Review: Second-Chance Dogs

Blurb (from Amazon):

Everyone loves an underdog, and nothing gives us warmer feelings than seeing someone get a second chance in life. A problem pup who flourishes under the right kind of training. The struggling veteran who finds unconditional love wiggling around at the end of a leash. The lonely child who finds comfort in the steady breathing of the warm, furry friend at her side. Each of us needs to be rescued from something--and each of us has the capacity to rescue someone, or something, else.

This collection of more than thirty contemporary, true, feel-good stories spotlights the beauty of being rescued--dogs rescued by people, people rescued by dogs, and even dogs who rescue other animals. It's the perfect companion--well, besides the four-legged, tail-wagging kind--for your morning cup of coffee or an evening curled up on the couch. Contributors include Susy Flory, Dusty Rainbolt, Lauraine Snelling, Melody Carlson, Wanda Dyson, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and many more.



My Review: 

I loved Second-Chance Dogs: True Stories of the Dogs We Rescue and the Dogs Who Rescue Us. I enjoyed the heartwarming and sweet short stories about our furry friends. I found myself giggling at times and tearing up at others. It just full of inspiring stories of unconditional love. 

I highly recommend Second-Chance Dogs. My daughter is so excited that I have finished read the book so she can too read it. I am happy to hand it over to her. 

Five Plus Stars. 

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

Review and Giveaway: The Abolitionist's Daughter by Kathleen L Maher

Author bio:

Kathleen L. Maher has had an infatuation with books and fictional heroes ever since her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit. She has a novella in BARBOUR's 2018 Victorian Christmas Brides collection, featuring her hometown of Elmira, New York. She won the 2012 ACFW Genesis contest for her Civil War historical romance, releasing this summer under a new title The Abolitionist’s Daughter. Her debut historical, Bachelor Buttons, blends her Irish heritage and love of New York history.  Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and a small zoo of rescued animals. 

Follow Kathleen:
on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mahereenie
 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kathleenlmaher

 and on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathleenlmaher/

Giveaway info:

Thanks so much for reviewing my stories Monday and Tuesday, Amy. I look forward to interacting with your readers. To show my appreciation, I am giving away a copy of Victorian Christmas Brides Collection or The Abolitionist’s Daughter to one lucky commenter between both days. (Winner’s choice of format, ebook or print--US residents only.)  To enter, please answer the following question: What setting, time, and place do you wish you could read or write a story about, and why?  Please be sure to leave your email in your entry so you can be notified if random.org selects your entry.

 In addition, I am hosting a rafflecopter to be drawn at the conclusion of my blog tour just before Thanksgiving, with several prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card, a print copy of each of my books, and a Christmas goodie basket. Be sure to follow each stop on the tour to increase your chances of winning! (US residents only.)

Link to rafflecopter: http://gvwy.io/48sxkxc

My Review: 

The Abolitionist's Daughter is a wonderful new release by Kathleen L Maher. The author's talent definitely shines through in this book. The historical details are well written and vivid. Any reader will be transported back into time to the Civil War. It has some scenes in the are I live in - which I found intriguing and thought she captured the time the way I imagined perfectly.
I highly recommend The Abolitionist's Daughter for readers who enjoy clean historical fiction. I give it five plus stars.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Alycat and the Friendship Friday by Alysson Foti Bourque

Book Details:

Book Title: Alycat and the Friendship Friday by Alysson Foti Bourque
Illustrated by: Chiara Civati
Category: Children's Fiction, 32 pages
Genre: Picture Book, Friendship
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Oct 23, 2018
Tour dates: Oct 1 to 27, 2018
Content Rating: G

​Book Description:

It’s finally Friday, and Alycat is excited to go on a field trip with her friends. But when she doesn’t have anyone to sit with on the bus, Alycat feels left out. Can she use her creativity and imagination to help everyone feel included?

​Alycat and the Friendship Friday will teach readers that making new friends isn’t as scary as you might think.

Buy the Book:

​Mascot Books

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Book Depository

Books-a-Million

Add to Goodreads

Watch the book trailer:

Meet the Author:

​Alysson Foti Bourque earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center. After practicing law for six years, she traded in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books. She enjoys public speaking opportunities at schools, conferences, and festivals nationwide. She hopes to inspire people of all ages to follow their dreams and believe in themselves. Currently, she resides in Sunset, Louisiana with her husband and two children.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Author Interview

• In your book you have a new character, Phoebe, who is also on the cover. How did you come up with this character?

Phoebe is actually based on our own cat at home. Our Phoebe is a rescue cat that I first saw on a pet finder website. When I saw her, I just knew that she belonged with us. She was quite shy in the beginning and took a few months to warm up to us. But once she did, it was as if she had always been a part of the family.

