BookBlast with Giveaway: daynight by Megan Thomason

Are you ready for a twisted Second Chance?

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daynight by Megan Thomason

Meet The Second Chance Institute (SCI): Earth’s benevolent non-profit by day, Thera’s totalitarian regime by night. Their motto: Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance™. Reality: the SCI subjects Second Chancers to strict controls and politically motivated science experiments like Cleaving—forced lifetime union between two people who have sex.

Meet Kira Donovan. Fiercely loyal, overly optimistic, and ensnared by the promise of a full-ride college scholarship, Kira signs the SCI Recruit contract to escape memories of a tragedy that left her boyfriend and friends dead.

Meet Blake Sundry. Bitter about being raised in Exile and his mother’s death, Blake’s been trained to infiltrate and destroy the SCI. Current barrier to success? His Recruit partner—Miss Goody Two Shoes Kira Donovan.

Meet Ethan Darcton. Born with a defective heart and resulting inferiority complex, Ethan’s forced to do his SCI elite family’s bidding. Cleave-worthy Kira Donovan catches his eye, but the presiding powers give defect-free Blake Sundry first dibs.

Full of competing agendas, romantic entanglements, humor, twists and turns, daynight is Megan Thomason’s debut young adult dystopian novel and first in the daynight series.

Purchase

Amazon

Praise
“Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” —Kirkus Reviews

“Gripping young adult dystopian novel; compelling conflicts; high stakes; powerful narrative; surprises keep coming; strong writing; page-turner; engaging characters; Readers will be hungry for the sequels.”—BlueInk Review (starred review)

“The writing is impressive and the story is a real page-turner. So many twists and turns… I’m hooked… I can’t wait for the next installment to come out…4.5 out of 5 stars”—Self-Publishing Review

“Delicious humor, intelligence, and sparkling dialogue” —Amazon reviewer

“Strangely brilliant and imaginative”—Amazon reviewer

“Grips you from the first page and keeps you wanting more”—Amazon reviewer

“Plot twists kept me reading till late at night”—Amazon reviewer

“Every page a thrilling experience”—Amazon reviewer

“Hooked from the first chapter and could not put it down”—Amazon reviewer

“It's like a CW fantasy TV show in a book with a really interesting environment.”—Amazon reviewer

“I'm a little tired of dystopian novels, but Daynight has a unique and fresh story line that didn't have any trouble keeping my interest.”—Amazon reviewer

Author Megan Thomason
Megan Thomason lives in paradise aka San Diego, CA with her husband and five children. A former software manager, Megan vastly prefers writing twisted tales to business, product, and marketing plans. When she isn't typing away on her laptop, she's reading books on her phone—over 600 in the last year—or attending to the needs of her family. Megan’s fluent in sarcasm, could potentially benefit from a 12-step program for road rage, struggles with a Hot Tamales addiction, loves world travel & fast cars and hates paperwork & being an insomniac. Daynight is Megan's first published novel, but fourth written one.

 Twitter * Goodreads * Facebook

Book Blast Giveaway

$75 Amazon Gift Card
Apple Earbuds ($30 Value)
Ends 2/3/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Review: Dying to Run by Cami Checketts

There is continued suspense, action and increased intensity in this sequel.
Dying to Run
Cami Checketts

• File Size: 228 KB     
• Print Length: 78 pages     
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1480258679     
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited     
• Publisher: Birch River (October 30, 2012)

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 30, 2012
Cassidy Christensen wants to run.
Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, Cassidy's only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but Cassidy won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.

This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.

Review:
This story, and the action, picks up where Dead Running ended. Cassie’s father is still fighting the slave traffickers.  His self appointed body guard, Sham, stumbles into Cassie’s home with the intent to protect her. But behind him come a group of the enemy, including one seeking vengeance against Cassie. She is captured and delivered to the leader of the traffickers and his main henchman - the men who killed her mother. 

The enemy have met to coordinate the latest “shipment.” They are awaiting the arrival of Cassie’s dad who was to be lured there by none other than Dr. Tattoo, the man Cassie is drawn to but has yet to learn to trust.

