Book Review: All I Want Three Stories, Three Couples, One Holiday

ALL I WANT

THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.

Pretty Near Perfect
by Jolene Perry

The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé's parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.


Six Days of Christmas

by Kaylee Baldwin

When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.


Twist of Fate
by Rachael Anderson

When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.

My Take:
I am the biggest sucker for romantic stories and I love happy endings. Especially those stories that leave you all warm and fuzzy inside and with a desire to go cuddle up with your signficant other. Those are the best kinds.

 In All I Want you get just that. You get the warm satisfying feeling of reading about budding romances that fill you up with happy tingles and you get the to enjoy the stories in one easy sitting. I love that feeling you get with the perfect mixture of romance and story line that you crave more but are left with a happy smile when the story is over.

 Each of the stories in All I Want deliver just that. Clean and fun and filled with holiday cheer you will love reading these stories by a warm fire again and again. Each of the main charcters in each story are engaging and draw you into the story and leave you wanting to linger a little longer . I recommend All I Want to  anyone who wants a wonderful fast romatic read to get you in the holiday spirit.

Check out below all the fun info on the authors and the exciting give away!

 

Purchase All I Want

Kindle Ebook * Paperback

Author Jolene Perry

Jolene Perry is an enigmatic figure. She is most often seen behind her laptop, staring at the words flying onto the screen with reckless abandon.

She survived growing up in rural Alaska, driving like a lunatic, and her husband’s careers in the military, as a perpetual student, and an Alaska State Prosecutor. She also survived as a middle school math teacher using her degree of Political Science and French.

One day Jolene was playing her guitar (probably some-thing juvenile for her kids) when she wondered what it would be like to write a song for a rockstar, and her first book was born. (that book is shelved)

She now lives a very glamorous life as a stay at home mom, elbow deep in dirty dishes and peanut butter sandwiches. She doesn’t even attempt to keep up with the laundry because non-writing time is precious, and her family is sorta awesome.

Links:

Website * Twitter * Blog * Facebook

Author Rachael Anderson

Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She's the mother of four, can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

Author Kaylee Baldwin

I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University

with a degree in English literature.
I currently live in southern Arizona with my husband, Jeremy, and our three children. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with my family.

Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

 

 

Tour Giveaway$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 12/24/12
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

I DID IT!!!

I had to share the exciting news! I did it! I finally finished my work in progress and got the first draft pounded out. 410 pages and 106246 plus words and 8 1/2 months later I have it done.

I am so happy to finally have it finished. To know it is done  from start to finish. The whole shebang! I can't believe I finally did it. It is soo amazing to feel that sense of accomplishment. There were so many times I wondered if it would ever be finished but now it is.

Next I need to give it a few weeks to cool off and go and start the editing process but I am so glad to have accomplished this goal and to be able to say I didn't give up or give in and what is even more exciting is I finished it in Nano month! 

YAHOO!!   Doing the happy dance! Oh ya! Oh Ya! ha ha ha!  It's time to Celebrate!

Now to start the next story!

BooK Review: All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon

My Take:

 

 All Fall Down  by Julie Coulter Bellon is incredible. It literally grabs you on the first page and never lets you go. You are immediately  thrown into the action and along with Rafe Kelly,   Navy SEAL who is recovering from an injury before returning to active duty.  You discover  that things  seem odd and a little off when he goes to visit his brother and the company he runs. Then suspicions flare up in Rafe he tries to shake  them off but his training tells him other wise. At that point the action in the story skyrockets and are thrown  into  non stop high adventure and a great thrill ride. Especially when you  are introduced to another strong willed and his perfect complement as things spark  when Claire Michael's enters into the hostage situation as negotiator  and she is smart and competent.  But  she and Rafe don't always see eye to eye, but they sure do feel those sparks I talked about.  As they try to out maneuver the terrorist and get back Rafe's brother from al-Queda you are left biting your nails on the edge of your seat wondering what happens next as both Rafe and Claire's attraction for each other grows as they try to out strategize the terrorist. 

 

All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon is one book I didn't want to end but loved reading it every page of the way. The characters were dynamic and the story moved flawlessly. I recommend All Fall Down to anyone looking for a great action adventure story with a splash or three of romance thrown into the mix.

