Book Review Lite ~ Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

*Book purchased from www.amazon.com *

For book description and other information about the book, please click on the picture to go to the Goodreads page.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I was accepted by Litfuse to review "Safe in His Arms" which is the second book in the Under the Texas Stars series by Colleen Coble.  I wanted to read the first book, "Blue Moon Promise" so that I could have a good background established before reading book two.  I've bought very, very few books this year.  I've had a self-imposed limit for buying and get most of my books either through paperbackswap or for review.  Not to mention the many books on my shelf.  This was one of the few I bought.

Nate's reaction to his father bringing him home a bride-by-proxy was priceless.  He cowboyed up and muddles his way along as he takes his responsibility to care for Lucy and her siblings the best that he can.  Once he decided to accept the marriage, he was all in.

Lucy knew they needed protection but was a little slower at warming up to Nate.  She was so consumed with trying to be the best at everything that she didn't take the time to enjoy life.  I enjoyed watching her learn that you can't earn love and that most of all God's love isn't earned it is freely given.

I'm going to be giving this book away as part of the "Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop".  Be watching in early January for the giveaway post :)  Also, be watching for my full review and giveaway of "Safe in His Arms" late in January or early in February.

Rating

4/5

On to the next book,

Book Review Lite ~ Raider's Heart by Marcia Gruver

*Book received from www.paperbackswap.com *

For book description and other information about the book, please click on the picture to go to the Goodreads page.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This book starts out in a very interesting and intriguing way.  The mystery of a magic lamp, a man lost in sorrow and a unspoken of death unfolds throughout the book.

The unique setting was in the swamps of North Carolina not long after the Civil War.  It was very interesting to read about the life of the people who called the swamp their home.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a fairly large section of the book takes place at Christmas-time.  The description of decorating the small cabin in the swamp with pine and holly and making homemade decorations out of newspaper really helped me get into the Christmas spirit.

This is the first book of the Backwoods Brides series.  I already have book 2 on my shelf and look forward to reading it very soon.

I'm also giving this book away as part of the "Mid-Winter's Eve Giveaway Hop" which ends on 12/27/12.  The button to the post where you must enter is on my sidebar.  If not there, the giveaway has ended.

 

Rating

4/5

On to the next book,

Book Review and Giveaway ~ Sydney West by R. McKinsey ~ 5/5! ~ Ends 12/23

I am pleased to say that I am taking part in the above Pump Up Your Book blog tour!  You can click on the picture to go find out more details about the book, the author, and other tour stops.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

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And now, for the review:

Title:  "Sydney West"

Series:  Sydney West Book #1

Author:  R. McKinsey
Publisher:  Booklocker.com, Inc.
Publication Date:  2/15/2012

Pages:  216

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

After a tall, pale stranger collapses in the middle of a busy coffee shop, a college town is inspired with paranoia that isn't completely unwarranted. The man wakes as an amnesiac but for impressive observation and memory skills, with an eccentricity to match. Inconsistencies build around him as he tries to piece together his history, teaching others about the real world in the process.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

Right after I finished reading this book, I wrote a quick note on Goodreads concerning it.  The note read: 

"I can't decide if this book was amazingly strange or strangely amazing. Either way amazing is in there! "

Now, a few days after reading the book, I feel the very same way.

I love when  book grabs a hold of me and makes me think about long after I turn the last page.  I found myself driving down the road thinking about this book and that is why I know that my rating holds true.  At least for me.

Main Characters:


Sydney West:  What a strange character!  Sydney seems strange even to himself.  He has no memory of who he is yet finds clues all about him.  He is compared to Sherlock Holmes in the book and it is such an accurate description!  I could see and hear his voice plain as day.  The author did an excellent job with his character.

Jacob Walton:  Jacob is a college student who has the (mis)fortune of standing behind Sydney as he passes out.  As time goes on it becomes a mystery as to if it was an accident that Jacob was there.

 

My Favorite Scene(s):

My favorite scenes are when Sydney and Jacob interact.  It is hilarious, confusing, intriguing and entertaining all at once.


A Brief Excerpt:

Had Sydney found something in whatever he was looking at?  A camera?  Microphone?  Jacob had to rein in his imagination.  Sydney seemed more able to cope with welling paranoia, but Jacob didn't want to give himself the chance to break under the same pressure.

