Giveaway Winner: Sean Griswold's Head

Congratulations to the Winner of
Sean Griswold's Head




The winner was selected using Random.org

Teri Crosby

Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered.

Blog Tour: Video Interview with Heidi Ayarbe + Book Giveaway

Welcome to Author Heidi Ayarbe author of Freeze Frame, Compulsion, and Compromised.

Compromised by Heidi Ayrabe:

Maya's life has always been chaotic. Living with a con-man dad, she's spent half her life on the run. Whenever her father's schemes go wrong, Maya finds a scientific way to fix it. But when her dad ends up in prison and foster care fails, Maya grasps at her last possible hope of a home: a long-lost aunt, who may not even exist.

So Maya formulates a plan, and with her wits, two unlikely allies, and twenty dollars in her pocket, she sets off in search of this aunt, navigating the unpredictable four hundred miles from Reno to Boise. Life on the streets, though, becomes a struggle for survival—those scientific laws Maya has relied on her whole life just don't apply. And with each passing day, Maya's definitions of right and wrong are turned upside down when she's confronted with the realities and dangers of life as a runaway. She can't help but wonder if trying to find her aunt—and some semblance of stability—is worth the harrowing journey or if she should compromise and find a way to survive on her own.

For all the Compulsion Tour Stops please visit: http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/compulsion-tour-details.html

Giveaway Details:
1 paperback of Compromised by Heidi Ayarbe
Open to US only
Ends 5/13/11

To Enter leave a comment on this post.  Make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Book Review: Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler:

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.


That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

This book is a tough one for me to review. Did I love it? I stayed up late reading last night and the first thing I did this morning was pick the book up and finish off the last 100 pages before doing anything else. Holly Schindler is a great writer. I was pulled into this story and didn't want to put the book down. As soon as I get a copy I'll read her debut novel A Blue so Dark. Those who enjoy contemporary young adult books are likely to love this one.

The only issue I have with this book is the sexual content. The books starts off with Chelsea being embarrassed that she is still a virgin. Being the conservative parent and reader that I am - to me that is not something to be embarrassed by but rather proud of - I know I'm in the minority in today's world but those are my values. With such an emphasis placed on her virginity I assumed she would lose it before the end of the book and she did. There were 3 or 4 very passion filled scenes in this book that I would not let a teenager read. As an adult I was blushing, I know it still doesn't take much to make me blush but it seemed like Chelsea had a lot of trouble keeping herself clothed. For a Young Adult book this had a lot more detail and passion then most of what I've read.  There wasn't much "fade to black" in this one which would be more appropriate for a young adult audience.

This book had a really good message to it about overcoming loss and finding love.

Rating: 4 Stars

Content: Heavy sexual content and some language

Source: From author for review

I Love My Mommy Blog Hop Giveaway

I Love My Mommy is being co-hosted by Makobi Scribe, I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, Bree’s: What Matter’s Most, and Simply Stacie.  


Each particpating blog is hosting a giveaway with a total prize value of at least $50.  


This hop runs from Thursday, May 5th to Tuesday, May 10th.


I have 4 great giveaways - There will be 4 winners!


All giveaway are open to US only.  If you live outside the US and are willing to pay the shipping costs you can enter.  Just leave me a note in the comments section of the entry form.


Last day to enter is May 10th at midnight.

Giveaway #1

Kodak EasyShare CD83 Blue Bundle
I recently won this camera in a contest and have no need for it.  It has never been opened.







Giveaway #2
Eat Your Peas for Mom by Cheryl Karpen

Eat Your Peas Faithfully by Cheryl Karpen


Giveaway #3

The Mother's Mite by  DeAnne Flynn

The Crazy Daze of Motherhood by Jane Still

I Sit All Amazed by Steve Mikita

5 Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges



Giveaway #4
Created for Greater Things by Jeffrey R. Holland

Through His Eyes: Rethinking What You Believe about Yourself by Virginia H. Pearce


Thanks to DeseretBook.com for donating many of these books!


To Enter:
Just follow this blog and fill out the form below.

Optional Extra Entries:
Follow this blog another way - you get one entry for each way you follow: GFC, goodreads, twitter, facebook, networked blogs OR via an email subscription.



Now hop to another site to enter their giveaway:

Blog Tour: Book Review - Eat Your Peas by Cheryl Karpen

If you want a special way to celebrate your mother, look no more! Eat Your Peas for Mom is a 3-minute read with a forever message. Upon opening this little package, her heart will smile through the pages filled with affirmation, appreciation, and gratitude expressed for all the ways she loves and cares for you. Each page is artfully hand-illustrated for a charming and homespun feel. It's a perfect keepsake and reminder for Mom to hold onto forever.

