Monday, November 30, 2015

Pretending to Dance - Review & Giveaway #FRC2015

Review by Marlene Engel
Having previously lost a child, Molly and Aiden are going through the emotional journey of adoption.  Although they are a loving couple who believe in honesty and communication, Molly is hiding a huge secret from her husband.  Upon completing the section about her family for the adoption paperwork, Molly is brought back to when she was fourteen years old and the events that changed her life forever.

Bouncing back and forth from the present day to a pivotal time in Molly’s life when she was fourteen, the author sheds light on the true Molly.  From her close relationship with her father, to her first boy crush, and the realization that her life isn’t what it seems, we are given a bird’s eye view of the happenings of this crucial time in her life.  But it’s when her father dies that makes the biggest impact on her, causing her to lose trust in her mother and cut off ties with the family. 

Pretending to Dance is an emotion-packed, engaging book that will tug at your heart-strings.  The characters are relatable with their flaws and imperfections.  And the way the author perfectly alternates the present and the past to give you a story that is realistic while tackling tough issues is sheer genius.  So if you’re looking for a book with unexpected twists, surprising discoveries, with an element of suspense, you don’t want to miss out on this book.


Purchase the book at:


About the Author:
Diane Chamberlain is the USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of 24 novels published in more than twenty languages. Some of her most popular books include Necessary Lies, The Silent Sister, The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes, and The Keeper of the Light Trilogy. Diane likes to write complex stories about relationships between men and women, parents and children, brothers and sisters, and friends. Although the thematic focus of her books often revolves around family, love, compassion and forgiveness, her stories usually feature a combination of drama, mystery, secrets and intrigue. Diane's background in psychology has given her a keen interest in understanding the way people tick, as well as the background necessary to create her realistic characters.

Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and spent her summers at the Jersey Shore. She also lived for many years in San Diego and northern Virginia before making North Carolina her home.

Connect with the author at:

St. Martin’s Press is giving one lucky winner a print copy of
Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain
US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

A Christmas Homecoming - Giveaway

A kiss is just a kiss…

Unless it’s under the mistletoe.

Ellie Smith is determined to make up for Christmases past by spreading holiday cheer throughout the Bar V5 dude ranch, but tech “bah, humbug” billionaire, Josiah Whittaker, refuses to bask in the spirit of the season.

Unwilling to let the geek-to-gorgeous Josiah win, Ellie plans to give him a Christmas he’ll never forget. But after a simple kiss under the mistletoe, Ellie and Josiah both start questioning everything. Can Christmas really bring the gift neither one of them were expecting: true love?
  
Purchase the book at:
Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author, Melissa McClone has published over thirty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group and been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house.

Connect with the author at:
Website * Facebook * Twitter



Melissa is giving one lucky winner a
Santa themed prize pack!!!
Open INTERNATIONALLY!


1) Thirty One Littles Carry-All Caddy
2) Autographed backlist Christmas book - A little bit of Holiday Magic
3) A Christmas Homecoming Keychain
4) Kitchen towel
5) Oven mitt
6) Hot pad
7) Socks
8) Chocolate candy
9) Bookmarks

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Edge of Lost pub day celebration and a giveaway!

From New York Times bestselling author Kristina McMorris comes an ambitious and heartrending story of immigrants, deception, and second chances.

On a cold night in October 1937, searchlights cut through the darkness around Alcatraz. A prison guard's only daughter--one of the youngest civilians who lives on the island--has gone missing. Tending the warden's greenhouse, convicted bank robber Tommy Capello waits anxiously. Only he knows the truth about the little girl's whereabouts, and that both of their lives depend on the search's outcome.

Almost two decades earlier and thousands of miles away, a young boy named Shanley Keagan ekes out a living as an aspiring vaudevillian in Dublin pubs. Talented and shrewd, Shan dreams of shedding his dingy existence and finding his real father in America. The chance finally comes to cross the Atlantic, but when tragedy strikes, Shan must summon all his ingenuity to forge a new life in a volatile and foreign world.

