the resort and the surrounding area. And I have to admit I had a picture in my head of the frozen waterfall.

Then there's Kayla and Jackson, the chemistry between them is great. Jackson is a strong hero, without being an alpha male. (YAY!) And the rest of the O'Neil family and the staff of Snow Crystal ....you can't help but fall in love with them, especially Elise (The French Bitch) and Brenna, not to mention Jackson's other brothers, Sean and Tyler. I can't wait for their stories. (Oh and really...if it were possible...I'd love to have Grand dad Walter's romance with Alice..)

Kayla's transformation is what really makes this book so wonderful. She's a workaholic, city girl, with a non-existent family and the O'Neil's sort of turn her human. They bring her to life, by teaching her to live and love. Her family life was truly horrible, she deserved to find someone like Jackson and his family to love and care for her.

The heat is a little lower in this book than in some of Sarah's novels for the Presents line, but it works better this way. This isn't a sexy story. It is a romantic story. Yes, there's some great sex between Jackson and Kayla, but it is long in coming, and in a story such as this, it is appropriate. There aren't sex scenes for the sake of writing a sex scene.

I absolutely adored this book. Highly recommended

Rating: 5 flowers

Super Book Blast: Steal Me, Cowboy w/ Tourwide Giveaway

STEAL ME, COWBOY

by Kim Boykin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Unbeknownst to her boyfriend, Sassy South Carolina hairstylist, Rainey Brown, is headed to Missoula, dead set on giving her minor league baseball player boyfriend of four years an ultimatum. Either put a ring on it or let her go, preferably not the latter.

When Rainey's piece of crap car dies in the middle of Nowhere, Montana, she's sure she's a gonner, until gorgeous restaurateur Beck Hartnett stops to help. Beck falls hard for Rainey, and knows she would admit she's fallen for him too, if she wasn't too stubborn to admit it. Beck has five days before the car is repaired to steal Rainey away from a boyfriend who doesn't deserve her. Five days before she's gone for good.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 EXCERPT:

My last client of the day meticulously inspected her razor-sharp bob, trying to find a reason to stay in my chair. This was a language I knew well, usually a sign that something was going on in a client’s life, something they would never tell their sister or their mother or even their therapist. They tell me because I’m a hair stylist. For most women, that trumps everything, but for God’s sake, why did Katie Mills have to wait until now to start her therapy session?

She handed the mirror back to me and looked into the big round one on my station. “Jackson’s cheating. Again.” This was something Katie couldn’t tell anyone, or at least that’s what she swore to me. She attributed it to the fact that she was one of my first clients when I got out of beauty school six years ago and we were friends. And we are, but that wasn’t it. There’s some kind of transfer of trust that takes place when you snap a cape on a client, when you stand over them with a pair of scissors and their wet hair, either giving them what they want or saving them from making a huge mistake.

I looked at her, knowing if things went the way they normally did when her husband couldn’t keep his pants zipped, we’d end up getting coffee or tapas at the bar two doors down, drinking wine and talking for hours. No wonder she’d asked for the last appointment of the day. I glanced at the clock. Adam would be landing any minute, waiting for me at baggage claim with that tall delicious body, that beautiful smile. Then he’d spend the rest of the weekend making me forget how tired and frustrated I’d been lately with our relationship.

Katie knew as well as anyone that I hardly ever got to see Adam. I’d met him four years ago when he was playing minor league baseball for the Tampa Yankees and instantly knew he was the one. Since then he’s lived with me here, in Columbia, South Carolina, when he wasn’t bouncing around from farm system to farm system, trying to make it to the major leagues. But moving up the baseball ladder is the equivalent of winning the lottery, and as much as I loved Adam… since I met him, he’d been steadily moving down the ladder. “Katie, I’m sorry, really I am—.”

“I’m just so sick of Jackson’s shit, Rainey. I know it’s some girl in the athletic department. She’s probably twenty something with tits up to here.” If they were up to her neck, the girl must look like an alien. “Wanna grab a coffee?”

Jackson was a serial cheater, but as athletic director at the University of South Carolina, he made a lot of money. Katie liked the money so much she had put up with his antics at three different universities. She’d had babies thinking that would keep him home and monogamous, but all she had to show for her efforts were three towheaded little boys and a chronically broken heart.

“I can’t, Katie, I have to pick Adam up.” She looked like I’d stuck a knife in her back. “We haven’t seen each other in three months.”

