Posts

Showing posts from January, 2014

Crossing the Deep by Kelly Martin, Book Review

Image
Blurb: Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the church sponsored hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, Rachel prays to just make it home alive. Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail. As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist. My Review: It took me about a quarter of the book for me to really become pulled into the story. but once I w

Fall (Seaside #4) by Rachel Van Dyken, Book Review

Image
Blurb: If you look up British in the dictionary…A-list celebrity Jamie Jaymeson’s name would be next to it. Along with charming, witty, man-whore, and a lot of other adjectives that he wouldn’t appreciate being attached to his name. He has everything in the world going for him. Until fate decides his number’s finally up. Caught in a compromising position that really wasn’t his fault to begin with (really it wasn’t)—Jaymeson’s been told by his agent to lay low in the one town he swore he’d never return to—the seventh circle of hell, known by its residents as Seaside, Oregon. Two months? He can do anything for two months. Especially if it means getting a part in the new book-to-movie series that has girls all over the world swooning. Play nice? Keep it in his pants? Please. He played an alien once—he was going to totally rock it. Until a certain someone who he may or may not have publicly humiliated—rejected, then humiliated again, suddenly pops up next door. Self control ha

Release Day for Fall: A Seaside Novel by Rachel Van Dyken!!!

Image
Fall (A Seaside Series Novel #4) Author: Rachel Van Dkyken Release date: January 28th Genre: New Adult Synopsis: If you look up British in the dictionary…A-list celebrity Jamie Jaymeson’s name would be next to it. Along with charming, witty, man-whore, and a lot of other adjectives that he wouldn’t appreciate being attached to his name. He has everything in the world going for him. Until fate decides his number’s finally up. Caught in a compromising position that really wasn’t his fault to begin with (really it wasn’t)—Jaymeson’s been told by his agent to lay low in the one town he swore he’d never return to—the seventh circle of hell, known by its residents as Seaside, Oregon. Two months? He can do anything for two months. Especially if it means getting a part in the new book-to-movie series that has girls all over the world swooning. Play nice? Keep it in his pants? Please. He played an alien once—he was going to totally rock it. Until a certain someone who he may o

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee, Book Review

Image
Blurb: Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help. As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world. A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up. My Review: I must start off by saying that this is Karen Foxlee and the marvelous book!  I was intrigued when I saw this title available on Netgalley.  I love middle g

Teach Me Under the Mistletoe by Kay Springsteen, Book Review

Image
Blurb: According to Caroline "Kitty" Tyndall's friends, a young lady who's gone two seasons in London with nary a nibble from a prospective suitor is well on the way to spinsterhood. But what's a girl to do when she's never been kissed, and the worldly man she wants regards her as a child? Hugh McCollum spends his days as a stable hand staying out of trouble and saving for his planned emigration to America. When Lady Caroline asks him to teach her how to kiss so the man she's set her cap for will find her more sophisticated, he knows he should run in the other direction. But when a pretty young woman falls into his arms and begs for his help, what's a red-blooded man to do but oblige? If learning to kiss leads Kitty to love, will the man of her dreams be the man of her heart? My Review: I love Christmas stories and I also love historical novels, so Teach Me Under the Mistletoe was right up my alley!  I thought that Kitty would be my favo

A Gift for Lara by S.G. Rogers Book Review

Image
Blurb: Can the spirit of Christmas mend two broken hearts? Lara Robinson wrote a love letter four years ago, but received no reply. Now the man to whom she gave her heart will visit Blythe Manor for Christmas. How can she enjoy the holidays knowing Miles Greystoke must despise her for revealing her feelings in such an unguarded fashion? As an awkward youth, Miles fell in love with a kindred spirit…but his love was unrequited. Against his wishes, he’s now obliged to spend the holidays at Blythe Manor. Time has wrought changes in his physique, but his devotion to Lara Robinson has never wavered. He searches for the perfect present to show her how he feels, but nothing seems quite right…until he realizes the best sort of gift will embrace the true meaning of Christmas. A Victorian Christmas short story. My Review: I loved this short Christmas story by S.G. Rogers!  First I have to say that the cover is simply gorgeous!  If I were to buy a book based on the cover alone, th