Page 160

The Cover:

The cover of the book suits it perfectly.  It reminds me of the winter weather, the cold, the blanks in Sydney's memory as well as a faint light of piecing it together.  It is very mysterious and "X-File-y" .  Just perfect!
Other Notes:

-I would recommend this book to anyone without pause!
-The second book "Lorem Ipsum" apparently was released in November 2012.  I hope to get my hands on it soon!
Rating

5/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review copy of this book:

*Mandatory- Please leave a comment telling me what you like the most about books that include a mystery or something random about Sherlock Holmes or the X-Files :)

*Extra- Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until December 23, 2012 at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on December 24th.

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On to the next book,

Book Review and Giveaway ~ Glimmers by Barbara Brooke ~ Ends 12/18

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review as part of a CBB Book Promotions Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, trailer and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "Glimmers"
Series:  N/A

Author:  Barbara Brooke
Publisher:  Glimmers
Publication Date:  3/28/12

Pages:  288

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

A simple touch and suddenly, Paige is in the past - living someone else's life, seeing the world through their eyes, and feeling their deepest emotions.

Paige used to think memories only existed in one's mind. But now, she knows better. She can't explain how or why, but she has glimmers: special moments that have remained behind - clinging to a letter, a ring, even a worn-out pair of boots.

When Paige returns from each glimmer, a small part of her has changed. Who is this gourmet cook, fashion designer, feisty lover? And how is she supposed to explain this to her family without them thinking she has completely lost her mind?

Paige thought her new talent was a gift, until…she was suddenly transported into her sister’s memory, and caught a glimmer of her secret life.

Take this humorous and romantic journey, as Paige learns about true love through the lives of three extraordinary women.

 

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I really enjoyed reading about the "Glimmers" seen by Paige.  They were interesting and diverse.

The book was heartbreaking at times, dramatic at others and sweet also.

I look forward to reading "Beyond Glimmers" someday.

Main Characters:

Paige :  Paige is the "main" character of the book.  She has what she learns to be called "glimmers" whenever she touches an object that was/is of importance to someone else.
Delilah Jones:  Delilah is a recent high school graduate in 1988 West Virginia.  She gets a job for the summer at a local resort before heading off to culinary school.  Delilah is Paige's first experience with a glimmer. 

Hailey:  Hailey is Paige's younger sister.  She is engaged to be married but, as Paige learns through a glimmer, is struggling with a dilemma.

Emma Middleton:  Emma is an ancestor of Paige's whose glimmer takes place in 1818.  Emma is caught between what she considers familial duty and following her heart.


One of My  Favorite Scene(s):

My favorite scene is when Paige and Hailey's mom takes over and gets a very messy situation resolved.  It was hilarious!


A Brief Excerpt:

I sigh, trying to remember what I'm supposed to do next.  Since my strange hallucination, time for me is completley skewed.  Before leaving my house this morning, I had to look at the calendar just to remind myself today is Tuesday.

  Page 73

The Cover:

This cover is gorgeous!  It is so whimsical and dreamy.  I love the collage of images and the script perfectly brings them all together.  Beautiful!


Other Notes:

~This is a general market book but is very clean and I would recommend it to anyone.


Rating

4/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win a copy of this book
and a small "Glimmer" treasure box:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me about one of your possessions that you treasure and could possibly cause a glimmer.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until December 18, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on December 19th.

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On to the next book,

Book Review and Giveaway ~ Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love ~ 5/5! ~ Ends 12/14

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "Every Perfect Gift"
Series:  Hickory Ridge Romance Book #3

Author:  Dorothy Love
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson Publishing
Publication Date:  12/4/12

Pages:  320

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Sophie has spent a lifetime guarding her heart and a long-held secret. It will take all of her courage to speak the truth and embrace the future God has planned for her.

The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.

Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.

They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This book was really, really good.  I loved the town, the characters and the plot.

Even though this was the first book I have read of the series, I got to know Hickory Ridge very quickly.  There was just the right amount of back-story so that I got the gist of the history without getting overwhelmed.  I now want to go back and read the first two books!


Main Characters:

Sophie Caldwell:  Sophie was an orphan and doesn't know anything about her lineage except for the rumors that she has mixed blood.  At the time the book is taking place this is a big deal to certain people and Sophie lets it bother her more than she should.  She is also an independent woman who is determined to start a successful newspaper in her hometown.

Ethan Heyward:  Ethan is an architect in charge of the construction and creation of a huge resort, Blue Smoke.  He feels indebted to his employer and goes to great lengths to keep him happy.  Once the resort is finished, Ethan's dream is to build homes, especially to rebuild his family's plantation in Georgia. 


One of My  Favorite Scene(s):

I loved reading about the details of Blue Smoke.  It sounds like an amazing place and I wish it were real!

I also enjoyed learning more about the type-setting process in the newspaper office.

A Brief Excerpt:

Holding her hat in place with one hand, she looked up at the second-floor window of the room where she'd spent a lonely girlhood daydreaming and spinning stories.  She'd expected to feel a sense of fmailiarity upon returning here, a kind of homecoming.  But the moment she stepped off the train, she realized that everything had changed.

  Page 1

The Cover:

This is one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen.  In fact, I featured on one of my Cover Crush posts.  (You can see it HERE.)  The gown, the snow, the Church and the red barn all combine to make a most gorgeous cover!

Other Notes:

~This is the last book in the Hickory Ridge series, but I look forward to seeing what Dorothy Love writes next.

~This is an excellent Christmas read!


Rating

5/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review ARC of this book:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me if you've ever been featured in a newspaper and what for.  Hopefully it wasn't in the police section!  lol

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until December 14, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on December 15th.

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On to the next book,

Book Review and Giveaway~ Last of the Seals by Greg Messel ~ Ends 12/10

I am pleased to say that I am taking part in the above Pump Up Your Book blog tour!  You can click on the picture to go find out more details about the book, the author, and other tour stops.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

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Title:  "Last of the Seals"

Series:  Sam Slater Mystery #1

Author:  Greg Messel
Publisher:  Sunbreaker Publishing
Publication Date:  4/23/2012

Pages:  392

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Mystery, romance and baseball in 1957 San Francisco. Sam Slater is a lifetime minor league baseball player for the San Francisco Seals. The Seals have just one more season left as San Francisco is about to become a major league city. Sam has come to the end of his baseball career and is going to join the private detective agency of his best friend.

When Sam's partner inadvertently sees something he shouldn't have, he is brutally murdered. Sam must go it alone and try to find out why. Along the way he is swept off of his feet by a beautiful, Elvis-obsessed TWA stewardess named Amelia Ryan. Sam and Amelia try to unravel the mystery together. On dark and foggy San Francisco nights, trouble is lurking just around the next corner.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This book was really fun to read.  I was impressed with the historical details as well as the fictional plot.

I learned how the Giants came to be in San Francisco and also a lot about lives of detectives and a stewardesses in the 1950's.

Elvis fans will be thrilled with all the references to his songs.  I admit that I had Elvis songs running through my head for days!


Main Characters:


Amelia Ryan:  Amelia is a 24-year-old stewardess from an Irish Catholic family.  She loves traveling and seeing the new places but it doesn't leave much time for relationships.  Her mother is worried that she will be a spinster.  Amelia shares an apartment with 2 other stewardesses.

Sam Slater:  Sam Slater is an Army Veteran of World War II who plays professional baseball for the San Francisco Seals as a pitcher.  He is 35 years-old and doesn't have much baseball left in him after hurting his elbow while pitching.  Sam plans on joining his best friend's detective agency after the last Seals game but ends up having to solve his friend's murder as his first case.

You can see what actors I would pick to play Sam and Amelia in my Dream Cast post HERE.

My Favorite Scene:

My favorite scenes are when Sam and Amelia are running down leads in the two cases Sam is working on.  Whenever Amelia is in town, she likes to be Sam's "associate".  Amelia, pretending to to work at a bank, calls a girl they are trying to talk to in order to flush her out of an apartment so they can confront her.  It reminds me a bit of "Moonlighting".  I loved that show.

A Brief Excerpt:

Then, Sam noticed a lump in a pocket on the side of the purse.  There was half a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes, a match book, and a cigarette lighter.  Sam flicked the lighter several times and couldn't get it to light.  Then, he looked at the match book cover.  It was silver with black lettering.  It said:

"Bayview Motel
Sausalito, California"

Page 279

The Cover:

This cover is a great representation of the book.  It is all there.  Baseball, crime tape, Sam, Amelia and photographs play a very important part in the story.  I think it is very interesting and refreshing.



Other Notes:

-This is a general market book but there is very little bad language or sexuality in it.  I wasn't uncomfortable reading it at all.