• What made you write a book about Phoebe?

Phoebe came into our household very reluctant, nervous, and timid. After some nurturing, acceptance, and effort on our part, she started feeling right at home. After seeing her progression from “new kid on the block” to “run of the house”, I thought that this would be a great lesson of acceptance of others and conquering change in a story.

• How has Phoebe impacted your family?

Adding a cat into our family was quite an adjustment for all of us, including our beloved dog, Bruiser. Bruiser eventually warmed up to Phoebe since he helped himself to her food while we weren’t looking. He was blind and deaf but always knew where Phoebe was at—and where her food was at. About six months after we got Phoebe, Bruiser passed away. Our hearts were so sad but having Phoebe around cheered us up. She was certainly put in our lives for a reason.

• What made you write a book about cats? I wanted to establish a character that was unpredictable, but relatable—and fearless, but responsible. Cats are all of these things so I knew kids could learn a lot from a cat character.

• Are all of your characters different colors and different types of cats? Yes, I want to celebrate diversity and uniqueness in literature so that readers can appreciate individuality. Each cat character has their own traits, markings, colors, and size.

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Nov 3, 2018

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Review and Giveaway: Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L Maher

Author bio:

Kathleen L. Maher has had an infatuation with books and fictional heroes ever since her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit. She has a novella in BARBOUR's 2018 Victorian Christmas Brides collection, featuring her hometown of Elmira, New York. She won the 2012 ACFW Genesis contest for her Civil War historical romance, releasing this summer under a new title The Abolitionist’s Daughter. Her debut historical, Bachelor Buttons, blends her Irish heritage and love of New York history.  Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and a small zoo of rescued animals. 

Follow Kathleen:
on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mahereenie
 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kathleenlmaher

 and on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathleenlmaher/

Giveaway info:

Thanks so much for reviewing my stories Monday and Tuesday, Amy. I look forward to interacting with your readers. To show my appreciation, I am giving away a copy of Victorian Christmas Brides Collection or The Abolitionist’s Daughter to one lucky commenter between both days. (Winner’s choice of format, ebook or print--US residents only.)  To enter, please answer the following question: What setting, time, and place do you wish you could read or write a story about, and why?  Please be sure to leave your email in your entry so you can be notified if random.org selects your entry.

 In addition, I am hosting a rafflecopter to be drawn at the conclusion of my blog tour just before Thanksgiving, with several prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card, a print copy of each of my books, and a Christmas goodie basket. Be sure to follow each stop on the tour to increase your chances of winning! (US residents only.)

Link to rafflecopter: http://gvwy.io/48sxkxc

My Review: 

Kathleen L Maher's Love Brick by Brick is a sweet story set in 1857 Elmira, New York. Rufus and Sarah's story is so sweet with the most beautiful time of the year, Christmas. I, especially, love the little girl, Nellie.

Love Brick by Brick is definitely not one to be missed from The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection. I cannot wait to read more by Miss Kathleen L Maher in the future.

Highly Recommended.

Five Plus Stars.

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

Falling in Love Blog Tour and Giveaway: Jen Geigle Johnson

  Tabitha's Folly by Jen Geigle Johnson Tabitha's Folly is one of Five books all set at the same Regency House Party Series. While each is a standalone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order. Lady Tabitha Easton recklessly dodges four over-protective brothers while trying to gain attention from the man who holds her heart. She has many choices of suitors, and with Henry as disinterested as ever, she turns to what is wholly forbidden, an irresistibly handsome footman. While their friendship grows, her trust in him increases while her hurt and doubt in her childhood love and friend pushes her away from all she's ever known as family. When Lord Henry Courtenay discovers a new attraction to his childhood friend, his role as one of her chaperones at the house party becomes near impossible. Irrationally defensive about any potential suitors and seeking time alone with the enticing Tabby, maintaining friendship with her brothers proves more difficult than he ever imagined. His task becomes all the more difficult when she refuses to understand his growing attraction and often finds herself in almost compromising situations. When Tabitha's choices might lead her to danger, and doubt and distrust are high, Henry must prove himself or lose her forever.  

