Monday, June 17, 2013

Rift Healer Book Blast


rift healerRift Healer

Rift Healer is the first installment of the 'Forest Magic' series, a Young Adult Fantasy/Romance set in Central and Western Massachusetts.
After a minor earthquake, the enchanted forest in Bidwell, MA, is infested with monster-spewing rifts. Gisele Westerfield's great nephew, the gifted Micah, and his distant cousin, Selena, arrive to assist. Together with Gisele's summer students, twins Haley and Lacey, they will try to heal the magical forest.
Much to the consternation of the beautiful Selena, Micah identifies Haley as The One whom he'll share his future. But after witnessing a terrifying display of Micah's Gift, Haley cools to his advances and unexpectedly discovers her own Gift-- she can heal the earth.
Monsters, mayhem, and teenage angst follow the small group as they confront evil in the forest and a dangerous prediction that 'one will fall'. Will they heal the rifts in time? Can they save the unicorns? And is Haley really destined to be with Micah?




Sunday, June 16, 2013

Living Your Covenants

living covenantsLiving Your Covenants Every Day

The little things we do on a daily basis don’t just matter—they can make all the difference. Intentional daily acts focused on covenant-keeping will bind us to the Savior as we are deliber- ate and determined to follow Him in small and simple ways. Drawing upon the teachings and lives of ancient and modern prophets, author Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt identifies patterns of truth that encourage increased commitment to covenant relationships while diminishing the binding grip of the adversary. Included are chapters on the need to be consistent in covenant- keeping, on recognizing Satan’s tactics and lies, on undoing self-destructive routines, on the role of the Spirit to help us both feel and follow promptings, and on the power of daily scripture study and prayer in establishing habits that reinforce and sup- port our commitment to the Savior.





Night Chill

From the author of middle grades spine-chilling horror series The Templar Chronicles comes a supernatural thriller for his adult fans


"Gunhus delivers a taut supernatural thriller...all the chops of an action-packed horror tale." - Kirkus Reviews

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Obliette

Oubliette (Cloud Prophet Trilogy #2)Oubliette by Megg Jensen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.


Obliette is the second book in the Cloud Prophet Trilogy and picks up right where Anathema leaves off. Reychel finds herself in the Southern Kingdom with Nemison's daughter Krissen. Nemison was left behind on the other side of the portal in the Northern Kingdom and Reychel is on her own and unsure who to trust.

I love the world that Jenson has created as well as the new characters that have been introduced. However, Krissen goes beyond getting on my nerves. She is the princess and prone to tantrums but her mood swings make me want to find her some medication. The other characters are much more interesting and the intrigue definitely adds to the story. Nothing is as it really seems and just when you think you have it figured out you find you have it all wrong.

Its true that Reychel is a bit naive and it seems like everyone, especially the headstrong princess, is taking advantage of her. But you must remember that she hasn't lived out in the world long and her knowledge and judge of human nature is limited.There was one thing about this part of her story that didn't seem right to me. She spent a good deal of her time pouring over the journals of the first prophet. However, she spent the biggest part of her life as a slave. Who taught her to read? What purpose would it have served to educate slaves? She wasn't born knowing how so how did she read all those journals?

Overall, I loved the book. If you enjoyed Anathema you should continue with Obliette. This is a fun series, if you like fantasy this is a good one to pick up.



View all my reviews

Friday, June 14, 2013

A Celtic Tapestry




A Celtic Tapestry

Published By

Moon Rose Publishing



Blurb
The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.







Moonlit


moonlit tour



Moonlit

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.

But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?




Praise

"Virginia's trees look like they're burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a chokehold on their green. I wish they'd give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they're dying."

And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you'll love this novel!

~Author Julie Ford



Prologue

The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn’t tried to get out of the way. She had just missed.
I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word.


Author Jadie Jones

Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went.
She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.


Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/21/13

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Today Only by D. Love

Today Only by D. Love Published: May 11, 2013 Editor: Lizzy Ford Cover Designer: Airicka Phoenix Blurb: In life, there are times you are granted a miracle. It may not be the one you wanted exactly, but it will be the one you need. It will prepare you for the next step in your journey and help you learn to accept the life you are given, even if that life can be heartbreaking. Buy Links Amazon: http://amzn.to/161ETTr B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/today-only-derinda-love/1115283732?ean=2940016701103 Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/317656 EXCERPTS Excerpt #1 - Rye's POV My time here is dwindling. Everything around me – my body, the transition from winter to spring, the height chart marking the growth of my daughter, Emily – reminds me that the hourglass that is my life has only a few grains of sand left. It’s my first thought this morning. I awoke early for a fundraiser, the Big Walk for March of Dimes. I start off with my daily routine. I jump in the shower, trying not to notice how much the droplets of water hurt my skin. The sting is too much this morning. I get out quickly, dry off and throw my hair in a simple ponytail at the base of my neck. I catch my reflection in the mirror and stare at myself for a minute. Just a little longer? So I can watch Em grow up? My mirror doesn’t have an answer for me. "Come on, Em!" I call to my daughter. "Get your shoes on, before we’re late." I turn away from the mirror, then hurry into the living room and grab Emily by the hand. "You ready Em?" I ask. Whatever dread or fear I feel in front of my mirror fades at the sight of Em’s beautiful blue eyes. She looks up at me with the biggest smile, and exclaims, "Yes!" We hop in the car and head towards the Walk. My daughter’s eyes are glowing. "Mama, this is going to be the best walk ever," she almost squeals in excitement. The innocence of my little angel never fails to humble me. She doesn’t yet understand that this might be my last Walk with her. "Yes, honey, this is going to be the best walk ever," I agree. ************************************************* Excerpt #2 Rye's POV I cross to the area that Jett has claimed for his garden. He appears to be in the zone as he works, oblivious to everything. "Good morning," I call. Jett throws dirt in the air and screams like Em. "Good grief! You scared me to death, Rye!" he exclaims, turning. I try to apologize but am laughing so hard, my ribs start hurting. I sit down. When his surprise wears off, Jett laughs as well. It takes me a few minutes to recover. "So, tell me, Jett," I say when I’m able to breathe and speak again, "what is the importance of a garden?" "It’s the healthy way to live," is all he says. "Hmmmm," I reply. There’s got to be more. Any other day, I’d probably ask him more questions. But right now, I’m completely captivated by his work – and his body. He’s always in a t-shirt. Sweat makes it cling to his upper body, outlining the muscles of his wide back. Tracing the definition of each muscle would take me all day, but I would definitely accept the job. He’s the sexiest man I’ve ever seen, and the kindest. He’s pretty much perfect. "You wanna help me, or just stare at my ass all day?" he asks, twisting to see me. ************************************************* Excerpt #3 Jett's POV My dad and I must have talked for an hour. I tell him about work, about Em’s graduation party and about my intention to ask Rye to marry me. He doesn’t say much about the last part, at least, not until I’m getting ready to leave. That’s when the conversation takes the turn I expected earlier. "One minute, son," he says slowly, thoughtfully. "Yes, sir." "Jett, I want to give you a little more advice." "Alright, sir," was all I could say, worried about what he had to say. "Jett, you understand you are walking into a life of heartbreak, right?" he asks gravely. "Yes, sir," I repeated. "I want you to remember that heartbreak that you are walking into already has people in place. Remember not to remove anyone from their positions, son." "What do you mean, sir?" I ask, puzzled. "What I mean is, remember that everyone has a method to help themselves cope through this tragic circumstance. Whether it’s Dee, reading every night to Rye, or Em, posting notes. Everyone has a coping mechanism to help them survive, until the end. You need to respect that." "Sir, with the utmost respect, I haven’t given up hope." "Son, there is always an end." I get up to leave. My soul hurts, and the pain is physical. My legs shake, and I feel that panicky anger I did the other night. I walk down the porch then stop, turning to see my dad. "Sir, how did you make it through this with Mom?" I ask him in a hushed voice. "I did what you have chosen to do, live in the here and now," he replies. "I love you, son. I don’t want to see you hurt the way I did." ************************************************* Author Bio I live in Maine. My biggest passion is for my family and friends. I adore loving others as if it is the biggest gift life can offer. I'm a read-a-holic, loves chocolate, cowboys and everyone on Young Adult & Teen Readers Facebook page. My dream is to travel to Australia one day and see a kangaroo. I am nothing but simple. I do a lot of volunteer work. I have 2 beautiful daughters. 4 grandchildren, that constantly ask me if I lived in the black & white days. My inspiration would be my daughters. Rita for her strength to keep fighting and constantly trying to take care of me, even though sometimes she can’t get out of bed & Kayla, for helping to pick up all the pieces that seem to fall when times get rough, and the love they have for me. Blog: http://yesterdayandtomorrowsreads.blogspot.com/ Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/D-Love/460898927326110?ref=hl Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derinda.love Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerindaL GIVEAWAY Rafflecoptor a Rafflecopter giveaway

Anathema

Anathema (Cloud Prophet Trilogy, #1)Anathema by Megg Jensen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this read from the very beginning. Reychel is a slave and wakes on her 15th birthday to find that her best friend is gone and a coin is left in her place. We quickly begin to learn about her life as a slave. How they shave their heads every morning as a sign of their place in life. How Reychel is treated differently from the rest by their master.

