Saturday, June 30, 2018

Review: When Through Deep Waters by Rachelle Dekker





Blurb (from Amazon):

Alicen McCaffrey finally has the life her mother always dreamed for her: beautiful home in Santa Monica, successful husband, adorable daughter. Then tragedy blows her carefully assembled façade to pieces. Worse yet―Alicen feels solely responsible. At rock bottom, she decides to accompany a childhood friend back to Red Lodge, Montana, where they spent summers together as kids.

The peaceful mountain landscape, accented with lush forests and small-town charm, brings back happy memories of time spent with her beloved, eccentric Grandma Josephine. Alicen begins to hope that perhaps things could be different here. Perhaps the oppressive guilt will lift―if only for a moment.

But when Alicen starts hearing voices and seeing mysterious figures near the river in the woods, she begins to fear she’s completely lost her sanity, as it’s rumored her grandmother did. Or might there be more to Red Lodge than meets the eye? Could the voices and visions be real―and her only means of finding the healing she so desperately needs? Or will they prove to be her final undoing?



My Review: 

When Through Deep Waters is one of those books that I hesitated picking up to read. I assumed it would probably not be a book for me. I do not normally read in this genre. However, I quickly changed my mind as soon as I read Chapter One. I am so glad I gave it a chance. I loved this book. Alicen endures so much tragedy, heart break and pain. This is one of those books that many can relate to. As soon as I finished it, I started recommending it to my friends. 

I highly highly recommed When Through Deep Waters and would give it 100 stars if I could. 


I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion. 



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Friday, June 29, 2018

Review: Becoming the Talbot Sisters by Rachel Linden





Blurb (from Amazon):

Twin sisters Waverly and Charlie Talbot have drifted far apart as they pursue opposite dreams of stardom and service to the poor. Now they must come together to face their fears, find their courage, and fight for what they love.
Celebrity chef Waverly Talbot has built a successful career with her home-entertaining show Simply Perfect. Yet she and her husband, Andrew, have never been able to realize the true desire of Waverly’s heart: to become a mother. Meanwhile Waverly’s twin sister, Charlie, buries her bitter disappointment and shattered idealism beneath a life spent serving others as an international aid worker in Budapest, Hungary.
 When the beloved aunt who raised them passes away, Waverly and Charlie come together in their grief after living years on separate continents. Struck by a fierce desire to bridge the distance between them, Charlie offers Waverly and her husband the selfless gift of surrogacy.

But soon the sisters find they are each in danger of losing their jobs, seemingly putting their dreams on hold once again. When Waverly shows up unannounced in Budapest with a plan to rescue Simply Perfect, the sisters embark on an adventure across central Europe that could save them both from occupational hazards. Though the twins haven’t had to rely on each other since childhood, a dramatic turn in their journey forces them to stand together to save their careers, the baby, and each other.


My Review

Becoming the Talbot Sisters: A Novel of Two Sisters and the Courage That Unite Them is a pretty good read. I enjoyed learning and seeing the differences between the sisters, Charlie and Waverley. The story has a mixture of emotions that made their story flow. 

I give Becoming the Talbot Sisters four stars and hope to read more by Rachel Linden in the future. This is most definitely a must read and I recommend it.

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion. 



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Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Windsong and Requiem Of a Great Deep by Chad Hunter


Windsong & Requiem - Of a Great Deep
by Chad Hunter


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

GENRE:   Pirate fantasy, Mature

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

BLURB:

The year is 1716. The world is in the Golden Age of Piracy and fabled ships sail the seven seas. One such vessel is the Requiem, captained by the young but wise, brave but dubious Nabopolassar “Bo” Travis. Alongside his first mate Ghassan, quartermaster Winter Burke and navigator Glover, Travis seeks treasure, female company and good drink. The Requiem’s legendary adventures are filled with tales of monsters and myths - all of which are true. Now, someone or something is sailing the seas in search for a treasure chest – a chest that holds unknown riches which only promise to change the world forever. Captain Travis, his crew and a beautiful young map reader must brave the dark and the deep to find the treasure. Will the Requiem find the X on the spot before the infamous Captain George “Bloody-Face” Fiddick does? Will Travis uncover the secret behind the cursed black ship which changed his young life forever? And will the treasure chest truly be full of riches or does something far more insidious lie in wait? Ready your flintlock. Sharpen your sword. The Requiem awaits.


