Friday, May 30, 2014

Book Review: A Season of Change

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Can a past filled with loss lead to a new season of life? Stranded at a Sarasota hospital at the bedside of his ailing daughter, Amish widower Jacob Miller is wary of his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett. Natalie, an aerial silks artist whose career in the circus ended before it began, has just uncovered a secret her mother kept hidden for years. Her mom—or rather, mamm—was once Amish. A hundred questions suddenly surface. Why did Natalie’s mother keep this secret for so long? Does Natalie still have Amish relatives? How can she learn more about her heritage? Can Jacob trust Natalie’s piqued interest in his family and their simple ways, or will their clashing cultures thwart their hopes for finding the love of a family?

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Another day, another book! I love how much reading I've been doing lately. This book, while very well written, somehow left me feeling like something was missing. The characters are charming, well rounded and relatable. I think that the problem comes that there wasn't quite enough angst. Yes, bad things happened but the book just kept cruising along. The ending seemed almost too easy. That being said, this book is certainly still worth picking up and giving it a read. It's very enjoyable. So enjoyable that I finished it over an 18 hour period (of reading on and off!).

In A Season of Change, book one of Lynette Sowell's new series, Seasons of Pinecraft, readers will discover a different side of the Amish community. A Season of Change follows Natalie and Amish widower Jacob Miller as they each discover the mysterious ways God works. Inspired by the image of a Plain woman sitting on a three-wheeled bicycle by the Pinecraft (an Amish community in Florida) post office, Sowell’s latest is a new take on the popular trend in fiction.

Lynette is celebrating with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on June 12th.
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One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • A Season of Change by Lynette Sowell
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 12th. Winner will be announced at the A Season of Change Facebook author chat party on June 12th. Connect with Lynette for an evening of fun book chat, Amish-themed trivia, and prizes. Lynette will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the Seasons of Pinecraft series!

So grab your copy of A Season of Change and join Lynette on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Book Review: Meant to be Mine

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Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school---irresistible. When their paths cross again after college---still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

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Another great read. I swear y'all must think that either I have the most amazing luck or that I only say nice things. I swear it's the first! I'm pretty picky about the books that I choose and so far, not a one has let me down.

Becky Wade takes two very different people and turns them both into people that you love and that you keep your fingers crossed the entire way through the book. Your heart sighs, lurches and sings through the ups, the downs and the in betweens. Honestly, this was another one that I had a hard time putting down so that I could get some sleep at night. Maybe I need to start doing my reading in the morning instead of last thing at night...Of course, then nothing would get done during the day! Sometimes, you just have to make the sacrifices though..

Becky Wade's latest novel, Meant to Be Mine, is a keeper! 

Celebrate with Becky by entering her "Dream Come True" $200 Visa cash card prize pack giveaway and RSVP for her June 10th Facebook party!

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  One winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa cash card
  • Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. Winner will be announced at the Meant to Be Mine Facebook author chat party on June 10th. Connect with Becky for a fun evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Meant to Be Mine and join Becky on the evening of June 10th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

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Saturday, May 24, 2014

Save the Planet Saturday : Building a Backyard Composter

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Wow, you can tell it's been a long time since I used this graphic, huh? It has the old domain on it! Goodness gracious, I'm going to have to do something about that. I wonder if I still have any sort of software. Probably not! No worries though. This is a minor thing in the story of life. Now...on with the proper Save the Planet Saturday post!

One of the things that the boys and I are doing this year is putting in a fairly good sized container garden. We're growing all sorts of things and while they're not as excited as I am, it really is a great family project. The boys each have a plant of their own and once summer rolls around, it will be their responsibility to care for it.

If you've ever planted a container garden, you'll know that it takes a few things to make it happen: containers, seeds and a lot of dirt. Did I mention a lot of dirt? To be honest, I've lost track of how many bags of topsoil and garden soil we've purchased this year and we're not close to done yet. I don't even want to imagine how much money we've spent or how much money, etc went into getting that dirt to a location where I could purchase it. Some of you may be thinking... but it's just dirt. How much could that affect the environment? Well, how about the plastic bags that it's all packaged in? The cost, not just in money but emissions, for transporting it to the various stores? Plus other things that I won't take the time to mention.

So, what's a girl with a garden to do? Compost. Now, if you're like me, you can't have a giant compost pile just sitting in your yard. It's not precisely attractive and they can take up quite a bit of space. My solution? Trash can composting. Keep reading for just how I did it...

 Step 1: Collect up your supplies. In this case, a 32 gallon or larger trash can with a lid that snaps closed and a cordless drill with a drill bit attached.
 Step 2:  Using your drill, drill holes into the lid of your trash can. These serve multiple purposes. To properly get your compost composting, you need to have air and moisture. Having the holes in the top allows rainwater to drip in and for air to circulate.
 Step 3: Flip your trash can over and drill holes into the bottom. Again, this helps with air circulation, but it also serves the opposite purpose of the top holes. It allows for excess water to drain out the bottom.
Step 4: Continue your drilling by adding holes all around the trash can itself. Be careful that you don't drill so many that you ruin the structural integrity of your container. After all, you want this to hold soil, not break open and dump who knows what all over the place!
 Step 5: Find a location for your brand new composter! You have a couple of options. What's shown in this photo is actually not a recommended one! It doesn't allow for air circulation or drainage. If you'd like worms to find their way into your trash can (and this is a good thing! Worms make great compost helpers!), place your new composter onto a patch of soil. This will allow them to wriggle their way up through your drainage holes and to start munching away at all the worm goodies that you'll be putting into your compster.
Step 5 continued: Your other option is to place your composter up on something like bricks. This is actually my original composter. It's almost halfway full of some seriously great looking dirt. Once it's full, I'll be switching over to my brand new one. This gives me a chance to pop into the store (or look around) for a few bricks. Having the composter raised allows for drainage and for proper air circulation. It doesn't allow for our friends the worms to climb up in, though. So, if you want some worm help, you have a couple of options. You can buy some or you can do what I've done and as you spot them in your yard, pick up the little wrigglers and move them into your composter.



Once you have the structure built, you're ready to get started! For my composter, I added a bag of old topsoil, a bit of water and then started adding the "gunk."  What defines gunk? Gunk includes fruit and veggie scraps, produce that's past it's prime and yard debris such as grass and leaves. Things that you don't want to include? Meat and dairy products because as they break down, they stink! Not only do they stink, but that smell is much more likely to call critters that you don't want hanging about. You also don't want to add in things like sticks because they don't really break down in this sort of composter.

A couple of quick tips: Compost does best when it's rotated to get a good mix. You have a couple of options for this. If your lid snaps down firmly and won't come off, take your bin, lay it on its side and roll it around a few times every couple of weeks and then put it back in place. If this won't work for you, do what I do..whenever I add something new, I take a shovel and mix it all up.  Also, if you can, chop whatever you're tossing in there into small pieces. This will decrease the amount of time that it takes for it to break down. Again, I've found my shovel is really useful for this, especially when I don't want to touch that science project veggie that I found hiding in the back of the fridge!

With any luck and a little patience, you'll have some great soil for your garden beds, flower beds or containers!

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Friday, May 23, 2014

Book Cover Reveal!

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Just Desserts 5

When her friend Julia needed help forming a revenge plan against her ex-boyfriend, Ava was happy to lend a hand. She never expected that in the course of making Liam pay, she'd be the one to fall hard. . .for the one person who was absolutely off-limits. Crushing on the guy who humiliated her best friend is definitely against the girlfriend rules. Besides, Ava has goals. Her life is all about graduating with honors and landing the perfect job. And Liam Bailey--sweet-talking, complicated son of a well-known local politician--isn't part of those plans. But Liam doesn't give up easily. And he doesn't intend to let their friends' opinions, his parents' disapproval or Ava's past get in the way of what he wants--Ava's heart. Pre-Order on iBooks Buy The first book in the series - Best Served Cold iBooks / Barnes and Noble / Amazon


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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Book Review: While Love Stirs

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After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is back with a breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep readers guessing. Attention to historic detail adorns the timeless story of a young woman looking for true love and making her way in a rapidly changing world.

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Talk about spunky! Charlotte is not some quiet, sit back and let men run things type of girl. Not only did she stand up for things in this book, but she reached right out and grabbed me from page one. Before I knew it, I had finished this book and glanced at the clock. I won't tell you what time it was, but I'll tell you that I winced and quickly turned off the light! If you pick up this book, you're going to fall in love with Charlotte and her sisters. You'll chuckle when Joel's sister messes with him, you'll mourn over what happens to the orphans and you'll hold your breath until you know at least one character makes it out okay. Have I teased you enough yet? Go and pick up this book!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Book Review: One More Last Chance

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Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After an engagement gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and fascinating characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites readers back to Last Chance for a soul-searching, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of small-town life.

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While I really enjoyed this book, I found that I far more enjoyed Chris' story than I did Sarah's story. I found Sarah's attitude about things never changing, even things that logically change all the time, to be a bit unrealistic and unsettling. That being said, the book is a good one that won't disappoint. Life does have a tendency to change in ways that we least suspect and this is exactly what happened for both Chris and Sarah.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Monday, May 19, 2014

Book Review: An April Bride

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War changes everything . . . even their love.

Bride-to-be Stella Carson can't wait to marry her longtime sweetheart Marshall Henderson. But Marshall has been away serving his country and has suffered a head wound. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, he has distanced himself from Stella, asking her not to visit him in a Washington, D.C., hospital. Marshall returns to Louisiana just four weeks before the wedding, but as the big day draws near, Stella wonders if the man she's loved for most of her life has become someone else.

Can true love conquer all for Stella and Marshall, even the tragedy of war?

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Another wonderful novella from the Year of Weddings series. This one drew me in. I couldn't imagine losing my memory and not knowing those that I love. I can't imagine being someone on the other side of that either. As I read, there were happy tears, sad tears and more than once me stopping to consider something I had just read. If you enjoy romance with some realism, this could be a great read for you.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Saturday, May 17, 2014

Book Review: One Realm Beyond

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Cantor D Ahma waited his whole life for this day. Born with a gift to jump between worlds, the young realm walker is finally ready to leave his elderly mentor and accept his role as protector and defender of the realms. But mere hours after he steps through his first portal, Cantor discovers that his job will be more dangerous and difficult than he ever imagined. The realms are plagued with crime and cruelty, and even members of the once-noble Realm Walkers Guild can no longer be trusted. To make matters worse, his first assignment---finding a dragon to assist him on his quest---has led him to Bridger, who is clearly inept and won t leave him alone. With the help of his new friends Bixby and Dukmee, Cantor must uncover the secrets of the corrupt guild before they become too powerful to be stopped. But his skills aren t progressing as fast as he would like, and as he finds himself deeper and deeper in the guild s layers of deceit, Cantor struggles to determine where his true allegiance lies."

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I confess that I haven't read anything YA or Teen in ages and I hesitated to get started on this book. Looking back, I have no idea why! This book grabbed me from page one and I had to force myself to put it aside at night to get some sleep. In fact, I had planned on finishing it tonight, but instead I grabbed it off the nightstand when I went up to get my phone charger and next thing I knew, it was done! I'm in love with Bixby, want to know more about Dukmee and am holding my breath to find out what happened to Cantor's mentors. Did I mention that the dragons can shape shift? Oh please tell me that the author will be publishing the next book soon...before I pass out from all that breath holding....

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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Book Review: 10% Happier

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Nightline anchor Dan Harris embarks on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey through the strange worlds of spirituality and self-help, and discovers a way to get happier that is truly achievable.

After having a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, Dan Harris knew he had to make some changes. A lifelong nonbeliever, he found himself on a bizarre adventure, involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious self-help guru, and a gaggle of brain scientists. Eventually, Harris realized that the source of his problems was the very thing he always thought was his greatest asset: the incessant, insatiable voice in his head, which had both propelled him through the ranks of a hyper-competitive business and also led him to make the profoundly stupid decisions that provoked his on-air freak-out.

We all have a voice in our head. It’s what has us losing our temper unnecessarily, checking our email compulsively, eating when we’re not hungry, and fixating on the past and the future at the expense of the present. Most of us would assume we’re stuck with this voice – that there’s nothing we can do to rein it in – but Harris stumbled upon an effective way to do just that. It’s a far cry from the miracle cures peddled by the self-help swamis he met; instead, it’s something he always assumed to be either impossible or useless: meditation. After learning about research that suggests meditation can do everything from lower your blood pressure to essentially rewire your brain, Harris took a deep dive into the underreported world of CEOs, scientists, and even marines who are now using it for increased calm, focus, and happiness.

10% Happier takes readers on a ride from the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum of network news to the bizarre fringes of America’s spiritual scene, and leaves them with a takeaway that could actually change their lives.

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It took me about a week to read this book and I don't have a single doubt in my mind that I will be picking this book up again to read again. I've already bookmarked the back section where it gives direction in meditation. As someone who used to meditate, in my own way, years ago, I found Dan's story to be honest, real and one that a lot of people could relate to, even if we're not nationally known news personalities. If you're interested in learning more about Dan Harris, meditation or just want a really good book to read that's different than the regular light hearted things that a lot of us read, I highly suggest picking this book up and curling up with it.

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Monday, May 12, 2014

Book Review: The Waiting

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"An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.

In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets."

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It's been quite some time since I finished a book, closed the cover and thought, "Wow..." but that's just what happened with this book. The book reads like a novel and without out a doubt, it would make an amazing movie. I warn you though that it'd be one of those movies where you may want to wait until it comes out for home viewing because you may be doing some ugly crying and who wants to walk out of a theatre with a snotty blotchy face? Minka is an amazing woman. She goes through so much and yet it never turns her bitter. She is someone that all of us could model and be better human beings. As soon as I closed the book, I was on Google looking for more information on this amazing woman. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this book. Minka's granddaughter, Cathy, did an amazing job at capturing the life of this amazing woman. Minka, if you're still out there and I hope that you are, thank you for sharing your story with all of us...

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Spell Realm

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Cover Reveal!

The highly anticipated sequel to The Sorcery Code . . .

After the battle with the Sorcerer Guard, Gala and Blaise take shelter in the mountains, a place of unique beauty and danger. Augusta, however, is determined to gain revenge—even as Barson, her ambitious lover, executes his own plan. But amidst politics, battles, and intrigue, something far bigger is brewing . . . something that could upset the balance of the Spell Realm itself.
See where the story begins: Book 1 - The Sorcery Code

Sign up to get News and find out when the Book is Released HERE!


PictureAbout the author:

Dima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career. Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends. He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants. In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now. Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com.
Follow Dima:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Literary Addicts
Goodreads | LinkedIn | Youtube | Blog
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Book Review: Until I Found You

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"When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: "God, if you're real, I want to know you."

 It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to fall in love with one of the locals.

 Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow: no dating for a year. And it's a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby."

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This book came and I dove right into it. The characters and their struggles kept me reading. I'm pretty sure that my heart was in my throat when Kate was dangling off that cliff in her car. Merciful heavens, that felt all too real. Nick was the kind of guy that any woman would want to have nearby. He was funny, smart and had just enough rough edges to catch yourself on. While this was a great read, I appreciated that it wasn't the cliffhanger type that kept you turning page after page. As someone who has been getting up earlier, staying up later really isn't an option for me right now, so this book came along at just the right time. I could read a few chapters, snuggle up under the covers and get right to sleep and then rinse and repeat over a few days until I closed the back cover with a smile. The story had come full circle and I had still gotten some good nights' sleep!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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Monday, May 5, 2014

Book Review: If the Shoe Fits

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Julianne used to believe in fairy tales; she's been watching for Prince Charming to come charging in on his white steed ever since the day her mother read her Cinderella for the first time. But she's never come close to finding the perfect man-instead she's always tripping over her childhood best friend, Will. And who finds their Prince Charming on a 10-speed bicycle on the other side of the cul de sac? Well... Julianne does. Only she doesn't have a clue.

She and Will are attorneys now, and they've joined up in private practice in a beautiful Cincinnati office building that overlooks the Ohio River. And then one day Julianne is on her way to court, and runs right smack dab into Prince Charming. But when she looks again, all she finds is a metaphoric sign she is certain came straight from Heaven: The Prince's toolbox has fallen off the back of his truck, and a work boot along with it. What better way for God to grab the attention of a Cinderella-in-training than to show her a glass slipper...errrr, work boot?...waiting to be reunited with its owner?

So she sets out to track down the mysterious Prince Charming. He's the most gorgeous guy she's ever seen...and a caring animal rescuer, too. Surely he must be the soul mate God has prepared her for.

But, Julianne's prince is starting to look less and less charming all the time. No matter how she tries to romanticize him, he just keeps tumbling down off that dumb pedestal. And with the Bar Association dinner coming up that will honor her for her outstanding charity work over the year, Julianne wants so much for her friends and colleagues to see her with someone besides her best friend Will. To make matters worse, Prince Charming has no designs on wearing a penguin suit and attending a stuffy old dinner. With her pride pressing in on her like sticks from a cactus, Julianne sinks to the bottom of the proverbial barrel and actually offers to pay Paul to be her date.

Julianne is on a collision course with God's perfect plan for her life...if only she could open her eyes and see it before it's too late.

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I'm going to be honest (duh, right?). This book was not one of my favorites that I've had the pleasure of reading lately. There were times when I just felt like this book was trying to hard. On top of that, Juliannne just seemed to be too naive for words, at times. She pursues a man simply because she saw him pick up a dog out of the street. Even when she found out that he's not a Christian, not really an animal lover and other things, she continues to pursue him. Will, who has loved her for 20 years, just seems to sit there. I couldn't believe that anyone would sit around for 20 years without declaring his love or without the other person clueing in. That being said, it's a cute read. It's an easy read and so long as you're okay with the occasional saccharine sweetness, you'll enjoy this book.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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10% Happier

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10% Happier by Nightline anchor Dan Harris embarks on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey through the strange worlds of spirituality and self-help and discovers a way to get happier that is truly achievable.


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Dan has teamed up with his publisher, Harper Collins, for a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway. 
 One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • 10% Happier by Dan Harris
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 12th on the Litfuse blog. Learn more about the 10% Happier backstory and read an excerpt here.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on May 12th to see if you won.



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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Book Review: One Perfect Spring

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Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he's used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn't asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.

As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire's will become--nor how one little girl's kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

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Another lovely bedtime read that left me smiling at times and crying at others.  I would totally suggest that you have a tissue or two on hand  because, if you're anything like me, you're going to want them. While this is labeled as christian fiction, none of it is in your face. A few of the characters choose to go back to church and others pray for God's guidance. Since I really don't enjoy preachy books, this was perfect for my tastes. The story kept my attention and tugged at my heart strings. Like I said, a lovely bedtime read that kept me page turning over the course of more than one night.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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