Mission Impossible Fallout Is SO GOOD!

My husband surprised me with some late night tickets to Mission Impossible Fallout, and while I love the series, it wouldn't be over until 1 a.m. I'd had a long day with the kids and I was thinking, "what if I fall asleep?"

I did not need to worry about that. At. All.

It was so action-packed, I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering how Ethan Hunt was going to live through about twenty scenes! Chase scenes, crazy stunts, everything I've come to expect in a Mission Impossible movie was front and center, but this installment also has some emotional scenes added to it that I loved and really thought added a depth to the story. There were a few loose ends from previous movies that were tied up, but there were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. And if you are a Henry Cavill fan, you definitely will be happy with his performances, I think. But the final fifteen minutes are incredible and SO INTENSE. I know I'm sort of gushing, but as someone who writes action adventure books, this movie was everything I love about the genre.

I won't give away any spoilers, but if you want to see a crazy good action movie, go see this one. I think it's the best of the series!

Here's the official trailer:

Amazon Ads For The Win!

I finished a course last week that taught how to effectively run an AMS ad. It was given by Elana Johnson and Bonnie Paulson and I have to tell you, it was amazing.

The thing I liked most about it was that they started from the foundation of what every author needs to have to make an ad great. They had video tutorials, tip sheets, and workshopped it in a way that even a newbie like me could understand, yet those who have been doing ads for a long time still learned something new.

I'm sort of sorry the class is over because I liked the camaraderie I had with the other class members and I really learned a lot. I'm a little obsessed with ads right now and so far I am thrilled with the bottom line results.

So, when you're browsing around Amazon, you may very well see an ad from me! In fact, I hope you do! (And if you're an author, and Elana and Bonnie's class comes around again, you really need to take it. It was fantastic!)

Cover Reveal & A $25 Giveaway!

Coming in November!

A New Book by A Favorite Author!!

 

  My Brother's Bride by Rachael Anderson Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father's business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby's life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams. But appearances aren't always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband's brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.

 

Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is 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.  

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Newsletter

BookBub * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

 

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 8/31/18 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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When The Universe Plays A Cruel Joke

My teenage son got a debit card yesterday and I was cautioning him about how important it is not to lose it and to put it in your wallet and to keep your wallet safe. We left the bank and went to Old Navy and got a few things and headed home. Fast forward to two hours later when I ran to do some errands and I opened my purse and my debit card was GONE. I literally stared at the empty debit card pocket for thirty seconds because I couldn't fathom that it was gone. It was like some sort of joke the universe was playing on me since I'd just talked to my son about this very thing and now it was happening to me!

I frantically went back out to my car and searched it, drove home and searched the Old Navy bags and retraced my steps. Nothing. No debit card. I called Old Navy and they said it hadn't been turned in. I went ahead and had it put on hold at the bank so it couldn't be used, and searched every last place I could think of. My son was very gracious the entire time and didn't even give me any raised eyebrow looks or make any comments about the mini-lecture he'd received just hours before about not losing a debit card---for which I was grateful. It was mortifying enough as it was! 

Thankfully, just as I was about to head down to the bank to get that card officially cancelled, I thought, "I'll call Old Navy one more time." I did and they put me on hold for fifteen minutes. When the lady came back on the line, she said the two best words: "It's here." So. Much. Relief!

And now both me and my son will be very, very diligent about keeping our debit cards safe. Lesson learned! LOL

What I'm Reading Wednesday

I just started reading the third book in the Hearthfire Scottish romance series, A Promise of Home, by Michele Paige Holmes. I loved the first two books in the series and the third one so far is just as good! I'm so glad we get to see more of Katie and Collin's journey, but we also get to see Ian's story in this book. Of course I really love that we get to see some Canadian locations, too! I will definitely give a full review of this one when I'm finished.

Here's the back copy:

As Katie and Collin MacDonald prepare to embark on the most perilous journey of their lives—crossing the Atlantic to Nova Scotia—an ocean away Collin’s brother Ian is seeing the coast of Virginia for the first time.

After a voyage that would have cost Ian his life, except for the courage and timely aid of Elizabeth Campbell, Ian plans to risk the same returning to Scotland as soon as possible, even if that means stowing away. But as Eliza and Ian form an unlikely friendship, Ian realizes he cannot simply abandon Eliza and their fellow passengers to the cruel fates that await them. At the risk of his own freedom, he decides he must do what he can to help.

After a narrow escape in London, Katie and Collin cross the ocean swiftly, with the smaller ship Cleopatra making good time until she encounters a fierce storm near Sable Island. The tempest threatens both the ship and Katie’s fragile health, and their arrival in Halifax brings little relief, but further proof that the dangers of this new continent will equal or surpass the old.

You can download your Kindle copy here

Christmas in July Sale! Seventeen Books To Help Beat the Heat!

I don't know about you, but July has been so hot! If you need to cool off -- if only in your imagination -- my second chance Christmas romance, Truth or Dare, is on sale right now for only .99 cents!

Here's the back copy:

After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle---or at least two matchmaking dogs---for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

You can download your sale Kindle copy here

But that's not all! Sixteen other authors are also offering their Christmas stories for free or .99 cents. (That should help to beat the heat!) You can see all the books being offered here

The Golden Plates Graphic Novels Review & A $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

I was really curious when I saw that graphic novels of the Book of Mormon were coming out. I got the first six of The Golden Plates and I was pleasantly surprised at how well done they were. They bring to life well-loved stories in the first 145 pages of the Book of Mormon in a way that older children and teens will love. I particularly liked how it gave the reader visual touchpoints for very visual stories like the Vision of the Tree of Life. The artists did a good job getting across the ideas with the comic book illustrations and yet still stayed true to the details of the story. The text also added to the stories in a way that was relatable and understandable for readers.

After I had read them, I gave the graphic novels to my teen to read. His thoughts were fairly close to mine. Here's what he said: "I think these books are amazing! I especially liked the second one when it was describing Lehi's dream because usually when kids are reading the Book of Mormon they aren't sure what to picture, but this comic book is a perfect example of explaining what things were seen in the dream and how they all relate. These books were awesome and I think everyone would like them."

So, the Golden Plates graphic novels get two thumbs up from our family. If you have older children and teens who love graphic novels, you've got to try The Golden Plates. It's definitely another way to enjoy the Book of Mormon and help teens become familiar with scripture stories in a fun format. (But, nothing beats reading the real book, of course!) 

You can get your Kindle edition of the graphic novels here or the hold in your hand copies here

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card!

Here's the back copy:

The Golden Plates is an illustrated adaptation of the fifth best selling book of all time, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, which has sold over 120 million copies. This graphic novel/comic book adaptation was first created in 2005 by award winning artist Michael Allred. The Premium Edition has replaced the full text originally included in the first edition with simplified and edited text, making the story easier for younger readers to follow and also showcasing more of the stunning artwork. It has also been converted to digital form for enjoyment on phones, tablets, and desktop devices through Amazon, iTunes, and Kobo. New printed editions have also been released through Amazon.

The first 6 issues cover the first 145 pages (27%) of the Book of Mormon, from 1st Nephi through the Words of Mormon. This adaptation is a fun and enthralling to way to help older children and teens understand and enjoy the Book of Mormon in a format more advanced than simplified children's stories or scripture readers meant for young children.

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Freebie Friday for Regency Fans!

Sally Britton's regency, His Bluestocking Bride, is free today! It's a marriage of convenience story, so if you are looking for a book to read this weekend and love regencies, this might be the book for you!

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

He vows to never risk his heart again. She hides her love to avoid rejection. A marriage of convenience is not what either of them wished for.

Overlooked by society and underappreciated in her family, Ellen Bringhurst has resigned herself to spinsterhood and a life of reading. Until her match-making friends contrive to reintroduce Ellen to the man she has secretly loved since their shared childhood.

As the younger son to an earl, Marcus Calvert must wed in order to inherit his estate. Still nursing a broken heart, he prefers a practical approach to matrimony rather than romantic love. When Ellen is presented as a possible bride, he proposes a marriage of convenience.

Ellen accepts his hand, hiding her feelings rather than risking her husband’s rejection. Marcus, though determined not to expose his heart again, finds more to admire in his childhood friend with each passing day. What began as a sensible arrangement now has the possibility to become so much more. But is Marcus willing to risk his heart a second time?

Free Romance Today!

Susan Hatler is a new author to me, and her contemporary romance, Every Little Kiss, is free today! The back copy looks good and so I thought I'd pass along the deal so we can all get to know a new-to-me author. 

Here's the back copy:

When Wendy Watts left Blue Moon Bay, she vowed never to return to the small coastal town where her parents had abandoned her and her brother. Now she’s a successful Realtor, and a workaholic who stays away from complicated emotions—until her grandmother dies, leaving Wendy the Inn at Blue Moon Bay and mandating that Wendy sell the inn, and put it on the market herself “in person.”

As soon as Wendy arrives in Blue Moon Bay, bad memories, the inn’s poor condition, and her brother’s pleas to save the inn overwhelm her. Then she meets a sexy laid-back stranger on the beach, and Wendy does something she never does . . . she opens up and confides her problems to him. Since Max Huntington’s only in town for one night, Wendy spontaneously kisses him, hoping to be distracted from her troubles for just one evening.

But when Wendy begins the painstaking process of fixing up the inn in order to sell it, Max tells her he’s staying on longer. He’s enchanted by the charming inn and even more with the kisses they shared on the beach. He wants to help her with the repairs, and she reluctantly accepts his offer.

Although she’s determined to remain detached from the allure of her inn, Blue Moon Bay and Max, every repair, every stroll on the beach, and every moment spent with Max, draws her in and reminds her of the local legend she’d believed as a child: that being kissed by the bay under a blue moon will lead to love that lasts forever.

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Book Review and Giveaway!

I was really excited to read Brittany Larsen's new novel, The Matchmaker's Match. It's a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma and it was a fun read.

Eliza Woodhouse runs her own flower shop, but she's really a trust fund baby who doesn't need to work. Her dad bankrolls her "hobby" until she turns twenty-five and has access to her trust fund. But in the meantime, Eliza spends her time making flower arrangements and helping people, especially match-making for the ones she loves. Her sister is marrying someone Eliza set her up with and so is her best friend, so Eliza feels like a success as a matchmaker. Riding the wave of success, she tries to help out the romantic prospects for her new employee---a single mom who is struggling. And right in the middle of all of that, her old friend Parker Knightley comes back into her life. He's always been like an honorary brother to her, but now that he's back, she might want him to be more than a friend. That becomes difficult, however, with everything else going on with her "matchmaking" and their relationship is put to the test.

I really loved the beach town setting of the book and the flower shop. It was easy to visualize each setting and wish I was there! Eliza's relationship with her dad is endearing and sweet and that is where Eliza's true personality seems to shine. When it comes to her other relationships, however, she comes across as really naive and unaware of how hurtful her words and actions can be. She does have a great growth arc, though, and readers will relate (and even cheer!) for the decisions she makes in the end. Parker also has a nicely placed growth arc with his bossy exterior and a hidden heart of gold. He is a patient, sweet hero and it is easy to root for him to get his happily ever after.  The supporting characters round out a really nice cast, adding a layer of depth to the story. As a Jane Austen fan, it was sort of nice to know how it was all going to turn out in the end, but at the same time, I was turning pages to see just exactly how Ms. Larsen was going to put her own spin on it. A cute, romantic read.

 

You can get your copy here

Don't forget to scroll all the way down and enter the giveaway!

Here's the back copy:

Eliza Woodhouse has everything a girl could want: a delightful little beachside flower shop, a loving family, and the best friend a girl could ask for. And while she suffers a chronic lack of romance in her own life, the bohemian beauty is a self-proclaimed matchmaker extraordinaire, as evidenced by her recent successes. Having found a fiancé for her sister and a boyfriend for her best friend, she is now taking her lovelorn new employee under her wing. Yes, life is working out quite nicely for Eliza. Until Parker Knightley walks back into her life. After three years in Hong Kong, Parker is in town for his brother’s upcoming wedding to Eliza’s sister. They’ve all known each other their whole lives, and Eliza will never be anything but Little Liza Belle to her handsome childhood tormenter. So the fact that their siblings are getting married simply puts Parker one step closer to becoming the big brother he and Eliza have always joked about him being. But the more time they spend together, the more confused Eliza’s feelings become. Because she has come to the shocking realization that the role of brother is the last role she wants Parker to play in her life . . .

