Weekly Update #91

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 this week.

If you haven't had a chance to read Gail Carriger's interview from yesterday and see the wrap-up from the Finishing School Read-Along, you can go check it out now:

Here's what you can expect this week:

Review Briefs: Cinder & Ella, Adrenaline Rush, and Spell Check

Cinder & Ella

by Kelly Oram

YA Contemporary Romance, Fairy Tale
ebook, 275 Pages
October 1st 2014 by Bluefields

Summary

It’s been almost a year since eighteen-year-old Ella Rodriguez was in a car accident that left her crippled, scarred, and without a mother. After a very difficult recovery, she’s been uprooted across the country and forced into the custody of a father that abandoned her when she was a young child. If Ella wants to escape her father’s home and her awful new stepfamily, she must convince her doctors that she’s capable, both physically and emotionally, of living on her own. The problem is, she’s not ready yet. The only way she can think of to start healing is by reconnecting with the one person left in the world who’s ever meant anything to her—her anonymous Internet best friend, Cinder.
…
Hollywood sensation Brian Oliver has a reputation for being trouble. There’s major buzz around his performance in his upcoming film The Druid Prince, but his management team says he won’t make the transition from teen heartthrob to serious A-list actor unless he can prove he’s left his wild days behind and become a mature adult. In order to douse the flames on Brian’s bad-boy reputation, his management stages a fake engagement for him to his co-star Kaylee. Brian isn’t thrilled with the arrangement—or his fake fiancée—but decides he’ll suffer through it if it means he’ll get an Oscar nomination. Then a surprise email from an old Internet friend changes everything.

  

Review Brief: Proper Attire: A West Indies Proper Romance by Danielle Thorne

Proper Attire:

A West Indies Proper Romance
by Danielle Thorne

Historical Romance
ebook, 150 Pages
September 25th 2014 by Kindle Direct Publishing

Summary

Pressured to marry for money, Julia Scott flees England and a cruel stepmother to determine if the West Indies is the paradise of her dreams. Attacked by pirates and desired by island natives, the only person she can trust is John Smith -- if that's her rescuer's true name. Reaching her uncle's station in English Harbor, Julia must find a way to face her feelings and deal with her traitorous family, a dashing new suitor, and the guardian angel, John Smith, who has no qualms sporting counterfeit names and less than what is proper attire.

#FinishingRA Wrap Up

The FINISHING SCHOOL READ-ALONG hosted by Dena @ Batch of Books and I (Tressa @ Wishful Endings) has officially ended. Thanks to all those that participated!!

Drum roll please...
The winner of the first three books in the Finishing School Series is: 

Julie Rimpula from the Philippines! 

Congratulations!!! Look for an email from Dena. :)

If you missed any of these updates and reviews, you can always go back and read both of our thoughts:

Nov 7: Curtsies, chapters 1-8/Dena's Update
Nov 14: Curtsies, chapters 9 -16, epilogue, and final thoughts on the book/Dena's Update
Nov 14: Curtsies REVIEW/Dena's Review
Nov 21: Waistcoats, chapters 1-8/Dena's Update
Nov 28: Waistcoats, chapters 8-16 and final thoughts on book/Dena's Update
Nov 28: Waistcoats REVIEW/Dena's Review

Scroll on down for our second interview with the author and a few final comments.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Beam N Read

Tour Schedule

Beam N Read
Hands Free Travel and Reading Light

New edition Beam n Read Hands-Free Light delivers a wide & bright light that lights up 2 book pages and doesn’t disturb others. It’s a true reading light that works with all printed books, Kindles and other eReaders (whether naked, skinned, or covered), PLUS newspapers, magazines, newsletters, loose documents, and other items that can’t support a clip-on light. Worn around the neck, there’s no need to shift it when reading paperbacks.

Included are two 2 special Relaxation Filters: BNR Orange for a softer, warmer light that blocks energizing blue light (especially useful when reading to relax in bed); BNR Red to block blue light and reduce ambient light for sensitive bed partners.

Standard alkaline AA batteries (not included) last an extra long 100 hours, far longer than flashlights and clip-on lights resulting in a lower cost to use (and fewer batteries in the trash). This light is still bright when others have gone dim. Save batteries for when you’re on the go with the optional USB/AC Power Kit with 12 ft of cable that lets you plug into the included USB/AC adapter. Or plug into a USB car adapter/charger, or a computer USB port, or a USB adapter/charger for cell phones, etc.

In addition to reading, this 3 LED hands-free light is great for crafts, travel, and walking in dim or dark places such as an attic, basement, or around the house during a power outage. Use it for writing journals, working, camping, changing diapers at night, and a lot more.

