"All I Want"

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour.  I want to thank Kathy @I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for hosting this wonderful tour and of course a special thanks to the authors for providing me an ebook copy of this joint venture.  I loved it and if you like warm and fuzzy chick lit kind of read then you will too!

Don't forget to check out other participants in the tour and enter the tour giveaway for a chance to win $25 Amazon GC, where you can then choose to purchase this book and still have enough money for extra something!  But if you can't wait and want to read the book now, well, it's only $2.99!  That's like 99 cents a story ...worth it!

Tour Schedule

My Review

All I Want by Jolene Perry, Kayle Baldwin, and Rachael Anderson, AF, 2012, 279p, rating=4.5
Source:  provided by authors through tour host in exchange for an honest review

THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.

Pretty Near Perfect
by Jolene Perry
The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé's parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas
by Kaylee Baldwin
When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate
by Rachael Anderson
When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.

My heart craves stories of young love because it takes me back to my early romance days with my husband.  That was 15 years ago and although our love is still strong there's just something about the beginning!  And this was what these three love stories held ... the inception.  The awe and tender moments.  The experience of heartache before the warm fuzzies.  Ah, good chick lits rock!

These authors know the love buttons.  They created characters that were easy to connect with and although the outcomes were predictable, the journey getting there was da bomb!  I didn't want the stories to end and yet it was satisfying enough.  And you know what?  I see myself reading this again and again (especially the last two stories) because it's a delightful way to get a quick dose of the fresh love warm fuzzies!  I like those.  I like those a lot!  Much more so since these stories were set during the Christmas season ..an added heartwarming factor.  Pretty sleek, authors, pretty sleek!

Just to give you another point of reference, this had the feel like that of the movie, Sweet Alabama, so if you like that movie then this book is for you! 

Purchase Links

Purchase All I Want

Kindle Ebook * Paperback

 

About the Authors

Jolene Perry

Jolene Perry is an enigmatic figure. She is most often seen behind her laptop, staring at the words flying onto the screen with reckless abandon.
She survived growing up in rural Alaska, driving like a lunatic, and her husband’s careers in the military, as a perpetual student, and an Alaska State Prosecutor. She also survived as a middle school math teacher using her degree of Political Science and French.
One day Jolene was playing her guitar (probably some-thing juvenile for her kids) when she wondered what it would be like to write a song for a rockstar, and her first book was born. (that book is shelved)
She now lives a very glamorous life as a stay at home mom, elbow deep in dirty dishes and peanut butter sandwiches. She doesn’t even attempt to keep up with the laundry because non-writing time is precious, and her family is sorta awesome.

Links:

Website * Twitter * Blog * Facebook

Kaylee Baldwin

I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University
with a degree in English literature.

I currently live in southern Arizona with my husband, Jeremy, and our three children. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with my family.

Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter
 

Rachel Anderson

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:

Facebook * Website * Twitter 

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 12/24/12


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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WINNERS!

Random.org has spoken.  Congratulations Christiane Cardinal and Wolfswan1!  You are my Gratitude Giveaway Hop winners.  You have won an ebook of your choice from the list on the giveaway post.  You have 72hrs to reply to the email I sent you.

A big thank you to all my followers!  You are awesome to stick by me through thick and thin.  My sincere appreciation for your support.

Until the next time, take good care and be happy!!

Book Loot Giddy

It's been almost 3 weeks since my last BLG post.  Here's what I've gotten since then ...

Won:

title India Was One Thanks Kathy @I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

author Indian, An

Kindle Ebook Freebies:

title Blood Apples (The Grimm Diaries Prequels, #6)

author Jace, Cameron

title Christmas in High Heels (A High Heels Mystery, #3.5)

author Halliday, Gemma

title Crossroads

author Ting, Mary

title The Night Before Christmas

author Moore, Clement Clarke

title This Very Moment

author Nunes, Rachel Ann

title Torn Souls

author Cattabriga, Crystal

title World War One: History in an Hour

author Colley, Rupert

For Review:

title All Fall Down Already reviewed HERE

author Bellon, Julie Coulter

Still looking for my reading mojo!  In the meantime, I've been staying afloat this month by reading the books I committed to review otherwise it'd be pretty much cricket sounds here. 

