Review: The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

When a mysterious piece of jewelry and a strange visitor arrive in the jewelry shop where she works for her evil aunt, Lucinda's course takes a surprising turn. With the help of the Amaranth Witch, a young (and harmless) con-artist, and a prince, Lucinda uncovers secrets about her own royal past. A strong seller in hardcover, this original fairytale marks an exciting debut from a lyrical new voice


My Review: A sweet re-telling of the Cinderella story with a few twists.  Lucinda is an orphan being raised in her Aunt and Uncle's jewelry store.  Her Aunt (the wicked step mother) treats her horribly and Lucinda dreams of the days she remembers of living with her parents, who died when she was very young.  When a strange women arrives with a magnificent pearl, everything begins to change.
 
Lucinda is a sweet girl that is perfect as a Cinderella role.  She is just innocent enough without getting overly sappy and washing out her personality.  She doesn't always make the right choices, but tries her best to make up for the mistakes she makes along the way.  With the Amaranth Witch to help guide her to a better future, Lucinda may just find a new and better place for herself in the world.
 
Buy it now:
 
Barnes & Noble: The Amaranth Enchantment

Nook: The Amaranth Enchantment

Book Review: Tuesday's Child by Dale Mayer

Tuesday's Child by Dale Mayer

Discription from Amazon: What she doesn’t want...is exactly what he needs.

Shunned and ridiculed all her life for something she can’t control, Samantha Blair hides her psychic abilities and lives on the fringes of society. Against her will, however, she’s tapped into a killer—or rather, his victims. Each woman’s murder, blow-by-blow, ravages her mind until their death releases her back to her body. Sam knows she must go to the authorities, but will the rugged, no-nonsense detective in charge of tracking down the killer believe her?

Detective Brandt Sutherland only trusts hard evidence, yet Sam’s visions offer clues he needs to catch a killer. The more he learns about her incredible abilities, however, the clearer it becomes that Sam’s visions have put her in the killer’s line of fire. Now Brandt must save her from something he cannot see or understand…and risk losing his heart in the process.

As danger and desire collide, passion raises the stakes in a game Sam and Brandt don’t dare lose.
My Thoughts:
Samantha's character grabbed me from the beginning.  Struggling with her psychic abilities, not just mentally, but physically as each victim's wounds manifest on her own body.  She fears that the next attack will lead to her death as well.  She would do anything to help, and when Detective Sutherland finds out about her abilities a deep secret from her past rears its ugly head. 

Detective Sutherland finds Samantha's ability both a god-send and a problem.  While he truly believes in psychic abilities, he knows how the public will react if they ever found out that she was helping to solve a serial murder.  As the case escalates, and more deaths are uncovered, Sutherland finds himself drawn in an entirely new way to Samantha.  He only hopes that he can help her gain some control over her ability before its too late.

The story unfolds quickly and I was caught up in wanting to find out what Samantha was going to do right away.  I wasn't nearly as fond of Sutherland.  he seemed to be a bit of a stereotype police officer, with the exception of believing in psychics.  He was quite the "macho man" and it grated on me a bit at times. 

As one of Dale Mayer's first forays into the genre, it was very good story.  I have read a few of Mayer's other books (reviews coming shortly), and I see only good and better things to come.

The Last Awakening by Rachel Firasek - Curse of the Phoenix Book 2

About the book:
For three hundred years, Arabella’s life has been one meaningless death after another. In a cruel twist of fate, Osiris gifts the phoenix her mortality and long-gone voodoo magic with a warning that she must save her next soul within a week without using magic, or she’ll lose her power forever.

Ex-soldier Greyson Meadows desperately wants to be freed from the nightmares and guilt that haunt him. Confronted by a waif of a woman who forces him to face the truth about his past, he runs fast and hard, fighting the need to prove himself worthy despite his perceived failures.

When Ari becomes the target of her own magical blunder, the weak will find strength and the strong will fall. One will have to give up everything so the other can have peace, but will love’s magic withstand the loss?           

My Thoughts:
The thing I like most about this series is that even though the stories are short, they jump right into the action and carry you along right until the very end.  Arabella is a fiesty voodoo priestess, or at least she was.  Something went wrong with a spell one day and she ended up serving as one of Osiris's phoenixes until she learns her lesson.  While serving as a phoenix may sound glamorous, it's actually quite the opposite.  Having to die over and over again in the place of others wears thin quickly.  Then one day Ari saves Greyson and everything changes.  Ari is willing to risk her soul to try and help him fight his inner demons (which are pretty nasty), but she is only given a week to do it.