Cassie is locked in a room, threatened by charming and ugly would-be rapists. As things look bleakest an escape is made and Cassie has a chance to run to freedom. But turning she realizes that someone else she loves will die.  Will Cassie be able to forgive the man who planned the explosions to stop the enemy forces? How can she love a man who can kill so many?

This is a great sequel to wrap up Dead Running.  (I won’t say complete the story as there is the possibility of more danger in the future.) I can appreciate Cassie’s sensitivity to killing but she is missing the reality that they are fighting a war and the man she loves is a warrior in that war, whether he likes it or not. I enjoyed the steady action-filled pace, the strong characters and the clean romance.

I read both of these stories in two days and have added Ms. Checketts to my list of Romantic Suspense authors to read! I encourage you to pick these titles up especially while the first book is on sale for $.99

I received this book to review from the author as part of a BookBlast Tour.  Please see my review of the first book, Dead Running and don't miss the BookBlast Giveaway.

Book Review: Dead Running by Cami Checketts

This story keeps running with suspense. I definitely want to read more from this author.

Dead Running
by Cami Checketts

• File Size: 417 KB
• Print Length: 248 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1475166605
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Birch River Publishing (March 27, 2012)

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 27, 2012
Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.
With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

A light-hearted and clean romantic suspense, Dead Running will have you lacing up your running shoes and impatiently waiting for the sequel.
Don't miss the exciting sequel to Dead Running. Dying to Run is now available on Amazon for only $.99.

Review:
Cassidy recalls the night when her father, a doctor dedicated to helping children, was attacked in her home by a mobster assassin. Since her parents death  by mercenaries while on a medical mission in Mexico, Cassie has lived with her Nana and stumbled from one project to another. Her pregnant sister-in-law, Raquel, pushes Cassidy to run a 5K race with her.

Cassie struggles through the race where she meets a host of characters. There is ‘Fine-Looking Runner Man’, the charming, marathon runner, she later learns is Damon. She is tripped and taunted by two rough looking men, whom she dubs ‘Muscle Man’ and ‘String Bean’. At the end of the race Cassie stumbles and falls thus meeting a strong, dark, attractive Doctor. As much as she is attracted to the kindness of the doctor she is repelled by his extensive tattoos.

Cassie is excited to win a prize in the post race festivities until she learns the prize is entry into a marathon race. A pushy, pert runner, ‘Hot Redhead’, tries to get Cassie to sell the entry. Although Cassie is tempted, the rules say she can’t and Raquel, who believes in Cassie, challengers her to train for the marathon.

Cassie plans out her training and begins to spend time with dreamy Damon.  Cassie is stalked and attacked several times by Muscle Man and his co-hort but mysterious Dr. Tattoo, aka Jessie, keeps coming to her rescue.

Cassie is running in fear from Muscle Man and from the nasty threats of jealous Elizabeth, the redhead. Still she keeps pushing herself to run through her pain even when she embarrasses herself.  While she is training Cassie learns from Muscle Man that she is being used as bait to draw out her father whom they claim isn’t really dead.  She begins to learn more about her father’s dangerous work to help save children from slavers. Now it seems that her father’s enemies are after her too.

Cassie has two strong men interested in her but what does she really know about either of them? Who can she trust? Should she stop training so she won’t be such an easy target out on the road or can she push through her fear and face up to the challenge?

I really loved the non-stop pace of this story which starts with danger and doesn’t stop. I enjoyed the sharing of the pain of running and training which was very real. I also liked the down to earth writing style with the light humor in nick names and fun phrases (see the quotes below).  There was suspense in the mystery and conflict of the two male interests. This made it fun waiting to find out what happened.

If you like a story with action, intrigue and romance, plus clean language, this is a story you need to read!  I was very glad I had the sequel, Dying to Run, ready to read next!

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

Two examples of fun phrasing:

My attempts at sleeping were a complete waste of pillow time. Location 1021.

I wanted to curl up in fetal position and have someone place chocolate on my tongue. I ran instead. Location 1123.

I received this title for an honest review as part of BookBlast Tour.
Remember to check out the BookBlast Giveaway. 

This is set in Northern Utah for my 2013 Where Are You Reading list. I will also add it to my new author list.

Authors Kindle Fire Giveaway (Or GC for International!)