How about you?  Any fun book loot?

"GPS With Benefits"

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour for GPS WITH BENEFITS released November 1, 2012.  "This is a funny short film script about a GPS with a mind of 'her' own.  The film based on the script will be shot in 2013." ~Vanessa Morgan

My Review

GPS With Benefits by Vanessa Morgan, Film Script, ebook, 2012, 173 KB, rating=2
Source: provided by author for review

How many people do you know that make jokes about their GPS device or even talk to it?
Nearly everyone, right?
GPS devices know where you are and how fast you are driving. Who says that, in the near future, they won't be able to know you look at and what you say.
These thoughts form the basis of my new release, GPS WITH BENEFITS, in which a womanizer test drives a new GPS device with a mind of 'her' own... a jealous and controlling mind, that it...
"The inspiration for GPS WITH BENEFITS came to me when I was in the car with a friend," Vanessa says. "We made jokes about the GPS device and imagined what it would be like if the GPS was actually aware of what the driver was thinking. I immediately knew that these ideas could be turned into a hilarious story."
I won't reveal more, but GPS WITH BENEFITS has some twists and turns that you won't see coming and that will have you laughing out loud.

I like the concept of this script ..what would a global position system (GPS) do if it can express itself?  Well, you'll find out a scenario through Theo's experience.  See, fifty year old, balding Theo likes women.  He's the type of man whose head will turn when a pretty woman passes by, even while driving.  So it was a no-brainer that he picked a sexy woman GPS to test out over a Godzilla or puppy GPS.  He was in for a surprise of course because sexy woman GPS had no qualms about getting cartoon-physical on him.  You know, like a large boxing glove will come out of her to strike Theo to his senses.  She does more and that's where things got too much for me. 

This had raw humor that just wasn't to my taste.  In spite of that, a big congratulations to Ms. Morgan on having this screenplay being adapted into a movie!  That's pretty big!

About the Author

Find Author: Blog | Amazon

Vanessa Morgan is known as the 'female version of Stephen King'. Her screenplays, A GOOD MAN and GPS WITH BENEFITS, are currently being turned into movies. She is also the author of the books DROWNED SORROW and THE STRANGERS OUTSIDE. If she's not working on her latest supernatural thriller, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, blogging, digging through flea markets or indulging in her unhealthy obsession to her cat. She writes in English, Dutch and French.

Be Happy! :)

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving day from our home to yours and ...

... may we continue to remember and be grateful for our bountiful blessings ...

"I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy."
- Anne Frank

Review & Giveaway: All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour. I want to thank Lexie @The Book Bug for hosting this tour and of course author, Ms Julie Coulter Bellon, for providing me a signed paperback copy of her book to read and review. 

After reading my review, I invite you to stop by the Tour Page for other participants in this tour, for author links and profile, and full giveaway details ..Ms Bellon is generously offering 7 giveaways!!

My Review

All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon, AF, 2012, 211p, rating=3.5
Source: provided by author for review

Purchase:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes we all fall down . . .

That simple rhyme turns negotiator Claire Michaels’ current hostage situation into an international incident. Claire just wants to help get everyone out safely, but as the crisis escalates she realizes she’s dealing with an al-Qaeda operative who has the means to become another bin Laden---with the potential to attack America. Claire has her own personal reasons for wanting to stop al-Qaeda, but time is slipping away as negotiations break down. Can she overcome her scars of the past in order to get the hostage out alive and possibly stop an assault on U.S. national security?

Navy SEAL Rafe Kelly is on leave to recover from a knee injury he suffered during his tour in Afghanistan and he doesn’t expect to be fighting terrorists on his home turf. But when he is taken hostage and his brother is kidnapped, Rafe teams up with a hostage negotiator in order to stay alive and get his brother back. The terrorist is always one step ahead of them, however, and the situation quickly turns from desperate to deadly. Will Rafe be able to save himself and his country without anyone he loves getting caught in the crossfire?

