Book Review: Red, White & Screwed by Holly Bush

Hi all,

Holly Bush is an amazing author of historical romances and I've enjoyed and reviewed all of her books. Now she has shifted gears with her latest novel by delving into contemporary romance. Her latest novel, Red, White & Screwed, is filled with drama, humor, and the craziest topic of all – politics! And it won't surprise her avid readers that this new novel is as wonderful, if not even more amazing, than her others. Here is more information about Holly's new book and my five star review.

 

Red, White & Screwed

Holly Bush

 

Book Description:

Political strategist Glenda Nelson is having a meltdown. Her handpicked, very married Congressional candidate was just caught climbing out of the window of the Sleepytown Motel, and her philandering ex-husband seems to have the most to gain from the colossal scandal that follows. As Glenda attempts to salvage the campaign in a hotly contested race, conservative and liberal pundits pounce on the story to further their own agendas.

Glenda’s love life is nonexistent to say the least, that is, until she meets handsome artist Chris Goodrich. Chris’s easy-going, carefree outlook on life couldn’t be more different than the 90-mph crazy train that is Glenda’s, but the more time she spends with him, the more she craves his calming presence, his sexy smile, and his steamy embraces. Is Chris worth taking a chance on?

Between the pressure of full-blown spin control mode, rapidly declining job security, refereeing two teenagers, caring for aging parents, and spending hours on her therapist’s couch trying to get past her ex’s crushing betrayal, Glenda finds love and makes the long trek back to happy.

 

Buy Red, White & Screwed:

Amazon Kindle 

B&N Nook

Kobo

iTunes Store

 

My Five Star Review:

Glenda Nelson has enough on her plate as a divorced mother with two children, a demanding career, her aging parents, and an annoying ex-husband who doesn't understand the first thing about loyalty. But when the married Congressional candidate who she has been promoting is caught having an affair, all hell breaks loose and it is the last straw for Glenda. On the bright side, a handsome artist, Chris, finds the stressed-out Glenda attractive and interesting and pursues a relationship with her. But after being hurt once before, can Glenda trust and love again?

In this fast-paced, highly entertaining novel, Holly Bush does an excellent job of creating real life characters that are relatable to the reader as well as endearing. Women can definitely relate to the issues Glenda faces, juggling a career, children, and relationships. Sometimes it is just easier to push your own needs aside and do for others, but it's not the healthiest way to deal with life, and Glenda soon realizes that she must consider her own needs as well. Glenda's relationship with the handsome Chris is sweet and heartwarming, and the problems Glenda faces at work, mixed with political mishaps, offer a humorous look at the craziness of politics.

Red, White & Screwed is a refreshing, entertaining, and heartwarming novel that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone who loves the romance genre.

 

 

 About Holly:

Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She writes historical romance set on the American Prairie and in Victorian England, and more recently, Contemporary Romance and Women’s Fiction. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, has been an active member of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

Connect with Holly on:

Her Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

 

Cheers,

Deanna

The Ultimate Author Giveaway

WIN Amazon Gift Cards in The Ultimate Author Giveaway



Click HERE or HERE to enter!

The Kindle Book Review and Digital Book Today along with participating authors are sponsoring a GIVEAWAY for 4 - $100 Amazon Gift Cards. Easy entry - no purchase necessary. Drop by and enter!

Giveaway dates are June 1-15th.

While you're there, be sure to LIKE my Facebook Page on the Rafflecopter as one of your entries!

Good luck!

Deanna

Book Review: Mr. August by Jan Romes

Hi all,

Reading one of Jan Romes novels is always a pleasure. That's why I read them! I know that I will always be entertained. Here is a review of the latest Jan Romes novel that I've read, MR. AUGUST. Also, be sure to check out her "Texas Boys Falling Fast" series including Married to Maggie and Keeping Kylee. You can read more of my reviews of Jan's books below.

 

Mr. August

Jan Romes

Fashion designer Libby Griffin has had the week from hell--terminated from her job and heart-wrenching news from the doctor. Hoping for time alone to regroup, Libby rents a cabin on Grand Lake St. Mary's for five months. Right away she meets the most irritating man on the planet, who also happens to be drop-dead delicious.

