A Book Lover

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Chameleon by Jillian Kent

I just received this book in the mail yesterday. I really enjoyed the first book so I am looking forward to reading this one.

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingChameleonRealms (May 15, 2012)byJillian Kent

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.

Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.

Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.

Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

How much can you really know about someone?
Lady Victoria Grayson has always considered herself a keen observer of human behavior. After battling a chronic childhood illness that kept her homebound for years, she journeys to London determined to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Jaded by his wartime profession as a spy, Lord Witt understands, more than most, that everyone is not always who they pretend to be. He meets Victoria after the Regent requests an investigation into the activities of her physician brother, Lord Ravensmoore.

Witt and Victoria become increasingly entangled in a plot targeting the lords of Parliament. Victoria is forced to question how well she knows those close to her while challenging Witt’s cynical nature and doubts about God. Together they must confront their pasts in order to solve a mystery that could devastate their future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chameleon, go HERE.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade (Review)

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMy Stubborn Heart• Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)byBecky Wade

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!

This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun -- and funny -- contemporary romance. Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman's choice to listen to God and wait on him. Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. ;Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

If you would like to read the first chapter of My Stubborn Heart, go HERE.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a good debut novel. The chemistry between Kate and Matt was smoking but appropriate. This is a Christian fiction book. The supporting characters were also well written. The plot line was interesting and held my attention from beginning to end. I can't wait to read another book by this author. Recommended. :)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Traveler's Rest by Ann Tatlock (Review)

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTraveler’s Rest
Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)byAnn Tatlock

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A YOUNG WOMAN determined to honor her commitment...

AN INJURED SOLDIER convinced life is no longer worth living...

A RETIRED DOCTOR certain it's too late to be forgiven...

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated.

Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do.

Beautifully written, Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Traveler’s Rest, go HERE.

My Review:
I loved this book. It is well written and the character's pop off the page. One of my favorite quotes from the book is this one. "Life's gearshift's got no reverse, so you have to just keep moving forward." So very true. I admired how Jane was determined to do the right thing no matter what. I felt awful for Seth and what he was going through. I support our military even though nobody is perfect and there are issues everywhere. My Dad is in the Air National Guard and I have several extended family members serving our Country so this book really touched me. The author's writing was beautiful and the plot intense but good. Highly Recommended! :)

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Read-a-long

The Secret Garden is one of my all time favorite books that I have read many times. It has been awhile since my last reread. I saw that Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books is holding a read a long this month and I was so excited. If you would like to particpate please sign up at her blog. http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/the-secret-garden-read-a-long-may-1-may-31/

Sunday, April 29, 2012

The Sunday Salon April 29, 2012

* Ok so I know some people are probably sick of hearing me say this. I can't believe the year is going by so fast. It is a little depressing considering I am not where I want to be or thought I would be.

* It is a beautiful day outside here in the Deep South but I am inside. What is wrong with that picture? lol I wish I had someone to do things with and an outside hobby like bike riding etc.

* Does anyone besides me hate the new blogger? It keeps freezing up on me when I am trying to type a new post. It is so annoying.

* I have been in a little reading slump. I have not had a lot of time lately to read. Has anyone read anything great lately they would recommend?

* I am still cleaning and cooking. That is what I usually spend Sundays doing. I need a magic fairy to come and clean my whole house for me every week. lol

* I hope everyone has a great week and lots of reading time. :)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Her Restless Heart by Barbara Cameron (Review)

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHer Restless Heart
Abingdon Press (April 2012)byBarbara Cameron

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies (HBO-Cinemax), and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

When a relative took her to visit the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she felt led to write about the spiritual values and simple joys she witnessed there. She currently resides in Edgewater, FL.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary Katherine is caught between the traditions of her faith and the pull of a different life. When Daniel, an Amish man living in Florida, arrives and shares her restlessness, Mary Katherine feels drawn to him and curious about the life he leads away from Lancaster County.

But her longtime friend Jacob has been in love with her for years. He’s discouraged that she’s never viewed him as anything but a friend and despairs that he is about to lose Mary Katherine to this outsider.

Will the conflicted Mary Katherine be lost to the English world, or to Daniel, who might take her away to Florida? Or will she embrace her Amish faith and recognize Jacob as the man she should marry and build a life with?

If you want to read the first chapter of Her Restless Heart, go HERE.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a good Amish book. This is my first book by this author but not last. I can't wait to read the other books in the series. :)

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Fitness Contest

We’re celebrating the release of Cami Checketts’ novel Dead Running with a huge fitness giveaway.

Prizes Include:

Experienced and beginner yoga packages from Hugger Mugger

Two MIO Global Active Watches

Three months online personal training from Fitcore Fitness

Three Lebert Stretch Straps

Fitness Apparel from Running Chics

One pair of running shoes from Altra Zero Drop

iFrogz Earbuds and Armbands

Six month adult membership: Smithfield Recreation Center

One month membership: Crossfit UAC

Autographed copy of Dead Running by Cami Checketts

Win one of these amazing prizes simply by following this blog or liking my Facebook page and leaving a comment below. Please visit each of our sponsors’ websites to learn more about their products and decide which one you’d like to win. While you’re at their site, like their page or follow their blog to show our gratitude for their donation to this fun blogfest. You can enter on as many different blogs as you like, a list of the participating blogs is featured at the end of this post.

Hugger Mugger Yoga Experienced
and Beginner Yoga Packages.

Value: $325.00

Hugger Mugger Website

Hugger Mugger on Facebook

Two MIO Global Active Watches

Value: $239.98

MIO’s Website

Like MIO on Facebook

MIO is the number one brand in strapless Heart Rate monitoring

with features like calorie management systems, all day steps counting,

distance tracking, and fitness assessment tools.

Three months online fitness training

Value: $150

Fitcore Website -- Fitcore on Facebook

Three Lebert Stretch Straps

Value: $48.49 each

Lebert Fitness Website

Like Lebert Fitness on Facebook

Flexibility and mobility are two vital components of fitness.

The Lebert Stretch Strap™ is a simple, innovative tool that will

allow you to stretch more comfortably and hold that stretch longer!

Two $50 Gift Certificates to spend on Running Chics fitness apparel.

Running Chics Website

Running Chics on Facebook

Whether you're running a race or just running around town, you should feel comfortable.

And there's no reason you shouldn't look good, too!

We're Running Chics...just like you,

and we know that fashion and performance can go hand-in-hand.

Altra Running Shoes - Value: $109.99

Altra Zero Drop Website - Altra Running on Facebook

Altra Zero Drop Footwear features the world's first ever line of
fully cushioned Zero Drop™ running shoes
designed to improve form and reduce initial impact.

iFrogz Armbands and Earbuds - Value: $175.00

iFrogz Website - iFrogz on Facebook

iFrogz is native to Cache Valley and offers awesome
accessories for your iPods, iPhones, and iPads.

Six month adult membership - Value: $157

Smithfield Recreation Website - Smithfield Rec. on Facebook

Value: $90.00
One Month Membership -

Crossfit’s Website - Crossfit on Facebook

*Available in Cache Valley only

Dead Running

Autographed Copy

Donated by Cami Checketts

Buy Now only $3.99 Kindle

$14.99 Print
Cami's Website

Cassidy Christensen is running.

Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.

Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.

Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she’ll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

Leave a comment below to enter to win one of these great prizes. Please list the top three prizes you're interested in with your comment. An entry will be chosen from each of the participating blogs and then drawn through random.org. Prize winners will be posted be on Cami’s Blog.

Contest closes: May 18, 2012

Open to residents of U.S. and Canada.

Thanks for stopping by!

The blogs involved in this giveaway are some of the top fitness, running, book, and Mom blogs on the internet. Have fun checking out their content and entering the fitness giveaway on each of their sites.

Running Diva Mom

Caution: Redhead Running

Secrets of a Running Mom

Janet Jensen

Cheryls Book Nook

Rachelle Writes

If I Can't Convince You I'll Atleast Confuse You