Now, Greyson is ex-military, and has carried around guilt from his time in the service for years.  When Ari shows up and tries to show him that he has nothing to be guilty about, he runs the opposite way at first, not realizing just how much he needs her.  As Ari tries to help Greyson, she realizes that she needs his help as well, and fast.  Osiris has given her a time frame to save Greyson and it's quickly approaching when she finds out that everything she knew about her past was wrong.  Facing this will push both of them to their emotional limits.

I really liked Ari in the first book of the series, The Last Rising, and was excited to see her starring in her own.  I've become attached to the characters and I really hope to see a third book come out.

3/5

Book Review: The Last Rising by Rachel Firasek

The Last Rising (Curse of the Phoenix, Book One) by Rachel Firasek

About the book:  After paying two millennia’s penance to Osiris, world-weary Phoenix Ice has had enough. Saving souls without any hope for her own redemption isn’t how she imagined spending eternity. Fed up, she decides her next death will be her last. But when she sacrifices her own life for a sexy Texan in a catastrophic plane crash, she has no idea the consequences will be so great…or that she’ll end up back in his life for her next assignment.

Now that Turner Alcott has survived the worst, finding a wife and mother for his son matters more than ever before. When the mysterious Ice comes into his life, Turner knows she’s the one—but love is the last thing Ice wants. If he wants to win her heart, Turner must teach Ice how to forgive herself, and prove that love is the ultimate sacrifice.


My Thoughts:  This book was a great quick read.  Ice has been doing penance for Osiris for two millennia for a crime that she doesn't understand, and she's getting really sick and tired of it.  Her last trip ended in a fiery plane crash after saving a man named Turner, and to her amazement her next assignment puts her right back into Turner's life.  Ice is determined not to let Turner into her heart, but finds it becomes harder and harder to deny their attraction is just physical.  Turner is determined to prove to Ice that he is the right guy for her.

The characters had a surprising amount of growth and development for such a short book, and it was great to watch has Ice and Turner each taught the other important lessons on life and love.  The book ends with quite a twist that I had no idea was coming and set me up to read the next book, The Last Awakening.

3/5

The 58th Keeper by R. G. Bullet - Pump Up Your Book Tour - Review



The 58th Keeper is the story of a boy called Archy Bass, who stumbles upon a mysterious and powerful relic. The moment he touches it, two warring forces race to find his whereabouts. One side thinks he’s simply too young and too inexperienced to keep it, and the other just want him dead. The 58th Keeper is a roaring trip that takes the reader on the most wonderful and hair-raising scenes imaginable. R. G. Bullet pulls out all stops in hisdebut novel to deliver an incredible journey with unforgettable characters. This book will resonate with you for ages past the last line.

About R.G. Bullet

R. G. Bullet was born in Berkshire, UK. After living in nine different countries he has finally settled in Miami Beach, USA. He is addicted to tea, reading, writing, motorbikes and shamefully, Call of Duty. His middle grade debut novel: The 58th Keeper has just been released.
To learn more go to: http://www.rgbullet.com/
Follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/RGBullet58
and join the fan page for the latest updates and fun competitions
https://www.facebook.com/rgbullet#!/profile.php?id=100002401835900




My Review:
Archy Bass has found himself in an unusual situation.  On a trip with a friend from school, he thinks he's just buying a souvenir, but ends up becoming the 58th Keeper of the Shroud.  Now the shroud has quite a few very special abilities, including making the user invisible and flying.  At first Archy doesn't realize what he has, and when the Kurul, the bad guys, send their best after him he wonders if it's all worth it.  He finds out that in order to keep the shroud and the title of Keeper, he must pass a series of tests, none of which will be very easy.  But he just might be able to do it with the help of a couple friends.

Pros: The action in The 58th Keeper was fantastic.  I had a very hard time putting it down without finishing it.  There always seemed to be something just about to happen.  Archy is a fantastic main character with just the right mix of good intentions with adolescent mischief.  Throughout the story he grows and develops into a young man that is willing to take on a great responsibility.  My favorite part of the story was the Time Quest.  I don't want to say to much and give away too many details, but it was the meat and potatoes of Archy's development.

Cons:  There wasn't much about this story that I didn't like.  I wish I had seen a little more development in Archy's friends and learned more about the history and purpose of SOTS, the keeper's helpers.  I would have liked to see a little more descriptive of the places Archy visited.  Now, since this is young adult story, I don't exactly expect to see an abundance of scenery, but it still seemed a little light in that area.

Overall:  A great story that I hope ends up being turned in to a series.  I loved Archy and reading about his adventures with the shroud.  The perfect story to get wrapped up in.

The 58th Keeper Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Monday, December 5^th
Book spotlighted Broowaha
Book reviewed at D’Ambrosia Arts
Tuesday, December 6^th
Book spotlighted at Books, Products and More!
Wednesday, December 7^th
Book spotlighted American Chronicle
Thursday, December 8^th
Book reviewed at Joel Andre’s Blog
Friday, December 9^th
Interviewed at Blogcritics
Tuesday, December 13^th
Interviewed at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
Wednesday, December 14^th
Book reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews
Thursday, December 15^th
Book reviewed at Mad Moose Mama
Book reviewed at The Road to Here
Friday, December 16^th
Book reviewed at Community Bookstop
Guest blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
Saturday, December 17^th
Book reviewed at Everyday is an Adventure

Black and Orange by Banjamin Kane Ethridge - Pump Up Your Book Tour Review

About the book:


Forget everything you know about Halloween. The stories are distortions. They were created to keep the Church of Midnight hidden from the world. Every October 31st a gateway opens to a hostile land of sacrificial magic and chaos. Since the beginning of civilization the Church of Midnight has attempted to open the gateway and unite with its other half, the Church of Morning. Each year they’ve come closer, waiting for the ideal sacrifice to open the gateway permanently. This year that sacrifice has come. And only two can protect it.

Martin and Teresa are the nomads, battle-hardened people who lack identity and are forever road-bound on an endless mission to guard the sacrifice. Their only direction is from notes left from a mysterious person called the Messenger. Endowed with a strange telekinetic power, the nomads will use everything at their disposal to make it through the night alive.

But matters have become even more complicated this year. Teresa has quickly lost ground battling cancer, while Martin has spiraled into a panic over being left alone. His mind may no longer be on the fight when it matters most… because ever on their heels is the insidious physical representation of a united church: Chaplain Cloth.

My Thoughts:
Martin and Teresa have had a bad year.  They lost the previous Heart and it was sacrificed, opening the gaeway for the Church of Midnight and Morning to enter the world, allowing one of their Priestesses to slip through.  The Churches are determined that this year will be the year the gateway will finally open, letting chaos rule over Earth.  To top it all off Teresa's cancer is quickly becoming worse and Martin doubts if he will make it though another Halloween.

Pros:  I loved Martin and Teresa.  Their relationship was so perfectly written.  They were almost too close to each other, having travelled together for so long they know everything about each other.  Martin can't stand to watch as Teresa slowly deteriorates and gets weaker.  While Teresa wonders how Martin will manage without her.  On the other hand, the Church of Midnight has a new bishop that is determined to find the Heart this year and use it to blast the gateway wide open.  The Heart is extremely powerful this year, so the hunt is on. 

The plot was very fast paced and instantly had me caught up in it.  It jumps back and forth between the nomads, Martin and Teresa and their preparations for defending the heart, and the Church of Midnight and thir search to get a head start on finding the Heart before the nomads can prepare to defend it.

Cons:  There's not too much to mention as a con on this one.  The big thing that may turn some people off is that there are parts that are a bit graphic.  There are a couple sexual scenes and a few very graphic scenes of violence.  Also, I did not always understand the motivation behind the Church of Midnight.  It was never really explained why they wanted the gateway open to the other side, they just did.

The tour for Black and Orange will be going on through Dec 16th.  Check out the other stops on the list below.

Black & Orange Tour Schedule

Monday, December 5th
Review at Must Read Faster
Guest Post at Sweeping Me

Tuesday, December 6th
Review at Sweeping Me

Wednesday, December 7th
Interview at The Plot Thickens

Thursday, December 8th
Guest Post and Review at Family Reads

Friday, December 9th
Review at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Monday, December 12th
Interview at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Review at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark

Tuesday, December 13th
Guest Post at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark

Wednesday, December 14th
Review at Working for the Mandroid

Thursday, December 15th
Interview at Beyond the Books

Friday, December 16th
Review at Booksie’s Blog

Revengeful Heart by Chrys Phillips - Pump Up Your Book Tours - Review

About Chrys Phillips

Chrys Phillips debut book series, Magic Wars Books is available worldwide. She is a successful playwright with many of her plays being performed in full scale theater and musical productions. When not creating her books, screenplays and theatre scripts, she can be found shopping for her favorite accessories, spending time at Australian beaches and/or traveling the globe to attend her public speaking & writing events. She’s a self-proclaimed chocolate and movie addict.
Her latest book is the YA urban fantasy, Revengeful Heart.
You can visit her website at www.magicwarsbooks.com. Visit her at Twitter at www.twitter.com/magicwarsbooks and Facebook at www.facebook.com/magicwarsbooks.
You can visit Chrys Phillips author/public speaking web www.neversaycant.yolasite.com

About Revengeful Heart

ITS A WICKED RUN OF LOVE ~ SECRETS ~ REVENGE ~ HEARTBREAK AND FEAR…ONE TASTE AND YOU’LL BE BEGGING FOR MORE!
Can a broken heart be mended? Are soul mates destined to be together no matter what forces try to keep them apart?
Lakeview exists…it’s a humble pleasant place to live…but amongst its scenic surrounds immortals are dwelling some are evil enough to haunt and horrify you for eternity and others are loving and full of heroic actions. Would you befriend them? How would you know who’s who?
Teens Rick, Miki & CJ attend Lakeview High and live their teen lives with their secret loves and school hassles…evil is arriving and their lives are never going to be the same! Who wins? Who cries? Be warned its a wicked ride…of hope, tears, strength, power, love and dangerous choices filled with deception, betrayal and tenderness!
AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Revengeful-Heart-Chrys-Phillips/dp/1935670522/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318743583&sr=8-1
BARNES AND NOBLE
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revengeful-heart-chrys-phillips/1102407147?ean=9781935670520&itm=1&usri=revengeful%2bheart
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/48889
ITUNES
http://itunes.apple.com/au/book/revengeful-heart/id443151936?mt=11


My Thoughts:
Pros:  Revengeful hearts has a great storyline.  Three teenagers, gifted with special powers, are given the task of saving their small town - and possibly the world - from evil from beyond the Universe.  The three have a very realistic relationship with other that reminded me of my time in high school (minus the evil beings out to ruin everything).

The story was split into parts with each one telling the tale of potential disaster that the three must fight.  Each story features a new enemy and familiar friends that help in their own ways.  The concept of revenge and love scorned runs throughout the entire book and helps to hold the stories together.

Cons:  I thought long and hard before writing this part.  There were things that I just had a hard time with in the book that really had nothing to do with the actual story.  There were quite a few places that I hard a time reading because the punctuation and grammer wasn't correct.  This made it a difficult to read through parts without having to go over them to make sense of the section.  I think that if this story was given another editting job that it could really take off.  Each part of the book gets better and easier to read.

Overall:  Revengeful Heart is definately worth the read if you can adapt or ignore the errors.  Once I got into the right frame of mind to skip over them I really enjoyed it.

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

In celebration of her new release, Chrys will be attending Pump Up Your Book’s 1st Annual Holiday Extravaganza Facebook Party on December 16. More than 50 books, gifts and cash awards will be given away including an e-copy of Revengeful Heart! Visit the official party page here!



Book Review: Escape Velocity by Robin Stevenson

Escape Velocity by Robin Stevenson

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Pages: 240
Acquired: 10/18/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: First Reads
Series: No

Lou is a teenager living in Alberta with her father, and she's miserable. She has no life, no friends, and her father's deteriorating health and prescription drug addictions are driving her mad. Her mother, a famous poet and author, left minutes after she was born. They reconnected when she was a older, but things have happened since that makes it difficult for them to speak to each other. When the unthinkable happens and Lou's dad ends up in the hospital after a stroke, she is shipped off to live with the mother she hardly knows. Lou decides to make the best of the situation and tries to figure out why her mother left. She is convinced the answer will be found somewhere in her mother's writing, but the conclusion Lou draws is not a happy one.

Lou rubbed me the wrong way. The author seemed to be trying to make her optimistic and hopeful, but it just didn't seem to come across the pages right. She had few original ideas and it often seemed like she just didn't get it - any of it. The situation between her and her father seemed extremely unrealistic and I had a hard time relating to them. The strain between Lou and her mother really held the story together for me. With both of them trying to figure their lives and themselves out, they keep missing what really matters most in their relationship.

I saw most of the final twist coming, but it was a bit more dramatic than I anticipated. The book ended nicely for me - it left things open to continue in the imagination, but closed enough to give me resolution.

3/5

Book Review: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

Descended By Blood by Angeline Kace

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 252
Acquired: 10/14/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it:
Series: The Grym Brothers (1)

Brooke Keller isn't your typical high school student. After a lifetime of moving from place to place, she has finally found a spot where she feels at home and belongs. But when strange things start happening, she's afraid to tell her mother and find out they have to move again. Now by strange things, I mean really strange. She "talks" to a mountain lion that attacks her on a hike and realizes that a man is stalking her - trying to kill her. After the attempt at her life, her mother finds out of course, and then a whole new set of strange things begin. She finds out that she is a vampire, and it turns out that she is a very special one. She teams up with a group that is determined to keep her alive and help her adjust to her new life.

Brooke was a good character. She was sufficiently "freaked out" by the strange turn of events her life had taken. She is at once disgusted at her new way of life, and wanting to embrace her new powerful self. She adjusts quickly, but in a way that makes the story real and involving. She finds herself torn between her old life and her new one - torn between her high school love and the vampire hunk that is trying to help her. The attempts on her life continue and she has the choice to embrace her new life and powers or be killed. A wonderful, quick read that I recommend to fans of urban fantasy.

3.5/5

Entrapped by Barbara Kyle - Nurture Virtual Book Tour

Entrapped by Barbara Kyle

Set in Alberta, Canada, Entrapped is the story of Liv Gardner, an ambitious young oil executive intent on stopping farmer Tom Wainwright who is sabotaging her rigs after a spill of lethal “sour” gas poisoned his wife. Desperate to save the company she built, Liv plants evidence to frame Tom. But when the evidence is used to indict him for a murder he didn’t commit, only Liv can save him.

Entrapped
Author: Barbara Kyle
Genre: Fiction – Thriller/Suspense
Published by: Barbara Kyle (June 15, 2011)
Age Recommendation: 18+ For Mild Sexuality
Format: eBook
ASIN: B0056AEQVI
Number of pages: N/A

Barbara Kyle is the author of the Tudor-era “Thornleigh” novels including The Queen’s Lady, The King’s Daughter, The Queen’s Captive, and The Queen’s Gamble, all published internationally. Barbara previously won acclaim for her contemporary thrillers under pen name ‘Stephen Kyle,’ including Beyond Recall (a Literary Guild Selection), After Shock and The Experiment. Over 400,000 copies of her books have been sold. Her latest thriller, under her own name, is Entrapped. Barbara is passionate about helping emerging writers. She has taught her “Writers Boot Camp” for the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, and is known for her dynamic workshops for many writers organizations. She offers twice-yearly Master Classes that focus on work-shopping each participant’s novel-in-progress. Her popular series of videos “Writing Fiction That Sells” offers ten hours of tips, techniques, and inspiration, and is available online via her website. Before becoming an author Barbara enjoyed a twenty-year acting career in television, film, and stage productions in Canada and the U.S.

List of works by Barbara Kyle:

BEYOND RECALL (pen-name ‘Stephen Kyle’) 2000, Warner Books
THE EXPERIMENT (pen-name ‘Stephen Kyle’) 2003, Warner Books
AFTER SHOCK (pen-name ‘Stephen Kyle’) 2002, Warner Books
THE QUEEN’S LADY 2008, Kensington Books
THE KING’S DAUGHTER 2009, Kensington Books
THE QUEEN’S CAPTIVE 2010, Kensington Books
THE QUEEN’S GAMBLE 2011, Kensington Books
ENTRAPPED 2011

Find and follow Barbara Kyle at:

Author Website
Twitter
Goodreads
Facebook Page

Buy the eBOOK at:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes & Noble

My Review:

Welcome to the world of oil of gas. A place where people would do anything to get ahead and get the job done. A place where one wrong move, one cut corner can cost people their lives. This is world that Liv Gardner finds herself in. She's a corporate attorney for Falcon Oil, an up and coming company that is making headways in the small town in Alberta, Canada. The only thing holding them back from raking in the profits is a Tom Wainright, a local sheep farmer. There has been a lot of sabotage on their rigs and property, and everyone suspects Wainright, but no one can prove it. Liv goes in undercover to see if she can get Wainright to admit to the deeds so Falcoln Oil can continue it's work. But Liv finds that Wainright is a tough nut to crack and in the process starts to have some conflicting feelings. And when things become more violent and the situation escalates out of control, she is put in the toughest position she has ever found herself in.

Liv is a wonderful person willing to do anything for the people she loves, including Micky, her boyfriend and head of Falcon Oil. This is the whole reason she intially goes undercover trying to get Wainright to confess. As she works her way into the heart and soul of the community, she finds that they have worked their way into hers. But then one bad decision can ruin everything - not just her life, but the lives of many of the people she has come to care about. Tom Wainright is a man with an agenda. Armed with the belief that toxic fumes from Falcoln Oil killed his wife, he has set off to sabotage and drive the oil company out of the town forever. But how far will he take it?

An amazing story that seemed well researched and developed, I had a hard time putting it down. Always wondering what was going to happen next and then being surprised at the many twists and turns as the story unfolded. Wainright and Liz were such dynamic characters that they came to life on the pages. The final chapters were the best I've read in a long time. I thought I had the "big twist" figured out, and then I was shocked at what really happened - then wondered how I didn't see it before! This was a well thought out, captivating book that I would recommend to anyone.

Entrapped by Barbara Kyle – NURTURE Book Tour Schedule:

• November 1st – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove
  Nurture Book Tour post, Author Interview & Special Book Giveaway!

• November 2nd – Lena Sl. @ Lena Sledge’s Blog…Books, Reviews and Interviews
  Nurture Book Tour Guest post

• November 3rd - Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Interviews
  Nurture Book Tour post, Author Interview & Book Giveaway!

• November 4th – Aubrie Di. @ Flutey Words
  Nurture Book Tour Guest post

• November 7th – Coreena M. @ Books & Other Creative Adventures
  Nurture Book Tour Guest post & Book Giveaway!

• November 8th – Bobbie @ NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ Blog
  Nurture Book Tour Guest post

• November 9th – Evangeline H. @ Sugarpeach
  Nurture Book Tour Guest post & 2-Book Giveaway!

• November 11th – Jasmyn No. @ Jasmyn’s Reviews
• November 14th – Mindy Br. @ The Journey and Musings of a Single Country Gal and her cat!
• November 15th – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove
• November 16th – April R. & Wendy @ My Book Addiction and More
• November 17th – Krystal L. @ Live To Read
• November 18th – Heather Ay. @ Not Everyone’s Mama
• November 21st – Stephanie Ba. @ Mother Of Insanity: Are we crazy yet?
• November 23rd – Mason C. @ Thoughts in Progress
• November 24th – Bobbie @ NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ Blog
• November 25th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
• November 29th – Natalie Hi. @ Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews
• November 29th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
• November 30th – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

A Lasting Impression - Virtual Book Tour

                                                         About the book:

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.
The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.
For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com







My Review:
This was one of the few books I've read that has left me with a feeling of wow.  The characters, the setting, the storyline...everything seemed to line up perfectly to create a fantastic novel.  Claire was brilliant.  The perfect mix of repentant with enough of a real person to really make her come alive.  Her life was extreme but still believable, if a bit lucky at times.  Her relationships, not just with Sutton, but with the entire cast of the book, come slowly at first and the develope into something very rich and meaningful.  I truly enjoyed watching Claire and Sutton get to know one another and discover their lives together.

Now many of you may remember me saying that I wasn't a big fan of Christian novels.  Well, this book is one of the reasons I keep giving them a try.  Religion was not written in every line, but rather between the lines, with characters trying to live their lives in the way they know they should be.  They just picked right back up and tried again. 



Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander! While Tamera and her book,  A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway (11/4 - 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (11/15) (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
• A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspired giveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule:

11/4

Lena at A Christian Writer's World http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Mocha with Linda http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com

Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Books http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com

Alena at Little Bit Of Wonderful http://little-bit-of-wonderful.blogspot.com

Jami's Reviews http://jamisreviews.blogspot.com

Tara at Ramblings of the Blonde Mother Bear http://www.theblondemotherbear.com

Patricia at It's Time To Read Mamaw http://itstimetoreadmamaw.blogspot.com

11/5

Jenny at Book Reviews By Jenny http://bookreviewsbyjenny.blogspot.com

Diana at hanging by a thread http://www.pencildancer.com

Debra at Footprints in the Butter http://debrakb.blogspot.com

Pam at Southern Gal Loves to Read http://southerngallovestoread.blogspot.com

Maggie at Tethered Mommy http://www.tetheredmommy.com

Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com

11/7

Margaret at Creative Madness Mama http://creativemadnessmama.com

Kari at Alas 3 Lads http://www.alas3lads.blogspot.com

Reviews By Jane http://www.reviewsbyjane.blogspot.com

April’s Lifestyle Show http://aprilslifestyleshow.com

Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty http://detweilermom.blogspot.com

Mary Ann at A Mom With A Blog http://www.amomwithablog.com

11/8

Trish at In So Many Words http://trishdoerrler.com

Faith Hope & Cherrytea http://faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com

Misha at On my Bookshelf http://mollystories.wordpress.com

Diane at That's What I'm Here For http://www.dianeestrella.com

Kim at Window To My World http://berlysue.blogspot.com

Amber at Snidbits http://amberfrench.blogspot.com

Crystal at My Reading Room http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com

Tiffany Amber Stockton http://amberstockton.blogspot.com

11/9

Books, Etc...by Bina http://www.booksbybina.blogspot.com

Laurie's School Days http://www.lauriegauger.blogspot.com

Michele at My Blessings From Above http://koreamom.blogspot.com

Caroline at Happy Four http://happyfour.blogspot.com

Stacie at Hobbit Door http://hobbitdoor.blogspot.com

Krista at Welcome to Married Life http://www.welcometomarriedlife.com

Elizabeth at Count It All Joy http://texasjoy.blogspot.com

Casey at Writing for Christ http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com

Annette at Net's Book Notes http://www.annetteirbyreviews.blogspot.com

11/0

Christy at Southern Sassy Things http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com

Mandie at Taking Time for Mommy - Online Magazine for Moms http://takingtimeformommy.com

Celena at The Traveling Sisterhood http://thetravellingsisterhood.blogspot.com

Theresa at Frugal Experiments http://www.frugalexperiments.com

Christen at mom, writer, crafter, coffee drinker http://ChristenKrumm.com

Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com

Debora at A Book and a Cupcake http://abookandacupcake.blogspot.com

Kristen at Read Great Fiction http://readgreatfiction.wordpress.com

Katie at Legacy of a Writer http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com l

Melissa at Bibliophile's Retreat http://www.bibliophilesretreat.com

Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com

Brooke at I blog 4 books http://iblog4books.blogspot.com

Paula at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com

11/11

Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com/

Andi at Radiant Light http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com

Jasmyn's Reviews http://jasmynninestuff.blogspot.com

Jendi's Journal http://jendisjournal.com

Jettie’s Ramblings http://jettiesramblings.blogspot.com

Stephanie at A Cooking Bookworm http://www.acookingbookworm.com

11/12

Vera at Luxury Reading http://www.luxuryreading.com

Linda's Lunacy http://lindaslunacy.com

Amy at My Friend Amy http://www.myfriendamysblog.com

Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com

Angela at All Grown Up? http://pantylesspreacherswife.wordpress.com

Sheila at Showcase Sisters http://showcasesisters.blogspot.com

Suzanne at Clicking Her Heels http://www.clickingherheels.blogspot.com

Melanie at So Many Books.. So Little Time http://www.melanieski.blogspot.com

Kim at Teaberry Cottage http://teaberry-cottage.blogspot.com

Sara at Shoopette's Book Reviews http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot.com

Kathy at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi http://bagsbooksandbonjovi.blogspot.com

11/13

Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com

Renee at Doorkeeper http://reneeannsmith.com

Betsy Ann - Writer at Large http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com

Jen at Happy Little Homemaker http://www.happylittlehomemaker.com

Lauren at 5 Minutes for Books http://5minutesforbooks.com

Michelle at Healing Hearts http://edgyinspiratuionalauthor.blogspot.com

Megan at The joys of life http://www.raunandmegan.blogspot.com

Laurel at Let's Go on a Picnic! http://headant.com

11/14
Megan at Inspired by Fiction http://inspiredbyfiction.blogspot.com

Charity at Austenitis http://austenitis.blogspot.com

Jennifer at Adventures in Unsell Land http://www.theunsells.blogspot.com

Michelle at Life in Review http://lifeinreviewblog.com

Savanah at Ridiculous Reviews http://ridiculousreviewsbysavanah.blogspot.com

Preslaysa at The Literary Mama http://www.preslaysa.com

Patty at Broken Teepee http://brokenteepee.com

Whitney at Rambles of A Stay at Home Mom http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com

Book Review: Impulse by Candace Camp

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 401
Acquired: 10/20/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: NetGalley
Series: No

Cam Monroe is a stablehand, Angela Stanhope is nobility. Their love is forbidden and when Angela's father finds out about he threatens to ruin Cam and find a way to send him to jail for the rest of his life. Cam leaves the family's estate and vows to have Angela and his revenge. Meanwhile, Angela marries Lord Dunstan to try and save Cam from her father. Dunstan does not turn out to be the good man everyone thought he was, and several years later they end up divorced after a scandal that rocked the town.

When Cam hears of Angela's divorce he finds a way to return and try to marry her, but Angela sees herself as damaged good after her divorce and is terrified of being under the control of any man. On top of everything, Cam has been the victim of several "accidents." Accidents that seem to be happening all to frequently to be real. Will Angela and Cam learn to trust each other again, or will they forever live with their past doubts.

While this was more of what I consider a "traditional" romance, mistreated woman falls for gentle man but have too many issues to deal with to see that they love each other. However, the little bit of mystery behind Cam's accidents adds just enough to keep the story interesting, although an astute reader will figure it out early in the game.

3/5

Book Review: Bonded by Blood by Laurie London

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 384
Acquired: 10/10/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: NetGalley
Series: Sweetblood Series (1)

Sweetbloods are a rare type of human whose blood is delicious...more than delicious, it can be addicting. Few vampires can resist drainging a sweetblood dry. Mackenzie Foster-Shaw is a sweetblood. It's a trait that runs in her family and would explain the mysterious disappearances over the years. Dominic is a wounded vampire. Mackenzie quite literally stumbles across him and he cant resist the lure of her blood to heal him, but somehow he manages not to kill her. But he does come close and to saave her life he must give her a small amount of his own blood. This has unexpected consequences, they become bonded, sharing thought and feelings.

Then the unthinkable happens. The evil vampires, known as Dark Bloods, discover that Mackenzie is a sweet blood and have made her a target in their most recent scheme. As Dominic tries to protect her their bond grows stonger and stronger, as do their feelings for each other. They must find a way to defeat the dark bloods and come to terms with each other.

One of the better vampire romances I have read. I enjoyed the added aspect of the sweet blood humans that can be addictive to vampires, good or bad. I loved Mackenzie. She was so head strong and independent. She didn't just swoon every time something bad or new happened. She tried to take care of it and freaked out later. Dominic is your typical "strong man" and has difficulty accepting Mackenzie's help. But she makes him get over it and they work well together. A great paranormal romance for vampire lovers.

4/5

Book Review: Embellish by RL Sloan

Embellish by R.L. Sloan
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult??
Pages: 244
Acquired: 05/10/10
Book of Your Shelf? Yes
Why I read it: Contest Win
Series: Maybe

Ancient voodoo curses, magic and vampires....sounds like a great combination. Solis is the victim of harrassment of all levels by the descendants of Priestess Aldicia, who is a very nasty voodoo priestess. Solis's family in one of the ones that stood up to her way back when, and now they want their revenge. Enter Nico, also a victim of Priestess Aldicia, but in a different way. He was turned into a vampire, and Solis is his soul mate, the one he has been searching for forever. Solis and Nico team up to try and put a stop to the curse of Priestess Aldicia.

This seemed to have all the elements of a great story, and the story itself was very good. But I just didn't enjoy it. My problem wasn't with the storyline, plot, or characters. It was with the writing. The style and tone of the story seemed to be aimed toward young adults/early teens, but the language and content (very sexual) were definately more than I would have been comfortable or able to understand at that age.

2/5

Book Review: A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 272
Acquired: 09/29/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: 2011 Book Battle Long List
Series: No

This is the story of two girls and how they changed each other's lives. Charlie Duskin lives in the city, but even though she is surrounded by people she always feels alone. Her savior from this loneliness is her music. She plays guitar and sings, and she's actually quite good at it. It's too bad she's too shy to show anyone else her talent. Rose Butler lives in the country, next door to Charlie's grandfather. She is always with her best friends and never seems to stop having fun. But Rose wants to leave, she feels stuck in the country and want to go to a good school in the city.

The girls never really hung out together until this year. This year everything was beginning to change for both of them. And even though they don't even realize it at first, neither could have gotten through it without the help of the other. Both sets of eyes are opened to new experiences and new ideas.

This was a very touching novel of friendship. heartache, and rolling with the punches that life can throw at us. Told in alternating perspectives, it was fascinating to see the same situations from two points of view. The author wrote this in a way that wasn't jarring or interrupting to the story. This is definitely a must read book.

5/5