Recently divorced author Maxwell August has a book due, and his muse has gone into hiding. With a chip on his shoulder, his writing in stuck-mode, he heads to the lake only to encounter a monumental distraction with blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Will these two right-brainers allow the off-the-charts attraction brewing between them to grow? Or deny it to focus on the things they think are more important and miss a chance at forever?

 

Buy Mr. August:

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble Nook

 

My Five Star Review:

Fashion designer Libby Griffin is hiding out for the winter at a lake cabin to lick her wounds and concentrate on her design career. Not only has her friend and employer fired her, but she's learned some bad news from her doctor. As hard as it is, she's going to try to push away the past and look forward to starting over. Then enters Mr. August from the cabin next door. Maxwell August is a bestselling author who has to finish his latest novel and get it to his publisher on time. He locks himself away in the cabin next door to Libby to work and not be disturbed. Except the sight of Libby disturbs him completely—in a good way. But he's not looking for a romantic encounter any more than Libby is. Unfortunately, they are finding it hard to resist each other.

Once again, Jan Romes has written a witty, heartwarming romance with colorful characters and a fun, fast-paced plot. Libby has her own sense of style while Max is more conservative, yet somehow he finds he cannot keep his mind off of her. Through a series of mishaps, they find themselves both fighting with each other and unable to keep their hands off of each other. I liken Ms. Romes romances to the witty romances written by Janet Evanovich before she became famous for her Stephanie Plum series. Cute, fun, sometimes crazy, and definitely endearing. You can never go wrong with a romance by Jan Romes.

 

My other reviews of Jan's novels:

Married to Maggie

Stella in Stilettos

Lucky Ducks

Three Days with Molly

The Christmas Contract

The Gift of Gray

Stay Close, Novac!

 

You can never go wrong with a Jan Romes' romance!

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Widow, Virgin, Whore is a Bestseller!

Hi all,

I'm excited to share the news that my women's fiction novel, WIDOW, VIRGIN, WHORE, made it to bestseller status this past week on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The last week of March, WVW made it up to the top 100 in both stores. I was so excited to see it receive such wonderful recognition.

On 3-30-14, WVW made it up to #73 in the paid Kindle Store on Amazon. WVW also made it into the top 100 in the Nook Store on B&N that same day and on 3-31-14 it made it all the way up to #28 in the Nook Store. It was so much fun to watch it rise up in each store.



#73 in the Kindle Store



#28 in the Nook Store

On 3-31-14, I also was thrilled to see myself making it onto the Author Rank chart in both Literature & Fiction and Contemporary Fiction. I made it to #86 in Literature & Fiction and #45 in Contemporary Fiction. Very exciting.

I want to thank everyone who purchased a copy of WVW and made this all possible. I can now officially call myself a "Bestselling Author", and that makes be very happy.

Cheers,
Deanna

Book Review: The Christmas Contract by Jan Romes

Hi all,

If you read my blog, you already know that I am a big fan of romance author Jan Romes. Her novels are always fun, witty, and delightful to delve into. Her most recent novel, The Christmas Contract, is as wonderful as her others – maybe even better! Here is more about this lovely book and my review.

 

Cover Design by Tugboat Design

The Christmas Contract

Jan Romes

 

Book Description:

**Sweet romance without spicy love scenes**

 

Millionaire Dax Dawson is a world-class philanthropist and grandfather. While he's generous with his money, he also makes the community work for it. He's the same with his family. No free handouts. What he gives has strings attached. Dax decides it's time for his fiercely independent, almost-thirty year old granddaughters to settle down. He wants them to find love and give him great-grandchildren before his lights go out. And he knows how to make it happen.

Prompted by love, guilt and a desire to own their own business, the Dawson triplets -- Joy, Noelle and Christi -- enter into a Christmas contract that will change their lives forever.

Finding true love is a unique adventure, so each girl has their own story. The outcome for all three, however, funnels into one giant happily-ever-after.

 

Buy The Christmas Contract:

Amazon Kindle

B&N Nook

 

My 5 Star Review:

The Christmas Contract is possibly my favorite romance novel by Jan Romes.  Her novels are heartwarming stories with a fun, witty touch to them. There's never a dull moment in a Jan Romes novel. I particularly liked this one because it weaves together the story of the three sisters as they pursue love to fulfill their grandfather's wish for them to finally find the man of their dreams and settle down. It's like three novels in one – and each story is unique and heartfelt. If you are looking for a lovely holiday novel to curl up in front of the fire with, this is the one for you.

 

I hope you'll give this novel – as well as all of Jan's other novels - a try. Check out my reviews of her other novels:

Stella in Stilettos

Lucky Ducks

Stay Close, Novak

Three Days with Molly

The Gift of Gray

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Book Review: Sisters in Love (Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters Book One) by Melissa Foster

Hi all,

I recently read Melissa Foster's latest novel, Sisters in Love which is the first in the Snow Sisters series. I had bought it when it first came out and was happy to see when it hit the top 100 in the Amazon paid store when Ms. Foster ran a promotion for it. When I purchased Sisters in Love, I expected a light romance novel. I was surprised to find it was much more than that. Here is a description of Sisters in Love and my review.

 

Sisters in Love

(Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters Book One)
Melissa Foster

 

Book Description:

Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life.

Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to stop doing what he does best.

When Blake walks into Danica’s office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn't the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica’s desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she’s ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she’s been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister’s promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn’t sure it’s the right time to set her desires free.

 

My 5 Star Review:

When I purchased Sisters in Love by Melissa Foster, I expected a lighthearted romance, but as I began reading this novel, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the story was much more than that. While at its core, Sisters in Love is a romance (sometimes even steamy), the characters and the story has a depth you don't usually find in lighthearted romances. The main character, Danica Snow, is a strong woman who is very straight laced and work orientated, quite the opposite of her younger sister, Kaylie, who parties and jumps from man to man. As Danica's life unfolds, we find that she is also a very caring person as she spends time with a troubled teenaged girl, Michelle, as part of the Big Sister Program. The same is true of Blake Carter, who at first we believe to be nothing but an egotistical playboy. However, as events occur, we find there is a heart and soul below the showy exterior. When Danica and Blake meet, the attraction is mutual, but there are many barriers they each must break down before they can give in to those emotions.

I really enjoyed this first novel in the Snow Sister's series. The characters are complex, likable, and well developed. The storyline kept me interested and reading so I could find out what happened to each of the characters. If you enjoy a romance novel with depth, heart, and soul, you will enjoy Sisters in Love.

 

Buy Sisters in Love:

Amazon Kindle

Paperback

Nook

Kobo

 

As of this writing, Sisters in Love is only $0.99!

And the best part is you don't have to wait to read book two in the series because it is already out. Look for:

Sisters in Bloom: Snow Sisters, Book Two by Melissa Foster

 

I hope you will pick up a copy of Sisters in Love and give it a try.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

 

Book Review: A Novel Obsession by Jeff Joseph

Hi all,

Author Jeff Joseph was kind enough to offer to send me a copy of his novel A Novel Obsession for an honest review. I did enjoy this unique story very much and would like to share with you more about his book and my own review.

 

A Novel Obsession

Jeff Joseph 

 

Book Description:

What could be more peaceful than a small town nestled in the plush and picturesque Appalachian foothills along the Ohio River? Seemingly nothing unless you actually live in such a place and experience the incestuous nature of the meddling, gossip, and desire that can fester there.

Abby Lane has cornered the market on virtue in her small town, yet there are forces that want to take that innocence away from her. Unfortunately, the depths of deception, often undetected by the pure of heart can be harmful to the unsuspecting soul.

As an English teacher, dreamer and hopeless idealist Abby immerses herself in romantic fiction to fill the void in her reality. There is one author in particular who speaks directly to her heart and she foolishly makes him the model lover by whom all suitors are to be judged. When others try to bridge that gap, idyllic small town America becomes a mysterious place to be.

A Novel Obsession is a great mix of Mystery, Suspense, Intrigue, and romance. It will answer the question:

Is it possible for two people to fall in love having never met?

 

A Novel Obsession is available on Amazon Kindle and in Paperback 

 

My 5 Star Review:

Abby Lane is an incurable romantic who dreams of one day meeting the perfect man. She believes that romance doesn't have to wane in a relationship, and wants a man who will romance her from the first day to the last, throughout their lives. Secretly, she has a crush on bestselling romance novelist Daniel Shepperd, because she believes he is the only man who could truly understand her feelings about romance and true love. Unfortunately, her best friend, Julie, thinks that Abby lives with her head in the clouds and is always trying to set her up with men. What Abby doesn't realize is that there can be many layers to people, and sometimes, those with the most layers can be dangerous.

A Novel Obsession is a unique story with complicated characters who keep you guessing. A mixture of romance, suspense, and mystery, this novel has many layers that keep the story interesting and intriguing. I enjoyed this novel very much and I look forward to future novels by Jeff Joseph.

 

About Jeff Joseph:

In spite of being a husband and father, I have always been a daydreamer. I was that guy in high school algebra with the far away expression on his face, and no I wasn't thinking about how to apply mathematics to save the world. I was thinking about the girl of my dreams and how I would make her mine. True love and the inherent difficulty in finding it are what I daydream about the most, and to me writing a book is merely daydreaming and capturing your thoughts in print. It makes them more real and provides the opportunity for others to share in them as well. And so I hope you will.

 

Connect with Jeff Joseph:

Twitter @author_jeff

Facebook 

Website 

Goodreads

I hope you will check out Jeff's novel. It is the first in a series, and I am sure you will enjoy it.

Cheers,
Deanna

Book Review: Mill People by Alle Wells

Hi all,

I am a big fan of author Alle Wells. She writes superb historical fiction novels with intriguing characters and realistic settings. Alle's latest novel, Mill People was recently released, so I had to read it. Below is a description of this new novel of hers and my five star review.

Mill People
Alle Wells

Book Description:

Jesse Finney's story captures the life of a Southern mill town from the late 1800s to the mid-twentieth century. The mill town disappears, but the love of family and community lives on in Jesse's heart and this story.

Buy on Amazon Kindle $0.99

My 5 Star Review:

"We are mill people." This is the Finney family motto and they have all worked at the cotton mill for generations in the small southern town of Whispering Falls. When young Jesse Finney turns sixteen in 1975, she also follows the family tradition of going to work at the mill.

Mill People shares fascinating insights into one family's life surviving generations in a small town due to the prosperity of the mill. Author Alle Wells creates realistic and interesting characters that portray a convincing view of life in a small southern town. From the time period after WWII to the late 1970s, many people in small town America depended upon the mills and factories to provide good paying jobs. By the 1980s, many of these jobs faded away as big business moved out of country for cheaper labor. Alle reflects how this affected the mill families in this small town and the resilience of Americans to find a way to go on when everything else falls down around them.

I love how Alle writes, bringing you back in time and making you feel as if you are really there. I highly recommend Mill People to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Be sure to read my review of Alle's other novels:

Leaving Serenity

Railroad Man

Lame Excuses


Cheers,
Deanna

Book Review: The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston

Hi all,

As tired as I am of all the young adult vampire, witch and wizard novels that have come out over the past few years, I was at once intrigued by The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston. The cover immediately brought me in to look at the description. After reading the description, I realized that this wasn't your ordinary witch novel and it might actually be written for a mature audience. This novel was offered on Amazon Kindle for FREE a couple of weeks ago, so I had nothing to lose by trying it. Oh am I ever happy I did. I loved it so much, I have actually paid the high fee for Ms. Brackston's latest novel TheWinter Witch. After all, isn't that the point of offering a book for free – to get you to buy their other books? Well, it worked for me. Below I am sharing the book description of this novel and my 5 star review.

The Witch's Daughter
Paula Brackston


Book Description:

My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years. Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins…

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn’t know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life for herself, tending her garden and selling herbs and oils at the local farmers' market. But her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl called Tegan starts hanging around. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth begins teaching Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories--and demons—long thought forgotten.

Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of Witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality to remain true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.

