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Monday, August 26, 2013

Blog Tour: Working it Out by Rachael Renee Anderson

working it out tour
Tour Schedule
Book Description:

A chance encounter . . . Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.  

A chance for love . . . Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery, she immediately recognizes him. Unfortunately, he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love.

Review:

I'm a huge fan of Rachael Renee Anderson's books.  They have all been clean, funny, and touching. Working it Out is no exception. This book, however, had a slightly different feel - more grown-up, or mature, or serious or something. Anderson still gets in the laughs though. Multiple times throughout the book I laughed out loud at what the different characters had done or said. Probably my favorite thing about this book was the focus, not on the characters getting together, but staying together. A lot of times in books, and in real life we focus solely on getting people together, and once they are we tend to forget that there are going to be rough times, or that those quirks you thought were cute while dating will drive you nuts down the road.  I love how this book focus' on compromise and staying true to yourself while still allowing the other person to be who they are.

The only down side to this book, and it isn't really a down side, is that it seems to be an unwritten rule that someone in the novel has to be obscenely well to do. In fact, I think all of her books that I've read have that. It just seems a bit unrealistic, but doesn't hamper the stories in any way; this one especially, it's hard to go on a 14 day heli-skiing trip if you don't have a lot of money.

Would I read it again? Yes. Would I add it to my collection of books at home? Yes. Another winner by Rachael Anderson.

About the Author:

Rachael Anderson is the author of five novels (Working It Out, The Reluctant Bachelorette, Minor Adjustments, Luck of the Draw, and Divinely Designed) and two novellas (Twist of Fate, from the All I Want anthology and The Meltdown Match from The Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection). She's 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.


Title: Working It Out
Author: Rachael Anderson
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: July 2013
ISBN: 1490986375
FTC FYI: I received an eCopy via the tour host in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Amazon Kindle




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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Blog Tour: Heroes of Faith by Marlene Bateman Sullivan

Spotlight * Guest Post

Tour Schedule
Book Description:

Our fast-paced society loves adventure and it loves a hero—but what about Latter-day Saint heroes? Are there any? There are plenty! 

Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage, is a collection of twenty-four riveting stories about people who rose above difficulties and impossible odds to emerge triumphant. You’ll read about stalwart men and women who stood firm and valiant in the gospel in spite of dangerous mobs, flying bullets, physical handicaps, extreme hardships, and dictatorial regimes.

It's fascinating to read about the exploits of real heroes and when that hero is acting in accordance with the principles of the gospel, the adventure is not only thrilling, but inspiring as well. In these days of increasing trials and tribulation, we can all use some worthy role models, especially those that strengthen our faith and increase our testimonies.

Guest Post on Researching by Author Marlene Bateman Sullivan:

Writing non-fiction means doing a lot of research, so if you are trying to decide if you prefer writing non-fiction or fiction, make sure spending time in libraries is something you enjoy.

For Heroes of Faith, I did most of my research at the Church History Library, the Church Archives, BYU Library, and the library at Utah State University. I also used local libraries. As I was researching, I would find interesting topics and write them down for ideas for future books. When you research, be sure and write down your ideas and keep them in a file!

Years ago, as I was researching, I came across amazing stories about angels who came to earth to comfort, inspire, or direct early latter-day Saints.  In time, I found enough material to write three books:  And There Were Angels Among them, Visits from Beyond the Veil, and By the Ministering of Angels. There were so many experiences that I had to limit them to people who had either seen or heard an angel. So, keep your eye open for ideas for future books.

One thing to remember is that although computer searches are wonderful, they are limited.  Make sure you’re using a data base that pulls up information from ALL sources. Don’t just search one collection. Ask a librarian if you’re unsure.

It’s helpful to type in different words as you search. When I was researching for Gaze Into Heaven, (a book about near-death experiences in early church history), I typed in near-death experiences, then also searched for “heaven,” “Spirit World,” and “next life.”  Go through your thesaurus if you need to and come up with different words to describe what you are looking for.  Also, watch out for hyphens. When I typed near-death and near death, I got different lists.

Be sure to check out related subjects—these usually appear either on the side of the computer screen or at the bottom. They may lead to rich new sources of material.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The people at libraries are happy to assist you. During your first visit, ask them to explain the layout of the library. They will give you great advice. It really helps to get their expertise on how to use the computer to navigate their particular system.  Asking for their help will save you a lot of time!

Anyone who writes nonfiction must love to research, and I do. It was wonderful to read these inspiring stories. It was a testimony to me that God lives and loves us and that the Church is true. Good luck and happy researching!

