Once Upon a Summertime ~ Review

Once Upon a Summertime
Follow Your Heart 1
By Melody Carlson

A New York City Romance

Anna Gordon has put her life on hold for the last two years, working at the local motel in her hometown.  But Anna's dream of what her future holds doesn't include the Value Lodge, but her dream just may be slipping away from her.  

But dreams don't die, they may seem to slip away or fade, but they are just beneath the surface waiting to be reborn when the opportunity arises.  And Anna's chance is about to become a reality when an old friendship is renewed.

New York City is about to become Anna's chance of a lifetime. And chances of a lifetime are never quite what we envisioned them to be, and Anna's is no different.  Sometimes the dream is better than we could have imagined, other times it is a nightmare.  But being a book by Melody Carlson you can be fairly certain that this dream won't be a nightmare, though there may be a disappointment or difficulty along the way.

Anna is a sweet and caring young woman who is trying to navigate the challenges of life while working towards her dream.  With the support of friends and family her dreams, old and new, may come true.

This is a sweet story that is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or evening.  A chance to enjoy a good book and relax with an author who can entertain and delight.  This is a book you won't mind sharing with friends and family.  

Melody's books are suitable for both teen and adult readers, perfect for a mother-daughter-book club setting. Or the home library available for anytime reading.  Fans of clean contemporary romance will enjoy Once Upon a Summertime, a book as delightful as the title sounds.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell through their blogger program Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
She's looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.

Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises--not the least of which is discovering that Sean O'Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position.

This sweetly romantic tale of dreams come true takes you through the storied streets of New York City--and into the depths of the human heart.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

Outlaw Trigger ~ Review and Giveaway

Outlaw Trigger
Epic Book 2
By Lee Stephen

Not all wars are waged on the field...

This is the second book in the Epic series and believe me when I tell you that this book won't disappoint.  Unlike the first book Dawn of Destiny (reviewed here) which took place over a longer period of time, Outlaw Trigger takes place over a 2-1/2 week period with the bulk of the story taking place over a 7 day period.  Seven days that will redefine Scott Remington and the Fourteenth of Novosibirsk.

Novosibirsk has rebuilt much that was destroyed or damaged in the attack (Dawn of Destiny).  Replacement troops from EDEN are slowly coming in to Novosibirsk. And then there are the Nightmen.

Outlaw Trigger has three different threads weaving throughout the story.  First is the Fourteenth and Scott Remington who are about to face one of their greatest challenges.  A challenge not on the battleground but one of the mind.  A challenge that could very well break them and divide them forever.

The second thread involves the Nightmen.  A formidable force, that no one messes with.  The true power behind Novosibirsk lies with the Nightmen, and what the Nightmen want the Nightmen get. And they want one thing, and someone is about to find out just how high the price is.

The third thread is EDEN's High Command the politicians who are behind the scenes and yet the force who is over all of EDEN's bases.  But Novosibirsk has again been brought to their attention due to the power General Ignatius van Thoor is wielding.  Power that is threatening that of the High Command.  Power that could threaten Earth's security and humanity's fight against the alien invaders who have attacked us.

These three threads make for an intriguing and exciting story.  A story of loss, grief, anger, and regret.  A story that will leave you shocked at the lengthens some will go to to achieve their ultimate goal.  And no cost is too high, unless you are the one paying the cost...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About Outlaw Trigger:

They say every man has a breaking point-every man can be pushed off the edge. Scott Remington entered EDEN with the heart of a lion. He forged glory in the furnace of war. But on the heels of dawn, darkness awaits. Only when stretched to the limit will a man truly learn who he is. That limit is about to be breached. Lines will be crossed. Sides will be chosen. And faith will be put to the test. Will the righteous prevail?

Author's Bio:

Born and raised in Cajun country, Lee Stephen spent his childhood paddling pirogues through the marshes of South Louisiana. When he wasn’t catching bullfrogs or playing with alligators in the bathtub (both true), he was escaping to the world of the imagination, creating worlds in his mind filled with strange creatures and epic journeys. This hasn’t stopped.

Now a resident of Luling, Louisiana, Lee spends time every day delving into the world of Epic, the science-fiction series that has come to define him as a writer and producer. Alongside his wife, Lindsey, their sons, Levi and Lawson, and their dog, Jake, Lee has made it a mission to create a series that is unique in its genre—one unafraid to address the human condition while staying grounded in elements of faith.

Connect with Lee:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Where to buy the book:

Amazon    Barnes and Noble

Check-out the entire tour:

Tour Schedule for OUTLAW TRIGGER

Giveaway:​

Win one of 3 sets of books in the Epic series, 

Dawn of Destiny and Outlaw Trigger 

(Open to USA & Canada) Ends July 4, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kika the Upside-down Girl ~ Review and Giveaway

Kika the Upside-Down Girl
By Jessica Tudos

     Kids like me,
             love to be free,
                     upside-down,
                              filled with glee!

Kika is alone in her love of doing everything upside-down. Her family and friends just don't understand this passion she has. If only she could find kids who feel the same way.

This Kika's world, a world she likes seeing while hanging upside-down or walking on her hands.  Kika's joy is delightfully illustrated as is her parent's concerns over her unusual daily routine.

When Kika feels alone one feels her sorrow in the illustration is which she is curled up on her bed.  Children who have a passion for dangling from a tree, walking on their hands, doing flips, and tumbling will LOVE this book.

This book is perfect for the little gymnast in your life.  This would also be a perfect story hour book to share at a local school, library, or early literacy program.  The colorful images portray the mood and pacing making it easy for children to follow along as the story is read out loud.

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

Book Description:

Kika always seems to accomplish things differently than others and tends to get into trouble for it. She reminds us that choosing to be different is more than okay, and finding others to join in her upside down adventures makes her heart feel huge - especially when it involves somersaults, vaults, flips and kips! Join Kika, a girl who loves living upside down in a right side up world, on her unique journey to a fliptastic world! Kika reminds us that choosing to be different is more than okay, and finding others to join in her upside down adventures feels fliptastic - especially when it involves somersaults, vaults, flips and kips in the Gymnastics Emporium!

Author's Bio:

Olympic gymnast turned author, motivational speaker and experiential educator Jessica Tudos (JessicaTudos.com) is on a mission to empower kids, youth and adults to develop the confidence and resiliency required to lead active, healthy and creative lives. In organizations around the world, Jessica empowers audiences through engaging stories, insights and reflections drawn from her upside down life, including her Olympic gymnastics adventures. Jessica is a sought after speaker, facilitator and professor in experiential education, physical literacy, leadership and elite sports.

Connect with Jessica:  Website  ~   Twitter  ~   Facebook

Where to buy the book:

 Amazon    Chapters-Indigo    Barnes and Noble

​Tour Schedule for KIKA THE UPSIDE-DOWN GIRL

Giveaway:​

Win a copy of Kika the Upside-down Girl and a $20 Amazon Gift Card 

(Open to USA and; Canada) 

Ends June 20, 2015.June 20

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Draven's Light ~ Review

Draven's Light
A Novella of Goldstone Wood
By Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Those familiar with the vast world that Anne Elisabeth Stengl has created will enchanted by this newest layer in the Goldstone Wood series.

This is two stories within one in a sense.  The first is a young girl who must face her fears and deliver a daily water gift to the two strange Brothers who live upon the hill building the Great House. The darkness of the Great House was more than she could bear to face.  And then there were the Brothers whom she referred to as the Strong One and the Kind One.

The Kind One could almost make her fears disappear as he told a story from long ago - the story of Draven.

Draven was born the night Gaho failed to take the blood of tribe's enemy.  Branded a coward for his lack of courage, he is now an outcast among his own.  Except for his sister Ita, none acknowledge his existence.  But to Ita, Gaho's refusal to take a life without cause was the greater honor, the greater act of bravery.

But Draven can't see himself through the eyes of his sister, he sees instead the coward his father named him to be.  But when a curse follows the warriors of his tribe home following a battle all are in danger from this deadly illness.  And the one branded a coward may be the only hope for his tribe and the one who is dearest to his heart.  But he must face an enemy unlike any that he has seen before, an enemy who lives out of sight and in the shadows.  But can he face the darkness and the terrors that lie hidden in the deep and find his true name?

I was provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I so enjoyed it that I purchased a copy of the published book to add to my Goldstone Wood collection.


About the Book:

In the Darkness of the Pit The Light Shines Brightest

Drums summon the chieftain’s powerful son to slay a man in cold blood and thereby earn his place among the warriors. But instead of glory, he earns the name Draven, “Coward.” When the men of his tribe march off to war, Draven remains behind with the women and his shame. Only fearless but crippled Ita values her brother’s honor.

The warriors return from battle victorious yet trailing a curse in their wake. One by one the strong and the weak of the tribe fall prey to an illness of supernatural power. The secret source of this evil can be found and destroyed by only the bravest heart.

But when the curse attacks the one Draven loves most, can this coward find the courage he needs to face the darkness?

Love's Rescue ~ Review

Love's Rescue
Keys of Promise 1
By Christine Johnson

Elizabeth Benjamin made a mistake when she was 16 years old.  A mistake that only 3 other people know about ~ her brother Charlie, her servant Anabelle, and Rourke the man she loves.

Four years have passed since that one decision, a decision that changed forever Charlie's life.  Four years since she left home and Key West.  But Elizabeth has determined that she is needed at home.

Unfortunately Elizabeth's return home is anything but uneventful. And her father and brother seem less than pleased with her return. Rourke isn't on her father's approved suitors list and never will be. And Elizabeth is expected to marry soon or return to Charleston to make a proper match.

Elizabeth wants to be free of the restrictions of proper society and all its trappings.  Expectations are high for her prospects, if only Rourke O'Malley could be considered among those prospects...

But all isn't as it seems.  Secrets are about to be discovered and all that Elizabeth thought she knew is about to be shaken.

Love's Rescue is an entertaining and enjoyable escape into the past with a message that speaks to all about the importance of forgiveness.  The characters are believable - some likable, some tolerable, and others downright unlikable.

I loved the change in Elizabeth as a person.  She grows in both character and in her relationships with her family and yet the part that makes her who she is doesn't change.  I also enjoyed getting a glimpse into Charlie a young man who can be admired.

I was provided a copy of this book by Revell through their Revell Reads blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

Can a girl enamored with the adventurous seas ever be content with the tame life of a Southern belle? 

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O'Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to perform her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws you into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy South.


Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God's majestic creation. She and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys. Learn more atwww.christineelizabethjohnson.com.

Bible Dominoes ~ Review

Bible Dominoes
Juliet David & Jo Parry

Bible Dominoes is a fun way to teach your little ones about the Bible while learning important skills.  A great family night activity that encourages counting, matching, and number identification.

A mini Candle Bible Stories book is included with the boxed game.  There are 10 one page stories that tie in with the 28 dominoes.  As you play you can learn about Noah and his Ark; Joseph and his Amazing Coat; Moses, Prince of Egypt; Daniel Saved from Lions; Jonah and the Great Fish; Jesus Talks to a Crowd; A Big Lunch; Stop, Storm!; The Good Shepherd; and The Stranger Who Helped.

Each dominoes measures approximately 3" by 6" so they are easily seen and handled (harder to lose as well).  The game is recommended for ages 3+ and for 2-4 players.  But one can easily have more players if you want to have 2 player teams - great if you have 3 or 4 little ones and mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa want to join in the fun.  Or maybe you favorite cousins, aunt, and uncle are visiting.  This would then add the additional benefit of learning to work in a team to the other skills being learned.

This game would be perfect for a Vacation Bible School activity, a small Sunday School, or a Homeschooler.  This would also be a perfect gift to have on hand for a sleep-over when you know games are a must.  

I was provided a copy of this game through Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review of this game.

About the Game:

This domino game helps children to learn about the Bible and Jesus while playing! It also encourages communication, sharing, counting, and matching skills. The pieces are large and colorful, so they're easy to pick up, and the pictures are clear. The set includes 28 dominoes with a mixture of Bible story characters, numbers, and animals to match, as well as instructions and a story booklet explaining the stories featured on the cards. A useful resource for home, school, or Sunday school.

Rogglewood Press Writing Contest ~ Theme and Cover Reveal

Rooglewood Press is delighted to introduce 

their third fairy tale novella contest—

Five Magic Spindles

a collection of “Sleeping Beauty” stories

The challenge is to write a retelling of the beloved fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Sleeping Beauty,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!

Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Magic Spindles collection, which will be packaged up with the phenomenal cover you see here. Maybe your name will be one of the five listed?

All the contest rules and information (how to enter, story details, deadline etc.) may be found on the Rooglewood Press website. Just click HERE and you will go right to the page.

Rooglewood Press’s first collection, Five Glass Slippers is available for purchase, and our second collection, Five Enchanted Roses is scheduled to launch on July 27, and is currently available for pre-order. Be certain to get a copy of each and see what previous winners did with their wonderful retellings.

Cover Illustration Credit:

This cover illustration was rendered by Julia Popova, “ForestGirl.” You can find out more about this gifted artist on her website: www.forestgirl.ru