Once I started this read it was very hard to put down. I was quickly drawn into this story and loved the flow and pace of it. It has a definite fairy tale feel to it as we see the use of magic as well as magic cloaks and portals to other places. There were a few things that seemed unlikely. The use of wigs to hide the mark of a slave while may seem like a likely disguise I wondered where they got such elaborate wigs. The wigs were apparently so lifelike no one could tell it wasn't real hair. Maybe there was magic involved?

Early on a fast pace was set for this read, leaving little time for other characters to doubt Reychel and who she really was. All it took was a look in her eyes and all seemed to accept it. That didn't really make her a leader but that was never disputed either.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read and am continuing on with the next in this series. I am hoping to learn more of this world and about who exactly these people are. We have been dropped into the conflict between the slaves and the Malborn with little explanation so far. But I hope more becomes clear in time.

If you enjoy a good YA fantasy you are sure to enjoy this one. I know I did.



View all my reviews

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Free: The Little Red Book of Romance by T.H. Dillon

Title: The Little Red Book of Romance: Author: Thomas Hunter Dillon Free: June 11-15

EXCERPT: (from the all-new story "FANtasy")

After pressing the button for the 53rd floor, Zach quickly flashed a glance over at the mystery beauty and acknowledged her with a polite smile and a calm “You’re welcome”. Once he had done so, he tried to avert his eyes to avoid making her feel uncomfortable. Zach looked up at the ceiling of the elevator….mirrors. Then he glanced over at the back wall of the elevator….mirrors. But what he saw in them was the reflection of a beautiful stranger with a stare planted firmly on him. He finally dropped his head to pretend he was looking at the floor of the elevator, only there was a problem with that….more mirrors! Now if he stared too long at the floor of the elevator, he could be accused of trying to peep up the slinky black dress of his guest in the elevator. There was simply no way he could avoid looking at her. Her petite voice pierced the awkward silence once more. “72nd floor?” she questioned. Zach was hoping to be there soon, so he could avoid any more awkward conversation. He glanced up at the digital floor-counter above the elevator doors. 9th floor! This awkward conversation was just beginning. With that he turned his attention to the mystery beauty opposite him in the elevator. “Yep, that’s me!” he said shyly as he met her eyes with his. “Isn’t everything above the 70th floor a suite or a penthouse?” she curiously mused. “I honestly have no idea miss. This is my first time ever staying here.” Her curiosity began to grow more now. She started to eye Zach up and down to get a good look at him. Zach suddenly became uneasy because he knew how this always ended for him. Or at least he thought he did. As he expected her too, the mysterious woman ceased to relent with her questioning. “Say….you must be someone important if you’re staying on the 72nd floor,” she pondered out loud. “Or have a good night at the blackjack tables!” he quickly joked. The momentary laughter their shared over that statement served to ease Zach’s tension for only a matter of minutes. Zach didn’t know what to say next and neither did the mystery beauty. He glanced up again at the floor-counter above the doors, thinking he had successfully dodged a bullet. 14th floor! This elevator was quickly becoming a prison of sorts and Zach’s anxiety grew. He wondered the likelihood of them making it to the 53rd floor before the inevitable happened. Probably not he thought to himself. He glanced back over at his co-pilot on this magic carpet ride and found her still intently fixated on him with her stare. “So Mr. Lucky-at-blackj ack…..what’s your name?” she politely asked. “Zach,” he responded. “That’s funny,” she noted. “I drove up today for a book-signing at the book shop on the other side of the resort. The author’s name was Zachary Disdain,” she smirked. “You don’t say?” Zach said with a twinge of sarcasm. “Yeah, you know the romance author, Zachary Disdain?” “No ma’am….can’t say as I know him.” “I suppose not,” the mystery woman suggested. “Most men don’t read romance novels anyways.” “You can say that again!” Zach quickly joked.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DB53O40/ref=r_soa_w_d

Friday, June 7, 2013

The Initiate

The Initiate (Cloud Prophet Trilogy, #0.5)The Initiate by Megg Jensen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This short novella is the beginning of the Cloud Prophet Trilogy. It tells of Eloh and how she has become an Initiate to an arcane ritual where girls are burned at the stake in order to appease the Gods. Society is trying to bring back magic to the world by doing so.

Although this is a short novella, the story draws you in from the very beginning and the characters feel so real. And by the ending, that comes entirely too soon, you are anxious to continue her story.

I've not read any of the other books in this series. And while this can be enjoyed alone, once you finish you won't want to stop there. I loved it but wish it could have been longer.



View all my reviews
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...