About the Author:

Marlene Bateman Sullivan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they are the parents of seven children.

Her hobbies are gardening, camping, and reading.  Marlene has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and has written a number of non-fiction books, including:  Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s From Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, and Brigham’s Boys. Marlene also wrote the best-selling novel, Light on Fire Island.

A busy writer, Marlene is set to have three books published this year. Gaze Into Heaven, a fascinating collection of over 50 documented near-death experiences in early church history, was published earlier this year. Next came Motive for Murder, the first in a mystery series featuring the quirky private eye, Erica Coleman. Then, Heroes of Faith, a collection of stories about people who acted heroically in the face of grave trials and handicaps was released by Cedar Fort Inc.


Title: Heroes of Faith: True Stories of Courage & Strength

Author: Marlene Bateman Sullivan

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published: July 2013

ISBN: 1462111289


Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection



Novellas are always fun when you don't have a lot of time or energy to put into a novel. However, they are very dangerous when you start them and think, "Oh, I have time for a quick read." but there are five others compiled with it and your "quick time" read turns into....well, longer than you were planning. For some reason my family never thanks me for this.  Go figure.

The Autumn Anthology is comprised of 6 novellas.  Here are my thoughts on what I read.

A Hound Dog Named Elvis - Heather Horrocks
You know how sometimes in a novella the main characters get together a little too quickly to be believable? Well, if that has ever been a hang up for you then you will probably like how Kaitlin and Joshua already knew each other well. And if you like dogs and Elvis then this story was made especially for you. Not being an Elvis fan or an animal lover (my vet husband cringes every time I admit this...I like animals, but not to the devotion level shown in the book.  You know how grandparents say they have the best job in the world because they get to enjoy the kids, and then send them back to their parents when the kids need a diaper change, or are acting up, or whenever...this is how I feel about animals, but that is neither here nor there.) I had a harder time loving this story. It's hard when you can't relate to things, and I really wouldn't consider this a suspense story, but the humor in Horrocks' story and other elements kept me reading to the end.

Eye for an Eye - Stephanie Black
I wasn't expecting this type of story from this book.  I should have known from the author that it would be a suspense story, but I didn't put things together.  I was pleasantly surprised. Right away in this story my attention was grabbed (which was bad because I was going to do something else, but I just kept reading). It's a quick read with likeable main characters. Mallory has made some bad decisions, and has had a hard life, but you root for her. Darien is just a great guy.  Personally, I like that he's a math geek. While I wish the story was longer and developed more, it's a novella, and a well written one at that.

First Heist - Heather B. Moore
I really struggled with this story. There is language, talk of sex, and unbelievable romance.  Mia goes from not trusting Omar, thinking he's drunk and going to take some blonde home, to trusting him completely.  All with no conversation, just looking into his eyes and him saying, "Trust me". At one point in the story Mia says she feels that everything is wrapped up. I had to go back and reread a page to see what I missed because nothing really got resolved, and rereading didn't make it any clearer. Mia was also pretty unbelievable. Shes supposed to be a great agent, but Omar saves her again and again and over "simple" things that a great agent would know.  She was too needy for my taste.

Letter for Two - Sarah M. Eden
While reading this story my husband walked in the room and shook his head. "What?" I asked. "You have a silly grin on your face." It's true. I did. I can still feel the grin.  Letter for Two was sweet and funny.  It had me smiling, laughing, and I'll admit that parts even gave me fun butterflies in my tummy.  Sophia and Ethan meet every evening to switch the mail that gets sent to the wrong person. They live in the same house, different apartments. He likes her, she likes him, and they each wonder what the other person thinks. I hated that it had to end. Do you ever get into a story that you hate to see the last page come up? That's how I felt reading this. The pace was good, the romance believable. My only hang up was that it was a novella and therefore too short and had to end. Letter for Two was everything a romance should be.

Silver Cascade Secrets - Rachelle J. Christensen
This was a fun story. Jillian and Travis clicked really well, and the romance was well paced and believable. While the ex-boyfriends role was predictable, I was surprised by "who-done-it" at the end. This is something I'd definitely read again, but I do wonder about the swear word that was thrown in there. The story didn't need it, and it just seemed to throw the flow of the story off. It was disappointing to me, although I realize most people probably don't care.