Get your copy on Amazon

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

    It's the perfect hit of romance, regency, and intrigue. A very fun read. Great characters with the potential for so many more stories. This is a sweet romance and a beautiful ending.   Damen's Secret by Jen Geigle Johnson What happens when a villain falls in love? Will his newfound true feelings be strong enough to divert him from his nefarious plans? The Story of a villain and the life he makes for himself. This is a companion novella to Tabitha's Folly. And although it can be thoroughly enjoyed alone, the true nature of Damen and all his secrets will be better understood having read Tabitha's Folly where his first villainous nature is revealed. Many wanted to understand him better and so, Damen's Secret was born. Damen Laconi is of noble blood from both of his parents. Unfortunately neither will claim him. Legitimacy is hard won as a footman in England. He values his position as the handsomest footman on the countess' estate but hungers for more, a title of his own. Giorgia comes from Italy, sent by Damen's mother, to woo him and bring him home. Can she accomplish such a thing before her own secrets are revealed, and before he carries out his own reckless plans? Damen's Secret is a Regency House Party Novella. Look for all the titles in this series.  

Get your copy on Amazon

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

    Author Jen Geigle Johnson Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference.  
 
Giveaway Details Ends 10/28/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin

Blurb (from Amazon):

The past filled her mind even as her heart yearned for stories yet to be told . . .

The mother of ten and a widow of seven years, Mary Katherine is a bundle of energy, always willing to step in and help her friends around her Amish community. Now that her last child is married, she pours her abundant creative spirit into writing stories, even as she speaks aloud to her late husband every day. Her dream is to open a bookstore with an English friend, but the church elders want this wayward widow to work in an Amish-owned store instead. When her old school friend, Ezekiel, offers her a position as a cook in the restaurant he opened after his wife died, she knows she should accept. But does she really want to spend her time working over a hot stove? 

When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one autumn night, Mary Katherine doesn’t call the sheriff. She turns to Ezekiel. They both see that Burke is need of more than a meal, and Ezekiel offers him the job at the restaurant. 

As they set out to care for their new friend, Mary Katherine and Ezekiel find themselves often working together. Mary Katherine is drawn to Ezekiel, but she remembers the terrible risk of giving her heart to someone. Can two people in the autumns of their lives and so well-versed in the pain of loss put the past behind them and trust in the hope that comes with each new season?

My Review: 

Through the Autumn Air is the third installment from Kelly Irvin’s series, Every Amish Season. I thought it was good. I loved Mary Katherine from the start. I loved seeing a story that involves an older character that finds love. Especially, after she loses her husband, the father of her ten children.

I give Through the Autumn Air four stars. A good inspiring story of faith that shows how to help others and moving on.

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

Grand Finale and Giveaway: Political Parties by Rachel Magee

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Political Parties

By Rachel Magee

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Hello and welcome! I’m so excited you decided to stop by the blog tour for Political Parties. This book is so much fun, and I can’t wait to bring it to you. There are swanky parties, midnight flights on private planes, hot air balloon festivals and a feisty heroine you are going to love. Sound exciting? That’s only the beginning...

underneath the covers - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: Five Tips from the Pros

Who doesn’t love a great party, right? Just the word conjures up thoughts of friends, laughter, good food and possibly distant memories of pin the tail on the donkey. My new book, Political Parties, is all about planning an epic party. The heroine, event planner Reece Ryan, has to work with hotshot lawyer Griffith Brighton to pull off a career changing event that is out of both of their leagues. It’s a fun story full of laughter, love and plenty of party-planning drama...

Remembrancy - Review

"While parts of the book were a little predictable, especially near the end, those same things are what made this read completely worth the investment. Political Parties is thoroughly enjoyable if you’re looking for a contemporary romance with some heart and depth."

Colorimetry - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: Quiz – What kind of partier are you?

Everyone loves a good party, but what kind of shindig is your favorite? Take this fun quiz to find out what kind of partier you are!...

Jorie Loves A Story - Excerpt

The important thing was to stay calm. Although at this exact moment, Reece Ryan felt anything but calm. So what if this was a minor—okay, major problem? Every problem had a solution. Even major ones.

“We can fix it,” Reece said, her eyes glued to the bridal bouquet in her hand.

“Fix it?” Bella glared wide-eyed at the offending flowers as if Reece were holding roadkill.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"...This opposites-attract story really exuded a strong chemistry, which stemmed from dislike, but quickly escalated into something tangible and sweet.

...This sweet, clean romance delivers an impactful story that made me self-reflect on what is really important in life and what I do to accomplish my goals."

My Life Loves and Passion - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: Easy Fall Entertaining

I love fall. I love the crispness in the air, the beauty of the changing leaves and the thrill of football season. It’s a season to gather together which means it’s time to plan a party.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Brushing off her skirt, she looked up. “I’m so sorr…” When she looked at his face, she stopped. “You?”

She propped her fists on her hips and flipped her head so the brown curls swung over her shoulder. “Twice in one night? Friend, you need to watch where you’re going.”

