Weekly Update #143

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.

It was such a busy week last week with so many books to post reviews for and then family being in town. I also fought a cold all week and am still fighting it. It hasn't been ugly yet, but just keeps hovering at a swollen throat and stuffy/runny nose. I'm hoping it will go away this week. Send some wishes my way that it will, would you?

There are some fun things going on this week. Tomorrow I'm hosting (as Prism Book Tours) a Facebook party for the big bang at the end of the tour for A Heartwarming Thanksgiving. It was fun to get everything together and make up all the snippets the authors sent me. There will be more ebook giveaways too. If you're interested, go check it out here. Besides that, there is the usual smorgasbord of various genres represented this week. Hopefully something for everyone. Here's what to expect:

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving (Grand Finale & Giveaways)

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

Grand Finale for

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving

Harlequin released 13 FREE short stories by beloved Harlequin Heartwarming authors during November via their site. You can still read these short stories through December 31st. The sale for 30% off Heartwarming titles also continues through November 30th. Grab the ones you want now!

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving Facebook Party

Join us for a grand ending to this month of wonderful Harlequin Heartwarming short stories with a Facebook party! All thirteen authors are stopping by and giving away more books!! Come join us on Monday, November 30th, from 12 pm to 2 pm EST HERE. If you can't make it, feel free to stop by later and check out the party.

If you missed any of the extra guest posts or excerpts for stories you might have missed, go back and check them out...

Out of Character by Molly Zenk (Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway)

Welcome to my tour stop for Out of Character by Molly Zenk! This has such a cute cover and premise. Be sure to read the excerpt below...

Out of Character

by Molly Zenk

Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 238 Pages
August 18th 2015 by Anaiah Press, LLC

Summary

After the loss of her brother, actress Harmony Jones struggles with daily life. Landing the lead role on the hit faith based living history show, 1700s Life, might be the perfect way to reconnect with her faith and be her big acting break.

Tired of hiding his strong faith and convictions to get secular roles, David Hawkins jumps at the chance to play the curate on 1700s Life. It's the perfect vehicle to spread God’s word.

Elliot Banes’ career needs an image makeover, so he accepts the naval hero role on 1700s Life. Getting away from his overbearing mother is an added bonus. His true hope is to learn to speak his mind instead of always fading into the background.

When a scripted love triangle between Harmony, David, and Elliot becomes a real life love triangle, Harmony must make a difficult decision. . She hoped to find her wavering faith, she didn't count on finding love as well. If that was her only obstacle, the role would be a breeze. Unfortunately, there’s an on-set spy intent on causing drama. Can Harmony see through all the lies and secrets to the truth in her heart, or will she end up falling for the wrong man?

  
(Affiliate link included.)

Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis (Cover Reveal & Giveaway)

 

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal! This week, we are revealing the cover for

Rise

(The Order of the Krigers #1)

by Jennifer Anne Davis

To be released on May 17, 2016 by Month9Books

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

By the River by Jennie Hansen (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)

By the River

by Jennie Hansen

Adult LDS Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 221 Pages
October 1st 2015 by Covenant Communications

Summary

It was supposed to be a relaxing early morning run, but the path along the river trail quickly turns into the scene of a nightmare for recent college graduate Kira Paxton. An unintended exploration of a secluded riverbank leads to a gruesome discovery that sets her on a collision course with danger: it is the body of a young woman. In shock, all Kira can manage to do is scream . . . From the moment Ford Kettering hears the cries for help along the trail, he is drawn irrevocably into a mystery in which he plays a shocking role. Ford, a local high school teacher, had a recent classroom clash with the victim—now, he’s a person of interest. As Ford and Kira bond over their shared ordeal, they work together to prove Ford’s innocence—and soon, their attraction is undeniable. But it seems that Kira’s nightmare is far from over. What begins as a series of close calls and acts of vandalism soon escalates, putting Kira’s own life in jeopardy. It appears that Kira saw something that day along the trail, something that has made her a target. With Ford’s help, she is determined to track down the killer—before she becomes the next victim.

  

(Affiliate link included.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Is it cold where you are? We tend to have warmer weather here than everywhere else, perfect for playing some football outside in a t-shirt and shorts. I'm looking forward to spending time with family and having the kids and husband home for a long weekend. Hopefully this year we'll get some flag football in. Our family can play three on three and are getting old enough to actually do it. Great times. :)

I have so many things to be grateful for. Every year I like to list some of those things. Here's my list this year:

1. My family. I love them so much and words really do not express how much!
2. My faith. I wouldn't be where I am nor feel the peace, hope, and joy I do without it.
3. Being healthy and provided for. As our family gets a little older this seems to be an even greater blessing.
4. Living close to family and friends. Some of them have moved away, but still staying in contact with them and keeping those friendships alive is also a great blessing.
5. Living in a free country. Yep, I love the USA even with all its faults.
6. The love of reading!!! No surprise here, right? ;)
7. Fabulous and easily accessible libraries and how they bless communities.
8. Getting to blog about books and other things and have some great followers and blogging friends.
9. Learning some tough, but invaluable lessons this year and stretching my teaching skills.
10. The fabulous publishers and authors who produce fantastic books. Keep them coming!

I hope that wherever you are, it's a great day for you. If you live in the US, HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!! Watch some football, eat some great food, spend time with family and friends, and remember to be thankful! :)

Wasted Time by Mya O'Malley (Blitz Excerpt & Giveaway

Wasted Time

by Mya O'Malley

Adult Contemporary Romance
ebook, 221 Pages
November 24th 2015

Summary

Do you believe that some souls are destined to be together, even through hardship and deceit?