This book was a quick and entertaining read.  The suspense was palpable from the very beginning and continued to build as the story unfolded.  Claire and Rafe's ominous adventures kept coming and that made for an action packed journey to the end.  The surprising twists were fun to get to as well.

I really liked the storyline.  I also liked the many themes to grasp (aside from the obvious, terrorist and romance) such as father-child relationship, placing more importance on work than family time, dealing with loss, lasting friendship, drug addiction, loyalty, trust, and so on.  But because there were much explored, I felt that overall depth was in shortage.  I also felt that the ending was wrapped up too quickly and neatly.  Still, this is a good, clean romantic thriller go-to book.  One that might spice up the usual beach read experience.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Open Adoption, Open Heart"

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour.  I want to thank Kathy @I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for hosting this tour and of course author, Mr. Russell Elkins, for giving me the opportunity to read and review his book.

Please stop by the Tour Page for other participants in this tour, to view the book trailer, and for author links and profile. 

As a thank you for stopping by the tour, the author is giving away a chance to win $25 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash (same giveaway for all tour stops).  See below for details.  Good luck!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

by Russell Elkins, NF, 2012, 83p, rating=4
Source: provided by author thru tour host for review

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kindle | Website

The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.

Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heartwarming journey.

Old school adoption meant that there were no interactions between the birthmother and the adoptive parents.  All information and relationships were confidential and closed.  Nowadays, many have turned to the open adoption process, where the biological and adoptive families can share in varying forms of contact (eg. mail, photo exchange, face-to-face visits).  Obviously, this book accounts a journey in open adoption. 

Seeing myself in an old school of thought, I would be uncomfortable and perhaps even skeptical that such openness can truly work.  I can imagine all sorts of unsettling emotions that this free passage might bring.  Well, I don't have to imagine them.  Mr. Elkins laid it all out.  All the frustrations, anxiety, fears, heartaches, and joys of this kind of adoptive process was related.  He was able to communicate candidly that it was not an easy road but certainly had its rewards as well.  More importantly, Mr. Elkins didn't claim that all open adoptions have the same outcome.  He merely told his true story and thereby provide information and also might invoke an inspiration of hope to someone contemplating open adoption. 

I caught something else important from the author's telling of the story.  I like that he involved the biological family's responses (and even friends and acquaintance for that matter) thus-so giving me a sense of a more well rounded account.  This then got me as a reader invested in the story to seeing it through.  I wouldn't say the writing was of high quality literary form, but it certainly was sincere and captivating. 

A definite recommendation to those seeking information or perception of open adoption.  Noting that it is best explained from someone who has gone through it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

Gratitude Giveaways Hop

Welcome to the 3rd annual giveaway blog hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (thanks Kathy!).  Here's a hop that gives an opportunity for bloggers to thank their followers. 

I want to sincerely give my gratitude to all my followers.  It has been a sluggish reading and blogging year for me but you've stuck by me.  Thank you for your continued support!  I really appreciate it. 

I also want to take this time to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.  May you be surrounded with love ones and yummy food!! :)

I'm giving away two Kindle ebooks using Amazon's "Give as a Gift" method, which means that I will purchase the ebooks and Amazon will deliver it to the winners' Kindle or other device (go HERE for the reading app).  Yeap, there will be TWO winners (one ebook per winner).  And since this is a gratitude hop for followers, you must be a direct follower of this blog (GFC, Linky, RSS, email, subscription).  You must also be at least 13 years old and fill out the giveaway form below.  Winners will be chosen (using Random.org) within three days post contest and notified via email.  They will then have 72hrs to reply.  Contest ends 11/24/12, 9pm PST.

Here are the ebooks you may choose from (may there be at least one you are interested in):

Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship byTom Ryan

Insignia (Insignia, #1) byS.J. Kincaid

Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal byConor Grennan

Love Story byJanine Boissard

Only Time Will Tell byJeffrey Archer

She Wore Only White byDörthe Binkert

The Song of Achilles byMadeline Miller

Stork (Stork, #1) byWendy Delsol

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature byJoyce Sidman, Beth Krommes

The Thank You Economy byGary Vaynerchuk

Now head on over HERE for the list of over 200 participants in this hop and again, thank you for your support!!  ~Happy hopping!!