Skillfully weaving these two stories, Kristina McMorris delivers a compelling novel that moves from Ireland to New York to San Francisco Bay. As her finely crafted characters discover the true nature of loyalty, sacrifice, and betrayal, they are forced to confront the lies we tell--and believe--in order to survive.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:
Kristina McMorris is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author published by Kensington Books, Penguin Random House, and HarperCollins. Her novels have garnered more than twenty national literary awards, as well as a nomination for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, RWA's RITA® Award, and a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction.

A frequent guest speaker and workshop presenter, McMorris holds a B.S. in International Marketing from Pepperdine University. For her diverse achievements, she has been named one of Portland's "Forty Under 40" by The Business Journal. She lives with her husband and two sons in the Oregon, where she is still sleep deprived but eagerly working on her next novel.

Connect with the author at:

Kensington Books is giving one lucky winner
A print copy of Kristina’s new book
The Edge of Lost & a compass necklace
US/Canada only


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 23, 2015

Get in the holiday spirit with Jane Porter!

Review by Marlene Engel
After a gunman opens fire at Daisy’s school leaving two injured, Cormac decides to leave the craziness of LA and move back to Montana to safely raise his daughter.  But relocating his company during the holiday season will be the bigger challenge. 

As Creative Director for Sheenan Media, Whitney has played a crucial role in the company’s publishing division.  When news of the relocation hits, she knows that this is the time for her to cut ties from the company … and the man who broke her heart years ago. 

Back in Montana, Cormac and Daisy are getting back to a normal routine.  But as she befriends the local Santa, and asks him for a special Christmas wish, Cormac gets nervous that he won’t be able to fulfill his daughter’s holiday wish.  If only he could find out what it is …

I love a good Christmas story and this was just the one to get me in the holiday spirit.  A take on the classic holiday film, Miracle of 34th Street, A Christmas Miracle for Daisy is a modern day version.  With an amazing story and a cast of characters you won’t soon forget, this is the perfect book to start off the holiday season.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:
Jane Porter, a native of Visalia, California, graduated from UCLA with a degree in American Studies and worked in sales and marketing before returning to school to earn a teaching credential and an MA in Writing from the University of San Francisco. A bestselling author, Jane has also been a finalist for the prestigious RITA award in 2002, 2003, 2008 and 2010 from Romance Writers of America, and her '06 release, Flirting With Forty, picked by Redbook as its Red Hot Summer Read, went back for seven printings in six weeks before being made into a December 08 Lifetime movie starring Heather Locklear. Jane, her surfer husband, and three sons make their home today in San Clemente, CA where she's currently working on her next novel.
                        
Connect with the author at:

Thursday, November 19, 2015

The Black Velvet Coat - Promo #FRC2015


Blurb:
Twenty-eight-year-old struggling San Francisco artist Anne McFarland is determined to get a one-woman show, even though no one, including herself, believes she can do it. But when she buys a coat at a thrift shop with a key in its pocket, strange, even magical, occurrences begin to unfold, and she is inspired to create her best work ever. Fifty years earlier, it’s 1963, and the coat’s original owner, young heiress Sylvia Van Dam, is headed toward a disastrous marriage with a scoundrel. In a split-second reaction she does the unimaginable, which propels her on a trip of self-discovery to nature-filled Northern Arizona. When Anne and Sylvia’s lives intersect, they are both forced to face their fears―and, in the process, realize their true potential.

Purchase the book at:


About the Author:
Jill G Hall's first novel, The Black Velvet Coat, was released October 6. She facilitates creativity groups for artists of all types and curates art shows at Inspirations Gallery, NTC at Liberty Station. Her poems have been published in A Year in Ink, City Works Press, Serving House Journal, and The Avocet. She resides in San Diego with her husband, Jerry and beagle-bassett, Lucy.

Connect with the author at:


Connect with BookSparks at:



Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Coming Apart at the Seams - Pre-Release Blitz & Kindle Giveaway


Coming Apart at the Seams
Riley O'Brien & Co. #2
By: Jenna Sutton
Releasing December 1, 2015
Berkley

Blurb

Love can take some time to break in...