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

EXCERPT

When captains and crews saw the Crimson Lady with Bloody-Face Fiddick at the
helm, it was fear that ran in their veins.  

Bloody Face had become a larger than life villain, a monster on the open seas.  
George Fiddick was a businessman – now tired and unable to out sail time.

"Captain Fiddick, sir, the ship is ready.  Repairs are complete and supplies are---"  The voice
turned Bloody Face around towards the few beams of natural light entering the cavern.  It
belonged to a giant of a man.  Fiddick was big and strong, yes, but this man was young and
cut with muscles atop muscles.  He was bald, possibly hairless from crown to foot and the
sea and sun had tanned his skin for good.  Scars told stories and many of them had this
goliath as the victor.

"Mr. Cragg," the captain answered in response to the man's sudden silence, "What is it?"

The big man stretched out his hand and pointed.  In the captain's room, was a massive
wooden desk.  Hand carved and ornate in its curves and lattice work down its sides.  On the
desk was a half skull with a large dagger driven through its top.  There was no bottom jaw. 
A blade plunged directly into the skull.  The handle was curved and covered in unknown
shapes and carvings.   

Eye sockets which were normally black now flickered with unearthly light.
Fiddick nodded to his second-in-command.  "Thank you for the update, Mr. Cragg.  That
will be all."

Cragg bowed slightly and vacated the chamber.

Windsong & Requiem





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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Chad Hunter was born in East Chicago, Indiana. Raised by a single mother in the city's Harbor section, he is the youngest of four. Growing up in the Midwest and a proudly self-proclaimed "Region Rat," Hunter has written and published several books and novels. He has written for magazines and newspapers throughout North America and has been published in several languages. His writings have been called sophisticated yet humorous, sharp witted and unrelenting.
 
Most often, Hunter's writings have been considered so wide and diverse that they span a scale that would include multiple writers with multiple forms.  In addition to being a published author and journalist, Hunter is also a professional speaker.  Having presented to high schools, colleges and various other audiences, his talks and discussions center around the positive impact of literary and creative presences in one’s life.  A large portion of Hunter’s focus is on the uncanny strength of human connectedness which is emphasized via the lens of writing and creativity.
 
Working in genres including dark fantasy, memoirs, science-fiction and anecdotal collections, Hunter weaves tales of monsters, heroes, zombies, wedding planning, technology, pirates and even black parakeets.  With over ten books under his belt, If anything binds his varied styles, it is Hunter's theme of the human condition, humor and family closeness - all to the backdrop of romantic love, vibrant remembrance and even monsters themselves.



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

GIVEAWAY 

Chad Hunter will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.



a Rafflecopter giveaway



DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE TOUR AND COMMENT
ON EACH STOP TO EARN MORE ENTRIES TO WIN!

June 25: Kit 'N Kabookle
June 27: Mythical Books
July 10: Christine Young
July 12: Mixed Book Bag
July 12: Bookaholic








My Review

Of a Great Deep is the first introduction to the Windsong & Requiem series by 
Chad Hunter. I enjoyed this 1716 era novel. I found it to be full of adventure, action, mystery and suspense. Captain Travis is a fun character. I was captivated with the story that, also, includes legends, myths and monsters. 

What a wonderful magical tale! I give Of a Great Deep (Windsong & Requiem #1) four and a half stars. Most definitely worth a read and I recommend it. 


I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion. 