Chocolate Obsessed - Annette Lyon
This story is best read while snacking on some form of chocolate (obviously). Chocolate chip cookies were my snack of choice, and while polishing off my cookies I was able to "polish" off the last story in this Anthology (yes, that was my attempt at humor...this is why I'm not a writer). Two rival chefs, Whitney and Stephen, team up when Whitney is threatened by a culinary flunky.  While Whitney's side of the romance seemed a bit rushed, Stephen was a really "good guy" (you'll understand the " when you read the story) that from my romantic perspective kept me reading and rooting for him.

Title: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection
Authors: Heather Horrocks, Stephanie Black, Heather B. Moore, Sarah M. Eden, Rachelle J. Christensen, Annette Lyon
Publisher: Mirror Press
Published: July 2013
ASIN: B00E9V32H4
FTC FYI: I received an eCopy from one of the author's in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook


Monday, August 19, 2013

Book Blast: Midnight Masquerade by Marcia Lynn McClure

midnight mas

Stavos Voronin was not as blind-eyed as many nobles and royals. Evony’s physical gestures—even the simplest movement of her hands—revealed that she had not always been destitute. The same was true of the children—of their polished manners and the boy’s knowledge of horses and tendency to be bold and fearless of strangers. Ah yes, Stavos enjoyed a good mystery. After all, interest in the inexplicable circumstances surrounding the royals of Abawyth was the very thing that had lured him to the kingdom—the enigma of Abawyth’s twelve sleepy princesses. And yet now—now his mind was all the more intrigued. Not only was the obscurity of what had caused the profound and baffling torpidity of Abawyth’s princesses laid out before him, but also he found his curiosity intensely piqued over the riddle surrounding the very lovely Evony and her siblings. As Stavos strode through the village resting on the outskirts of Abawyth Castle, his mind reeled with possibilities. His musings were drawn back to why he had come to Abawyth at all—to solve the conundrum surrounding the twelve beautiful princesses of Abawyth kingdom—to solve the seemingly impenetrable crux and thereby win the hand of one of Abawyth’s princesses, as his father, King Letholdus of Ethiarien, had commanded.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kindle

About the Author: 

marciaMarcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.” Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

     

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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Launch Party: Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden

You are officially invited to the Launch Party for Sarah M. Eden's book 
Longing for Home



Event Information:


Date:   Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Time:   7:00 PM

Place:   The King’s English Bookshop

            1511 South 1500 East

            Salt Lake City, Utah 84105



Event details from publisher Shadow Mountain:


To celebrate the release of LONGING FOR HOME, we're throwing a party--Irish Style. Authentic food. A wonderful book. An Irish-themed door prize. And perhaps a touch of blarney. Come celebrate with us!

Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of Longing For Home from The King's English.

GET YOUR COPY NOW! Pre-order your signed copy of Longing For Home today, by either calling the store at 801-484-9100 or ordering online. Please specify if you will be attending the event and if you want your book personalized.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Book Blast: Finding Sheba by H.B. Moore

Finding Sheba 

An ancient legend is reborn . . . One that might prove the Bible false. For centuries, historians have theorized the Queen of Sheba as only a seductive legend, and scholars have debated over the legitimacy of King David or King Solomon. When undercover Israeli agent, Omar Zagouri, stumbles onto a tomb in Northern Jerusalem he unknowingly finds the final clue that threatens to overthrow government claim to the Holy Land, pits wealthy collectors against one another, and sends ruthless archaeologists scrambling to find the queen’s secret burial place. An assassination attempt on the Coptic Pope, His Holiness, Patriarch Stephanus II, is only the first in the chain of lethal crimes. Omar must find a way to prevent the greatest discovery of the century from becoming the most deadly. 


finding sheba tour
heather mooreHeather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ’s Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler). Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).



Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 9/3/13
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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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Book Blast: Working It Out by Rachael Anderson

 
Working It Out A chance encounter . . . Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . . Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery, she immediately recognizes him. Unfortunately, he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love. 
  
 
Author Rachael Renee Anderson Rachael Anderson is the author of four books: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She's 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.
 


Book Blast Special Price Drop!
Grab a copy of Working it Out for just $2.99!
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BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 9/6/13
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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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Utah Book Month Author Spotlight: Sarah M. Eden

I am very excited to spotlight author Sarah M. Eden today as part of Utah Book Month.

Sarah is such an awesome person. I know this because I've read her books and I stalk follow her on Facebook and Twitter. If you haven't read her books or her blog, you are missing out! She is hilarious, and is an excellent author you can always count on to keep her writing clean! She is also very gracious, as evidenced by taking time to answer the following questions:

What does the M stand for in your name?

The M is for Miller, my maiden name. When I was first deciding the name I would write under, I opted to include the M as a shout-out to my family.

Out of the books you've had published, which was the most enjoyable to write, and why?