A Stormy Knight by Amy Mullen, Book Review

Image
Blurb: In twelfth century England, Gemma de Vere and Nicholas de Reymes find love at a young age. Too naïve to truly understand what is happening, their fledgling relationship is torn apart by political games and scheming minds. Nicholas and his family disappear into the night and Gemma is left with a shattered heart. Seven years later, Gemma still harbors a broken heart, and retreats into a life in which she will not be foolish enough to fall in love again. Mysterious deaths and accidents begin to plague those living within the walls of Blackstone Castle, and her father falls ill. She has no choice but to seek the assistance of King Henry. Help arrives in the form of her childhood love, the handsome and imposing Nicholas, who is now a fierce and loyal knight bent on revenge. The pain and anguish he feels over the fate of his family casts Gemma as his enemy. To him, she represents all the misfortune in his life as he tries to keep her at arm’s length and far away from his hea

The Colony by Cami Checketts, Blog Tour & Book Review

Image
Blurb: To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property. Lance, Brinlee's attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion. While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.  My Review: The Colony starts out with a huge action/suspense

Drawn by Cecilia Gray, Book Review

Image
Blurb: A wholly original tale of friendship and betrayal through the eyes – and lies – of one extraordinary girl.  Sasha has a secret – that she can make you spill  your  secret with nothing more than a question. Her strange gift makes her a burden to her foster family and a total freak of nature. Not that Sasha cares. Why should she when no one cares about her? Then the CIA knocks on her door. They want to give Sasha a new identity and drop her into a foreign country to infiltrate a ring of zealous graffiti terrorists. They want to give Sasha something to care about. To survive a world where no one is who they seem, Sasha needs to make people trust her. But when that trust blossoms into love, Sasha is forced to decide between duty and friendship, between her mind and her heart, and whether to tell the truth or keep her secrets. My Review: Drawn is definitely an intriguing book.  It is so different, that it falls into many different genres:  YA, paranormal, mystery, action/s

Knight of the Highlander by Kristin Vayden, Book Review

Image
Blurb: Colin's loyalty is to the English Crown. When sent into the Highlands to spy on the clans and report any Jacobite sympathizers, he takes on a new identity, the clan Chattan Blacksmith. He expected his duplicity would be difficult, he expected to risk his life. But he never expected to fall in love, especially with the traitorous Chattan Laird's daughter. When his cover is blown he had two choices; leave and survive, or fight for a chance at love. My Review: Knight of the Highlander is a great historical romance novel!  I was easily drawn into the story of Arwynn and Colin.  Vayden made me fall in love with the Scottish Highlands, tartan and Scottish brogues!  Reading the dialogue in their native brogue brought the characters to life and the dynamic between Arwynn and Colin was tangible!  The premise of the book is intriguing and the decision that each of the main characters' has to make is a tough one.  What would you choose?  Love or your country?  A fas

New Release, Silver Moon by Cheree Alsop & Giveaway!!!

Image
Blurb: Silver Moon, the seventh book in the Silver Series, is about Jaze as he fights to hold onto the peace he has achieved for the werewolves. Tensions rise, ultimatums are made, and Jaze is forced to make a decision that will change everything for werewolves, hunters, and humans alike. Hearts are broken, lives are forfeit, and Jaze’s pack is called upon to save those who survive. Silver Moon is about sacrificing everything for love. With those he cares about on the line, Jaze’s courage, loyalty, and leadership are put to the ultimate test. website:  www.chereealsop.com facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authorchereealsop   Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/chereealsop   Amazon for paperback & ebook:   http://www.amazon.com/Cheree-Alsop/e/B006NPWD2Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1372913544&sr=8-2-ent Barnes&Noble for ebook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/cheree-alsop?store=allproducts&keyword=cheree+alsop   Smashwords for all ebook formats:  http://www.smashwords.com

Surviving Scotland (Westin Legacy #2) by Kristin Vayden, Book Review

Image
Blurb: Only love is strong enough to grasp what it was never meant to have.  Elle can’t deny that Ioan is handsome. That is, until he opens his mouth. How can someone so masculine and striking be so irritating? Yet part of her knows that if his sarcastic and teasing temper changed, she’d lose her heart.  Ioan knows that Elle is untouchable. To protect his heart, he keeps her at arms length with incessant teasing and a quick wit. She can never know the truth. But like a moth drawn to the flame he can’t resist her. Indeed he already burned.  When the Jacobites attack Carnasserie castle, the Black Watch come to assist. Though Elle has her own personal battle to win, they both with learn that Surviving Scotland isn’t for the faint of heart… My Review: This is the second book in the Westin Legacy series by Kristin Vayden.  Elle is the granddaughter of Joselyn, the main character from the first book in the series, Living London.  I love how the characters are tied together f

The Colony by Cami Checketts Book Blast

Image
  The Colony by Cami Checketts To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property. Lance, Brinlee’s attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion. While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.   Praise "Cami Checketts is a genius

Mercy River Come Alive CD Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!

Image
On the heels of their hit album Higher, Mercy River is back with mesmerizing harmonies and upbeat vocal arrangements. Their new album features inspirational favorites and original songs that highlight the talents of this singing sisterhood. Sing It Out Speak Life How Deep the Father's Love For Us Walk You Through the Night Who I Am Holy Ground Restless Reason For the World Walking On Sunshine   Tour Schedule   About Mercy River With 13 children between them, it’s amazing that Whitney Permann, Brooke Stone, and Soni Muller have time for anything other than runny noses, sock hunts, and prying suckers off the van floor. But music has been a part of each of their lives since childhood, and is now a strong presence in their homes. The three friends met while singing in the Jenny Phillips Choir and there found a common love for tight harmonies and sharing the gospel through song. Over the past five years, Mercy River has traveled all over the United States and Canada as a h

Living London (Westin Legacy #1) by Kristin Vayden, Book Review

Image
Blurb: Love is stronger than we can imagine.  Love is never impossible. But for Joselyn Westin, it’s not probable. After the death of her grandmother, Joselyn feels lost in world that seems empty, till a cryptic message in one of her grandmother’s favorite books changes everything.  Sometimes love happens in the most unexpected, incredible places. Jocelyn wakes up in London, during the Regency Era. But her knowledge of the time is poorly lacking, even with all the historical romances she’s read. She quickly learns that life is the greatest teacher.  What Joselyn discovers is more than just history, it’s a way of living, a way of loving and discovering that for love, nothing is impossible.  Especially when you find yourself “Living London.” My Review: I fell in love with Living London!  Kristin Vayden takes a time travel theme to a whole new level!  Joselyn feels all alone after her grandmother passes away.  She has been so reclusive throughout her life, really on hangin

Love Birds of Regent's Park by Ruth J. Hartman, Book Review

Image
Blurb: Lucy Ashbrook finds a pleasant diversion when she visits the Regent’s Park Bird Sanctuary to sketch the different birds that live there. Birds aren’t the only pleasing thing she finds, though. A certain Sanctuary worker, Oliver Barrow, has stolen her heart. But Lucy’s father will have none of it. No daughter of his will marry a common laborer. Oliver Barrow loves everything about his work at the Sanctuary. The birds, the trees, the ponds… a certain young miss who mesmerizes him. Miss Ashbrook is beautiful and sweet and shares his love of birds. But Oliver has a secret that just might get in the way of anything more than friendship developing between them. And he can’t share that secret with her. Not yet. How can Lucy ever convince her father of Oliver’s worth? That love isn't just for the birds? My Review: This is the first book that I have read by Ruth J. Hartman and I loved it!  I am a big regency romance fan so this one fit nicely into my preferred genre ca

A Timeless Romance Anthology: The European Collection

Image
Blurb from book: In War of Hearts, Annette Lyon’s exciting novella, Anna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her now-former boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland. She arrives at a snowy Finnish battlefront only to discover that Pete is already there—as her photographer. She’s determined to be professional about the situation until a battle breaks out in camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way and putting their love to the test.  In G.G. Vandagriff’s enchanting novella, The Earl of Oaksey Takes a Wife, Melissa Burroughs is the new Countess of Oaksey. Her whirlwind romance and subsequent elopement was worth every divine moment, even if her parents did disapprove. When Melissa learns about her new husband’s apparently empty pockets, she wonders if the intimacy they’ve shared is only the ruse of a fortune-hunter. Melissa is devastated and determines to live a separate life