Buy on Amazon Kindle

My 5 Star Review

In 1628, Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith (Bess) is a young woman when she loses her family to the plague and then watches her mother swing from The Hanging Tree, accused of being a witch. Scared and alone, she reluctantly follows her mother's wishes and goes to Gideon Masters' cottage in the woods to seek his protection and become his student. What Bess soon learns is that Gideon is a warlock—one who practices dark magic. Soon, a mob comes after Bess, proclaiming her to be a witch like her mother. She has two choices—let the mob kill her or run away with Gideon and be drawn into the world of dark magic. She chooses neither which leaves her running away for centuries from the one man who can take her down to the depths of hell.

The Witch's Daughter is a truly amazing novel from the first page to the last. Not only does it bring you into the life a magic, but is also filled with descriptive settings from different times in history. From the simple yet superstitious days of the 1600s to the war-torn English landscape during World War I and on to a quiet town in England in present day where natural healing is considered in vogue, you experience it all through Bess' eyes. Ms. Brackston is a talented storyteller and wordsmith. Her lovely writing style draws the reader in and lulls them through the story. You don't just read this novel—you experience it. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fantasy at its best and loves reading the work of an artist in command of the English language.

***

I hope you will try The Witch's Daughter. It is truly worth your time and your money.

And be sure to read The Return of the Witch by Paula Brackston too!

Cheers,

Deanna

Ember's Curse Book Blast Tour



Today I am pleased to welcome Gena D. Lutz, author of Ember's Curse, to my blog. She is currently on tour with her book and we are lucky enough to have her stop by here. Gena is sharing an excerpt from her novel with us, so sit back, relax, and enjoy a preview of Ember's Curse.

Cover designed by Tugboat Design

Ember's Curse
Gena D. Lutz

Book Description:

For Prime-Werewolf Ember Stilwell, life has been far from normal. Decades ago, a vengeful Witch cursed her Pack, leaving the women of her line incapable of feeling love. When an organized group of immortal killers begin to stalk and capture wolves from her pack, she sets out on a path fraught with danger. Just when it seems the world as she knows it will be changed forever, she meets Collin, an Alpha Werewolf with a body built for sin. As her heart begins to heal, she comes to find that the demons of her past are not nearly as dangerous as the nightmares she will be forced to face in her future. Can finding her true love conquer all? Or will the ability to feel for the first time be overshadowed by losing everything else she holds dear?

Buy Ember's Curse on Amazon Kindle

Ember’s Curse Excerpt:

"Feed from me," he urged.

I shook my head against him and groaned. I didn't want to hurt him. I had never done this before, so I had no clue how much control I would have over my vampire self. What if I lost it and accidentally drained him?

"I want to do this for you. Let me be the one to ease your pain," he said, pulling my face closer. My lips pressed up against him and I could feel a thumping pulse flutter underneath his skin. My tongue flicked out, tasting the salt and sweetness of him. It made me want to bite down hard; to take every bit of him into me that I possibly could. Somehow, I just knew that he would be the perfect filler of my needs. My ambrosia.

I guess one little sip couldn't hurt, said a voice inside my head. The voice sounded strangely like my own. My fangs began to pulse and ache, and before I could stop myself, they sank deep into Collin’s neck. He grabbed hold of the back of my head with a groan. I wrapped my leg around his waist and pressed myself up against his hard length, pinning him under me. It fulfilled my sexual hunger for him and the need to keep him still while I drank. 

 

The First Chapter of “Ember’s Curse” is available at Gena’s Blog

 

 

About Gena D. Lutz:

So I guess this is where I am suppose to put a little something about myself. I could go on and on about major accomplishments...or...I can simply say...I am a wife and mother. It's as easy as that. Now...I know what you’re thinking "This person sounds boring"...am I right? Well this is where things get a bit more interesting. I also like to create worlds, and in those worlds, I morph into the ultimate Puppet Master. I meticulously pull the strings on dozens of fantasized characters. I make them dance for me...love for me...and when I am in a particularly feisty mood, I even make one or two of them kill for me. Then, after play time is over...I emerge from my land of make believe just in time...to do the dishes. 



Connect with Gena:

Website/Blog      

Twitter    

FB Author Page   

Goodreads   

Pinterest      

 

I hope you enjoyed this preview of Ember's Curse. Be sure to go to Gena's Blog to read the entire first chapter of Ember's Curse.

