Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 13, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.] 

Hello everyone. Whew- I was getting tired and almost left this mid sentence. Anyway, I hope everyone had a nice week.  Mine has been good but sort of hectic. *sigh* What else is new?? I have a new set of books added this week. Happy book picking. :-)

Thank you to all who entered April 6 Pick.  There were TWO Automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
Sorry but The Guardian and The Ripple Effect were blocked by multiple requests.

Mamabunny13 chose Green Calder Grass for four weeks with no block (no one else choosing the book.)
bn100 chose Gospel Truths

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from April 6 Pick:

YTiinnyY gets a Gift Certificate  
and

Carol L chose the Deveraux Pair, Velvet Song and Velvet Angel

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Some of my favorite things: Daffodils and books!
This image and more found at A Mile A Minute

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

An Earl to Enchant by Amelia Grey (spine damage)

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

When Dreams Come True by Cathy Maxwell (slight spine wear)

A Week in Winter by Marcia Willett

Slow Heat by Erica Spindler

The Trouble with Joe by Emilie Richards

Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon

September Morning by Diana Palmer

Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)

The Amazing Mrs. Polifax by Dorothy Gilman

The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly

Not Looking for a Texas Man by Lass Small

Ladies Start Your Engines

 

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.

Cathy Maxwell - Marriage Series

     Married in Haste (#1) and The Marriage Contract (#3)

Maggie Shayne - Wings of Night Series

     Demon's Kiss (#1)  and Lover's Bite (#2) or #13 and #14 in the larger series
Jude Deveraux - The Velvet Series
     Velvet Song and Velvet Angel
Sabrina Jeffries - The School For Heiresses Series
     Only a Duke Will Do (#2) and Beware a Scot's Revenge (#3)
Nora Roberts
     Inner Harbor (#3 Cheasapeake Bay Series) and Blue Dahlia (SC) (#1 In the Garden Trilogy -(nice trilogy!)
Mary Higgins Clark
     Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You  (SC)
Dick Francis
     Smokescreen (SC) and Field of Thirteen
James Patterson
     Sam's Letters to Jennifer and The Beach House    

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown  

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

Death Angel by Linda Howard

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:

Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways. 

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I  posted 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 335 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17
Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

D.E.A.R. DAY Giveaway - Children's Books!

HAPPY D.E.A.R. DAY

What is National D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read. National D.E.A.R. Day is a special reading celebration to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority.
When is National D.E.A.R. Day?
The birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary is the official event date, April 12^th. Ramona Quimby, the program’s official spokesperson, is responsible for spreading the word and the love of reading.

Show your support and spread the love of reading to your family and friends! Visit www.dropeverythingandread.com for D.E.A.R. tips and activities.

To Celebrate D.E.A.R. I pulled together some books for children to share.
I have five print books and one eBook for Giveaway:

Disney/Pixar Colors and Counting

Mother Goose Wheels on the Bus/ Puppy Dog Tails

    Nursery Rhymes Pop-up Book
Humpty Dumpty and Other Rhymes

 

Trouble-Free Travel With Children: Helpful Hints for Parents on the Go

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (I Can Read It All by Myself)

and eBook PDF:

Annie's Special Day

(With Audio Code to Read Along!)

PRIZES:
Package #1 - Download PDF of Annie's Special Day Plus FIRST CHOICE of a print book.
Package #2 - Winner's choice of two print books.
Package #3 - Remaining two print books.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

•  Must be a follower and state how you follow (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads; email); all links are on the sidebars. 
• Open Worldwide.

Ends April 20 at 10 PM Central.

Welcome to Tracey Devlyn, Author of A Lady's Revenge, PLUS Giveaway

Hello Tracey! Thank you for sharing at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf.

Martha, thank you so much for having me at Martha’s Bookshelf. Really excited to be here.

Questions for Tracey:

Q1  What inspired you to combine thriller/suspense elements with historical romance?

As a reader, historical romance was always my first love. I found, though, that I gravitated toward historicals with a suspense subplot. For me, the suspense adds an extra layer of interest and reveals a different side of the hero and heroine. From a writer’s perspective, I just love torturing my characters. J

Q2  Are the three books in your contract with Sourcebooks part of a series and if so did you have each book plotted out before you started the first one or did the subsequent books flow from the first book?  If they are stand alone would you share a little about the genre, idea, why they were accepted as a group of three?

Yes, the three books are part of a series. Since the main characters in books two and three are closely associated with the heroine of A Lady’s Revenge, the storylines flowed naturally from book one. But I only had a general idea (aka one descriptive paragraph) of the subsequent stories when I sold.

Q3  Please share with us one surprising thing about your experience writing A Lady’sRevenge, or about something else related to your career as a writer.

As writers, we’re constantly being told that our first story will likely not sell, that we should consider it a learning experience and move on to the next. We’re told these things to spare us a certain amount of heartbreak and to keep us moving forward. The advice is well meant and, at times, spot on. But sometimes, we have to go with our gut and trust that it will let us know when the gig is up. My gut told me to give A Lady’s Revenge one more chance, and I did. I’m so glad I listened.

Q4  How do find your characters and personalities?  Is there any special inspiration?

Great question! I’ve never thought about this before. Looking back, my heroes and heroines tend to reveal themselves pretty quickly. Normally, one character shows up first and then I come up with a perfect foil for that character. The secondary characters develop out of a need to showcase the hero and heroine and they often provide some much-needed comic relief.

Q5  Which word would you use to describe yourself and your personality?

The only thing that comes to mind is “Git-R-Done,” but that’s cheating. J

Q6  How do you handle it when some element of what you're writing decides that it just doesn't want to work the way you want it to?

Most of the time, I go with the flow and trust that the current doesn’t take me over a ginormous waterfall.

Questions for Cora

Q1  Which word would you use to describe yourself and your personality?

Survivor

Q2  What is something you would never be caught dead doing/saying?

I’d never let my brother Ethan have the last word. He’s rather too sure of himself and must be reminded of who’s boss.

Q3  Do you have any pet peeves?

Having to wear a dress. They’re dreadful contraptions, especially when combined with corsets. I love my silk pai jamahs and wear them as often as I can. But don’t tell Guy. He thinks they’re far too provocative to be wearing about.

Q4  What do you do for fun when you aren’t “serving” your country or pursing your vengeance?

I love lounging lakeside on a blanket with Guy. Sometimes we practice our Tai Chi together and I find that so soothing. When Guy’s not around, I enjoy honing my knife-throwing skills. A lady in my line of business never knows when the need to protect oneself (or others) might arise.

Q5  What is the one thing your readers would be surprised to know about you?

When I was in France, I realized I had another talent besides ballroom spying. Matchmaking. No, no, no, I did not actively employ this special skill on my enemy. I simply observed the interactions of others and placed wagers with myself. If I had turned my talent into a trade, I would be an independently wealthy woman. I wonder if this secret skill will be useful now that I’m back in England?

Final Question for giveaway: 

If you (either Tracey or Cora- LOL) could have readers finish a sentence what would it be?

BONUS Question:  If I were a kitten, my fur would be the color of______.

Thank you again for sharing.

Thanks—love the format of your interview questions. So fun!

Please leave a comment for a chance to win a print copy of A Lady’s Revenge (U.S. and Canada only, please.)

* * *

BRIEF SUMMARY OF A LADY’S REVENGE:

A British agent flees her French captor’s torturous dungeon and falls in love with the decoder responsible for her imprisonment.

NOTHING GETS BETWEEN A LADY AND HER VENGEANCE

In a daring rescue, beautiful and wily secret operative Cora deBeau is reunited with her childhood friend Guy Trevelyan, who wants so much more from her now than friendship…

HE’LL STOKE THE FIRE UNTIL THEY BOTH GO UP IN FLAMES

But Cora’s mission against the French has become personal, and even the fire between her and Guy won’t deter her. When it comes to getting sweet, cruel revenge, nothing will stand in a lady’s way…

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracey Devlyn writes historical romantic thrillers (translation: a slightly more grievous journey toward the heroine's happy ending). An Illinois native, Tracey spends her evenings harassing her once-in-a-lifetime husband and her weekends torturing her characters. For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at:

TraceyDevlyn.com  |  Twitter.com/TraceyDevlyn  |  Facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn

LadyJanesSalonNaperville.com

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR A PRINT COPY 
1. Comment on this Interview or my Review. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, Answer Tracey's Bonus Question at the end of the interview above (in red.)

3.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 27, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on April 28 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.

Book Review: A Lady's Revenge by Tracey Devlyn

This is an exciting and engaging read.

A Lady’s Revenge 
by Tracey Devlyn

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402258224
• ISBN-13: 978-1402258220

Genre: Historical Romance, Suspense
My Rating:  4.0 of 5.0

Publication Date: April 3, 2012
"Dark historical suspense that will capture your imagination, fuel your fears, and captivate your heart." -- Kelsey Browning, co--founder of Romance University

Nothing Gets Between a Lady and Her Vengence...
In a daring rescue, beautiful and wily secret operative Cora deBeau is reunited with her childhood friend Guy Trevelyan, who wants so much more from her now than friendship ...

He'll Stoke the Fire Until They Both Go Up In Flames...
But Cora's mission against the French has become personal, and even the fire between her and Guy won't deter her. When it comes to getting sweet, cruel revenge, nothing will stand in a lady's way ...

Review: 

Cora was only a child when she saw her parents killed by a Frenchman. She and her brother were raised in an unusual household where they were trained to serve England...as spies. When her guardian sends her to France to learn the secrets of a French agent, Valere, Cora is ready to go and do whatever it takes, including seduction. Unfortunately after several successful months she is exposed as a famous English spy.  Although Valere is obsessed with her, he is willing to allow his henchman to brutally torture her for her secrets.

Guy and Ethan, Cora’s brother, are on a mission to rescue the famous female spy, The Raven. They are shocked to discover Cora in the dungeon they are searching. They make a harrowing rescue and bring Cora home to their guardian, and boss. They suspect that Valere will be hard on their heels and to make matters more tense there is apparently a mole in the high echelons of the agency.

Guy and Cora go into hiding, battling wills all the way.  Guy is determined to do whatever he can to keep Cora safe. Plus he is determined to convince her that they can have a future life and family together. Cora has to recover from emotional trauma as well as her physical injuries. She doesn’t feel she is worthy of any man and she especially doesn’t want her reputation to injure Guy’s chances to make a successful marriage arrangement. When she finally realizes she can tolerate his touch she discovers that she yearns for him and maybe she can at least have some time with him.

I enjoyed the fast paced action in this story with fighting that rivals a swashbuckling movie. However it frustrated me that there were so many times that Valere slipped through the bodyguards and defenses and so many times that Cora was lucky to slip through his clutches...but not always. I liked that Guy specialized in ciphers and I wished there had been more of that aspect developed.

I liked the strength and integrity in Cora and Guy. Cora was a little -  well, actually quite -  independent and stubborn, thinking that she needed to keep Guy safe.  It seemed clear that they would have been safer if they had worked together instead of continually going off on their own.  That is part of the character conflict even if it irritated me.

There are interesting secondary, supportive characters, especially Cora’s feisty maid Dinks. There are also some sweet kittens that jump in between Guy and Cora for some fun.

Ms. Devlyn’s writing is impressively sharp and well balanced with good detail.  The sex scenes are more detailed and more often than I prefer and contributed to this being a bit longer than needed. But those readers who like the strong and steamy sex romances will appreciate that.  If you like intrigue and action with a strong romance then this is a book you should enjoy.  This is an impressive debut novel and I look forward to the sequels. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

A taste of fun dialog: 

{Cora} “I don’t recall you being so very wicked in our youth.”
....{Guy}“Do you not? I seem to recall you commenting on my mischief not but a few days ago.”....
{Cora} “Indeed, I did. In your case, mischievousness equates to annoying. Like an insect. Wickedness is an entirely different matter.”
   He laid his hand over his chest. “You likened me to a gnat?”
   The smile she sent him was several degrees warmer than wicked. “Aye. One I wanted to swat many times.” Page 259

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read and review this book.  Be sure to check out the Author Interview for a chance to win a copy of A Lady's Revenge. 

I will add this to my ARC Challenge and New Author Challenge lists.