 

 

Giveaway:

Julie is generously offering 7, yes 7 awesome giveaways for the tour!! (I want to win them myself!) That means you have 7 chances at winning! (Pretty good odds, huh?!)

The prizes include:

• (2) "Book Lovers'" baskets which include a copy of All Fall Down, a hand tied lap blanket, Julie's favorite hot chocolate mix, and a copy of Janice Sperry's Christmas novella, The Candy Cane Queen
• (3) Print copies of All Fall Down
• (2) Ebook copies of All Fall Down

To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).

• Open from November 12 to December 7.
• Must be 13+ years of age to enter
• US mailing addresses only

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

• Leaving a blog post comment
• Liking Julie’s Facebook page
• Following Julie on Twitter
• Becoming a fan of Julie on Goodreads
• Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)
• Subscribing to Julie’s blog

 

 

-0240cd28" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0240cd28/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tour Schedule

November 12: The Book Bug - Kickoff + Giveaway

November 13: I Love to Read and Review Books :) - Review and Giveaway

November 14: Getting Your Read On - Review and Giveaway

November 15: Literary Time Out - Review and Giveaway

November 16: The Book Bug - Author Guest Post and Giveaway

November 19: Geo Librarian - Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway

November 19: LDS & Lovin' It - Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway

November 19: Jinky Is Reading - Review and Giveaway

November 20: Inksplasher - Review and Giveaway

November 22: Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23: Gamila's Reviews - Review and Giveaway

November 26: Brooklyn Berry Designs - Review and Giveaway

November 27: Books Are Sanity - Review and Giveaway

November 28: Debbie's Inkspectations - Review and Giveaway

November 29: The Book Bug - Review and Giveaway

December 3: Bloggin' Bout Books - Review and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Author: Julie Coulter Bellon

Release Date: September 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Book Description:

Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes we all fall down . . . That simple rhyme turns negotiator Claire Michaels’ current hostage situation into an international incident. Claire just wants to help get everyone out safely, but as the crisis escalates she realizes she’s dealing with an al-Qaeda operative who has the means to become another bin Laden---with the potential to attack America.

Claire has her own personal reasons for wanting to stop al-Qaeda, but time is slipping away as negotiations break down. Can she overcome her scars of the past in order to get the hostage out alive and possibly stop an assault on U.S. national security? Navy SEAL Rafe Kelly is on leave to recover from a knee injury he suffered during his tour in Afghanistan and he doesn’t expect to be fighting terrorists on his home turf. But when he is taken hostage and his brother is kidnapped, Rafe teams up with a hostage negotiator in order to stay alive and get his brother back. The terrorist is always one step ahead of them, however, and the situation quickly turns from desperate to deadly. Will Rafe be able to save himself and his country without anyone he loves getting caught in the crossfire?

Author Bio:

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of seven international romantic suspense novels. She loves her work partly because she gets to travel to distant lands to research and add an authentic feel to all of her books. Her favorite cities so far are Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She taught journalism at BYU for fourteen years and that kept her on the cutting edge of current events and world news---which is where she gets her story ideas. Julie offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com.

First Chapter: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-first-chapter-of-all-fall-down.html

Tour Page: http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/p/all-fall-down-blog-tour.html

Social Networking Links:

• Website: http://juliebellon.com/
• Blog: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Coulter-Bellon/106497519842
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/juliebellon
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/457898.Julie_Coulter_Bellon

Purchase Links:

• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Down-Julie-Coulter-Bellon/dp/1479264857/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351577733&sr=8-1&keywords=julie+coulter+bellon
• Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-fall-down-julie-coulter-bellon/1113045660?ean=9781479264858&r=1%2c+1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10%3a1&

Laney moves across country to live with her aunt and uncle and one day decides to go running in the forest where she meets Gabe. They strike up a friendship and she discovers he and his brother have a mysterious disease. It haunts her as she tries to figure out what it could be as she and Gabe become close finding they have much in common. Not only do you find yourself loving  Laney and Gabe  but also Laney's aunt and uncle and with their opposite personalities they create a united perfect whole. Refuge is a great book with a paranormal feel and a fun read.

  Delve into all the suspense and secrets of this fun addicting read.

A young adult fantasy/romance set in North Carolina where the author Carole Rummage lives. "It is a clean romance for teens with a paranormal element." It is also the first in a series, The Dark Light Dance Trilogy.


Here is a brief description of the book:
Laney Lowell moved across the country to escape her past, not to fall in love. But when she becomes friends with Gabe, a handsome artist plagued by a mysterious disease, she’ll have to decide between facing his dark truth or walking away from him forever

This thrilling romance is full of twists that will keep you guessing to the last page.


Meet the Author:

I live in a little cottage in Garner, North Carolina, a small town just outside of Raleigh, with my husband, Tom. Our three children are grown and (mostly) gone, but our needy cat, Pepper, makes sure we’re not bored–especially as she likes to sit in front of the computer screen while I type. We have six grandchildren who keep all of us on our toes.

I may be a grandmother, but I’m young at heart. I love working with the youth and am only happier when I’m writing for them and about them. Along with the best career of all as a wife and a mother, I’ve been a personnel assistant, registered nurse, home-school teacher, local newspaper lady, and bookstore clerk. Now, I happily add writer to those. One of my favorite quotes is from George Elliott, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” I believe this applies not just to a writing career, but to everything in life. After all, succeeding at new things just takes faith and trust and a little bit of fairy dust…

Book Review:Secrets of the Red Box by Vickie Hall

In the beginning of Secrets of the Red Box  Bonnie seems very mean spirited and harsh. But as the story develops you begin to understand why. There is so much in this story to keep you pulling forward with its authentic historic feel  but once you start reading you are pulled into the story where romance and intrigue and twist and turns keep you wondering until the very end how does it all really turn out.
  



Secrets of the Red BoxBonnie has secrets to keep - secrets with the potential to destroy lives, including her own. Running from her destructive and pain filled past, she recreates herself, believing she has escaped the damning evidence hidden in the red box. When her former life is revealed by a cruel twist of fate, Bonnie faces losing everything, including Glen, the only man she’s ever loved. But is Bonnie the woman he thinks she is? Set against the backdrop of the 1940s, Secrets of the Red Box is filled with intrigue and suspense - sure to keep you guessing to the very end!

Purchase Link:

Amazon

 

Links:

Blog * Website
Facebook * Goodreads

 

Be sure to visit & enter the

Secrets of the Red Box Book Blast $50 Giveaway

$50 Book Blast

 

Praise for Secrets of the Red Box:

"Amazing book! Wow, it caught me from the first paragraph. What detail, mystery and suspense. Loved the main character, Bonnie, so relatable. Vicki is an amazing writer. I wish she would write more books!!!"
~Amazon Review

"Secrets of the Red Box is a great read! Whether you're looking for a book with an intriguing and unusual plot, or a story of how life's choices effect the rest of your life, you will love this book!"
~Amazon Review

Blog Tour Giveaway

• $25 Amazon Gift Card or $25 Pay Pal Cash from Author Vickie Hall + copy of Secrets of the Red Box (US - Paperback, Kindle ebook - International)
• Paperback copy of Secrets of the Red Box (US only)
• Kindle Ebook copy of Secrets of the Red Box (International)

Ends 11/25/12

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

 

Book Review: Created by Cindy Hogan

 My Take:

Created by Cindy Hogan is the third installment in her fast paced exciting Watched series about the continuing turn of events that changed the lived of Christy and her friends. She is still getting used to her new name and now a new school far away from family as she and her friends in similar circumstances face some major decisions about their lives none of which lead them back to where it all started. Not that they necessarily want that. Created is a story about choice and what it means to become who you were always meant to be. It is about having the courage to go forward in spite of uncertainty and knowing you will be stronger for it. And it is one fun thrill ride for the taking. One that leaves you hoping for more when you finish the last page.

Cindy sucks you into her world on page one and keeps you on a wild twisty ride to the end. She makes the words leap of the page and come to life and keeps you wondering what happens next. What a fun adventure. It is definitely one you don't want to miss!

Teaser
A spy school.
A choice.
A destiny discovered.