 

 

 

This Blog Tour brought to you by:

Enchantress of Book Blog Tours 

Book Review: This Time Forever by Patricia Paris

Hi all,

I just finished reading This Time Forever by Patricia Paris and I wanted to share my review with you. This novel has been out since 2011, and the second one in the series is already available. A while back, I had downloaded This Time Forever during one of its free days on Amazon, and it took me awhile to get to reading it, but I am happy that I did. After finishing it, I immediately purchased the second book, Letters to Gabriella.  While these are two books in a series, the can definitely be stand-alone books as well.

Here is a description of This Time Forever and my 5 star review.

This Time Forever
Patricia Paris

Book Description:

Delaney Brannigan and Blake Morrisson meet at the Glebe Point annual costume dance, known only to each other as the leopard and the cowboy---but, as Delaney soon discovers, the cowboy she'd thought had ridden off into the sunset never to tempt her again, is none other than the man she came from New York to find and discredit. Against her will, Delaney is drawn deeper and deeper into an overwhelming attraction to Blake---an attraction she can't give in to if she wants to keep the one thing she values more than anything else.
Blake has spent months trying to find the son he never knew he had until a chance encounter with an old friend. Finding the boy has been the only thing he cared about---that is until Delaney Brannigan came to town. Now the bewitching woman has him thinking he might have finally found the one woman who could make him want to settle down.
When the private investigator hired to find Blake's son shows up to tell Blake he's located the boy, Delaney's hopes and dreams are shattered and Blake discovers she's not at all what she seemed.
Will these two lovers lose one another in a web of deception, or will the small town boy and the girl from New York find a way to trust their hearts and find a once in a lifetime happiness.

Buy This Time Forever:

Amazon Kindle - $2.99


My 5 Star Review


Delaney Brannigan goes off in search of the man who is the father of the young boy, Ben, in her care to determine if he is the monster her cousin claimed to be or if he deserves to have custody of his son. What she doesn't expect is to fall in love with Blake Morrisson. She is caught between explaining her true reason for finding him, and risk losing him and Ben, or walking away and never telling Blake about his son.

This Time Forever is a lovely romance with a unique story. The characters may start on the pages of a novel, but lift themselves up out of the story to become as real as your own friends and family. You connect to Delaney, Blake and Ben easily, and wish the very best for them. Patricia Paris created a lovely group of characters, a beautiful backdrop, and an amazing story that you will enjoy from the first page to the last. I enjoyed this novel so much, I have already downloaded book two in the series, Letters to Gabriella.

 

 

I hope you will try this wonderful romance novel. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Join the Kid's Books Holiday Blog Hop & Giveaway!

Hi all,

On December 7th - 10th I am hosting a blog hop for children's and middle-grade books and I'd love it if you all join me. If you are a children's or middle-grade book author or blogger, I invite you to sign up and participate. Each of the authors or bloggers will be giving away a prize on their blogs and we will also be having a grand prize (depending upon how much money is donated) that followers can enter to win. It should be a lot of fun and it's a great way to get your children's book noticed.

If you are interested in joining the Kid's Books Holiday Blog Hop, you can go over to my Outlaw Heroes blog to read the rules and sign up on the Linky or you can do so here. Here is he information about the blog hop and the Linky sign-up below:

Kid's Books Holiday Blog Hop & Giveaway!

 

I'm inviting all children & middle-grade book authors to join in on the Kid's Books Holiday Blog Hop which will run December 7^th – 10^th. This blog hop is for any author promoting a book for kids ages birth to 12 years old. All types of children's & middle-grade books are welcome as long as they are suitable for this age range.

What you need to do:

 

1. Add your blog's name and your blog URL address to the Linky at the bottom of the page to join in on the Blog Hop. You don't have to have a post link yet – just use your blog's URL.

 

2. Please copy and paste the above Blog Hop button onto your blog's sidebar and connect it to the following link to promote the blog ahead of time.  http://www.outlawheroes.com/p/kids-books-holiday-blog-hop.html

 

3. Plan to give away some type of prize – a copy of the book you are promoting, gift card, bookmarks or anything that is appropriate for a kid's blog hop. It doesn't have to be expensive; it is an incentive to get hoppers to visit your blog. You are in charge of your giveaway and selecting a winner. (For the Grand Prize, see below, I'll be sending out information to you before the hop to let you know what it is so you can include it in your post.)