Eat your Peas for Mom: Simple Truths and Happy Insights is a beautiful gift book.  It would be perfect for a mothers day present as a way to tell your mom how much you love and appreciate her.  Use it instead of a card.  A way to basically say sorry I was such a pain in the rear growing up - I learned a lot from you and love and appreciate.  It really does take just "3-minutes" to read.



About the Author:
Cheryl Karpen is the president of Gently Spoken Communications, an organization that is committed to providing others with encouragement and inspiration through books and speaking events. She is the creator of the Eat Your Peas Collection, which includes 21 titles, with nearly a million copies sold. A successful entrepreneur, Karpen previously sold nearly 700,000 copies of the Eat Your Peas books as a self-publisher. Other titles include versions for fathers, sons, teens, grandparents, sisters and even a title you can gift yourself. Karpen lives with her husband near Minneapolis in Anoka, Minn.

Content: clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Received through PR by the Book

Blog Tour: Book Giveaway - The Diva Doctrine by Patricia V. Davis

The Diva Doctrine: 16 Universal Principles Every Woman Needs to Know by Patricia V. Davis:

Patricia V. Davis may be the first to tell you she's an expert in failed relationships. But ask any of the readers who helped a post on her advice blog go viral, and they'll say that whether you're wide-eyed twenty-something dreamer, the world's grooviest grandma, or something in between, there's no one better able to help you on your way to becoming a True Diva!




http://www.divadoctrine.com/

For all the Diva Doctrine Tour Stops please visit Cedar Fort Books.

Giveaway Details:
1 copy of The Diva Doctrine
Open to US only
Ends 5/31

Blog Tour: Book Giveaway & Spotlight: People of the Book by Kathi Macias

People of the Book by Kathi Macias:


Farah lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, and wants nothing more than to develop a deeper devotion to her Muslim faith. She sees the month of Ramadan as her chance to draw nearer to Allah, and pursues that goal. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself. Her brother, Kareem, who has never liked her, seeks to discredit her.
Farah’s cousin, an only child, frequents an online chat. She discovers former Muslims discussing their new belief that Isa is much more than a Muslim prophet—He is actually the Son of God. She becomes acquainted with an American girl of Muslim ancestry—now a devout Christian—Sara. Sara has problems of her own due to her brother Emir’s suspicious behavior.
Each finds their faith put to the test. Will they be true to their beliefs? Will God protect them, or will they pay the ultimate price for their faith?

About Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. Her most recent release is People of the Book, the fourth and final book in her Extreme Devotion series. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and was named 2008 Member of the Year by AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding in Al’s new sunburst orange Corvette.

Kathi's Website: www.kathimacias.com. 
Kathi's “Easy Writer” blog at http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com

For all the tour stops please visit PUMP UP YOUR BOOK.

Giveaway Details:
1 copy of People of the Book
Open to US & Canada
Ends 5/31

Blog Tour: Book Review - I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler:
“For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel envy…”

Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that’s okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who will?

Janet Gurtler tests the bonds of sisterhood in this moving debut that readers of Jodi Picoult and Sarah Dessen will savor.

I'm Not Her is a touching, emotional story that I enjoyed.  It seemed like a realistic portrayal of how cancer can effect not only the person who has it but their family and friends as well.

There is a great cast of complex characters in this story, all of whom I cared about.  This was not a depressing book to read but it was emotional.  Just when it seemed like things were looking up for Kristina were thrown a devastating twist that I didn't see coming.

A book I would recommend to those who enjoy contemporary young adult fiction.



Rating: 4 Stars

Content: language, teen sex is mentioned but there is no sex scene

Source: Blog Tour

I Love My Mommy Blog Hop Starts Thursday

The I Love My Mommy Blog Hop starts Thursday! There are 90 blogs participating. I've got a great giveaway that includes a Kodak Easyshare Camera and a pile of great reads for moms.

Ebook Giveaway & Author Interview

Welcome to Author Lena Goldfinch.

Bio:

Lena Goldfinch loves a good romance. She's been a past finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests, and has been previously published in short fiction. She lives in scenic New England with her husband/mad inventor, two kids, and a very spoiled black Lab.

Her fascination with stories began at a very young age at the town library, a place where she still loves to hang out. In her not-so-murky past, she's worked as a software engineer and a web designer, and has now found her true passion in writing fiction. A member of RWA and SCBWI, she also blogs on LiveJournal and is a member of The Enchanted Inkpot, a community of writers and readers of middle grade and young adult fantasy.

Interview:

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I’d love to be able to do more, you know? It always seems like there’s more I want to do than I can get done with just one of me. Sigh. So I’d love the superpower of Duplication or Multiplicity (Remember that movie?? But I’d prefer to have the power without the degenerative cloning stupidity. ;))

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
I recently discover Skinny Cow Caramel Truffle bars. They’re super yummy. (Yeah, I’m on a diet. I’ve lost 30 pounds so far!)

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
One of my favorite things is eating breakfast out, especially with my family or a good friend. It feels so self-nurturing, like soul food. lol Having it prepared for me and not having to clean up afterwards is just pure decadence. I’m a big fan of all things eggs and cheese (a cheesy mushroom omelet, for instance, or an egg and cheese sandwich on an English) and, once a year, the best ever corn fritters in the world with fresh maple syrup at Gould’s Maple Sugar House on the Mohawk Trail in Shelburne, MA, which is near my husband’s hometown.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
My focus is on young adult fiction these days. I’m currently juggling three works-in-progress, which seems a little excessive, yes? It’s certainly challenging! But that’s just the way they’re coming to me right now, so I’m going with it. I take turns working on whichever one is speaking to me the loudest.

The first is a Maori-inspired island-set young adult fantasy. My working title is Songstone. On the surface, it’s an escape plot, the story of a girl who’s never felt like she’s belonged, the evil sorcerer/medicine man who’s basically enslaved her, and a hunky young journeyman (of course ;)), who comes to the heroine’s aid. But on a deeper level, this story deals with some darker themes, like issues of abandonment and attachment. As an adoptive mom, it takes me to some painful places emotionally, so it’s been a difficult story to tell, but one I feel compelled to write.

The second is kind of a Steampunk romantic fantasy, also for young adults. My working title is Through the Spyglass. If I had to give it a Hollywood pitch, I’d call it The Bourne Identity meets Sherlock Holmes (the new one with Robert Downey, Jr.). It’s the story of Keane, a young earl and spy in training, Though he’s experienced a crippling memory loss, he seeks to rescue the captivating, generous-hearted girl he sees through the lens of an enchanted spyglass. It’s also the story of Lysandra, a young royal emissary, who seeks to recover her stolen identity from a jealous cousin, aptly named Pandora, who’s also stolen a box of enchanted objects. Together, the hero and heroine must prevent this power from falling into the wrong hands.

The last story is in the early stages. I don’t even have a title for it yet. It’s a stand-alone companion book to my young adult romantic fantasy, Aire, which is currently out on submission.

What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
Juggling three works-in-progress? lol

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I’ve always loved to read and so that was my greatest inspiration, a love of books and language. I remember as a kid one of my favorite things was going to the library – THE LIBRARY!!! (Still is!) I’d stock up with piles and piles of books. I’d devour them like candy. I just loved to read, and still do.

What is one book everyone should read?
I’m a big fan of the Bible. It’s amazing and inspiring. It’s packed with everything: the story of creation, the life of Jesus, the most amazing poetry ever written in the Book of Job, and, well, so much life.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
I’ve connected with some amazingly encouraging book bloggers. (Seriously! J) It’s been wonderful to connect with people who have enjoyed reading The Language of Souls.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
I was a Nancy Drew girl. I also loved the Trixie Beldon series. I’ve been a fan of intrigue and mystery ever since. As a teen, I was a sucker for a good romance. That hasn’t changed. ;)

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Love the writing and work on your craft, constantly. Read a lot. Write something you’d want to read. Be open to critique. Be willing to revise. And revise and revise… Persevere through rejection and discouragement. That’s kind of generic advice. More close to my heart, I’d say: protect your “real-world” relationships.

How did you know you should become an author?
Though I had dreams of being a writer as a young teen, I pursued a degree in Math/Computer Science, and devoted my career to Software Engineering. It seemed the practical choice, right? I’d dabble in poetry and journaling, but writing took the back seat. Then one year, as a mom with two young children, I rather naively made a New Year’s resolution to write a book. It went something like: I think I’ll write a book this year. (To the tune of: Oh, won’t this be fun? lol) That kicked off one of the most challenging and consuming pursuits of my life, but I did it. I wrote that book. (The first draft anyway.) And I loved it. I was hooked. I couldn’t not write. That’s how I knew, that and some wonderful contest feedback, where I began to hope maybe I had some talent for this obsession.

Hidden talent?
It’s so hidden, even I don’t know what it is.