Teagan O’Brien, heiress to the Riley O’Brien & Co. denim empire, is anything but a spoiled rich girl. She’s worked hard to secure her place in the family business and can hold her own, in and out of the office. Only one man has ever been able to get under her skin—sexy football star Nick Priest. Years ago they crossed the line from friends to lovers, but he left her heartbroken. Since then, she’s been determined to keep him at arm’s length—no matter how tempting he looks in his jeans...

Nick has fortune, fame, and looks that make most women hot and bothered. But he doesn't have the woman he really wants. He knows he screwed up when he walked away from Teagan, and now that he has a second chance, he’ll do whatever it takes to win her over—no matter how tongue-tied he gets...

Buy Links:  

About the Author:
Jenna Sutton spent most of her career as an award-winning journalist covering business-related topics including healthcare, commercial real estate, retail, and technology. Nowadays she writes about hot, lovable guys and the smart, sexy women who make them crazy. It’s the culmination of a lifelong dream, and she feels so lucky to be able to do it.
Jenna has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Christian University and a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University.
Jenna and her husband live in a 103-year-old house in Texas.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Enter to win a Kindle Fire HD 7”
&
Kindle Ebook of ALL THE RIGHT PLACES by Jenna Sutton

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Christmas Miracle on Oyster Bay - Guest Book Review

Guest Review by Kimberly Field
Then Comes Winter is a collection of Holiday short stories influenced by the works of Jane Austen. As an avid reader and lover of all things romance, I was excited to get my hands on this anthology. It is perfect for this time of year, when you might only have a few minutes to read. I started with debut author Denise Stout’s "Christmas Miracle on Oyster Bay."

"Christmas Miracle on Oyster Bay" is a story about an independent bookstore owner Lissa and law professor Simon. Lissa needs a Christmas miracle to keep her bookstore open. The bookstore is located in the house she inherited from her grandparents, and her grandfather ran a newsstand out of it when she was growing up. Lissa is feeling the crunch from a big box store that moved into the neighborhood. She also lives in part of the house. Lissa has known Simon for a bit through mutual friends but thinks he is stuffy and standoffish. Simon enlists Lissa’s help as a caterer and hostess for a party he needs to throw for colleagues. Lissa agrees, and they use part of the bookstore for the party. I enjoyed getting to know Lissa and Simon as they got to know each other. Does Lissa get her miracle? You will have to read for yourself to find out!

This was a wonderful story, perfect for a chilly night read and sparking some holiday spirit. I am looking forward to reading more stories in this collection and from Denise Stout.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:
Denise Stout dreamed about writing from a very early age, guided along the way by some special teachers who took interest in her writing and encouraged her to pursue her words in print. She loves to write stories about strong women who strive for the best in life, sometimes faltering, but who always have the fortitude to pick themselves back up again while finding love along the way.

A frequent contributor to FindSubscriptionBoxes.com, she also reviews books, movies, and products. When not driving carpools, watching her boys play sports from the sidelines, volunteering or other activities, she loves to read. And write. Or watch Jane Austen adaptations. Denise lives in the Baltimore area with her husband and three sons.

Connect with the author at:

Monday, November 16, 2015

I'll Be Home For Christmas - Promo & Giveaway

About the Book
Nothing says Christmas like New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde and Twilight, TX, and now Lori returns to Twilight for a brand new heartwarming holiday tale. The matchmaking members of the Cookie Club are up to their old tricks again!

Christmas in Twilight, Texas, is all merriment and mistletoe. The Cookie Club is whipping up their most festive sweets, the townspeople are scrambling to get their holiday shopping done, and Joe-a hometown guy with a restless heart-is dreaming about the woman he wants to kiss most…

…And who happens to be staying at his sister’s place over the holidays, while Joe’s sister is away. But Joe isn’t quite sure he wants to be a living Christmas present to runaway law student Gabi Preston.

Joe thinks the sassy sweetheart he nicknames “Trouble” won’t inconvenience anything but his healthy sex drive. But when he discovers the reasons Gabi escaped from her life, he aches to give her everything she’s never had. As the magic of the season draws them together, the gift of love is the only one worth giving…

Purchase Here:
I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

About the Author
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lori Wilde has sold seventy-eight works of fiction to four major New York Publishing houses. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University and a certificate in forensic nursing from Kaplan University. She is a member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

Her first NYT bestseller, the third book in her Twilight, Texas series, The First Love Cookie Club has been optioned for a television movie. The town of Granbury, Texas, upon which her fictional town of Twilight, Texas is loosely based, honors Lori with an annual Twilight, Texas weekend each Christmas. www.twilighttexas.com

A popular writing instructor, Lori is a two time RITA finalist and has four times been nominated for Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She’s won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, The Golden Quill, the Lories, and The More than Magic. Her books have been translated into 27 languages and excerpted in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Complete Woman, and Quick and Simple magazines. She lives in Texas with her husband, Bill, and her two New American Shepherds.

Connect with Lori Wilde at:
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Enter to win a
$50 gift card to a book retailer of choice &
A copy of I’ll Be Home For Christmas

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 12, 2015

The House of Bradbury - Cover Reveal

Book synopsis:
Mia Gladwell’s life is going nowhere. The media has skewered her debut novel, her fiancé Carson, a successful Hollywood producer, has jumped ship, and now she’s living in her sister’s carriage house—unattached, unemployed and uninspired. Then she learns that the Los Angeles estate of iconic author Ray Bradbury is up for sale, and she feels an immediate urge to buy the wonky old house, convinced that moving into the late author’s home will inspire her to create her best work yet.

Life in the Bradbury house is not what Mia imagined, however. Soon after moving in, to fulfill a debt she owes to Carson, she agrees to take in a pill-popping young actress as a tenant, and suddenly she finds herself in a balancing act between her needy ex, an unpredictable starlet, and her disapproving sister, who’s keeping a close eye on her. Add to all of this a series of mysterious sketches left at her doorstep by a stranger, and Mia’s life is more complicated than ever. As she searches for clues, though, Mia discovers insights into her own life. Maybe moving into Bradbury’s house was a big mistake—but maybe not.

Blurbs: 
"In her charming, wry debut, Nicole Meier brings together a frustrated writer, a Hollywood ingénue, and the weathered home of a literary great. Through a winsome protagonist and a perfectly painted Los Angeles backdrop, Meier reminds us that although we’re built on history, a wide open path still lies ahead.”

—Michelle Gable, author of A Paris Apartment and I’ll See You in Paris

     “The House of Bradbury weaves a contemporary Hollywood storyline with authentic Los Angeles literary history. The effect is a sparkling premise, memorable characters and crisp dialogue that draws in the reader. Author Nicole Meier whips up a thoroughly enjoyable modern story of self-discovery. Readers will find magic in The House of Bradbury.”

-Lian Dolan, creator and host of Satellite Sisters, author of bestselling novels Helen of Pasadena and Elizabeth the First Wife

     “Just as inspiration hits struggling writer Mia Gladwell, she agrees to take in a recovering young starlet.  With Ray Bradbury's former home as its backdrop, Nicole Meier weaves a delightful tale of accidental friendships and second chances.” 

—Amy Sue Nathan, author of The Good Neighbor and The Glass Wives

About the Author:
Nicole Meier is a native Southern Californian who pulled up roots and moved to the Pacific Northwest. She works as a freelance travel and lifestyle writer for several Oregon publications. When she’s not working, she’s fulfilling her wanderlust and writing about it at HaveToteWillTravel.com. She lives in Oregon with her husband and three children.

Connect with the author at:



A Jingle Valley Wedding - Giveaway

Blurb:
New York executive Julie Tate knows what it takes to win in the financial world, but her big-city success could never prepare her for her latest career move. When her brother abandons the failing family farm, Julie hopes its salvation lies in transforming it into western Massachusetts’s newest premier wedding venue. With her social-savvy friend Freddy in her corner, Julie feels infallible. But as their bank account dwindles and one obstacle after another crops up, the business partners wonder if their venture is doomed for failure before the first bride walks down the aisle. Maybe the best way to succeed in a business based on romance is to find one.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:
Martha Reynolds is the author of six novels, including the Amazon bestsellers Chocolate for Breakfast, Bits of Broken Glass, and Best Seller. Her writing has appeared in Magnificat magazine and her very short poem was read by journalist Connie Schultz during NPR’s Tell Me More poetry challenge. She and her husband live in Rhode Island, never far from the ocean.