 

4. Write a short post that is somehow related to kids and the holidays. It can be about how you and your family celebrate, a cute family story (Rated PG), a favorite holiday tradition – whatever you like as long as it is suitable for all ages. Please include the Blog Hop Button at the top of your post so hoppers identify your post right away. And don't forget to promote your book after the post or somehow tie it into the post. (Short promos for your book are best – if it's too long then people may ignore it completely.) Keep in mind that parents will probably be following this blog hop in order to find books for their kids as holiday gifts.

 

5. Add the Linky Code to the bottom of your blog post so people can continue to follow the list of authors in the hop. Blogger/blogspot sites can add it right to the bottom under HTML.                                          

 

<!-- start LinkyTools script -->

<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=170262" type="text/javascript"></script>

<!-- end LinkyTools script -->

                                                                                                                                          

**WordPress blogs are unable to add the Linky code so you can link back to my site page here: http://www.outlawheroes.com **

 

6. Make sure your post is up by 10:00 AM Central Time on Dec. 7^th. I will be going down the list and visiting each blog to make sure a post is up. If it isn't, I'll be deleting that blog from the Linky List so blog hoppers won't get discouraged.

 

7. Promote your post & giveaway on all the social media sites. The Twitter hash tag we will be using for this blog hop is #KidsBlogHop.  Promotion is key in getting as many people to your site as possible.

 

8. Be sure to have your post visible in some way for the entire four days of the hop. Link it to the blog hop button or some other way so hoppers can find it.

Grand Prize Giveaway

I would love to have Grand Prize Giveaway if possible – it helps to draw in more followers to the blog hop. I'm thinking some type of Kindle or Nook – depending upon how much money I can raise. If not, then whatever money I receive will go toward an Amazon Gift Card. All comments left on all the blogs in the hop will be entered in to win the Grand Prize.

If you'd like to donate money toward the main Grand Prize, please send $5 or $10 to my PayPal account and I'll use it to buy the prize. ALL MONEY WILL BE USED FOR THE PRIZE. Use the email address: sletten@paulbunyan.net  to send money – be sure to mark it as a "GIFT" so no money is deducted as a fee. Also, mention in the comment section that the money is for the Kid's Books Holiday Blog Hop and include your name. Thanks so much!

A week before the blog I will send out an email to everyone reminding them of the blog hop and telling you what the Grand Prize will be and how the hoppers can win it.

Thanks everyone – I hope we get a big turnout of authors and hoppers for this blog hop!

 Cheers,

Deanna

New Book Release: Reflections by Susan Griscom

Hi all,

I recently shared on this blog a review of Brief Interludes, a collection of short stories by Susan Griscom, which I enjoyed immensely. Today I'm please to announce the release of her latest novel, Reflections (Whisper Cape, Book 2).  Reflections is the second novel in the Whisper Cape Series and is already receiving rave reviews. Also, be sure to check out Susan's book blog tour for Reflections at the link below.

 

Reflections (Whisper Cape, Book 2)
Susan Griscom writing as Regan Walsh

 

Book Description:

Gerry has loved Maia from the very first moment he laid eyes on her and now that she’s pregnant with his child, he’s over the moon with happiness. Likewise, Maia is overjoyed about having Gerry’s baby, but when she starts seeing and hearing an old woman who warns Maia about the pregnancy, Maia starts to think she is losing her mind. But Maia’s nightmare has only just begun...

A most sought after beautiful woman, the talented lead singer in an up and coming rock band, sets her sights on Gerry determined to rekindle an old flame. But murder befalls the sleepy town of Whisper Cape once again, creating suspicion and betrayal, and a love once considered invincible, begins to crumble and fall apart.

Fiction/Paranormal Romance/Suspense

 

What readers are saying:

"This is a really wonderful and unique supernatural fiction series." - D. Lancaster on Amazon

"The storyline is intense, surprising, and filled with emotion."  - Literal Addiction's Review 

"REFLECTIONS does not disappoint!" – Ann Carter on Amazon

Buy REFLECTIONS now on Amazon Kindle

 

About the Author:

Susan Griscom was born, Susan Marie Whittaker, in a small town in Pennsylvania. Under the name, Regan Walsh she writes the popular paranormal-urban fantasy, Whisper Cape, series and writes young adult and mainstream under her married name, Susan Griscom.

Upcoming release 2013 - Allusive Aftershock - A young adult love story.

Be sure to check out her Whisper Cape Series under the name of Regan Walsh

She enjoys writing about characters living in small quaint towns and tends to lean toward the unusual and spooky.

Her paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday she might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now she likes the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets her blood running hot.

Susan lives in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and humungous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and her children, four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, seven grandchildren. Her greatest love in life is her family and those large and ever growing holiday dinners.

She enjoys traveling. She hates running, but does it once in a while. Reading and writing are her favorite pastimes.

 

 

Visit Susan's AmazonAuthor's Page  

Visit Susan on Goodreads  

 

Follow along on Susan Griscom's book blog tour for Reflections.

 



 

I hope you will check out Susan's latest novel - you will not be disappointed!

 

Cheers,

Deanna 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Reconstructing Jackson by Holly Bush

Be sure to follow Holly's book tour! Click here.

Hi all,

I am an avid fan of Holly Bush's writing and have read and enjoyed her other novels so I couldn't wait to read her most recent historical romance novel Reconstructing Jackson. She did not disappoint me! I literally had trouble putting this book down and that is rare for me. If you love historical romance fiction novels – this novel is a must read! Here is a description of the book and my 5 star review. 

 

Read my review of Train Station Bride    
Read my review of Romancing Olive      

 

Book Description:

1867 . . . Southern lawyer and Civil War veteran, Reed Jackson, returns to his family’s plantation in a wheelchair. His father deems him unfit, and deeds the Jackson holdings, including his intended bride, to a younger brother. Angry and bitter, Reed moves west to Fenton, Missouri, home to a cousin with a successful business, intending to start over.

Belle Richards, a dirt poor farm girl aching to learn how to read, cleans, cooks and holds together her family’s meager property. A violent brother and a drunken father plot to marry her off, and gain a new horse in the bargain. But Belle’s got other plans, and risks her life to reach them.

Reed is captivated by Belle from their first meeting, but wheelchair bound, is unable to protect her from violence. Bleak times will challenge Reed and Belle's courage and dreams as they forge a new beginning from the ashes of war and ignorance.

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My 5 Star Review:

Reed Jackson returns home to his family plantation after the Civil War a broken man in a wheelchair and considered unfit by his father to claim his inheritance and his bride-to-be. So he leaves his home and moves to Fenton, Missouri to start a new life. The country is still struggling with the newfound ideas of free black men and women and the fact that it is no longer split between north and south. In this atmosphere, Reed also finds himself with an internal battle between his own past upbringing and the changes of the new United States. When he meets a young woman, Belle, who has no prospects and is treated like property by her family, he is not only enthralled by her beauty but also by her perseverance to better herself. Together, he and Belle forge a life as they learn what to love and respect about each other and how to break through their limitations for a full, rich life.

Reconstructing Jackson once again reminds my why I love novels by Holly Bush. Her ability to place you into a previous time period and enthrall you with a story so compelling that you can't put it down is incredible. Her characters just jump off the pages and her historical knowledge rings true. In Reconstructing Jackson, she delves deeply into the sensitive topic of slavery and race relations from our country's history and writes about it thoughtfully and with integrity. Not only will you fall in love with these characters, but you will be entertained by this thought-provoking story.

 

Buy on Amazon Kindle  

Buy on Barnes &Noble     

 

About Holly Bush:

I grew up in a home where I was surrounded by books. There was not a room that did not hold a bookcase, stack or shelves of books. My father didn't care what we read, although he did, as long as we read something, even a comic book. His stack of books beside his reading chair that sat next to a sunny window was a strange mix of westerns, political intrigue, current affairs, science fiction and the odd biography. Books made me curious, comforted me, excited me, scared me and gave me glimpses into lives and worlds beyond my reach. What a gift - the written word - what a gift!

Connect with Holly:

Goodreads   

Twitter  @HollyBushBooks

Facebook  

Website 

 

Books by Holly Bush    

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers,
Deanna