Book Mama Blog

About the Author:

Sally Kilpatrick lives in Marietta with her husband, Ryan, and her two children. We shall call these precious and precocious children The Hobbit and Her Majesty.

Her debut novel, The Happy Hour Choir will be released by Kensington on April 28, 2015.The Happy Hour Choir won the Duel on the Delta, finaled in the Maggie Awards for Excellence and was a 2012 Golden Heart® finalist. Sally has two other novels coming down the pike—think Shakespeare with cows (Starcrossed and Moonblind) and It’s a Wonderful Life in a funeral home (Giving up the Ghost, a 2013 Maggie finalist).

A former Spanish teacher—because that’s what you do with an English major—Sally took an extended sabbatical when her husband gave her an application to Kennesaw State University’s Master of Arts in Professional Writing Program for Christmas 2007. (Best Christmas Present Ever!)

Sally is also the current president of Georgia Romance Writers.

For fun, Sally likes to read, write, run, and—you guessed it—sing in her church choir.

Connect with the author at:

Kensington is giving one lucky winner a print copy of

Bittersweet Creek by Sally Kilpatrick

US only

Monday, October 26, 2015

Corrupted - Giveaway

Bennie Rosato the founder of the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm hides her big heart beneath her tough-as-nails exterior and she doesn't like to fail. Now, a case from her past shows her how differently things might have turned out. Thirteen years ago, Bennie Rosato took on Jason Lefkavick, a twelve-year-old boy who was sent to a juvenile detention center after fighting a class bully. Bennie couldn't free Jason, and to this day it's the case that haunts her. Jason has grown up in and out of juvenile prison, and his adulthood hasn't been any easier. Bennie no longer represents those accused of murder, but when Jason is indicted for killing the same bully he fought with as a kid, she sees no choice but to represent him. She doesn't know whether or not to believe his claims of innocence, but she knows she owes him for past failures-of the law, of the juvenile justice system, and of herself. Forced to relive the darkest period of her life, Bennie will do everything in her power to get the truth, and justice.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:

Lisa Scottoline is the New York Timesbestselling author and Edgar award-winning author of 24 novels, including her upcoming work, CORRUPTED. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter Francesca Serritella for thePhiladelphia Inquirer titled "Chick Wit" which is a witty and fun take on life from a woman's perspective.

Lisa believes in writing what you know, and she puts so much of herself into her books. What you may or may not learn about Lisa from her books is that she is an incredibly generous person, an engaging and entertaining speaker, a die-hard Eagles fan, and a good cook. She loves the color pink, her Ipod has everything from U2 to Sinatra to 50 Cent, she is proud to be an American, and nothing makes her happier than spending time with her daughter.   

Connect with the author at:

St. Martin’s Press is giving one lucky winner a print copy of

Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline

US only

Friday, October 23, 2015

If I Could Turn Back Time - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

Ramie has a life than many only dream of. At 38 years old, she has a successful career and rubs elbows with the rich and famous. Much different than the middle-class lifestyle she grew up in. But the older she gets, the more she realizes that something’s missing. While on a boat with friends, she consumes one too many drinks and decides to dive into the water. The next thing she knows, she’s back in her childhood bed being woken up for school. School? Wait! How did that happen?

She comes to realize that it’s the eve of her eighteenth birthday. But how could that be? It must be a dream, but she’s not waking up. So she just goes with it. Hey, being 18 again with a flat stomach, smooth skin and the smarts of a 38 year old? This may not be a bad thing after all. She starts to wonder if she changes some things in the past, if it will affect her future differently. Maybe she can prevent her father’s death. Or change the outcome of the relationship she had with her high school sweetheart.

Let’s be honest. Who hasn’t thought … what if I did this differently? Would things have turned out better? Or, if I had a time machine, I’d go back to (fill in the blank) and change that. But what many of us don’t think about is how the choices we made, no matter good or bad, have shaped the person we are today. And if we could go back in time, how the changes would affect our future and the future of those close to us. It’s a true tale of shoulda, woulda, coulda. Though true to Beth Harbison form, the book was fun, witty and highly entertaining, she also got you thinking. I found myself putting the book down and pondering if I would’ve done things the same as Ramie. And, to be honest, I don’t know how I would’ve handled things if I were in her position.

Once again Beth Harbison writes a book worthy of accolades. With characters you can relate to and a story that has you laughing one minute and puts you in serious thought the next, this book is one that should be on everyone’s To Be Read list.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:

BETH HARBISON is the New York Times bestselling author of Driving with the Top Down; Chose the Wrong Guy, Gave Him the Wrong Finger; When in Doubt, Add Butter; Always Something There to Remind Me; Thin, Rich, Pretty; Hope in a Jar; Secrets of a Shoe Addict; and Shoe Addicts Anonymous. She grew up in Potomac, Maryland, outside Washington, D.C., and now divides her time between that suburb, New York City, and a quiet home on the Eastern Shore.

Connect with the author at:

St. Martin’s Press is giving one lucky winner a print copy of
If I Could Turn Back Time by Beth Harbison

US only

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

A Montana Born Christmas - Blitz & Giveaway

Synopsis:

Ready to two-step under the mistletoe with a hot cowboy? How about a gorgeous tycoon? Spend a white Christmas in Montana with eight heartwarming, contemporary romances. This limited edition collection features sweet and sexy holiday stories from bestselling and award-winning authors. You’ll find eight romantic heroes to fall in love with in A Montana Born Christmas boxed set. And all for less than a dollar!

Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter
Life has been tough at Copper Mountain Ranch and widower Brock Sheenan’s kids have never had a proper Christmas. His new housekeeper, Harley Diekerhoff, is determined to change that–but she doesn’t count on falling in love with her taciturn boss.

Come Home for Christmas, Cowboy by Megan Crane
Christina Grey Cooper has finally given up on her marriage and returned home to Marietta to lick her wounds. But Dare can’t let the love of his life go, even if what’s standing in the way of a true holiday miracle is himself… Can the magic of a White Christmas in Montana help him save what he’s nearly lost forever?

A Cowgirl’s Christmas by CJ Carmichael
Betrayed by her father, Callan Carrigan has to decide what matters most to her. Fighting Court McAllister to get back the family ranch, or giving Court what he really wants—her heart.

A Cowboy for Christmas by Katherine Garbera
Back in Marietta, disgraced, the last person Annie Pruhomme wants to see is hunky Carson Scott. Does he hold a grudge, and why does he still look so hot?

Mistletoe Wedding by Melissa McClone
An instant family isn’t on ranch foreman Tyler Murphy’s Christmas list, but event planner Meg Redstone’s kisses are. Getting her under the mistletoe, however, is going to take a miracle…or help from Santa.

A Sweet Montana Christmas by Roxanne Snopek
A marriage in jeopardy, a decrepit honey farm and an unexpected birth on a dark, snowy night. All they need to rediscover their love is a Christmas miracle.

Blame the Mistletoe by Dani Collins
Commiseration over being alone for the holidays turns to a holiday fling, making Liz Flowers think Blake Canon is giving her the Best Christmas Ever. But when family secrets are revealed and their children arrive home early, will they be able to keep the season bright?

Her Mistletoe Cowboy by Alissa Callen
Ivy Bishop plans to spend Christmas holed up on an isolated Montana ranch far from the city and her ex-fiancé. But the more time she spends with the workaholic cowboy next door the more she realizes her heart isn’t actually broken – yet.

Purchase the Bundle At:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble * Kobo * iTunes

GIVEAWAY OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

$10 Amazon gift card
eBook copy of Home for Christmas by Melissa McClone eBook
eBook copy of Flirting with Forty, a free download for the Kidnapped Christmas Bride + swag
eBook of any Megan Crane backlist title
eBook copies of Promise Me, Cowboy, & Good Together by CJ Camichael
all four e-book titles in The Scott Brothers series by Katherine Gabera
eBook copy of His Outback Cowgirl by Alissa Callen
eBook of Hometown Hero by Dani Collins and a $10 Starbucks card + swags)

Monday, October 19, 2015

A Guy + A Cat = A Great Read! Plus a Giveaway!

Review by Janine Rowe

A heartfelt and inspiring story of James Bowen, a London street musician, and his faithful feline companion Bob.

In this book, James looks back on one of the toughest Christmases with Bob and how they survived, yet made a memorable Christmas for themselves and James’ good friend Belle.

The book is filled with delightful stories like when James is desperate for money and his supporters at the Angel Station are there to give him donations and when James gives back to those who help him by handing out Christmas cards. Gut wrenching stories of an encounter with a drug dealer and how James and Bob managed to get away from him and the heartbreaking tale of Belle’s lost Christmas gift. These are just a few of the stories in this book. If you are in need of inspiration this holiday season, or just any time you want a feel good story, I would recommend reading this book. It left me feeling inspired to do something good for someone. I also enjoyed the illustrations at the end of each chapter. I thought that was a special touch.

Purchase this book at:

About the Author:

JAMES BOWEN is the author of the bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob. He found Bob the cat in 2007 and the pair have been inseparable ever since. They both live in north London.

Connect with the author at:

Facebook * Twitter

St. Martin’s Press is giving one lucky winner a print copy of

A Gift From Bob by James Bowen

US only

Friday, October 16, 2015

Get Snowbound with Debbie Mason & a Giveaway

Snowbound at Christmas
Christmas Colorado #5

By: Debbie Mason

Releasing September 29, 2015

Forever

Blurb

Surviving the holidays will take a Christmas miracle . . .

Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch-until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man.

Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Author Info

Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Three $25 Amazon Gift Cards

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Happy Pub Day For Laguna Heights!

Annie and Hank have created a perfect life in Laguna Beach but when a dark secret is revealed, will their marriage survive?

In high school, Annie Johns was the calm, supportive sidekick to the rest of the tumultuous female stars of the hit reality TV show, Laguna Nights. Today, she’s living the happy life as a mom that she predicted on the show long ago. There’s only one problem: the secret from her past that haunts her most nights, a secret that if revealed could ruin everything she shares with her husband, Hank, a man who saved her from the heartache.

The second book in the Laguna Beach series, Laguna Heights, follows Annie’s story. It shows you glimpses of her past so you are able to fully understand the present state she’s in. From her college days and an abusive boyfriend, to her current life with her husband, the author does a magnificent job pulling the whole story together. But it’s when Annie’s ex returns and the secret she’s been keeping threatens to surface that her strength is truly tested and we’ll see if the love that her and her husband share is strong enough to withstand it all.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:

Kaira Rouda is a USA Today bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary women's fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart. Her women's fiction titles include HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and IN THE MIRROR. Her bestselling short story is titled, A MOTHER'S DAY. Kaira's work has won the Indie Excellence Award, USA Book Awards, the Reader's Choice Awards and honorable mention in the Writer's Digest International Book Awards. Her books have been widely reviewed and featured in leading magazines.

Her sexy contemporary romance series set on INDIGO ISLAND includes: WEEKEND WITH THE TYCOON, Book 1; HER FORBIDDEN LOVE, Book 2; THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS, Book 3; and THE BILLIONAIRE'S BID, Book 4. Each of these novellas can be read as a stand-alone, or enjoyed as a series. Her new series is set in LAGUNA BEACH and includes: LAGUNA NIGHTS, Book 1; LAGUNA HEIGHTS, Book 2; and LAGUNA LIGHTS, Book 3 coming winter 2015. She also helped launch Melissa Foster's The Remington's Kindle World with her bestselling novella, SPOTLIGHT ON LOVE, and is part of Carly Phillips Dare to Love Kindle World with THE CELEBRITY DARE.

Her nonfiction titles, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, and REAL YOU FOR AUTHORS: 8 Essentials for Women Writers (available for free download on her website) continue to inspire.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and four almost-grown kids, and is at work on her next novel.

Connect with the author at:

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

The Good Neighbor - Review #FRC2015

Review by Marlene Engel

Shadow Cove, Washington, is the kind of town everyone dreams about—quaint streets, lush forests, good neighbors. That’s what Sarah thinks as she settles into life with her new husband, Dr. Johnny McDonald. But all too soon she discovers an undercurrent of deception. And one October evening when Johnny is away, sudden tragedy destroys Sarah’s happiness.

Dazed and stricken with grief, she and Johnny begin to rebuild their shattered lives. As she picks up the pieces of her broken home, Sarah discovers a shocking secret that forces her to doubt everything she thought was true—about her neighbors, her friends, and even her marriage. With each stunning revelation, Sarah must ask herself, Can we ever really know the ones we love?

Set in Shadow Cove, Washington children’s book author Sarah and her husband Johnny enjoy their small town. Until one night when tragedy strikes and will change the course of their lives forever. As Sarah tries to mend their uprooted lives, she comes across secrets and lies that has her questioning everything that she thought to be true. Even to the point of wondering if her own husband is who she has always thought he was.

There’s nothing like a good mystery to keep you on your toes. The author’s attention to detail, captivating story-line and character development was impeccable. The second you think you have it figured out, another twist is thrown at you. A fast-paced, quick read. But one you definitely don’t want to miss!

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:

A. J. Banner grew up reading Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier, and other masters of love and mystery. She enjoyed sneaking thrillers from her parents' library, which gave her excellent fodder for her first novel of psychological suspense, The Good Neighbor. Born in India and raised in North America, she always dreamed of writing gripping stories in which nothing is what it seems. She's hard at work on her next novel in her home office overlooking a Pacific Northwest forest.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Winter Stroll - Review & Giveaway

Review by Darcie Czajkowski

The holidays are a magical time. There’s caroling and decorations, hot toddies and warm apple cider. Family visits from near and afar, and people are just a little bit kinder than the rest of the year.

But life doesn’t stop in December and, often times, the holiday can amplify problems, and everything seems more chaotic. That’s when family can step up and help you through those times. And for the Quinn family, they may need each other more than ever this year.

Picking up where things left off in Hilderbrand’s Winter Street, Winter Street Inn owner Kelley Quinn and his wife Mitzi’s son, Bart, is still missing in Afghanistan. His likely capture by a dangerous extremist group has driven Mitzi to drink. Too much. Too often. And her state of mind isn’t ameliorated by her decision to take up residence with the Inn’s former Santa Claus, George, with whom she used to have a once-a-year affair. But when the Santa suit comes off in Lenox, Massachusetts, everyday isn’t full of Christmas cheer. She misses Kelley, plain and simple, and returns to Nantucket for the baptism of Kelley’s grandchild, the daughter of Kelley’s son with his first wife, Margaret.

Margaret will also be there. Drake, the pediatric surgeon she’s been dating for several years, the one who works too much and wouldn’t take the time off to go to Nantucket for the baptism, surprises Margaret by showing up on Nantucket. He may have another surprise up his sleeve as well.

Kevin Quinn has come a long way since last year. Now he’s happily engaged to Isabelle, the Inn’s manager, and their daughter, Genevieve, is about to be baptized. The entire family will be present for the service and celebration. Everyone except Kevin’s two brothers.

First, there’s Bart. Missing in action. Potentially a P.O.W.

Then there’s Patrick, who is currently serving time in jail for insider trading. His wife, Jennifer, whom Kevin and his siblings see as a sister, is holding down the fort with their three boys. Or is she? The boys aren’t making things easy on her, and she’s found a way of coping, albeit a highly dangerous one.

At least Ava, Kevin’s sister, will be there to see her niece get baptized. Or will she? When her ex-boyfriend, her long-time love who wouldn’t commit, returns to Nantucket, he insists he made a huge mistake and wants her back. But now Ava’s dating sweet Scott, who is the best boyfriend she could ever ask for. Or is he?

When the Quinn family plus George and Drake come together for the baptism, there is laughter, tears, and a whole lot of drama, especially when Kevin’s conniving ex-wife shows up out of the blue and stirs the pot, calling into question whether there will even be a baptism after all.

Filled with realistic family dynamics and a juicy plot, Winter Stroll is the perfect follow-up to last year’s Winter Street. Hilderbrand excels at escalating drama and chapter-end cliffhangers, which made me want to read the entire book in one sitting. For a rather short story, I applaud the character development that Hilderbrand achieved and appreciated that her characters covered a wide range of personalities. Winter Stroll is a reminder that life doesn’t become perfect around the holidays, but with family to hold us together, we can all be filled with the Christmas spirit.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:

Elin Hilderbrand does her best writing on the beaches of Nantucket, as well as on the charming streets of Beacon Hill in Boston. She has three magical children who beg her not to sing along to the radio or dance in public.Winter Stroll is her sixteenth novel.

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Little, Brown and Company is giving two lucky winners print copies of

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand

Open Internationally!