Wishful Endings

Weekly Update #245, in which I'm not quite ready for a New Year...

Saturday, December 30, 2017 - Leave a Comment

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.

You may have noticed that I was not active here last week. That wasn't the original plan. I had planned on posting several reviews, but hadn't written them up yet. I was planning on not being online too much to enjoy Christmas with the family, but still having regular posts. What happened instead was me being crazy sick with the flu after my husband had it and then my youngest waking up Christmas Eve at 1:30 am hardly able to breath due to croup and my husband rushing her in to urgent care. I finally got some rest for about three hours after they got back home and before all the kids were up at 7 to see what Santa brought. It was a rather memorable Christmas. Regardless, I still soaked up my kids happiness and thanked God for modern medicine that allowed my daughter a oral steroid and oxygenated breathing treatment that almost completely took away her croup. The day after Christmas found me with a fever and a horrid body ache and stuffy nose again, but I've been steadily getting better each day. My youngest is still coughing, as are both my husband and I, but we are all recovering well. It's been ages since I've been sick and even longer since I've had the flu, so I suppose I was due. But enough of that...

We did finish watching all four seasons of Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. We Vid Angeled it so that we get to skip all the swearing (not so much in the first two seasons, but quite a bit in the third and fourth where whole sentences and sometimes multiple sentences were bleeped out). I quite loved how well the actors played their roles and how creative this modern twist is. Quite brilliant in several ways. Have you watched it? Any other series that you've caught up on lately?

This week is still not real organized. I've been reading quite a bit as my head would allow and I have a bunch of reviews to post, so I'll get those up as I can. Besides those, there are only a few books on the schedule. Here's what you might see this week...

This Week

A Peculiar Courtship (The Beckett Files, #2)

Giveaways

There is no monthly giveaway again this month because I'm participating in some giveaway hops. The first one will post this week, so check back for that by Wednesday.

Other Things of Note

I've been hosting a meme this year called Can't-Wait Wednesday that is taking over for my Waiting on Wednesday posts since the host, Jill over at Breaking the Spine, went inactive in August 2016. Can you believe I've now been hosting for almost a year?!! You're welcome to join in or link up your Waiting on Wednesday posts each week. Find out more here.

New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for December 25th - December 31st #BookSale

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Here are the New Releases / Free & Bargain Books, hosted by
Sharon over at Beck Valley Books, for this week! Check it all out below...

Authors please feel free to add your own books.

Readers please free to add your own finds.

(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please. Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here

Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

Come back and check out the new selection every week!

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I can't wait for... Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 - Leave a Comment

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're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

I was a huge fan of Pearson's The Kiss of Deception (review here) and she's going back to that fantasy world in this new series. I'm looking forward to seeing what new characters she'll have for readers to fall in love with and cheer on. It's my pick this week...

Dance of Thieves

(Dance of Thieves #1)

by Mary E. Pearson

YA Fantasy

Hardcover & ebook, 384 Pages

August 7th 2018 by Henry Holt & Company

Summary

A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Will you be reading this one?

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Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 25, 2017 - Leave a Comment

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 part is watching our children's faces when they first come out on Christmas morning. I love seeing their sheer joy!

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,

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The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody (Review)

Friday, December 22, 2017 - Leave a Comment

The Chaos of Standing Still

by Jessica Brody

YA Contemporary

Hardcover & ebook, 320 Pages

November 28th 2017 by Simon Pulse

Summary

Over the course of one chaotic night stranded at the Denver airport, Ryn confronts her shattered past thanks to the charm of romance, the uniqueness of strangers, and the magic of ordinary places in this stunning novel from the author of Boys of Summer.

Ryn has one unread text message on her phone. And it’s been there for almost a year.

She hasn’t tried to read it. She can’t. She won’t. Because that one message is the last thing her best friend ever said to her before she died.

But as Ryn finds herself trapped in the Denver International Airport on New Year’s Eve thanks to a never-ending blizzard on the one-year anniversary of her best friend’s death, fate literally runs into her.

And his name is Xander.

When the two accidentally swap phones, Ryn and Xander are thrust into the chaos of an unforgettable all-night adventure, filled with charming and mysterious strangers, a secret New Year’s Eve bash, and a possible Illuminati conspiracy hidden within the Denver airport. But as the bizarre night continues, all Ryn can think about is that one unread text message. It follows her wherever she goes, because Ryn can’t get her brialliantly wild and free-spirited best friend out of her head.

Ryn can’t move on.

But tonight, for the first time ever, she’s trying. And maybe that’s a start.

As moving as it is funny, The Chaos of Standing Still is a heartwarming story about the earth-shattering challenges life throws at us—and the unexpected strangers who help us along the way.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│iTunes│Kobo│IndieBound

My Review

THE CHAOS OF STANDING STILL is a crazy roller-coaster ride as one girl tries to deal with the loss of her best friend as she approaches the anniversary of her death while also stuck in an airport during a snow storm. Recommended for YA contemporary fans who love drama, chaos, messy characters and sweet endings.

I was really anticipating this book. It sounds like a protagonist that I'd be able to relate with and then laugh and cry with. However, it turned out this wasn't really my type of story. I just could not connect with Ryn. I would start to and then her thoughts or actions would disenchant me. Just too crazy, unrealistic, overboard, or senseless to me. I knew there had to be something better, so I kept reading. I did like Xander and some of the other characters were interesting, although at the same time some felt completely in consequential. I didn't really like the story until seventy percent in and then rather enjoyed the last thirty percent. I especially thought the ending was super sweet.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Not really my cup of tea, but I did enjoy the last third of the book and I think other YA readers will enjoy this one more than I did.

Content: Innuendo and swearing (including f-words).
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host/NetGalley/ebooksforreview.com, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

Have you read this one? Any thoughts?

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A Mistletoe Kiss by Jennifer Faye (Excerpt & #Giveaway)

Thursday, December 21, 2017 - Leave a Comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of

A Mistletoe Kiss

By Jennifer Faye

A perfectly sweet holiday romance to cozy up to the fire with!
Read an excerpt from the book and enter the giveaway below...

A Mistletoe Kiss

(Tangled Charms #2)
by Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

ebook, 236 pages

December 19th 2017 by Tule Publishing

Jaded by love, Suzanna Simms has resigned herself to focusing on her art business. But with Christmas quickly approaching, she receives word that her family is returning to Marietta. And Suzanna failed to mention that her latest relationship had ended abruptly. Now she’ll have to admit to her family that she failed at love—again.

Enter Sergeant Jake Hamilton, a new resident to Marietta and Suzanna’s next door neighbor. He’s not looking for anything permanent, he’s just passing through Marietta for the Christmas season, hoping to keep to himself. But when Suzanna’s family mistakenly assumes that Jake’s her boyfriend, he agrees to continue the charade.

Suzanna is certain she’s immune to his rugged good looks and sexy smile until they find themselves standing under the mistletoe. When Jake finds her kiss sweeter than her sugar cookies, he knows he’s in trouble. But it’s too late by then… the Christmas charade is on.

Goodreads│Amazon US│Amazon UK│GooglePlay│iBooks│Kobo

Excerpt

There was something in the air…

Change was coming to Marietta.

Or more than likely it was a bit of wishful thinking.

Tomorrow was the first of December, when the Christmas frenzy kicked into high gear. Suzanna Simms usually found this to be the most fabulous time of the year. But this year, she just wanted the holidays to quietly pass her by. She rushed into the kitchen. Her gaze immediately moved to the clock on the microwave. It blinked "PF." Power failure. Apparently the power had gone off last night just long enough to reset all of the clocks in the house, including her alarm clock.

A glance at her phone let her know she only had two more minutes before she was late for work. That never happened to her. She hated to be late for anything. And today they were switching the autumn decorations for Christmas ones at her jewelry/craft shop, Tangled Charms.

Suzanna grabbed the coffeepot and poured it into her mug. She’d never make it through the morning without some strong caffeine. She glanced in the kitchen cabinet for the lid. Suddenly the hot liquid scorched her skin. She righted the coffeepot. Setting it aside, she rushed to the sink. As cold water soothed the burn, she assured herself there was definitely something amiss in the air.

Meow.

She glanced down at Pixie. “Hey, girl. I didn’t forget you. Honest.”

Murr.

The black-and-white six-month-old kitten rubbed affectionately over Suzanna’s legs. Suzanna bent over and scratched behind Pixie’s ear. When Pixie wasn’t testing her boundaries, she was the sweetest furbaby. And she wanted her breakfast. First, Suzanna sopped up the coffee from the countertop. And then she placed a bowl containing canned cat food on Pixie’s mat. Satisfied that her morning chores were complete, Suzanna slipped on her coat and red scarf.

With her coffee in one hand and her oversized purse slung over her shoulder, she rushed out the door of her townhouse. A gust of icy cold air rushed past her. She snuggled deeper in her coat. December had blown in with a distinct chill. And so another blustery winter was about to descend upon Marietta, Montana.

She was halfway down the sidewalk when she spotted movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to find a big—make that a ginormous—brown-and-white Saint Bernard running toward her. Its ears flapped as it ran and its jowls did the same. The closer it got, the bigger it seemed. Why couldn’t it be a Chihuahua or a Yorkie?

The breath caught in Suzanna’s throat as her palms grew clammy. Please stop.

She took a step back. There was no way she was going to outrun that dog. It let out a deep bark. Woof-woof.

And then all two hundred pounds or so of the dog was standing in front of her. She stared at it and it stared back at her with big brown eyes.

She should say something—do something, but panic had her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. And her heart felt as though it were lodged in her throat. She’d been afraid of dogs since she’d been bitten when she was young.

She should look around for someone to help her, but she didn’t dare take her gaze off the dog. The dog began sniffing her shoes and her jeans. What was it thinking? The dog circled her—

“Rufus, what are you doing?” asked a male voice.

The dog glanced up. Woof!

Once the dog ran to the man, Suzanna relaxed her stiff muscles and glanced over at the man.

“Don’t worry. He won’t hurt you.” The man sent her a friendly smile as the dog sat down next to him.

It was cold out, quite literally, and here this man was strutting around outside in a short-sleeved black T-shirt. It clung to his muscled chest, broad shoulders, and bulging biceps. She swallowed hard and struggled to recall what she’d been about to say.

Her gaze lifted up and up. My he’s tall. At least six feet of muscle. His jawline was chiseled with some scruff on it. His hair was short—like military short. And his eyes were blue. Not just blue. But a sky blue, the kind that she could get lost in for hours. He was quite a sexy package.

“You must be my new neighbor.” The townhouse next to hers was up for rent. She just hadn’t realized anyone had moved in.

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Google+│Pinterest│YouTube│Klout

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive an ebook of SPRINKLED WITH LOVE and a $10 Amazon eGift Card
- 4 winners will receive an ebook of SPRINKLED WITH LOVE
- Ends December 23rd

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Win a Nerdy Post Box for the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop (#Giveaway)

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 - Leave a Comment

The Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop is hosted by
Bookhounds and runs from December 21st through 31st.

This is the third giveaway hop for me this month, so I'm doing something a little different. I'm giving away a Nerdy Post box! You can choose a prior box that is available or get surprised with the upcoming month's box. It's open internationally as long as they ship to you and the shipping isn't outrageous. Here's an example of their boxes:

Must be at least 13 years old to enter and have parental permission if under 18. Please ensure that you correctly enter your email (and check your junk mail folder if I'm not on your contact list) so that I have a way to contact you. You can read my giveaway policy on my policies page. Void where prohibited by law. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out the other giveaways!

Good luck!

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I can't wait for... Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 - Leave a Comment

I'm a huge super hero fan and I love all these Marvel and Justic League young adult books that are being published! Catwoman is the next one and she's being novelized by the awesome Sarah J. Maas. What's not to be excited about? It's my pick this week...

Catwoman: Soulstealer

(DC Icons #3)

by Sarah J. Maas

YA Super Hero

Hardcover & ebook, 304 Pages

August 7th 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Summary

Sizzling with action and suspense, #1 New York Times bestselling author SARAH J. MAAS delivers a coming-of-age Selina Kyle who will steal readers' hearts in a new, highly anticipated YA blockbuster: CATWOMAN!

When the Bat's away, the Cat will play. It's time to see how many lives this cat really has. . . .

Two years after escaping Gotham City's slums, Selina Kyle returns as the mysterious and wealthy Holly Vanderhees. She quickly discovers that with Batman off on a vital mission, Batwing is left to hold back the tide of notorious criminals. Gotham City is ripe for the taking.

Meanwhile, Luke Fox wants to prove he has what it takes to help people in his role as Batwing. He targets a new thief on the prowl who seems cleverer than most. She has teamed up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, and together they are wreaking havoc. This Catwoman may be Batwing's undoing.

In this third DC Icons book--following Leigh Bardugo's Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Marie Lu's Batman: Nightwalker--Selina is playing a desperate game of cat and mouse, forming unexpected friendships and entangling herself with Batwing by night and her devilishly handsome neighbor Luke Fox by day. But with a dangerous threat from the past on her tail, will she be able to pull off the heist that's closest to her heart?

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Will you be reading this one?

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Christmas in a Small Town (Grand Finale & #Giveaway)

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Christmas in a Small Town

By Kristina Knight

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

One of the themes throughout the Slippery Rock series is home. I think what it holds in common for all of us is a feeling of safety. Of belonging. While Levi has always belonged in Slippery Rock, and has always had plans to improve his family’s dairy farm - and the town - Camden has never felt she belonged anywhere. She shows up looking for home, and Levi needs to stop and really see his home.

My family's special project for this new series is continuing with the release of Christmas in a Small Town, too. We’re donating a portion of the proceeds from the Slippery Rock series toward providing Sweet Cases from TogetherWeRise to foster children. Most children going in to foster care have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Sweet Cases are duffel bags given to children coming in to care, and once given, the bags remain with that child, giving them a sense of home and, hopefully, a sense that they aren't alone. Each duffel includes a warm blanket, a teddy bear, hygiene kit, and art supplies.

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt

“Sure, Calvin and Bonita’s place. You’re gonna continue on this road till you hit the grocery store. At the light you’ll turn south for a couple of blocks before taking Double A Highway West out of town. You’ll turn back north a few miles out when you see the county road sign, then follow 251 until you get to their lane. Can’t miss it. Bonita bought Calvin one of them big mailboxes a few years ago, in the shape of a collie. I swear you could fit a small child in that thing.” He tapped the roof of her car. “Nope, we don’t see many cars like this one around town. You have a nice evening, ma’am.”

Camden’s mind swirled with the information the older man had offered up. Straight to the grocery store, follow that road to the highway, follow the highway to the county road that would lead to the farm. She could handle this. Camden put the Porsche in Drive and waved to the older man as she pulled back onto the road that led through Slippery Rock.

Teatime and Books - Interview

Can you tell us about your current work-in-progress?

– I’m finishing up a sports continuity with three writer friends – we’re writing about three brothers, all sports heroes, who are coming to terms with a Big Family Secret. It’s been really fun to write!

Hearts & Scribbles - Kristina Knights’s Favorite Holiday-Themed Movies

Every year around Thanksgiving, I get the bug. No, not the flu bug. The holiday movie bug. Thanks to bebe, we have a towering stack of just about every Christmas movie you could imagine – from the original Miracle on 34th Street to The Polar Express. During the holiday season, Friday and Saturday nights become movie nights, sometimes the three of us gather in the living room with the big Christmas tree lit up and binge on holiday cartoons, sometimes we’ll disperse to different rooms to watch the movies we want to see.

Jorie Loves A Story - Interview

You've created quite an interesting life for Camden - being scorned in love and then, having another charm her as she's returnt home - what surprised you the most about Camden's character for finding strength to face her adversities in romance?

Knight responds: Her strength, in general, surprised me. She allowed herself to be dictated to for most of her life, and so when I started writing her, I thought she would need more reassurances that she was doing the right things. But once she was out of that situation – her domineering mother, specifically – she really stood on her own. She was really fun to write!

Rockin' Book Reviews - Reviews

"This story was a good one but was quite repetitive, slightly dragged out, and well-written but not to the extend of captivating the readers attention. except in portions of the story. . .

The Characters were very well developed and felt very real. The scenes were described in a way easily visualized." - LAWonder10

"I love small towns and I loved reading this story. It has a lot of fun things happening. I love the way all the friends ended up back in their small town, still as close knit as ever." - Vickie

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

“You guys didn’t play with me when I went to defense. How would you know what I looked like?”

Collin blinked. “High-definition TV. Replay shows. And, you know, we did play with you all through junior high and high school. Doesn’t matter if you’re quarterbacking or playing the defensive line, like you did in college and the pros—the Levi Walters focus is the same.”

“Also, and I don’t think we can emphasize this enough, at least three of your throws pushed the dart through the board and into the wall. So what’s up?” Aiden rolled his bottle of beer through his hands, making it scrape against the table.

Nicole's Book Musings - Kristina Knight’s Favorite Holiday Traditions

Traditions are my favorite thing, whether it’s sitting in a field, getting eaten by chiggers while waiting for the 4th of July fireworks or strolling along a lake front, watching a parade of boats, decorated for Christmas. Traditions, to me, make every holiday more special because, while you’re in the present, the act of repeating a stroll with the Christmas boats or a snowy picnic brings back memories. It makes the experience richer, somehow.

In Christmas in a Small Town, there is a town festival, complete with a street fair and holiday lights and even a regatta so the townspeople can see the lights from the lake. Those are all memories I have from my small town upbringing, but there are even more. Here are a few of my favorite holiday traditions.

Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader - Review

"I absolutely adore this town and every time I visit I am blown away. I would love to live in this place. Kristina always brings it to such life. . . . This book is a friends to lovers romance. If you have not visited Slippery Rock you need to go grab the entire series from Harlequin or Amazon!!! You will not be disappointed."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

“It’s a nice-looking dress, though.”

“Not my style.”

“I find that hard to believe. You wear it too well.”

Because she’d been trained to wear it well. Her mother had started her on the pageant circuit when she was nine, and after her father died, the pageants had become almost weekly occurrences. Still, having a stranger comment on her appearance was nice. Maybe a little stalkery, but nice. “Yeah, well, it’s not like it takes a special set of skills to wear designer clothing.”

“I don’t know about that.”

Deal Sharing Aunt - Interview

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It exhausts me, but in the best way! When I’m really into a book and all systems are go and the words are flowing it’s so energizing! Sometimes I can write like that for hours on end, I love it! It’s only after I stop for the day that the exhaustion comes in – my eyes get tired, sometimes my shoulders will ache (especially if I’ve forgotten to make a few trips to the kitchen or laundry room to work out those kinks!), and I’ll even have trouble holding conversations with people! A few weeks ago, I had one of those writing days, and that evening was a craft night at our church, and I had the hardest time talking to my friends – just because I couldn’t find my words!

Becky on Books - Review

"Christmas in a Small Town is a feel-good, Christmas time romance. . .

While their romance was all that is adorable, their relationship’s conflict felt a little lacking. . . . Still, overall this was a very cute story and a nice addition to the series.

It was fun to see the rest of the Slippery Rock gang again; don’t worry, though, this one would also work just fine as a standalone if you haven’t had a chance to read the rest of the series."

Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! - Kristina Knight’s Hodgepodge Tree

This will come as a complete surprise to all of you, I’m sure, but I’m not completely organized at Christmas. I know! What? Kristina loves her planner and her lists and checking things off the lists! How can she not have an organized Christmas?

Okay, so maybe I do have an organized Christmas – we decorate at a certain time, and we bake at certain times, and I do try to have my shopping done by a certain time….but that is where the organization ends. I have friends that are organized right down to which bough of the tree which ornament goes on. And the ornaments are only certain colors and shapes and sizes.

The Bookworm Chronicles - Excerpt

The idea though, kept nagging at her. What if Granddad wanted to rejuvenate the school? For her time with the trainer in Kansas City, she knew competition dogs were sought after and could sell for high amounts of money. Training fees on top of that. . .

If she could get just one dog ready for competition, she could help her parents rejuvenate Harris Farms. Could have a real reason to stay here rather than return to Kansas City.

A Night's Dream of Books - Interview

Maria: Do you have any special memories of living in a small town yourself, or did you grow up in a big city?

Kristina: I grew up in a very small town -- fewer than 2,000 people, 47 people in my graduating class. It was great! There were summer festivals, parades, lots of down time. At the time (my high school years), I always felt like there should be something more, something bigger, but as an adult, I'm very thankful for my small town roots!

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Christmas in a Small Town

(Slippery Rock #4)

Kristina Knight

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

November 1st 2017 by Harlequin Superromance

Running out on her wedding was the best decision ever!

A cheating fiancé sends Camden Harris fleeing to her grandparents' home in Missouri. When her ex follows, determined to win her back, Camden makes a deal with neighbor Levi Walters: they'll pretend to be in love and she'll support his plan to buy her grandparents' land.

The boy from her childhood has grown up into an impressive man. His charm, good looks and sweet gestures make it difficult for Camden to remember this is fake. And Levi's kisses only confuse her more.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│Kobo

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police--no, she wasn't a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer's capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she's living her own happily ever after.

Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│BookBub│Google+│Amazon

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Famous in a Small Town and some fun swag
- US residents only

- Ends December 20th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Terror by Eamonn Hickson (Grand Finale & #Giveaway)

Monday, December 18, 2017 - Leave a Comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Terror

By Eamonn Hickson

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What is your motivation behind Terror? Why did you want to write it?

I want to be a devil’s advocate in one of most topical issues of our time: terror attacks. While I’m not condoning the characters’ beliefs or actions, I want to see what’s on the other side of a terror attack: why do ‘they’ do it? What motivates ‘them’? One man’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter. Most of us see those who do unspeakable acts as terrorists, but to someone they might be heroes. Terror was also inspired by a visit to Belfast in Northern Ireland, where I (as a southerner) got to see both the Catholic and Protestant sides without fear.

Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! - Great Writing Is Dead

Some of my favourite pieces of writing were constructed by the likes of John Milton, Homer and Edgar Allan Poe. Words are magnificent; they can transport our thoughts back to a time long gone, to a world we know almost nothing about, to a world where our modern selves would never fit in. Or would we?

Teatime and Books - Author Interview

Can you tell us about your current work-in-progress?

I’m currently working on the sequel to Terror. While there is a sense of finality for a number of story arcs in Terror, some characters just need more time. Ideas are a dime a dozen, but I think a writer must trust his or her characters when they demand more airtime. The sequel is based in Boston again, for the most part, and will include characters who were affected by the events in the original. Some characters from Terror will still be front and center in the sequel, and we’ll get to see their longer-term reaction to their choices in the original… it’s hard to write about a sequel without throwing in some spoilers!

The Bookworm Chronicles - Excerpt

She reaches for words to say but they’re trapped behind a double-glazed window, visible but untouchable— Robert clasps her wrists. Ally doesn’t resist, and he throws her to the carpeted floor. She lands on all fours and a murder of tingles rush to her hands like demented crows stabbing a finch to death, while the mattress cover unclips from the edge of the bed and becomes a snapping Venus flytrap. Robert throws the piece of paper in front of her face and leaves the bedroom.

It's All About the Romance - I’ve lost control of my character. My bad!

You know how it works: you spend days, weeks or even months deciding on their appearance, memories, experiences, dreams, motivations, fears, desires, hopes… and they give you the middle finger halfway through your novel. If this hasn’t happened to you, can you tell me how you managed to keep a tight rein on your characters.

Wishful Endings - Good V. Evil

Quite some time ago, I visited Northern Ireland and, more specifically, Belfast. Being from the southern part of the Republic of Ireland, I had only heard bits and pieces about ‘The Troubles’ of the 1970s and ‘80s. So, I visited Belfast as an outsider, devoid of any strong views on what’s happened there. I went on a ‘black taxi tour’ through areas which were at the center of the conflict in the past and something dawned on me; the Catholic driver spoke of the events of his youth, how soldiers targeted his family and friends, how one put their life in danger by going down the wrong street, and how every action had a reaction.

Leels Loves Books - Review

"I enjoyed this book. With the title like TERROR, I was expecting more fear and horror – like a horror story – but the suspense and the mysteriousness of it all definitely made for a good read.

If you can follow along with the different characters, the different stories, not always having the backstory right away when you want it – you will enjoy this book. It is definitely one that I think I will read again!"

Andi's Book Reviews - Excerpt

Nestor leaves the kitchen via the back door, walks around the house and stops in the driveway. His house sits on the corner across the street like an obedient dog. The new paint, the rattling window chimes, the nylon washing line, the new AC unit, the repaired woodwork, the balloon tied to the balustrade, the flank of flowers—they’re all imposters, along with Sarah and the Grinch.

Deal Sharing Aunt - Author Interview

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

The plan was to write standalone books. However, that’s changed with my latest release. I feel there’s another story to tell involving some of the characters in this novel and if I were to move onto something different, it’d be a storyline that I wouldn’t be able to seamlessly grasp onto again. So, in short, I’m trying to create connected stories. More on this in a later question.

Colorimetry - Killing Your Darlings

Breaking up is hard to do—and so is killing your favourite characters. I suppose it’s a compliment (from you to you) when there’s a character who is more than just a collection of letters and words and thoughts and actions. A non-existent persona, one conjured up and moulded in a joint collaboration between your brain and fingers, begins to relay messages back, asking you to spare them.

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Terror
by Eamonn Hickson
Adult Thriller

Paperback & ebook, 336 pages

April 29th 2017
Have you ever felt that society consciously tries to undermine you?

In a society where everyone strives for growth, where everyone tries to build towards the heavens, there are some who wish to bring it plummeting down.

Terror is a thriller in which three people from different walks of life find a common enemy in the contemporary world. Yet, unlike most, they decide to do something about it.

Following his best friend’s death, military man Milton Haynes is forced to see a psychiatrist while he challenges his dishonourable discharge. Ally Winston, one year after being viciously assaulted, struggles to slot into the life her father has laid out for her, while Nestor Frings returns to Boston to find his parents have sold their home due to financial issues.

The three initially voice their pains through non-violent means, however, they soon find their efforts futile. In a world where outsiders are considered dangerous and are not to be trusted, it will be the insiders who do the damage. Follow Milton, Ally and Nestor as they come to, what they perceive to be, the inevitable conclusion: they must commit a terror attack.

Praise for the Book

“Eamonn Hickson brings the fascinating, dingy, and complex streets of Boston alive in his new novel TERROR, a probing novel of survival in the modern world. TERROR is a masterful portrait of the hard decisions and harder lives that must be lived during a dark time in American history – the present.” — Self-Publishing Review

Reviews of the Author's Other Work

“…a suspense thriller with a fascinating version of heaven versus hell that lingers after closing the pages.”

“Eamonn Hickson writes a vivid story of a war between angels and demons, and Heaven and Hell. The story captivates the audience as you witness deception, lies, and Heavenly Hosts that are working for the enemy.”

“Find yourself enmeshed in a roller coaster ride to a mind-numbing conclusion that will remain with you many a day to come.”

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Eamonn Hickson is an Irish author of three novels. He currently works as a radio journalist in Tralee, Co Kerry.

Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a print copy of TERROR

Open internationally

Ends December 20th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Weekly Update #244, the weather is finally feeling like winter...

Sunday, December 17, 2017 - Leave a Comment

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.

Only one more week until Christmas!! We finally got all the decorations up, including lights on the outside of the house. I'm finally feeling like it's the season. This week I plan on getting goodies baked, made up, and delivered to neighbors and friends and getting all the wrapping done. The weather has finally turned a little colder and we had a storm over the night that left a lot of rain. I love the coldness in the air! Of course, the high was still in the low 60s, which is about how cold we get here.

I'm also looking forward to some fun reading this week of non-review books and some holiday romances that are perfect for this time of year. On the blog, I have a much more relaxed schedule. Some book blitzes and some reviews, but nothing written in stone. Here's what you should see at some point:

There is no monthly giveaway this month, again, because I'm participating in some giveaway hops. There is also a giveaway for 2017 Debut Authors Bash for a coy of Last Star Burning, which I loved. Then you should check out two events for the 12 Days of Christmas that have some awesome giveaways that I'll be participating just about every day in. Here they all are:

I've been hosting a meme this year called Can't-Wait Wednesday that is taking over for my Waiting on Wednesday posts since the host, Jill over at Breaking the Spine, went inactive in August 2016. You're welcome to join in or link up your Waiting on Wednesday posts each week. Find out more here.