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Blog Tour Schedule:

*July 16th: http://mybookaday.com/, http://brightlystreet.com/

*July 17th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*July 18th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/

*July 19th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ , https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults, http://empowermoms.net/

*July 20th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/

Free Romance Today Only!

I noticed that Cami Checkett's romance, The Fearless Groom, is free today only! I haven't read it myself, but it looks good so I thought I'd pass the deal along.

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

A bachelor auction, a hot football player, and the right woman to bring him to his knees.

Izzy Knight walked away from her father's billions and his Titans football team to become a nurse practitioner at a children's hospital. She's busy and accomplished and certainly has no room in her life for a larger-than-life football player who goes through women faster than she completes a shift at the hospital.

Xavier Newton loves football but hates the games that go along with it. When the owner of the Titans forces him and his buddies to be sold like cattle at a bachelor auction he barely endures the event, until a feisty brunette bids half a million dollars for him. He's completely drawn to Izzy, but when he finds out her father is the owner of the Titans sparks fly and everybody's loyalties are challenged.

Can these two find love when they don't know who's waiting to tackle them from the blindside?

Book Review: Calico Ball

I had an extremely busy weekend and didn't have a lot of time for reading, so I was glad to have the new Calico Ball: Timeless Western Collection of novellas at my fingertips! They are the perfect size for a busy mom who needs to squeeze in some great stories in a short amount of time.

I finished Carla Kelly's The Keeper of the Western Door and it was so good! I really enjoy her characterization and how the setting comes to life under her expert hand. Her story is about Mary Blue Eye who goes with her newly married friend to Fort Laramie, but ends up as more of her servant than a friend. She does meet a man, Sergeant Blade, who is sincere in wanting to smooth the way for Mary, as some people aren't as accepting of her Seneca Indian heritage as others. I love the easy friendship and conversation between these two and the slow burn of romance. The Calico ball that the ladies at the fort are planning was a sweet theme for the story and a wonderful background for the romance. I thought the ending was definitely sigh-worthy!

I just started Sarah Eden's, who, as you know, is one of my very favorite authors. I can hardly wait for the kids to go to bed so I can dive in! I'll let you know what I think.

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Three brand new Historical Western Romance novellas by Carla Kelly, Sarah M. Eden, and Kristin Holt.

THE KEEPER OF THE WESTERN DOOR by Carla Kelly
When Mary Blue Eye travels to Wyoming Territory with her friend to help her settle into her new married life at Fort Laramie, Mary is treated more like a servant than the friend she thought she was. Thankfully, she finds a new friend in Sergeant Blade, though Mary fears that her Seneca Indian heritage will keep a man like Blade from truly caring for her. Soon Mary is tasked with making fourteen calico dresses in two weeks, and Blade turns out to be the best ally she could ever ask for.

A CONVENIENT ARRANGEMENT by Sarah M. Eden
Patrick Quinn needs a wife. Hiring maids who leave within weeks to marry another fellow in a female-scarce Wyoming town hasn’t been helpful. Quinn needs a woman who will stay. When he writes to a mail-order bride service, and four-foot-eleven Mirabelle Smith shows up, they agree to each attend to their own duties and tasks. Their marriage will be a convenient arrangement for them both. But sometimes the heart has other ideas.

ISABELLA’S CALICO GROOM by Kristin Holt
Dr. Henry Merritt is desperate for dental patients, especially since Dr. Isabella Pattison arrived in the growing town of Evanston in the Wyoming Territory. It seems the female patients want a woman’s touch, and the male patients are quite fond of a pretty dentist. But if Henry doesn’t find a way to put Isabella out of business, his own practice will go under. When Isabella proposes that they team up together, and Henry gets to know her, he discovers the last thing he wants is for Isabella to leave.

