Book Feature: Age of the Aura, Phase I

Age of the Aura, Phase I: Champions of Power (SYNOPSIS)

Genre: Science Fiction (Space Opera)

The Blessed Galaxy has no other name. After being gifted with the Auras—five great powerhouses of celestial creation—the title was a suitable fit. For millennia, the governing bodies have ruled their respective reaches of the Galaxy while harnessing the might of the Auras. But now they face the threat of a calamity, from an unlikely source, that could shake the lives of all.

Lowen Sars, a devout man of science, decides to take on the burden of saving the Galaxy’s people once he learns of the calamity. But he soon realizes that the role of a hero was a calling not meant for him, even with his sudden promotion. In his process of self-discovery, Lowen begins the fateful saga of not only the Blessed Galaxy, but also the kingdom in possession of the corrupt Aura.

Read more behind the story! http://ageoftheaura.com/universe/

Download Phase I for FREE on Amazon! (June 24^th-28^th ONLY!)

http://amzn.to/M8k1vf

Enter to Win a Physical Copy of Phase I on GOODREADS!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Champions of Power

by Samuel Odunsi Jr.

Giveaway ends July 24, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Watch the Book Trailer!

Book Reviews for Phase I

The Indie Book Review

A Book So Fathomless - "3.5 out of 5"

Beth Art From the Heart - "4 out of 5"

Voracious Reader - "3 out of 5"

Sadie S Forsythe - "3 out of 5"

Nik's Picks - "4 out of 5"

Dee's Reads - "3 out of 5"

My Cozie Corner - "5 out of  5"

Confuzzled Books - "4 out of 5"

Cheryl's Book Nook - "4 out of 5"

The Guide to Good Books - "5 out of 5"

Paranormal Sisters - "3.5 out of 5"

Books With Leti Del Mar - "3 out of 5"

Giveaway Opportunity

This giveaway ends soon, so go enter!

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Review and Blog Tour: Barefoot Summer

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Christian Romance

Series: A Chapel Springs Romance #1

Pages: 336

Format: eBook

Buy It: Amazon

Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.

Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

I really try hard not to accept books for review that I don't think I will like. Even when I do accept them, I try hard to give them a fair chance a read a large chunk of the beginning. However, this book didn't cut it for me and is unfortunately a DNF.

I'm not sure what kept me from enjoying this book, to be honest. I feel like it was because of how slowly the beginning was, and how confusing the big secret regarding her sister Jade was. I just could not get into the book and even enjoy the tense romance scenes. I'm not saying this book is horrible; I'm sure many romance lovers would enjoy this! It just wasn't for me.

I received this book free for review for a LitFuse Blog Tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Review and Blog Tour: The Quarryman's Bride

The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson

Release Date: June 1, 2013

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Series: Land of Shining Water series

Pages: 416

Format: eBook

Buy It: Amazon

Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together...until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne's youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.

Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.

Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?

This book had me stuck from the first chapter. The emotions that Traci causes in the reader are amazing! The tragic loss of Emmalyne's sisters has already occurred before the opening of the book, and the tragic reveal of the tradition comes soon after. From there, the reader is caught up in twist after turn, feeling Emmalyne and Tavin's pain as they yearn to be reunited, despite the barrier between them.

Most of the book seemed fairly easy to pick up, but the shocking ending had me speechless! I actually had to re-read the entire section, to make sure I did not misread the result. Unfortunately, while the ending is mostly cheerful, the small sorrowful part evokes deep emotion. This emotional read is definitely one to pick up!

I received this book free for review for a LitFuse Blog Tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.


Welcome to the campaign page for Tracie Peterson's newest book in the Land of the Shining Water series, The Quarryman's Bride. Tracie is celebrating with a "True Love" $200 Anthropologie giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party.

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 Anthropologie gift card
• The Quarryman's Bride and The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the "The Quarryman's Bride" Facebook Author Chat Party on July 9th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also share an exclusive look at the next book in the Land of Shining Water series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Quarryman's Bride and join Tracie on the evening of July 9th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Cover Reveal: Hearken by Kristen Day

Today I have the cover reveal for book 4 in the Daughters of the Sea series, Hearken by Kristen Day!

Here is a little bit of info on the book:

Book Info-

Title-Hearken

Series-Daughters of the Sea Series # 4

By- Kristen Day

Expected Publication Date-September 17th, 2013

Blurb-

Sometimes our souls hear what our minds and hearts refuse to accept. It will whisper its continuous cadence until we're strong enough to glimpse the truth. When the soul's whispers morph into screams, we're forced to gaze into the mirrors of time and see ourselves for who we really are. Would you be able to handle what gazes back?

Links-

Goodreads

About The Author:

I am a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. I love all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. I've been told I see the world through rose-colored glasses, but I prefer to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something I can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).

I am the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA trilogy, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN, and CHOSEN (Winter 2012). I love all books, but really enjoy writing young adult, paranormal romances. I've loved to write for as long as I can remember. My first published work was my poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, I know) that won me 5 gold stars and a spot in my elementary school's poetry book. That's when my addiction to the written word officially began. I was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh – it’s okay.

When I'm not writing I'm making jewelry, painting, drinking sweet tea, watching the discovery channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with my amazing husband. I graduated from Appalachian State University and dream of becoming a full time novelist.

Author Links:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Facebook Cover Reveal Event for Hearken- https://www.facebook.com/events/478534278882423/

Release Day: Moonlight Serenade

Today is the Release Day for Moonlight Serenade (Fascination Island #2) by Kate Hinderer!

Title: Moonlight Serenade (Fascination Island #2)
Author: Kate Hinderer
Description: Determined to someday sing on the stage in New York City, Collette takes an internship at the luxury resort on Fascination Island. While she plans to hone her craft by singing nightly on the stage of the Moonlight Serenade restaurant, she never expected to be pushed outside her comfort zone. Shy and reserved, she is challenged to step outside herself and release the inner diva. When Falcon comes along, sparks fly and secrets are revealed. Before long Collette is forced to make life-changing decisions that will impact her future in ways she never even imagined.

  Excerpt

“Honestly Falcon. What is it that gives you the right to go around kissing any unsuspecting girl you want?” I didn’t like the sound of that. Part of me had hoped that his instant reaction had been something that struck him as strongly as it had me. I didn’t like the idea he went around kissing any girl that happened to look at him long enough for him to make his move. I didn’t like that at all. “I don’t kiss every girl,” Falcon argued, but it sounded weak even to me. Tristan cleared his throat in disbelief. “Ok, so I kissed you, Audyn, that first day. But it was more about punishing Tristan than you.” “Glad we finally cleared that up.” At this point I was beginning to think faking my continued faint wasn’t such a good idea. My romantic bubble had been thoroughly burst by the strange, impulsive boy who had given me my first kiss. The boy of my dreams had kissed my roommate to get even with Tristan. I already knew what that meant—this couldn’t end well. But as I was about to rouse myself, Falcon said something that nearly had me fainting all over again. “I swear to you. This was different. She’s different.” His voice sounded closer now, as if he felt drawn to be near me. “Why? Is she the first one to melt at your touch?” Audyn queried, her words still laced with cynicism. “Not everyone breaks my toe like you did. But she’s different in a way I can’t explain. I’m sure you, of anyone, should understand that.” Audyn scoffed at Falcon’s response while my heart began beating quicker. “Get out of here,” she commanded. To my disappointment he didn’t argue. He didn’t utter a word. The sound of the door opening and then clicking closed echoed in the hacienda. I fluttered my eyes and moved about restlessly, pulling Audyn’s attention back to me. “Thank goodness you’re all right. How do you feel?” Dramatizing the act a little, I slowly sat up, dangling my feet over the bed and sitting up next to Audyn. She wrapped her arm around my waist to help support me. The room didn’t sway, proving beyond a doubt that it was the kiss that felled me instead of anything biological. Still, I pressed a hand to my forehead to verify my charade and make me appear less prone to fainting fits at the sight of a good looking guy. “Did I really pass out in some stranger’s arms?” I asked, looking around to find the place empty but for the two of us. “Yeah. And that stranger happens to be Tristan’s younger brother, Falcon.” She shook her head in disgust. “I told you, meeting them is always an adventure.” “Thank goodness you came along.” “Tristan and I got here a minute after you passed out. Falcon had you laid out on the bed and stood over you like some avenging angel waiting to do battle if anyone got in the way.” “I guess I owe him,” I said, attempting to sound uninterested even if the mental picture of Falcon continued to grow with each passing minute. He must have been so worried about me, fainting dead away and then not coming to immediately. “He kissed you. Do you remember?” My face turned red before I had the chance to respond. My fingers came up and touched my lips as the memory remained fresh and alive. “Yeah,” I whispered, sounding breathless, even to my own ears.    

About the Author

In a nutshell: Writer. Blogger. Journalist. Marathon runner. Social media enthusiast. Beer drinker. Avid YA reader. Traveler. Chicago native. Milwaukee resident. Music fanatic. Fashion lover. Oldest of nine. Writing has been in my soul from the very beginning. In grade school I started my own local paper for the street I lived on. In middle school I wrote for the school paper and loved any English writing assignment. I started writing novels in high school. At the time my friends were the characters, the setting was almost always Regency England, and I scratched the story into lined notebooks. Now, I have a journalism degree and a dozen various business writing gigs under my belt. I’ve lived in a handful of US cities including Milwaukee, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis and New York. I pen a personal fashion and lifestyle blog, ModlyChic.com, and continue to write about commercial real estate. My first book, Aurora Undefined, was published in 2011. The Emerald Isle, the first Fascination Island book, came out during the summer of 2012, at which time I immediately began writing the second book in the series. Next up . . . stay tuned! I’m working on a new contemporary novel as well as the third book in the Fascination Island series.

Links: Purchase on Amazon Facebook Kate Hinderer Writes (blog) ModlyChic (fashion blog) Twitter: @kate_hinderer Goodreads Amazon profile

Review and Blog Tour: Praying God's Word for Your Life

Praying God's Word for Your Life by Kathi Lipp

Release Date: June 1, 2013

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Christian Non-fiction

Pages: 208

Format: Paperback

Buy It: Amazon

Many women find it easy to pray for the concerns and well-being of others. But when it comes to praying for themselves, they may wonder, Should I pray for my own needs? Are any prayers too big or too small? Are my prayers effective? Are they selfish? Does praying really make a difference?

Praying God's Word for Your Life gives women the direction and Scripture they need to bring purpose and power to their prayers. The simple strategies Kathi Lipp shares will create in women the habit of praying with renewed boldness, consistency, and expectation. And Kathi's warm, approachable style will make praying Scripture accessible to new believers and lifelong Christians alike.

Kathi Lipp is an amazing author. I read and reviewing her previous book, Praying God's Word for your Husband, and this one was just as amazing!

Since I am not married, and because I have a hard time praying for myself, this book was a little more personal to me than the other one. Each chapter focuses on a specific reason why women tend to not want to pray for themselves, and outlines scripture that can help combat that. Along with the scripture, each chapter had stories from other women on how they struggle with praying as well, and ways they have moved past that.

Kathi really knows how to help women with their prayer lives, and helps to make it easier! I definitely recommend checking out her books.

I received this book free for review for a Revell Blog Tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simple an honest one.

Tracie Peterson giveaway!

 

For nearly 100 novels, bestselling author Tracie Peterson has entertained readers with heartwarming tales of history, romance and courage. Now you have the unique chance to win a large selection of some of Tracie’s greatest adventures, along with her newest novel, The Quarryman’s Bride. To enter, just visit Tracie's Book Page on Facebook and fill out the short form. Then click around to read an excerpt, take a poll and more!

This is definitely worth it, so go enter!

Armchair BEA Day 5: Wrap-up

So, I totally forgot to post this yesterday! I am soo sorry! I was super busy. I was even planning on posting this week's IMM but that didn't happen either... so watch for it next week.

Basically for the wrap-up post we just share our thoughts on the week. I felt that having two topics a day was a great idea! That way if a blogger didn't want to talk about the genre of the day, they could focus on the other topic or vice versa. I was a little disappointed by the lack of commenting and blog hopping however. Maybe it was just me, but it didn't seem like I was able to meet too many new people. However, overall it went really well! The topics were great, the giveaways were awesome, and the new Instagram challenge was a lot of fun! How did you all enjoy your week?

Cover Reveal: Bleeding Heart

I have a very special post for you all today! My dear friend Amber is going to be publishing her first novel! I met Amber through my best friend Lindsay, when they attended Corban University together, and I have had the privilege to continue following her writer's journey through her blog as well! When she asked me if I would be willing to participate in her cover reveal and blog tour, I couldn't say no! So without any further waiting, here we go!

Isn't it gorgeous?? Here is a little information about the book, and Amber!

About the Book

Five bleeding hearts. One profound journey.

Summer 1886

Sally Clay’s livelihood has been snatched away, but in its place arises an opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California, waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years before.

But the road to revenge is far from smooth. Sally soon learns that the jagged pieces of a broken heart can far too easily wound the hearts of others – and hers isn’t the only heart that’s broken. Tragedy and fear dog her steps as she flees from the redwood forests to the high desert and back again. Will her bleeding heart ever find a way and a place to heal?

A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her.

All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves.

Inspirational Historical Romance

The Book’s Blog

In conjunction with the cover reveal, Amber’s doing a “blog reveal,” as well! You can find all the latest news about Bleeding Heart, along with book extras, at the Bleeding Heart blog.

About the Author

Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing her debut novel, Bleeding Heart. You can connect with Amber on her blog, Seasons of Humility.

About the Cover Designer

Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.

And because Amber is so generous, I also have a short teaser to share with you!

Teaser from Bleeding Heart

Prologue

Breaking hearts should be considered a crime. That would make Elizabeth Lawson an outlaw and Joe Clifton the victim. And that wasn’t a far stretch in Joe’s mind. She had rounded up his heart, branded her name across it when it should never have belonged to her, and then left him high and dry. Still, he was getting sick of hanging around the scene of the crime. He just didn’t know where else to go.

Lake Tahoe had once been his favorite get-away destination, a place where he could go to just sit back and enjoy the view of water as clear as a shined-up mirror. Now those crystal depths and the unmoving boulders along the water’s edge taunted him, bringing back memories of a happy proposal and a less-than-happy scene where his heart was handed back to him on a silver platter – bruised, broken, and bleeding.

He didn’t want to make any more memories like that. So he made a promise to himself: He would never let anyone break his heart again.

I am so excited! She plans to have it publishing in August of this year, and as I mentioned, I will also be participating in the blog tour closer to the release! Feel free to check out the blog above for more info, or leave comments here for Amber if you have any questions!

She is also participating in a themed giveaway! It looks pretty sweet, so feel free to enter!

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Armchair BEA Day 5: Children's Literature

Welcome back for Day 5! I can't believe this week is almost over. It makes me sad... but anyway! Today's category is children's literature. I actually have really started to enjoy reading YA novels, so I have a few books in this category I can recommend!

First, I will again recommend The Edge Chronicles. I know I say this a million times, but this series is just so good! I started reading them when I was in middle school, and couldn't stop reading them until I had read them all. Definitely worth it! I also enjoy the What If... books. I love choose your own adventure stories, and I like that these ones are realistic on what can happen in high/middle school and the consequences for those actions.

What types of children's literature do you read? Have you read any of my suggestions? Let me know!