I loved writing Courting Miss Lancaster because it was a delight to write from beginning to end. The tone is very lighthearted and humorous, the characters were goofy and enjoyable and a great deal of fun. It was an absolute joy to write. Writing Longing for Home was also an amazing experience. I had a chance to delve deeper into my own Irish roots, to develop a larger, more complex story than I’d written before, and really push myself as an author.

What is the best part about being a published author?

I get to have a job that I love. I get to tell stories and share those stories with others. I have the opportunity to interact with other authors and with book lovers. Even though it is a lot of hard work, I can’t imagine a job I would enjoy more.

What is the worst part?

I would have to say the hardest part about being an author is the uncertainty of it all. What if this story idea is no good? What if my writing or storytelling falls short? Will this book find a publisher? What will the cover look like? How will edits go? Will reviewers like this book? Will readers like this book? Will it sell well? Will it flop? So much of a book’s success is out of the author’s control. We write the very best books we can and then send them out into the world, not really knowing how things will play out. And then we do it all over again with the next one. That uncertainty wears a person down and, for me, is the most difficult part of being a published author.

Do you read reviews on your books?

I don’t, actually. And, unlike most authors, I don’t even read the good reviews. For me, writing is a constant struggle against self-doubt. I am remarkably hard on myself. Reading reviews, good or bad, tends to magnify that tendency in me. Good reviews feel like a fluke. Bad reviews feel like what everybody must be thinking.

I finally admitted to myself that reading reviews was an unhealthy thing for me and committed to avoid them. I have a wonderful group of friends and family who let me know that they are hearing good things, and an incomparable writing group who helps me keep improving my work.

If one of your books were to be made into a movie, which one would you like to see?

Tough question. I’d enjoy seeing them all on the big screen. I would absolutely love to have a movie made of Longing for Home, and its sequel. To hear the rich Irish dialect and the folk music come to life that way would be absolutely wonderful.

Your post on July 11, 2013, about dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis was so touching. For those unfamiliar with RA and your battle with it, please share what it is and when you were diagnosed, and how your life has changed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease of the immune system. For reasons still not fully understood by medical science, in individuals with RA the immune system becomes confused and attacks the tissue lining the joints of the body. This immune system response causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and, over time, damage to the joints themselves. The symptoms initially begin in only a few of the joints, but as the disease progresses every joint in the body is afflicted. Other common symptoms of the disease include fatigue, weakness, fever, muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, nerve damage, and often depression. Over time, the disease can cause damage to many organs, including the lungs and heart. There is no cure for this disease and it is chronic, meaning once a person has RA, they will always have it.

I was officially diagnosed in February of this year, and we are still in the process of determining the best combination of treatments for me. Each individual is different and the treatments that work vary from person to person, and patients often need to change their treatments over time. Treatments are improving all the time and I hold out hope that we will find the right one for me so I can have more “good” days than I do now.

I don’t think there is a single aspect of my life that hasn’t been impacted by this disease. Everything I do is harder and slower and painful. There days when I can hardly shuffle around the house, and there are days that aren’t too bad and I can get things done, if slowly. I do my best to keep a positive outlook, but it can be a struggle.

I don’t know exactly the road that lies ahead of me or what my life will look like in the years ahead, but I’m pressing on and choosing to be hopeful.

One of your blog posts mentions that you were part of a panel discussion for a PBS documentary about the romance novel industry. You said, "Those of you who know me, know I am passionate about this genre, about what it could be, what it ought to be." Please share with us what you think it ought to be.

A romance is at its very heart a story about the strength that comes from truly loving and being loved in return. Romance was the first genre written by women, about women, and for women. This genre should be filled with stories that celebrate women’s strengths and worth and value. Romance should reflect healthy relationships, not glorify those that are abusive or demeaning—to men or women. The desire to love and to be loved is both universal and incomparably personal, and no genre has a greater opportunity to acknowledge and explore and celebrate that like romance does. That is what I dream of this genre becoming: one filled with stories that celebrate the power of real, healthy love and the strength that can be found in that kind of relationship.

It's no secret to your fans that you are not a tall person. Your "Short" Story post on July 20, 2012, was hilarious. So, tell us, how tall are you?

I am 4’11.” Unless you read my driver’s license, which declares I’m 5’ on the dot. I fudged it a little.

If people described you with one word, what would it be? 

Hmmm... Probably something along the lines of “goofy” or “funny.” I’m kind of a nut.

If that's not the description you'd prefer, what would you like to be described as.