-Smoking is very common in the book, but in the 1950's that was par for the course.

-Be watching for my review of "Deadly Plunge" by Greg Messel, Sam Slater Mystery Book #2, on January 4, 2013!

Rating

4/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review copy of this book:

*Mandatory- Please leave a comment telling me about an experience with baseball, flying, or romance.  I'll leave it up to you!

*Extra- Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until December 9, 2012 at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on December 10th.

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On to the next book,

Book Review and Giveaway ~ No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig 5/5!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "No Safe Harbor"
Series:  Edge of Freedom Book 1

Author:  Elizabeth Ludwig
Publisher:  Bethany House
Publication Date:  10/1/2012

Pages:  352

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:


The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I love the beginning of a new series.  It feels so fresh and new and I anticipate the new characters and setting and look forward to more books to follow.

This book being set in New York with Irish immigrants put me in the mind of the movie "Far and Away".  I loved this book as much as I loved that movie.  I really enjoy reading the Irish brogue :)

I am so glad that I went on a New York trip and visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  It made reading this book so much more exciting!  I could picture everything as I had seen it a few years ago and imagine what it must have been like in the late 1800's when it was at its busiest.

Main Characters:

Cara Hamilton:  Cara is from Northern Ireland where there is much political unrest.  She travels to New York to be reunited with her brother who is in hiding.  There is much mystery and danger and she can trust noone.

Rourke Walsh (aka Rourke Turner):  Rourke is hiding his true identity from Cara and is using her to find her brother.  His motive is revenge.  He is a good man at the core and struggles with the deceit as he gets to know and care for Cara. 


One of My  Favorite Scenes:

As Cara is traveling from Ellis Island to New York City by ferry, she sees the Statue of Liberty up-close.  The description is magical and gave me goose-bumps.


A Brief Excerpt:

Looking up into the Lady's earnest face, Cara gasped.  She'd seen a tintype of her features cast in stark relief, but this close...Never had she imagined the way the sight would make her feel.  No wonder people who intended to make their home in America were filled with such hope.

 

Page 20

The Cover:

I love this cover.  The shadowy man in the background is a great image for alot of the sneaking and spying that takes place in this book.  People were always hiding in the background and watching.


Other Notes:

There was absolutely nothing I would change about this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I can't wait to find out what happens with Eioghan!  I hope he surfaces again :)

Rating

5/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review copy of this book:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me if you've ever visited Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty and if you know where you're ancestors came from.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until November 26, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on November 27th.

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On to the next book,

Book Review ~ Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young

I am pleased to say that I am taking part in the above Pump Up Your Book blog tour!  You can click on the picture to go find out more details about the book, the author, and other tour stops.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

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Title:  "Attorney-Client Privilege"

Series:  Vernetta Henderson Mysteries

Author:  Pamela Samuels Young
Publisher:  Goldman House Publishing
Publication Date:  6/9/2012

Pages:  396

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

A brutal murder, missing documents and an unscrupulous opposing counsel lead attorney Vernetta Henderson on a quest for justice—and ultimately—revenge. The hotshot L.A. lawyer takes on a corporation with a long history of discriminating against women. While Vernetta simply wants justice for her clients, the corporation’s hired gun wants to win . . . and she doesn’t care how. On the home front, Vernetta’s infamous sidekick Special has finally found true love. But is the price more than she’s willing to pay.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I really enjoyed the story told in this book.  I liked the characters and the plot and the mystery kept me guessing.  Even when I thought I had it figured out, I would be surprised again and again.

The story is slowing unveiled the clues and everything fell into place.

I did feel that there was a lot of foul language and detailed sexuality that wasn't necessary for the telling of the story.

Main Characters:


Vernetta Henderson:  Vernetta is a top-notch lawyer who loves a challenge.  She's very intelligent and hard-working with a compassionate heart.

Detective Dean Mankowski:  Detective Mankowski is working a murder case that is tied to Vernetta's class-action lawsuit.

You can see what actors I would pick to play Vernetta and Mankowski in my Dream Cast post HERE.

My Favorite Scene:

My favorite scene is when Olivia is suspended from work for quoting a Scripture to her boss.  Her fellow workers then stage a "sick-out" in protest!  I'd never even heard of a "sick-out" before but I can see how it would be effective.


