Book Loot Giddy

It's been awhile ..here's my loot:

Purchased (99cents):


Gifted to me (by author):

For Review:


Kindle Book Freebies (at time of purchase):

As you can see I like freebies so if you know of something good, please share.  Thanks!

How about you?  Get anything exciting?

Gratitude Giveaways Hop: 3 Prizes, 3 Winners

(Thank you I Am A Reader, Not a Writer for hosting this hop)

Welcome to a hop where participants are showing their gratitude to their readers by offering a giveaway.  I'm happy to participate this year because I'm certainly grateful to all of you, my dear followers!  I appreciate your support and so for you I am giving away 3 prizes (all Kindle Books), 1 winner for each prize ..that means there will be 3 winners in this giveaway!  All that I require is that you are a follower of this blog and follow the entry instructions below.  That's it! 

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entries 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. Winners will be chosen by using the services of random.org and announced on this blog and contacted by means provided within 3 days post end of giveaway. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Jinky is Reading and sponsored by Jinky is Reading.  This giveaway ends, 11/30/2013, 9pm PST.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

To enter please provide in the comment:
-Your profile name and how you follow this blog.
-Means to contact you should you win.
-Which prizes(s) you would like to be entered for (you may enter for more than one).

*(Click on image for blurb)

Prize #1 (Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver):

Prize #2 (A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker):

Prize #3 (Grimm Diaries Prequels bundles by Cameron Jace: Books 1-6 and 7-10):
***Just found out from the author that books #1-6 is free on Amazon for a limited time (dang, bought one before it was free!).  Click on first image below to get it***

Thanks for entering and now hop on over to other participants!

Voting Now Open: Harlequin's "More Than Words" Awards

(Go HERE for details)

 

GIVE THANKS THIS SEASON BY VOTING FOR THOSE WHO HELPS OTHERS.

Harlequin has just opened the voting for their annual More Than Words awards - a charitable program that honors women, real-life heroines, making a difference in their communities.

How often do we get a chance to say thanks to someone who is dedicating their life to helping other people? By voting for your favorite woman and charity, you give one of these impressive women a chance to win $15,000 for her charity of choice and to be paired up with a bestselling Harlequin writer, who will turn her inspiring story into a novella that's released to the public as a free e-book.
There are 5 finalists and only 3 winners, so vote now and vote as often as once a day through November 21st at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be announced in January.

MEET THE FINALISTS:

Linda Burston has been the Support Coordinator at the Women’s Lunch Place for the last 14 years. As a former homeless drug addict rehabilitated through the help of the Women's Lunch Place, she is determined to help homeless and poor women get off the streets and develop independence. Learn more about Linda here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/linda-burston/  

Sarah Cronk, the Founder of The Sparkle Effect, also serves as its President and Creative Director. Currently a student at Whitman College, Sarah helped to create and coach the nation's first high-school based inclusive cheerleading squad at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa, when she was just 15 years old. The Sparkle Effect is a student-run program that empowers teens nationwide to include students with disabilities in school-based cheerleading and dance programs. Learn more about Sarah here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/sarah-cronk/

Shari Duval is the president of K9s For Warriors, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs to combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury as a result of the wars since 9/11. The service is free and gives each warrior a three week, live-in program with a trained service dog, equipment, vet care, all meals and emotional support. Learn more about Shari here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/shari-duval/

Ann McGee, founder of Miracle Flights for Kids® , recognized the need for coordination of aviation services that could provide no cost transportation for blood, donor organs, and sick children to medical facilities around the country that they otherwise couldn't get to because of financial hardship. Through her dedication, the program has grown from a handful of flights for local kids to a nation-wide effort that flies boys and girls from all corners of the country. Learn more about Ann here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/ann-mcgee/

Megan Yunn, founder of Beverly's Birthdays, believes in spreading birthday cheer 365 days a year and that every child, regardless of personal or financial circumstances deserves a birthday celebration. The organization currently serves ten homeless shelters in the Pittsburgh region by throwing birthday parties for the children living in the shelters. Megan receives no income from the organization and hopes that in the future, Beverly's Birthdays can provide a birthday celebration for every child living in transitional or emergency shelters in the Pittsburgh region. Learn more about Megan here: http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/megan-yunn/

Music Review + $25 Giveaway: Hudson Lights

Hudson Lights, 2013, CD, 11 songs, Rating: 5
Source: provided by Deseret Book Company/Shadow Mountain Records in exchange for an honest review

Composed of 4 vocal artists from the Rocky Mountains, Hudson Lights creates a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz like you’ve never heard before! World-class harmonies and consummate showmanship make this an unforgettable music experience. Equal parts thrilling, inspiring, and effortlessly charming, Hudson Lights brings a classy edge back to mainstream pop.

I'm no music buff but I know when something sounds awful and the Hudson Lights crew is definitely not one of them! This sharp and handsome looking group offers a home in classy music. The selection in this CD demonstrated an eclectic sample of their delightful harmony vocals and with the accompaniment of a fabulous orchestra, the musical experience was even better!  You'll find calming dinner music, classic jazz, and upbeat pop that had me automatically bopping my heading, snapping my fingers, and swaying my hips all over the place it's embarrassing!  Throughout the whole listening experience I was imagining myself dancing to these songs on Dancing With The Stars (I'm an incredible dancer in my head but in real life ..well, not so much!  Hehe.) because the song selections can play out in a ballroom ..from slow elegant to fast paced dance categories.  Sincerely, this sophisticated vocal group was easy on the ears and brought pep in my step. 

Thank you Hudson Lights for sharing your talent!  Your renditions warmed my musical hungry soul.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More About Hudson Lights:

HUDSON LIGHTS will release their self-titled debut album November 12, 2013. They released a single, “Good to Me”, on iTunes in September.

The group is composed of four male vocal artists from around the country: McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Joseph Moore and Ross Welch. Together they create a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz music.

The upbeat album features classic covers of legends like Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. They also have several original songs.

Bob Ahlander, director of music at Shadow Mountain Records, says “Hudson Lights fills a void in the music scene.”

They have already had some notable performances. They debuted at the Marriot Center during the BYU Women’s Conference Concert in May, and placed 2nd in a contest to open for Kelly Clarkson at the STADIUM OF FIRE in June.

On November 22nd they’ll perform for a crowd of 10,000 as part of Deseret Book’s “Time Out for Women” event at the Maverik Center. Tickets are available here.

Sample: "Call Me Maybe" (oddly enough this song wasn't in the CD)



Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/24/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Launch: Louisiana's A-Z Something Extra: Lagniappe by Kittie Howard

I'm pleased to announce the book launch of Kittie Howard's latest masterpiece, Louisiana's A-Z Something Extra: Lagniappe.  I am a big fan of Kittie's work.  I enjoyed Remy's Broussard's Christmas and its sequel Rings of Trust (an Amazon's Top Ranking book).  I love stopping by her website because I end up finding wonderful real life stories and lessons.  She finds beauty in people and her surroundings.  In this new book, she gifts and shares with us a native's view of the charming state of Louisiana.  It's quite a lovely journey that I've put Louisiana on my bucket list of places to visit and I think you will too! 

You might say, "Jinky, I can get information about Louisiana through the Internet.  What's so special about this book?".  Well my friends, Kittie has interwoven her personal stories in the facts so you will get an intimate walk through the Bayou State.  You will read a fuse of history and lifestyles written by an engaging storyteller.  She makes nonfiction fun to read!  Oh, real life photo snapshots included as well.  That's not all!  Book sale proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior/Hope for the Warrior Project.  You so rock, Kittie!!

Website

Kittie Howard is a Geaux Tigers LSU grad who was born in New Orleans. She spent her formative years with her mother and sister on her grandparents' farm in Pointe Coupeé Parish while her father commuted weekends between the farm and LSU's Law School. They later moved to New Roads, the parish seat. She writes fiction novellas centered around the farm's rural environment. However, her latest book, "Louisiana's A-Z Something Extra: Lagniappe" is non-fiction, a personal and historical journey through the Bayou State.


Louisiana's A-Z Something Extra: Lagniappe by Kittie Howard
Price: $2.99 USD. Approx. 35,170 words. Language: English. Published on November 1, 2013. Category: Nonfiction.
Amazon | Smashwords

A personal and historical journey through Louisiana visits the Bayou State's four corners. From alligators in bayous to Zydeco music, the historical background and the author's stories of growing up in Louisiana give the reader a warm-hearted, sometimes poignant, look at a state influenced by three colonial powers--France, Spain, and England--and today's Creole and Cajun cultures.

Check out here books here:
(my affiliate links)

Book Blast with $50 Giveaway: Sierra by Taylor Dean

Sierra by Taylor Dean

Have you ever been lost in the woods?
Alyssa Fontaine’s life, loved ones—everything familiar and dear—are brutally taken from her.
Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name.
Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.
Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope.

