Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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-




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:

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


Monday, June 10, 2013

Release Day: Moonlight Serenade

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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

Saturday, June 8, 2013

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.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Tracie Peterson giveaway!

QuarryBride-bannerBHPetersonPromo 
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!

Monday, June 3, 2013

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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Saturday, June 1, 2013

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!

 
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