Book Review: Nora and the Sacred Stones

Book Review With Lauren

Nora and the Sacred Stones by Laura Hatch Rupper is the story of a girl with a special gift who is trying to save her family. The beginning has such an interesting premise and readers will be hooked right away. Nora has broken into the palace and has to escape before she is caught, but she is seen and a search party is sent after her. Fortunately, the prince who saw her seems to have feelings for her almost immediately, which helps when they realize what they are really up against. Will Nora be able to accomplish the mission she risked her life for? And understand the gift she's been given?

This is the perfect adventure read for the ages of 10 up to middle school with lots of action to pull you in and great characters to keep you reading. This story also has a bit of a love story, which is difficult to intertwine in just over 100 pages, but the author did a beautiful job in building friendship and feelings and showing what determination really looks like. Children and adults alike will enjoy the world that Rupper has created and definitely hope for a sequel.

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

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Trespasser, Thief, Assailant—these were never titles Nora planned on. She was just trying to protect her sister. With the help of her little brother and his best friend, Nora embarks on a life-or-death quest that could rock the very fabric of their society.

After breaking into the royal palace, Nora discovers that the ancient power of the sacred stones is more than just a legend. But in her desperate attempt to help her sister, Nora may have awoken something deep inside the earth—a power she doesn’t fully understand. As Nora flees, she accidentally encounters Prince Kyn, heir to the Liardian throne. She narrowly manages to escape, but now the young prince knows who she is and what she looks like.

Eager to prove himself to his father, Prince Kyn leads a mission to find Nora and bring her back to House Liard. Unfortunately, his search is riddled with obstacles he never saw coming. Kyn soon realizes he needs Nora’s help more than he could have possibly imagined. In fact, the whole world does.

Enter the giveaway HERE

Movie News and a Giveaway!

Our family really enjoyed the movie, Once I Was a Beehive, and the sequel to it, Once I was Engaged, is coming out on July 21st! It sounds so fun. Here's the teaser:

When Bree Carrington gets engaged while at BYU Hawaii, her loving but over-the-top mom goes all out to create the wedding of the century. But both mother and daughter must overcome the pressure of perfection when this happily ever after story doesn’t go quite as expected.

The movie will be in Utah theaters on July 21, 2021 and theaters in Idaho, Arizona, and Las Vegas, on August 6th and nationally August 13th. A perfect summer show. You can get tickets and more information HERE

Watch the movie trailer and then don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Here's a little more info: Written and directed by Maclain Nelson, ONCE I WAS ENGAGED brings back all the original film’s favorite cast of characters, including Bree (Clare Niederpruem), Holly (Hailey Smith), Lane (Paris Warner), and of course, Carrie Carrington (Lisa Valentine Clark). And this film introduces a couple key new characters, including Curt Carrington; Carrie’s husband and Bree’s father, played by High School Musical’s Bart Johnson; and Thys Chesterfield, played by Studio C’s Tanner Gillman.

“Fans have been screaming for a sequel ever since we released the first film,” exclaimed Nelson. “And we are beyond excited for everyone to get back to the movie theatre and experience the next chapter in the lives of their favorite campers.”

The story takes place about two years after ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE. The young women and their leaders have grown up (some more than others), and Bree’s surprise engagement and the whirlwind of wedding planning brings them all back together – with hilarious and touching results.

“This movie is the warmest and funniest thing you’ll see this year,” quipped Lisa Valentine Clark. “Not to mention audiences get to see some men in the mix this time. We added the one-and-only Bart Johnson and the charming and hilarious Tanner Gillman. I’m not going to say they steal the show, but I’m not going to not say that either. You’ll just have to come see for yourself.”

Even though the story is a sequel to the first film, audiences will also get to see the original girls as their much younger selves for the first time. “I won’t give away too much, but old and new fans alike get to learn so much more history of the girls,” explained Clare Niederpruem, who plays Bree. “Audiences will absolutely adore them, and who knows, maybe there’s a prequel story to BEEHIVE that needs to be told.”