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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Review: Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin





Blurb (from Amazon):

Allie is still recovering from the loss of her family’s beloved waterfront restaurant on Florida’s Gulf Coast when she loses her second husband to a terrifying highway accident. Devastated and losing hope, she shudders to contemplate the future—until a cherished person from her past returns.
Joseph has been adrift for many years, wounded in both body and spirit and unable to come to terms with the trauma of his Vietnam War experiences. Just as he resolves to abandon his search for peace and live alone at a remote cabin in the Carolina mountains, he discovers a mother and her two small children lost in the forest. A man of character and strength, he instinctively steps in to help them get back to their home in Florida. There he will return to his own hometown—and witness the accident that launches a bittersweet reunion with his childhood sweetheart, Allie.
When Joseph offers to help Allie rebuild her restaurant, it seems the flame may reignite—until a 45-year-old secret from the past begins to emerge, threatening to destroy all hope for their second chance at love.

In Send Down the Rain, Charles Martin proves himself to be a storyteller of great wisdom and compassion who bears witness to the dreams we cherish, the struggles we face, and the courage we must summon when life seems to threaten what we hold most dear.



My Review

Send Down the Rain is a wonderful read. It is probably my new favorite that I have read by Charles Martin. The characters are true to life to me and I felt like I knew them and understood them. A beautiful story of healing, hope, and faith.


I believe many readers will be inspired by Send Down the Rain. I give it 5+ stars. Highly recommended for readers who are wanting to discover the truth with themselves.

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion. 



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Book Blast and Giveaway: Sons of Charlotte


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

How many secrets can the Queen City conceal?

Charlotte, NC - 1966

After a head injury on the basketball court, Tony Malone, a firefighter, confides in his best friend and captain, Steve, about a strange dream he had while unconscious. It was as if he were living a different life. Steve brushes it off as related to his injury, but Tony begins to experience more phenomena with these new memories, unbeknownst to his wife, Lana. Tony struggles to live with his secret until a fire opens up a whole new world.

Charlotte, NC - 1996

Chuck Thomas began his ascent to greatness at a graphic design firm headed by Elizabeth Wheaton, the battle-ax of the Queen City corporate scene. A series of Chuck’s immoral decisions leaves the very powerful Wheaton with a raging vendetta. The playboy eventually meets Valerie Meyers, a shy girl with a complicated past, and the two marry. Their idyllic life is halted by a suspicious brush with death leaving Valerie once again picking up the pieces.

Two Souls, Too Many Questions

Literally torn between two worlds, Valerie must once again deal with the loss of her husband and come to terms with what happened to Chuck Thomas and who Tony Malone really was.

Read an Excerpt:

“Hey, so what? Oooh, I said ‘Shamu.’ Big whoop. C’mon man. You know she's been called that and worse before. Besides, she knows she’s freaking gorgeous now. That’s how she stole you from me. We had a good thing going and she messed it all up!” Grant’s demeanor was gradually showing more of his intoxication, but Chuck couldn’t help himself. In one swift motion, Chuck lifted Grant off the chair by his collar and pinned him against the brick wall beside the door.

“I’m done with you! You have always been an entitled narcissist, but I will not… hear me, Grant… I will NOT allow you cause problems in my marriage. I put up with all of your snide remarks and inability to take responsibility, but I’m just as bad as you if I let this slide.” With his forearm pressed firmly against Grant’s windpipe, Chuck was thankful for the shadow he noticed creeping over his friend’s face by the headlights of a cab making its way up the drive. “Your ride is here.” He released Grant from his grasp and took a step back.

“You’ll be sorry you overreacted tomorrow, Chuck. I’m the one who has always been here for you.” Grant readjusted his collar and cut a look at Chuck.

“No. When you sober up, you’ll be sorry. I need you to understand that you’re not welcome here anymore. Don’t call, don’t text, don’t step one foot on my property. Do you understand? I’m done with this, I’m done with you.”

About the Authors: Along with being a successful writer and editor, AnnaMarie Cantrell is a self-made entrepreneur, starting her first consultation firm at the age of 18. She is Co-Founder and Vice President of Captive Ink Media, a literary consulting firm offering expertise to authors at all stages in their careers, and providing clients national exposure in media outlets such as The Chicago Times, Reader’s Digest, and Bustle. Her work with veterans was recently featured on the CW.

Dr. Matthew Chavis is an accomplished author and speaker. His works have been featured through a plethora of avenues. His inaugural book Old Highway 316 offers readers a glimpse into his life, as he loosely based this fiction novel on his testimony and was recently featured on the 700 Club. Many of his stories encompass the best aspects of romance, drama, paranormal and suspense/thrillers.

