Pages

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Blog Tour: The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere

 
The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere

Book Description: 

Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.

Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves.

Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past.

 Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew. They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together.

Always together.

Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.

Review:

The Songs That Brought Me Back is the first book I've read that has a major focus on suicide. The author's note about why she wrote the book (see below) was the first thing I read, and since her father committed suicide it is a very important topic for her. I think knowing her feelings on it added to the impact it had on me as I read it.

It's hard to know where to start with my feelings on the novel-it really created a lot of emotions that were all over the place. The characters were well developed. For a good portion of the story we are left guessing about why Ethan's reaction to finding Ainsley was so much deeper than it would be for the average person. When that is revealed it was quite heartbreaking.

While I thought Ethan and Ainsley were good together, there was a lot of dependency that made me question if their relationship was healthy at times.

I liked the overall story and that it addressed suicide. Parts seemed to go on a bit long, and I did find myself skimming at times.

This is a sequel to The Songs of You and Me which I haven't read. I was confused about the song part in the title when there isn't any mention in the story about music. Each chapter has a song listed at the beginning, but apparently that is just the song that gave the inspiration to the author for the chapter.

Many people would categorize this as clean because the characters don't have pre-martial sex. For those that prefer a squeaky clean read, note that there's quite a bit of descriptive French kissing, want for more that doesn't happen before marriage, and a few swearwords.

 


Why I wrote Ainsley's story (from Mylissa Demeyere)


Did you know that every forty seconds 1 person dies due to suicide? That’s close to 800,000 worldwide, each year. There are indications that for each adult who dies of suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. That’s an estimate of 16,000,000 attempted suicides worldwide amongst adults. (Source: The World Health Organization).

Five days shy of my sixteenth birthday, my father’s body was found after he had killed himself. Needless to say, it wasn’t the sweet sixteen it could have been.

That event had quite an impact on my life and how I decided to face the challenges I meet.

When I wrote The Songs of You and Me, I delved into Jackson’s past. He got to tell his side of how Ainsley’s choices affected him. I never felt I could leave her tale untold. Each story always has at least two sides to it.

Why does a person make such horrible choices as Ainsley did? What drives them to such selfishness? And does a person like Ainsley have it in her to redeem herself?

My dad made the choice not to fight and right the wrongs in his life. It not only ended his life; it impacted many other lives.

Ainsley’s story is my way of showing you what can happen when people who make mistakes decide to try and do better. Because everyone deserves a second chance to right the wrong and start over again.

This is Ainsley’s story of what happens when you choose to not give up.

I hope that whomever reads this, will realize that we all, at one point in our life need and deserve second chances. When we take those chances, and turn our lives around, miracles can happen. I have seen it firsthand and the stories that follow are beautiful. Not perfect, but definitely worth living.

Even when life seems dark, lost, and like there is no other way than ending it, there is ALWAYS another option.

To everyone who has ever felt like there was never another way, this story is for you. My dad didn’t take the other way, but I hope you will find help. Life isn’t always perfect, but it is a wonderful gift. Definitely worth fighting for.

 

Author Mylissa Demeyere 

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast. The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.  


   

$25 Tour Giveaway:

Ends 12/30/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 Days of Clean Romance – Rachael Anderson


 
My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson

Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams. 

But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. 

Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.  

 


  

I haven't read a book by Rachael Anderson that I didn't absolutely love and this awesome book didn't fail to meet that grade. ~Vicki 

This forbidden Regency romance was excellent! Once I started, it was hard—almost impossible—to put down. ~Charissa 

This is the first full-length novel I've read by Rachael Anderson, but it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed the story--the writing was really good with no annoying parts or awkwardness, the plot was interesting, the characters were endearing (I loved the banter between Brigtson and Abby!), and this book was just really good. Highly enjoyable. Great choice for those who like clean, well-written Regency romances. ~AE2 

This is a wonderful story for anyone who enjoys a clever and heart-warming historical tale that will leave them with a smile on their face. ~Phyllis     

   

 

Author Rachael Anderson 

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She 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.


