Wednesday, October 31, 2012

~Dystopian Giveaway Hop~


Welcome to the wonderful Dystopian Giveaway Hop.  Special thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and My Shelf Confessions for hosting this giveaway hop.  I am a true lover of all thing Dystopian.  Why?  Probably because even though they are fiction stories, they could still happen in the future.  I know ever since The Hunger Games there has become a Dystopian explosion.  I think few books can live up to the hype but I have picked a few that I think are pretty close.  ONE WINNER will get to pick ONE BOOK from the list below.
 
Divergent (Divergent, #1)     Insurgent (Divergent, #2)     Blood Red Road (Dust Lands, #1)
 
 
Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1)     Ashfall (Ashfall, #1)     Article 5 (Article 5, #1)
 
 The Rules
  • The giveaway is international as long as TBD ships to you for free.
  • Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or another winner will be chosen.
  • ONE WINNER will pick ONE BOOK from the above titles.
  • Fill out the rafflecopter below.
  • Check out the other blogs for a chance to win some awesome dystopian books.
  • You do not have to be a follower to win but  it is appreciated.


Monday, October 29, 2012

~Whoever You Are Book Review~

Whoever You Are
Author:  Donna Marie Lanheady
184 Pages
Published September 2012
 
What defines you…

Are you defined by your family, your career, your accomplishments? What happens when something you think defines you changes?

Emily McGinn, a recurring character from WHERE SECRETS LIE, believes she knows exactly who she is and where she belongs in the world, until she receives an inheritance from an unknown benefactor. Uncovering the source of the inheritance leads Emily to discover buried truths undermining what she thought was a straightforward life. As the truths alter Emily’s perception of the people closest to her, her perception of herself shifts as well.

Set in the unique foothills community of Boulder, Colorado and its environs, WHOEVER YOU ARE questions not only how we define ourselves, but also how we define family and whether we bear any responsibility for the actions of those who came before us.
 
 
About the Author: 
My Photo
Although Donna lives on the east coast now, she was born in a suburb of Denver, moved near Boulder as a teenager, and lived in the Boulder area for much of her adult life, which is why she chose Colorado as the setting for her first two novels, Where Secrets Lie and Whoever You Are.

Books captivated Donna at a very young age. All those years and all those books inspired her to become a writer. The journeys the books took her on enthralled her. Their ability to make something imaginary seem real is what spoke to her, got into her blood, and would not let her rest. She had to write!

Donna loves to hear from readers and listen to their perspectives on her novels. It fascinates her how people can look at the same thing and see it in so many different ways, so if a reader ever wants to tell her what they think or just wants learn more about her, find her on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter. 
 
 From http://lanheady.blogspot.com/
            Amazon   *   B & N   *   Goodreads
 
My Review: I am giving this book 5 stars!
 
  
First, I want to say thank you to the author.  I received a signed paperback copy from a contest that I won.  What a wonderful book!  Emily McGinn has grown up in a wonderfully sheltered life with wonderful siblings and two amazing parents.  One day she receives a letter about a mysterious inheritance from someone she she does not know.  Suddenly, everything she believes has been a lie.  Not knowing how to handle her new found knowledge, she researches and uncovers a past that she is not very happy with.  How will she learn to live with herself and how will she use her new wealth to benefit for good?
 
I love the way the author brings the Colorado landscape to life.  I have never had the pleasure to travel to beautiful Colorado and the author makes you feel as if you are there with the characters.   What lovely and vivid descriptions.  It makes me want to take a hike. 
 
I loved this book so much, I purchased the authors other novel, Where Secrets Lie, and I cannot wait to start reading it.  I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.  A quick easy read you can read in a couple of hours.  Check it out!
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

~YA Mythology Giveaway Hop~

Yes, that's right folks, another great giveaway.  I have been so busy with books lately and I am loving every minute of it.  Something I never get tired of is books.  I am going to have to admit, I have never read a mythology book.  I watched the Percy Jackson movie, but alas, the book just did not appeal to me.  I have had to rely on my good friend goodreads.com to help me come up with some ideas for this giveaway.  I am going to allow ONE person to select ONE book from the choices below.  Special thanks to our tour hosts Tiffany at For Those About To Read and Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer
 
 
 
The Goddess Test (Goddess Test, #1)                  Abandon (Abandon Trilogy, #1)        Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)
 
The Goddess Test                         Abandon                            Grave Mercy
Aimee Carter                                Meg Cabot                         Robin LaFevers
 
  • Please enter using the rafflecopter form below.
  • Giveaway ends November 4.
  • Winner must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.
  • Giveaway is international as long as TBD ships to you for free.
  • Check out the other 100+ blogs in this giveaway hop.
  • Good Luck!

~The Waiting Booth by Brinda Berry~Book Blast and $100 Giveaway~


The Waiting Booth by Brinda Berry

A missing boy, government agents, an interdimensional portal... Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High-find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia's drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it's no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia's secrets, she begins to wonder if there's more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...
Purchase:




Praise for The Waiting Booth:
"The book kept me on the edge of my seat with its perfect balance of teenaged angst, interdimensional portals, and a fractured family."
~ Author Christine Ashworth

"The description was so good I could easily see things as they happened...like a movie playing in my mind as I read. I just love Regulus. He's my kind of hero for sure."
~ Author Lynn Rush




Author Brinda Berry

Brinda Berry lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She has a BSE in English and French and a MEd in Learning Systems Technology. She's terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality. She doesn't mind being called a geek or “crazy dog lady”. When she's not working the day job or writing a novel, she's guilty of surfing the internet for no good reason.



Links:
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter 



The Waiting Booth Book Trailer:






Book Blast Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 PayPal Cash from Author Brinda Berry
Ends 11/1/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Brinda and leave the others blank.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Monday, October 22, 2012

~Spooktacular Giveaway Hop~OVER~


I want to thank everyone who entered this incredible giveaway.  I wish I could give everyone a book.  CONGRATULATIONS to my winner KYLEE from ARIZONA.  She chose the book POSSESS..


Welcome Everyone to the 3rd annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop.  This is by far the largest hop that I have had the pleasure in participating in.  I am very excited to be a part of this!
Special thanks to our host I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and The Diary Of A Bookworm.  I don't know how they do it but kudos to these fine people.  I have been so busy with work and blogging that I did not have much time to think about this giveaway.  I hope you like my choices!
 
I want to give away a spooky suspenseful book.  I love Gretchen McNeil's books so I am going to give you a choice. 
 
Possess
Rule #1: Do not show fear.
Rule #2: Do not show pity.
Rule #3: Do not engage.
Rule #4: Do not let your guard down.
Rule #5: They lie.


Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.
 
 
OR
 
Ten
It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
 
 

 
 
 

~The Emerald Tailsman Audio Book Tour and $100 Giveaway~



The Emerald Talisman Audio Book by Brenda Pandos  
Read by Mary Morgan

You can run from your destiny, but you can't hide.

If for no other reason than to help endure the hormonal rush of high school, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would trade her ability to feel her fellow students' emotions in a heartbeat, especially half the boys in class.

When the beguiling Nicholas uses his superhuman strength to rescue Julia from the edge of a cliff before she's devoured by a bloodthirsty stalker, Julia is suddenly thrust into an underground world where people and animals are often one and the same. Fellow high school students disappear and only Julia and Nicholas know the truth. While Nicholas, a vampire hunter, is out stopping the ever-growing coven, an old friend entices Julia to join him on the dark side and a psychic tells Julia she alone is the key to stopping the madness, problem is it'll require Nicholas' life. 






Author Brenda Pandos:  

Brenda Pandos lives in California with her husband and two boys. She attempts to balance her busy life filled with writing, being a mother and wife, and spending time with friends and family. Working formerly as an I.T. Administrator, she never believed her imagination would be put to good use. After her son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder her life completely changed. Writing paranormal romance became something she could do at home while tending to the new needs of her family, household, and herself.


Three years later, Brenda now has five books published, The Talisman Trilogy: The Emerald Talisman, The Sapphire Talisman, and The Onyx Talisman, and Mer Tales: Everblue and Evergreen. She is currently working on the third book of Mer Tales, Everlost, coming February 2013.



LINKS:
Website * Blog * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook 


Audio Book Tour 

Readers are invited to participate in The Emerald Talisman blog tour from 10/26-11/23 hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic. There will be giveaways, interviews and a scavenger hunt! 





Book Blast Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 PayPal Cash from Author Brenda Pandos
Ends 10/30/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry.  Simply enter it when you follow Brenda and leave the others blank.
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



Sunday, October 21, 2012

~There Comes A Prophet Book Review~

There Comes a Prophet
 
There Comes A Prophet
Author:  David Litwack
291 Pages
Published by Double Dragon Publishing
 
Who among us will cast aside a comfortable existence and risk death to follow a dream?

A world kept peaceful for a thousand years by the magic of the ruling vicars. But a threat lurks from a violent past. Wizards from the darkness have hidden their sorcery in a place called the keep and left a trail of clues that have never been solved.

Nathaniel has grown up longing for more but unwilling to challenge the vicars. Until his friend Thomas is taken for a teaching, the mysterious coming-of-age ritual. Thomas returns but with his dreams ripped away. When Orah is taken next, Nathaniel tries to rescue her and ends up in the prisons of Temple City. There he meets the first keeper of the ancient clues. But when he seeks the keep, what he finds is not magic at all.

If he reveals the truth, the words of the book of light might come to pass:

“If there comes among you a prophet saying ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light.” (Goodreads)
 
 
About the Author:
The urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic .
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
There Comes a Prophet is his first novel in this new stage of life, with two new books, The Daughter and Along the Watchtower, nearing completion.
David and his wife split their time between Cape Cod, Florida and anywhere else that catches their fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.  www.davidlitwack.com
 
 
Amazon  *  Goodreads  *  Facebook  *  Twitter
 

 My review
I am giving this book a worthy 5 stars
When I received this book for review, I had no idea what it would be about.  The summary sounded really good and I thought I would give it a try.  What I found is a superbly written book.  A cross between science fiction and dystopian. 
 
The old world that we know has been gone for over one thousand years.  Society that was once plunged into darkness now worships the Light.  Each town now has their own Vicar sent from Temple City to rule over the towns. 
 
This is a wonderful story of friendship.  Childhood friends Nathaniel, Thomas, and Orah have always done what is right.  Until one day Thomas is taken for a teaching.  Teachings are terrible things that are not talked about.  When Thomas returns, he is different.  His hopes and dreams are no longer.  He has seen terrible things that he cannot talk about, even to his best friends.  When Orah is taken next, Thomas, cannot sit by and watch another one of his friends be destroyed.
 
Questioning what they have always been taught, three friends set out to find the mysterious Keep.  Facing imprisonment and even death to find the truth.  Has everything they have believed in been a lie?  Will they find secrets of the ancient past? And will they survive their dangerous mission? 
 
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes YA dystopian, or science fiction. 
 
 
 


Thursday, October 18, 2012

~Jane Austen Giveaway Hop~2 Giveaways~

What a great idea!  I am so happy to be a part of this giveaway hop.  I love Jane Austen and feel that everyone should get a chance to read her wonderful books.  I have 2 great giveaways.  Be sure to enter both!  Special thanks to our tour host I Am A Reader Not A Writer and vvb32reads.
The first giveaway is for a Kindle Ebook. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sense and Sensibility
Pride and Prejudice
Mansfield Park
Emma
Northanger Abbey
Persuasion
The Watsons
Sanditon
Lady Susan
Love and Friendship
Lesley Castle
The History of England
Collection of Letters
Scraps

Product Details
~You will get all of these books in ebook format~
~Giveaway is international as long as you can accept Kindle ebooks~

Giveaway 2
Just in case you have too many Jane Austen books and could not possible need another one, I am giving away Jane Austin Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo.  I have not read it but it is supposed to be a smart and sassy chick-lit book.
 Jane Austen Ruined My Life
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The rules:
  1. Both giveaways are international as long as you can accept Kindle ebooks and have free shipping from TBD.  Please be sure and check before you enter.
  2. Contest dates are 10/19 - 10/24
  3. You must be 13 or older to enter
  4. I cannot be held responsible for books lost in the mail (this has never happened, but you never know)
  5. You do not have to be a follower to win but it is appreciated!
  6. Be sure and check out the other blogs in this hop

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

~The Reluctant Bachelorette Review and Blog Tour~

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson




The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

 
 


Paperback Buy Link:
 
 

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





Links:
FB fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachael-Anderson/174521852685105
Website:
http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/rachaelreneeand
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3229576.Rachael_Renee_Anderson
Amazon author page:
http://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Renee-Anderson/e/B003357K70/
 
My review:
 
I am giving this book 5 wonderful stars


 
 
Taycee Emerson has spent her whole life in Shelter.  Even though she is content with her little flower shop and her lackluster dating life, she has never forgotten her first crush.  Her world is turned upside down when her best friend nominates her as the bachlorette for the towns charity event.  To make matters worse, Luke, the love of her life has returned to Shelter and is one of the bachelors.   Can she and Luke make things work, or will another bachelor steal her away?
 
Once you start reading this book it will be hard to put it down.  A nice, clean romance that will leave you wanting more.  I did not want it to end!  If you read only one romance book, be sure it is this one.  I can't wait to read more books from this exciting author.
 
This is a blog hop so be sure to visit all the other blogs and enter to win some great prizes!

Monday, October 15, 2012

~Fall Into Fantasy Giveaway Hop~OVER~

Thank you so much to all who enter.  I wish that I could send everyone a book!  My lovely winner is Breanne from Hawaii and she chose ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND!
 
 
It is that time, once again, for a spectacular giveaway.  Special thanks to our hop hosts The Write Path and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
 
When I think of fantasy I think of fairy tales and once upon a time.  Fantasy could be a wide range of subjects, in my humble opinion. 
I am going to give you some choices. ONE WINNER will get to pick ONE BOOK from the choices below.  These are new books that I have not got a chance to read and I have heard nothing but good things about each of them.
 
 
Alice In Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1) by Gena Showalter
She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

OR
 
The Diviners (The Diviners, #1)
 
The Diviners by Libba Bray
 
OR
 
The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle, #1)
 
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
 
Now for the fun part.  Rules and Regulations!
  • You must be 13 or older to participate.
  • Giveaway is international as long as TBD ships to you for free.
  • ONE WINNER will pick ONE BOOK.  I know, hard decision!
  • You must be a follower on GFC, Linky, or email.
  • I cannot responsible for any lost books!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

~Spooky Reads~

I am sitting at work today looking out the window.  There is a crisp in the air and the leaves are even starting to change colors.  I do love the fall season.  It is my favorite time of the year.  Hot Chocolate, jack-o-lanterns, football, and of course new books to read. 

I have always been a fan of horror.  I love the cheesy horror flicks from my childhood.  I know I drove my parents crazy!  I have not read a lot of YA horror.  I really can't think of one book of the top of my head.  My favorite horror, though, is Stephen King.  NO ONE can write like him.  I have read It and The Shining numerous times. 

So as the fall season approaches us in Eastern Tennessee, I am filled with excitement over all the new books that will be coming out.  If anyone has any great books that you would like to recommend to me, please leave a comment.



Monday, October 1, 2012

~The Relucant Bachelorette Book Blast and Giveaway~


The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?










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





Links:
FB fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachael-Anderson/174521852685105
Website:
http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/rachaelreneeand
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3229576.Rachael_Renee_Anderson
Amazon author page:
http://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Renee-Anderson/e/B003357K70/

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour.html


Giveaway Details:
$50 Amazon Gift Code compliments of Author Rachael Renee Anderson
Ends 10/31/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.