Connect with the author at:

Martha is giving one lucky winner a
$25 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Laguna Lights

Welcome back to Laguna Beach, California ... 

Laura Kinkaid’s glamorous Hollywood life is falling apart. After years of reality television stardom beginning in high school on Laguna Nights, her career and relationship with her long-term boyfriend Scott are fizzling out. Laura decides to go home to Laguna Beach for the weekend to attend a baby shower for her high school friend. That decision – and a car accident – will lead her to a new future, if she’s ready to take a chance at love. 

Paul Dorn’s former life in New York City is far behind him and he’s working in a popular Laguna Beach surf shop when fate brings the most beautiful woman he’s ever met into his life. The attraction is instant and he has an overwhelming desire to protect her. While Paul’s retail sales career is a short-term job for market research purposes, his focus on Laura is long-term. 

Will Laura allow a handsome stranger to help her create a future unlike her past, or will the bright lights of Hollywood pull her back to LA? 

***Laguna Lights can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. And if you enjoy Laura and Paul's love story, please consider reading the rest of the Laguna Beach series. 

Purchase the book at:

Laguna Nights (Laguna Beach Book 1), Madison and Josh's story 

Laguna Heights (Laguna Beach Book 2), Annie and Hank's story 
Laguna Lights (Laguna Beach Book 3), Laura and Paul's story 
Laguna Sights (Laguna Beach Book 4), Coming early 2016!

About the Author:
Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart. 

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:

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

The Light of Hidden Flowers - Pub Day Promo & Giveaway

Summary:
Book-smart Melissa Fletcher lives a predictable life in her hometown, working behind the scenes for her charismatic father in a financial career that makes perfect sense. But when her dad is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Missy is forced to step up and take over as his primary caregiver and the principal of the firm.
                                                           
After her father’s death, Missy finds a letter from him in which he praises her for being a dutiful daughter but admonishes her for not taking any risks in life.

Devastated, Missy packs her suitcase and heads for Italy. There she meets a new friend who proposes a radical idea. Soon, Missy finds herself in impoverished India, signing away her inheritance and betting on a risky plan while rekindling a lost love.

The Light of Hidden Flowers is a deeply felt story of accepting who we are while pushing our boundaries to see how much more we can become. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams.

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:
Jennifer Handford was born in Phoenix, Arizona, where she lived until she moved to Oregon for college and graduate school. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., and has lived in the Virginia/Washington, D.C., area for fifteen years.  Jennifer is married and has three daughters. 

Connect with the author at:





LakeUnion Publishing is giving 1 lucky winner a print copy of
The Light of Hidden Flowers by Jennifer Handford
US only


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Put a Ring On It - Review #FRC2015

Review by Marlene Engel
Brighton, leaving nothing to chance, has her life planned out.  That is, until her fiancé dumps her and, on a whim, marries someone else.  Needing some time off, she makes her way to Black Dog Bay, a place that jilted lovers flock to.  While there, she meets rich and sexy Jake Sorensen and, to spite her ex-fiance, marries him at a drive through chapel.  Brighton knows that she’s making frivolous decisions, but she doesn’t care.  She has spent her whole life playing by the book.  She’s ready to let loose and have some fun!  But when Brighton finds out some truths about Jake, she’s unsure if she should jump ship or see where this adventure takes her.

What I’ve always loved about Beth Kendrick’s books is that they have a feel-good vibe to them.  You just can’t pick up one of Beth’s books and not leave satisfied with how the story read.  With a fun story and a cast of characters you won’t soon forget, Put a Ring On It has everything you need for a fantastic read.  So if you’re looking for a fun book that’s all that and a bag of dog treats, this is the one for you. 

Purchase the book at:

About the Author:
Beth Kendrick won the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award for My Favorite Mistake. She has a Ph.D. in psychology and an unshakable devotion to the Chicago Cubs. After surviving too many Minnesota winters, she moved to Arizona.

Connect with the author at:

Learn more about BookSparks at: