Book Review and Giveaway: Paper Roses (Texas Dreams Book #1) by Amanda Cabot

This is a charming, sweet Western Historical Romance with a little suspense and mystery.
Paper Roses (Texas Dreams Book #1): A Novel
by Amanda Cabot
384 pages
Publisher     Revell; Reprinted edition (January 1, 2009)
ISBN-10     080073324X
ISBN-13     978-0800733247
Genre: Inspirational Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publication Date: January 1, 2009
The future stretches out in front of Sarah Dobbs like the pure blue Texas sky. Leaving the past behind in Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom, Austin Canfield, a man she has never met but whose letters have won her heart from afar. But there is one problem--he has died. And Sarah cannot go back East.

As Sarah tries to reconcile herself to a future that is drastically changed, Austin's brother, Clay, struggles with his own muddled plans. Though he dislikes working on the family ranch and longs for a different life, Clay is driven to avenge his brother's death. But something between them is growing and neither Clay nor Sarah is ready to admit it.

Book 1 of the Texas Dreams series, Paper Roses will sweep readers into the Hill Country with a tale of love and loss, closed doors and beautiful possibilities that will leave them wanting more.

Review:
Sarah is a beautiful young woman but flawed. A bad riding accident as a child left her with a limp and terrible fear of horses. She has been raised in society but now faces shame as a result of her father’s heavy financial losses and the resulting death of her parents. She has gathered all that she has left and is determined to make a new life for her younger sister and herself in the rugged lands outside of San Antonio, Texas. She has fallen in love with Austin Canfield, the man who wrote her such beautiful letters–her ‘paper roses.’

Sarah is met at the train station two hours later than expected but that is not the worst of the news. Clay, Austin’s brother, has to break the news that Austin is dead. He was murdered and Clay’s bitter heart is set on finding the killer and exacting revenge. In the past year Clay’s pregnant wife died and his father suffered a stroke. Clay is bitter against God and most anyone else who has a positive attitude.

Clay expects Sarah to turn tail and return to Philadelphia. He is surprised when she announces she is staying but she doesn’t want to be a burden. She sets her mind on finding some work to support herself and her sister. When other work falls through she proposes to the controlling Mayor that she open a school. The community agrees and she finds herself rotating class weekly from the German church to the French church. Unfortunately, her students rotate weekly too as the parents refuse to let their children mingle.

Through strategic maneuvering Sarah finally brings the children together. It is much harder to bring the parents together though. Tempers and prejudices are becoming more enhanced as thefts increase around town. Sarah continues to focus on others while Clay focuses on his revenge.

I liked the historic difficulties presented in the mixed community. Ms. Cabot uses Sarah’s persistent and nonjudging character to lead by example. She encourages the community to begin to see themselves as Americans with different backgrounds and traditions that can be blended to create new traditions.

I also enjoyed how this couple struggles and finally come together. Both have issues of unforgiveness that they have to overcome. The story shares more than just a romance as it addresses numerous small town issues. Matters of revenge and prejudice, and Godly lessons are handled gently. The writing is smooth and easy.

This was our ladies’ book club selection in May. The consensus was that we all enjoyed the easy flow, sweet romance and nice story.

This title was picked for our Ladies' Book Club choice.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:

 ENTRY FORM HERE

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

* This contest is open US ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 12, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 13, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Monday Mailbox July 1, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Tasha @ Book Obsessed.
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 received three print titles and picked up the two free audios through Sync YA summer program.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received these three titles from Forever/Hachette.
July Release:

Guilty as Sin 
by Jami Alden

 July Release

Revenge 

by Debra Webb

and

 August Release

Ruthless

by Debra Webb

Won

I've haven't been entering any contests that I recall. :-)

Purchased

None

Free

Audios:
I downloaded this past week's pair free from SYNC YA June 27 – July 3, 2013:
This looks like another fun pairing!

Rotters
By Daniel Kraus
Read by Kirby Heyborne
Published by Listening Library
AudioFile Earphones Award
Odyssey Award Winner
“Kirby Heyborne expertly plumbs the depths of Joey’s despair and growing fascination with the grotesque trappings of his new occupation.” –AudioFile Magazine

and

Frankenstein
By Mary Shelley
Read by Jim Weiss
Published by Listening Library
“…the listener is quietly swept up.”
–AudioFile Magazine Magazine

I didn't have to download any free Kindle Titles this week; 
linked through Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday What are You Reading? July 1, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This seemed like a slow reading week even though I did finish three titles and got well into an Audio.  I posted four reviews, one with Giveaway Link and one with ARC Giveaway. I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I'm pleased I got to visit a bit mostly at the end of the week. I still need to do more.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? June 24, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday June 24, 2013.

• Book Review and Giveaway Link: Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy, by Jeff Gunhus, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Action Adventure; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: Anonymous Sources by Mary Louise Kelly, Thriller; my rating 4.75. 

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: One Day in Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand, Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. Ends 7/5.
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 28, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/4.

• Saturday Snapshot June 28, 2013 Wet Trees
  

• Audio Book Review: Hearts of Shadow, A Deadglass Novel, Book 2, by Kira Brady, Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #106 Comment Giveaway 6/29/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 30, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Bane (The Eden Trilogy) (Volume 1)
by Keary Taylor
I enjoyed this and will post a review this week. Selected from NetGalley.
Click on Title for full Book Description

2. eBook/Kindle

Take Me Back: A Give & Take Novella
by Kelli Maine
This is a bit of a ghost story with romance.
I will post a review this week.
I picked this up at NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
In the bestselling tradition of Sylvia Day and E. L. James...

DESIRE THAT CAN'T BE DENIED
Rachael DeSalvo is haunted by the past. She's come home to her beloved Turtle Tear Island, where she looks forward to happy days and bliss-filled nights in the arms of Merrick Rocha. But when she finds a trunk full of old photo albums and handwritten notes, Rachael soon realizes that the island has not given up all its secrets . . .

For long before Rachael and Merrick made Turtle Tear Resort their home, this historic island was a haven for sensual, forbidden affairs. As Rachael and Merrick work to restore the grand hotel to its former glory, they will be caught in the perfect maelstrom of conflict and desire.

"I love the banter between Rachael and Merrick throughout the book..... some steamy scenes that will not leave you disappointed." --The Indie Bookshelf

3. Print

The Woman He Loved Before
by Dorothy Koomson
This was a surprise and more engaging than I expected.
I will post a review this week with giveaway.
Click on title for full Book Description.

eBook/Kindle
Did Not Finish

Fire Inside: A Chaos Novel 
by Kristen Ashley
I wanted to try this author but I decided not to read this after the first 15 pages or so. I will say that the writing is solid and enticing. I think in the long run I would like the characters although I wasn’t sure at first. But I can’t get beyond the language – crude both before and during sex - yes, it gets to sex in the prologue and first 3% of the book. This one is just too steamy for me to enjoy so I am going to pass and read something else.
There are many good reviews listed at Amazon.
I encourage those who like steamy romance to give this a try.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
"I adore Kristen Ashley's books. Her stories grab you by the throat from page one and . . . continue to dwell in your mind days after you've finished the story."
-Maya Banks, New York Times bestselling author
Lanie Heron isn't looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club . . .
For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She's too polished and too classy for his taste. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can't say no. And he doesn't regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that's ever happened to him-in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.

Line Edits/Releases:
Still working on details for two more titles for print release and two we are completing formats on for ebook release.

Currently reading:

1. Print

Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel)
by Rochelle Alers
I just started this and like the easy flow so far.
Reviewing (with copy giveaway) for Forever/Hachette.
Click on title for full Book Description.

2. Audible

Maelstrom: Destroyermen, Book 3
     by Taylor Anderson
    Narrated by William Dufris
       I had this on my MP3 and have wanted to read more in the series.
I am continuing the adventures!
This is from my own Audible library.
Publisher's Summary
Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, along with the men and women of the U.S.S. Walker, are once again at war. Having sided with the peaceful Lemurians against the savage, reptilian Grik, they now find themselves scrambling to prepare for the attack that is sure to come, searching for resources to support their forces - even as they look for allies to join their struggle.
Meanwhile, the Japanese juggernaut Amagi, also trapped in this strange world, is under Grik control---with her fanatical commander approaching madness. And soon they will have amassed a force that no amount of firepower and technology will be able to stop.As the raging conflict approaches, Reddy, his crew, his allies, and his loved ones face annihilation. But if there is one thing they have learned about their new world, it is that hope - and help - may be just over the horizon.
©2008 Taylor Anderson; (P)2009 Tantor

3. eBook/Kindle

Silent Warrior
by Lindsey Piper
This is prequel I picked up at NetGalley to see if I might like the series.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 22, 2013
An exciting, emotionally charged prequel to the Dragon Kings trilogy featuring warriors fighting for their lives in violent cage matches to guarantee their clans’ survival—available exclusively as an eBook!

A silent woman ashamed of her criminal background becomes a Cage warrior to seek redemption. An unrepentant fortune hunter will do anything to escape his mounting debts. Although rivals on the streets of Hong Kong, they find common ground when seeking their clan’s stolen idol, but for vastly different reasons. Neither one suspects that love will begin when he becomes the first man in five years to hear her speak.

