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Friday, October 20, 2017

Idolizing In: The Royals Series, Book 1 | #BookReview @TeriWilsonauthr

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition - File Size: 2022 KB | Expected Release Date: March 27, 2017 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster : Gallery Books : Pocket Star | Obtained: NetGalley

"Royally Roma" [The Royals Series, Book 1] by Teri Wilson

Author's Book Description : In this charming, modern retelling of the classic Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday, a royal prince tries to escape his hectic and rigid life and ends up leading a young graduate student on a chase through the Eternal City.

Julia Costa is too busy trying to complete her PhD while also holding down a full-time job as a private tour guide in Rome to keep up with celebrity gossip. So when she crosses paths with a real, actual prince, she mistakes him for a client and takes him on a daylong tour of the city.

Intrigued by the idea of spending time with someone who obviously has no idea who he is, and delighted at the prospect of a day free of royal obligations, Niccolo La Torre, Crown Prince of Lazaretto, acts on impulse and assumes the role of Julia’s client. He swears to himself that he’ll return to his royal duties after only half a day…but he’s having the time of his life.

Until Julia presents him with the bill. Since he snuck out of the hotel without so much as a dime, he tries to escape, only to discover that she won’t let him out of her sight until he can pay her back. She’s determined to get her money…and perhaps more from the handsome stranger she’s fallen for.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! After feeling beaten down by his own royal responsibilities, Niccolo (Nico/Mano) the heir to the Lazaretto throne decides on escaping his gilded cage by pretending to be someone else when he meets Julia. Julia is an American tour guide living in Rome, who is running from her own notorious past and is in the midst of pulling her life together when she meets Niccolo. Their attraction is instantaneous and is blooming into something more by the minute. Yet when Niccolo’s “quick getaway” turns into something a whole lot more and into a bigger fiasco then he originally planned, will he still be able to go back to his “real” life after all is said and done; or will he be able to change his life for the better with the help of Julia by his side?

Okay truth time … this novel is said to be a modern retelling of the classic Audrey Hepburn film ‘Roman Holiday,’ and though I have heard of it I have never watched it so I really didn’t know what it was about. Yet I can definitely say I was not disappointed in the least as I was hooked by Chapter 2. It was the banter between Niccolo and Julia that reeled me in, especially how it seemed that Julia could get to the heart of any situation which made her be able to handle and understand Niccolo better than most people. Together they seemed to light up each page as you learned about their unusual meetup and budding romance. Though both were resistant to the possibility of something more between them because of the reality of their lives it seemed like fate wanted them together no matter what. It was very charming to see them both succumb to fate.

I recommend this novel 100% to anyone looking for a quirky contemporary new adult romance! My only regrets, though they didn’t tarnish my love for this novel, was that given today’s technology I kept thinking that Niccolo’s security would find him because of his cell phone AND I wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt. And yet I still HIGHLY recommend it! 😊

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Amazon (Kindle) USD : Royally Romanov (Book 2) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : Royally Wed (Book 3)

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Kobo (e-Book) USD : Royally Roma (Book 1)
Royally Roma
eBooks.com (e-Book) USD : Royally Roma (Book 1)

Amazon (Kindle) : Royally Roma (Book 1)
Royally Roma
Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD : Royally Roma (Book 1)
Kobo (e-Book) USD : The Royals Series

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Unmasking Juliet

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2014 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015 | Happy Birthday to Me ... Book Deals/Specials for YOU! #BookSales


Author's Novel Extras : ​Royally Roma [Book 1] - Overview

Author's Series Extras : Royally Romanov [Book 2] - Overview | ​Royally Wed [Book 3] - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :
Note to self: when endeavoring to disappear, do not run straight to the most populated spot in all of Rome. ~ within Chapter 6

Book Preview(s) :

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Teri, then please check out her Amazon Acct.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Idolizing In: The Governess Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition - File Size: 2146 KB | Expected Release Date: October 10, 2016 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster : Gallery Books : Pocket Star | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Governess Was Wanton" [The Governess Series, Book 2] by Julia Kelly

Author's Book Description : This delightfully charming and saucy historical romance series features three best friends, employed as governesses for different families, who all find themselves wanting something they can’t have.

Mary Woodward, a young veteran governess, has one job: guiding a young debutante through her first season in high society. And up until now, keeping her focus and avoiding temptation has been easy. But never before has the father of her young charge been as devilishly handsome as the single, wealthy Earl of Asten…. Convinced to risk it all, Mary let’s herself enjoy one night of magic at a masked ball in Asten’s arms, but will they both regret everything when the Earl learns her true identity?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!!! When Mary starts her latest job as the governess to the Earl of Asten's only daughter, she finds her world tilted of its axis by the Earl (Eric) himself. He's handsome, smart, and kind with a roguish streak the only seems to come out around her. They try to maintain distance between them but the night of the masquerade ball the distance becomes obsolete but only Mary knows the truth. Will Mary & Eric be able to have more than stolen moments together or will their ranks keep them separated forever?

This novel enamored me from the very beginning!! The illicit situation that brews between Mary & Eric is sweet and all consuming; it had me wanting their story to be never-ending. All the characters were entertaining in their own right making this Cinderella-ish novel so fun to read!

Yet, what captured me was Mary & Eric. The intense connection they shared was thrilling to read about while charming in a way that wish I could've read about more (like in an epilogue). They were perfect for one another. And how Mary just seemed to fit into Eric and his daughter's lives was so seamless that it only took putting down "the rival" to make everything work for them. 💖

This is one of my favorites so I definitely recommend it to those looking for a slightly erotic historical romance!!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Amazon (Kindle) USD : The Governess Was Wicked (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : The Governess Was Wild (Book 3)

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Kobo (e-Book) USD : The Governess Was Wanton (Book 2)
The Governess Was Wanton
eBooks.com (e-Book) USD : The Governess Was Wanton (Book 2)

Amazon (Kindle) USD : The Governess Was Wanton (Book 2)
The Governess Was Wanton
Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD : The Governess Was Wanton (Book 2)

Amazon (Kindle) USD : The Governess Series

Authors' Novel Extras : The Governess Was Wanton Is Out Today! | The Language of Flowers



Authors' Series Extras : The Governess Series - Overview | The Governess Problem | The Governess Was Wild Is Out Now! | Writing to Music


Book Teaser(s) :
"Thank you."
She started in surprise. "Whatever for?"
"Whatever it was you said to Eleanora to make her agree to come to this ball and all of the parties since you spoke to her. I don't know what you did, but she's beginning to act more like herself than she has in a long time. What's your secret?"
She laughed. "If I told you, you wouldn't need me anymore."
"I wouldn't say that." His eyes darkened as he said it---or did she just imagine it? Either way, something sparked deep inside of her, and for one crazy moment all she wanted to do was grip the man by his loose collar and drag his lips to her. ~ within Chapter 6
"You're playing with fire," he said.
Her eyes flicked up to his and a wicked smile touched her lips. "Set me alight, Eric." ~ within Chapter 10

Book Preview(s) :

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Julia, then please check out her Amazon Acct.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Feasted On: Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 2061 KB | Expected Release Date: November 17, 2014 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster : Gallery Books : Pocket Star | Obtained: NetGalley

"Rocky Mountain Miracle" by Christine Feehan

Author's Book Description : When Cole Steele, a womanizer rumored to have killed his father, meets Maia Armstrong, a veterinarian rumored to practice magic, the sparks that fly could melt all the snow on his Wyoming ranch. And when an injured horse brings them together, Cole can't help but believe that Maia casts spells on animals and men. What else could explain the burning passion he feels for her and the thawing of his heart around the holidays?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Cole comes “home” after his father is murdered to take over as guardian for his teenage brother (Jase). Both Cole and Jase have dealt with a violent upbringing at the hands of their father, while they are happy he’s now dead and knowing they weren’t the ones who killed him, they struggle to move on from the demons their father left behind. Yet, when fate brings Maia (the local traveling veterinarian) into their lives, Cole finds it hard to ignore how perfect she is and how she fits right in with them. Now if only Cole can make it through the holiday season (a time period he absolutely hates) and protect both Jase and Maia from those from his father’s past who have plans of revenge…

This slightly paranormal contemporary romance quickly sweeps you up into its intrigue; just as fast as Cole got Maia onto the dance floor…aka lightening quick. I was unsure what to expect of this novel, but soon found it had the same charisma Ms. Feehan puts into all of her novels, especially her Dark Series. Fascinating characters with mysterious pasts and uncertain futures leave the readers only wanting MORE! Cole, Maia, and Jase are no exception as it was great reading about them! Plus, the igniting chemistry between Cole and Maia was heavy throughout this novel making it easy to root for the growing relationship between them. I could not get enough and was sorry it had to end!

I recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Feehan and/or are in the mood for an adventurous contemporary romance that has slight paranormal tendencies. =0)

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Connected Books Here :

Kobo (e-Book) : Rocky Mountain Miracle

IndieBound (Paperback) : The Shadows of Christmas Past (Rocky Mountain Miracle)

Kobo (e-Book) : The Shadows of Christmas Past (Rocky Mountain Miracle)

Kobo (e-Book) : A Christine Feehan Holiday Treasury (Rocky Mountain Miracle)

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Dark Melody | Dark Legend | Burning Wild | Dark Slayer | Dark Peril

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : April 2010 - Book Sale!! | WWW Wednesdays [May 12, 2010] | The Monday Update [September 13, 2010] | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Dark Predator | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Dark Storm

Author's Novel Extras : ROCKY MOUNTAIN MIRACLE: CHAPTER ONE | THE SHADOWS OF CHRISTMAS PAST - Overview | A CHRISTINE FEEHAN HOLIDAY TREASURY - Overview

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MIRACLE by Christine Feehan -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, August 30, 2015
"Hey now, don't you go blaming anything on me," Maia objected. "Honestly, Jase. He started it." She rubbed her mouth. "At least I think he did, I can't remember now. But he's such a flirt."
"He said he doesn't have to smile at women," Jase reported. He was trying desperately to make up for the accusations he'd leveled at his brother earlier. Unsure of himself, he followed Maia's lead, teasing Cole.
Maia's eyebrow shot up. Cole sank back on his knees, groaning aloud. "Jase. That was a brotherly confidence you weren't supposed to share." He looked at Maia. "We're still trying to get the hang of being brothers. Neither of us knows a lot about it yet, but I'm certain that was confidential."
"Brotherly advice?" Maia asked.
"Something like that," Cole admitted. ~ within Chapter 7

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MIRACLE by Christine Feehan -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, August 30, 2015

Book Preview :
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Christine, then please check out her website.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Feasted On: The Princes of Oxenburg Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 355; Kindle Edition - File Size: 4308 | Expected Release Date: September 23, 2014 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster : Pocket Books | Obtained: NetGalley & Karen Hawkins

"The Prince Who Loved Me" [The Princes of Oxenburg Series, Book 1] by Karen Hawkins

Author's Book Description : COMING SEPTEMBER 2014, the first book in the Princes of Oxenburg Series, THE PRINCE WHO LOVED ME!

Romance sizzles in this Cinderella story set in Scotland, the first in a sparkling new spinoff series from New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins.

Prince Alexsey Romanovin enjoys his carefree life, flirting—and more—with every lovely lady who crosses his path. But when the interfering Duchess Natasha decides it’s time for her grandson to wed, Alexsey finds himself in Scotland, determined to foil her plans. Brainy, bookish, and bespectacled, Bronwyn Murdoch seems the perfect answer—she isn’t at all to the Duchess’s taste.

Living at the beck and call of her ambitious stepmother and social butterfly stepsisters, Bronwyn has little time for a handsome flirt—no matter how intoxicating his kisses are. After all, no spoiled, arrogant prince would be seriously interested in a firm-minded female like herself. So…wouldn’t it be fun to turn his “game” upside down and prove that an ordinary woman can bring a prince to his knees…

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! A unique retelling of Cinderella, where the "fair maiden" tries to "beat" the Prince at his own game of seduction. A smartly flirtatious novel that makes you hope the heroine will catch her man!

I really liked Alexsey & Bronwyn's (Roza) romantic "courtship," they were very cute together. Then when Bronwyn found out about Alexsey's wishes for his time in Scotland I liked how Bronwyn thought she would be able to become in control of everything without getting her own emotions involved, it was sweet and funny of her. In truth, I admired her as a heroine, yet I also found her to be naive more so then most of the "innocent" heroines I've read about before. She's naive in a way that it was hard for me to admire her after a while when she kept saying one thing then doing another.

Nevertheless, the only thing that I didn't like about this novel was how Bronwyn's stepmother (who's portrayed as a ditzy but sweet lady) acts out like the actual stepmother in Cinderella does at the very end (even if it was suppose to be for Bronwyn's own good). It made me second-guess this novel a bit, mostly because I liked the secondary characters. Yet, luckily, to my relief, the end helped ease my fears and wrapped up very nicely. It was especially nice to see that one of Bronwyn's stepsisters got to find love too.

I recommend this novel to anyone who is fans of Ms. Hawkins, a fan of her Duchess Diaries Series, and/or like historical romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series/Connected Series Here :


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Sleepless In Scotland | How to Treat a Lady

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: The Prince Who Loved Me

Author's Novel Extras : Cover Reveal!


Book Teaser(s) :

He sniffed.
Ah! The rosemary! Holding her breath, she waited.
He sniffed again. "Is it an herb, nyet?"
She nodded, smiling shyly. "Rosemary."
"The cook at Tulloch puts it in turtle soup."
Her smile faltered. She smelled like a turtle? Not a fragrant loaf of bread, but a turtle? "Surely you've smelled it in some other dishes, too. Bread, perhaps?"
He shook his head.
"In a delicious stew, then? Something savory and warm?"
He released her cloak. "In my country, we throw rosemary onto graves."
She just looked at him, appalled.
"That seems odd to you, nyet? Rosemary keeps fresh the . . . How do you say---?" He tapped his forehead. "Thoughts about times no longer here."
"Memories?"
"Da! Rosemary keeps fresh the memories of the dead."
Lovely. She smelled like a turtle and the grave. ~ within Chapter 20
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Karen, then please check out her website.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Guest Post :: Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Jenna Bennett | Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 30th) I'm hosting guest posts from authors who were interested in helping out! So, here is a post by Jenna Bennett, author of "Tall, Dark, and Divine" & "Fortune's Hero," about what it's like to be a self-published author!!



Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Once upon a time, in the dark ages of 2006, when I’d just written THE END on the last page of my first completed manuscript and had to decide what to do with it, there was really only one option open to me: Query, find an agent, and if you’re lucky, sell it to a publisher.

If you’re unlucky, write another and repeat the process.

At that point, self-publishing was for the people who hadn’t been able to snag the attention of an agent and/or an editor.

If you were good enough, the wisdom went, you’d get a traditional publishing contract. If you weren’t... well, only people who weren’t good enough, self-published.

By 2011, when I got the rights to that first book back, the publishing landscape had changed. Self-publishing was no longer only for the rejected, the down at heel. It was the ‘in’ thing. Everyone was doing it, and people were getting filthy rich, which made more people want to do it. Suddenly, self-pub had gone from being the anti-Christ to the second coming.

So I gave it a try. I had a book that had been published, where the publisher had returned the rights to me after declining to publish the rest of the series. I had three books written and edited, one book written but not edited, and another halfway done. Over the course of six or eight months that year, I published all of them.

And sat back and waited for the money to start rolling in.

And waited.

And waited some more.

Believe it or not, the money didn’t roll in. It trickled, though. Slowly. Three years later, I still haven’t sold a million copies of my books, although I’ve published more of them since. And I’m making a living, which is a big deal to many writers.

Turns out, self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers. It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It isn’t a miracle cure or a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s just another aspect of the publishing game. And the things that work in traditional publishing, tend to work in self-publishing as well, now that things have settled down into a more steady groove.

The more books you have available, the more money you’ll make.

Put out a professional product, and people will buy it.

Cream does rise to the top.

I’m a hybrid author these days. I do some traditional publishing and some self-publishing. There’s more self-pub, but only because it’s faster to get the books out when I can do it myself. There’s no one else’s production time to take into account. When you publish with a publishing house, there’s the editor’s time, and the copy-editor’s time, and the proof-reader’s time, and the cover designer’s time, and the sales team’s time to consider in addition to your own. When you’re all of those, you’re doing all the work, but you control the timing. So for every trad book I put out, I manage two, maybe even three, self-published books.

Not because they’re of inferior quality, though. Coming from a traditional publishing background is a real bonus in the self-publishing game. When you’ve been through the process a few times, and you see just how much goes into a publisher’s putting out a professional and polished product, and how many eyes are on that manuscript before it’s deemed polished enough, you realize just how much work you have to do to put out a comparable product on your own.

And that’s what you have to do. Because if self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers, then your self-published book is going to have to compete in the same marketplace as the traditionally published books from Random Penguin, and Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, and Harlequin. And while you may feel that the traditionally published books out there are not up to the snuff they ought to be, they’re usually professionally edited, copy-edited, proof-read and packaged. However you may feel about the writing or the story, the product – with a very few exceptions – is a professional one.

So while signing with a publisher will get you an editor who works with you on story structure and characterization and sometimes grammar, and a copy-editor who checks all your facts and figures and makes sure you’re not messing up your history, and a proof-reader who makes sure (after you do) that you haven’t left any errors, and a cover artist, and a cover designer, and an interior designer and formatter, all of whom make sure your book looks as lovely as it can possibly look, not to mention a sales and/or marketing department whose job it is to get your book into the public eye, where it can be seen and bought – because nobody can buy it if they don’t know it’s there... when you’re self-publishing, you have to do all those things yourself, or hire someone to do them for you.

It isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you don’t get off on the control, it’s probably not for you.

If your heart doesn’t beat a little faster at the thought of being the master of your own fate, you’re probably better off with a publisher.

And if you just want to write, and you don’t want to deal with the cover design, or the marketing, or the whole career-building bit, do yourself a favor and go the traditional route.

You’ll be happier, trust me.

It isn’t for everyone.

And that’s fine. Not being a self-publisher doesn’t make you a failure, any more than not being able to sell a book to traditional publishing ten years ago made you a failure. It made you not a good fit. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Because if self-pub is just another way of getting product to market, it’s not better or worse than any other way of getting product to market.

It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It’s a direction you can choose to take your career, if you think it’s something you’ll enjoy. Or it’s a direction you can choose to ignore, if you think you won’t. Trad publishing isn’t going anywhere, in spite of what the first wave of self-publishers claimed five years ago. 70% of all books sold in the U.S. every year are still print books, and getting print books into stores is something you still can’t do on your own. Whether seeing your book on the self at Barnes & Noble or your local indie bookstore is important to you, is something only you can answer for yourself.

There’s good and bad in every aspect of publishing. There’s even a little bit of ugly once in a while. And we all have to choose for ourselves what our priorities are, and where we fit in the scheme of things.

It’s a great time to be a writer. The opportunities are practically endless. And that’s a very good thing!



About the Author :

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jenna Bennett (Jennie Bentley) writes the Do It Yourself home renovation mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime and the Cutthroat Business mysteries for her own gratification. She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace. For more information. please visit her website, www.jennabennett.com.

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : August 2012

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Mysteries and More - November 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tall, Dark, and Divine | Fortune's Hero

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Tall, Dark, and Divine | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Blog Tour - Covet Promo Reveal Blast Materials‏



Find Jenna Bennett :



The Giveaways!! :

This giveaway ends December 7, 2013 at midnight.

[Click the book titles to find out info about them or to read my review about them]
  • A Smashwords ebook copy of "Picture Perfect" by Ella Fox to two randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • An Ebook copy--winner's choice from Jodi Redford's backlist to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Catching the Bad Guy" by Marie Astor to three randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • "The North Poe" Christmas Boxed Cards from Jenna Bennett to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • Winner's Choice :: two books (total) from Kristine Cayne and/or Dana Delamar or 10% off any service from By Your Side Self-Publishing from Kristine Cayne & Dana Delamar to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Every Night Forever" by R. E. Butler to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Playing Games" by Jessica Clare to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Indelible" by Bethany Lopez to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Battlescars" by Sophie Monroe to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Drive Me Crazy" by Marquita Valentine to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Desire By Blood" by Melissa Schroeder to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A Kindle ebook copy of "Darkness Awakened" by Katie Reus to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Deborah Raney

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
**



"The Snowflake Party" by Deborah Raney

The first snow of winter hasn’t fallen yet, but in our kitchen tonight we’re doing a pretty good imitation. The whole family is circled around the huge old oak table. The snip, snip, snip of scissors is background music as tiny scraps of white paper float down, making our floor look like a giant brownie sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Tonight has turned out to be the night for our annual Snowflake Party, a tradition that began when our children were toddlers. There has never been a date blocked out in red on our calendar, but one day we wake up and the brisk autumn air has turned bitter cold. Naked tree branches trace their stark calligraphy on a dull grey sky and we need a taste of the joyful promises of Christmas and snow. It’s the perfect time for a party.

On such a day, one of the kids will fly in the back door, fresh home from school, and declare “Hey, Mom! Tonight would be a good night for the Snowflake Party!” First we round up every pair of scissors in the house. This is one time when sharing is not a virtue. While the kids search for scissors, I cut white paper into squares and fold them caddy-corner multiple times. The resulting triangles are artfully arranged in a basket, awaiting the beginning of the party.

Later, while the supper dishes dry on the counter, I recruit a volunteer to help me stir up a big pot of hot cocoa. For the next hour it will warm on the back burner, tantalizing us with its aroma.

Now the fun begins with careful cutting and snipping, shaping plain white paper into intricate works of art. Each snowflake we create seems as unique and spectacular as the genuine variety created by God himself. As each masterpiece is unfolded, collective oohs and aahs go up.

When the last dregs of our creative juices are drained, Dad oversees the vacuum patrol while I pour cocoa into generous mugs. We spread our handiwork on the floor around us and sit, quietly admiring our work while we dunk marshmallows and sip rich chocolate.

With empty mugs piled up in the sink, it’s time for the judging to begin. There will be awards for ‘prettiest’, ‘most unusual’, and as many other categories as we need for everyone to be a winner. Dad is the judge because he studied art in college. He also usually wins one of the top prizes––because he studied art in college.

Snowflakes deemed runners-up might be pasted in scrapbooks or hung on the refrigerator. A few even “melt” into the trash that very night. But the winners are taped proudly to the picture windows in the living room for passersby to enjoy while they long for the day when genuine snowflakes will color the world clean and white.

Our oldest daughter went away to college last September. She called just after Thanksgiving to tell me that her dorm window was covered with snowflakes. No, not the real thing, but the ones she remembers from her childhood––paper ones that she spent an entire evening cutting and snipping while sipping hot cocoa.

That’s the neat thing about traditions: They go with us no matter how far from home we travel.

***

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her books have since won the RITA Award, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. After All, third in her Hanover Falls Novels series will release next spring from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. Their four children are grown now and having snowflake parties with their own children––and they all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Guest Posts : Margaret McSweeney | Suzanne Woods Fisher | Sibella Giorello | Sandy Ralya | Elizabeth Musser | Deborah Raney | Shellie Tomlinson | Tricia Goyer | Susan May Warren | Tracey Eyster | Debora M. Coty | Robin Dance | Rachel Hauck



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Guest Post :: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!

Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Shellie Tomlinson

Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Tricia Goyer

Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Susan May Warren

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Feasted On: The Hellions of Halstead Hall Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 310; Kindle Edition - File Size: 5 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: November 22, 2011 | Publisher: Pocket Star Books | Obtained: Simon & Schuster's Galley Grab

"To Wed a Wild Lord" [The Hellions of Halstead Hall Series, Book 4] by Sabrina Jeffries

My Book Summary : Seven years ago Gabriel's best friend died while he was racing him, that same man was also Virginia's older brother and they are both still dealing that death in different ways: Virginia is doing so by holding a grudge on Gabriel (and his family), who she believes caused her brother to die and plans to make him pay. Gabriel is doing so by living up to his reputation as the "Angel of Death," a nickname that came out right after Virginia's brother died, and taking on just about any race challenge that comes his way. Now Virginia decides to challenge Gabriel to race her on the very same course that killed her brother. However, instead of refusing her challenge Gabriel decides to make a counter offer --- a new race location and greater stakes (if she wins they'll race each other again on the course that she originally wanted and if he wins, he gets to court her).

Virginia believes she'll definitely beat Gabriel, so when she doesn't it comes as a surprise. However, after spending some time with Gabriel and getting to know him better it's not as "bad" a surprise as she once would have thought. Nevertheless, with her brother's death between them, her grandfather's hatred for Gabriel, and Gabriel's disregard for his own safety, would they be able to make it?? Even if Gabriel could prove that, he wasn't marrying Virginia just so he can get his inheritance. Virginia still wants to marry for love, will Gabriel fall in love with her and be able to prove it to her before fate comes in and makes it too late for them?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! "To Wed a Wild Lord" is a sweet, mysterious, and romantic novel about two families trying to get through some major tragedies the best way they can. Even though Amazon.com has recommended I read Sabrina Jeffries' books before this is the first time I have actually read one of her books, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!! This novel and series has two plots the one that deals with the main character's hopes and dreams and another that deals with the past tragedy of losing parents and the mystery surrounding their deaths. Each plot in this novel was captivating and moving .... the love for those who were lost and how those who've past away have impacted the lives of those that are still around.

The characters in this novel were spectacular too!! The relationship between Gabriel and Virginia was something I could not get enough of, especially when their chemistry seemed to fly off of the page. Then I really liked the relationships each of them had with their own families---very sweet to read about. And then to top it off ... we have their grandparents whom could have probably had a short story of their own as they had soo much spunk!!

I would recommend this to fans of the series (of course) and to any Sabrina Jeffries, Loretta Chase, and/or Susan Elizabeth Phillips fans!

Author Book Trailer :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1
Her laugh made something tighten in his chest. "Are you mad? Pierce never rises until well after noon." She cast him a sly glance above the flowers. "I'm surprised you're here so early."
"I always rise early. Can't sleep late."
"Really? Why?"
A bellow sounded from the fence. "Are you coming, Sharpe, or not?"
He gave her a bow and headed toward her grandfather. ~ within Chapter 10

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Sabrina, then please check out her Amazon Page.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
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Related Posts :

Teaser Tuesdays: To Wed a Wild Lord

"Waiting On" Wednesday: A Lady Never Surrenders

Feasted On: Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Made the Grade: Just Imagine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ J ~ Authors

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Feasted On: A Summer Novel, Book 3

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 291 | Release Date: April 2011 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster | Obtained: Pasquotank-Camden Library

"We'll Always Have Summer" [A Summer Novel, Book 3] by Jenny Han

My Book Summary : Two years have passed and during that time Isabel (Belly) and Jeremiah has built a relationship for themselves that they love. They think nothing can bring them down. So, while at a fraternity party celebrating the last few days of college (and Belly's freshman year), Belly hears that Jeremiah has cheated on her. She's sad, hurt, and unsure of where to go from there, except she knows that she needs space.

Once they are able to talk to each other again Jeremiah makes amends with Belly, in a way that she never expected but they are both very excited about. Before their summer hits they make plans and hope their families will support their decisions. Soon, however, they find that what they want and what their parents want for them are two separate things. So, Belly decides to stay at the Cousin's beach house after a huge fight with her mother, she just didn't expect to have Conrad (Jeremiah's older brother) staying there at the same time. But that's okay, their relationship is over but they can still be friends, right?

However, when everything seems to be falling apart and Conrad is the only one around to help her, Belly finds that she now needs, and gets, to confront her feelings for Conrad to be sure what they had is truly over. Especially before things completely change for her ...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. "We'll Always Have Summer" wraps up the admiring story of the young love that Isabel has for the two Fisher boys. The author does a wonderful job of taking on a hard situation, of two brothers wanting the same girl, and putting a sweet and heartwarming spin on it.

I loved how everything turns out for Isabel, Conrad, and Jeremiah!! Especially since she ends up with the boy I liked the best! =0) However, there were plenty of twists in this book that first you were thinking Belly would choose one of them, and then you think she's going to go for the other, and back again. But I did really like how it all ended. Even though I wish there was more about the one she ends up with and her, I also know that whatever the author could have added probably would never have stop me from wanting more. So, oh wells.

I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good YA love triangle! Also, I recommend it to those of you who enjoy books by Sarah Dessen and/or Elizabeth Scott.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 2

Author Extras :
If you can't see/take the above quiz then click here to take the "We'll Always Have Summer" Quiz.
Author Book Trailer :
If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.
Book Teaser(s) :
What would he say when we told him our news? I couldn't begin to guess. When it came to Conrad, I was never sure of anything. I worried, too, about what my mother would say. Jeremiah wasn't worried, but he so rarely was. He said, "Once they know we're serious, they'll have to get on board, because they won't be able to stop us. We're adults now." ~ within Chapter 13
She had on a light purple dress. She looked grown up. It occurred to me that she had grown up while I wasn't looking, that there was every likelihood she had changed and I didn't know her anymore. But when she stood up to clap, I saw the Band-Aid on her ankle and I recognized her again. ~ within Chapter 20
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Jenny, then please check out her Amazon Page.
** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

Related Posts :

... come feel this magic i've been feeling since i met you ...

Idolizing In: A Summer Novel, Book 2

This one is Something ... Maybe ...

Made the Grade: What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ H ~ Authors

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Made the Grade: The Infernal Devices Series, Book 1

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 476 | Release Date: August 2010 | Publisher: Simon and Schuster

"Clockwork Angel" [The Infernal Devices Series, Book 1] by Cassandra Clare

My Book Summary : Tessa (Tess or Tessie) is on her way to London, from New York after her Aunt Harriet passed away, so she can live with her older brother. However, once she arrives her brother is no where to be seen, instead a bulging-eyed man and two unusually looking woman (sisters named Mrs. Dark and Mrs. Black) are there with a note from her brother saying to trust them and they'll bring her to him, and not long after Tessa finds that that is a mistake.

She has been with them for over six months now, told if she doesn't follow through with what they tell her to do then her brother would die. While being held captive, she learns things about herself that she has never known .... like she's not really a human, she is a Downworlder ... and the sisters that are holding her captive are forcing her to use her power, powers that she never knew she had and sometimes if feels like it kills her. Then one day the sisters tell her that they believe she is ready to meet the Magister (the leader of the sisters) as Tessa is his, and now she'll do anything to escape.

To Tessa's astonishment right after her hope to escape happens, a man (named Will) comes to her room to rescue her! Will is a Shadowhunter who has been keeping an eye on the sisters for a while now, that day he was secretly searching their "brothel" when he ran across Tessa, and now he tries to help her escape. Soon a fight brakes out in which Tessa gets injured and passes out.

When she comes to Tessa finds herself in an unknown place with people she doesn't know around her (one whom just by the look of him scares the hell out of her). Soon she finds out that she is staying at the Institute (the Shadowhunter's main building/home). Now she decides that she will help them as long as they help her find her missing brother. But during her time there, she'll find herself liking the Institute and the "people" in it more so everyday .... what will she do once this is all over? And will it ever BE over? Can she go back to her life before she learned that she's different or will she be forever changed? To top that all off ... will the Magister ever give up his quest to have her for himself??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This story, being based in 1878, was sooo interesting to read how much things were different for them "back-in-the-day" compared to how the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders were living during the The Mortal Instruments Series. Plus ... the added bonus of trying to see whom is the ancestor of whom. This novel is everything that I could have hoped for ... and love triangle between Tessa and two great guys (and best friends) Will and Jem (James), along with mystery and then major plot twists at the end. And, so far, except for Tessa, everyone really isn't who they seem. I can't wait to see what will happen in the nest book called the "Clockwork Princess" coming out in 2012!!

Author Book Trailer :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Book Teaser(s) :
Gabriel shook his head. "You're a decent Shadowhunter, James," he said, "and a gentleman. You have your---disability, but no one blames you for that. But this---" He curled his lip, jabbing a finger in Will's direction. "This filth will only drag you down. Find someone else to be your parabatai. No one expects Will Herondale to live past nineteen, and no one will be sorry to see him go, either---"
That was too much for Tessa. Without thinking about it she burst out indignantly, "What a thing to say!"
Gabriel, interrupted midrant, looked as shocked as if one of the tapestries had suddenly started talking. "Pardon me?"
"You heard me. Telling someone you wouldn't be sorry if they died! It's inexcusable!" She took hold of Will by the sleeve. "Come along, Will. This---this person---obviously isn't worth wasting your time on." ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cassandra, then please check out her website. To find out more about this series go to theInfernalDevices.com



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This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/