Happy New Year!

I want to wish you all a very, very happy New Year! I can't believe how fast the year went. My family hit some milestones last year as did my blog. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2017 brings!

Every year I set some blogging goals. Some I reach and some I don't, but I like to set them anyway. :)

GOALS

1. Continue to keep my blog up to date. There are a few things I would like to tweak here and there, so I plan on continuing to work on that.
2. Do better in managing my eARCs. This is a goal every year and sometimes I'm better at it than others.
3. Read the books that were high on my list from last year that I missed.
4. Keep up with the books highest on my list for this year. If I can start off keeping up with this year's releases then I hope that will mean I won't have a big list next year to catch up on.
5. Keep going with Prism Book Tours, which is doing awesome! I love helping authors promote and bloggers spread the word and find some good books!
6. Do better in cross-posting my reviews and updating my "Reviews" page. I have been so flopping at this and it really needs to be updated.
7. Meet my Goodreads goal of 220 books. I've surpassed this number the past three years but lowered it a little this year so that there's no pressure. Last year I increased it to 250 books and that was kind of crazy. It's also crazy that I could read twice that and still feel like I'm missing some books I really want to read.
8. Build up my author services and graphic design. Maybe take some classes on coding.
9. Get through all of my review copies directly from authors and publishers. Not because I'm required to, but because I would like to.
10. Continue to love reading and having a blast talking about books!

Let me know if you're setting any goals this year or not and what you're most excited about in 2017 (bookish or not)?

25 Top Books for 2016

It is so hard for me to choose each year which books I loved the most. Going through all the books I've read this year, made me realize how many books I still want to read even though I read over 200 books. That being said, there are definitely some winners here. These were all five-star reads for me, one way or another, and are all linked to my reviews. I hope you find some books in common or some new ones to add to your to-read list that will become favorites to you. Here are my picks, in no particular order:

Four Inspirational Christmas Romances from Susan May Warren, Jenny B. Jones, and Melissa Tagg (Review Briefs)

Review briefs are just like they sound, a briefer review (and usually for more

than one book) than my norm for books that I want or need to share about.

It's also a play off of legal briefs, which include just what you need to know...

Oh, the Weather Outside Is Frightful

(Montanna Fire)
by Susan May Warren

Christian Contemporary Romance, Christmas

Paperback & ebook, 176 Pages

November 19th 2016

Summary

She kept him alive in his darkest hour… 

CJ St. John never dreamed his epic summer as a smokejumper would end with a harrowing plane crash—one that crushed his pelvis and rendered him nearly an invalid. He wouldn’t have made it through the dark night of pain and danger without brave fellow smokejumper Hannah Butcher. In fact, if he were to admit it, he probably fell in love with her that night. 

He gave her the courage to reach for her dreams… 

Hannah Butcher had dreamed of being a smokejumper for years—but dreaming and doing are vastly different. During rookie camp, she would have given up if it hadn’t been for CJ St. John urging her on. She probably fell in love with him then—but especially when he held her hand and kept her calm during their terrifying survival. 

A winter storm awakens their memories—and fears… When Hannah discovers that CJ plans on skipping out on their mutual friends’ wedding, she knows he’s been lying to her about his recovery—and determines to give him the same stubborn encouragement he’s given her by forcing him to attend. But when a blizzard detours them, and worse, they’re run off the road, they’ll have to face their darkest fears to survive. A Christmas story about the miracles that happen when the weather outside becomes frightful. 

Note: If you picked up this title in the Candy Cane Kisses Christmas Anthology, this is an extended version! Discover how CJ and Hannah fell in love...and continue their story after the storm is over!

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

(Affiliate link included.)

I'm waiting on... Frostblood by Elly Blake (Waiting on Wednesday)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This book just sounds totally awesome with its mix of magic and a competition set in a cool fantasy land! I'm looking forward to reviewing it in January. It's my WOW pick this week:

Can't-Wait Wednesday (Book Meme based on Waiting on Wednesday)

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

If you'd like to join in, you can use the image above, the one below, or make your own. Please link back to Wishful Endings in your post and also add it to the linky widget posted each week so we all can come see what you're excited about. If you're continuing with the Waiting on Wednesday feature, feel free to link those up as well!

You can check out my Can't-Wait Wednesday posts here. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's can't-wait-to-read books!

Check out this mix of fantasy and Native American folklore... Garden of the Gods by Stephen J. Stirling (Blog Tour Spotlight)

Garden of the Gods

by Stephen J. Stirling

Adult Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 192 Pages

December 13th 2016 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

Summary

When big-game hunter Matt Hayden is hired to capture and study a fabled bear-like monster in the Arizona desert, he jumps on the opportunity. But when the beast emerges to defend the native Tonowa tribe, Matt finds himself drawn into the middle of a range war. Caught between the government, a prehistoric beast, and a small Native American tribe, will Matt survive this battle of land, peoples, and morals, and the forgotten spirits who protect them?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

(Affiliate link included.)

Some great designs... Bible Origami by Todd Huisken (Blog Tour Review)

I reviewed More Mormon Origami back in 2014 and was curious what
designs I'd find in this newest release. Read my full review below...

Bible Origami

by Todd Huisken

Christian Nonfiction, Crafts

Paperback & ebook, 96 Pages

December 13th 2016 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

Summary

Keep your children’s hands busy during church services with Bible Origami. Instead of folding the service programs into paper airplanes, they can fold Noah’s ark, an oil lamp, or Joseph’s coat! As you develop the unique skill of creating these simple-to-intermediate origami designs, you will find opportunities to use them with all ages for lessons, activities, crafting, and everyday fun!

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Books & Things

(Affiliate link included.)

Merry Christmas!

Merry, merry Christmas! It's my very favorite holiday and time of the year!! I hope you all are enjoying today, for those that celebrate! If you celebrate another religious holiday at this time of year, I wish you a very joyous time! If you don't celebrate anything, well, I'll still wish you a very merry day! :)

We always spend a portion of the day with our small little family and then with extended family and I look forward to it every year. The best is watching our children's faces when they first come out on Christmas morning. I love seeing the sheer joy that appears there!

We also spend some time on Christmas Eve reading the story of Christ's birth, sharing testimony of Him, and sharing what we're all grateful for. In a world that has become so commercialized, it's nice to spend some quiet and meaningful time with family and remembering why we celebrate the holiday.

Blessings to you all,

Dragons and chimera mix in this unique fantasy... The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)

This sounded so unique and I've always tended to like stories with dragons, so I was curious about this new series from this author. Read my full review and enter the tour giveaway below...

The Alchemists of Loom

(Loom Saga #1) 
by Elise Kova
YA Fantasy
January 10th 2017

Summary

Her vengeance. His vision.

Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds’ resistance fell to the Dragon King. Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market. There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne. His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragons’ society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse. But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│iBooks

(Affiliate links included.)

An interesting twist on angels and demons... The Soulstealer's Child by Brandon Gray (Review)

The Soulstealer's Child

by Brandon Gray

YA Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 340 Pages

November 16th 2016

Summary

Can a human heart overcome a demon soul?

When soul-eating demons overrun his world, Kaelis, a young seraph warrior, uses the Queen’s ring to open a portal in space and flee with the infant heir to the throne, landing on earth. Unbeknownst to him, the demon leader, Nsark, follows through the portal, determined to devour the soul of every last seraph, especially the Queen’s heir. After Kaelis hides the baby, Nsark creates the ultimate weapon by fathering a half-human, half-demon: a soul-stealer’s child.

Sixteen years later, an awkward teen named James struggles to fit in with his peers. In a last-ditch effort, he joins the school play, where he meets Lucy. Something deep draws them together, and their friendship reveals their hidden pasts: one is an angel, one is half-demon. Lucy and James find themselves pulled into an age-old war between their peoples. Hunted by relentless enemies, and grappling with deep-seated instincts and strange new powers, they must fight for their lives, their souls, and each other.

Goodreads│Amazon│Amazon UK│Amazon CA│Amazon AU

(Affiliate link included.)

A new release from this USA Today Bestselling Author... Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore (Cover Reveal)

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore,

a USA Today Bestselling Author, coming March 14th 2017...

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop - $15 Amazon Gift Card

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop is hosted by Bookhounds.

I'm giving away a $15 (USD) Amazon eGift Card, open internationally.

A new YA release... The Soulstealer's Child by Brandon Gray (Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway)

Check out the awesome excerpt and giveaway below...

The Soulstealer's Child

by Brandon Gray

YA Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 340 Pages

November 16th 2016

Summary

Can a human heart overcome a demon soul?

When soul-eating demons overrun his world, Kaelis, a young seraph warrior, uses the Queen’s ring to open a portal in space and flee with the infant heir to the throne, landing on earth. Unbeknownst to him, the demon leader, Nsark, follows through the portal, determined to devour the soul of every last seraph, especially the Queen’s heir. After Kaelis hides the baby, Nsark creates the ultimate weapon by fathering a half-human, half-demon: a soul-stealer’s child.

Sixteen years later, an awkward teen named James struggles to fit in with his peers. In a last-ditch effort, he joins the school play, where he meets Lucy. Something deep draws them together, and their friendship reveals their hidden pasts: one is an angel, one is half-demon. Lucy and James find themselves pulled into an age-old war between their peoples. Hunted by relentless enemies, and grappling with deep-seated instincts and strange new powers, they must fight for their lives, their souls, and each other.

Goodreads│Amazon│Amazon UK│Amazon CA│Amazon AU

(Affiliate link included.)

The Making of... Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener (Blitz Guest Post & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to day three of the Release Celebration for

Sky Raiders

By Michelle Diener

Sky Raiders is the first book in Michelle's new space opera series. She's sharing about how it came together today. If you missed Michelle's release-day message, go read it HERE, if you missed her talking about her leading characters, go check that out HERE, and don't forget to enter the giveaway below...

Sky Raiders

(Sky Raiders #1)
by Michelle Diener

Adult Sci-Fi, Space Opera

ebook, 349 Pages

December 15th 2016

Summary

First they flew their mysterious sky craft through the skies of Barit. Then they started attacking. Finally, they began to raid.

Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.

Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.

She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.

What Taya doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up on finding her. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.

Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.

Goodreads│Amazon

(Affiliate links included.)

Check out the tour for Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Christmas in the Cove

By Carol Ross

We hope you enjoyed coming along with us for a little suspense and romance set during Christmas in scenic Pacific Cove! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Note from the Author

I chose to set this book in winter because the hero and heroine, Eli and Aubrey, are both members of the United States Coast Guard. In addition to some of the most dangerous ocean conditions in the world, the Pacific Coast is also known for its wild winter weather. That’s when the most dramatic storms happen. Like their motto states, the Coast Guard is “Always Ready.” And as I discovered in my research, these incredibly brave men and women live by their creed. Even under seemingly impossible to navigate conditions, their courage, skill, and heroism cannot be over-stated.

Light, humorous, and romantic... Mischief and Manors by Ashtyn Newbold (Blog Tour Review)

This is the third book in the Pure Romance line I've read and I'm looking forward
to more from this publisher. Read my thoughts on this newest addition below...

Mischief & Manors

(Pure Romance)
by Ashtyn Newbold

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 272 Pages

December 1st 2016 by Sweetwater Books

Summary

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers are sent to Kellaway Manor for the summer, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen’s charm.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Books & Things│Deseret Book

(Affiliate links included.)

Check out the tour for Catch a Fallen Star by Amy Vastine (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Catch a Fallen Star

By Amy Vastine

Sometimes hitting bottom can help you find what the important things in life are. Boone just hopes that Ruby will agree. We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Note from the Author

Catch a Fallen Star is the second book in the Grace Note Records series. Readers might remember Boone from the first book, The Girl He Used to Love. Boone gave Dean quite a hard time and was often the reason for Dean’s headaches. I wasn’t sure I could make him into a hero worth rooting for but was up for the challenge.

Harlie's Books - Review

"This book is easily the best Heartwarming book that I’ve read all year. . . . Ms. Vastine wrote an emotional yet somehow funny book that tugged at my heart. . . . Overall, I can’t wait for other readers to find this story. It’s perfection when it comes to the Heartwarming line. It’s everything I want and surprised in the end."

Books, Dreams, Life - Excerpt

He gave her his trademark grin and lowered his voice, which had literally made women swoon. “You want me to sign something for you, pretty lady?”

See? He could be nice.