I don’t really mind being known as a funny goofball. I’ve laughed my way through a lot of difficult times in my life, and I’m grateful for that as a coping mechanism. But I’ve found one of the tough things about being a person who laughs her way through life’s ups and downs, is that people don’t always see how hard you work, how deeply you feel things, or how much of a struggle it sometimes is to smile when tears would be so much easier. So, perhaps my one word could be “Funny*” and the * could lead to a disclaimer like: *hard worker, sometimes sad, tries her very best to be happy.

Thank you so much Sarah!


And now, because I think you will enjoy reading more about Sarah, here is her mini-biography (found on her website):

At the ripe old age of five, I wrote my first book. Entitled “The Sun,” this work of literary genius contained such awe-inspiring passages as, “The sun is yellow.” It was a ground-breaking success among the Kindergarten of Roadrunner Elementary. On the heels of this success, I went on to write absolutely nothing for many, many ears.

One sweltering summer, my mother, in what can now be easily identified as a desperate ploy to keep her five children occupied for a few hours during the never-ending summer break, implemented a summer writing challenge. That summer's efforts produced the first ten pages of “The Mystery of the Broken Unicorn”--my first experience with a plot idea that simply didn't work.


Several years after earning a bachelors degree in social science research, marrying my wonderful, if rather tall, husband and the birth of our second child, I took up my pen once more. Mercifully, I did not revisit the unicorn story but ventured into the world of Historical Romance.


My first novel,
The Ramshackle Knight, was published in May of 2007 and met with rave reviews from my mother and closest relatives. Spurred on by the unbiased acclaim, I wrote eight more Regency romances before being picked up by Covenant Communications.

Courting Miss Lancaster was released in 2010, followed by The Kiss of a Stranger (a re-publication of The Ramshackle Knight) in 2011. Seeking Persephone, a 2008 Whitney Award finalist for Best Romance, was rereleased in fall of 2011. Friends and Foes and An Unlikely Match followed in 2012.

With work and a good bit of luck, this will prove just the beginning.


*Don't miss the giveaway for a copy of Longing for Home. You can enter using the Rafflecopter form on this post. 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Blog Tour: The Reluctant Blogger by Ryan Rapier

*Dual Review*
Tour Schedule

Book Description:

Todd Landry knows he’s in a bad place. That’s why he began seeing a therapist to begin with. And that alone took a lot of doing. So when Dr. Schenk threatens to stop their sessions due to Todd’s lack of effort, Todd grasps at the last available straw: a personal blog that will force him to confront his demons.

Ever since the death of his wife, Marci, Todd has not been the same. To make matters worse, he’s being forced to Single Adult activities at church, and everyone close to him seems to think he should be able to just forget Marci and get married again—especially when he meets Emily. But dating again is hard, especially when throw in three kids still at home, an overbearing father, and friends who need help with problems all their own.

This beautifully woven and emotional tale is both heartbreaking and humorous. Championing friendship, love, and family, Ryan Rapier deals adeptly with the everyday struggles we face as well as the strongest ties that keep us together. You’re sure to fall in love with this magnificent story of redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Andrea's Review:

I didn't really know what to expect from the Reluctant Blogger, but whatever expectations I had were totally exceeded! This book made me laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. I loved the characters, and couldn't help but become emotionally connected to Todd.

I really loved how debut novelist Ryan Rapier approached this story. It could have been a really depressing book, but the humor he included was wonderful! Who knew reading about a trip to Walmart could be so entertaining?

The cover isn't my favorite, but it actually is pretty fitting for the story. If you don't care for the cover, ignore it and give this story a chance. I think you'll be glad you did!

There is one swear word, but the story is otherwise clean and very enjoyable. I highly recommend it, and look forward to reading more by Ryan Rapier.

Tarah's Review:

I was surprised at how emotional this book was. I wasn't expecting that at all. I think I was expecting LDS fluff. Don't get me wrong, I like LDS fluff, it's typically pretty funny, but the topics covered in The Reluctant Blogger were serious and...real. I wasn't expecting things to be "real". I loved it. I loved how Todd struggled with his struggles. I love how things didn't happen typically for Todd and Emily. And even though the ending was slightly unbelievable, I liked how it came to pass. This book made me think a lot about my relationships and the people I love, and how I treat them especially if they aren't behaving how I think they should.

The Reluctant Blogger was well written, thought provoking, and enjoyable. Grab a box of tissues, and start reading.

About the Author:

RYAN RAPIER is an Arizona native and through the course of his life has come face to face with a rattlesnake more than once. For that reason alone, he would likely have left the desert behind years ago were it not for one thing—the luxury of year-round golf. When Ryan isn’t on the course or in front of a computer screen, he can usually be found chasing behind his four children or doing errands for his amazing wife in the isolated beautiful valley they have both called home forever. Ryan’s thoughts and opinions that concern nobody but himself can be found here at his website. The Reluctant Blogger is his first novel.


Title: The Reluctant Blogger
Author: Ryan Rapier
Publisher: Bonneville Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published: August 2013
ISBN: 1462112544
FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Friday, August 9, 2013

Blog Tour: Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden

Review * Giveaway
Tour Schedule

Book Description:

Though she was only a child during the darkest days of Ireland’s Great Famine, Katie Macauley feels responsible for the loss of her family’s land and the death of her sister. Now a woman grown, Katie has left Ireland for America and the promise of earning money enough to return home again and plead for her family’s forgiveness. She arrives in Hope Springs, Wyoming Territory, a town sharply divided between the Americans who have settled there, with their deep hatred of the Irish, and the Irish immigrants who have come searching for a place to call home. Her arrival tips the precarious balance, and the feud erupts anew. Even in the midst of hatred and violence, however, Katie finds reason to hope. Two men, as different as they are intriguing, vie for her heart, turning her thoughts for the first time toward a future away from Ireland. Katie must now make the hardest decision of her life: stay and give her heart a chance at love, or return home and give her soul the possibility of peace.

Review:

Longing for Home is quite different from Sarah M. Eden's other stories. The Wyoming Territory and its hard working residents differ vastly from the settings and characters in Eden's Regency novels. The pace is slower, and at nearly 400 pages, it's also quite a bit longer than her other books. However, it is a touching story and has a unique love-triangle (both men involved are wonderful, and I really didn't know who she was going to pick for most of the story, or who I wanted her to pick).

The historical information included about the struggles in Ireland was eye opening, and the depiction of the hatred of the Irish immigrants was heart-wrenching. I really enjoyed the aspects of Irish culture that Eden included in this story. The ceili sounded like such a fun event.

Although I was happy with Katie's choice at the end of Longing for Home, there were several loose ends and I really wanted more. Happily, I just saw an announcement that there will be a sequel in the Spring of 2014!

If you love clean historical romance novels, don't miss Sarah M. Eden's books!

About the Author:

Sarah M. Eden read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster.


Giveaway:

Shadow Mountain has graciously offered a paperback copy of Longing for Home to a Literary Time Out and Sarah M. Eden follower. Enter to win using the Rafflecopter form below by the end of the day on August 19th. The winner will be notified via the email address they use on the form.
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Title: Longing for Home
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: August 2013
ISBN: 1609074610
FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Deseret Book | Seagull Book



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Blog Tour: Through Cloud and Sunshine by Dean Hughes


Book Description:

Nauvoo was supposed to be the kingdom of God on earth, but Will and Liz Lewis are learning that it takes more than dreaming of Zion to make it a reality. Sickness, poverty, and just plain human nature add to the struggles for the Lord's people, but every now and then a glimpse of heaven shines through. Just when things are starting to get settled, though, the old problems start rearing their heads, leaving Will and others wondering if they will be there to reap the harvest they have so carefully sown.

Meanwhile, Jeff and Abby—in modern-day Nauvoo—are dealing with challenges of their own. As their newborn baby fights for his life, they must come to grips with their personal faith. Can they, like their ancestors, continue to trust in God when there seems to be no trace of Him in their trials?

Beloved novelist Dean Hughes skillfully interweaves the stories of two couples separated by five generations and 150 years, providing a unique perspective on Church history and showing how much we can learn from those who went before us.

Review:

I've often found that second books in series fall far short of my expectations, but Through Cloud and Sunshine is better than the first volume. Jeff and Abby's present day story is much more engaging in this book, and the connection between past and present is clear and enjoyable.

The historical time period covered is a tough one in Church history. There were so many problems, physical and spiritual, going on, and I think Hughes did a nice job with this portrayal.

A few aspects of the history seemed glossed over initially (ie. polygamy), and while this bothered me at first, when it was eventually addressed it made sense that it was written this way because many of the Saints weren't aware of the practice (or had just heard rumors).

There are some pretty intense moments in the story, along with some touching and emotional parts. It was great to see the main characters grow and become better people. I also enjoyed that this series and my current Sunday School lessons are coinciding.

Some notes at the end of the chapters or the end of the book with the actual historical information would have been a great addition to this series. While I really enjoy historical fiction, I like to have the details to discern fact from fiction right at my fingertips.