Please purchase here:

(my affiliate link)


Excerpt from Sierra:

<br /> This is one of my favorite scenes in Sierra. It's a pivotal moment, wherein Alyssa's life can change for the better--or for the worse. After facing extreme cruelty, she is faced with utter kindness. I love the marked difference between her experiences. ~Taylor Dean<br /> <br /> “Please sit,” he whispered. Her eyes were drawing him in. She didn’t seem to be scared of him, she seemed to know he wanted to help her. First, he filled a glass with water and held it to her lips. She drank thirstily, but then shook her head negatively when he wanted her to finish all of it. At the sink, he filled a small plastic tub with warm water, grabbed shampoo, and went back to Alyssa. The kitchen sink doubled as his bathroom sink. He had all he needed to clean her up, including a small first aid kit. He knelt in front of her. Once again, he gently touched her chin and lifted her face to his. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. She had the biggest brown eyes he’d ever seen.<br /> <br /> “Just relax and let me take care of you, Alyssa,” he whispered softly.<br /> <br /> She responded with a slight nod. Sitting in the kitchen chair, he had her slowly lean her head back till it was resting just above the tub. He gently began to wash her hair, first getting it wet and then massaging the shampoo into her scalp. She winced when he touched the spot where dried blood matted her hair, so he was extra gentle there. Her long hair was tangled and filled with dirt and bits of dried leaves. It took some time to get it clean and several refills of warm water in the tub as he rinsed. Alyssa closed her eyes and relaxed for probably the first time in days. He worked conditioner into the long locks and then had her sit up as he gently combed through it, removing all of the snarls. He then parted the hair where the wound on the scalp was located and took a look at the gash. It was angry and red, and it needed stitches, but would have to wait till he could retrieve his medical supplies from the supply room. He disinfected it with alcohol and moved on.<br /> <br /> He again knelt in front of Alyssa. Her eyes opened and stared deeply into his, desperately trying to communicate without words. A lone tear fell, drizzling down her cheek. He brushed it away with his fingertips. This was harder than he thought. He knew this was the first gentle touch she’d felt in days. The abuse she had suffered was obvious to him as he noticed her many bruises. He grabbed his kitchen stool and sat before her. Using a washcloth, he began to wipe her face clean. As he worked, their eyes met and held. Ever so gently he wiped the dirt and grime away from days spent outdoors. And with it he wiped away tears and pain.<br /> <br /> “Please help me,” Alyssa whispered.<br /> <br /> Alex stole a glance at Pa and Adam. Pa’s eyes were closed and a soft snore emanated from him. Adam was wide awake, his shotgun pointed at Alex, but he stared into the fire sullenly. Alex leaned forward to grab the tube of anti-biotic ointment on the table. With his lips to her ear as he brushed past, he whispered, “Everything’s going to be all right, Alyssa. I won’t let them take you, I promise.”<br /> <br /> Alex then applied the salve to the small cuts on her face and lips. Each and every one of his ministrations clearly brought relief to her. Every time Alex looked her in the eyes, she met him with eyes that spoke volumes. He refilled the tub and washed her arms and hands and then took his time cleaning her fingernails, occasionally massaging her hand as he looked into her eyes. He also applied cortisone cream to her numerous mosquito bites. Next, he decided to tend to her neck and wrists. He cringed inside at the raw, bloody skin underneath the ropes. The first thing he’d wanted to do was cut the ropes, but he didn’t want to push his luck. However, now it was time. He went to the kitchen counter and unsheathed a kitchen knife. The sound of the knife being unsheathed brought Adam to his feet immediately.<br /> <br /> Shotgun aimed at Alex, he yelled, “Put it down, Doc.”<br /> <br /> Alex faced him without flinching. “I’m cutting the ropes. They’ve rubbed her skin raw and it’s going to get infected,” he said with steel in his voice. “You can have the knife when I’m done.”<br /> <br /> Pa awoke from his snooze in the commotion. “Sit down, Adam. Doc’s right. Let ‘em fix her up,” he growled.<br /> <br /> Adam continued to stand, anxiously waiting while Alex cut the rope on her neck and freed Alyssa from her leash. He then cut the other ropes and freed her wrists. She closed her eyes and Alex could see the relief on her face. He wondered just how long she had been bound. He handed the knife to Adam roughly and stared him in the face. “Satisfied?”<br /> <br /> “Won’t do any good, I’ll just be puttin’ the ropes back on ya know,” Adam taunted.<br /> <br /> Not if I have anything to say about it, thought Alex.

Book Trailer



Praise for Sierra:

Every now and then you come across a novel that profoundly takes your breath away, and Sierra is that novel.
-Kathleen of Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Riveting from beginning to end. Be prepared to read straight through.
-Sherry of Fundinmental Book Reviews

I thought I had read romances before, and books like "Jane Eyre" and "A Tale of Two Cities," I had always considered the peaks of romantic literature. Let me say this. This is the most romantic book I have ever read in my 38 years on this planet!
-Ruth of My Devotional Thoughts

What I like most about Sierra was how Taylor lulls you in the beginning, then she shreds the peaceful scene to pieces. It happens so fast you barely have time to comprehend what is going to happen. Just like in real life.
-Laura of FUONLYKNEW Book Reviews

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/22/13

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway