Review: Modern Girls by Jennifer S. Brown

Title: Modern Girls
Author: Jennifer S. Brown
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: April 5, 2016

About the book (from the publisher): An atmospheric new work of historical fiction takes readers into New York City’s 1935 lower East Side Jewish immigrant community, where two women faced with an impossible choice will confront tradition, expectations—and themselves . . .

Set in 1935 against the backdrop of World War II’s ominous approach, MODERN GIRLS follows the interlocking narratives of fierce, industrious nineteen-year-old Dottie Krasinsky, and her mother, Rose.

Though Dottie lives with her traditional Yiddish-speaking parents, she’s as modern as a 1930’s girl can get: she has just been promoted as head bookkeeper at a glittering midtown office, plans to marry her swoon-worthy boyfriend Abe, but still dreams of a home ripped from the pages of Better Homes & Gardens. But after a fight with Abe, and a single careless night with the charismatic but unsuitable Willie, Dottie finds herself in the family way. Desperate, she is unwed, unsure, and running out of options. 

Meanwhile, as news of Jewish persecution in Europe spreads, Rose longs to return to the social activism she embraced as a young woman in Russia. But when she finds herself pregnant with a fifth child, she wrestles with profound disappointment at being forced to once again set aside political work, even as her brother remains trapped in Poland.

As both mother and daughter wrestle with unthinkable choices, they are forced to confront their beliefs, and the changing world around them. What they choose to do next will yield astonishing lessons about what truly lies in each woman’s heart. Only one thing is for sure: neither will ever be the same again.

My thoughts: I had a hard time putting this book down.  In today's age, unwed mothers can be frequently found  in every neighborhood.  Working mother's, especially older mother's are also common.  In the 1930's though, standards were still high and getting pregnant before marriage was enough to bring shame down on the whole family.  Business could be lost, opportunities not granted, and not just for the poor girl in question - but for the entire family.  

We think it was such a simpler time, but they had all the same concerns that we have today (just not all the electronics!).  How to provide for a family; how to deal with consequences of a mistaken one night stand; how to care for a family and have a job. These are all things that are still faced today.  

Dottie and Rose may seem like they are from two different worlds, but they are more alike than they know.  They are both strong, independent women living in a man's world. They both take matters into their own hands to secure an outcome that is acceptable to them.  

I am hoping that there may be another book to come so we can see how their decisions affect their lives and where their paths lead them!

~I received a complimentary e-copy of Modern Girls from Penguin Random House through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.~

Review: The Ones Who Matter Most by Rachael Herron

Title: The Ones Who Matter Most
Author: Rachael Herron
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: April 5, 2016

About the book(from the publisher): After her husband dies unexpectedly, Abby Roberts finds wedding photographs of him with another woman, along with pictures of a baby boy. Shocked, she does something utterly impulsive: she embarks on a journey to discover the family her husband apparently left behind.

What begins as one woman’s search for truth becomes a deep bond forged between the unlikeliest of people. Their surprising journey reveals how strangers can quickly find themselves to be family.

Herron’s mastery of grief, love, and the human condition was honed by her career as a 911 volunteer. She says: “Everything I know about the strength of the human heart and its determination to love comes from the calls I take on a daily basis. I’ve heard hearts break. I’ve heard love in every language, and it sounds the same.”

Pack Up the Moon was named by Working Mother magazine as one of the best gift books for Mother’s Day in 2014. THE ONES WHO MATTER MOST resonates with similar themes of family, highlighting how the most unbreakable bonds can often be the most unlikely. Herron’s previous novels, Splinters of Light and Pack Up the Moon, have been called “riveting” (Booklist), “emotional” (RT Book Reviews) and “poignant” (Library Journal).

My thoughts: Sometimes it is really hard to find the right words for a review.  I really enjoyed reading this book.  We no more meet Abby when her husband dies.  She had just asked him for a divorce, so she is confused as to what she is feeling.  Is it grief?  Is it relief?  She had really wanted a child with her husband - she felt that would make her family complete.  Her parents were gone and she had no siblings.  The closest thing she had to family was a surrogate mom, a lady who had been her mom's best friend.  When she discovers what her husband has done to go against their plan for a family is when she asks him for a divorce - and then he dies. 

Left to sort through his belongings, she discovers a past life that he never shared with her. A wife and child (Fern and Matty) that he never talked about, let alone visited.  All he did was send her a check every month. Abby feels a great need to meet this woman and child.  Scott's child - the child she wanted to have. 

The first meeting is awkward, as you can expect, and it gets worse when she shares the news that Scott has died. For Fern it had been a struggle to raise Matty on her own, and she depended on the monthly check from Scott as much as she despised it. She wants to hate Abby, but realizes that Abby had known nothing about them.  Slowly, with misunderstandings and accidental circumstances, Fern and Abby start to form a friendship.  

I did really love this book.  It was messy.  It was emotional.  It was very realistic. There are no cut and dried answers to life - things don't always have a happily ever after - or at least not the happily ever after that we expect.  Great book just in time for Mother's Day!

~I received a complimentary e-copy of The Ones Who Matter Most from Penguin Random House through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.~

Cover Reveal: Ella's Twisted Senior Year by Amy Sparling

Today is the cover reveal for Ella's Twisted Senior Year by Amy Sparling. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

Ella's Twisted Senior Year

By Amy Sparling

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Young Adult

Release Date: May 31, 2016

Blurb:
Having spent most of her senior year flying under the radar, the last thing Ella Lockhart expected was to have a tornado rip straight through her house, leaving her homeless. It’s bad enough that the whole school now pities her, but did her parents have to let the neighbors take them in?

Now she's sharing a house with Ethan Poe, her former best friend-turned-enemy. All those feelings she used to have for him are starting to rain down on her again. Too bad he's a jerk and his new girlfriend has territorial issues. Thanks to Mother Nature, Ella's house and her entire life have been turned upside down.

Ethan isn’t quite sure why Ella hates him so much, but he does know she wants nothing to do with him. He’s never quite gotten over the crush he had on her as a kid, and now that she’s living across the hall, it’s hard to stay away. His girlfriend isn’t helping the situation and when she shows her true colors, he doesn’t want to date her anymore. He wants to date someone like Ella. Too bad she hates him.

You can find Ella's Twisted Senior Year on Goodreads.

About the Author:
Amy Sparling is the author of The Summer Unplugged Series, Deadbeat & other awesome books for younger teens. She lives in Texas and has an addiction to sparkly nail polish, taking photos of her cute dog, and swooning over book boyfriends.

You can find and contact Amy here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Goodreads

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Ella's Twisted Senior Year. These are the prizes you can win:

- a $10 Amazon gift card (Open internationally)

- a signed paperback of Ella's Twisted Senior Year by Amy Sparling (USA only)

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

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Review: Mug Shot by Caroline Fardig

Title: Mug Shot (A Java Jive Mystery)
Author: Caroline Fardig
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: April 19, 2016

About the book: Former musician Juliet Langley has barely had a day off since taking over management of the coffeehouse owned by her best friend, Pete Bennett. But there's always more to be done—such as prepping for the annual Holiday 5K Race organized by Pete's snobby socialite girlfriend, Cecilia Hollingsworth. This year, Java Jive has a booth right at the finish line, and since Juliet and Cecilia don't always see eye to eye, everything has to be perfect. Nothing can go wrong. Nothing . . . like Juliet stumbling over Cecilia's dead body on the morning of the race.

When Pete is arrested for Cecilia's murder, Juliet sets out to clear his name. She'll do whatever it takes—even if it means standing up to the police, her ex-boyfriend, and the grande dames of Nashville. But there isn't enough espresso in the world for the greatest challenge in her path: infiltrating Nashville's high society to uncover the hidden hotbed of scandal without running afoul of the law herself. With her last dime staked on Pete's bail bond and her staff growing jittery, the last thing Juliet needs is for her trademark temper to land her behind bars. As time drips away, Juliet needs to crack this case before the killer comes back for another shot.

My thoughts: This was such a fun read.  I really like Juliet - spunky, mouthy, smart (though not always wise), loyal - really puts herself out there for her friends.   She is the kind of girlfriend that every girl (and boy) needs at least one of!  Especially if you have been arrested for murder!  She really puts everything on the line trying to prove that Pete didn't kill his girlfriend.  Pete seems like a good guy, though seems a little wishy washy at times.  Seems like he and Juliet are half in love with each other, but are afraid that if they have a relationship that they will lose the friendship - and the friendship seems to be more important to them.

As Juliet runs all over town doing her own "investigating" and dating most of the suspects, her on-again, off-again cop boyfriend Ryder tries to keep up with her and keep her out of jail. They seem like they are going to be a fun couple, as he seems content to put up with her sometimes reckless behavior (remember how I said she was smart, but not always wise?)  As for keeping the identity of the murderer a secret, I can say that I didn't see this one coming.  It wasn't until Juliet started to figure it out that I did as well. I think the author did a good job of keeping the waters muddied enough to not make it obvious who the  killer was.

I did not read the first book in the series, and do not think that it detracted from this story.  I would definitely pick up another book by Caroline Fardig though.

~I received a complimentary e-copy of Mug Shot through the Random House Chatterbox program by House Party from Net Galley.~ 

Review: Lies and Other Acts of Love by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Title: Lies and Other Acts of Love

Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey

About the book: After sixty years of marriage and five daughters, Lynn “Lovey” White knows that all of us, from time to time, need to use our little white lies.

Her granddaughter, Annabelle, on the other hand, is as truthful as they come. She always does the right thing—that is, until she dumps her hedge fund manager fiancé and marries a musician she has known for three days. After all, her grandparents, who fell in love at first sight, have shared a lifetime of happiness, even through her grandfather’s declining health.

But when Annabelle’s world starts to collapse around her, she discovers that nothing about her picture-perfect family is as it seems. And Lovey has to decide whether one more lie will make or break the ones she loves . . .

My thoughts: I loved!! this book. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down.  The story is told from two points of view - Lovey's and her granddaughter, Annabelle's.  

Lovey's story also goes back and forth from the past to the present.  She met her husband, Dan, when she was about 10 years old, but because of the war and both their parents, it was many years before they were actually married. After high school, Dan and his family had moved to another town and he had enlisted in the navy.  It was serendipitous when they ran into each other in New York City when he was on leave. Now many many years later they have raised 5 daughters and Dan and Lovey have aged.  Dan is in a wheelchair with few lucid moments - moments that Lovey cherishes. 

Annabelle has been raised with this circle of women around her.  Her mom and sisters are all very close to each other - as well as to their mother. They have helped each other through joy as well as heartbreak. This is shown during a conversation between Lovey and Annabelle. 

I pushed her away, and I said what I always said to her mother.  "The only thing that matters is that we all know how much we mean to each other. We all know how much we love each other."  I could feel those tears clouding my throat again, thickening it and making it difficult to talk.  "So if I hadn't woken up this morning, you would have known that none of the other mess was important." (p286)

Annabelle has made some of her own messes - which include a lovesick ex-fiance who continues to text her long after she has married another man.  She also discovers a few secrets along the way - and realizes that even those in her family that she thought had perfect relationships had troubles to deal with along the way.  They all had choices to make and it was these choices that had kept their family strong.  Annabelle's choice to marry a man after only 3 days may not have been the wisest choice - but her family is supporting her as best they can.  

And that's the thing about your children.  No matter what they do or how much you disapprove or how much you wish you could change their actions, you love them madly all the same.  At the end of the day, that's the only choice that truly matters. (p218)

Underneath it all is an undercurrent of faith - that God is really the one in control and he can lead you where he wants you to go - even if you can't see it. I loved this gentle reminder that there is someone who loves us and is watching out for us.  (Quotes are from an uncorrected proof)

Okay - I just reread this review and I am not doing justice to this book at all.  It was beautifully written.  They story just flowed effortlessly.  I am going to borrow some endorsements to truly convey this great book. 

"LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE establishes Kristy Woodson Harvey as a major new voice in southern fiction. This book stirred mighty emotions in me, yet left me with a sense of peace. A truly delightful read." --Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Rumor

"A richly detailed, intergenerational tale of love, loss and loyalty. Harvey pulls the reader into the hearts and souls of her characters."—Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence

"Harvey crafted a story so perfectly detailed that we could imagine ourselves on a wrap around porch in the South with a tall glass of sweet tea."—Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, authors ofYour Perfect Life and The Status of All Things 

 Buy Links

~ IndieBound ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ 

Books A Million ~ Powell’s ~ Google Play ~ Walmart ~ 

Hudson Booksellers ~ Kobo ~

About the author: Kristy Woodson Harvey is the author of Dear Carolina, which was recently long-listed for the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize and Lies and Other Acts of Love, a Romantic Times top pick and Southern Booksellers Okra Pick. She blogs at Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life and loves connecting with readers at kristywoodsonharvey.com. She is a Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's school of journalism and holds a Master's in English from East Carolina University. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including Southern Living, Domino magazine, Our State, Houzz, the Salisbury Post and the New Bern Sun Journal. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and four-year-old son where she is working on her next novel.

~I received a complimentary copy of Lies and Other Acts of Love from the author in exchange for my honest review.~

Blog Tour and Review: The Wedding Date by Kelly Eadon (with Giveaway $15 Amazon GC!)

Title: The Wedding Date
Author: Kelly Eadon
Published by: Forever Yours
Publication date: April 5th 2016
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

About the book: A LITTLE FAKE RELATIONSHIP NEVER HURT ANYONE . . .

Kate Massie has big dreams-they just haven’t worked out. Yet. In the meantime, she spends her days clerking for a judge and her nights fantasizing about her tall, dark, and sexy gym crush. So when she runs into him one night, she’s shocked to realize he was her shy, nerdy junior-prom date. But that isn’t where the surprises end . . .

James Abell needs a date to his sister’s wedding. So when Kate agrees, he’s relieved . . . until one little lie turns their wedding date into a full-blown fake relationship. Only it doesn’t feel fake-not the toe-curling kisses and definitely not the electricity. Neither of them is looking for something real . . . but they just might fall for their own little white lie.

My thoughts:  This was the kind of book I needed to read this week.  It was lighthearted, fast paced - just a fun romp all the way around.  Some authors can get the chemistry between two characters just right - and Kelly did just that with James and Kate.  They have this initial attraction to each other, and due to some meddling friends, Kate ends up agreeing to be James wedding date for his sister's wedding.  This was a HUGE wedding (1000 guests! - 11 bridesmaids!) so this wasn't just a wedding date but a whole production.  

So how do you go on a pretend date when you are afraid that your feelings are real?  There are some humorous moments - some sad - and some hot and steamy scenes.  Of course, there has to be some friction - which comes in the form of an ex-fiance and an ex-boyfriend. 

If you are looking for a fast-paced romance - then pick up The Wedding Date.  It didn't disappoint!

Book Links

~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo ~

About the author: Kelly Eadon is a romance writer living in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and a house full of rescue animals, aka “the kraken”. She swears like a sailor and says whatever pops into her head. In order to counteract her big mouth, she wears high heels whenever possible. In her spare time she spins, kick boxes and attempts to renovate her farmhouse. She hates sanding drywall, loves to cook, drinks lots of wine, gets scary competitive at trivia, and enjoys time spent exploring with her rescued beagle mixes. – See more at: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kelly-eadon/the-wedding-date/9781455593958/#sthash.nNkl4hSQ.dpuf

Author Links

~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~

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Cover Reveal: Tuned into You by Cindy Dorminy (Giveaway $25 iTunes GC)

Tuned Into You

By Cindy Dorminy

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Young Adult

Publisher: BookFish Books

A summer party is the last place Lydia Flowers wants to be. Beer pong? Stupid, foot-wrecking shoes? Random hookups? No thanks. Lydia would rather be in her cleats practicing her bat handling skills.

Enter Abe Fischer, the Nashville Teen Idol superstar. He’s a lip-syncing party animal with a short fuse; or at least that’s what the tabloids say. Except, Abe turns out to be nothing like the guy Lydia’s read about online. He’s sweet, and the way he talks to his horse…sigh.

Then life throws Lydia and Abe a curveball. They are wrongfully arrested for destruction of property. Their choices? Either work on the Fischer Farm for the summer earning nothing more than blisters and a sunburn, or have the arrest go on their records, which would ruin Lydia’s shot at a softball scholarship. It’s a no-brainer. Lydia picks up a pitchfork, pulls out the SPF 40, and prepares for the worst two months of her life.

When the press gets wind of a big secret Abe’s family has been keeping, things become even more complicated. Now Lydia has another choice to make: stick around for Abe’s messed-up life in the spotlight, or go for the scholarship of her dreams.

You can find Tuned Into You on Goodreads

About the Author:  Cindy Dorminy grew up on a steady diet of popcorn (the kind you pop in a sauce pan), Tab (pre-Diet Coke), and movies for teenagers. She can’t let a day go by without quoting a line from one of her favorite films, so quirky dialogue is a must in her stories.

When she’s not at her research coordinator day job, Cindy is writing funny love stories, walking her dog, or slinging iron the old-fashioned way. She shares her house with her musician husband, her awesome daughter, and a cool, four-footed child that would eat all the cheese if she could figure out how to open the refrigerator.

Cindy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Music City Romance Writers. She resides in Nashville, TN where live music can be heard everywhere, even at the grocery store.

Author Links

~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Tuned Into You. One winner will win a $25 iTunes gift card.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

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Review and Blog Tour: A Shot of Bourbon by A.C. Land (With iPad mini Giveaway!)

This is my stop during the blog tour for A Shot of Bourbon by A.C. Land. This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 29 March till 11 April, you can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.



Title: A Shot of Bourbon (The Bourbon Series #1)
Author: A.C. Land
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: March 29, 2016
Publisher: BookFish Books

About the book: In the little highway town of Bourbon, Missouri, deadly secrets lurk behind Southern charm.

Seventeen year old Charli Valentine didn’t expect to spend the last few weeks of summer break nursing a broken heart, icing a black eye, and watching her ex kiss another girl. Since being a good girl has gotten her nothing but heartache, Charli decides to give rebellion a try. She pigs out, drinks, and hangs with Luke Parker, the son of the infamous Bourbon Butcher.

But there’s more to Luke than meets the eye. His tough exterior and terrible dialect hide a good person despite his bad boy reputation. No matter how hard he tries to fight it, Luke is drawn to Charli’s innocence and finds her clumsiness too charming to resist. Though they’re from opposite sides of the tracks, neither can resist the magnetism drawing them together.

When Charli discovers a box in her mother’s closet, she pieces together the truth about Bourbon’s past and uncovers a deadly secret about her family. And once Luke learns of it, he vows to protect Charli no matter the cost.

My thoughts:  Yeah - I was pulled into this book from the very beginning.  There is a mystery introduced in the prologue and it is kept under wraps for most of the book.  I had an idea - but of course my first thought was wrong (for which I was very happy!)  Anyway - loved the book. It kept me up way passed my bedtime.

I don't think the blurb above does the book enough credit.  She ends up getting together with Luke  more by accident than be design.  She does discover a box in her mom's closet - but others seem to piece together the secret long before she does.   She is naively innocent and doesn't really see what is right in front of her.

I loved the chemistry between Charli and Luke though - and also the relationship between Luke and Collin - his brother.   You can't help feeling for these boys - that they have been dealt such a raw deal and yet they are really trying to be good kids.  They just can't seem to get a break from anyone because of their parentage.  Of course, living with their drug addicted brother Midgey doesn't help any.

Being the first book in a series, while you get some answers - the ending is wide open as to what will happen in the second book!  Looking forward to it's release this fall.

Book Links

~ Goodreads ~  Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~

CHARLI

I waited while his fingers uncurled around the back of my neck. With the distant light, I
could just make out the deep, thoughtful lines etching his face. He stared at me like he’d never really looked at me before, eyes dancing over my cheeks. I leaned into his touch.

Clearing his throat, he pulled away.

I sucked in a breath that wasn’t tinged with the heady smell of his bar soap and laundry
detergent. Okay, as much as I’d wanted him to kiss me, or maybe profess his unwavering
devotion to me, it was probably better this way. There was a small voice in the back of my mind that kept reminding me: Pandora’s Box. Box. Box. I could not let myself get distracted by his unbelievably attractive charm.

He’d already taken off, walking swiftly across the turf. “Please slow down and tell me
what this is all about.”

He came to a stop again, this time at the top of a sandy pit. Lucas only stilled for a second
before sitting on his bottom and sliding down. I’d been to this course a few times, and I was
ninety-nine percent sure that wasn’t how you did it.

Then again, he did it so well…

He wiped his pants and held out his hands to me. “C’mon, Charli Chip, I won’t let
nothing hurt ya.”

Making the wise decision, I walked fifteen feet around the small obstruction. It was either
go around or inevitably hurt myself. There was no way I could slide with as much swagger as  Lucas had.

He glanced at the clubhouse in the distance. Wiggling his brows playfully, he whispered, “We’re breaking in.”

I spun on one foot and started marching back to the car. “Have a good night, Lucas.”

Strong arms wrapped around my middle, and he tossed me over his shoulder like a sack
of potatoes. My chest smacked against his back, and my legs slung forward, over his pecs.  My chest heaved as I tried to catch my breath. “Put me down!”

“We’re breaking in,” he repeated, having the audacity to sound amused.

About the Author:Author of the Bourbon Series, A.C. Land has been a lover of stories since she first read about Peter Pan giving Wendy an acorn and teaching her to fly. A.C. always dreamed of telling big stories about small towns.

Residing on a cattle farm in Missouri, A.C. loves playing with her rambunctious Jack Russell, Riley, making decorative cakes, taking pictures, drinking pumpkin spice coffee, and hanging out with her nephews.

Author Links

~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~

There is a blog tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of A Shot of Bourbon. One person will win an ipad mini (US Only)!

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

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Book Blast: War Ready by Mary Lou Darst

Title: War Ready: In My Father's Shadow

Author: Mary Lou Darst

Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Biography
Format: Ebook/Paperback

About the book: “Her memoir is seen through the eyes of the girl living it, not at decades removed, which gives it both freshness and ache.” By Kirkus Indie For young Mary Lou, life was an adventure. Her father served in the military, and she traveled the world with him and her family. His assignments took them to Alaska, Virginia, Japan, Texas, and Germany, as part of the US Army’s responsibilities in policing the world. This candid memoir recounts her family’s life in new places and cultures following World War II. What was it like to be a child living in Japan seven years after the war? What was it like to be a thirteen-year-old living in Germany twelve years after the war? What was it like to grow up moving between cultures? This is the story of one family bound to service in the military at a time when the world was being redefined. For a young girl, it was the adventure of a lifetime as she learned the secrets of finding her own way in that new world. The author’s story was informed by reading her father’s diary, which offers up intimate and candid insight into the life of a typical soldier in a time of war. His entries describe his time serving aboard a battleship built for 800 soldiers—but carrying 6,000 to war. His tales—told from the perspective of a young soldier in southern England, Wales, and Scotland from 1943 to 1945—are glimpses into a life many will never know firsthand.

About the author: As a child, Mary Lou Darst traveled the world with her military family. She earned a BA in literature, an MS in multicultural studies, and a BA in visual and applied design. She taught English language arts and English as a second language.

Giveaway

Mary is giving away a $25 Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
• This giveaway begins March 28 and ends on April 8.
• Winners will be contacted via email on April 9.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

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Review and Release Blitz: A Nun Walks into a Bar. . . by Tracey Jane Jackson

Title: A Nun Walks into a Bar. . .
Author: Tracey Jane Jackson

About the book: After growing up in an abbey, orphan Sadie Ross becomes Sister Abigail Eunice. Her life and career are on track until a chance meeting with a handsome stranger in a place no nun should ever go. 

Ryder Carsen’s sister is missing, and he doesn’t have time for distractions. But when a pretty nun walks into his bar, he can’t ignore his attraction to her, even though she’s not the “sister” he’s looking for. He’s relieved when she walks out of his life for what he believes is forever. 

Sadie’s life takes a surprising detour when she finds her path crossed with Ryder’s once again. 

When they are brought back together, Ryder knows he’s found the only woman he’ll ever love, but time is running out for his sister. 

Will Ryder save his sister from the men who took her? 

When a source far too close to home threatens Sadie, will she trust Ryder enough to let him save her too?

My Thoughts: This book was actually 2 stories in one.  The first one is pretty straightforward - beautiful girl (nun) walks into a bar - meets gorgeous man - see what happens to bring them together and keep them apart.  Of course it is a lot more than that - like the banter between the two of them. I liked Sadie's sense of humor and straightforward way of dealing with things.  Because of her upbringing in the abbey and her life as a nun from 18 through her early 20's, a lot of what she says she doesn't realize is funny - it is just that she is out of touch with some mainstream things - so it comes out funny. Of course she loves TV so she has kept up to date on many things that way.  

There was something that bothered me about their banter though and that was how much Ryder called her Babe or Baby.  Early in the book she even mentions how much she likes it, but I was like Pleeeaasse - stop already.  And then I figured it was my age showing, because my 21 year old daughter talks to her boyfriend like that. . . 

The second storyline is one that was much more serious.  It was about human trafficking.  This involved Ryder's sister Scottie and his actions to find her, bring her home, and keep everyone safe.  You know that however much Ryder tries to keep Sadie out of that world, the two are eventually going to cross - the tension is how will this affect their relationship - and who is going to survive the fallout.

This was fun to read and was quick to read.  Even with the Baby's every other sentence with the dialogue, I still wanted to keep reading and find out what happened with Sadie and Ryder.  I did appreciate the storyline that she was able to keep her faith and beliefs and they didn't jump into bed together the minute the sexual tension got to be too much.

Buy Links:

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About the author: Tracey Jane Jackson is the NY Times Bestselling author of the popular Cauld Ane Series and has over half a million books in print.

Tracey was born and raised in New Zealand and with an American father, Scottish grandmother, and Kiwi mother, it's no doubt she has a unique personality.

She has been happily married and gooey in love with her husband for over twenty years. They live in the Pacific Northwest with their two sons.

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Excerpt Blitz: Leave a Mark by Stephanie Fournet

[caption id="attachment_2604" align="alignleft" width="241"] Credit: Tammie Simon[/caption]

I'm excited to help reveal an excerpt from Stephanie Fournet's upcoming contemporary romance, LEAVE A MARK! Check out the book below, along with the teaser excerpt, and be sure to enter the giveaway!

Title: Leave a Mark

Author: Stephanie Fournet

Publisher: Blue Tulip Publishing

Release Date: April 28, 2016

Dyed, pierced, and covered in tattoos, Wren Blanchard is the exact opposite of everything Dr. Lee Hawthorne thought he wanted.

His residency is almost finished. With the perfect job, the beautiful house, and the polished girlfriend, he knows he should be happy, yet he isn't.

But once Wren lands in his ER with her sharp tongue and artist’s soul, she leaves a mark on him that just won’t fade.

Wren knows the good doctor is way out of her league. To people like him, she's a circus freak. Besides, she's not the type to get hung up on guys, especially ones with midnight blue eyes—ones who know all about antiques, crack bad jokes, and love Joss Whedon.

No. She doesn't need that.

After all, she has friends, a psychotic cat, and a promising career as one of the best tattoo artists in town. And it’s enough.

Really, it is.

Or it would be if Lee weren’t there every time she turned around.

One kiss seals their fate.

Their attraction is undeniable--but Wren’s past is full of ghosts. Is their bond strong enough for a solid future? Or will their new relationship crumble beneath the weight of all she carries?

Goodreads

Excerpt from Leave a Mark

She studied him for a moment. “Are you still in your residency?”

The question surprised him. “Yes. Is it that obvious?”

Her startled laughter was the only answer he needed. And Lee wanted to hear it again — even if she laughed at him.

“I mean, I’m licensed. It’s not like I just have my learner’s permit or anything.” It was a bad joke. An awful joke, but it worked because she kept laughing. Her laughter was a mix of high and low notes, like a handbell choir. And like music, he could feel it in his chest.

“That’s not what I meant,” she said, her smile untamed. “You just look really young, and I’ve heard that residents have — like — negative time.”

He gave her a helpless grin. “Negative time. That’s about right. Who told you that?”

Her smile demurred. “One of my clients.”

“One of your clients is a resident?” His curiosity pounced. Did he know someone who was secretly covered in Wren’s work?

“Who?”

She shook her head, but her smile never failed. “I don’t tat and tell. Tattooing is very personal. If someone wants you to see their work, you’ll see it. But I don’t talk about my clients.”

Even though he was the one asking, Lee liked that she wouldn’t answer. “You don’t talk about them at all?”

Wren raised and dropped her right shoulder in a half shrug, but she still smiled at him. “Well, I don’t identify them.” Her voice softened, but Lee thought he heard a touch of pride. “I’ll talk about the artwork, or I’ll retell a funny story someone told me while I worked on them, but I don’t go around talking about who was in my parlor.”

“That’s cool,” he managed, even though it was more than cool. After seeing her artwork on the walls of her apartment, he already respected her as a professional, but she clearly had integrity on top of talent. He wanted to know more, but more than anything, Lee wanted her to keep talking. “What kind of tats did you do today?”

Her smile grew, and again her cheeks colored. He found his eye drawn to the translucent skin below her cheekbones. Wren’s fair complexion was an alluring contrast to her black and blue hair, but when she blushed, Lee found it impossible to look away.

“Well, let’s see…” Her green eyes swiveled to the ceiling as she recounted. “I did a fleur-de-lis for this girl who turned eighteen today. I inked a Captain America shield on this guy’s bicep—”

Lee laughed, not so much about the tattoo choice, but at the look of amusement in her eyes.

“Yeah, he was definitely an Avengers fan... Um…” She paused to tally on her fingers. “…I touched up a Celtic knot for a lady, and I worked on a larger piece for one of my regulars.”

“What was it?” Lee asked, intrigued with the way her face softened when she thought about her work.

“Oh, it’s a dragon. Pretty big.” Wren drew a serpentine shape across her chest. “A piece like that needs to be worked on in stages, so we did some of the shading today.”

He had more questions. He could have stood there listening to her all night, but the rational part of his brain told him to give it a rest. They were in the middle of the grocery store. If he wanted to talk to her more, he should ask her out for coffee.

But you can’t ask her out. You’re seeing someone.

“You’re really talented. I’m sure you stay pretty busy. You seem…” He couldn’t find the words for what he wanted to say. He wanted to tell her that she seemed like the kind of person he could talk to — listen to — for hours. And that he would’ve liked the chance. That she was special, and he knew it. “…you seem perfect — I mean... you are unique.”

He didn’t question why she stared at him with unblinking eyes. What the hell had he just said? She was perfect? Who talked like that?

But in the seconds after he’d blurted out the words, he watched her eyes light with a smile — a surprised and genuine smile, and he realized he didn’t regret the words at all.

“Um... thank you?” What had been pink on her cheeks was now scarlet, and Lee thought he might have turned a little pink, too.

“I should let you get back to your shopping,” he said, clearing his throat. He didn’t want to walk away. Maybe if he just stood there, she’d leave first, and he’d be able to watch her go.

“Yeah…” She didn’t move.

Neither of them moved.

“…yeah, I should go.”

“It was great running into you,” he said in a rush. “I’m glad you are feeling better.”

“It was nice running into you, too, Dr.—”

“Lee,” he interjected.

She bit her lip and smiled. “Lee,” she said with a nod. “It was so nice, Lee.”

It was selfish. He’d made her say his name and, again, as he knew he would, he felt a stirring — like fingers running down his sternum. He’d never liked the sound of his name so much.

“Wren,” he said with a nod, liking the feel of her name on his tongue even more.

“Goodnight.” She turned and left him.

About the Author:

Stephanie Fournet, author of Fall Semester, Legacy, and Butterfly Ginger, lives in Lafayette, Louisiana—not far from the Saint Streets where her novels are set. She shares her home with her husband John and her daughter Hannah, their needy dogs Gladys and Mabel, and an immortal blue finch named Baby Blue. When she isn’t writing romance novels, she is usually helping students get into college or running. She loves hearing from fans, so look for her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and stephaniefournet.com.

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