I look forward to reading more about Will, Liz, Abby and Jeff when the next book is written.

About the Author:

Dean Hughes has published books for readers of all ages, including the bestselling historical fiction series Children of the Promise. Through Cloud and Sunshine is his one-hundredth published book. Dean holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Washington. He has taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. Dean and his wife, Kathleen Hurst Hughes, served a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois. The parents of three children and grandparents of nine, they live in Midway, Utah.


Title: Through Cloud and Sunshine (Come to Zion Volume 2)
Author: Dean Hughes
Publisher: Deseret Book
Published: June 2013
ISBN: 1609075250
FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Review: The Winds and the Waves by Dean Hughes


Book Description:

Will Lewis is stuck. The class system in England in the 1840s seems destined to keep him in his place as a poor tenant farmer who cannot improve his lot and will never be able to marry the woman he loves. But the "new religion" that is sweeping through congregations of the United Brethren, Will's church, may hold the key to the better life he longs for. As he listens to the preaching of Wilford Woodruff, he almost dares to hope for the Zion the young Apostle describes.

Will's struggles to believe and to face the rigors of immigrating to an unknown land are paralleled by the modern-day story of Jeff and Abby, a young married couple facing challenges of their own. When Jeff begins digging into his family history, he finds himself particularly drawn to "Grandpa Lewis," an ancestor whose life was more like his than he would have imagined.

The skillful interweaving of these two stories brings Church history to life while demonstrating how much we can learn from those who went before us. Anyone who has ever faced the winds and the waves, in some form, will love this novel.

Review:

I enjoy historical fiction and was excited to receive The Winds and the Waves for review.

The cover art for this book is incredible! It is very fitting with the story, and eye catching-definitely something I'd pick up in a book store.

I didn't devour this book, finding it a bit slow at times (especially the modern-day chapters). But that could have at least been partially due to the hectic summer I've had. I was very interested in Will and Liz's story, and near the end of the book I started becoming more attached to all of the characters and their stories.

The conditions for tenant farmers and life for the lower classes in the cities was so sad. The journey across the ocean and on to Nauvoo sounded so miserable. Books like this are a great reminder to count your blessings!

Near the end of the book a steamboat pilot is talking to Will about ladders, and looking down on people. I liked the idea about the ladder-not looking down on people who don't have the gospel.

The story left off in a good way, and I was grateful to have the next book in the series waiting for me so I could continue on with Will, Liz, Abby and Jeff's stories.

About the Author:

Dean Hughes has published books for readers of all ages, including the bestselling historical fiction series Children of the Promise. Through Cloud and Sunshine is his one-hundredth published book. Dean holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Washington. He has taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. Dean and his wife, Kathleen Hurst Hughes, served a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois. The parents of three children and grandparents of nine, they live in Midway, Utah.


Title: The Winds and the Waves (Come to Zion Volume 1)
Author: Dean Hughes
Publisher: Deseret Book
Published: 2012
ISBN: 1609070585
FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Monday, August 5, 2013

Review: Mommy, Are You Ready for Potty Training?! By Vesta Schneider

Review * Giveaway

Mommy, Are You Ready For Potty Training?!

Book Description: 
Potty training is a learning process for both a child and a parent and before you begin it is important to have a basis of understanding about the potty training. In this book, I will answer the most common questions and then provide simple, painless steps to teach your child to use the potty. Since not many parents have time to read long books, this book is short, nonsense-free and based upon real experience!

Book Review:
When I was asked if I was interested in reviewing this book I thought it came at a great time! My fourth child is getting to the point where potty training will probably happen in the near future.  I'd also never heard of a book that focuses on getting the parents ready to potty train. It was a new thing for me and I decided to give it a shot.

If you are a new parent that is especially concerned about potty training, or if you had your children quiet a few years apart and are feeling rusty and nervous, then I would say that this book is more geared toward you. But if you have potty trained a number of kids, the book probably isn't going to tell you anything you didn't already know.  That being said, reminders never hurt either; even if they aren't potty trained related.  I mean, "Do my actions make my child feel loved?" is something parents should ask themselves often.

I found the order of the book a bit ... odd, and I disagreed with the list of needed items and a few other things. However, every child is different, every family is different, and potty training one child will not be like potty training another.

I appreciated, not only the length of the book, but the "short version of the book" that was included as well. Just reading the short version won't get you anywhere, but if you've read the book in it's entirety, it is a good reference to go back and remind you of the basics.

If you are reading this because you are potty training, then let me wish you good luck for you and your child's efforts!