20 Amazing Authors have joined together to bring you
One Amazing Giveaway!

January Kindle Fire Authors

Goodreads »

The winner will have the option of receiving a Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

This giveaway is sponsored by these Awesome Authors:

The Essence by Kimberly Derting
Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock
Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out by Pandora Poikilos
Uncontrollable by S.R. Johannes
Hunted by Ednah Walters
Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders
I Was Here - Before You Came by Camelia Miron Skiba
Everlost by Brenda Pandos
Blood Oath by T.L. Clarke
Reaper's Novice by Cecilia Robert
Bulletproof by Jeff LaFerney
Lancaster House by Taylor Dean
Two Halves by Marta Szemik
Murder on Potrero Hill by M.L. Hamilton
Bellyache by Crystal Marcos
Kill Shot by Anne Patrick
Skid Out by Ann Marie Frohoff
Between by Mary Ting
Dragon Stones Saga by Kristian Alva
Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C. Bennett

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 1/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Rise of the Fire Tamer by Kailin Gow

This is a delightful story with the bonus of a fun way to learn words and their meanings!
Rise of the Fire Tamer (The Wordwick Games #1) (An SAT Prep Dystopian Fiction)
by Kailin Gow

• File Size: 344 KB
• Print Length: 234 pages
• Publisher: theEDGEbooks.com; An Epic Fantasy where Words are Commodity edition (March 31, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0045U9RHI

Genre: Fantasy Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 31, 2011
After winning a contest for a popular game called Wordwick Games, five teens Gemma, Sparks, Rio, Kat, and Jack, are invited to stay at Wordwick Games inventor Henry Word's mysterious castle and play the newest level of Workwick Games. Little do they know, the castle is the doorway to a wondrous world call Anachronia where words can be used as weapons, power, and commodity. There is unrest in Anachronia, and if the five teens can follow the rules of Wordwick Games and prove to be the best player, one of them will be crowned Ruler of Anachronia. Official Book Trailer at: youtube.com/watch?v=COc3-8c_hnM&NR=1

Book 1 of The Wordwick Games
Book 2: The Ascension - Fall 2010
Book 3: The Return - 2011

Review:
Five teens who are unique and different win a contest in a computer game called Wordwick Games. The prize is to stay at the castle of the game’s inventor where they are invited to play the next level of the game, a world called Anachronia.

Gemma is the rich, private school, grade A student from Manhattan. She is observant, calm and a negotiator. Sparks is the young cowboy and football quarterback - strong, rugged and honorable. Rio has been raised in poor conditions in LA making him tough. He is dark, handsome and suspicious of others. Kat is the young, impetuous Goth wannabee from London, and Jack is the red-headed, bespeckled historian geek from Alaska. Each brings certain skills to the Games.

They are told by their host that their goal will be to win the crown of the kingdom. Although they can work together, only one can win the crown and that person must meet three specific criteria. They go to there rooms and find “game pods”. Instead of going to bed they each enter the pod and soon find themselves in the world of Anachronia.  There they learn about the two warring factions, The Perfidious and The Spurious tribes. They must face dangers like the dragon in the Wickedly Woods. They have been told that words have special powers as tools and weapons and Ruler Words. The group will deal with betrayal, strange friendships and personal jealousies while they work toward their goal.

Words and definitions are liberally used throughout the story, including a Troll who challenges the teens to recognize words and meanings in order to pass his gate. I love words and totally enjoyed how they were woven into this fine adventure story.  The plot is fun on its own but made even more fun by knowing that the SAT words could be learned by readers.

Ms. Gow does a good job developing the distinct, and life-like characters. The teens often act like teens but they are on the verge of adulthood and you can see some maturity as the story progresses. There are rivalries for Gem's attention and the touches of romance are consistent with teenage infatuations. Through the obstacles the group overcome there are some good morals imparted for young people to gain some wisdom if their minds are open to it.

If you are a lover of words and light, fantasy adventure you would enjoy this book. I would definitely like to read the sequels.

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

A true statement regarding the power of words:

Jack was still trying a few of the words, and trying not to jump every time he did. The idea that they had that much power seemed like a lot of responsibility. If it would help them survive here though...   Location 1373.

I received this book from the author for an honest review as part of Book Blast Tour.  Check out the GIVEAWAY LINK in the BookBlast Promo Post.