After 9-11, Declan’s heart is torn between wanting to stay with Morgan and needing to fight for his beloved country. Knowing that the future may be uncertain, he kisses his fiancée goodbye and focuses on his mission until that dark day from which he will never fully recover. Injured in Afghanistan, Declan has lost more than part of his leg; he’s lost part of himself, now plagued in grief and guilt. How could he possibly ask Morgan to take care of him for the rest of his life, being nothing but a burden to her? Which would be more heartbreaking, feigning his own death or bringing her unhappiness every day? If only he could eradicate her from his mind and be at peace with his decision.

 
Morgan prays day and night for Declan’s safe return, but when his letters stop coming, Morgan knows in her heart that she has lost him forever. Morgan has a hard time believing in fate and destiny after her fiancé is taken from her. With Declan gone, Morgan’s hope for true love is destroyed, but eventually she finds comfort in the arms of another, even though Morgan’s new love knows that her heart belongs to Declan.

Will Morgan eventually be able to move on, or will Declan haunt her dreams forever?

Check out a the book's playlist here.

    

A Reluctant Assassin by J.C. Morrows (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)

Welcome to my tour stop for A Reluctant Assassin by J.C. Morrows! This is one of a few inspirational dystopian novels I've read. Read what I thought and enter the giveaway below...

A Reluctant Assassin

(Order of the Moonstone #1)
by J.C. Morrows

Christian Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 228 Pages
September 29th 2015 by S&G Publishing

Summary

Her mission was simple — get close to the Prince, and kill him. . .

Kayden entered the palace under a lie, one designed to get her close to the Prince. On the outside, she may look like a princess but beneath the mask, a killer lays in wait — for the perfect moment.

Dvarius was not ready to take the crown, nor was he ready for a wife . . . but due to his father’s unexpected death and an archaic law — he must find a bride before he is allowed to take his rightful place on the throne.

And the one woman he wants — just might be the one who is there to kill him...

  
Also from Kobo.
(Affiliate link included.)

The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine (Waiting on Wednesday)

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

In case you haven't noticed, I love fairy tales and all their various retellings. This one is a spin off of Snow White and it sounds fabulous! The cover is also very, very cool. It's my WOW pick this week:

A Thousand Shall Fall by Andrea Boeshaar (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)

Welcome to my tour stop for the first book in Andrea Boeshaar's new Shenandoah Valley Saga, A Thousand Shall Fall! This was an enjoyable inspiring historical romance. Check out the book and author info, my full review, and the giveaway below...

A Thousand Shall Fall

(Shenandoah Valley Saga #1)
by Andrea Boeshaar

Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
November 2015 by Kregel Publications

Summary

A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War

Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off–only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.

Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.

Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally–and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, A Thousand Shall Fall is framed around compelling characters and a very romantic setting in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Andrea Boeshaar’s extensive research guarantees historical accuracy and romance genre enthusiasts and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the Christian perspectives on actual historical events.

  

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)

Welcome to my tour stop for Cynthia Ruchti's Christmas novella, An Endless Christams! What perfect timing to read this one. I have enjoyed all of Ruchti's earlier books and this one was a joy as well. Check out the book and author info, my full review, and the fabulous giveaway below...

An Endless Christmas

by Cynthia Ruchti

Adult Contemporary Romance, Christmas
Hardcover & ebook, 240 Pages

October 13th 2015 by Worthy Inspired

Summary

Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.

Christmas takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says, “no.” Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.

  

Also at Christian Book

(Affiliate links included.)

Weekly Update #142

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 and Talk Supe for showcasing the books I added to my shelves or Kindle this week.

I have a very busy week ahead, not only on the blog (lots of reviews for tours), but also for tour stuff that I need to organize and then with Thanksgiving coming this week and family being in town. I'm in charge of the desserts and am looking forward to some quality time spent with my siblings and their families.

Here's what to expect this week:

Craving Beauty by Jennifer Silverwood (Blog Tour Grand Finale)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

It's the Grand Finale for

Craving Beauty

By Jennifer Silverwood

Did you come along with us as the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast is retold in a Gothic setting where nothing is exactly as it seems and the heroine must be her own hero? If not, go back and check out each stop...

The Mariposa Hotel by Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson, & Heather B. Moore (Blog Tour Review, Interview, & Giveaway)

Welcome to my tour stop for The Mariposa Hotel, the third release from A Tangerine Street Romances. Check out the book info, an interview with Melanie Jacobson (one of my favorite authors), my review, and the giveaway below ...

The Mariposa Hotel

(A Tangerine Street Romance #3)
by Julie Wright, Melanie Jacboson, & Heather B. Moore

Adult Contemporary Romance
ebook, 266 PagesNovember 9th 2015 by Mirror Press

Summary

The Mariposa Hotel
A Tangerine Street Romance
(a novel in three parts)

Welcome to Tangerine Street

Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. The Mariposa Hotel, a new resort, has revitalized Seashell Beach, bringing new life to the sleepy beach town. In the charming gardens of the hotel sits a three-hundred-year-old wishing well transported from Mexico. One toss of the coin, a sincere wish, and lives are changed forever… 

Stories include: 

Ghost of 913 by Julie Wright

Butterfly Kisses by Melanie Jacobson

Dreams Come True by Heather B. Moore

 

(Affiliate link included.)

Other Books in the Series

 

(Covers linked to my reviews.)