In the years since ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE was released, many cast members have been busy in the entertainment industry, especially Clare Niederpruem. ENGAGED signals her first return to being in front of the camera in quite a few years. “We’re so excited to celebrate at the premiere and mingle with the fans. We want this to be the party of the summer,” said Niederpruem who has become a sought-after director for feature films, TV movies and TV series, including an adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN and multiple TV movies for the Hallmark Channel. 

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What's Your "Meet-Cute" Story?

Have you listened to our Authors Off the Page podcast for June? In it, we're talking about "meet-cutes" the way in which two people meet. We talked about our favorite meet-cutes in movies and books and in our real-life. 

Do you have a fun "meet-cute" story for when you met your significant other or best friend? I'd love to hear it!

You can listen to the podcast HERE or download it on iTunes, Spotify, or Pandora.

Freebie for Romance Fans

 Steal My Heart by Heather B. Moore is free today! This one looks like a cute afternoon read about dating disasters and finding your happily-ever-after.

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Disaster seems to follow Evie Prosper’s dating life everywhere. A fresh start can only mean leaving Prosper forever, which is what she’s determined to do, until she meets Carson Hunt. He unknowingly saves her from another dating disaster, yet their paths keep crossing. Carson is relocating to Prosper of all places, and if Evie could change that one thing about him, she might rethink their connection.

The Viscount's Vow is Now in Audio!

I am so excited that my regency romance, The Viscount's Vow, is now available in audio! My narrator, Jessica Elisa Boyd, is a London actress and is amazing. Perfect for Audio Book Month!

You can get your audio book on Audible here

Here's the back copy:

A man changed by war. The woman who loves him. And a secret that could tear them apart.

Edward Rutledge, the newly minted Viscount Carlisle, has come back from war a changed man. The echo of the battlefield and the death of his best friend, Marcus, haunt him to the point that he decides to break his betrothal to Charlotte - the only woman he’s ever loved. When he’s summoned home to Hartwell Manor, he comes face-to-face with her. Slowly, her strength and love make him see that he might be able to reclaim what he thought was lost. But when word reaches him that Marcus might not have died in Spain and yet lives, Edward will do anything to bring his friend home. As the mystery deepens, however, Edward is drawn into an intrigue that forces him to confront the demons that have plagued him since he returned to England. Will he have to sacrifice everything he’s built with Charlotte in order to keep her safe?

In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren

In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren

This short-and-sweet book called “Like Unto Moroni” is perfect for the collection of any student of The Book of Mormon. 

A verse that is very well-known reads, “if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever;” and this book tells us exactly why that is true. 

Each chapter focuses on one of the qualities of Moroni that are listed in The Book of Mormon, and tells us what we can learn from Moroni’s example. It also expounds on Moroni’s story and explains what we know about him in a simple way. I enjoyed the chapter on the Title of Liberty, and how Moroni stood up for his people’s freedoms and had to act with boldness. We can do the same today as we stand up for what we believe in and, like Moroni, become defenders of the faith.

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Amid the devastation of political and religious strife, there arose a leader so mighty that even thousands of years after his life, he is still lauded as a stalwart example of faith and fortitude. Captain Moroni's acts of heroism and faith in the face of adversity are well documented in the Book of Mormon, and his words and actions stand as an example of spiritual heroism. But who are the Moronis of our day? Who are the bold leaders who have the strength and faith to guide us through these tumultuous last days? The answer to this question is beautifully addressed inLike Unto Moroni. It is you, the faithful Latter-day Saints of this dispensation, who are the great heroes of our day. Individuals who, like Moroni, strive each day to progress in testimony and faith. In learning about the life and legacy of this great Nephite leader, you will learn to tap into your own well of spiritual strength as you fortify your home and family.

Free Summer Beach Romance Collection

If you need some great bite-sized romances to take to the beach or to read on a lazy afternoon, the California Dreamin' Timeless Romance Collection is free today! 

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

In the sweet novella TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore, Gwen uses her wedding photography business to keep her life simple and focus on something other than her own broken heart. When Jack, a guy too handsome for his own good, helps her clean up after a photoshoot, then asks her out, she doesn’t know if she can handle dating again. But Jack’s charm wins her over, and she agrees to meet him for dinner. The more she gets to know Jack, the more she likes him, but everything about him seems too good to be true.

GONE FISHING, a charming novella by Kaylee Baldwin, follows Claire as she tries to convince her dad to leave his start-up company as a boat guide and come back home to Colorado. He’s the only one who can defend Claire against her domineering mother. But when she arrives at the San Diego harbor, she’s met with more than one surprise. First, that her dad is truly living his dream and has never been happier, and second, she’s unexpectedly attracted to his business partner, Miguel.

In THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING, an enchanting novella by Annette Lyon, Alexandria has one last task to perform for her late husband, who died much too young: scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She goes to the Santa Monica Pier to do just that, but her plans get sidetracked after meeting Michael and feeling an immediate connection to him. They grab lunch, and the more time they spend together, the more they discover that they have in common—including past romantic hardships. As the day wears on, Alexandria begins learn that her heart just might be able to find love again.

In Jennifer Moore’s captivating novella A HERO’S SONG, AnneMarie’s career as a romance novelist is skyrocketing and her agent books her on a late night talk show. The host gets her to admit that she was in love once, with a guitar player. Moments after her segment, Lance Holden appears on the same stage, to perform his newest song. Is it a terrible coincidence? AnneMarie hasn’t seen Lance ever since he broke her heart ten years ago, and she has refused to think about him again. Their lives are worlds apart, but as Lance tries to reconcile with AnneMarie, she finds herself taking a second chance.

In STAY WITH ME, an endearing novella by Shannon Guymon, Jolie moves to L.A. to take on a nanny position for the summer, since apparently having a degree in art doesn’t translate to getting a job as a graphic designer. When Fitz, the family’s chauffeur, picks her up at the airport, she wonders if every man in LA is model-gorgeous. When Jolie meets her two charges, she finds them adorable and needy. But it’s harder to hold onto her job than she thought with a hostile Mrs. James and her spoiled brother. Fitz becomes both the silver lining of her job and the man who just might convince her to stay in L.A.

In the delightful novella, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, by Sarah M. Eden, Ada is the best realtor around. The best. She prides herself in matching each client with the house that will fit all of their needs. She hasn’t failed yet. So when Craig hires her to find him the perfect condo for him and his son, Ada is up for the challenge. What she may not be prepared for is her unforeseen attraction to Craig, her immediate attachment to his nine-year-old son, and her heart telling her that it’s okay to take another chance.

Silly Questions to Ponder!

I could not decide which one I wanted more! What about you?

The New Podcast is Up. Have You Listened?

 

I'm just checking to see if you listened to the May episode of Authors Off the Page, yet?! 

In the little clip above you can hear us discussing book boyfriends and movie boyfriends and what would redeem Theo James after his recent Sanditon controversy. LOL 

This episode was a lot of fun! We shared turning points in our lives, debunked myths about being authors, and read an excerpt from our newest projects that you won't hear anywhere else! 

You can download the full episode on Amazon, Audible, Spotify, Pandora, or wherever you get your podcasts! Or click here

And the Winner Is . . .

I am so humbled by those of you who entered the giveaways and shared a little bit of yourselves with me. I LOVED reading all about your firsts, your vacations, your songs, your impressions, and really feeling like I had SO much in common with so many of you! Thank you!

And I have to thank all my author friends who graciously donated their books for my blogaversary. I am so blessed to know them all!

If your name is announced as a winner, please email me at juliecoulterbellon AT gmail DOT com to claim your prize. 