Book Blast with Giveaway: Rise of the Fire Tamers by Kailin Gow

Rise of the Fire Tamer by Kailin Gow

After winning a contest for a popular game called Wordwick Games, five teens Gemma, Sparks, Rio, Kat, and Jack, are invited to stay at Wordwick Games inventor Henry Word's mysterious castle and play the newest level of Workwick Games. Little do they know, the castle is the doorway to a wondrous world call Anachronia where words can be used as weapons, power, and commodity. There is unrest in Anachronia, and if the five teens can follow the rules of Wordwick Games and prove to be the best player, one of them will be crowned Ruler of Anachronia.

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer

Author Kailin Gow

Kailin Gow is the award-winning, international bestselling author of over 80 distinct books.

Kailin Gow is also the President of a media company, a media personality, and has been writing full-time since she was first published. Holding a Masters in communications management and leadership positions in Fortune 500 corporations, she puts her leadership abilities, her experience, and desire to help others into her fiction books. As a result, she has written the forthcoming, Finding the Heroine in You book which is also a national tour. She is a mother and spends whatever spare time she has volunteering at the Red Cross, Battered Women's Shelters, and other organizations.

Currently her Frost Series is in development for a major international MMO Game, and she has over 14,000 and growing Frosters on her facebook fan page.

Links:

Facebook * Twitter * Book Club

Website * Blog * Goodreads

Blog Tour now through January 25th

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/27/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Blast: Dead Running and Dying to Run by Cami Checketts

See Givaway link below in this post
and please check back on 1/19 for my review.

Dead Running

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

Dying to Run

Cassidy Christensen wants to run.

Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.

This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.

Purchase

Dead Running * Dying to Run

Blog Tour Schedule

Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

Links

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Fitness Blog

#BookBlast Giveaway

Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

$50 Gift Card to Running Chics

Ends 1/31/12

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: All I Want -- Three Stories. Three Couples. One Holiday

This is a perfect book for quick, sweet, warm holiday reading!

ALL I WANT

THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.

• File Size: 745 KB
• Print Length: 279 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1480115231
• Publisher: HEA Publishing (October 14, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Pretty Near Perfect
by Jolene Perry
The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé's parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas
by Kaylee Baldwin
When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate
by Rachael Anderson
When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.

Review:
All three of these stories are delightful and fit lovely together.  In each one the guy is pursing the girl who isn’t completely available when the story starts. Each girl discovers by Christmas what - or who - they really want. All three contain warm characters, cute plots and very real, natural dialogue.


*********
In Pretty Near Perfect Norah visits her deceased fiance’s family at Christmas time. The year before she and Jacob had announced their engagement, but a few months later he was killed in a sports accident. Norah loved his family too and hopes to bring some closure to thier loss by the holiday visit. She just doesn’t expect to run smack dab into a new fellow who is visiting with Jacob’s brother. Both Norah and Collin are startled by their immediate attraction.  As the family celebrates the holiday and remembers the past, Norah and Collin struggle not to respond to each other... but love has a magical way of its own.

The writing on this flows really well and I especially liked the characters of Norah and Collin. My only disappointment was that I wanted the story to continue when it ended. Guess I’ll have to find some other stories by Ms. Perry to read.  (Separate rating 4.25)


*********
Ms. Baldwin builds a delightful family celebration in Six Days of Christmas. Natalie has a ‘successful’ life planned out with her equally career-driven boyfriend Grant. He is pursuing a promotion in the legal department as she works on a project to launch her intern position into full time in the marketing department. Natalie is accustomed to order and control and is a bit dismayed that the project she has to work on over the holidays is a children’s toy, magnetic blocks.

Natalie agrees to travel to the home of her best friend for Christmas where she is faced with  teasing from her best friend’s younger brother, Jimmy, who has now grown up into a handsome man with a degree in architecture. Natalie’s work is interrupted as she becomes caught up in the family’s celebrations of six different country traditions leading up to Christmas.

Jimmy manages to spur Natalie to enjoy the fun and as the week passes she begins to wonder if strict order is all it’s cracked up to be or if maybe some spontaneity, as provided by Jimmy and his family, is a better goal.