Giveaway:

The author is giving away one eCopy of her book to a Literary Time Out follower. Just enter using the Rafflecopter form below by August 12th. The winner will be notified via the email address they use for entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Mommy, Are You Ready For Potty Training?! 
Title: Mommy, Are You Ready For Potty Training?!
Author:
Publisher: Humpty Dumpty Parent LLC
Published: January 2013
ISBN: 9781482069839
FTC FYI: I received an eCopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Friday, August 2, 2013

Blog Tour: Emma: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

Review * Guest Post * Giveaway

Tour Schedule

Book Description:

NOT Looking for Love: Single woman (23) seeks best friend to chat on the phone, shop the clearance racks, watch chick flicks, try out messy cooking projects, and eat Dove dark chocolates.

Emma isn’t so good at the whole life-coaching thing. Her first client ended up with a broken heart and is threatening to relapse in her bad habits. Now Emma has problems of her own to deal with, and all those problems start with one name: Justin.

Justin is her best friend, so it’s hard for Emma not to feel betrayed when she suspects he is falling for her childhood rival. And she knows she’s losing him despite her best efforts. No matter how much she tries, she keeps running up against obstacles. How is she supposed to help other people when she’s drowning in her own failures?

Fans of Jane Austen’s Emma will love this modern retelling of the classic romance novel. Fall in love with Emma’s latter-day tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the quest for true love.

Review:

I typically prefer books where the main character is likeable early on. Don't get me wrong, I like a good character transformation, but there's just something about being able to root for someone from the get-go.

That in mind, Emma isn't my favorite Austen story, what with Emma's cluelessness and somewhat selfish actions. HOWEVER, Jamison's modern re-telling of Austen's story is good because even if you are put off by some of Emma's actions initially, you know that she will transform for the better.

Emma's personality transformation includes quite a bit of entertainment with some quirky supporting characters and laugh out loud situations. By the end, Emma is quite likeable, and the romance that comes together is great! There's even a touching moment that brought tears to my eyes.

Emma: A Latter-day Tale is well-written LDS fiction with a good message about self worth and forgiveness.

If you are looking for a light and fun read (especially if you enjoy Austen's Emma), don't miss Emma: A Latter-day Tale.

Guest Post from author Rebecca H. Jamison about how she met her husband:

"Do you want to get together and play spin the bottle?"  That's what it said on the note my husband wrote to ask me out on our blind date.  He thought if he wrote something really obnoxious, I wouldn't want to go out with him.  He'd had a few bad blind dates and really didn't want to add another to his list.  Plus, he was dating someone else.



There was another problem too.  He had a mustache.  I have always had issues with facial hair.  If I had to rate my disgust for it, it would look something like this (with 10 being really gross and 1 being sometimes acceptable):
  1. a 3-day to 1-week old beard
  2. a well-groomed goatee
  3. a well-groomed, short beard
  4. a longer goatee
  5. a short mustache
  6. a medium-sized beard
  7. a mustache on a woman
  8. a long mustache
  9. a love patch
  10. a handlebar mustache
So it's a really lucky thing that I promised my friend I'd go out with him before I read the note.  It's also a good thing he didn't have a handlebar mustache.



We ended up having probably one of the longest blind dates in history, during which we ate at Chick-Fil-A, browsed a bookstore, watched a movie, read short stories out loud, made milkshakes, and went grocery shopping.  A few dates later, he shaved off his mustache--phew.



The bad thing about having a successful blind date is that it makes me want to set other people up on blind dates.  Sad to say, I don't have the talent for it at all.  Either that or the people I set up just happen to avoid me for months afterwards.



Have you had a memorable blind date?  I'd love to hear about it.

Giveaway:

Publisher Cedar Fort is offering an eBook of Emma: A Latter-day Tale to one lucky Literary Time Out follower. Enter before midnight (EST) on August 12th by using the Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be contacted via the email address provided on the form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Looking for love? Rebecca H. Jamison would love to set you up with that special someone, but you’re better off reading her books. She has a terrible track record as a matchmaker.

Rebecca grew up in Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, where she earned a BA and MA in English with an emphasis in creative writing. In between college and graduate school, she served a mission to Portugal and Cape Verde.

Rebecca enjoys running, dancing, reading, and watching detective shows. She and her husband have six children. You can learn more about her on her website.


Title: Emma: A Latter-day Tale
Author: Rebecca H. Jamison
Publisher: Bonneville Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published: August 2013
ISBN: 1462112609
FTC FYI: I received an eCopy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Deseret Book