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review & Excerpt

"This is a great story. I love a good romance and this story has one, with a lot of other things happening."

“I’m sorry. Do we know each other?” Griffith said.

She let out an exasperated sigh, which was probably meant to display her irritation but only highlighted her cute sweetheart mouth. “You tripped me before the wedding.”

Her tone hinted at the absurdity that he could forget her. At least they could agree on that. She had a certain unforgettable quality, and for a moment, he stood mesmerized by her.

Heidi Reads... - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: DIY Photo Booth

My newest book, Political Parties, is about planning a couple big, flashy events. The first party, the one the cover is based on, is over the top in almost every aspect. Crystal chandeliers hanging from oak trees, a five course menu prepared by an award winning chef, live music. Of course, it has an over-the-top price tag to go along with it...

Getting Your Read On - Review

"Rachel Magee’s writing style was entertaining and bubbly- her attention to building lovable characters made the story flow perfectly. A clean, funny romance while snuggled in a fuzzy blanket is exactly what this girl needed after a long day at work, and let’s face it, sometimes a movie just doesn’t do it the same way an adorable novel like this does. I fell in love with all the exciting twists and turns in this delightful book; this is a love story I’ll be sure to recommend."

Rainy Day Reviews - Review & Excerpt

"This was such a fun and in-depth read, different from my typical reading choice. The book as a whole was enjoyable but there were moments that I specifically enjoyed..."

“Riiiight.” Bella’s eyes were wide. “And we think we can do this because…”

Reece brightened her smile. “Because we’re us. And this is what we do.”

Except this wasn’t what they did. When Lester offered to let her handle the next couple of corporate events, she assumed they would be more along the lines of a company Christmas party or fundraising gala. She was not expecting something this big. Or this quick. Reece should have been nervous, but there wasn’t time for that.

Oh Hey Books - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: Taking your Party to the Outdoor Festival

One of my favorite parts of my new book Political Parties is when Griffith and Reece head to the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the hot air balloons and the crisp fall air, things between them really start to heat up...

Reading On The Edge - Excerpt

“Ms. Ryan, I presume,” the strong voice called from behind her.

Reece scrambled to her feet to greet the owner of the voice. As she turned, her eyes met his and she stopped short.

The man standing behind her was not what she was expecting. He wasn’t silver-haired with a stout frame. This guy was young, maybe thirty, with the kind of naturally perfect hair and build that could pass for a model. All he was missing was a smile.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"I enjoyed the moments in this book. It takes place in a short period of time, but the characters are able to get to know each other. The romance didn't feel rushed to me. Not everything works out perfectly, but I loved how the characters were able to resolve their trials."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Political Parties

Rachel Magee

Contemporary Sweet Romance

Paperback & ebook, 246 pages

September 25th 2018 by Clean Reads

Planning one amazing party is more complicated than it sounds.

Reece Ryan is known as the best wedding planner in town, but it’s time to take her company to the next level. Getting the contract from a prestigious law firm to plan their upcoming political related events is just the break she needs to prove that she can put together more than just the perfect nuptials. Sure, these events which will receive national coverage might be slightly out of her league, but it’s nothing she can’t handle. Managing the hotshot lawyer the firm has tasked as their liaison for the project is a whole other story.

Griffith Brighton always thought the start of his political career would come from hard work and his brilliant legal mind, not throwing some fancy party. But when the firm’s managing partner asks him to work with the event coordinator to organize a fundraiser dinner for the presidential candidate, he knows it’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for to get in front of some major political players. After years of goal setting and career planning, his future finally seems to be coming together …until two weeks of working with Reece make him reconsider everything he thought to be true about life and falling in love.

Goodreads│Amazon Kindle│Amazon Print│Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Rachel wrote her first novel when she was twelve and entered it into a contest for young author/illustrators. Unfortunately, the judges weren’t impressed with her stick figures. So she dropped the dream of becoming a world famous illustrator and stuck to spinning stories. When she’s not busy working on her latest book, she loves to travel with her family and friends. By far, her favorite destination is the beach, which tends to work its way into most of her stories. Between vacations, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, TX with her wonderful husband, their two adventurous kids and a couple of spirited pets, all of whom share Rachel’s love of the ocean. Well, except the cat and dog. They’re both afraid of water. Find out more about what Rachel has been up to at rachelmageebooks.com.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Google+│Newsletter

Tour Giveaway

Prize Party Pack (US residents only):
Everything you need to throw your own party and gather your people:

· Pillow with "gather"
· Decorative Fall Scented Candle

· Brownie Truffle Baking Mix
· English Butter Fudge

$25 Amazon e-gift card (US and International residents)

Giveaway ends October 3rd

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