Book Review: Seeking a Scribe by Marsha A. Moore

This is an 'enchanted' world and a fun, action-packed adventure.
Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One (Enchanted Bookstore Legends)

by Marcia A. Moore

• File Size: 494 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007JVYSSI

Genre: Fantasy Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: March 12, 2012

Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves fantasy novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love.

His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate from the fantasyland. Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She’s torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love?

Opening the book’s cover, she confronts a quest: save Dragonspeir from destruction by the Black Dragon before he utilizes power of August’s red moon to expand his strength and overthrow the opposing Imperial Dragon. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins. Along with magical animal guides, Cullen helps her through many perils, but ultimately Lyra must use her own power…and time is running out.

Review:

Lyra returns to her home town for the summer to help take care of her last living relative, Aunt Jean, who is going through cancer treatments. Lyra has been saddened and depressed in the past year by the death of her parents and her unhappy divorce. She hopes to find peace and quiet but soon finds adventure, danger and romance instead. Lyra plans to write a book during the summer... and has no idea how true that will be. I liked how Ms. Moore used Lyra’s efforts to write a book to merge into her adventure as a scribe for the magical world of Dragonspeir.

Lyra walks into a ‘new’ bookstore in town and meets Cullen Drake who seems familiar to her. Cullen claims to have a special book for her and it turns out to be her own childhood journal of magical, enchanted visits made 25 years before. Now Cullen asks her to open the book again and step through to Dragonspeir where she has a special quest to save the realm from the evil Black Dragon. She must journey to meet the Black Dragon, write her experiences and have one person read the story before the deadline of the Red Moon.

There are wonderful friends with magical abilities: owls, deer, squirrels, fairy sprites, talking tree guardians and many more. There are also some strange friends and associates who Lyra isn’t sure can be trusted. Of course there are fearsome enemies too including sea monsters, poisonous dragons and other creatures with glowing eyes in the dark.

I loved the band that helps Lyra on her quest and I especially like the pseudodragon, Noba, and the dragon hatchling, Yasqu. They are sweet and playful. I want my own pet dragon!!  I’d love to read more of Noba and Yasqu. And I liked Sheridan too, the cicada in Drake’s bookstore who put Lyra off by his rather brash and leering introduction.

The story moves along at a good pace for the most part. There is a slower section near the end where Lyra deals with a death, funeral and grief. I at first wondered what this added but then thought it has a two-fold purpose. It shows that life in the “real world” goes on and must be dealt with. Also, it gave reason for grief that could distract Lyra and cause her to struggle to get the story written within the deadline.

Throughout the adventure Lyra and Cullen grow together in caring and sensual attraction. I liked that both the wizard and Lyra were shown with frailties that they had to overcome. There is a bit of repetition of Lyra’s longings to have a life with Cullen and wondering if it is possible. I thought the kissing scenes to be a bit amateurish, or perhaps I just found them awkward in what would otherwise be a wonderful story for young folks. In my thinking the sexual intimacy could have been left to the imagination and the reading base for the story would have been expanded.

Ms. Moore has created a marvelous, lush, magical, visual feast. I have to admit that the story of evil threatening to overtake the good in the magical land reminded me a bit of The Neverending Story due to its rich descriptions and fantastical creatures. But this is a wonderful, imaginative story of its own merit. Although this story had closure, there are several mysteries remaining for more adventure including secrets of Lyra’s heritage and more threats by the Black Dragon.   I recommend this story to those who love magical worlds of adventure but caution that not all scenes are appropriate for younger readers.

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

An example of the fine descriptions:

The light wind twirled the foliage around and caused it to whistle softly. The shade and breeze refreshed the exposed skin of Lyra’s face and shoulders, overly warm from the hike.
“That’s a lovely chorus with each leaf playing a different note,” she said.  Location 550.

Finding the dragon baby in her computer document:

Closer inspection revealed the beast to be a dragon, covered in small, translucent, glodenbrown scales with a row of now white spines along its neck, back and tail. It shimmered with a haze of gold. Location 988.

Thank you to the author and Bewitching Blog Tour for the book to read and review. Don't miss the author's guest post and the Giveaway link at the bottom of that post.

Read the author guest post with a link to Giveaway at the end. 
Find the full blog tour list here or at Bewitching Book Tours post HERE.