Book Review: Altercation By Tamara Hart Heiner

First of all, I have to say, Altercation is so much better then the cover leads you to believe. So in this case don't judge a book by it's cover.

Altercation picks up where Tamara's last book Perilous ends. Jaci and her friends  are safe for now, but there is trouble brewing ahead. 

summary :

  The FBI promises Jacinta Rivera and her friends that they are
safe. Jaci wants desperately to believe them but weeks of hiding from
their kidnapper, alias "The Hand", have left her wary. Hidden from the
public eye in an FBI safe house, Jaci must reconcile both the mysterious
disappearance of her father and the murder of her best friend.

A betrayal lands Jaci back in the grasp of The Hand, shattering her
ability to trust and leaving her to wonder if she will ever piece together
her broken life.

My take:

I felt Atlercation kept you intrigued, wondering what next, and where they all really safe? Jaci and her freinds are trying to come to terms with what happened to them with out the support of their families. As they work through what happened they are told they are to be separtated adn this creates greater anxiety in them. Jaci, Amanda and Sara won't be together and neither will Sara's brothers Neil and Ricky.

Thinking everything is safe they find that they are anything but. And soon they are in precarious circumstances again, and it takes new found friends  along with the reuniting of old ones to find unseen answers.

I felt Jaci was strong in the midst of great danger. That she was smart in protecting herself. It was great to see her brother Seth take action to find his sister along with the help of Megan, the daughter of an FBI agent.

I thought Altercation kept you wondering if time would run for Jaci and Amanda. You could feel the  terror and horror they felt at being forced into certain circumstances and the despartion that those left to look for them as well. It was a quick read that kept you turining pages.

Altercation is definitely a book where the bad guys are really really bad, and the good guys risk everything to see that they don't win.


To take part in Tamara's celebration of the release of Altercation check out her website here

Prizes: EVERY DAY she will randomly select one person who made a comment on
that day's blog. The winner will then get to decide if they would like an
ebook copy of PERILOUS or ALTERCATION. There's just one catch: there must
be AT LEAST ten comments on that day for her to do the giveaway.

But if that's not enough, leaving a comment also gets you entered into the
PRIZE DRAWINGS. This won't be random; it's cumulative. Every comment you
leave counts as 1 point. If you are a follower on her blog, you get 1
point. Every time you tweet or share on Facebook about the tour, it's one
point.She'll even add it up for you; just include her in on the tweet
@tamaraheiner or on Facebook @tamarahartheiner (unless you don't trust her
math, and then feel free to tally it up and send it to her).


THIRD PRIZE: 50-page critique of something of your choice (if you're not a
writer, a $5 amazon.com gift card)
SECOND PRIZE: lot of five YA books
FIRST PRIZE: $20 gift card to Amazon.com

(You may also offer a giveaway, if you wish!)

You can get your copy of Altercation and fall into the suspense and action too by clicking on one of the options below
Altercation $15.95 link on Amazon: click here

ebook for $4.99: click here

Life's Unexpected Twists and Turns

I am amazed beyond compare how it is that unseen hands work in our lives everyday. How they save us from ourselves. I find I am humbled at the power they possess and the way they intervene when necessary.

As a mother you never want to get a phone call letting you know that your children are hurt. Usually it means a scrape or two or in some cases a band aid or a visit to the doctor's office for a little extra TLC. But last Sunday I got the call that my second oldest daughter, 20 years old was just home from the hospital where the ambulance took her in the wee hours of the morning.

She had been in a terrible car accident where the car she was traveling in smashed up against the mountain side. Where you ask? Logan Canyon of all places. That she was sleeping in the passenger seat upon impact may be the very thing may have saved her life.

She is scraped up, bruised up and battered. She is just now getting back to normal activities after a week of extra sleeping, painful eating and difficult moving. There wasn't anyway to ignore work so she returned four days after the accident.

But what amazes me most is that the driver who fell asleep at the wheel woke up just before impact and was able to turn the wheel so that the brunt of the force hit the left front corner instead of straight on. That she went to the mountain and crashed instead of diving head long into the deep frigid river that ran along the opposite side of the road. That no one sustained more than a few cracked ribs, and that only because that particular passenger didn't have on his seat belt. Funny how I can be happy that she crashed into the mountain, but the alternative is way worse.

I know  God lives. I know He watches over us, loves us and preserves us for the things we were sent to this earth to do. I know that the reason this accident wasn't as bad as it could be was because there are things I know my daughter must still do. That she was kept whole for a reason. That she has work to do on this earth. That she is needed by Heavenly Father.

I am grateful that my daughter could call me and tell me that she was injured and sore, grateful that it wasn't a doctor informing me she was in ICU or worse yet an officer of the law informing me that she had moved on to the spirit world. I am grateful for those guardian angels who watch over her when she 10 hours away from home in another state when I can't be there to protect her. I am glad that they do the protecting for me.

And I am so grateful for my oldest wonderful 21 year old daughter who upon hearing about her sister's accident while here in Colorado with us, decided that on her way back to Utah that same afternoon of her sister's accident, she and her dear friend would stop in Logan and pick her up and bring her down to Sandy where she could be watched over and cared for by my sweet wonderful daughter and my mother. 

Life gives us unexpected twists and turns. Things we don't anticipate, but at the same time there are silent guardians who guide us and nudge us and keep us safe. They create amazing miracles and show us that life is indeed very fragile, but there is a much bigger power that holds it in reserve and keeps us moving forward upon the pathways we take.

That through these events we grow and learn become amazing and truly great. I am so glad that my daughter called me today to tell me how much better she feels. So much so that she was going to try long boarding with her friends for the first time since she got hurt. I told her to be careful. I think she still believes she is indestructible... but at the same time has a healthy respect for life's fragile grasp on this world.