Here are the winners!

*drum roll*

$5 Amazon gift card---Debbie P. 

$5 Amazon gift card---Winnie

A copy of Crown of Rosemund by Michele Ashman Bell and a crown necklace--Sarah! (Your answer was 1/3/19 on the blog post)

A copy of Kiss Me Now by Melanie Jacobson---Kim Hansen

A copy of A Torn Allegiance---Miranda Okleberry

The Super Suspense Bundle---CM Jeppsen

The Riveting Romance Bundle--Melanie Stott

A copy of Falling to Pieces by Annette Lyon---Natalya

A copy of Eye for an Eye by Stephanie Black---Kambria

The Swoony Romance Book Bundle--Katie W.

and the FANTABULOUS BOOK BASKET is--- Lily!

Thank you again to everyone who entered. I appreciate you!

Freebie for Western Romance Fans!

Heather B. Moore's book, One Summer Day, is free today! I haven't read this one, but it looks cute and is part of a series.

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

She’s desperate to start over. He represents the past she wants to leave behind. But falling in love is never about logic.

Macie’s divorce has left her at rock-bottom, and she uproots everything and takes her young daughter to visit Prosperity Ranch for the summer. Every kid deserves to know her grandparents, right? Macie hopes for some healing time, even if she is staying at her ex in-laws ranch. What she isn’t expecting is her ex-husband’s brother, Holt Prosper, to fit every ideal she’s ever hoped for in a man.

I Am SO Glad It's June

I don't know about you, but May was an incredibly busy month for me. Professionally, I'm working on my new book, researching a lot, and proofing an audio book (The Viscount's Vow. I'm so excited for this one!)

Personally, we had a LOT of family events. A baby shower, a baby blessing, Mother's Day, a birthday, a high school graduation, a year-end dance recital, and seemingly never-ending year-end activities for elementary, junior high and high school. We left for a family getaway right after school got out and I can't tell you how badly I needed that vacation. I was so tired. 

That family trip was everything I needed. I had almost all of my children and grandchildren there (and missed dearly the ones who couldn't come!) but we sat by the pool, we fed goats, we rode a train, we had picnics, walked in nature, visited a zoo and rode the carousel, stayed up late and played board games, and just enjoyed being together and laughing until our sides hurt. It was just the recharge that I needed and I'm starting to feel more like myself again!

We just got back and I don't mind telling you I'm having a hard time getting back to work and real-life. I think I'll take one more day of relaxation before I dive in again. 

Do you have any fun vacation/stay-cation plans this summer?  

The Giveaway Wrap-Up! Come See Which Ones You Still Need to Enter!

Okay, this is your LAST CHANCE to get entered for any of the prizes from my month-long celebration of TEN YEARS of blogging! Click on the links below and then follow the directions on the blog. Thank you so much for playing, partying, and celebrating with me! Winners will be announced right here on Friday, June 4th!

First of all, look at yesterday's blog to enter to win the Swoony Romance book bundle giveaway! Then click below for the rest of the prizes.

Click HERE to win Eye for an Eye by Stephanie Black

Click HERE to win Falling to Pieces by Annette Lyon

Click HERE for another entry into the grand prize drawing for a Fantabulous Book Basket

Click HERE for an entry for the Riveting Romance Book Bundle

Click HERE to get an entry for the Super Suspense Book Bundle

Click HERE for another entry into the grand prize drawing for a Fantabulous Book Basket

Click HERE to enter to win an autographed copy of A Torn Allegiance 

Click HERE to enter to win a copy of Kiss Me Now

Click HERE to win an autographed copy of The Crown of Rosemund and a crown necklace

Click HERE to win a $5 Amazon gift card

Click HERE for an entry into the grand prize drawing for a Fantabulous Book Basket

Click HERE for another entry into the grand prize drawing for a Fantabulous Book Basket

Click HERE to be entered to win a $5 Amazon gift card