I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: Several more releases being prepared for the next few weeks. I am still doing more Smashword conversions in between print formatting.

I have several print books carrying over from June to July and new ones to add. At least I only have two Book Blasts tours set later in July. I don't have the schedule fully laid out yet so I will include it next week. 
June Scheduled:
Completed

SOURCEBOOKS
   done

Hachette - Forever
    Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel) by Rochelle Alers (reading)
    Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Molly Cannon
    A House Divided by Kimberly Lawson Roby

NetGalley:
     Silent Warrior by Lindsey Piper (reading)

AudioBook Jukebox  -  selecting new titles

Author Books received at March EPICon
     Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hembree

From TBR Collection - Completed
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 30, 2013

Our Pastor has been suffering with some health issues. He had a surgery this week which went well but he still needs healing. We are praying for you Pastor.

This morning Pastor’s son-in-law, Vince, a Pastor in a nearby county, shared a message and we had a wonderful word from the Spirit.

The central verse for the Sermon was Acts 2:2, focusing on the word “Suddenly.” Jesus told his disciples to ‘go and wait’ for the Spirit. They didn’t know what was coming but they had to step out in faith and obedience. In our lives we need to exercise faith and obedience. We need to learn not to complain about our circumstances but rather look for opportunities for God to work. God is a God of process. He reserves the right to interrupt our plans if we are moving on without his guiding hand.

When Christ’s followers gathered they heard a sound like a violent wind. Violent wind can be like a roar of waves. When God speaks his breath blows. Do not get frightened or distracted by the roar. Do not stop praying or stop your good works as the roar signifies heaven opening up, waters coming.

A ‘roar’ can also mean rumors--something about to happen. God lets news leak from heaven. Keep on and prepare yourself. Your answer is coming, the answer is on the way. Don't give up. The ‘suddenly’ is coming.

This is a message for someone. No doubt someone in our congregation this morning but maybe for someone who reads this post too.  The message shared: God has already answered your prayer in healing, deliverance and empowerment. Suddenly it will be there for you. Set your ear to hear God’s word, open your heart and prepare for your Suddenly!

I know it is July 4th week and we did sing some patriotic songs this morning. 

But none fit for this message. 

Instead I was led to this video song - Spirit Break Out

A Verse for today:
Acts 2:2 (NIV)
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

I am excited to anticipate a 'suddenly' event in my life. Meanwhile, I pray for my county and ask God to Bless America.

Sharing Beyond Books #106 Comment Giveaway June 29, 2013

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

It's been a hot week here when it hasn't been raining.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Our collective book reading is from 185 to 220 per month! Some as little as 1 and some as many as 22!
 
What fun to be reminded of so many childhood games: many board games like Monopoly (apparently a favorite), Scrabble, Life, Parcheesi and more; card games including Old Maids, Uno, Go Fish; and other games like Yahtzee. Not to mention the outside games like hopscotch, jump rope and tag. And early computer games like PacMan and Super Mario!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #105 comments is: #24 Nikki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #106 Questions

Q1. Emily asks: How likely are you to go out of your comfort zone when choosing a book to read? Will you give it a chance, or no way Jose???

A: I try to stretch myself now and again. Usually I will press on to finish the book. However, as I have just experienced this week, I became really uncomfortable after beginning a book and feel that I am not going to enjoy it. So I decided to give it a pass since there are so many other books waiting to be read. :-).  

 Here is a book challenge if you want to step out...

Image found at A Novel Challenge.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you have a favorite pillow??

A: When I was young I loved my foam rubber, medium hard, pillow. I was in a rear-end car accident in my late 20s which caused some neck discomfort. As I have gotten older my neck has been a bit stiff. I now use a travel type neck pillow which I do take with me when I travel. I also use a small foam pillow under my knees which has helped reduce pain there.

My DH happens to still love a feather pillow. The kids bought him a new one to replace the old after it got yucky.

Image found at Shopping.Yahoo.com.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We can always use fresh questions. I do have a group of questions from the same submitters so if you have a question don't be afraid to ask!
JUNE QUESTIONS were contributed by Birgit, miki, nrlymrtl, Becky and Emily. Random.org winner for a book pick is BECKY!

Your turn to share:

Q1. Emily asks: How likely are you to go out of your comfort zone when choosing a book to read? Will you give it a chance, or no way Jose??

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you have a favorite pillow??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the Newly June 2012 Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, July 5, 2013 at 10 PM central.