Book Review: The Most Important Catch By Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Book Blurb
Run or die!
She knew too much, and she’d seen too much.
And the police refused to help.
Knowing that she was to be the next scheduled death, Kelly Campbell hid under head to toe black leather and a tinted motorcycle helmet and ran for her life.
When the weather turned cold, she turned south.
She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFL football stars in the whole league; only she didn’t know that. She thought he was a businessman.  Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe with him.
 Or was she?
His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn’t nearly as lethal as his attraction. He kept her safe and protected. Except for her heart.


My take:

First of all the idea of a beautiful girl on a bike and in black leathers who is also kind and giving and strong was a huge draw for me. I loved the concept of it all. Then to pair her with a hunky built generous NFL player, kept me turning the pages.  The way their world's collide was wonderful to see, as they struggle to deal with their own personal insecurities. And growing feelings for each other while keeping important secrets from each other.

I fell in love with the characters instantly. I didn't want to put The Most Important Catch down, not even to sleep, I loved it that much! I felt the contrast of who they were on the inside and what they looked like on the outside played well with the challenge of trusting each other and then through that protecting one another, even when that meant hurting themselves to keep the other safe.

There are so many things in The Most Important Catch that will make you laugh out loud and make you appreciate that sometimes beauty and fame have an extremely high price tag. And that it isn't often you can find those who don't allow the world they are a part of be part of them.  Robby shows us how he manages to stay beyond the reaching effects of being a highly recognized wide receiver.

Kelly's deep abiding faith and strength help her handle the fact that she is being hunted. Through the turmoil of not being able to go back home, she learns to find the wonderful things life can offer even when faced with insurmountable obstacles. I found Kelly's ability to grow beyond the things she was faced with an inspiration.

To me, Kelly's incredible striking and very recognizable beauty worked perfectly in creating the need to hide it and to disappear, but the juxtaposition of that with the high profile life of Robby's position with the Carolina Panthers puts that in jeopardy because of the media following him. Out in public he was a camera magnet, and Kelly doesn't exactly blend in with the crowd unnoticed. I felt these character aspects were integral to the story line.

I am a huge huge fan of Jaclyn M Hawkes. I have read all of her books and find that I love each book more. The Most Important Catch takes it's place as my new favorite. She can't write fast enough for me. Her writing style pulls you into the story and you feel as if you know the characters so well, they could walk off the page and be real people. The sweet way in which she allows her characters to grow to love each other makes your heart warm and you feel their emotions as deeply as they do.

There is fun, laughter, adventure, intrigue, mystery, and evil villains all together. The character arcs are wonderfully written and the plots and themes weave together keeping you on your toes until the very last page, when you realize you don't want it to be over yet.

Don't miss out on this wonderful LDS romantic suspense! You won't be sorry you entered Robby and Kelly's world. I am confident you will love this book as much as I do.
You can get your copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and The Book Depository
e book depository. Visit Jaclyn's website here where you can also view a fun book trailer and learn more about her. The Most Important Catch will keep your heart singing long after you finish the last page.

Freedom from the Dark

It's been awhile since I have published anything on my blog but book reviews. But for the longest time it was all I could do. And sometimes it felt almost impossible even at that. But things are different now.

Do you ever look back on your life and realize that had a darkness about it? Kind of like you are just existing, but barely if even that? That is how I feel right now. For some reason, I'm not even really sure about the whys of it, I feel like I am emerging into the light. I am lighter of spirit, I feel excited about things, energized and my smile comes a little easier these days. But for what ever reason it is happening, I am so very glad for it.

I guess it's kind of like waking up out of a semi conscience state.

But the truly unique part of it all, is that while I was in those dark depths of my life, I didn't know it was that well,  soo dark. It just felt like I was getting through the days ok, but it was harder to just keep going, so I supposed I made it by on just existing. And that to me is ok, because by existing and not giving in, I feel more like myself in ages.

And I wondered what could have brought about the changes, subtle as they were until suddenly I looked back as if shedding a second skin, letting go of the gloom. And I realized a few things.

I had incredible friends who never let me stay down wallowing in my anguished state, they pulled me up to keep me from staying face down in the mud. That through the midst of an unexpected pregnancy, a miscarriage, and the unasked for physical consequences that come with just that, and being older, and it being my well, 9th pregnancy, let's just say emotions, hormones, and bodies bounce back to normal much more slowly. Then I found myself encased in a air cast for 5 weeks of that time, in which I dealt with more physical setbacks, and a major reaction to the pain killers I was given. Suffice it to say I will never ever take vicadin again, well not if I want to stay alive that is.

But I think this last week and a half has helped me to see the sunshine so much more fully. Partly because we named the little baby girl we lost. We are  calling her Carolyne. It fits so well. It is the name whispered to me when I asked what she called by in the spirit world. Her name lifts me and fills me with happiness. My youngest child who I won't get to know until a later time. Then her oldest sister, Breanna graduated from college, filling my heart with more happiness at her achievements. I got to see many dear friends that filled my soul right to the brim. And I was freed from my air cast, and even though it does hurt to walk without it, and I limp a bit, I feel like my soul can soar once more.

It is true that these few things aren't all that has helped me step out into the light again and feel the sun shine on my soul, chasing the darkness away, and it is also true that there are more factors that I am not consciously aware of that contributed to how I feel, but what ever it is, I am grateful! So very grateful to feel more like me in a long long time. Alive , happy and looking forward to what life brings with hope and not hiding or sleeping my life away.

So I am out of the dark. And it feels wonderful, and I am grateful to all my wonderful friends seen and unseen that have sustained me and helped me to crawl bit by bit into the light. Because believe me, it feels so wonderful! And I am so very thankful for the ability to see the difference. and even though the journey back isn't fully complete, it doesn't matter, because I am soaring and will only soar higher as I fly toward the warmth of the sun.

Book Review: Caller ID by Rachelle J. Christensen

Caller ID By Rachelle Christensen is a fast paced edge of your seat suspense romance. It starts with a bang and keeps you turning pages to see what happens next.

Book Blurb:
When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham is abducted near her home, the search turns up more than just a kidnapping crime. FBI agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and stumbles upon something he wasn't meant to find. When Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper's home, what she sees turns her world upside down. Even if she escapes her captors, something much more dangerous lies ahead.

My take:

I fell under Rachelle's spell right away as I read Caller Id. I found every chance I could to read this book. It was fun, fast paced and cleverly plotted. The writing was solid and the character Arcs well developed.

I will admit that I was disappointed when I found out who the kidnapper was so soon into the story, and thought for a minute "well that stinks, now I know who the bad guy is".

But curiosity won out when I wondered how in the world would things play out when both I and the main character knew who was behind the kidnapping. And what would happen to Courtney now? How far would the kidnapper go to keep their secret underwraps? Little did I realize that Rachelle used this as a tease, to lull me into thinking I knew the ending.

Boy was I wrong!

Caller ID twists and turns and just when you think you know how it is going to end, you find out how very wrong you were. I was completely caught up in Courtney's world and found myself wondering what she would do next. I thought the emotional roller coaster she experienced really made you understand her so much better as she worked through being seen as just another pretty face when she puts strategy and determination and pure guts on the line to find safety in her world once again.

I loved how FBI agent Jason Edwards also plays an important roll in his investigation into Courtney's disappearance. He is willing to find out who she really is and uses that information to help him trust his gut feelings. When they meet up, sparks fly and sweet romance ensues that leaves you feeling warm all over.

I truly didn't want this story to end. Rachelle's writing is so clearly mapped, her words invoke vivid images in your mind that you find you don't want to stop reading. You are pulled deep into the dealings of drug lords and ruthless killers and find yourself unsure of how it will end as your heart races along with Courtney's. You feel like you know both Courtney and Jason.

I loved reading Caller Id. I know that anyone else who picks it up will feel the same way. The plotting, twists and turns, and unexpected surprises along the way that will have you biting your nails in anticipation are not to be missed.

I would highly recommend this book for ages 11 on up. This is a clean read full of great adventure. Don't miss out get your copy of Caller ID by clicking here or here. You can also visit Rachelle's websites and learn more about her and her other amazing books here and here.

Disclaimer: While at times I do recieve books to review, my opinion will always remain my own.

Book Review: We Lived in Heaven by Sarah Hinze

We Lived in Heaven by Sarah Hinze is a compilation of various experiences dealing with before birth experiences. Accounts of families encounters with children yet to be born.

I strongly believe that this is something that happens more than is known. I have even had some experiences with my own children before they came to this earth. I even had some very wonderful experiences with those of my children I would not be privileged to raise at this time because they were too perfect for this world, whom I miscarried. All they needed was to receive their bodies and move on to do the sacred work of our Father in Heaven in the spirit world. I look forward to the chance to raise them later in my life when the Savior is on the earth during the Millennium.

I felt the spirit of Sarah Hinze stories as she testified of being privileged to know her children before they came to earth. To see that they come fully loaded with their own personalities. I have witnessed this very thing with my own children and they are very much the same now as they were when they revealed things about themselves to me before I was able to hold them and raise them. I felt my belief in life before life reinforced as the spirit bore witness to me once more of the truth of the fact that we lived before we came to live with our families here on earth.

In addition to her own stories, she lovingly brought other beautiful accounts of others who have also had the chance to know of their children and even at times their spiritual escorts as well. They help testify of the life we held so dear before we came for our earthly mission. They are meant to inspire and uplift and comfort. They are sometimes short and sweet other times longer, but still the spirit testifies we lived before through out the different accounts.

I too have had the privilege of similar experiences when I miscarried two of my nine children. My son nine years ago, and my precious little daughter just this past December. My heart swelled with love for them and the understanding that they love me as I love them and are waiting for me with other loved ones on the other side of the veil. That they lived secure in the pre-existence and have moved to the life beyond to reside with their grandfathers and others who have left this existence and reside in the spirit world with them.

My testimony of the premortal life was strengthened and reaffirmed from reading these stories.

You can purchase your copy here and visit Sarah's website here.

Book Review:Venom by K.C, Grant

Venom by K.C. Grant was a wonderful surprise when I read it. I was instantly caught up in the crazy life of Abby Sinclair.

Here is the back of the book blurb:

"Samantha Evans is determined to make a name for herself in the cutthroat world of advertising. Newly hired by a prestigious ad agency, she volunteers to work on location in Mexico City as a personal assistant to the beautiful and driven creative director Katrina Edwards. At first the association seems promising. But Ms. Edwards seems preoccupied in a way that makes Samantha increasingly uneasy. In fact, may in the group seem like they are not being completely open about the project--including David Ayala, the mysterious and moody photographer for whose attention the two women find themselves competing. After several strange accidents and numerous appearances by an unknown man, Samantha discovers the truth: not everyone on the team is in Mexico to create a stellar advertising pitch. When her sleuthing leads to her abduction, she is brought to the pyramids of Teotihuacan and comes face to face with the venomous evil of the South American crime boss known as 'The Serpent.' Now Samantha must not only fight for her life, but she must also discover if she can trust the man she's come to love."

Venom captured my interest and I kept wondering how were we going to be going to the depths of Mexico when Abby was just pretty much a gofer. A gofer who gets her credit card hacked. But quickly that changes and things take a turn for the more intriguing. As I read questions kept popping up and I kept reading so I could find the answers. I loved Abby, and her determination to not let herself become undone in the midst of turmoil, danger and uncertainty. She fights to do what is right and leans on her beliefs to help her find the comfort she needs while she is in unfamiliar circumstances.

I felt K.C. Grant brought her characters to life and wrote a tight story line that flowed amazingly. I liked that Abby grew in the midst of her trials and found that she was smarter and more observant than those with her realized. I thought the other characters fascinating and kept trying to figure them out, where they the good guys or the bad guys? I loved the strong handsome men who were also a part of the story line, and the villainous boss you loved to hate for so many reasons.

To tell the truth it was really refreshing to read a story that was written extremely well. In addition the author wove information about Mexico City into the story line, and for the most part if felt part of the story, and it helped bring that part of the world to life, and the history that came with it. I found my heart racing at parts, my heart breaking for Abby at times and my heart thrilled when the end revealed all the intricate secrets.

Venom is definitely on my recommend list. It not only was clean and a book that could be given to my teenage kids and I wouldn't need to worry. I loved the creativity and the vibrance of the story. Not to mention the hang on for the roller coaster ride as the story quickly heats up and unexpected chances are taken.

You can get your copy of Venom here . You will be in for a wonderful ride, and don't forget to visit K. C. Grant's website here, I for one am looking forward to reading more books written by K. C.

Disclaimer: While I sometimes receive books to review, it in no way influences my opinions. They are and will always be my own.

getting over miscarrying

In December my life changed, well more than the fact that I had a birthday. I found out I was pregnant, and then just as fast found out I wasn't anymore. What remained behind was a larger aftermath than I expected.

It's been two months now, and I am still working through the waves it left in my life. To everyone else, it seems as if my life never stopped being what it always was. No interuptions, a temporary upheaval already resolved with the loss of the baby.

But in reality, my life has completely altered. I think about that little child all the time, and even though I am a lot older, 43, and have 7 living children, this one stays in my mind, haunting me with her presence.

Maybe it isn't so much a haunt as it is an echo or a whisper, but it feels like if I blow really hard she will just wisp away and never even be real. And as silly as it may sound, that is the last thing I want. I don't want to forget her, or imagine that week of discovery and loss never existed, because it did.

It changed how my body is, and it changed my spirit. My body is still dealing with the aftermath of the miscarriage. The pain that lingers from the results of hormones raging through my body doing their job releasing relaxon and whatever else, my body is still in the process of undoing the 7 weeks of preparation. So it hurts to exercise and walk, and that stinks for me since I teach 4 or more exercise classes in a week, which means I just deal.

Emotionally and spiritually, I keep wondering why when my kids are spread from 21 to 8 did this happen now, so far away from when I had everyone else, and made me reevaluate what is important, and I am still trying to work through that, because suddenly things that had immense meaning and was high on my priority list now don't seem so almighty.

So while to the rest of the world it looks like everything is status quo on the outside, inside I have reminders, echos of a memory, wonders of what I have lost and what I am now to become, and hopes that I will figure out those questions and regain a whole body once again are something I am ready to have worked through.

So while nothing but book reviews have been up on my blog lately, these things have been part of me constantly and I have been wanting to say something about it, and finally the words have demanded it in spite of my trying to ignore it all . . . and well a lot of everything else.

I am getting better, but emotions are running a bit higher than normal this week. It's been two months now, but this weekend also marks two years since my dad died, so everything is more sensitive. But I am starting to feel like reemerging again, which is a lot more than what I my desire was up until a couple weeks ago.

Book Review: Retirement Quest by John Hauserman, CFP

Retirement Quest is a well researched book that opens up the way for those who want to know what to do to be prepared for when they retire. It is well document and will help guide with financial advice and investment decisions and how to go about knowing what is going to be solid or iffy as to determining the decisions with retirement. He shows how to understand all the difficult to maneuver options that sometimes seem overwhelming and hard to decipher. With his easy to follow style, John takes a lot of the confusion out of knowing which direction to go and helps to create a sense of ease when making such important choices on what the future holds beyond retirement.
 The author, John Hauserman, CFP is the chief executive officer of Retirement Journey, LLC.  His book Retirement Quest  is all about  recreating the full planning experience for the layman who has never heard anything about financial planning.  John has many awards and tons of experience that show he definitely knows what he is writing about in regards to the  strategies outlined inside Retirement Quest. If you take the time to follow the guidelines inside the book, you will be ahead of the game and on a more sure path to financial freedom.

I liked how he helps explain the differences in an easy to follow format for stocks, bonds, and various other options out there for investing. He makes the charts that he includes in his book make sense so that you can see what it is they are trying to show you, and helps you to see for yourself how to go about reading them. He educates you on how to decide what is important and what is our responsibility in caring for ourselves financially as we grow older.

It isn't an older verses younger book either, John has sound financial advice for those just starting out that can lead to strong portfolios later in life that bring about a sense of security that allows individuals to not worry about money. He teaches independence and solid financial practices.

I for one love learning about stocks and bonds and the market. For a long time it was a hobby of mine to know about options and spreads and the risks. I enjoyed refreshing my knowledge on these topics and could see how John helps you to see why it is so important to understand our finances and what our portfolios look like, whether they are through 401 K's, insurance options, stocks, bonds or long term investments. In addition to look at how to minimize and manage the risks, how to not allow the dollar signs in our eyes cause us to make emotional faulty decisions, and how to ensure our motives are sound and not made from those emotional decisions.

I feel that for those who are trying to sort it all out, that Retirement Quest is the book for you. It is written clearly and precisely with easy to understand language that helps the investor know what the choices are. I found it a fast read that for me was a great refresher and reminder of what I need to do to ensure my financial future.

Don't let your financial future pass you by get your copy of John Hauserman's book Retirement Quest by clicking here. Then take the time to visit his website and gain more great insight here, you thank yourself in the future for the small investment you make in your financial future later.

Disclaimer: Although I sometimes receive books to review, my opinions are and will always remain my own.

Book Review: Family by Design by Heather Justensen

Family by Design by Heather Justensen was a wonderful story about how two single best friends, Tucker and Rena come together to make a family work. With the unexpected news that Tucker's brother and sister in law are killed in a car accident, their children Derek and McKenzie left in Tucker's care, since there are no other living realtives on either side to do it.


They are both in their thirties, and Tucker being in the Marine reserves must find some one who can be his wife and a mother to the children before they can be adopted and kept in his custody. The concern being that the children have a stable home if he is called into active duty. So who else does Tucker turn to but his very best friend Rena.

But questions of eternity linger in their minds, knowing that if this marriage is going to work it can't be just in name only. But what about love... real love? Sure they love each other as best friends but as husband and wife? Would their deep friendship be destroyed in the process or grow stronger as a result.

So when Tucker proposes, not only does it take Rena by surprise, but the time frame of when they need to be married by does too. And it raises concerns for everyone with the speed of things. Not to mention if they love LOVE each other. But with a few of the toe curling, steamy, tingley down your spine kind of kisses Tucker gives Rena, she is sure the true love Tucker promises will come sooner than later and puts some of Rena's uncertainties to rest after all she has always wanted to have a family, and she does love Tucker.

And when the deal is sealed and the unthinkable happens, it puts this family to the test as each struggle to keep on top of the different mounting events that work to topple them, as Rena's strength is put to the ultimate test. Does she get pulled under by it all or does she rise like a pheonix in the sky? And can the tentative feelings between Tucker and Rena hold fast or crumble beneath the burdens?

I loved Family by Design. It was a great story of resiliance, strength, faith and trust and dreams come true sprinked with lots of humor along the way. I thought it was so well written with characters who felt real to me. They were struggling with real issues that result in different lives being interupted and then meshed together. The way they dealt with the different conflicts that arose through out Family By Design was great to see. Doubts, fears, frusteration, as well as joy, contentment and peace all find their place in this story as characters all grow through the difficult times. Even the children struggle with thier own issues in dealing with the loss of thier parents. Each character learns to rely on thier faith and Heavenly Father. And in the meantime they become stronger because of it.

And if that isn't enough then you have to check out this blurb and fall even more in love with the story premise:

Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.

Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.

When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.


Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before January 31, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, “Shear Luck.” Once you buy a copy of her book go here (link) to get your free copy. http://www.heatherjustesen.com/shear-luck

As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog http://www.heatherjustesen.blogspot.com/ throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.


Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.

Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.

As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.


You will fall in love with each of the characters in Family by Design as much as I did. I found myself wishing the story would go on longer. It was a great read. A clean read and great for 12 on up. Don't delay get your copy here now so you can get the copy of Sheer Luck before January has slipped away.









Disclaimer: Although at times I do receive free copies of the books I reveiw, my opinions are and will always remain my own.

Book Review: Darkspell by Elizabeth Mueller

Darkspell By Elizabeth Mueller is a young adult paranormal romance, and let me tell you it is one to pick up and read!

Darkspell is about an average everyday girl named Winter who is looking forward to starting her senior year in high school. Then she dreams of kissing an amazing boy, and upon the rude awakening of her brother, she discovers that very hot, delicious boy named Alex has just moved into her favorite old empty house. And boy what a fabulous surprise. She finds every excuse to hang out there, and soon finds that her heart is fast approaching being lost to him.

Little does Winter know that along the way to losing her heart that there is so much more to Alex than she can imagine, that Alex is her protector, and that he wants to be sure that she is kept safe from the things she doesn't understand. That like Winter he is losing his heart to her as well.

But then niether Alex or Winter anticipate the way Alex's brother Jareth mixes things up. And if that isn't enough, Winter notices things about Alex and his family that are a little off the beaten path. Things that they shouldn't be able to do that they can, and she embarks on a path to discover what it is that makes them so different. But little does Winter know that along that path are dark and dangerous things that slide in to take her off guard and throw unexpected impossible events into her life. And most unexpected of all is what she discovers about herelf.

Darkspell wove a spell around me and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Who would be left standing at the end, and who would ultimately win Winter's heart. It was filled with sinister evil and extra ordinary events that took my breath away and at times made my stomache drop in anticipation. I loved how every character in Elizabeth's Darkspell was able to intice me to fall for them. Ok, all but one, but hey you aren't supposed to love the bad guy.

I loved going into the alternate worlds created in Darkspell and the way the characters evolved and expressed who they were so intrinsically that you felt you knew them. You knew their hearts, and their desires. I also really loved all the unexpected surprises. Not to mention the out of this world illustrations drawn by Elizabeth herself.

I found that I was waiting, wondering what would happen to the end, who would truimph ultimately, who would still be standing and who would rise above the ashes so to speak. I really loved Darkspell with all its glorious magic and mysterious mystical events. I didn't want it to end and once you pick up Darkspell and begin reading it, niether will you.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry and get your copy of Darkspell by clicking here and here and you can learn more about the talented and amazing Elizabeth by clicking on her website here. You can also find Elizabeth at Goodreads here and on twitter here.

And don't forget to keep your eye out for the sequel to Darkspell coming soon!

Disclaimer: while I do sometimes recieve copies of books to review, my opinions are and will always remain my own.

I can't believe it!

It is hard to believe that another year is gone and that it is time to start looking forward to a new opportunity of new beginnings.

I also want to say that with this post I have accomplished writing 50 entries this year in my blog. Now that may not seem like a lot to some of you die hard bloggers out there, but I am pretty impressed. I way surpassed the amount I wrote the previous year and I feel like I know more about the blogging world than I used to.

now that doesn't by any stretch of the imagination mean I am an expert. I still have a ton to learn, but I hope in the coming year to keep growing as a blogger. And more importantly a writer!~

Well off to celebrate what's left of this year with my family and with that said~

HAPPY NEW YEAR~!!!

Book Review: Cold River by Liz Adair

Cold River By Liz Adair is a romantic suspense thriller based on the author's own experiences while living in a little town where she taught for several years in Washington.

Cold River is the kind of story I love reading. I instantly fell in love with this fast paced intriguing story, where the people of the small town Mandy comes to work in make being there a bit of a challenge. She doesn't fit in with her big city ways and has to work to convince the town's people that she is right for the job as the new superintendent, even though they still turn to the former one for all their answers.

But Mandy is tough and determined to show them that she knows what she is doing and begins to make some connections. In doing so they come to trust her, but even more so, she finds that she is losing her heart along the way to the most unlikely person. Who she ends up with, you will have to read to find out. That is part of the fun of reading Cold River.

I loved the way Liz developed the story, and as Mandy grows and learns about her depth and determination, she discovers someone wants her gone so much they are willing to kill her to achieve it. But Mandy proves tougher than her assailant expects, and with the arrival of Mandy's little sister, the stakes on keeping them both safe soar. And Mandy decides to do a little investigating of her own, and as a result the surprises in Cold River keep mounting.

I loved to watch the character arc develop with the main and side characters. The changes they went through as their views of events and people change and how they come to see that maybe there is more to be gained by trusting each other.

I found myself up late into the early hours of the morning turning pages to see what happens next, would Amanda survive the next attempt on her life? Would she make it out alive with all the crazy unexpected events that any of the less than friendly members of the town could easily be suspect? Does Mandy stand strong against it all, or give in to the idea that there are other places that she can go that might be safer? And who of all the men interested in Mandy does she ultimately give her heart to? I couldn't help myself, I had to find out the answers, and was so sad to see the story end.

Find out all the answers to these questions by picking up Liz's book Cold River by clicking here, and you can catch up on what Liz is doing on her blog by clicking here. You won't be sorry you took the time to read Cold River. I know you will love it as much as I did.

Disclaimer: While at times I do receive copies of books to review, my opinion is and will always remain my own.

Book Review: Heir to Power by Michele Poague

Heir to Power By Michele Poague is the first book in The Healing Crystal Triolgy. It is a YA science fiction novel about lost technology, the morality of power and the creation of religious and political philosophy.

Overview:
The colony of Survin has been hidden for centuries, protecting an ancient religious artifact called the Healing Crystal from men who would steal or destroy it. Kairma, heir to the Crystal, is destined to mate with the handsome Naturi and become the leader of the reclusive colony, but she is too young to realize the peril soon to arrive.

At sixteen, Kairma is too young to realize many things .... Kairma would rather go spelunking with her brother and his best friend than study ancient medicine and religious laws, but the discovery of a tomb containing ancient artifacts leads Kairma to question her religion and the true nature of the Crystal. To further complicate Kairma's ascent, a childhood illness has left her resembling a nearby race of men both hated and feared by the people of Survin. Because of this, Kairma's younger sister Kinter, who is in love with Naturi, believes she is the rightful heir.

Disease and infertility have decimated Survin, but bigotry and religious laws forbid the introduction of new members so things heat up when a traveling archeologist stumbles upon the reclusive colony and introduces a powerful new weapon. Forced into a larger world, the Survinees discover they hold an object of unimaginable power, a power other men covet, a power that might save or forever damn the human race.

My take:
I liked that in Heir to Power, Kairma starts off feeling maybe she really isn't able to live up to everything everyone always expects of her, that becoming the hier to power is more of a burden than anything else. She resents it in many ways. But I loved the character Arc as she grows throughout the story and discovers inside of her strenghts and abilities she never new she possessed in addition to finding some mysterious things that cause her to question what is going when the White Ones begin to show up around her. She also begins to embrace her differences rather than hide from them.

Also the growth Collin , her and her brother's best friend goes through is very fun to be a part of as he realizes the importance of bringing new information into the colony and wants to explore beyond it even though it is forbidden. With the arrival of the stranger, Trep, Collin becomes fascinated with what is beyond their little valley and is determined to leave, and bring back innovations that will help their community to grow and protect themselves more efficiently. He is also the most willing to accept Trep for who he is and sees that it is a good thing that he came, and tries to convice those in the colony not to be threatened by him Trep's presense. He also realizes how much he is willing to fight for what is important to him, and on top of that list is Kairma. He knows that Naturi is expected to be her mate, but he will not let it be easy for Naturi to take her.

Naturi, has always known he would be the one to stand by Kairma when it came time to take a mate. He has trained all his life to take his place in the healing family and lead the community. It is something he has looked forward to all his life, but when Collin leaves the colony with the stranger, he along with Kairma's brother go with him. While gone he discovers there is more to life than what he expected and he begins to see things differently.

I found the changes and discoveries the characters made fascinating, and was drawn in by each new thing they found about themselves and the world around them. I looked forward to what would happen between Naturi and Collin. I loved how Kairma found that she was ok with who she was and that she could be confident too. I really liked how all the little things play in together to create intrigue and mystery, that make me excited about the next book in the trilogy.

Heir to Power was a fast paced page turner. It drew me into a world that was familiar in many ways, but had so many differences that I wanted to see how they overcame them. I liked the interaction between the many different characters. I found the prejudice over simple things the members of the colony display toward things that are different or unfamiliar. There is suspicion and intrigue brought out. It was nice to see how each character handled the different challenges that came and how growth resulted. I am really excited to see what is in store next in the next book, to see who wins Kairma, Collin or Naturi.

Personally, I hope Collin wins Kairma's hand. He is one of my favorite characters. His independent thinking and strength really called to me. I am keeping my fingers crossed and look forward to the next book to see what happens.