Kindle Ebook Freebie Alert: Torn Souls by Crystal Cattabriga

It's Zack and Ema's birthday today (author's children) and in their honor, Ms Cattabriga is offering her book FREE today!  ~Be sure to stop by her Facebook Page to thank her and wish her kids a happy birthday.  :)

This book is dedicated to all the children who have lost their lives from being bullied and the one who will find the strength and courage to continue on.....
The unspeakable acts of bulling can destroy a life. So many children are affected in the world and together we can make a difference. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world.

Julia Stone’s life has been turned upside down ever since her parents decided to move out of the country and into the city. The life she knew was gone and starting over was something she wasn’t prepared for. The thought of a new school, new teachers and even new friends was terrifying, but after a few weeks things didn’t seem all that bad. Julia had met a boy and his name was Alex. He wasn’t a jock, he wasn’t even the smartest kid in school, but he was nice and he made her laugh. Alex and Julia hung out all the time, eventually becoming best friends. They even made a pact never to keep secrets from each other, but for Julia it was harder than she thought. She had a secret that was destroying the very cord of her soul. Her life as a teenager was being ripped apart by the kids in her school. Julia was being bullied mentally and physically. The thought of going through the next three years in high school being bullied continuously wasn’t something she was prepared to do. The choice was simple, and she wasn’t about to do it alone. (Goodreads)

"Jeremy's Christmas Journey"

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour.  I would like to thank Lexie @The Book Bug for hosting this blog tour.  I am also grateful to Mr. Scott Johnson for his generous gift of providing me an ebook copy of this book and a link to the music CD slide show.

Please stop by the Tour Page for other participants in this tour, for special details such as a link to sample the music, book trailer, etc., and of course for a giveaway ..a chance to win a copy of the book and music CD!

 

-----------------------------------------------------------

by Scott A. Johnson, AF, 2012, review ebook copy, 120p, rating=4
Source: provided by author for review

For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he'll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.

CD of music also available. (Goodreads)

Christmas is around the corner and this book along with the accompanying music CD can put you in the true spirit of the season ..Christ! 

It's easy to throw a personal pity-party when life throws you a hard curve ball.  It also provides one a time to question god's logic in having bad things happen to good people.  This happened to young Jeremy.  See, Jeremy was a victim of a car accident caused by a drunk driver that left him confined to a wheelchair.  His parents were grateful to god that he survived and deemed the sparing of Jeremy's life as a miracle.  However, this special season caused Jeremy to understandably dwell on his negative situation.  For example, he will surely receive presents that would remind him that he could not ride a bike, play football, play in the snow, and so on.  The family tradition of reading the Christmas story from the bible was the last straw.  Jeremy doubted that the Son of god would come to earth in such low circumstances and so he questioned Christ's existence and purpose. 

Sometimes it takes other's heartfelt testimonies to find our own.  Jeremy's dream that Christmas eve did that for him.  He dreamt that Jesus Christ was on trial for claiming to be the Messiah and Savior of the world.  Several witnesses then willingly comes forward to testify of Christ's divinity.  We hear from Jesus's family, Mary, his mother, and James, his brother.  We also hear from recipients of Christ's healing powers, Bartimaeus and Lazarus.  Then finally to those that witnessed Christ's kindness, Woman Known as a Sinner and a Roman Soldier.  Upon waking up from the dream, do you suppose Jeremy felt a change of heart?  Did the witnesses' testimonial stir an agreement with him and he too can now declare an attestation of Christ?  You'll have to read the book to find out!

Jeremy's Christmas Journey coupled with the companion music CD is a special Christmas treat.  Your heart will thank you for reading it.

FYI: Each testimonials, including Jeremy's, followed with a song. Hence, the music CD serves as enhancement. Check YouTube for samples.

Kindle Ebook Freebie Alert: Crossroads by Mary Ting

I just came across this a little while ago. Hurry, I don't know when this ends!  Maybe at midnight?  Maybe not?  So again, chop-chop, wiki-wiki!!  :)

Go HERE.

Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander.
There, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her.
Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should? The answer awaits you! Follow the exciting path to Crossroads! (Goodreads)