Features

• For hands free personal light anywhere; extra bright light is easy on the eyes; doesn’t disturb others
• Wide light from 3 LEDs in a row lights up 2 book pages; works with ALL Kindles, eReaders
• BNR Orange Relaxation Filter softens and warms the cool LED light and blocks energizing blue light
• BNR Red Relaxation Filter blocks blue light, reduces ambient light, & helps maintains night vision
• Alkaline AA batteries (not incl) last Extra Long 100 hours, 3-10x longer than most clip-on lights

Purchase from

Find more info

Website - Facebook - Pinterest

Testimonials

“I’ve never liked clip-on book lights because they add weight to the book, sometimes fall off, make it awkward to hold the book, and interfere with page turning. The Beam N Read has none of these problems, making them a pleasure to use” – BethFishReads.com

“The red filter is my favorite. My hubby doesn’t like when I turn on a bright reading light in the dark…It cuts down ambient light, making everyone happy.” – Momwitha.com

“The Beam N Read is by far the best personal reading light we have ever come across,” – Scott Carmichael, Executive Editor, Gadling.com

#FinishingRA Update for Waistcoats & Weaponry, Part 2

Welcome to my third and final update for the FINISHING SCHOOL READ-ALONG, hosted by Dena @ Batch of Books and I (Tressa @ Wishful Endings)!

Make sure you come back tomorrow for the final wrap up, which will announce the giveaway winner and have another interview with the author! Woohoo!!!

Here's where we are:

Nov 7: Curtsies, chapters 1-8
Nov 14: Curtsies, chapters 9 -16, epilogue, and final thoughts on the book
Nov 21: Waistcoats, chapters 1-8
Nov 28: Waistcoats, chapters 8-16 and final thoughts on book
Nov 29: Read-along wrap up

We've just finished...

Waistcoats & Weaponry

Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style--with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey stowaway on a train to return their classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspected what--or who--they would find aboard that suspiciously empty train. Sophronia uncovers a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos and she must decide where her loyalties lie, once and for all.

Gather your poison, steel tipped quill, and the rest of your school supplies and join Mademoiselle Geraldine's proper young killing machines in the third rousing installment in the New York Times bestselling Finishing School Series by steampunk author, Gail Carriger.

  

Here's what I thought about the rest of this book (you can read my full review here and Dena's update here) ...

Friday Favorites: Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

Friday Favorites is a meme that spotlights a favorite author, book, series, publisher, cover, blog, etc. Basically whatever bookish thing that I have loved, would recommend, and want to tell others about. You can see all of my Friday Favorites here. You're welcome to join in as well!

This series has become such a favorite. The wit, charm, intelligence, humor, adventure, danger, fabulous characters and plots... If you've been following my blog, you shouldn't be surprised by my favorite today...

Blog Tour Guest Post, Excerpt, & Giveaway: Tess in Boots by Courtney Rice Gager

Welcome to my tour stop for Tess in Boots! I really enjoyed this sweet contemporary romance and I love the way a pair of boots become something meaningful in this story. You can read my review here. 
The author, Courtney Rice Gager, is stopping by with a really fun post about, what else, boots! 
Check that out and all the other fun stuff below... 

Tess in Boots

by Courtney Rice Gager

Adult Romance
Paperback, 266 Pages
December 2nd 2014 by Anaiah Press

Summary

Tess Dougherty plans every aspect of her life right down to the last detail. But she doesn’t plan on running her boyfriend off by bringing up the topic of marriage before he’s ready. And she doesn’t plan to lose her job on the day she’s set to receive a huge promotion. So when her perfect world unravels, Tess makes a new plan: disappear.

Tess packs her bags and leaves her city apartment for a remote vineyard in North Carolina. At first, she’s put off by the slow pace of small-town life in the South. She’s especially irritated by Thatcher, the vineyard’s smart-mouth, dimple-faced farmhand. But she soon begins to appreciate the area’s charm, and Thatcher’s charm, too. She even swaps her trademark heels for a pair of cowboy boots. As Tess spends more time getting to know Thatcher, she finds herself loosening her grip on her old life little by little. Unfortunately, things on the vineyard aren’t as simple as they seem. There’s a secret here, and when the truth comes to light, Tess is forced to reconsider every plan she’s ever made.

     

Review: Tess in Boots by Courtney Rice Gager

Tess in Boots

by Courtney Rice Gager

Adult Romance
Paperback, 266 Pages
December 2nd 2014 by Anaiah Press

Summary

Tess Dougherty plans every aspect of her life right down to the last detail. But she doesn’t plan on running her boyfriend off by bringing up the topic of marriage before he’s ready. And she doesn’t plan to lose her job on the day she’s set to receive a huge promotion. So when her perfect world unravels, Tess makes a new plan: disappear.

Tess packs her bags and leaves her city apartment for a remote vineyard in North Carolina. At first, she’s put off by the slow pace of small-town life in the South. She’s especially irritated by Thatcher, the vineyard’s smart-mouth, dimple-faced farmhand. But she soon begins to appreciate the area’s charm, and Thatcher’s charm, too. She even swaps her trademark heels for a pair of cowboy boots. As Tess spends more time getting to know Thatcher, she finds herself loosening her grip on her old life little by little. Unfortunately, things on the vineyard aren’t as simple as they seem. There’s a secret here, and when the truth comes to light, Tess is forced to reconsider every plan she’s ever made.

     

Happy Thanksgiving, USA!

Is it cold where you are? We'll be having gorgeous weather here. We're talking the high being around 80 degrees. Sometimes I feel spoiled living in Arizona and sometimes I just feel hot. Lol! 

I've been reading quite a few Christmas-themed books lately, have been stuffing envelopes with our Christmas cards, and also just finished the bulk of my Christmas shopping, so I've been anticipating Thanksgiving so I could start putting up all our Christmas decorations. Really, I'm looking forward to spending time with family and having the kids and husband home for a long weekend. It's the beginning of my favorite time of the year!

I have a million things to be grateful for. Every year I like to list some of those things. Here they are:

1. My family. I love them so much!
2. My faith. I wouldn't be where I am without it.
3. Being healthy and provided for.
4. Living close to family and friends.
5. Living in a free country.
6. The love of reading!!!
7. Fabulous and easily accessible libraries.
8. Getting to blog about books and such.
9. Having other fabulous bloggers and friends to associate with online.
10. The fabulous publishers and authors who produce lovable and fantastic books.

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! :)

Book Blitz: Once Upon An Ever After by Angela N. Blount

Once Upon An Ever After

by Angela N. Blount

Released July 2014

Set after the events of Blount's debut memoir, Once Upon A Road Trip, this short story anthology focuses on the unusual courtship of Angeli and Vincent.

When Angeli left Minnesota on a post-high school road trip, all she wanted was to see the East Coast and finally meet some of her online friends. She didn't expect to end up in a long-distance relationship with a computer-savvy Southern boy. Yet Vincent seems determined to defy the odds. To prove his intentions, he sets off on his own quest to visit Angeli and win her family's approval. But along the way he’ll have to contend with her offbeat friends, trigger-happy father, and a few questionable run-ins with Northern hospitality.

South meets North this time around, and "normal" isn't anywhere on the map.

With a thousand miles and radically different upbringings between them, can Angeli and Vincent forge a forever-worthy bond? Or are the roadblocks they face too much for either of them to overcome?

Praise for the Book

This is an absolutely beautiful and sweet coming of age memoir and I went through every emotion whilst reading it. I laughed, I nearly cried but was quickly picked back up and read the rest of the story with a big grin! Is it too much trouble to be hoping for another installment to this? I can't get enough of Vince and Angie's story! Inspiring through and through! A big 5 stars from me on this review! Sky on Amazon

If you haven't yet read Angela's amazing awe-inspiring memoir, Once Upon a Road Trip, I'm telling you to go out and get it now! I have never meant that sentence more. Once Upon an Ever after wraps up Angeli's and Vince's story perfectly and has you happily sighing, laughing out loud and hoping their story will be a happily ever after. Bonny Bon Bon on Amazon

About the Author

Award-winning author Angela N. Blount is a Minnesota native, transplanted to the deep South--where she currently resides with her understanding husband, their two children, and a set of identity-confused cats. A Registered Nurse by trade, she is also a freelance content editor, former book reviewer for RT Book Reviews, a memoirist (though, not much a fan of referring to herself in first-person *cough*), craft blogger, sporadic poet, and webcomic artist.

Angela is a PRO member of the Romance Writers of America, and was named a finalist in the 2012 Sheila, Laurie, and Orange Rose contests. She also took first place in the 2012 OKRWA Finally A Bride contest. In 2014 her debut memoir, Once Upon a Road Trip, was an NIEA finalist, a Chanticleer Journey Award finalist, and winner of the silver metal in the Literary Classics International Book Awards.

In her spare time, Angela enjoys reading, coffee shop loitering, and all things geeky. Her latest project is a YA sci-fi series.

Goodreads / Amazon / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Don't forget to grab a copy of 

Once Upon A Road Trip

Waiting on Wednesday: Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier

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

I haven't read any books by this author yet, but this one sounds fabulous and I love the cover. It's my WOW pick this week:

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

Love Without End

(Kings Meadow Romance #1)
by Robin Lee Hatcher

Christian Historical Romance
Paperback, 320 Pages
November 11th 2014 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard’s life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King’s Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King’s Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.