Through her own unique marketing plan, Dana Lynn transformed a self-published book into a serious work garnering national attention and bestseller status (under the pen name Katharine DeBrecht). She has appeared on every national cable news network numerous times and on over 500 radio shows across the country, repeatedly requested for additional appearances. As a self-syndicated writer, her opinion-editorials have appeared in major newspapers throughout the United States and across the globe.

http://www.SonsofCharlotte.com
https://www.facebook.com/SonsofCharlotteTORN
http://twitter.com/SonsofCharlotte
http://www.CaptiveInkMedia.com

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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The New Adventures of AR Achind by Sandi Smith



Book Details:

Book Title: The New Adventures of A.R. Achnid (Revised Edition)
Author: Sandi Smith
Illustrator: Kathy Lee
Category: Children's Fiction, 126 pages
Genre: Children's Chapter Book, Animals, Bugs & Spiders
Publisher: Mindstir Media
Release date: January 3, 2017
Tour dates: June 18 to July 13, 2018
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

Harold! There goes that spider! See, he is running on the floor! That spider has to go. He cannot live here anymore!!! Oh, no! Beth looks very, very angry. What has A.R. Achnid done now? Well, before A.R. got into big trouble with Beth, he had a lot of wonderful adventures.

There are ten different adventures in this book. There is the time he went to the circus and rode on a balloon, and then had some shoo fly pie. Another day, A.R. and Rex (a Great Dane, who is A.R.’s best friend) decided to walk all the way into town, and they had such a wonderful time. Then, A.R. and his family went to New York City for the biggest craft fair ever (which was for spiders only), plus many, many other adventures.

Unfortunately, in the tenth story, A.R.’s current living situation is going to need an adjustment. Something changes in the lives of Harold and Beth (the humans) that will make things very difficult for A.R. Come along with A.R. for some fun, and find out what small bundle will cause problems for A.R. and his family.

As A.R. says, “Spiders rule!”

To follow the tour, please visit Sandi Smith's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Watch the book trailer:



Meet the Author:



Sandi Smith spent her time as a young girl combing the shelves of the public library. She has always enjoyed the magic that books have to offer and was inspired by her high school English teacher, Mr. Coolidge to embrace the arts. The author found her calling as a writer early one morning as her first story came to her in the form of a poem. Since then she has written more than 15 children’s books, with her most popular series about the adventures of an adorable spider in the A.R. Achnid series.

Sandi is happily married to her inspiration and husband of 40 years, John. She continues to write for her two precious grandchildren. When she’s not penning a new story, Sandi and John like to camp, kayak and to enjoy the simple life in their home in Pembroke, NH.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest


Interview

If you could go back in time, where would you go?  Oh, I would love to go back to the 50’s.  I loved the music and the clothes they wore. It seemed to be such a simple time. Also, I would have loved to see Elvis Presley in concert. 


Favorite travel spot?  My husband and I do not travel very much. I am afraid to fly. We live in New Hampshire, and we love it there.  It is such a beautiful state, with so many places to visit.  The mountains are gorgeous in the fall when the leaves change, and we have the ocean for the summer.  The first snowfall is my favorite time of year.  Also, we have the best lobster!  We do enjoy visiting all of the beautiful states in New England, when we get a chance. 


Favorite dessert?   Strawberry shortcake…hands down!   But it has to be made with a homemade biscuit, hot out of the oven, buttered, and then fresh strawberries that have been sitting with a little sugar sprinkled over them, and topped with whipped sweetened heavy cream.  Nothing like it.  

If you’re a mom writer, how do you balance your time?   I have grown children now, so that is not a problem for me, but I do have a husband who has retired, and likes to come in and chit chat, which can be a small (but welcome) interruption.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you?  The first book I would want with me would be the Bible. I think if I were stuck on a deserted island, I would need all of the strength I could get.  Then I would have a Fanny Flagg book and a Maeve Binchy book.


Enter the Giveaway!
Ends July 21, 2018


a Rafflecopter giveaway





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