Katie’s chin quivered as she held my gaze in the mirror, tears pooled in her chocolate brown eyes. She was still a beautiful woman, a Mississippi belle who’d somehow lost herself along the way. I could have told her she was still gorgeous, that she was bright and funny, and sexy when she turned on her Ole Miss charm.

But the look in her eyes reminded me of myself lately. I thought I was used to loving Adam Harper any way I could get him. Lately, I’ve wanted more. Needed more.  “I’m sorry, Katie.” I couldn’t look at her when I unsnapped the cape. “I can meet you for coffee Sunday afternoon after I drop Adam off at the airport.”

“What am I going to do now?”

What you always do. You go back to Jackson. I wish you wouldn’t, but you do the insanity dance over and over again, losing weight, shopping, Botox, trying to change yourself in hopes that your husband will change, but he can’t or he won’t. I put my hands on her slender shoulders and said the words I’d wanted to say to her since I met her, the words I thought were too pushy or too dangerous.

“Katie, you are beautiful. You are valuable. And if that bastard can’t see that, to hell with him.”

“Are you saying I should leave my husband?”

Yes. No. These are the moments when I feel the truth, that I’m a hair stylist and not a trained therapist. I don’t want to be responsible for a broken marriage—hell, broken marriages— because Katie isn’t the only client who has a spouse like Jackson, but I had to leave. Now.

I rifled through my station and found the business cards Ruthie Cox gave me. She was a therapist and said I’d probably never need to pass out her cards because in many ways, Ruthie felt I was better equipped to help clients than she was. It took several visits, sometimes months, for Ruthie’s clients to trust her enough to tell her their problems, and yet those same people could sit in the chair of a hairstylist they hardly knew and bare their souls.

“Call Ruthie. She’s a wonderful therapist. She’ll help you sort this out. I love you Katie, I do.” The tears were coming. Again. I’d cried a lot lately missing Adam so much, wishing just once that he’d pick me over baseball. “It’s just been so long since I’ve seen him, and I only have thirty-six hours before he flies out again.” I choked out the last words, grabbed my purse, and left without looking back.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kim Boykin is a women's fiction author with a sassy Southern streak. She is the author of The Wisdom of Hair, Steal Me, Cowboy, and Palmetto Moon (Summer 2014.) While her heart is always in South Carolina, she lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, 3 dogs, and 126 rose bushes.

Kim Boykin website: http://kimboykin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkimboykin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKimBoykin

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Steal-Cowboy-Copper-Mountain-Rodeo-ebook/dp/B00HLPNH84/ref=la_B009955Q2Y_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389721851&sr=1-2

Giveaway: 

The author and publisher will be awarding a $15 Starbucks card, Valentine mug, and yummy candies to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US only).

The more you comment, the better your chances are of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/01/super-book-blast-steal-me-cowboy-by-kim.html

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour Author Interview: Nicky Penttila

When did you know you wanted to become an author?

That’s sort of a hard question for me. Since I learned to read, I’ve devoured books, magazines, instruction manuals, anything readable, but the idea of actually writing a book didn’t come into my head until maybe high school, maybe college. I wrote a couple of short stories in high school, but expected to become an electrical engineer with a side hobby playing music. As the engineering and math classes in college grew more and more dull, I started to pick up literature and writing classes for fun. But then I got the advice that one should live a little before one tried to become a writer, so I spent two decades working for newspapers. In 2001, I heard about National Novel Writing Month, and I thought why not? I didn’t win that year, nor in 2002, but coming close that second time gave me the impetus to keep writing, not just wait till November 2003. And when I won NaNo (reached 50,000 words) in 2003, I knew I wanted to try to finish something that would sell, something that strangers would want to read.

What was your inspiration for The Untitled Lady?

There are a lot of inspirations. I wanted to show how strong women were in the Regency—they ran households and also businesses, and marched in protests, and so much more. When I read about the mass protest in Manchester later called Peterloo, I was amazed at how many women participated—and how many people altogether (estimated at 60-75 thousand!).

What is your favorite thing about the Regency period?

I love how it is right at the cusp of change. The industrial revolution is at the door, while lords and ladies with beautiful manners and strict codes of behavior swirl around each other in ballrooms.

If you could have dinner with one person from this period in time, who would it be and why?

Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. I’d ask her about the literary salons she ran, and the political campaigns she participated in, even though women could not vote. I’m also curious about a novel she is said to have written, and a piece of music that was played at the theater.

How much research goes into writing your novels?

Tons. I like to write regencies that are a little off the beaten track, so there is a lot that isn’t covered in the standard texts or other historical novels, from towns like Manchester to vocations like weaving and spinning. Most important to me is getting the thinking right; for example, how highborn or lowborn people in that time would have seen a woman who did not know who her father was. This year I attended a costume symposium and touched real clothes from the 1800s, hoping to do better at recreating those in text.

What was the most interesting thing you learned while writing The Untitled Lady?

Peterloo was arguably the first large-scale march in Europe that attempted a form of “nonviolent protest,” something I associated with Gandhi in India and civil-rights marches in the US. Turns out Gandhi had read Percy Shelley’s poem about Peterloo and talked with friends about Shelley’s call for peaceful protest.

What's next for you?

A story set in Spain in 1808, with British printers and soldiers, Spanish countesses, and more. Needs research, so I’m heading to the Galician region this spring.

About An Untitled Lady

Publication Date: December 20, 2013
Musa Publishing
eBook
ISBN: 9781619375963

Shocking family news forces Madeline Wetherby to abandon her plans to marry an earl and settle for upstart Manchester merchant Nash Quinn. When she discovers that her birth father is one of the weavers her husband is putting out of work—and a radical leader—Maddie must decide which family she truly desires, the man of her heart or the people of her blood.

An earl’s second son, Nash chose a life of Trade over Society. When protest marches spread across Lancashire, the pressure on him grows. If he can’t make both workers and manufacturers see reason he stands to lose everything: his business, his town, and his marriage.

As Manchester simmers under the summer sun, the choices grow more stark for Maddie and Nash: Family or justice. Love or money. Life or death. 

Official Book Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1K8zdbAeTQ&feature=player_embedded

Buy Links

Amazon
AudioBook
Barnes & Noble
Musa Publishing (editor’s pick)
Smashwords

Link to Tour Schedule:  http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/anuntitledladytour
Twitter Hashtag:  #AnUntitledLadyTour

Book Review: The Dawning

Author: Judy Griffith Gill
Title: The Dawning
Publisher: Open Road Media
Publish Date: Dec 18, 2012
Buy: The Dawning

Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: 

n a world ravaged by biological warfare, two young survivors fight to protect a supernaturally powerful child Following the devastating Bio Wars, in which genetically modified diseases were weaponized and used with astonishing cruelty, some survivors developed extraordinary powers, such as telepathy. These people, called Talents, are feared and hated by the Normals, who occupy the seats of power in this post-apocalyptic world. As Talents are forced to hide out in wilderness territories, two survivors among them—Serena and Andrew—team up to protect one of the youngest members of their community: a baby, named Grace, who needs protection from the territorial government at all costs.

Review: I'm used to my dystopian novels falling into the YA category. This is the first book from that genre that fell into the adult realm and it left me wanting more, but not necessarily more of the book.

I felt like I was jumping into a series at the second book. The backstory of Serena and Andrew was so powerful that it felt like there was another story before this one that explained away their past better than this story did.

The book reminded me quite a bit of Laura Bickle's  The Hallowed Ones, because the two characters are travelling to find a safe spot with the "Fold"

I have to admit I was confused through a good portion of this book trying to sort out the SAPPS, The Normals and The Talents. This 300 page book took me nearly a week to read, which is more time than most books of that length take me to read.

But it isn't bad, just slow. There are some wonderful points, especially with Grace, when they stay on the farm with Matthew and Gerta, who are Mennonites. It was strange to see a familiar culture show up in this post apocalyptic, dystopian tale.

Then there is the matter of Grace and her potty training and feeding. That was good for a few giggles. (And this book needed something to perk it up)

There's a rekindled romance between Serena and Andrew, but that also left me wanting. She doesn't trust him for such a long time, and then suddenly she does...and the ending..ARGH

I will admit to being totally surprised at who Jamieson turned out to be. I really wasn't expecting that at all.

I think readers that are more into this genre will appreciate this one, probably more than I did, but it is nice to venture outside my comfort zone every now and then, and this was a pleasant read.

Rating: 3 flowers

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: The Untitled Lady

About An Untitled Lady

Publication Date: December 20, 2013
Musa Publishing
eBook
ISBN: 9781619375963

Shocking family news forces Madeline Wetherby to abandon her plans to marry an earl and settle for upstart Manchester merchant Nash Quinn. When she discovers that her birth father is one of the weavers her husband is putting out of work—and a radical leader—Maddie must decide which family she truly desires, the man of her heart or the people of her blood.

An earl’s second son, Nash chose a life of Trade over Society. When protest marches spread across Lancashire, the pressure on him grows. If he can’t make both workers and manufacturers see reason he stands to lose everything: his business, his town, and his marriage.

As Manchester simmers under the summer sun, the choices grow more stark for Maddie and Nash: Family or justice. Love or money. Life or death.

Official Book Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1K8zdbAeTQ&feature=player_embedded

Buy Links

Amazon
AudioBook
Barnes & Noble
Musa Publishing (editor’s pick)
Smashwords

Link to Tour Schedule:  http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/anuntitledladytour
Twitter Hashtag:  #AnUntitledLadyTour

Review: It is so wonderful to find a romance novel that is more than just a romance novel. It is a novel that is rich in history and is more than just a deb looking for her mate.

I think the cover might put off some readers, it is definitely a book worth checking out, especially if you are interested in the time period more so than the usual round of balls at Almack's and talk of Prinny.

In fact, that's one of the reasons I recommend this book. It opens you eyes to the time period as well has being a romantic novel.

This book was so different from what I am used to reading and so much more. Maddie and Nash's story is one that will keep you turning the pages.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author
Nicky Penttila writes stories with adventure and love, and often with ideas and history as well. She enjoys coming up with stories that are set in faraway cities and countries, because then she *must* travel there, you know, for research. She lives in Maryland with her reading-mad husband and amazing rescue cat.

She’s chattiest on Twitter, @NickyPenttila, and can also be found at nickypenttila.com and on Facebook.

Fiction Addiction Book Tours: The Illicit Love Of A Courtesan

Publisher Harper Impulse

In the eyes of the ton, Ellen Harding lives a charmed life – she is the beautiful, exquisitely adorned mistress of Lord Gainsborough. But on the inside, behind her glamorous façade, she is empty – a vessel – deaf to the voice of morality and blind to shame. Unable to escape the gilded cage she has been trapped within. Kind, gentle Edward Marlow could prove to be her salvation… With one look he gives her hope. With one touch he sets her senses alight. Lose yourself in the passionate intensity of this stunning debut from exciting new talent Jane Lark.

Excerpt

He’d been waiting ten minutes when he saw her. She was simply and elegantly dressed, her appearance nothing like that of a courtesan. The long dark navy pelisse she wore was to keep her warm in the chill, early March winds. Spring was still as yet unbroken.

The demure garment hung to her ankles, with double breasted buttons across her chest, and an upturned fox fur collar framed her beautiful neck and face. Her hands were within a matching fox fur muff at her waist. The dark navy hat, sitting high on her ebony hair, was decorated with jay’s feathers that swept up from the brim above her left ear. And a narrow, navy veil, woven in a fine net, was drawn down over her eyes and nose.

His hands curled into fists inside the pockets of his thick, many-caped greatcoat as he watched her, waiting for her to notice him.

She had thought to hide herself, he guessed, but he would know the curve of her jaw, that mouth, the column of her neck, anywhere, even within a crowd. He had committed it to memory half a dozen times in recent weeks and lain awake night after night recalling every detail.

She looked over her shoulder, glancing back up the street, as if she half expected to be followed. Then she looked to the traffic in the road, waiting until it was clear before she crossed to the park gates. She’d still not seen him.

Within her muff he imagined her hands clasped together, her thumbs circling one another. He’d seen her tendency to fiddle when she stood at Gainsborough’s back. She was forever twisting and turning her fan; never comfortable, nor secure. The other courtesans he’d seen in London were women of excessive confidence, bold, never meek and maidenly in their manner as Ellen always seemed. With Ellen he could not even lay her lack of confidence at the door of her age. She was older than him, and yet her nervous behaviour made her seem half a dozen years younger.

She was on the path some distance before him now, her short, quick strides slicing at the skirt of her pelisse. Her gaze was on the pavement ahead of her, oblivious to the men who passed her and looked back, as nearly every man did, even with her beauty covered by a veil.

She looked up.

The moment she saw him, he could tell she’d not thought he would come. It was in the sudden drop of tenseness in her shoulders and the smile opening her mouth as if she would speak and acknowledge him from afar. But such an outburst would be folly, even though he had come as asked without acquaintance or equipage, someone may know him. Her mouth closed on the exclamation as she increased her pace, weaving through people walking the other way.

 Review: This book seemed quite familiar when I started reading it, and then I realized, I had read it, in May of last year, it just had an updated cover.

However, I think the new cover is much more eye catching, and not to worry, the story is still worthy of 5 flowers, which is what I gave it the last time.

You can check out that review here

Suffice to say, I'm anxious to read the second book in this series, The Passionate Love Of A Rake

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romances.

She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write one.

Now Jane is writing a Regency series she’s thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations at last.

Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development, and uses her knowledge of psychology to bring her characters to life.

‘Basically I love history and I’m a sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it’s wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction, and my understanding of people helps me write the really intense relationships I enjoy creating.’

Email janelark@btinternet.com

Website http://www.janelark.co.uk/index.html 

Blog http://janelark.wordpress.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Janelarkauthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/JaneLark 

The only woman who had power over notorious rake Robert Marlow was now walking away from him, again. He'd heard Sutton had died, and known Jane was free, but he'd always thought his desire would only be for revenge, not her. Yet here he was, unable to deny what he felt for her… what he’d never felt for any other woman…

The International giveaway on this tour is overall a first edition signed copy of The Illicit Love of a Courtesan plus a bag.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Chick Ponders Bookish Things: I Need More Space!

You would think that after buying an ereader that I'd stop purchasing print books.

Ha!

I have more than ever now.

I really need more room in my house for them. They are on the floor. They are everywhere! It is insane. And I can't stop buying them, because, well, ebooks don't have pretty covers that I can look at when my eyes need a break.

I spent several hours today moving furniture around to accommodate my habit. I think things look pretty good too.

If only I could just turn my bedroom into a library.

That would be ideal.

My house would look neater, that's for sure. And I'm up for anything that helps make my house look neat.

Book Review: Not Another Wedding

Author: Jennifer McKenzie
Title: Not Another Wedding
Publisher: Harlequin Superromance
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2013
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: 
Yeah, yeah…happily ever after. Whatever.

Sure, Poppy Sullivan believes in love…but love at first sight? Not likely. That's why she's determined to stop her good friend from marrying the wrong woman. So she sets to work immediately and walks right into the very impressive chest of Beck Lefebvre. Not a good omen, considering how things ended up the last time he was in town.

She isn't surprised to see Beck at his cousin's wedding, but she's appalled at his assumption that he deserves a second chance. She's equally appalled at her inclination to give it to him. No way is she falling for his charm again! Although her vow to resist him may be too late…

Review:  I had a love/hate relationship with this story. It took me much longer to read than most Superromances. I think it was because of the nature of Beck and Poppy's relationship.

I don't think I've ever read a romance where the characters took so long to get it together.

Poppy is home for her bff's wedding, but she's not sure he should be marrying Emmy. Things seemed to be happening too quickly, and while trying to find out if Jamie and Emmy really are in love she encounters the guy that broke her heart the last time they were together.

I usually like romances with second chances, but high school ones usually put me off. Beck put me off even more because he had so many issues with relationships because of his parents marrying and divorcing and marrying and divorcing.

Of course, I could feel for him there. You'd have to be mixed up if your parents were working on their 3rd marriage to each other. But oh, he kept screwing up. I wanted to shake him, and at the same time, I was coming to really like him.

Actually, as the book progressed, it was fun to see how clueless he was. I mean they get together and everyone thinks they are a couple and then Jamie and Emmy's wedding is over and he doesn't call her?

Oye!

Again, wanted to choke him.

It made sense that Poppy didn't want to give him another chance when he came back around.

But I think for all the frustrations, how they finally did come together was "real."

It was a little slow going but I did enjoy this one.

Rating: 4 flowers

Cover Reveal: A Grim Legacy

ABOUT JANNA JENNINGS Janna is a Colorado based YA author who loves a good fairy tale. She’s married to her own real life Prince Charming, and will usually admit to being mom of three, including her incorrigible middle child, Benny. Besides wrangling her kids she can be found doing some therapeutic baking, dreaming of the ocean, and of course, curling up with a good book. Twitter: @jannajennings80 Blog: http://www.janna.patchwork-press.com/

'A GRIMM LEGACY' SUMMARY Enchanted castles and charming princes thought to exist only in stories come to life in this classically twisted fairy tale that combines the timeless quality of generations old folktales with the challenges of the modern world.

The woods of Elorium appear ordinary to Andi Grace, until birds start talking and elves answer doors. Along with three others, Andi has been whisked out of her world and finds herself the reluctant guest of the perplexing millionaire, Mr. Jackson—a stranger willing to help get them home, but who’s keeping secrets of his own.

Discovering unexpected family connections to this fairy tale land, the group must rely on each other as they dodge evil fairies and battle giants, intent on keeping them in Elorium. Faced with characters short on whimsy and bent towards treachery, Andi, Quinn, Fredrick and Dylan are forced into fairy tale roles to find the way home. But in Elorium, happily ever after is never guaranteed.

Other Info Cover Designed by: Erica Crouch (http://erica.patchwork-press.com) Originally Published by: Patchwork Press, October 29th 2013

Release Day Blitz: Anna DeStefano - Love On Mimosa Lane

Hello kitty is here to tell you about a great book that is out today!

Love on Mimosa Lane (Seasons of the Heart #3)

by Anna DeStefano

Paperback, 317 pages

Expected publication: January 21st 2014 by Montlake Romance

ISBN 1612184545 (ISBN13: 9781612184548)

Series: Seasons of the Heart #3

Book Blurb: Law Beaumont and Kristen Hemmings have watched each other from a distance for years. But Law, a bartender with a bad-boy past, and Kristen, an assistant principal devoted to helping her community, couldn't seem more different. When they unite to mentor a young foster child and to help Law's troubled daughter through the aftermath of her parents? ugly divorce, their attract...more.

Buy Links: Amazon/Barnes and Noble

Author Info: 
Anna DeStefano is the award-winning, nationally best-selling author of more than sixteen novels, including Three Days on Mimosa Lane, Christmas on Mimosa Lane, Secret Legacy, Dark Legacy and the Atlanta Heroes series. Her background as a care provider and adult educator in the world of crisis and grief recovery lends itself to the deeper psychological themes of every story she writes.

With a rich blend of realism and fantasy, Anna invites readers to see each of life's moments with honesty and clarity. Her stories search for hope and transformation through intense emotional journeys. Anna's characters face the ultimate of human choices: finding the courage to conquer their fears and thrive until, despite every obstacle, they become the beautiful things they're meant to be.

The past president of Georgia Romance Writers, her writing has been recognized with numerous awards, including twice winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, the Holt Medallion, the Golden Heart, and the Maggie Award for excellence. She has also been a finalist in the National Reader's Choice and Book Seller's Best awards.

An author, workshop and keynote speaker, writing coach, and freelance editor, Anna's creative vision permeates every challenge she undertakes. Her interactive presentations on the writing process regularly attract standing room-only crowds. She also teaches half-day and one-day seminars to smaller groups interested in a more intensive, interactive experience.

She blogs regularly. Join Anna each week on her blog (www.annawrites.com/blog) for Soul Of The Matter, Dream Theories, Things My Teenager Says, How We Write, Waterfall Challenges, and more.
 
Website: http://www.annawrites.com/

Fiction Addiction Book Tours: Destined For Love

Rex Braden is wealthy, hard working, and fiercely loyal. Sweat at his brow, he works the family ranch by day, then kicks back at night with part time lovers who require nothing more than his physical presence a few times each week. But that was before. Before Jade Johnson, the daughter of the man his father has been feuding with for over forty years, moves back into town.

After ditching a horrific relationship—and her veterinary practice in the process—Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is...until her horse is injured and Rex Braden comes to her rescue. The last thing she needs is a bull-headed, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Braden complicating her life.

Despite the angry family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, and attitudes follow. Fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love stirs a surge of passion too strong for either to deny—and the rebel in each of them rears its powerful head. Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained. Rex and Jade are about to find out if true love really can conquer all.

Buy Links: http://bit.ly/DestinedForLove_Nook

More information about this series can be found here http://www.melissafoster.com/content/snow-sisters-bradens-love-bloom-series

Review:  I've heard so much about Melissa Foster. It seemed like everywhere I turned, someone was reviewing one of her books. So when I had the opportunity to read one, I jumped on board. Destined For Love is part of The Bradens' series.