Freebie Friday For Regency Romance Fans!

If you're looking for a book to read this weekend, Sally Britton's second chance regency romance, The Gentleman Physician, is free today! I haven't read it yet, but I think it looks good!

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

“I didn’t really understand what love was. I didn’t know what it meant, that I should’ve fought harder for it.”

Banished from home by her angry father, Julia Devon travels to Bath to fulfill her role as family spinster by assisting her cousin, Lady Macon, in caring for her dying husband.

Nathaniel Hastings’s life runs in a predictable pattern, until a routine visit to one of his ailing patients brings him face to face with Julia, the woman who broke his heart five years before in London.

Julia and Nathaniel find themselves unlikely allies as they work together to tend to the family’s needs, fend off Lady Macon’s scheming brother-in-law, and avoid confronting the pain of their shared past. But could this accidental meeting be their second chance at love?

How I Dealt With My Kids Saying Mom I'm Bored

I don't know about your kids, but my little ones come to me several times a day and say, "Mom, I'm bored." I tell them all the extra chores they could do around the house, but they always want to do something "fun." But sometimes it's hard to think of anything fun that doesn't involve screens and we go round and round. Every. Day.

So, I decided to do something a little different and I made a list and put it on the front of the refrigerator. It's 27 things they can do if they are bored. I'm pretty proud of it and so far it's WORKING! When the kids have said, "Mom, I"m bored," I've pointed them toward the refrigerator and they've actually done quite a few things on the list. It's been so fun! I can't believe I didn't I think of this before. So simple and yet so wonderful.

Here's my list:

Do you have something to help keep your bored kids busy this summer?

Trek is Out on DVD! And You Can Enter the Giveaway!

Trek the movie is now out on DVD and Blu-Ray! If you remember I was able to go to the premiere and loved it! If you've ever been on Trek or even wanted to go on Trek, you have to see this movie. There are spiritual moments, fun moments, and laugh out loud moments. It's the perfect blend for everyone who loves good family entertainment.

You can buy your movie here

Don't forget to scroll down for a message from the director and to enter the giveaway!

Here's the official trailer

Message from Alan Peterson, Director of TREK The Movie

It’s exciting to anticipate the DVD/BluRay release of TREK, the movie. Being with audiences in theaters is the fulfillment of any director’s dream.  But, the reality of independent film is that you can’t get a movie into enough theaters so that everyone who wants to, can see it.  July 3rd is a day that lots of TREK fans have been waiting for.  Now, everyone can enjoy the laughs and lessons of TREK whenever they want.  One of our goals in producing the movie was to create a story that would honor the wonderful tradition of this hands-on experience unique to our faith.  Trek provides a critical chance to connect with our past. Why is this important?  I’ll let Elder Russell M. Ballard explain: 

"I have a deep conviction that if we lose our ties to those who have gone before us, including our pioneer forefathers and mothers, we will lose a very precious treasure. I have spoken about “Faith in Every Footstep” in the past and will continue in the future because I know that rising generations must have the same kind of faith that the early Saints had in the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.” (General Conference, October 2017, The Trek Continues!)

It is too easy to forget what our pioneer ancestors sacrificed for their faith and for our good. I hope families can sit down together and share the movie and talk about how grateful we should be for the men, women and children who marched into the unknown following a prophet of God so long ago. And, I hope they will talk about the challenges they face today as members of the church as we march forward into the unknown.  Do you feel like Tom and wonder where God is?  How do we connect with Him? What do we do when we feel weak and alone? Hopefully, TREK helps us know that our Heavenly Father is there and that He cares. 

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Review of Kiss of the Spindle

When Nancy Campbell Allen released Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, I wasn't sure I would like it. I don't really read steampunk at all, but I love all of Nancy's books, so I picked it up and I loved it! So when I heard (she announced it at my book club!) that she had a new steampunk coming out called Kiss of the Spindle, I could hardly wait to read it!