Star-crossed doesn't have to mean impossible... Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener (Blitz Guest Post & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to day two of the Release Celebration for

Sky Raiders

By Michelle Diener

Sky Raiders is the first book in Michelle's new space opera series. If you missed Michelle's release-day message, go read it HERE, and be sure to come back on Tuesday, December 20th, HERE to read about the how the story came together. Today Michelle is sharing about the the star-crossed lovers in her story, so check that and the giveaway out below...

Sky Raiders

(Sky Raiders #1)
by Michelle Diener

Adult Sci-Fi, Space Opera

ebook, 349 Pages

December 15th 2016

Summary

First they flew their mysterious sky craft through the skies of Barit. Then they started attacking. Finally, they began to raid.

Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.

Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.

She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.

What Taya doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up on finding her. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.

Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.

Goodreads│Amazon

(Affiliate links included.)

Check out the tour for A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

A Family Under the Christmas Tree

By Terri Reed

David and Sophie don't even know the gift they need to find the most under the Christmas tree this year, but an unexpected meeting between a little boy and Sophie's dog might lead to just that. We hope you enjoyed coming along with us as we get to know more about their story on this tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Interview

2. What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope readers will see the beauty of letting go of expectations and embracing new circumstances. That sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want and that’s okay because the unexpected sometimes is more than we could have hoped for.

Weekly Update #195 & #196, Christmas is almost here...

Welcome to my Weekly Update where I post my blog's schedule for the week! I'm linking up to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, as well as to Tynga's Reviews for Stacking the Shelves and Talk Supe for Bought, Borrowed, and Bagged showcasing the books I added to my shelves or Kindle this week.

I can't believe that Christmas is a week away! I still have so much to do, but I'm so excited as well. I love seeing my kids' faces on Christmas morning as they're still young enough to be in complete awe. :) I'll be taking time off from online over the next two week, so I'll still be posting when I have things scheduled or need to get reviews up, but I may not be too active just depending on if I have extra time or not. I'm also posting my schedule for the next two weeks as I won't be posting a weekly update on Christmas.

I hope you guys enjoy this week and find something to like coming up on the blog. Here's what to expect:

Read an excerpt... Caitlyn's Christmas Wish by Laura L. Walker (Christmas Countdown Excerpt & Giveaway)

Enjoy the excerpt and enter the giveaway below for this last book in this Christmas Countdown...

Caitlyn's Christmas Wish

by Laura L. Walker

Christian Contemporary Romance, Christmas

ebook, 123 Pages

November 15th 2016

Summary

Just when former model and single mother Caitlyn Drevier Reel has finally put her life on track after a divorce and six-month stint in rehab, she is surprised to receive an invitation from her ex-in-laws to spend Christmas with the family. After all, she reasons, her ex-husband Grant is constantly on the road with his band and it's only fair to allow them to get to know her young son, Brody. What Caitlyn isn't prepared for, however, is the spark of attraction she feels toward Ridge, Grant's older brother, or the sense of belonging to their wonderful family once again. Ridge, who is recovering from his own personal heartache, seems to feel the same about her. As they work together to ensure the success of the Winter Festival his parents have organized for their small Wyoming town, Caitlyn begins to envision a bright future. But will Grant's unexpected arrival keep her Christmas wish from coming true? This inspirational novella will have you grabbing a cup of hot cocoa as you get in the holiday mood.

Goodreads│Amazon│Amazon UK│Amazon AU

(Affiliate link included.)

Read an excerpt from Brenda Novak's Christmas Novella... All I Want for Christmas by Multiple Authors (Christmas Countdown Excerpt & Giveaway)

This novella collection includes some big names in romance...

All I Want for Christmas

14 Christmas Novellas to Benefit Diabetes Research

by Multiple Authurs

Adult Contemporary Romance, Chrismtas, Novella

ebook, 1750 Pages

November 1st 2016 by Brenda Novak's Online Auction For Diabetes

Summary

“5-B POPPY LANE” by Debbie Macomber

Come visit with Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. They'll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they met.

“KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE” by Bella Andre

For Mary Sullivan Christmas has always been about family. As she hangs her ornaments, she's swept back to the first days of her whirlwind romance with her husband--and the love that would be the foundation on which they built their family.

“FINDING EACH OTHER” by Melody Anne

Brayden Steele gave up his love of Christmas many years ago when he lost his mother and father in a car wreck. But the magic hasn’t given up on him.

“BEFORE THAT PROMISE” by Violet Duke

If anyone can make Drew Lawson believe in the magic of Christmas, it's the girl-next-door he's classified as completely off-limits.

“CELEBRATION AFTER DARK” by Marie Force

On the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary, Big Mac and Linda McCarthy take a look back at how they came to be, while each of their children confront a new challenge in their own lives.

“SPIRIT OF THE SEASON” by Heather Graham”

While struggling to raise her newly orphaned nephew, Davey, widow Becky Wexham must deal with the feelings she experiences when she once again comes into contact with Tim Yeagher, an old flame and Davey's Little League coach.

“A DUNDEE CHRISTMAS” by Brenda Novak

Welcome to Dundee, Idaho, where the town is small but the hearts of the people living in it are large. A woman seeking refuge in an unfamiliar town during a snowstorm is taken in by a man who helps her discover a new sense of home.

“UNMATCHABLE” by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee

After Jane Osborne is unceremoniously dumped by a rich man, and then invited to his wedding, on (Christmas Eve no less), she decides to hire a date from Craigslist and pass him off as an upgrade.

“CHRISTMAS MIRACLE FOR DAISY” by Jane Porter

When his goddaughter, Daisy, is orphaned, confirmed bachelor Cormac Sheenan adopts her. All goes well until Marietta's seasonal Santa Claus promises his daughter a mommy for Christmas.

“CHRISTMAS WISH: A HOPE FALLS HOLIDAY NOVELLA” by Melanie Shawn

For the movie star and the single mom, will a Christmas Wish become their new reality?

“A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE” by RaeAnne Thayne

Widow and caterer Jenna Wheeler is determined to spin Christmas into the stuff of magic for her four children, even if that means helping out her new landlord, sexy billionaire Carson McRaven..

"THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" by Melinda Curtis

Simon Castle' s on his way to a make-or-break meeting unseasonably scheduled for December 25--until the gorgeous redhead subbing for his limo driver takes him on a detour.

“GINGERBREAD DREAMS” by Anna J. Stewart

Can carpenter Hamish MacFadden show free-spirit Essie Goodman how magical family--and Christmas--can be?

“CRUEL INTENTIONS” by Scarlett York

For fans of Pretty Little Liars…It’s hard to be a rhinestone in a diamond world...I was far from living the dream, but now I'm stuck in a nightmare of lies, deceit....and murder. Merry Christmas to me.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iBooks│Kobo│Google Play

(Affiliate link included.)

Check out this new space opera series... Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener (Blitz Guest Post & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to the Release Celebration for

Sky Raiders

By Michelle Diener

Sky Raiders is the first book in Michelle's new space opera series. Michelle has a message below and you can come back on Sunday, December 18th, HERE to learn about her leading characters, and on Tuesday, December 20th, HERE to read about how the book came together. Definitely check out the giveaway below as well. Enjoy!

Sky Raiders

(Sky Raiders #1)
by Michelle Diener

Adult Sci-Fi, Space Opera

ebook, 349 Pages

December 15th 2016

Summary

First they flew their mysterious sky craft through the skies of Barit. Then they started attacking. Finally, they began to raid.

Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.

Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.

She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.

What Taya doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up on finding her. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.

Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.

Goodreads│Amazon

(Affiliate links included.)

A Christmas Novella Collection... A Christmas Village by Ann Acton, Liz Adair & Terry Deighton (Christmas Countdown Blitz & Giveaway)

We're on our third-to-last day of this event and today's book is...

A Christmas Village

Three Christmas Novellas

by Ann Acton, Liz Adair & Terry Deighton

Adult Contemporary Romance, Christmas, Novella

ebook, 172 Pages

November 17th 2014

Summary

These three Christmas novellas will get you into the holiday spirit. 

Christmas Gift - Christmas for Amanda Grover is usually a chaotic marathon in search of the perfect gifts. This year, she thinks she's got it all under control—until she's roped into doing service on Christmas Eve. What should be a simple night turns into a series of chaotic events and a gift she never expected.

Amy’s Star: A Spider Latham Christmas Story - A new star rises above the southern Utah town of Kanab and draws some surprising visitors on Christmas Eve.

At Whit’s End - When Whitney Saunders and her husband buy their first home, it jump starts her desire to make everything, especially Christmas, perfect. She soon finds out it’s more work than she thought, and she begins to wonder what perfect really is.

Goodreads│Amazon│Amazon UK│Amazon CA│Barnes & Noble

(Affiliate link included.)

I'm waiting on... The Valiant by Lesley Livingston (Waiting on Wednesday)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Lesley Livingston is a favorite author of mine as I really loved her fairy series, Wondrous Strange, and her Starling series as well. Her newest comes out in February and I can't wait! It's my WOW pick this week:

Check out the tour stops for The Secret He Keeps by Julieann Dove (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Secret He Keeps

By Julieann Dove

Dane has loved Rachel for years and is hoping that one day she will figure that out. We hope you enjoyed finding out more about their story! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Note from the Author

I am especially excited for this book release because it was the very first book I composed when I took to the leap to becoming an author. The original idea has been tossed and turned and eventually manifested into something completely different from where it began.

Linda's Book Bag - The Setting and Characters

The setting takes place in Mystic, Connecticut. This is a place my family visits once a year. As you may know, the movie, Mystic Pizza took place there. It was Julia Roberts’ first real acting gig, I believe. I absolutely love that movie, so I thought, ‘what about another story that originates from there?’ And there I had it.

Bottles & Books Reviews - Promo

Kindle and Me - Review

"Overall, the story was cute, my husband has loss of memory from an accident and I could relate to that aspect very well. . . . Dane is a good man, even though there were some things I didn’t like that he did. I love holidays with family and this was during thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years and I love all the family drama and still everyone loves everyone. It was a little sad the history that Rachel has lived with all her life. I felt for her."

Becky on Books - Excerpt

“You could fly with me, all expenses paid, to Savannah, Georgia and pretend to be interested in me.” She quickly added, “Not like wildly interested, just like smile at me and seem fond. No, that’s a better word. Fond of me.

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Promo

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

She looked at him before she answered. Making it seem like it was a problem would only bring to light it was. And no matter what, it couldn’t be. “I won’t kick if he promises not to.”

He seemed uncomfortable, taking a deep breath that drew in his abdomen. Not his usual quick-witted self with a rapid retort of sarcasm. “I can sleep on the chair.”

Book Lover in Florida - Music and Writing

Music touches me greatly in the creative process. Lyrics and melody have a way of pouring through to my soul and giving me an incredible muse. Every book I write, I create a playlist. It was actually a song that created the entire plot for my book. Gravity, by Sara Bareilles, was my inspiration.

underneath the covers - Excerpt

“So, how was your first week? Did it all come back to you?” He rested his elbows on the table. It was all he could do not to reach across and pull a stray hair from the middle of her forehead. But then that would lead to touching her cheek. Then that would lead to bending across the table and kissing her. Something she wouldn’t understand.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below...

A French romance... The Viscount of Maisons-Lafitte by Jennie Goutet (Review)

The Viscount of Maisons-Lafitte

by Jennie Goutet

Adult Contemporary Romance, Suspense

Paperback & ebook, 290 Pages

April 28th 2016

Summary

Single moms are not supposed to fall for rich French aristocrats!

There’s just no way he will ever choose her.

Is there such a thing as Prince Charming? Chastity didn’t take a teaching job in France to find hers, but a woman can dream, n’est-ce pas? If the father of one of her students–the Viscount Charles Jean Anne Monorie de Brase–is the best local example of princes, Charming or Otherwise, Chastity is ready to put aside any thought of falling in love again.

She’s had enough of his arrogance and would prefer him to keep his distance, yet it seems there is no avoiding each other. With the ongoing pressure of a repentant ex-boyfriend, a nefarious drug dealer, and an art heist that spans the decades, Chastity and the viscount are thrown together by circumstances she would soon rather forget.

As the intimacy between Charles and Chastity deepens, they must decide if their love is enough to bridge the gap between their disparate worlds, and if happily ever after can exist outside of fairy tales.

Goodreads│Barnes & Noble

Check out the tour for Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Launch for

Christmas in the Cove

By Carol Ross

Come join us for a little suspense and romance set during Christmas in scenic Pacific Cove...

Tour Schedule

December 14th:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Bottles & Books Reviews
Paulette's Papers
December 15th:
Harlie's Books
Heidi Reads...
Falling Leaves
Rockin' Book Reviews
beck valley books
December 16th:
Mel's Shelves
Books, Dreams, Life
JoJo's Corner
Nicole's Book Musings
December 18th:
Christy's Cozy Corners
I Am A Reader
i blog 4 books
Book Lover in Florida
With Love for Books
December 19th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
underneath the covers
Bookworm Lisa
Getting Your Read On
December 20th: Grand Finale

Note from the Author

Who doesn’t love the beach? Growing up just an hour from the Pacific Ocean and spending days and weeks of my childhood at the beach; camping, digging clams, playing in the sand, fishing on the ocean and Puget Sound, exploring old forts and caves, it seemed like the obvious choice to set a book here. But where exactly? There were so many locations that seemed perfect, countless landmarks, lighthouses, beaches, coves, ports and small towns that make my heart sing. I wanted accuracy and yet I wanted to include them all. Thus, the little town of Pacific Cove was born. It’s a mix of many of my favorite spots and memories along the Oregon and Washington coasts.

I chose to set this book in winter because the hero and heroine, Eli and Aubrey, are both members of the United States Coast Guard. In addition to some of the most dangerous ocean conditions in the world, the Pacific Coast is also known for its wild winter weather. That’s when the most dramatic storms happen. Like their motto states, the Coast Guard is “Always Ready.” And as I discovered in my research, these incredibly brave men and women live by their creed. Even under seemingly impossible to navigate conditions, their courage, skill, and heroism cannot be over-stated.

Luckily for me, winter also means Christmas. So to add some sweetness and lighthearted moments, a Christmas contest is playing out during the book. These moments turned out to be some of my favorites, and (I think) some of the most heartwarming.

Thank you for joining me, and Eli and Aubrey, on this tour. I hope you enjoy Pacific Cove and its characters as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Happy Holidays!

xo,

Carol

Weekly Update #194, which is rather late...

Welcome to my Weekly Update where I post my blog's schedule for the week! I'm linking up to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, as well as to Tynga's Reviews for Stacking the Shelves and Talk Supe for Bought, Borrowed, and Bagged showcasing the books I added to my shelves or Kindle this week.

It has been so crazy busy!! I've had family stuff, sick kids, church stuff, and then Prism Book Tours has been really, really busy and I haven't even had time to really read or blog. The beginning of this week is also busy, but after Wednesday and then the rest of the month slows down and I'll be spending lots of time with the family, and hopefully reading. :) I hope the month is going well for you!

Here's what to expect this week:

More Christmas romance... Restored Hearts by Railyn Stone (Christmas Countdown Blitz & Giveaway)

Restored Hearts

by Railyn Stone

Adult Contemporary Romance, Christmas, Novella

ebook, 91 Pages

May 2nd 2016

Summary

EnVee McAlister just bought a house. It’s an old Victorian home that needs a lot of work, especially if she wants to get into it by Christmas.

Logan Edwards is the contractor she’s hired to help her. Unfortunately, he’s not like any man she’s ever encountered and his arrogance and crass demeanor is making it hard to deal with him. Both she and Logan hold no punches and their terribly blunt personalities clash like oil and water.

But when she finds out about Logan’s tragic past, it forces her to deal with her own insecurities and emotions she’s desperately tried to forget. And instead of a house for Christmas, EnVee receives something she never expected.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iTunes│Smashwords

(Affiliate link included.)

Check out the reviews and newsletter for This is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

This is Not a Werewolf Story

By Sandra Evans

We hope you enjoyed coming along with us for some fun mixed with mystery at this boarding school where everything isn't quite what it seems! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Interview

2. What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope readers will want to visit Whidbey Island and Fort Casey. I hope they’ll think about the importance of preserving our national parks and the animals that seek refuge there. I hope some kids will feel reassured that even if your family isn’t 100% normal and maybe your parents and the people taking care of you aren’t doing a great job 100% of the time, that you’ll be okay, that you’ll find your people eventually, and that sometimes they are already around you. Also that, yes, we change. We change all the time, but part of us stays the same. So don’t be afraid to grow up. You’ll still be there when you get there.

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Newsletter, Page 1