It is a stand alone novel, but it will have you craving the other...erm 9 books in the series. I did it again, I haven't read any of the other books, but it didn't really affect how I felt about this one.

The story has a bit of the Romeo and Juliet premise, of a family feud. Of course, this being a romance, we don't have to worry about either Rex or Jade dying at the end!

Yay!

Melissa's writing reminds me of Linda Lael Miller's Creed Saga..that spanned a bajillion books, or so it seemed. Well, except for one thing, Melissa's story has a little more spice.

Mmmm. 

Spicy cowboys! Yum!

Seriously Jade and Rex were a fabulous couple.

Jade's love for animals is what drew me to her, especially her care for Flame and Hope. I'm a sucker for books with animals, always have been. Oh and Riley's nickname for Rex is awesome..Sexy Rexy! It really doesn't get any better than this.

It really was painful waiting for the resolution of the feud. The reason wasn't what I was expecting but it made sense.

This is a perfect quick read for anyone that loves books about families or if you just love a good hunky cowboy hero!

If you haven't read Melissa yet, what is stopping you?

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Authors Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

Goodreads

Sisters in Love is free on Amazon US from now throughout January 2014.  

SIL AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Series-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B00EF6LY2I/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

SIL B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sisters-in-love-melissa-foster/1116808137?ean=9780989050852

SIL KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/sisters-in-love-snow-sisters-book-one-love-in-bloom-series

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A Chick Ponders Bookish Things: Why I Love My Library

I actually have 2 really awesome libraries within 10 minutes of my house. One in my hometown, another in a neighboring town.

Of the two, Monessen Public Library is my favorite.

Why?

Well, because it is beautiful.

I'm going to make it my top priority to get a few pictures of my library the next time I go there, but trust me when I say it is super cozy and though it doesn't have a fantastic selection, thank's to budget cuts, it has introduced me to some great reads over the years.

One of the authors I was re-introduced to was Jennifer Chiaverini. I read a few of her "Quilt" series before, but they didn't do it for me. But then I read The Christmas Quilt...and now I have to read more. If I hadn't re-opened my library account I probably never would have read that book, and I have to say, it is a holiday story that I highly recommend.

When I was a little girl, I remember reading all the Jean Plaidy novels I could get my hands on from that library and the John K. Tener Library, which is the one in my hometown of Charleroi, PA.

There are so many books I never would have found, if not for these two fabulous libraries, and that is why I love them.

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Author Interview: Sam Thomas

Today I'm excited to have the author of The Harlot's Tale, Sam Thomas by to answer a few questions!

When you wrote A Midwife's Tale, did you plan for it to be a series?

Absolutely! It’s a fascinating time period, and there are so many situations for Bridget to find herself caught up in. The civil war in The Midwife’s Tale, the rise of Puritanism in The Harlot’s Tale, and then witchcraft, the execution of the King…I could go on for years!

I also learned quickly that when a prospective agent and editor as, “Is this a series?” there is a correct answer!

Did your education make it easier or more challenging for you when doing the research for this series?

I think it made it a lot easier in a number of ways. For a start, I had been studying 17^th century England for fifteen or so years before I even considered writing fiction, so I had a handle on the lay of the land.

More importantly, though, if there is a question I need to clarify, I know where to go for the answers.

What do you find the most fascinating about Restoration England?

Without a doubt it’s the religious tumult of the time. This is when the Church of England fractured, into a variety of denominations, including Baptists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Quakers – you name it! So many assumptions were overthrown by the revolution, and even the return of the monarchy could not put Humpty Dumpty back together.

What is the hardest part about writing historical fiction?

Trying to make sure that your characters are both historically accurate and people that readers can relate to. There is nothing that bothers me quite as much as books set in the past with characters who seem to have parachuted in from the 21^st century.

This means that you have to find a way to make someone like Bridget – who believes that witches  should be hanged, mothers of illegitimate children whipped, and the Pope is the Anti-Christ – sympathetic to readers who don’t share those beliefs.

What is next for you?

Right now I’m fine-tuning book three in the series. It is tentatively called The Witch-Hunter’s Tale. I’ve also drafted a fourth book (The Assassin’s Tale, maybe?), and have begun work on a stand-alone novel set in Colonial New England. I keep busy when I can!

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