 

 

     

Giveaway Details: 

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash 

Ends 1/10/19 

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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

Monday, December 17, 2018

Christmas DVD Blog Tour

Are you on the lookout for some Christmas movies to watch with your whole family over the next week or so? I had the opportunity to watch two the other day that are family friendly with great messages.


Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Christmas Apron

Purchase Links: Amazon | Seagull Book

Movie Synopsis:

The children in Millie’s family can’t wait for Grandma to arrive with her special Christmas apron. According to tradition, each grandchild will write down the gift he or she wants most in the world, and then slip that wish into the apron’s pocket. Then, on Christmas morning, those wished-for gifts will be magically waiting under the tree. But then eleven-year-old Millie overhears her parents: the family can’t afford gifts for all the little ones. She pictures the disappointment on her siblings’ faces: nothing to open on Christmas morning. Is Millie willing to sacrifice her own whole-soul wish so that someone else’s can come true? Full of tender emotion and delightful surprise, this story reminds us of the miracles that unfold when we think of others before ourselves.


Review:

The Christmas Apron is short, just 26 minutes, but it has a very touching message about being selfless. It is during wartime (I think World War II), and not only are families affected by having loved ones gone serving in the war, but there are shortages everywhere and money is tight. Millie loves ballet and has finally progressed enough to move on to pointe shoes; however, getting them for Christmas would take a miracle. She sacrifices her own wish to ask for a gift for her sister instead.

This is a short, sweet film. I loved how Millie was learning from the example of her father who was always serving those in need around them. She was able to see the benefits of thinking of others first.

Christmas Break-In

Purchase Links: Amazon | Seagull Book | Deseret Book

Movie Synopsis:

Today was supposed to be one of the best days ever for nine-year-old Izzy Rush. But now, on the last day of class before Christmas break, she has been left alone at school. To make matters worse, the biggest blizzard this town has ever seen is blowing and snowing full force. Which is why three bumbling crooks on the lam decide to take shelter in the seemingly empty school. When Izzy discovers that the criminals are holding her friend Ray, the school custodian, she decides it’s up to her to save the day. But what can a nine-year-old girl do? You’d be surprised!


Review:

This movie took me back to days long ago when my sister and I went to see Home Alone in theaters. The line at our small town movie theater was out the door and down the street (I'd never seen that happen before). The humor in that film hit the spot for a ten-year-old.

Christmas Break-In is like Home Alone except at a school. There's a significant level of cheesiness, inept criminals, and forgetful parents. It's clean and has a good message about the importance of family. I really liked the kindness of Ray, the school custodian/ Izzy's guitar teacher, and the concern of Izzy's older teenage brother.

As adults, you may get a kick out of seeing some familiar faces. Danny Glover plays Ray, and Denise Richards plays Izzy's mom.




12 Days of Clean Romance – Mylissa Demeyere


   
The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere   

Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end. 

Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves. 

Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past. 

Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew. 

They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together. 

Always together. 

Sometimes the ending is really the beginning. 

 

ETHAN 

“FILL THESE OUT, PLEASE.” The nurse at the ER admin desk shoved a clipboard holding a stack of insurance forms into my hands. “Once we get your partner stabilized, I’ll go find out about sending you in to see her.” She gave me a curt nod and disappeared behind the desk. 

What had I been thinking? I hadn’t been thinking. Not much beyond getting my neighbor here in time. I had been living next door to Ainsley for the last six months, ever since the construction on my house was completed. And I had noticed her from day one. Who wouldn’t, with her striking blue eyes, long blonde hair, and a body every man dreams of? But there was more. She had this frailty about her, if you looked close enough. And it drew me in, right from the start. But she never let me get further than a few pleasantries. Still, it didn’t stop me from trying. And I had tried to be her friend. 

When I found her earlier today… I shuddered as the memory washed over me.