Ms. Baldwin creates wonderful characters in this story, including not just Natalie and Jimmy but Jimmy’s whole family. The idea of different cultural celebrations each day is great fun. The story is warm and delightful and comes to good closing.  (Separate rating 4.5)


*********

Twist of Fate is fun from the get go with the characters sharing names in opposite order (Mackenzie Tyler and Tyler McKenzie). This leads to mail mix ups that allow Kenzie to read Ty’s letters from his mother and results in Ty getting the “Dear John” postcard meant for Kenzie. Kenzie is expecting her fiancé to return from Madagascar shortly after Christmas in time to prepare for their late January wedding. 

Tyler has been interested in Kenzie for the year they have lived in the same apartment complex. Can he somehow spend time with her over the weeks leading up to Christmas and get her to fall for him before she suffers the heartbreak of her broken wedding plans? 

Tyler has been refusing to read or respond to letters from his controlling mother. He has also been a bit of ‘grinch’ about Christmas. Kenzie thinks she is doing a good deed when she invites his mother to visit before the holidays. Although Tyler is appalled, suddenly he discovers that having his mother there is allowing him opportunities to spend time with Kenzie. But how will Kenzie feel when she discovers he hid the postcard from her?

I really enjoyed how Ms. Anderson created the contrasting characters - Kenzie’s bright, happy personality and Ty’s rather geeky, dark personality that seeks her brightness and color. I also enjoyed the strong warmth of the story and the fun comparisons to the Grinch, computer programs and happy Christmases. This story also comes to a warm, happy ending.  (Separate rating 4.5)

I received this eBook from the Authors for an honest review; part of BookBlast tour.

Purchase All I Want

Kindle Ebook * Paperback

Please visit the guest post from Kaylee Baldwin.

Tour Schedule

See more information and Giveaway at
Book Blast Giveaway

Book Review: First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

This is a truly superb time travel that makes one ponder possibilities!
First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch
By Samuel Ben White

• File Size: 618 KB
• Print Length: 407 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1591094658
• Publisher: Cottage & CO Press; 1 edition (July 22, 2008)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B001D2Z5LS

Genre: Time Travel
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 22, 2008
"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was a scientist and something of a celebrity in the Soviet Americas in the early 21st century until dropping off the map to pursue his theories in the remote La Plata Canyon. Living in a log home he built himself (which was too close to the Empire of Japan (30 miles to the west) and the Republic of Texas (15 miles to the south), Garison began to experiment with interdimensional travel.

An experiment with such travel surprised him when he landed him in 1744. There he discovered a primitive world of somewhat suspicious people, but a freedom he had never experienced before--which may have been most frightening of all. As he was trying to discover how to return to the future, he met and fell in love with Sarah, a beautiful young woman who is an outcast due to the fact that it was never known who her father was. They married and had three children and he decided to stay in the past and raise his children with the woman he loved.

When he tried to rid himself of his time machine by sending it into the future, however, it took him with it. Now, he finds himself back in the twenty-first century where a woman (Heather) he has never met claims to be his wife and the country he grew up in is gone, replaced by something called “The United States of America”. He quickly realizes that something he did in the past has changed the future but he doesn't know what until he stumbles across a strange item in Heather's purse.

Should he live in this new world, or try to travel once more through time and return the world to “normal”? As he becomes convinced he can’t return to Sarah, he’s not really sure if he can live in this new world he created, either.

Review:
The book blurb does a good job of summarizing the story so I won’t repeat that. This is a fascinating story just filled with time travel anomalies and paradox. There is a wonderful portrayal of the differences between Colonial living, with it’s harsh yet simpler times of freedom, and modern life in America with it’s societal laws, regulations and complexities. Added to those two is the contrasting world of communism where Garison was living in Russia America.

The courtship between Garison and Sarah is old-fashioned, sweet and innocent, fitting into the Colonial time frame. The actions of the characters, like playful romance interaction, are completely natural and realistic.

I loved the discussions of faith and accepting belief in God. I especially liked how the story shows that not all of life is within our control...thus we have to rely on faith. The author also explores several  philosophical thoughts of life. I noted that there is so much jammed into this story that made me think. This is excellent entertainment and well worth the read!  I recommend this to anyone and especially those who like time travel paradox stories.

Tour Schedule

Check out the BookBlast giveaway.