Description

With The Witness Protection Program failing to keep Christy safe, she is sent to Belgium to hide in a spy school. While there, test scores reveal her true abilities and the director wants her to become a spy. Once the terrorists back home are all caught, and the danger gone, she is forced to make the decision to either go home and live a normal teen life or use her gifts and become a spy.

Back copy

"Created is Mission: Impossible meets Bourne Identity, only better because Christy is just seventeen." -RaShelle Workman, author of Exiled

"Unique, suspenseful, and hard to predict." -E. Baker, reviewer

"Be prepared to spend the entire day doing nothing but reading because once you start Created, you won't want to put it down!" -C. Anderson, reviewer

"A remarkable balance between adventure and romance, leaving you hungry for more." -L. Sears, reviewer

Hogan has the ability to tap into the fantasies of those who crave change in their lives and satisfy the desire for a more exciting alternate identity." -Liz Sears, reviewer

Goodreads author page

Purchase links
Amazon
Kindle
Print

Barnes and Noble
Nook

Facebook page
Goodreads author page

Book Review: Jeremy's Christmas Journey By Scott Johnson

My Take:

 

In Jeremy's Christmas Journey By Scott Johnson Jeremy sits watching the other kids play out the window knowing he will never have the same chance all because of an accident. It is Christmas time and frankly he doest really care too much about it. Why should he? He can never be a normal kid after all. But as Jeremy goes to sleep, he finds himself back in time and the witness of many amazing testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ and his divinity. As each person steps up, Jeremy is touched deeper and deeper. Songs lyrics set amongst the testimony lend an emotional impact that leaves you touched deeply by both the words and the music.

 

Book Blurb:

For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he'll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.

 

Giveaway:

As part of the tour, Scott is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of a print copy of Jeremy’s Christmas Journey plus the CD.

To enter to win this prize, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).

• Open from November 1 to November 21.
• Must be 13+ years of age to enter
• US mailing addresses only

Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

• Leaving a blog post comment
• Listening to a sample of the CD on Scott's website (http://optimallifecoaching.wix.com/authorscott#!media)
• Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)

Here is the Rafflecopter code for the giveaway. (Let me know if you need any help using this code.)

rc-0240cd27" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0240cd27/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Book

· Author:Scott Johnson

· Release Date: October 2012

· Publisher:Cedar Fort

· Genre:Spiritual Holiday

Author Bio:

Author Scott A. Johnson spent most of his childhood in Utah, where he gained a love for creative writing. Recognizing his potential at a young age, his teachers and family encouraged him to explore his developing writing talents.

Scott continued to craft imaginative and original stories through his teenage years, including original short stories that are beloved by his family. He published his first book, "Nutrition: A Word of Wisdom," in 2009, and has published more than 200 health and fitness articles in various online and print publications.

Scott, his wife and four children reside in beautiful Utah County where they enjoy the mountains and outdoors. Scott is regularly asked by his children to share an original story, and he gladly obliges.

Tour Page: http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/p/jeremys-christmas-journey-blog-tour.html

Blog Tour Schedule:

November 1: The Book Bug - Kickoff + Giveaway
November 2: The Book Bug - Author Interview
November 5: Geo Librarian - Review, Interview, & Giveaway
November 5: LDS & Lovin' It - Review, Interview, & Giveaway
November 6: The Book Bug - Review
November 7: Bookworm Lisa - Top Tens List
November 8: Rachelle's Writing Spot - Author Guest Post
November 9: Monique's Musings - Review
November 12: Jinky Is Reading - Review
November 13: Brooklyn Berry Designs - Review
November 13: I Love to Read and Write Reviews - Review & Top Tens List
November 14: Debbie's Inkspectations - Review

 

 

 

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA6TjiPsQFQ

CD Slideshow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsLuchCashI&feature=youtu.be

Social Networking Links:

· Website:http://optimallifecoaching.wix.com/authorscott

· YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSs6arOr68ooFehnQeucXYA

Purchase Links:

· Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/146211122X?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=146211122X&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

· Barnes& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jeremys-christmas-journey-scott-johnson/1110593728?ean=9781462111220&r=1%2c+1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10%3a1&

· Cedar Fort: http://cedarfort.com/kahuga/gallery.jsp?callMethod=newReleases#%7Bselector%3A%22.ldsba-body%22%2Cmodule%3A%22/ldsba/productDetail.module%22%2Cparameters%3A%7Bproduct%3A%2220072491%22%7D%7D

 

Give yourself  a special Christmas gift this year and add Jeremy's Christmas Journey by Scott Johnson to your Christmas Collection. It comes with a special bonus too. A CD filled with the music found inside.