A Brief Excerpt:

For a lawyer, standing on the courthouse steps following a big victory, fielding questions from reporters is akin to having your moment on the red carpet.  You smile humbly and talk eloquently about justice and the importance of the jury system.

But when you lose, it's like showing up for a public stoning.

Page 33

The Cover:

I think this cover shows the power and prestige that Vernetta carries with her.  She is feminine and yet all business when she needs to be.


Other Notes:

-There was a lot of vulgar language in this book.

-This is definitely a main stream book with an abundance of  adult situations and sexuality.

Rating

3/5

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Pump Up Your Book and Pamela Samuels Young are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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On to the next book,

Book Review ~ The Bloody Mary Club by Debbie Dyke

I am pleased to say that I am taking part in the above Pump Up Your Book blog tour!  You can click on the picture to go find out more details about the book, the author, and other tour stops.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

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Title:  "The Bloody Mary Clue"

Series:  N/A

Author:  Debbie Dyke
Publisher:  DCD Publishing
Publication Date:  5/12/2012

Pages:  394

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

A Fiscal Thriller Set in Historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Stock market meltdown. United States housing bubble. Global financial crisis. Chief executives cooking the books. Who can you trust for financial advice? Gina Van Story, a savvy 40ish investment advisor to the rescue. She can spot a trend on the market and jump on it like a cat. She dreams of grabbing the bull by the horns and is on the hunt for one final big score. Gina and her three best friends form the Bloody Mary Investment Club and come face-to-face with corruption in a David and Goliath struggle when their stock portfolio turns deadly…literally.

Over made-to-order Bloody Mary cocktails at historic Gadsby’s Tavern, Gina takes her friends under her wing and teaches them the ins and outs of the stock market. Trouble begins when, following Gina’s bullish advice, they become majority owners in the local bank and then stubbornly turn down a lucrative buyout offer. Not only will money and greed challenge their friendship, they will have to get smart fast and figure out how to turn the tables on the charmingly seductive, yet evil, banker who wants control of their stock by any means necessary – including murder

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

Even though alot of the financial lingo was lost on me, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I loved the characters and the dynamics of the Bloody Mary Club  (BMC)members.  The fact that they had been friends for so many years really touched me.  They truly had each other's back.


Main Characters:


Gina Van Story:  Gina is the financial guru of the BMC.  She is determined for her and her friends to retire rich.

Joanie McManus:  Joanie is the computer expert who is supplementing her computer design business with "adult" internet movies.

Vivienne Harrison:  Vivi is legal secretary who is a "Serial Bride".  She likes to make a grand entrance.

Sarah Browder:  Sarah is an accountant who has fought and won a battle with cancer.  She seems timid at first but has a lot of gumption when it comes down to it.

My Favorite Scene:

My favorite scene is when the BMC girls are trying to play "Spy" and get into a hotel room for top secret information.  Hilarious!

A Brief Excerpt:

"You've all grown up thinking you can't handle this stuff and if you're a good girl, some big strong man will come along and take care of you.  Wake up.  It's not going to happen.  Without this club, you'll be greeters at Wal-Mart when you're seventy."

Page 28

The Cover:

I think the cover is very intriguing and very appropriate for the content of the book.  And look at that tip!

Other Notes:

-There was a good bit of vulgar language in this book.
-This is definitely a main stream book with adult situations and sexuality.

-For those not having a "financial mind" there are parts that seems like another language entirely but I did learn a bit about the stock market.


Rating

4/5

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 A BLOODY MARY GIFT BASKET AND WALL STREET JOURNAL WEEKEND SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAY


Pump Up Your Book and The Bloody Mary Club are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Bloody Mary Gift Basket and Weekend Subscription to the Wall Street Journal!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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On to the next book,

Book Review and Giveaway ~ The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "The Breath of Dawn"
Series:  The Spencer Family

Author:  Kristen Heitzmann
Publisher:  Bethany House
Publication Date:  11/2012

Pages:  416

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the “success guru,” has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he’s living for–until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.

Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.

Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future?

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This book is a sequel to "The Still of Night" which I absolutely loved!  I loved Morgan's character but wasn't sure how I would feel reading this book because Jill (the leading lady) had died which broke my heart.

This book took me on an emotional roller coaster from the first page.  The first paragraph, really.  I loved meeting Quinn and little Livie was adorable. 

Kristen made these characters so real just as she did in every other book I've read from her.  I should have never doubted!


Main Characters:

Quinn Reilly:  Quinn had testified against a con-man and helped put him in jail even though it alienated her from her entire family.  She is an ebay trader which I loved!  She travels around acquiring merchandise for her online store and meets Morgan and lots of trouble along the way.

Morgan Spencer:  Morgan had lost his wife, Jill, shortly after the birth of their daughter.  He withdrew from his corporate life to heal and raise Livie with the help of his brother and sister-in-law.  He's a fixer and can't ignore Quinn's pleas for help.

 

Livie Spencer:  Livie is Morgan and Jill's 2 year-old daughter.  She is what they call a "sprite".  She's lively and loving and winds herself around Quinn's heart in no time.  She is Morgan's primary concern.


My Favorite Scene:

My favorite scene is Thanksgiving at Rick and Noelle's ranch.  Morgan helps Quinn deep-fry a turkey.  This is when Morgan and Quinn really start getting to know one another.  With Thanksgiving coming soon, it was the perfect mood-setter.  Even the blizzard that came seemed cozy!


A Brief Excerpt:

Before using his computer, she went to the window and watched the storm.  The wind had teeth, and she'd have to face it again.  Cold just thinking about it, she turned away and activated his laptop.  It came right up, but she couldn't get in, so she went to the door of Livie's room.  The little girl wore footed jammies that made her too cuddly to bear.  Nestled in with her daddy, rocking and reading, the two of them entranced her. 

Page 116

The Cover:

While I like the cover in general, given the storyline it doesn't exactly make a lot of sense.  I assume the water and boats represent the time in Santa Barbara at Morgan's home but they really weren't there very long.  Most of the time was spent in Colorado.  So, I'm a little ho-hum about this cover.


Other Notes:

-Some really weird and spooky things happen in this book so I wouldn't recommend reading it around Halloween which I did purely by coincidence.

-There were some majorly heartbreaking moments in this book.  Be prepared to cry.


Rating

4/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review copy of this book:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me one of your family's Thanksgiving traditions or a special Thanksgiving memory.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until November 13, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on November 14th.

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On to the next book,

Book Review and Giveaway ~ The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer 5/5!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "The Memory Jar"
Series:  Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Book 1

Author:  Tricia Goyer
Publisher:  Zondervan
Publication Date:  10/23/2012

Pages:  352

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Every year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides

Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I haven't been reading very many Amish books lately but I couldn't pass up the reference to "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", one of my very favorite movies.  And when I saw that this was the very first book in the series, I was so excited!

The Amish of West Kootenai are very laid back but remain steadfast in their faith.  I really enjoyed reading about an atypical setting for an Amish story.  This book was one of the best in the genre that I've read!

Main Characters:

Sarah Shelter:  Sarah has never recovered from the horrifying loss of her best friend.  She goes on with life as best she can by serving others.  She is a baker and loves making cupcakes the most and dreams of owning her own bakery.  She is reaching the age of "spinsterhood" and is losing the hope of ever having her own family and home.

Jathan Schrock:  Jathan travels from his traditional Amish town in Ohio to West Kootanai.  On the surface, he is there for the hunting but he is really fighting an inner battle of whether to obey his father's plan for the future or fight for his own dreams.

Patty Litwiller:  Even though Patty is only "alive" in the prologue, her influence in Sarah's life is long-lasting.  Patty taught Sarah to love life and look at the world around her and see the joy.  She is never far from Sarah's thoughts and memories.

My Favorite Scene:

Some of my favorite scenes were when Sarah is remembering her times with Patty as they grew up together.  Each memory is represented by an object in their Memory Jars.  I loved reading the stories behind each item that had been collected.

A Brief Excerpt:

Instinctively, Sarah's arms went around Jathan's neck.  Her cheek was just slightly lower than his chin and she felt his warm breath on her face.  She couldn't remember the last time she'd been carried.  Maybe when she was a toddler in Dat's arms.  This was completley different.

 

Page 117

The Cover:

I love the brightness of this cover.  Jathan's eyes are on Sarah while Sarah's eyes are on her memories.  This is very symbolic.

Other Notes:

I got so frustrated with Jathan sometimes!  I wanted to smack him in the head!

I used this book in my "Dream Cast post.  You can see who I would cast for Sarah and Jathan HERE.
Rating

5/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review copy of this book:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me about a keepsake that you cherish or what you like about starting a new series.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until November 13, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on November 14th.

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On to the next book,