What books are you looking forward to this year?
I loved Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare and am eager to read the next in the series, Clockwork Prince, which releases this December. I also recently finished a funny and fresh paranormal romance called Paranormalcy by Kiersten White and am looking forward to book 2, Supernaturally, out this July.

How do you react to a bad review?
I’ve been fortunate so far to get some really lovely reviews, but my motto is to be gracious, whatever happens. As a writer, I want to connect with readers who enjoy my stories, but I know not everyone is going to like my stuff. So I’d just say “thank you for taking the time to review my book,” if there was a personal connection, that is. Then I’d nurse my wounds in private, because a negative response always feels personal even when you tell yourself it’s not, and move on.

If you were a bird, which one would you be?
Wait, is this a trick question? I feel like I ought to say goldfinch. lol Growing up as a Goldfinch (for real, it’s not just a pen name), I developed a real love and fascination for birds. If I had to choose one, I’d say a red tail hawk. I’d love to soar around like that. They’re so cool.

What do you do in your free time?
What’s that?

What's your favorite season/weather?
I live in New England and feel like I’ve just survived a very rough Winter (with a capital W), so this is a fun question. I love those perfect days that come around every once in a while…those warm and sunny, blue skies with a few puffy white clouds kind of days. Luckily, today is one of those days. Nice.

Favorite music?
I have a very eclectic taste in music, depending on my mood. I’m also a big American Idol fan.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
I’d have to say Lynn Kurland. She writes wonderfully romantic and funny time travel romances. Unfortunately, I have a feeling I’d be useless to this project. I can just see myself grinning stupidly and stammering like a fan girl the whole time. But at least I’d get to watch her write. *grin*

Language of Souls by Lena Goldfinch:


Actions speak louder than words...

Solena, a young healer with a generous heart, is desperate to heal her dying grandfather. When she ventures into a hostile territory to find a rare herb, she finds out just how much she’s risked when she’s captured by the enemy and accused of being a spy.

As a soldier, Rundan has struggled all his life to please his father, a ruthless army commander, but when he’s ordered to take the beautiful trespasser to the royal courts, where she’ll be summarily tried and executed, he’s plagued by the most inconvenient desire to protect her at all costs.

Though terrified and anxious to escape, Solena is confused by the handsome young soldier who cruelly captures her and then displays uncommon kindness. When he risks his own life to save her, she discovers she may have risked more than her life… she may have lost her heart.



Giveaway Details:
Ebook of Language of Souls
Ends 5/31

To enter just leave a comment on this post. Make sure there is a way I can contact you if you win.

Book Review: Language of Souls by Lena Goldfinch

Actions speak louder than words...

Solena, a young healer with a generous heart, is desperate to heal her dying grandfather. When she ventures into a hostile territory to find a rare herb, she finds out just how much she’s risked when she’s captured by the enemy and accused of being a spy.

As a soldier, Rundan has struggled all his life to please his father, a ruthless army commander, but when he’s ordered to take the beautiful trespasser to the royal courts, where she’ll be summarily tried and executed, he’s plagued by the most inconvenient desire to protect her at all costs.

Though terrified and anxious to escape, Solena is confused by the handsome young soldier who cruelly captures her and then displays uncommon kindness. When he risks his own life to save her, she discovers she may have risked more than her life… she may have lost her heart.

I normally do not read many ebooks. Author Lena Goldfinch approached me to read her "short-but-sweet" ebook a couple months ago. I enjoy sweet romance stories and since this one was only 70 pages I agreed to read and review it.

Lena managed to write a satisfying, well told story in just 70 pages. It was nice to be able to sit down and read an entertaining clean story in one sitting. A little romance, a little adventure, a little fantasy, a little historical fiction all mixed together to make a heart warming story that was worth my time to read.





Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author

Children's Book Week Giveaway

I'm participating in the Children's Book Week Spotlight Hop. There are 20 blogs participating in this giveaway hop.  To enter the other giveaways please visit Family Literacy and You for the linky list.

Giveaway:
For my giveaway I am offering the winner their choice of 3 of the following books:

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han


Harry the Happy Caterpillar Grows by Cindy Jett


Bellyache by Crystal Marcos


One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado


Outside with Lil Boo by Daddy Bookins


The Cycling Wangdoos by Kelly Pulley


Giveaway Details:

To enter my giveaway simply follow this blog either through GFC, Email, Goodreads or Twitter and fill out the form below.

All books are review copies that are in great shape and have been read once.

Open to US only.

Last day to enter is May 8th at midnight.