Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon - Blog Tour July 11-17

Touching the Clouds

by Bonnie Leon

Blog Tour July 11-17

Author Bonnie Leon takes readers to new heights in her latest book, Touching the Clouds, the first book in the new Alaskan Skies series.

Leon introduces readers to Kate Evans, an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As the lone woman in a man's world, she finds that contending with people's expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.

When she crosses paths with a mysterious man living alone in the forbidding wilderness, she faces a new challenge. Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?

Book 1 in the Alaskan Skies series, Touching the Clouds will draw readers in with raw emotion and suspense, all against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilds during the 1930s.

Bonnie Leon is the bestselling author of more than ten historical fiction novels. She stays busy teaching women's Bible studies and speaking at writing seminars and conventions. She and her husband, Greg, live in Oregon.

You can learn more about Bonnie at her blog - Blog by Bonnie Leon.




Praise for Touching the Clouds
"Vivid writing. Bonnie Leon immerses the reader in the time period, the setting, and deep into the hearts of the characters. I didn't want to leave them behind when I closed the book." — Lena Nelson Dooley, author of Wild West Christmas and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

"A fresh and exciting story of romance and suspense. Kate's tale will take you on a high-flying adventure and make you smile as you discover with her the real meaning of a deep and abiding love." — Amber Stockton, author of Liberty's Promise




Touching the Clouds
Publisher/Publication Date: Revell, July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3359-9
362 pages

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck (blog tour 7/11 - 7/18)

Perfectly Dateless (A Universally Misunderstood Novel)

by Kristin Billerbeck

Blog tour July 11-18

The prom countdown has begun.

Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, wears lame homemade clothes, and possesses no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem.

Can she talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempts to completely ruin her life?

Perfectly Dateless is hilarious, shocking, and totally real. You'll fall in love with Daisy's sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.

 Kristin Billerbeck is the bestselling, award-winning author of several novels, including What a Girl Wants. A Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year, Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in northern California.

You can find her at her new blog called Girly Girl.

Praise for Perfectly Dateless

"Billerbeck hits a home run with this warm tale about Daisy Crispin's funny trials and tribulations as she lives with eccentric parents, prom stress, and a desire to just be a normal teen."--Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Just Between You and Me and A Charmed Life series

"With her brand of wit and insight, Billerbeck takes us into the life of Daisy Crispin as she aims for the perfect prom date. This story reminds us that even a geek can live out her Cinderella dreams."--Rachel Hauck, coauthor of The Sweet By and By





Perfectly Dateless
 Publisher/Publication date: Revell, July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3439-8
257 pages

Tempted by a Warrior by Amanda Scott - (Blog Tour July 5 - July 16)

Tempted by a Warrior

by Amanda Scott

(Blog Tour July 5 - 16)

Before her marriage, it was whispered that Lady Fiona Jardine was a young woman no man could control. Now the rumors are more threatening. Her cruel and womanizing husband has vanished into the battle-scarred Scottish borderlands without a trace, and everyone thinks Fiona is to blame.

Sir Richard Seyton, Laird of Kirkhill and a powerful knight and baron, is honor-bound to be Fiona's guardian until her husband is found. Kirkhill strives to keep her safe -- while her enemies plot to prevent her from ever being the mistress of the Jardine lands. But can he protect her from the desire that ignites at their slightest touch? For with suspicions mounting and tensions along the Borders rising, surrendering to their passion could cost Fiona and Kirkhill their very lives. . .

About the author: Amanda Scott, best-selling author and winner of the Romance Writers of America's RITA/Golden Medallion and The Romantic Times' awards for Best Regency Author and Best Sensual Regency, began writing on a dare from her husband. She has sold every manuscript she has written. More than twenty-five of her books are set in the English Regency period (1810-1820), others are set in fifteenth-century England and sixteenth-and eighteenth-century Scotland. Three are contemporary romances. Amanda lives with her husband and son in northern California.

Participating Blogs:

Books Like Breathing 7/5/2010 Review
Bookhounds 7/5/2010 Review, Giveaway
Thoughts in Progress 7/5/2010 Feature, Giveaway
A Moment With Mystee 7/5/2010, Review, Q and A, Giveaway
My Book Addiction and More. . . 7/5/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
Just Another New Blog 7/5/2010 Giveaway
{A}musing Reviews 7/6/2010 Review, Giveaway
A Journey of Books 7/6/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway
Mom of Boys with Toys 7/8/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway
Just One More Paragraph 7/8/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
My Guilty Pleasures 7/10/2010 Review, Giveaway
Rundpinne 7/10/2010 Review
Running Away? I'll Help You Pack 7/10/2010 Review, Giveaway
Distracted Musician7/11/2010 Review, Giveaway
Marta's Meanderings 7/11/2010 Review, Giveaway
A Room Without books is Empty 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
Just Jennifer Reading 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
The Thrifty Things 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
Broken Teepee 7/13/2010 Review, Giveaway
Paranormal Romantic Suspense Reviews 7/13/2010 Giveaway
Martha's Bookshelf 7/14/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
Tricia Reads 7/14/2010 Review, Giveaway
My Foolish Wisdom 7/14/2010 Review, Giveaway, Q&A
Book Soulmates 7/14/2010 Review, Giveaway
In the Hammock 7/15/2010 Review, Giveaway
Rex Robot Reviews 7/15/2010 Review, Giveaway, Q&A
This Book For Free 7/15/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway
Falling Off the Shelf 7/15/2010 Feature, Giveaway
Candid, Clever and Cost Effective 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
Mommy Reads Too Much 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
The Fiction Enthusiast 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
Renee's Reads 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
My Book Views 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
Books and Needlepoint 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
DK's Everything Romance Books 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
Simply Stacie 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
Libby's Library News 7/16/2010 Giveaway
Starting Fresh 7/16/2010 Review, Giveaway
The Avid Reader 7/16/2010 Review, Guest Post

A Tidbit Romance - (Blog Tour July 5 - July 28) and Giveaway!

A Tidbit Romance: Falling in Love with God's Word One Devotion at a Time

by Erin Coss

A Tidbit Romance Woos Readers Through Summer Blog Tour

Christian devotional seeks to engage readers in heartfelt study and time with God.

Cross writes on several "everyday" topics in her devotions, which she calls "tidbits."  Some of the subjects discussed include:

• Why "ugly days" are a thing of the past.
• What the common phrase "apple of His eye" really means.
• Was the Holocaust prophesied in the Bible?
• Which ghost story is included in the Bible.
• Was there teleportation in the Bible?
• Why God handpicked you!

Author Sandra B. Rice, contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul - Devotional Stories for Women, writes of the book: "In a hectic and time-consumed world, it is nice to find a place of peace. A Tidbit Romance gives us a chance to focus on God's Word as Erin's insightful and honest devotionals guide us through each day."

GIVEAWAY!

Erin has very generously offered one book for giveaway to one of my readers.  No Mailing Restrictions!  Simple Summer Rules - just comment with email address to enter.  This giveaway ends July 26.

About the author: Erin Coss - A.K.A. The Chicken Dance Mama, is a published author and speaker. Her published works include Revival Nation Magazine, First Conversations, My Surgery Journal and My Hospital Journal. She resides in Delaware, Ohio with her husband Eric and their three children.

Participating Blogs:
This Mom's Delight - July 5
The Vessel Project - July 6
What You Reading Now? - July 7
The Change - July 8
Books and Needlepoint - July 9
Three Different Directions - July 13
Shelly's Bits & Pieces - July 14
Ruby for Women - July 15
The Christian Scroll - July 16
Life in review - July 19
Bee Hive Books - July 20
Gather In Spirit - July 21
All a Bunch of Momsense - July 22
Word Wanderings - July 23
Mama's Little Treasures - July 26
Smallest Inspirations - July 27
I am Believing God's Blog - July 28

Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer (Blog Tour July 1 - 12) and Giveaway!

Barely a Lady

by Eileen Dreyer

Olivia Grace has secrets that could destroy her. One of the greatest of these is the Earl of Gracechurch, who married and divorced her five years earlier. Abandoned and disgraced, Grace has survived those years at the edge of respectability. Then she stumbles over Jack on the battlefield of Waterloo, and he becomes an even more dangerous secret. For not only is he unconscious, he is clad in an enemy uniform.

But worse, when Jack finally wakes in Olivia's care, he can't remember how he came to be on a battlefield in Belgium. In fact, he can remember nothing of the last five years. He thinks he and Olivia are still blissfully together. To keep him from being hanged for a traitor, Olivia must pretend she and Jack are still married.

To unearth the real traitors, Olivia and Jack must unravel the truth hidden within his faulty memory. To save themselves and the friends who have given them sanctuary, they must stand against their enemies, even as they both keep their secrets.

In the end, can they risk everything to help Jack recover his lost memories, even though the truth may destroy them both?

About the author: Born and raised in Brentwood, Missouri and a product of Catholic Schools, she lives in St. Louis County with husband Rick and her two children. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the glare of the limelight.

Dreyer won her first publishing award in 1987, being named the best new Contemporary Romance Author by Romantic Times. Since that time she has also garnered not only five other writing awards from Romantic Times, but five RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, which secures her only the fourth place in the Romance Writers of America prestigious Hall of Fame. Since extending her reach to suspense, she has also garnered a coveted Anthony Award nomination for her last paperback, Bad Medicine. She has over three million books in print world wide, and has made regular appearances on the Waldenbook and B.Dalton bestsellers list, and now the USA Today list.

A frequent speaker at conferences, she maintains membership in Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and, just in case things go wrong, Emergency Nurses Association and International Association of Forensic Nurses, for which she is the unofficial mascot.

Eileen is an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She's also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, although she doesn't see herself actively working in the field, unless this writing thing doesn't pan out.

Friend Eileen on Facebook
Follow @EileenDreyer on Twitter
Visit EileenDreyer.com

GIVEAWAY!

Thanks to Hachette I have 3 copies of this book to giveaway. 

Giveaway is open to U.S./Canada only - no PO boxes.

Simple Summer Rules!  Just leave comment with e-mail address. (If you want to click the tweet button at the bottom, don't let me stop you though  :)   )

This giveaway will end July 26, 2010.

Participating Blogs:
A Journey of Books 7/1/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway
Books with a Cup of Coffee 7/1/2010 Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post
Broken Teepee 7/1/2010 Review, Giveaway
Just Another New Blog 7/1/2010 Giveaway
Books Like Breathing 7/1/2010 Review
Thoughts in Progress 7/1/2010 Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
Book Hounds 7/1/2010 Review, Giveaway
Freda's Voice 7/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
Seductive Musings 7/2/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
My Book Addiction and More 7/2/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway
The Book Girl 7/2/2010 Review, Giveaway
Running Away? I'll Help You Pack 7/3/2010 Review, Giveaway
The Thrifty Things 7/5/2010 Review, Giveaway
Rundpinne 7/5/2010 Review
Just Jennifer Reading 7/5/2010 Review, Giveaway
Rex Robot Reviews 7/5/2010 Feature, Review, Giveaway
Marta's Meanderings 7/6/2010 Review, Giveaway
Minding Spot 7/6/2010 Review, Giveaway
Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews 7/6/2010 Giveaway
The Eclectic Booklover 7/6/2010 Review, Giveaway
My Reading Addiction 7/7/2010 Feature, Giveaway
Book Soulmates Book Blog 7/7/2010 Review, Giveaway
My Guilty Pleasures 7/7/2010 Review, Giveaway
In the Hammock 7/8/2010 Review, Giveaway
A Moment With Mystee 7/9/2010 Review, Giveaway, Q&A
Books and Needlepoint 7/9/2010 Review, Giveaway
Book Junkie 7/9/2010 Review, Giveaway, Q&A
Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks 7/10/2010 Review, Giveaway
Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf 7/10/2010 Review, Giveaway
Chick with Books 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
DK's Everything Romance Books 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
Mommy Reads Too Much 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
Simply Stacie 7/12/2010 Giveaway
Starting Fresh 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
The Fiction Enthusiast 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
Candid, Clever & Cost Effective 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
Renee's Reads 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
Libby's Library News 7/12/2010 Review, Giveaway
The Avid Reader 7/12/2010 Review, Q&A

Desire Me by Robyn DeHart Blog Tour and Giveaway

Desire Me

by Robyn DeHart

The Legend Hunters. . .

The Men of Solomon's meet in secret, their very existence only a rumor among the best of Victorian society. They are treasure hunters, men of wealth and title, seekers of myths and legends. And no legend is as mystifying as the lost city of Atlantis. . .

Years ago, Maxwell Barrett found a map to Atlantis and dedicated his life to the search for the mystical lost continent. But when an alluring woman makes a wager for the priceless artifact, he may have discovered an even greater treasure.

A descendant of Atlantis, Sabine Tobias needs the map to decipher an ancient prophecy. What she doesn't need are the sparks flying between her and Max. He's too devilishly charming to be trusted: The fate of her people is at stake as well as her heart. Yet a ruthless killer also covets the map. Now Max and Sabine must race to decode the prophecy's riddle before this criminal fulfills his deadly mission.

Extra: The Legend Behind Desire Me

Follow @RobynDeHart on Twitter

Visit Robyn DeHart

Follow the tour:
June 8, 2010

Savey Spender Review, Giveaway

The Cajun Book Lady  Feature, Giveaway

The Book Tree Feature, Giveaway

Amusing Reviews Giveaway

Book Hounds Review, Giveaway

Marta's Meanderings Review, Giveaway

Just Another New Blog Giveaway

Yankee Romance Reviewers Review, Giveaway

June 9, 2010

Thoughts in Progress Giveaway, Guest Post

Mom of Boys With Toys Feature, Giveaway

Book Soul Mates Review, Giveaway

A Journey of Books Feature, Review, Giveaway

June 11, 2010

Fiction Vixen Review, Giveaway

Books and Needlepoint Giveaway

June 12, 2010

Cuzin Logic Giveaway

June 13, 2010

Maria's Space Review, Giveaway

June 14, 2010

Readaholic Review, Giveaway

June 15, 2010

My Book Addiction and More Review, Giveaway, Guest Post

Seductive Musings Feature, Review, Giveaway

June 16, 2010

Rex Robot Reviews Review, Giveaway, Q&A

Falling Off the Shelf Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post

June 17, 2010

Froggarita's Bookcase Review, Giveaway

Chrissy's World of Books Review, Giveaway

My Guilty Pleasure Review, Giveaway

Paranormal Romantic Suspense Reviews Feature, Review, Giveaway

June 18, 2010

Eclectic Book Lover Review, Giveaway

Mommy Reads Too Much Review, Giveaway

Rundpinne Review

June 19, 2010

This Book for Free Review, Giveaway, Guest Post

Martha's Bookshelf Review, Giveaway

Books and Makeup Review, Giveaway

In the Hammock Review, Giveaway

June 20, 2010

My Foolish Wisdom Review, Giveaway, Q&A

June 21, 2010

Renee's Reads Review, Giveaway

All About {n} Review, Giveaway

DK's Everything Romance Books Review, Giveaway

The Avid Reader Review

Candid, Clever & Cost-Effective Review, Giveaway

Just Jennifer Reading Review, Giveaway

Starting Fresh Review, Giveaway

Simply Stacie Review, Giveaway

FOR THE GIVEAWAY:

I have 3 books to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books - This giveaway is only open to U.S./Canada - no PO boxes.  It will end on July 2. 

Simple Summer Rules - Just leave comment with email address to enter!

The Last Christian by David Gregory (Blog Tour and Giveaway!)

The Last Christian

by David Gregory

In the future, it's possible to live forever-- but at what cost?

A.D. 2088. Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether -- but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance -- the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

GIVEAWAY!

I am going to make my giveaways easy for summer (quicker for both of us!)  Just leave a comment  with your email address. 

This giveaway if open to U.S. only and will end on June 15th.

Montana Destiny by R.C. Ryan - Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Montana Destiny

 by R.C. Ryan

From the Publisher: They're the McCords...three rugged, sexy cowboy cousins who'll inherit the family range--if they seek the treasure hidden on it. But even more precious are the women who can tame their wild hearts...

Emergency medic Marilee Trainor likes her freedom and lives for trouble. But when she stumbles upon a clue to the legendary McCord gold, she 's suddenly in a mysterious killer's sights--and the arms of irresistible playboy Wyatt McCord. This McCord cousin has been everywhere, yet the ranch is the only place he feels at home. Now Marilee's courage and independence make him want to protect her, win her heart, and finally settle down. But trust is the one thing Wyatt and Marilee can't easily give. And their survival and everything they cherish depends on whether they can surrender to each other--to fight for their...

About the author: New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety fiction novels, both contemporary and historical. Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.

The Lost, an anthology of stories by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, and R.C. Ryan writing as Ruth Ryan Langan was published in Fall 2009. Ms. Ryan’s story, “The Legacy,” is an exciting tale of intrigue and other-worldly adventure.

In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. She has also appeared on CNN News, as well as Good Morning America.

FIVE FUN FACTS:


1) I admire risk-takers: people who, despite all the odds, make a leap of faith and go for the gold. That's why I had such fun with both Wyatt McCord and Marilee Trainor. These two are perfectly suited.


2) I was intrigued with the idea of a world-traveler coming back to his roots on a Montana ranch and contending with the small-town life he knew when he was a kid. In this series we see the pros and cons of life in a small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. People can be labeled in their early years, positively or negatively, and can spend a lifetime trying to shake that label. Wyatt McCord, the eternal surfer, is seen as nothing more than a shallow heart-throb. A wanderer who will soon tire of life in a small town and move on to more exciting adventures, as did his parents. But Wyatt refuses to be labeled. A man comfortable in his own skin, Wyatt has already sampled what the world beyond this town has to offer, and knows that this place of his childhood will always own his heart.

3) When I began this story, I had no hint of Marilee's past before she arrived in Gold Fever. Little by little, as she revealed herself to Wyatt, I discovered a multi-layered personality that I found fascinating. I realized that she needed closure in her war with her father, a war she didn’t even realize she was still fighting. Like so many people whose family members have passed on before old issues can be finalized, remnants of pain lingers and festers. Her relationship with her father colored all her decisions, and almost prevented her from opening herself up to all the possibilities of love.


4) I love the name Wyatt. It speaks to me of the old West and straight-shooting Marshal Wyatt Earp in Tombstone Territory.

5) Every time I wrote Marilee I thought: "we roll along, roll along, roll along..." Sorry. Couldn't resist. But her name IS musical, and that's such a familiar childhood song.

I am currently enjoying this book very much!  If my week ever settles down I hope to be able to finish it and give you a good review.  This has been a fun series to read so far.

GIVEAWAY:

I have 5 books to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books.

Eligibility:  U.S./Canada - no PO boxes.

Mandatory Entry: +1 Given the choice, are you struck with wanderlust and hope to be a world traveler? Or would you rather have a quiet life with deep roots and lots of friends and family around?  Please leave your email address with your comment.

Additional Entries (all entries must have their own comment(s). +2 Follow me on Google Friend Connect.  +2 Follow me on twitter and tweet - please leave me the link or use @kherbrand in the tweet.  +1 for daily tweets after the first one.

This giveaway will end on June 2.

How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly - Blog Tour (Apr 12 - 16)

How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly

by Connie May Fowler

Touring Apr 12 - 16

New York Times bestselling writer Connie May Fowler delivers a transcendent novel about one fateful day in the life of a woman -- and the extraordinary life change it brings about.

Set amidst the lush pine forests and rich savannahs of Florida's Northern Panhandle, this is the story of one woman whose existence until now has seemed fairly normal: She is thirtysomething, married, and goes about her daily routine as a writer. But we soon learn that ghosts, an indifferent husband, and a seemingly terminal case of writer's block are burdening Clarissa's life. She awakes on the summer solstice and, prodded by her own discontent and one ghost's righteous need for truth, commences upon a twenty-four-hour journey of self-discovery.  Her harrowing, funny, and startling adventures lead Clarissa to a momentous decision: She must find a way to do the unthinkable.  Her life and the well-being of a remarkable family of blithe spirits hang in the balance.

In How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly, Connie May Fowler once again demonstrates her keen abilities as a storyteller. A remarkably original and empowering novel about an unexpected midlife awakening, it will resonate and be discussed for years to come.

Connie May Fowler is an essayist, screenwriter, and novelist. She is the author of five novels, most recently The Problem with Murmur Lee, and a memoir, When Katie Wakes. Her 1996 novel, Before Women Had Wings, became a bestseller in paperback and was adapted into a successful Oprah Winfrey Presents movie. She also founded the Connie May Fowler Women with Wings Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding women and children in need.

Participating Sites:

April 12
Readaholic
Frugal Plus
Review From Here
Foreign Circus Library
A Mom After God's Own Heart
You wanna know what I think?
Rundpinne
The Cajun Book Lady
The Tome Traveler's Weblog


April 13
Reading at the Beach
One More Foggy Notion
Red Lady's Reading Room
Libby's Library News
Books and Needlepoint
Along the Way
Chaotic Book Obsession
Busy Julie


April 14
Bella's Novella
Bookhounds
Just One More Paragraph
My Book Views
Starting Fresh
BookNAround
Booktumbling
Distracted Musician

April 15
Bookin with Bingo
Joseph's Reviews Blog
Bless Their Hearts Mom
Delgal's Book Reviews
Just Jennifer Reading
Debshere
Simply Stacie
O' Joy of My Life

April 16
Just Short of Crazy
My Life in Not So Many Words
Freda's Voice
The Avid Reader
Lori's Reading Corner
Just Another New Blog
The Book Tree
My Book Buddies
Arms of a Sister
Wise Owl Book Review
Must Read Faster

Forget Me Not - Blog Tour and Giveaway! (tour Apr 12 - 16)

Forget Me Not

by Vicki Hinze

Touring Apr 12 - 16

 

A mother who cannot face her future.

THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING. NOW THEY WANT MORE.

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

I have one extra copy of this book to giveaway so just leave me a comment if you are interested.  Please leave your email address.

This giveaway is open to U.S. only and will end April 26.

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason - Blog Tour (Apr 11 - 17)

New romantic suspense series: “Women of Justice”

FBI agent Samantha Cash sets out to solve a string of murders in a small Southern town. Troubles arise when the case turns personal…

Lynette Eason debuts a new romantic suspense series that features strong female characters who will stop at nothing to find the criminal: the Women of Justice series.

Too Close to Home is the first novel in this new series, which renowned suspense author Dee Henderson called “a hit” and said that she “enjoyed every minute.”

In this thrilling first book, readers meet Samantha Cash, who is the FBI's secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops until the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help the local police chief Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There's her faith--in God and herself. And then there's the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife.

As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor's 16-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective. Can't a girl just have some fun?

Too Close to Home ratchets up the suspense with each page, and will have readers cheering for the characters they love as justice is served and love grows even in the face of danger. Read this one with the lights on!

Lynette Eason is the author of three romantic suspense novels, and a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master's degree in education from Converse College.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

This Little Prayer of Mine - Blog Tour, Book Review and INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

This Little Prayer of Mine

by Anthony DeStefano

illustrated by Mark Elliott

Touring Apr 5 - 9

About the book: Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.


Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.


Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”


This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

My review:  This is absolutely a must have for every family with children - and in my opinion, not just young children.  Even though it is a simple message - it is an important message.  I have read it with my preschooler, but I am going to make sure my teenagers both have a turn with it also.

Author bio: Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.


Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  They also provided me with one copy to giveaway to one of you.  To enter this, just tell me who you would like to win this for and leave an email address.  I am going to make this one international so consider it open to anyone/anywhere - it is just that good and that important!  This giveaway will end April 22.


Purchase This Little Prayer of Mine.

An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick - Blog Tour and Giveaway!

An Absence So Great

by Jane Kirkpatrick

touring Mar 29 - Apr 2

Did photography replace an absence in her life OR expose the truth of her heart's emptiness?

While growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele's personal life is at a crossroads. Hoping she's put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as "water under the bridge," she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those owners who have fallen ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing in her dream to one day operate her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession.  But even a job she loves can't keep painful memories from seeping into her heart when the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

Author bio:  Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.

Jane blogs at Words of Encouragement.  You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY INFO:

I have one copy of this paperback book to giveaway courtesy of Waterbrook Multnomah Books. For your first entry (MUST DO THIS ONE FOR ANY OTHER ENTRIES TO COUNT) just leave a comment - that easy! Oh - and leave your email address.

For additional entries you can sign up to follow (old followers let me know), Twitter or post it on your blog. Each entry must have it's own comment. (Four entries total.)

This giveaway is for U.S.only and will end Apr 20!

Learn more about this book at Random House.

The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey - Blog Tour (Mar 28 - Apr 3)

The Promise of Morning

by Ann Shorey

Touring Mar 28 to Apr 3

Life in Beldon Grove on the Illinois frontier in the 1840s isn't easy.  For Ellie Craig, the graves of her three infant children make it unbearably lonely, despite the love of her husband Matthew. When she uncovers a family secret that suggests she may not be as alone as she thought, Ellie is determined to find the truth.

Meanwhile, Matthew Craig faces controversy in the church he pastors when a man arrives in town claiming to be both a minister and the son of the town's founder. Will Matthew find the courage to reclaim his church? Or will he return to itinerant preaching, leaving Ellie even more alone than before?

Book 2 in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Promise of Morning will touch your soul with themes of overcoming tragedy, finding strength to meet daunting challenges, and trusting your heart to love again.

I am just finishing up Book 1 - The Edge of Light - it is a great book - Can't wait to pick up Book 2!

The Promise of Morning

Publisher/Publication Date: Baker, March 2010

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3333-9

324 pages

A Touch of Scandal Blog Tour (Mar 25 - Apr 7) and Giveaway!

A Touch of Scandal

by Jennifer Haymore

The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he's convinced he's been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett's powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

Five Fun Facts

1. The heroine from A Touch of Scandal, Kate, has a younger brother, Reginald. Reggie suffers from severe asthma—something I understand, having been through it as a child and now watching my own son fight it. It’s truly a painful and frightening illness. I can’t imagine what it was like for children before proper medications were available. The prescription the doctor in A Touch of Scandal orders—prussic acid—was a common remedy for asthma. But like many medicines of the time, prussic acid has since been proven to be very poisonous—even deadly. No wonder poor Reggie didn’t improve while he was taking it!

2. In the first drafts of A Touch of Scandal, there were three “villains.” I thought that was at least one too many, so I changed one character to soften her up a bit, even almost redeeming her at the end. She’s still not a very likeable character, but she’s no longer the equivalent of the Wicked Witch of the West! Can you guess who this is?

3. I’ve been to England several times, but I have not been to Kenilworth Castle. I researched it as thoroughly as I could while writing A Touch of Scandal, and it’s definitely on the itinerary for my next visit to the UK!

4. The James family seat, Calton House, is located in the Yorkshire dales. I feel especially bonded to this part of England—I think it’s because several of my ancestors immigrated to Canada from Yorkshire. I’ve driven through the county once, and I loved it. It’s a special place.

5. One of the main characters in A Touch of Scandal is Becky, the younger sister of the Duke of Calton. I have loved writing about her, because she is the one character whose growth you can really see from the beginning to the end of the series. She is immature and compulsive in A Hint of Wicked; she crashes back to reality in A Touch of Scandal; and in the third book, A Season of Seduction, she really comes into her own and finally finds the man that will lead her down the (very rocky!) road to a happily ever after.

GIVEAWAY INFO:

I have five copies of this paperback book to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books. For your first entry (MUST DO THIS ONE FOR ANY OTHER ENTRIES TO COUNT) - From the fun facts above, we learn that Reggie suffers from asthma - was there any childhood diseases that you or one of your siblings suffered from?  I had allergies so bad that I got an allergy shot once a week - by the time I was 14 I had learned to give them to myself - then by 17 they had all switched to foods, for which there was no shot - so after about 12 years of shots, I just got to stop them!  Be sure to leave an email address also!

For additional entries you can sign up to follow (old followers let me know), Twitter or post it on your blog. Each entry must have it's own comment. (Four entries total.)

This giveaway if for U.S./Canada only - no PO boxes and will end Apr 15!

Participating blogs:
Thoughts in Progress Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post 3/25/2010
Bibiliophilic Book Blog Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
Book Soulmates Review, Giveaway, Q&As 3/25/2010
You Wanna Know What I Think? Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
Just Another New Blog Giveaway 3/25/2010
Simply Stacie Giveaway 3/25/2010
Freda's Voice Giveaway 3/25/2010
A Journey of Books Review, Giveaway, Q&As 3/25/2010
Book Junkie Review, Giveaway, Q&As 3/25/2010
Long Live the Lit Feature, Guest Post 3/26/2010
Smexy Books Review, Giveaway 3/26/2010
The Book Girl Review, Giveaway 3/26/2010
Rundpinne Feature, Review 3/27/2010
Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks Review, Giveaway 3/29/2010
Who Has Time to Read Review, Giveaway 3/31/2010
My Guilty Pleasures Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
Eclectic Book Lover Review 4/1/2010
Seductive Musings Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
Books and Needlepoint Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010
Broken Teepee Review, Giveaway 4/3/2010
Savey Spender Review, Giveaway 4/4/2010
All About {n} Review, Giveaway 4/5/2010
Just Short of Crazy Review, Giveaway 4/5/2010
Marta's Meanderings Feature, Review 4/6/2010
My Book Addiction and More. . . Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/6/2010
Razlover's Book Blog Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/6/2010
Renee's Reads Review 4/7/2010
My Reading Addiction Review, Giveaway 4/7/2010

Montana Legacy - Blog Tour (Mar 22-Apr 2) and Giveaway!

Montana Legacy
by R.C. Ryan

They're the McCords...three rugged, sexy cowboy cousins who'll inherit the family range--if they seek the treasure hidden on it. But even more precious are the women who can tame their wild hearts...

She was the one person who shook Jesse McCord's quiet determination. She was the only one he ever let in, body and soul. Then suddenly Amy Parrish was gone and the oldest McCord cousin devoted his life to the family ranch. Now Amy is back, offering help to Jesse find the McCord gold. Yet Jesse's not about to give her a second chance, and he hopes his pride will protect him from her irresistible charms. But under the wide prairie skies a dangerous, unseen enemy is fast closing in, threatening Amy and Jesse's very lives and the promise of their ...

MONTANA LEGACY.

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety fiction novels, both contemporary and historical. Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.

The Lost, an anthology of stories by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, and R.C. Ryan writing as Ruth Ryan Langan was published in Fall 2009. Ms. Ryan’s story, “The Legacy,” is an exciting tale of intrigue and other-worldly adventure.

In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. She has also appeared on CNN News, as well as Good Morning America.

Friend R.C. Ryan on Facebook.

Five Fun Facts:

1. The names of all three cousins in this series are famous Western names that I've always loved: Jesse (James), Wyatt (Earp), and Zane (Grey).

2. There really was a gold strike in 1862 Montana at Grasshopper Creek. I doubt the nuggets were as big as a man's fist or thumb, but why not dream big? I love the idea of a treasure lost for a century or more, leading a family into the treasure hunt.

3. In Montana Legacy, part of the fun of reading is that Jesse McCord and Amy Parrish were childhood sweethearts, separated by circumstances. I think everybody can recall their first big love. A few very lucky people actually reconnect with that first love and make it work. Oh, I'm one of them. Very happily married to the guy I met in first grade.

4. Montana is one of my favorite locations in which to set a series because it has such an ever-changing landscape. In that single state, you can find plains, hills, mountains, waterfalls, and four distinct seasons, each of which is simply more spectacular than the last, and I purposefully tried to use all of them in this series.

5. I'm not certain this story could work anywhere else but in the rough, rugged west. Though Jesse tries to be politically correct, there's just something in his genes that has him breaking a lot of rules. I find readers are much more willing to give a pass to a cowboy. Don't you agree? But maybe I'm prejudiced, since Jesse was inspired by my husband—a blunt, plain-spoken rule-breaker. A warrior who would risk his life for the people he loves. And for all his rough edges, he's the most loving, tender-hearted man I know.

And now for the giveaway!

I have five copies of this paperback book to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books. For your first entry (MUST DO THIS ONE FOR ANY OTHER ENTRIES TO COUNT) What's a "western sounding" name that you like - be creative! Oh - and leave your email address.

For additional entries you can sign up to follow (old followers let me know), Twitter or post it on your blog. Each entry must have it's own comment. (Four entries total.)

This giveaway if for U.S./Canada only - no PO boxes and will end Apr 12!

Participating Blogs:

Thoughts in Progress Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post 3/22/2010
Maria's Space Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/22/2010
This, That and the Other Thing Review 3/22/2010
Zesty Nachos Review, Giveaway 3/22/2010
Just Another New Blog Giveaway 3/22/2010
Chaotic Book Obsession Review, Giveaway, Q&A 3/23/2010
My Book Addiction and More Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/24/2010
Foolish Wisdom Review, Giveaway, Q&A 3/24/2010
My Guilty Pleasures Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
Cheryl's BookNook Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
Just Short of Crazy Review, Giveaway 3/28/2010
Books and Needlepoint Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/28/2010
Savey Spender Review, Giveaway 3/29/2010
Taking Time for Mommy Review, Giveaway 3/29/2010
My Reading Addiction Feature, Giveaway 3/31/2010
Broken Teepee Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
Marta's Meanderings Feature, Review 4/1/2010
Carol's Notebook Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
The Book Tree Feature, Giveaway 4/1/2010
Starting Fresh Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010
Renee's Reads Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010
Simply Stacie Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010