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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Bookblast: All I Want - Three Holiday Stories + Giveaway

THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.

Tour Schedule

All I Want Blog Tour
November 26th to Decmber 21st
Includes a $50 gift card giveaway


ALL I WANT

Pretty Near Perfect

by Jolene Perry

The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancĂ©'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 fiancĂ© 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.





Author Jolene Perry

Jolene Perry is an enigmatic figure. She is most often seen behind her laptop, staring at the words flying onto the screen with reckless abandon.

She survived growing up in rural Alaska, driving like a lunatic, and her husband’s careers in the military, as a perpetual student, and an Alaska State Prosecutor. She also survived as a middle school math teacher using her degree of Political Science and French.

One day Jolene was playing her guitar (probably some-thing juvenile for her kids) when she wondered what it would be like to write a song for a rockstar, and her first book was born. (that book is shelved)

She now lives a very glamorous life as a stay at home mom, elbow deep in dirty dishes and peanut butter sandwiches. She doesn’t even attempt to keep up with the laundry because non-writing time is precious, and her family is sorta awesome.
Links:



Author Rachael Anderson

Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She's the mother of four, can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Links:



Please visit on December 14 when I will be sharing a guest post from Kaylee and my review!


Author Kaylee Baldwin

I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University
with a degree in English literature.

I currently live in southern Arizona with my husband, Jeremy, and our three children. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with my family.


Links:






Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card of Paypal Cash

Ends 12/22/12

You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow the authors then you can leave the others blank.

Open to anyone 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's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilaire

I really like the heavenly guardians and the action in this series.
Deliver Me From Temptation: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors
Tes Hilaire

  • File Size: 552 KB
  • Print Length: 354 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1402264372
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (December 4, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
"Dark, sexy, and intense! Hilaire blazes a new path in paranormal romance."—Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author on Deliver Me From Darkness
Logan Screwed Up...Big Time
When things go bump in the night, Logan bumps back. Vampires, demons, succubi—you name it, he's fought it. His job as Paladin angel warrior is to protect humans. Not fall for one.
She Never Believed in Divine Intervention...Until Now
Detective Jessica Waters protects humans too-with her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. She doesn't believe in fate. But if anyone looks like a gift from the gods, it's Logan. And he clearly knows more about her case than he's letting on...


Review:
Jessica is a fierce cop whose driving force is the anger and hate that she carries from the rape and brutal death of her twin sister. She is a good and dedicated cop but sometimes her anger pushes her to take risks like investigating without her partner for backup.  She has been pushing pretty hard on a murder that involved some freakish aspects. High on Jessica’s lists of suspects is Roland, a Paladin Warrior (heavenly protector) who is outcast from the ranks because he is now a vampire.  (See Roland’s story in Deliver Me From Darkness.) Roland is not the murderer, but there are other vampires and dark forces involved in the murder.  They object to Jessica’s snooping and she is now a target.

While investigating, Jessica sees Logan and Alex, two Paladin Warriors, chasing what appears to be an innocent woman. Jessica tries to challenge the men, interfering with their efforts and gaining a memory wipe for her troubles.  Jess doesn’t remember Logan and Alex when she next meets them at the station while they are bailing out Roland. She suspects something isn’t right but doesn’t know what.

Now Logan is set on protecting Jessica as she continues to bump into bad, dark things in the night. Their attraction is intense. She tries to resist as he is a “person of interest” in the case and she can’t really believe in forces he alludes to. Logan realizes that, as the future leader of the warriors, there is no way he should get involved with a human. There union may be beyond their control! But can Logan keep Jessica alive as she is dragged in by enemies to lure him to a trap?

Logan is a great, strong hero who is dedicated to his mission but sometimes challenges the Paladin leader, his father, because of his old-fashioned and limiting methods. Jessica is a wonderfully strong and dedicated officer although her independence and hatred get her into trouble. I really like the action in this series. The book jumps off with a start and never lets up. I also love the fact that the heros are heavenly warriors protecting humans from demons and other evil creatures.  My only hesitation and disappointment in the series is the free use of foul language. Too bad that mars the rest of the great work for me. I did pick this book to review knowing from the last time that it would likely have language. Still - the action and story outweigh the negative language. I’m glad I read this and I recommend the series to those who love strong characters, intense passion and plenty of action.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I agree with Logan’s thoughts on faith and Justice:
[The station house} was more than just a place for the work of law to get done. It was the line between human goodness and evil deeds, a sanctuary to Justice’s warriors. But without faith in...something? Could that line really be held? Could Justice survive.   Page 64.
I really liked this imagery:
She made her way down the side street, the sounds of the investigative team playing like a homicide-cops urban symphony.  The clicking of a camera was the erratic drummer, the scuff of boots on gritty pavement the counter beat and the gruff voices lowered in funeral hall tones claimed the melody.  Page 119.
I received this from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.


For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway: His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman

I loved this engaging story!
by Beth Wiseman
File Size: 692 KB
Print Length: 317 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595548882
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
Genre: Inspirational Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?
Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.
Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the Englisch world. But that plan never included a baby.
When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.
And yet.
God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.
“Wiseman is among the best at writing moving Amish fiction.” —Booklist review of The Wonder of His Love


Review:
Danielle Kent had a difficult childhood. Her father died when she was young and her mother beat her. Danielle ended up at age seventeen moving in with an older, and old-fashioned couple who live near, although are not part of, an Amish community. Her ‘guardians’ Martha and Arnold have treated Danielle as their own daughter. Although they dress conservatively they do have electricity, cell phones and use cars, unlike the Amish families. Martha attends the Amish Sunday services on a regular basis and takes Danielle along whenever she will go.

Danielle is comfortable with the Amish and has been dating Matthew, an Amish young man of her age from a neighboring community. Matthew’s family are not happy that he is dating an Englisch girl but he is in the period of “rumschpringe”, the ‘running-round time, when a teenager has not yet committed into the Amish faith. In fact, Matthew does not want to remain with his Amish family.  He wants to go away to college and he clearly doesn’t want to marry and start a family with Danielle even though their union has resulted in pregnancy.

Danielle is found weeping by her best friend, Levi, another Amish young man who has not yet been baptized into the community but whose faith is very strong. Levi has been trying to encourage Danielle to trust God.
Levi always planned to be baptized Amish and raise a family in the Amish faith. But Levi has dreams that lead him to propose to marry Danielle and raise the boppli (baby) as his own. Danielle initially rejects this arrangement but then agrees. Levi’s mother is horrified that her son might marry an Englisch girl and live outside the Amish community. She consults with Sarah, the Amish girl Levi has dated a few times, to find ways to convince Levi not to marry Danielle. Troubles and misunderstandings arise.

I particularly loved the character of Levi whose faith is so strong as he prays and tries to follow God’s calling. Danielle is an injured soul and although she does not plan to live in the Amish community, she is willing to remain nearby.  She is determined to raise her child in a loving environment.  It is interesting, and wonderful, to read how this couple overcomes obstacles and how matters unfold for them as they grow in their relationships.

The story is very well written in plot, character and themes. Ms. Wiseman deals with the prejudices and snobbery of the Amish against the Englisch as well as exploring deeper issues of forgiveness and trust. There is a revelation by Levi’s mother that opens her heart and changes her attitude. I was delighted with the story and plan to encourage my ladies’ book club to read this or another Wiseman title.

Word notes while reading: Sweet, warm, faith issues, prejudices, beautiful message!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Levi shares excitement in his faith with Danielle:
“Because when you feel the Holy Spirit, or when God answers a prayer, it’s an amazing feeling, and you know you’re part of something so much bigger than just yourself.”  Location 2075.
Levi’s Mother shares her faith with Danielle:
“He is the only way. That’s what I’m saying. If you’re feeling alone or longing for peace, He is the way.”  Location 2673.
I received this title from Thomas Nelson for an honest Review.
This story is set in Monte Vista, near the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in Colorado for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Print Copy:


For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Winners -- Untamed, Guardian of Stone, Missing

 CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS:
 Giveaways Ended November 30, 2012.

Giveaway ARC Untamed. 
Victoria S



Giveaway Guardian of Stone (The Relic Seekers).
Jolene



Giveaway Missing.
Ricki


Victoria, Jolene and Ricki please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll send a gift for the download.  Please reply within 72 hours!  

Mailbox Monday December 3, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Suko's Notebook!

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 


I added more review books to my book 'forest' this week.
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles
I received four review titles -which I forgot to list the last two weeks.

Tribute Books Blog Tour for February 6, 2013
A New Birth of Freedom The Translator by Robert G. Pielke






Bewitching Blog Tour for December 10th
Old Man and Monkey by George Polley


Blog Tour Review on December 18
Christmas Magic by Terri Rochenski










Blog Tour for Entangled Publishing for December 12
by Stephanie Draven

This week I received three more books:
From Forever at Grand Central: two Christmas reads!:

Hunk for the Holidays
by Katie Lane


                                    and
by Hope Ramsey








Received from Simon & Schuster, through Audiobook Jukebox.
by Glenn Beck




Wins

None



Purchased

None



Free

I didn't have time to pick up any free titles on Kindle this week.

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