Heir to Power is appropriate for all ages. I didn't want the story to end, and look forward to finding out what happens next. If you want to see what all the excitment is about then you need to get your Copy of Heir to Power right away by clicking here. To learn more about Michele Poague and the things she is working on next, click here to go to her website. You will be glad that you didn't miss out on all the fun.

Disclaimer: While at times I receive copies of books to review, my opinions will always be my own.

Book Revie:The Assassination of Governer Boggs by Rod Miller

The Assassination of Governor Boggs By Rod Miller is fictional exploration written from the view point of Detective Calvin Pogue who was hired by William Boggs the son of Governor Boggs to find out who shot his father in the head so many years ago, to gain a sense of closure. A name is given as who the family suspects was the gunman. When asked who, one legendary Mormon was named as the shooter, Porter Rockwell.

The cold case takes Pogue across the country, as he interviews various individuals who knew of or had contact with the either the situation or Rockwell himself. Taken from the neutral eyes of Pogue, each character interviewed displays his personal feelings for the situation and their opinion about Rockwell, or Boggs. The venom or unease from either side of the story is clearly evident. And the reader learns how biased some individuals still remained regarding the events of years gone by.

As the case unfolds, Pogue's travels take him to where it all began and then across country to Utah, and eventually to old Porter himself. All ending with an unexpected ending that will leave your heart racing.

I enjoyed learning the different points of view and gaining a better understanding of the events surrounding the shooting of Governor Boggs. The letters, documents, interviews, and journal entries help build the story.

I do wish there was more showing in the story instead of telling about past events through dialogue with different characters. But I did come away from the story with a better sense of what happened during that time frame as told through the experiences of prominent individuals during that period of time.

If you are a lover of early LDS Church History, at a time of turmoil and unrest when great persecution towards the saints was rampant, and if you enjoy those off the beaten path kinds of individuals like Porter Rockwell, then The Assassination of Governor Boggs by Rod Miller is the book for you.

To get your copy click here, then you can step into one of the biggest unsolved mysteries of the time period and see if you can determine who really shot Governor Boggs.

Disclaimer: At times I do receive copies of books to review, but my opinions are and will always remain my own.

Book Review: Bound By Chrisitne Bryant

Bound By Christine Bryant is a young adult parnaormal romance and the first in The Crystor Trilogy. I have actually had the privelege of reading Bound more than once and can honestly say that I grew to love the characters even more the second time I read it.

Bound starts off with Kira, an average girl who struggles with fitting in, lacks the physical strength to climb that blasted rope in gym and is counting down the days to graduation. She has issues with her mom and her step dad, and finds peace only when she is with her best friend Lydia.

Lydia convinces Kira to go on a photo shoot with her in the mountains and that is when Kira's normal everyday life gets shot to pieces and nothing is the same again. It is when Kira discovers there is more, much more to her best friend of two years. The kinds of things that take Kira by surprise and test the strength of her friendship with Lydia.

Then there is the discovery of Lydia's older brother, Octavian. He is incredibly handsome, super protective and brooding. He confuses Kira with his upredicatable attitude and she doesn't know whatquite to make of him. Then he asks her to make a choice that will forever alter her life and lead her on the path of discovering life beyond the world she knows. To discover mythical creatures, beautiful worlds, evil villians, new found abilities and adventures she never dreamed existed. These things come at a price though. She must leave all she has ever known behind, and never look back, because more than just Kira's life depends on it.

Can Kira make the choice necessary and is she willing to give up what she knows for the hope and promise of something more? As things heat up between her and Octavian, and she finds how deep the bonds of friendship can really go, she learns she is being hunted and she must turn to the two people who would show her what love, family and freindship are all about . All leading up to a climatic ending you won't expect that will leave you begging for more.

But in order for you to find out all the juicy details you have to read Bound! It isn't your regular paranormal romance, there are great surprises waiting inside to be revealed. Christine's imagination is phenomenal and her descriptions are so clear you feel at times you can reach out and feel the cold water rush by, or see the brilliant sky and hear the wind rustle gently in your ear. Not to mention the way she describes her characters. They take on a three dementional life of their own.

I love how Kira learns she is not someone to be easily manipulated or pushed around as she once believed. I think the strength and courage she displays allows one to look into themselves to see where they can make weak things strong within themselves.

I love the bonds of friendship that Lydia and Kira hold strong. That they are willing to move beyond what is expected to create something extraordianary. I love Lydia's loyalty and selflessness to Kira. She always looks for ways to help Kira be who she really is but could never see for herself.

And Octavian is wonderful to read. He is strong and powerful and sometimes callous until he starts to realize his behavior has consequenses. Octavian then fights the warrior inside himself to find the compassion he once possessed. He learns that he can open himself up and not be guarded all the time. I love the changes in him as he remembers who he once was as he strives to bring parts of himself back to balance in with the protective warrior he was forced to become.

I felt the plot has surprising twists and turns that leave you wondering what is going to happen next. I thought it was well played out and that subplots that ran through it supported the over all direction of the story line. I felt that the characters were well developed and grew as they learned and recongnized things about themselves to help them be stronger. I felt that the world of Kira, Lydia and Octavian was beautifully written .

Don't miss out, to find out what happens next and why I read Bound twice (which I don't ever do, until now) click here, here and here to get your own copy. You'll be glad you did. Click here to see Christine's website to learn more about the next exciting book in the Crystor Triogy, Broken, which I am really anxious to get my hands on!

Disclaimer: While I do sometimes receive copies of books to review, my opinions are and will always remain my own!

Whooo Hoo and the Lucky Winner Is????

I want to say a happy congratulations to the lucky winner of Nora Robert's book, Morrigan's Cross is Kelly Blackwell! Now for a round of applause everyone!

Yippee!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Nov Blog Hop hosted by Tristi Pinkston and I'm a Reader not a Writer with me and my friends! It was lots of fun and thanks for all the new friends I have made along the way!! Sorry it took so long to announce the winner.

I look forward to the next fun blog hopping experience.

Book Review: Exiled by RaShelle Workman

Exiled by RaShelle Workman is a YA Sci-Fi Romance about Venus, a sixteen year old princess who is about to go through a traditional right of passage where she becomes immortal. But before she can begin her journey things go terribly wrong and she falls ill and passes out. She wakes up to find herself accused of things she never did and exiled to Earth, a planet that will kill her in a weeks time.

Luckily, her guardian Zaren followed her, and was given the parameters that will allow her exile to be revoked and allow her to return to her home planet. She must help the earth boy Michael find his soul mate, and true love. Something Venus thinks, given humans volatile emotions, should be easy enough. Except things are not exactly as they seem and humans are unpredictable in what they choose to do. Now the clock is ticking and as Venus grows weaker, she is desperate to help Michael so she can go home to find out who set her up, but will she live long enough to make it happen?

I really loved the concept of the plot and how RaShelle weaves all the intricate sub plots into her story line. I fell hard for her characters and found my self rooting for them. Well the good guys anyway. But I thought she developed a wonderfully evil antagonist as well in Vinny.

I was drawn page after pager deeper into the story and was left in the end wondering what would happen next. I thought Exiled was a swift page turner and look forward to the next book in the series.

So some are rooting Team Zaren or Team Michael. I am rooting for them both, and interested to see how it all falls out as the story goes forward. I don't want to choose sides just yet. But if you want to know what I am talking about then you should hurry and get your copy of Exiled by RaShelle Workman so you can see exactly what I am talking about.

To get your copy of Exiled, click here, so you too can be caught up in the world of Venus and all the intrigue that surrounds her as she accomplishes her mission and discovers things about being human that are both compelling and undeniably fascinating, all while trying to understand the strange new emotions whirling inside her for the first time ever.

You can visit RaShelle's website here, and learn more about Exiled and her other books.

Disclaimer: Although at times I receive copies of books to review, my opinion will always remain my own.

November Blog Hop Give-a-way

Welcome to the November Blog Hop, where you can visit new blogs and enter to win prizes and have a great time! Come join me and my friends for a lot of fun in this huge November Blog Hop Giveaway, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and Tristi Pinkston. Thanks girls!

At the bottom of this post, you'll see a list of participating blogs. Just click on each link, check out the prize, and follow the easy instructions to enter. You can enter on each blog, so it's possible to win multiple times. It's thankfully easy.

On this blog you can win....

A gently used copy of Nora Roberts book Morrigan's Cross Book One of The Circle Triolgy

As a storm rages, the tale begins... of a powerful vampire's lust for destruction~ and of the circle of six charged by the goddess Morrigan to stop her.

To enter, all you need to do is:

1. Become a follower of my blog.

2. Leave a comment and tell me why you would like to win this prize. If your e-mail address isn't visible through your Blogger profile, please also leave it with the comment so I can notify you if you win. You can enter until Midnight of Novemeber 11th.

That's it! You are now entered. Now please go visit all my friends on the list below.

Book Review: No Holly For Christmas By Julie N Ford

No Holly For Christmas By Julie N Ford was a fast paced suspense romance that captured me on the first page. Attorney Brian McAlister steps into a high profile case when his father becomes seriously ill. As he is nursing a broken heart from a long time love he tries to move on, with little hope of it ever mending. But with the demands of the case he's been assigned there isn't much time to think about the past, especially when Holly Winter a social worker who helped a suspect on the case before his release from the hospital steps on the scene.

In no time, Brian persuades beautiful Holly to help him in his case to lure an escaped con back to the hospital where Holly counseled him through his wound. Before he knows it he is neck deep in protecting Holly and her 2 children and working against the clock to unravel the many disjointed pieces of the case against a high powered wealthy man bent on using any means available to pressure Brian into dropping the case.

Never did Brian expect in the process that he would lose his heart, nor that he would find that what he once believed as black and white truth maybe had some gray tinges to them.

Holly meanwhile is trying to piece her life back together after the unexpected death of her husband less than a year ago which forced the drastic changes to the type of wealthy, organized and orderly life she was accustomed to living. In the process she too finds herself changing her ideas of what is really important in life and with Brian stepping into her life she discovers some changes and bending can be rather nice. Even if it means losing your heart.

I really loved reading this book. I found the characters grew so much and I really liked them and hurt with them. From main to side characters, Julie creates a full and rich world that grabs and holds you tight.

I felt a connection with Holly and could understand that life throws you a curve ball or a hundred and it demands you to look at things in a different way. I liked watching her discover that she could survive and be strong and be more and not have to yield to the dictates of her high class upbringing all the time. She was strong, and confident, but at the same time vulnerable and in some times unsure. It was nice to see the contrasts in her.

I also enjoyed Brian and his take on things. That when all the control in his life slips through his fingers, he learns that maybe that is OK, and that maybe the things he never thought he wanted were exactly what he needed all along. Forcing him to look inside himself at what really matters.

I could not put this book down. I was drawn in by the plot twists and the desire to know who would win, the good guys or the bad guys. I felt the clock ticking down as the climax built until I was on pins and needles wondering how it would all end up. I loved the sub plots and all the build up of the relationship between Holly and Brian.

No Holly For Christmas by Julie N Ford, is a clean read. There is lots of intense sensuality and hinting but it doesn't go beyond that. I was impressed with how well Julie was able to build the romantic steamy tension between Brian and Holly with out going any farther, and I commend Julie on her writing skill. I look forward to reading more from Julie N Ford.

To get your own copy of No Holly For Christmas just in time for the Christmas holiday click here. You can learn more about Julie N Ford by checking out her website here.

disclaimer: While at times I do receive copies of the books I review, my opinion is and will always remain my own.