I clutched the letter in my hand, secretly happy I had an excuse to ring Ainsley’s doorbell. The mailman had messed up and I couldn’t let the opportunity slide, noting her car in the driveway. Walking up to the door, I rolled my shoulders and took a deep breath, aiming for cool and suave, not flustered and eager like she had me feeling each time I caught a glimpse of her. I rang the bell and turned to soak up the bright rays of sun, feeling my stomach knot as the anticipation rose. A few seconds passed, but no one came to open the door. 

I turned to ring the bell again, sure she was home, when I stopped dead in my tracks, my hand still suspended in the air. My heart started pounding in my chest as the ground beneath me felt like it was moving. 

Ainsley! Ainsley!” I pounded on the door, her lifeless body sprawled on the floor in the hallway just visible through the sidelights. My palms felt moist as I fought against the rising panic. 

“Ainsley!!” My voice was hoarse as I belted out her name over and over. 

Instinct took over. I ran to the back door and found it unlocked. I hadn’t ever let myself in, but now wasn’t the time to worry about that. 

“Ainsley!” I fell on my knees next to her, taking in the full scene. Her chest was barely moving, her lips a faint shade of blue. An empty pill bottle lay on the floor beside her. I picked it up, already sure of what was going on but needing to confirm it. Time seemed to stand still as I pieced it all together, but the loud, ringing sound in my ears forced me to move and get help. “Ainsley, what have you done?” I cried as I slipped my phone out of my back pocket and called 911. I hoped I wasn’t too late, that we still had time. 

“What happened?” One of the paramedics loaded her on a gurney while the other got to work checking her vitals. I rehashed all I knew, which wasn’t very much. 

They loaded her in the ambulance, and after getting the right info about where they were taking her, I sped over to the hospital in record time. 

“What’s your relationship to the patient?” The ER clerk typed in Ainsley’s name without making eye contact. 

“I don’t see how that’s important now,” I growled. “Only the next of kin can see the patient.” She looked up for the first time and took in my panicked state. 

“I’m her…boyfriend.” Where did that come from? I didn’t even know her that well, but I couldn’t take it back now. 

“I see.” The woman stared up at me over her wide-rimmed glasses, pausing as she studied me. Did she pick up on my hesitation? Did she detect the lie? 

“Please take a seat. I’ll have her paperwork ready in just a sec.” 

I released the breath I held and dropped down in the vinyl seat, overcome by the events of the past hour.

I’d been waiting for over two hours, and I was frantic. I didn’t do so well in a hospital setting. 

“Mr. Van Der Beek?” A doctor dressed in light blue scrubs walked into the waiting area. I stood up.

“Yes?” My heart beat double time, waiting for him to give me news on Ainsley. 

“We were able to stabilize your girlfriend.” The word made me wince. The doctor luckily mistook it for the info he was delivering, and his expression softened, his eyes full of sympathy. “Ainsley experienced respiratory depression, and we needed to intubate her to ensure she was getting enough oxygen.” 

I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and nodded my understanding. 

“We’ll keep her in the ICU until she gains consciousness.” 

“But she’s going to be okay?” I pleaded. 

“We’ll know for sure tomorrow. I think you got to her in time.” He patted me on the shoulder and turned to leave but reconsidered. 

“Mr. Van Der Beek.” He stared into my eyes. 

“Yes?” I felt the weight of the day settle on my shoulders. 

“Your girlfriend is very sick. Even if she makes a full physical recovery, you have a long road ahead of you.” 

I nodded, my eyes stinging. “Thank you, Doctor.” I sank onto one of the chairs lining the side of the waiting area. If anyone knew how long that road was, it was me.




  

A heartfelt romance with a powerful message about the sanctity of human life. If you’ve ever simply needed a friend, The Songs That Brought Me Back will resonate–and leave you thankful for the people in your life. -Taylor Dean, author of I’m With You and Chasing Fireflies. 

Another remarkable read by Mylissa Demeyere. Ethan and Ainsley had me laughing and crying as they face their own demons and fall in love while doing it. This book adds even more depth as it confronts suicide head on. Suicide has become an epidemic that some are afraid to address; Demeyere brings it to light from both the victims and the survivors giving us insight on the struggles of so many. It does not disappoint and I, again, am excited to see what comes next from this talented writer. – Amazon Reviewer 

A beautiful sequel to The Songs of You and Me that cleverly illustrates that there are always two sides to every story and that it is never too late for love to overcome any challenge. – Amazon Reviewer 

“This poignant redemption story about second chances and forgiveness yanked my emotions all over the place. I cried, I yearned, I hoped. A beautiful story about what true love is and does.” – Charissa Stastny, author of Between Hope and the Highway and The Ruled Out Romance Series 

 

 

   

Author Mylissa Demeyere 

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast. 

The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.  



 

 


   

Giveaway Details: 

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash 

Ends 1/10/19 

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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

Friday, December 14, 2018

From Ash and Stone by Julie Daines

Reviews * Giveaway
From Ash and Stone by Julie Daines

Book Description:

Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the thoughts of anyone who touches her.

Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family's deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won't be easy. The identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth.

Rorie's Review:

I have yet to read a book from Julie Daines that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception. She has a way of drawing the reader into the story right away and keeping your attention the whole time. 

Margaret was so much fun to get to know. Very head-strong - as she needed to be, based on her life over the past six years. She has one thing on her mind, and nothing else matters. Despite her repeated attempts to tell Angus to pound sand, he keeps coming back. I admire his persistence. :)

As in other books from this author, I felt so heartbroken for Margaret and her situation. Not only was she letting her hatred of the reivers poison her heart, but due to something completely beyond her control, she was unable to let herself get too close to anyone. 
 
I was both intrigued and disgusted at the description of the reiving, as well as the torture methods that they used for punishment back in those days. While I had never heard of reiving before, I have heard of the torture methods, but it's still hard to wrap my brain around the fact that people can be so awful to those around them. I also really need to look up what a kirtle is, because it's mentioned in several of Julie's books and I only think I might kind of know what it is.
 
I really enjoyed getting to know Osanna and Ellis as well. Their backstories were intriguing and helped enhance the main story. This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf.



Andrea's Review:

Julie Daines did a great job with her latest medieval novel, From Ash and Stone. My attention was caught right off and held throughout the story.


I really liked the characters. Margaret was not at all like the other ladies of her time. Everything she'd been through made her such a strong, independent woman. Although she was burdened with a desire for revenge, quite often we saw moments of her good heart. I loved her interactions with the other characters, especially Angus, and how she was able to grow. 


The author kept things quite interesting throughout the story. I appreciated the surprises introduced here and there.


This is a clean read. The story is set in a violent time, but it didn't feel overly graphic. I can see myself reading this one again.
 
Tarah's Review: 



How fun is it to read a story from this time period?!? Well done Julie Daines, well done. (A glossary might have been helpful for uncommon words, although there weren't many, and they were kind of self explanatory, but knowing how to pronounce them....)

If it hadn't been for the holidays this story would have been a "can't put down, stay up all night and read it" book. Unfortunately other things happened, but I'm glad I was able to read From Ash and Stone. I loved the themes. I loved the curse. How many times have you wondered what someone else was thinking? But do you really want to know? Such an interesting take on something I'm sure most of us have thought about.

I love my male leads to be chivalrous and Angus is no exception, except for his livelihood.  I enjoyed that everything wasn't cut and dry, and positions had to be rethought and examined. Oh, and his brother Gillis, he's someone I'd enjoy reading about too.

I can't wait to reread this, and share it with all my friends. And for me, that's the highest praise I can give a book.

Tour Schedule:






Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/719YLZ5Fm7L.jpgTitle: From Ash and Stone
Author: Julie Daines
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: December 2018
ISBN: 1524407461
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
 
Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book