Book Review: Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero by Matt Peterson

  My take:

In The Epic Tale of a Misfit Hero, by Matt Patterson, Andrew just became a deacon after reaching the ripe old age of 12. He is excited about passing the sacrament but super nervous and about his first big upcoming full on camp out as a real boy scout.  Things are changing fast for Andrew and as with any new adventure the unexpected is always a heart beat away. 

Then on the biggest adventure of his life, Andrew listens to the still small voice tell him there is danger. But if he listens to the still small voice he will be in direct rebellion against that of his scout master. What is a 12 year old boy to do? Read The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero and find out!

Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero  by Matt Peterson is a great middle grade story for any boy trying to figure out his way around passing the sacrament and handling epic camping adventures. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a fun exciting read, where one boy finds out he is made of sterner stuff than he ever imagined.


Book Blurb:
From passing the sacrament with his fly down to failing miserably at capture the flag, Andrew knows he'll never be able to fulfill his duties as a deacon. But when tragedy strikes on his Boy Scout backpacking trip, Andrew's whole troop must become stronger than they ever imagined. This hilarious coming-of-age story is bound to have you rooting for a "misfit" hero!

You can get your copy of The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero  here

Book Review: Curse of the Beast by Ashley Lavering

 

 

 

 

I love fairy tales. They make me think that anything is possible  Ever since I was a little girl, I fell for those great romantic stories that seemed to be about love and falling in love and I was hooked. One of the things I really love to read are retellings of fairy tales. I am a succor for those! But of all the fairy tales out there, the one that is my all time favorite is the story of Beauty and the Beast. I love how Beauty always wins out to tame the beast and break the terrible spell. But when you throw in a twist, then that is where it gets even more exciting.

For this reason, Curse of the Beast is now my very favorite retelling of this age old story. I love it so much that I am soo looking forward to the release of the next book in the story.

I picked up Curse of the Beast expecting to really like it because like I said, I LOVE Beauty and the Beast stories. But this story grabbed me and sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading it because I wanted to know what happened next because of the unexpected twists. 

Tayla is trying to get her life back to semi normal after some terrible family events. She is in a new school in a small town where everyone already knows everything about everyone else  and it's a little tough, but Tayla is figuring out the flow of things.

Then just when things are looking like it will all turn out with school  with Tayla she finds herself hurtled into the clutches of an ancient curse that has her magically bound to a werewolf. No matter how she tires to break the bond she can't. And it changes everything for her.  Now she must learn how to get along with a beast she doesn't want any part of, but finds that something about him draws her to want to know more.  More about the curse, more about the beast, and more about what it all means for Tayla and her future.

Curse of the Beast leaves you wanting more. Wondering what happens next. And makes you anticipate the next book in the series  Star Cursed to be released   February 8 2013. Where you can catch a glimpse of the cover for Star Cursed on Dec 1st at www.ashleylavering.blogspot.com

Hurry and get your copy and fall into the amazing new world  Tayla discovers as she learns things about herself  that  were destined before she was born.  You can find Curse of the Beast here and  here.  I know you will love it as much as I do.

Book Review: Nightingale by David Farland

  

 My take:

 Dave Farland's Nightingale is so amazing. I love the way he creates his characters and brings them to life. Bron was so fascinating and it felt like you took the journey of discovery with him as he learned deep secrets about who he is and what he can do. I love Olivia and how she finally shows Bron what it means to be loved by a mother and that she takes him under her wing to help him be the very best he can be.

 

I love how Bron evolves as a character along the time line of the book and becomes even more crush worthy as the book progresses. There is a lot of adventure and unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.

 

I really enjoyed Nightingale. I can't wait for the next books in the series to come out so I can see what happens next. Hurry and get your copy and lose your self inside the pages of this fantastic book. Keep reading to hear more about Nightingale and its award winning author.

 

       

 

 The multi-award winning novel, Nightingale by best-selling author, David Farland is available in hardback, ebook, and now in a special iPad enhanced version. This young-adult fantasy novel has already been turning heads.

Grand Prize Winner of the Hollywood Book Festival, placed first in all genres, all categories.

Winner of the 2012 International Book Award for Best Young Adult Novel of the Year!

Finalist in the Global Ebook Awards.

Some people sing at night to drive back the darkness. Others sing to summon it. . . .

Bron Jones was abandoned at birth. Thrown into foster care, he was rejected by one family after another, until he met Olivia, a gifted and devoted high-school teacher who recognized him for what he really was--what her people call a "nightingale."

But Bron isn't ready to learn the truth. There are secrets that have been hidden from mankind for hundreds of thousands of years, secrets that should remain hidden. Some things are too dangerous to know. Bron's secret may be the most dangerous of all.

In his remarkable young adult fantasy debut, David Farland shows why critics have called his work "compelling," "engrossing," "powerful," "profound," and "ultimately life-changing."

"Superb world building, strong characters, and Dave's characteristic excellent prose. --Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"A wonderful tale of a young man trying to find his humanity, even though he's not quite human. One of Farland's very best!"--#1 International Bestseller Kevin J. Anderson

The enhanced version creates an amazing reading experience complete with illustrations from several talented artists and a sample of a soundtrack that coincides with the story. Published by East India Press  a publishing company that takes e-books in a whole new direction with enhanced multimedia--soundtracks, movie clips, author interviews and more. From the site: "East India embraces emerging technologies and new distribution methods, producing every novel in three forms: as an enhanced multimedia experience, as a standard e-book, and as a limited edition hardcover."
Farland has plans for three more books in the series: Dream Assassin, Draghoul, and Shadow Lord.

About the author:
David Farland has written and edited fifty published books. These include novels for adults, young adults, anthologies, middle-grade readers, and picture books. He often teaches writing workshops, and has trained a number of people who went on to become international bestselling authors—people like Brandon Sanderson in fantasy, Brandon Mull in middle-grade fiction, and Stephenie Meyer in young adult fiction.

As part of his dedication to helping other writers, David writes the David Farland’s Daily Kick in the Pants, an email bulletin for writers or those who would be writers. Many authors rave about how it has helped them. Out of devotion, he provides the Daily Kick free. You can register to receive it at http://www.davidfarland.com/.

You can learn more about Dave and his books/writing seminars here:
FB:http://www.facebook.com/david.farland1

Twitter handle @DavidFarland

Websites:www.nightingalenovel.com

http://www.davidfarland.com/

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83308.David_Farland
David Farland Amazon Page

Book Review: Texting Through Time by Christy Monson

 My take:
Texting through Time John Taylor by Christy Monson is such a fun way to help kids learn more about the prophet John Taylor and his life. They go back in time starting in England when President Taylor was a little boy and bring him to life. Then they go forward in time trying to find clues that will help them learn more about the prophet and his life and things they need to gather to help them return to their own time. It is a fun adventure that makes learning about Church History fun and exciting. It is an easy fast read that delves into the things that happened to the third prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Taylor. It is easy to come away feeling like you know him and what he went through to become the prophet of the Lord.

I really enjoyed reading this story and felt like I was on the same trip through time as Alicia and Micah. It was fun to travel through the different events as they decided which ones they wanted  to participate in. They learn a lot about who John Taylor is and they feel a personal bond with him that is conveyed to the reader who  then also feels that bond. I love this whole premise for learning about the prophets of the church. I had a great time reading Texting Through Time and would recommend it to everyone of all ages.

I would even recommend reading Texting Through Time as a family as part of family night activities. It will capture the attention of those listening and it will instill a desire to learn more about the history of the church and about the prophets.



Here is a brief description of the book:

Micah and Alicia are excited to meet John Taylor as a child in England. But when their phone won’t let them return to their own time, they’ll follow the prophet around the world, learning some important lessons along the way. Humorous, entertaining, and informative, this book is a wonderful introduction to church history that’s bound to be a family favorite!

Meet the Author:
My grandmother lived with us when I was young. She loved to read me stories. I would curl up in her lap or sit on the bed next to her and listen to the tales spin out before me. We cried together over Lassie Come Home and loved Madeline and her adventures. That was a magical time for me in my life. When my children were little, I loved reading to them because it kept the magic alive. Now my children are grown, I can keep the magic by writing stories for others to read.
I love to read and write stories about the pioneer prophets.
Pioneers live all over the world. I still have family in Switzerland and Poland. Where do you and your ancestors come from? Write and tell me.
I am like the pioneers because I love:

• Old fashioned cooking—making butter
• Pioneer games—button, button, who’s got the button?
• Crafts the pioneers enjoyed—drying wild flowers

To learn more about the author and her books and how to get your copy, you can visit her website at: www.christymonson.com

Book Review: Toby Gold and the Secret Fortune By Craig T Everett

 My Take:

 

Toby Gold and the Secret Fortune by Craig R Everett  is a fantastic middle grade book about a boy who has a special ability with money and numbers. He is a foster child and but has managed to make his life work out for him. I thought Toby Gold was a great book and an easy and fast read for anyone. It held my interest and pulled me into the adventure and made me want to know what would happen next.

 

What I loved about it was that Craig took the mysteries of the stock market and made it easy for anyone to understand it's basic workings. I personally have a deep interest in the stock market and love the way it works. It was fun to  see how Craig made it all kid friendly and there fore everyone friendly. He made the market seem less intimidating and down right intriguing. I loved the way he wrapped the markets workings into the story and made it a race to see if Toby could solve the problems set before him before it was too late and he was caught by those who would like to see him dead.

 

I also thought the fun and bit of magic that was part of the story made the story that much more wonderful and exciting to read. Toby Gold is a book I would highly recommend to everyone who wants to know how to manage their money and have fun and exciting basic introduction to the stock market. It is sure to get you wondering what else you can learn and how you can earn and keep your money always in a positive cash flow. Thanks Craig for writing a kid savvy fun adventure that incorporated a lot of learning disguised as a mystery to be solved.

 

"Unique children’s lit that cleverly tackles interest rates, endowments, fluctuating commodities, bullying and identity."

- Kirkus Reviews

Book Blurb:

An infant is discovered one night on a commuter train from New York City during a stop in the sleepy town of Wallingford, Connecticut. The local police are summoned, but are unable to locate the boy’s parents, despite painstakingly questioning each person on the train. For some strange reason, none of the passengers can remember seeing his mother falling from the train – after falling victim to an assassin’s bullet.

Assigned the name “Toby Gold” by social services, the mysterious child grows up in Wallingford, moving from foster home to foster home, not knowing who his real parents are - or why he was born with such freakish skills with math and money.

Now a teenager, Toby’s money skills are noticed by the wrong people, and thus he is unwittingly sucked into a high-stakes financial conspiracy that puts his life, and the lives of his two closest friends, in great peril. Ultimately, Toby solves the crime, saves his friends, and even saves his school—all in one harrowing afternoon.

"This fast-paced adventure weaves fundamental concepts in economics and finance seamlessly into the story. Toby Gold makes learning finance exciting."

- Francis A. Longstaff, PhD, Professor of Finance, UCLA - Anderson School of Management

About the Author: Craig Everett

Craig R. Everett was born and raised in Maine, spending his childhood summers digging along the shores of Bar Harbor for buried pirate treasure. Fortunately, he was able to remain blissfully unaware that pirates seldom, if ever, ventured that far north. He received his B.A. in Economics from Tufts University, an MBA from George Mason University, and a Ph.D. in Finance from Purdue University.

Dr. Everett is currently a finance professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he teaches corporate and entrepreneurial finance. Dr. Everett also volunteers in public schools teaching financial literacy principles.

You can learn more about Craig here:
http://craigeverett.com/
http://tobygold.com/
FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craig-Everett-author/128980444347?ref=hl
Twitter:https://twitter.com/craig_everett

Toby Gold and the Secret FortuneReading Level: 9 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Fiscal Press (October 18, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-936-21495-2
Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.75 x 1.0 inches 
You can get your copy of this great book