This book is so good I literally put everything else in my life on hold and read it in one sitting. I could hardly put it down!  Dr. Isla Cooper is cursed and every night she falls into a deep sleep that is so perilously close to death it takes her a while each morning to recover from it. And she's searching for the witch who has cursed her to see how to break it. Unfortunately, time is running out and soon her condition will be permanent so she has to take drastic measures. In a snap decision, she blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's ship. He's not happy about taking her on, but even less happy when Nigel Crowe also insists he must go along. Nigel is a government agent who has had several confrontations with Isla and is determined to bring down anyone who tries to help shapeshifters. But not only Isla must be careful, Daniel has his own reasons for wanting to keep Nigel Crowe from getting too close to him.  Tensions are high as Daniel's group heads toward the witch's location, but as Daniel tries to keep things calm, his grudging admiration for Isla, turns to something more. But will time run out before they can act on the feelings between them?

The thing I liked best about this book was how easily it made you care about the characters and how flawlessly the setting, dialogue, and plot all intertwine into this wonderful adventure romance. Daniel and Isla are characters who are stubborn and honorable, strong and yet tender. I loved that Isla was such a strong female character and yet she was vulnerable as well. Their romance was sweet and swoon-worthy and the way they came to work together and trust each other was another layer to an already multi-faceted book. There were so many great twists to the story, which is why I couldn't put it down! I loved every part of this story and this one is definitely going on my keeper shelf!

 

You can download your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date--after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.

In a desperate attempt to find Malette--the witch who cursed her--Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.

Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.

Book Review & Giveaway for The Hope of Azure Springs!

Blog Tour July 9th to 13th

   

I was excited to participate in the blog tour for Rachel Fordham's new book, The Hope of Azure Springs. The back copy looked so intriguing and this book definitely delivered.

A young woman named Em is barely conscious, suffering from a gunshot wound, when she's brought to the town of Azure Springs. While she recuperates, Sheriff Caleb Reynolds is determined to find out what happened and bring her attackers to justice. During his investigation he comes to find out more of Em's past and he has a chance to help her find her long lost sister. But as Em and Caleb work together, their friendship starts to turn into something more. Can they trust their feelings and reach for happiness when they've both suffered so much loss?

I loved this sweet, heart-warming tale of how life takes a lot of unexpected turns and though we all suffer through loss and trial, there can still be happiness. I loved the character of Caleb and how steady and true he was. The author did a particularly good job in revealing his back story in such a way that made him seem real and relatable in how and why he acted the way he did. Em had a great character arc in finding herself and then finding her sister. The mystery of who shot her and why kept the tension going as we got to know the town of Azure Springs and the people who would do anything to help a girl who had no one. The descriptions of the town and its memorable inhabitants really brought it to life and made it easy to imagine that Azure Springs was a real town. (There were a few characters that I hope will get their own story sometime in the future!) I really enjoyed the author's style and will be looking for more from her!

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Here's the back copy:

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.   For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart. Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Barker Publishing

 

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling, she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.  

CONNECT WITH RACHEL

Website * Facebook * Newsletter

Amazon Author Page * Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

July 9th I Am A Reader - Spotlight My Life. One Story at a Time. - Review Cover Lover Book Review - Review BookHounds - Spotlight Susan Heim on Writing - Spotlight Diana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

 July 10th Locks, Hooks and Books - Review Literary Reflections Book Blog - Review Literary Time Out - Review Julie Coulter Bellon - Review T's Stuff - Spotlight Tianna Holley, Author - Spotlight 

July 11th Pause for Tales - Review The Becca Files - Review Why Not? Because I Said So! - Review A Writer's Life - Spotlight Hearts & Scribbles - Spotlight Katie's Clean Book Collection - Spotlight Min Reads and Reviews -

Spotlight July 12th Simple Wyrdings - Review Reviews by Room With Books - Review Paulette's Papers - Spotlight Here We Go Again Ready - Spotlight FLY HIGH! - Spotlight

 July 13th Mythical Books - Spotlight Bound 2 Escape - Spotlight Stacking My Book Shelves! - Spotlight Cassandra M's Place - Spotlight Bookish Reviews by Denise Blogs - Spotlight

  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 7/24/18 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway