The Christmas Singing

Title: The Christmas Singing
Author:  Cindy Woodsmall
Publisher:  Waterbrook Press
Available:  now
Received:  Blogging for Books
Pages:  210
Genre:  Christmas Romantic Fiction

Synopsis:
After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s hopes?
Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.

Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

Experience the holidays with the Plain folk and discover the power of second chances in this touching story from the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Bridge of Peace.

Gideon Beiler has loved Mattie Eash since they were children. But when faced with unexpected circumstances, he makes up an excuse to end their engagement. He doesn’t want to lie to her, but he believes that telling Mattie the truth will be more hurtful.  

Brokenhearted, Mattie moves from Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania to Ohio, where she pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator. She finds a new beau—a man offering the secure relationship Gideon has denied her.  

When Mattie is forced to return to Apple Ridge, she and Gideon must confront the suffering created by his dishonesty – and address the powerful emotions that continue to bind the two childhood friends.

My Take:
It's always a wonder that someone can pack so much information with such few words.  And yet Ms. Woodsmall does it in this book.  She has made us fall in love with each of the characters and find a meaningful story with those few words.

Sometimes lying seems to be the easy way out and as Christians we should know better, but sometimes we just don't listen to God.  It's the same as forgiveness...hard to forgive but being Christlike we should always be willing to do just that and maybe grow in the process.
This short novella was mesmerizing and perfect for the cold snowy days that come with Christmas.  Not only for a great read but to remember why we do celebrate Christmas.  There were many feelings portrayed through the book that if you are looking for a sweet HEA that is funny, sweet, poignant, I urge you to pick up this book.

COVER REVEAL AND GIVEAWAY

 

 

 

Title:  Sins of the Fallen (book 1)

Author:  Karina Espinosa

Available:  today

Genre: YA Fantasy

When seventeen-year-old Maximillion Taylor and his best friend, Jones go to a house party, he doesn't expect to get kidnapped—much less by a succubus—and she's not the only one on the hunt. Thrown into a world of angels and demons, where nothing and no one is what they seem, Max ventures to find his true identity and learn to fight the demons who pursue him. When his origin is revealed, it's a race against the clock for a battle that will determine whether he can protect the ones he loves or succumb to his true nature. Through lies, betrayal, love and pain, Max must prepare to face the demons before it is too late…

 

 

Book Buy Links:

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And coming soon to a bookseller near you...the second book to Sins of the Fallen

Title:  Greed

Author:  Karina Espinosa

Available: now

Genre:  YA Fantasy

 

Maximillion can never return to the normal life he once had—not now that he's Wrath—one of the seven Nephilims. After the failed battle with Abbadon and his demons, the death of a loved one, and the betrayal of the person he trusted the most—Max was forced to go into hiding. But not before devising a plan to look for answers: to search for the other Nephilim.

Max and his best friend/guardian angel, Jones are on the run for a month before their first clue leads them to Sin City, Las Vegas to find the Nephilim of Greed, but Nikolai's reluctance to help and fear of an unknown force leaves Max with more questions than answers. 

Will he discover who is hunting the Nephilim? And if he does, can he overcome the forces of evil against them?

Find out in the sequel to Sins of the Fallen, where Karina Espinosa pulls readers back to the saga unfolding in the world of angels and demons—a world where everything falls part.

 

About the Author:  Karina Espinosa

Born in New York City, my family picked up and moved to South Florida when I was twelve. After high school I spent the next few years traveling and experiencing what life had to offer me. At twenty four years old, I'm back in South Florida in my third year of University-majoring in Communication studies. When not in the writing cave, I usually have my nose in a book or on Netflix, cut off from the world with a huge bowl of ice cream.

 

Author Social Links:

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GIVEAWAY!

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: At the End of the Line

Author: Abby Vandiver, Kathryn Dionne



Publisher:  Media Web
Available: now
Pages:  274
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Received:  From Author for Review

 

 Synopsis:
A wrong number, and a cry of desperation at the end of the line, sparks a long distance friendship between two women who’ve never met. Through fourteen years of trouble and heartache of a stagnant domestic life, the struggle for civil rights, and the stigma of interracial relationships, a bond forms between the two that changes both of their lives forever.

It’s 1958, a time when women and Negroes are deemed second-class and are being second-guessed, from there arises a perfect storm for change and the perfect time for an unlikely friendship.

Beatrice “Beanie” Peterson, forced to marry at fifteen and live with two sister wives, six children, and an abusive husband twenty years her senior, is looking for a way out.

Adeline “Liddie” Garrison, friend of Jack Kennedy, wife of a prominent Boston business man, and resident of Beacon Hill has already found her way in.

My Take:
Speechless, this book left me without words.  There are so many things that are good with the book, I'll start with the bad.  Wait, I can't.  There is no bad.  Except for the realism in some of the scenes that made me want to scream and say there was no way this could have happened.  The sad truth is that everything in this book has happened, at least the historical aspects.  The religious persecution, which unfortunately still happens today, the racism, that still happens today, the inequality, I could go on. 
I couldn't put this book down.  As bad as it got and as bad as I wanted it to stop, I had to read. I needed to know that there was something good out of this.  I loved all the realism in the book, there is so much that happened in those years, that the newer generations don't really know about and this book helps show that from a personal aspect.  The research that had to go into this shows in the writing.  I loved how an unlikely friendship forms when we least expect it and to never take things for granted.  There were so many mysteries and lies woven along the way, I couldn't begin to imagine how everything could be tidied up by the end of the book, I really hope we learn more about what happens to these characters, but if not, I was still left satisfied if not a bit amazed. 
I highly recommend this book if you like realism in your books and history.  There are some dark parts, but this is historically accurate and unfortunately that was the way things were. 

PICK IT UP!

I CAN'T GIVE IT ENOUGH STARS!

 Title:  Snowed Under
Author:  Jen Greyson
Available:  now
Publisher: Alexander Cole Publishing Group
Pages: 172
Genre:  Steamy Contemporary NA Romance
 

About the Book:
SNOWED UNDER is a novella and the content may not be suitable for all audiences (The sex is super steamy :)

Hippie + Logger = Enough heat to melt the fiercest Alaskan snow storm.

Cassidy has life all figured out. She’s one semester away from finishing her degree and then she’s off to save Mother Earth. But first, she has to stop the planet-murdering Whetman Logging.

Teague Whetman brought MIT home to the family logging business in Alaska. They’re high-tech artesian. But even his advanced technology can’t handle Cassidy’s handcuffs when she chains herself to the main saw.

When a late-Spring storm hammers the little town of Bear Ridge with eighty inches of snow, Teague and Cassidy must put aside their animosity to battle a power outage, crazed wildlife, and their own attraction.

My Take:
I'm actually surprised the snow didn't melt as soon as it hit the logging company in Alaska, this book was that hot!  It's a quick read that kept me page bound for a couple hours.  There were times I wanted to yell at the two of them for some of the stupid predicaments they got themselves into, but it worked for this book.  I loved the idea of sharing and growing instead of being so set in ways that nothing could penetrate. I do hope we can learn more of Teague's past, it is touched on but questions were left unanswered, but because this is going to be a series, maybe we will hear more.  I know Cassidy's story is being told in the next book that is coming out...can't wait for that!   Snowed Under is a  little gem of a book that will leave you hotter than a cat on a tin roof.  If you are into steamy relationships pick this one up! 

Title:  Destruction: The December People (series 1)

Author:  Sharon Bayliss

Available:  now
Publisher:  Curiosity Quills Press

Source:  Author

Pages:  250

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

 

The Synopsis: 

David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice.

Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.

Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children.

Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.

 

My Take:

Hauntingly beautiful yet full of destruction and darkness.  This book had me hooked from page one and just like a fish who can't get away from the hook, I couldn't put it down.  Actually I did put it down long enough to tell the author that I was already in love with the story and I hadn't even really gotten to the meat of the story yet.  So many secrets kept in a normal everyday family that leak out one by one until the truth is that they are far from normal.  The story flowed effortlessly from story line to story line that made reading a joy.  Can I say the whole book is a joy?  Nope...there are so many dark corners I was taken into that I lost count, but each step added to the intensity of the story.  The magic issues involving dark magic vs. white magic are further explained in the book and while no one seems to know the right answer, the journey of discovering powers is going to keep the series very interesting.  Not a lot of answers to so many questions yet, but this series has the potential to become something very powerful.  A new twist on an old genre is much appreciated in this digital age of so many books.  Kudos to Sharon Bayliss on creating something that is far from Mundane!

 

If you are a fan of magic and some darkness, pick this up you'll be pleasantly surprised.  There are mentions of child abuse (not in detail of course) and rape, so that may stop you from wanting to read this book.

 

 

P.S.   The cover is awesome!

                                                                       OH MY
                                                                    HIGH FIVE!

UnHoppy

`

 
 
 



Title:Unhoppy (The Case Files of Dr. Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist, #1)
Author: Cynthia St. Aubin
                     Available:  Now 

Genre:  Paranormal Romance Mystery Short?

 

The Synopsis:

When there's not a hop in hell...

The day is going to hell in a hurry for Paranormal Psychologist Matilda Schmidt, and that's *before* a suicidal Easter bunny shows up for treatment.

When pictures surface of Matilda caught in the middle of a hit man-Cupid sandwich, she lands in the oily grip of a ruthless blackmailer, whose motives are as ugly as his mustache. Now Matilda must betray the trust of someone who cares for her to meet the blackmailer's demands, or she can kiss her reputation, her practice, and even her freedom goodbye. But blackmail is only the beginning when the immortal mystery-client brought to her couch by a seductive demigod causes Matilda to fling caution—along with her panties—to the wind.

Hunted by two jealous goddesses who would gladly use her intestines to lace up their strappy sandals—and with her full-time hit man sometimes lover nowhere to be found—Matilda will have to save herself, or the world will be up River Styx without a paddle

My Take:

Matilda is at it again.  What happens when you cross the Easter Bunny, a hit man, a demigod, a really popular god, a really bad person, a unicorn and a whole lot of mayhem?  A great big huge romp in the hay?  Well...actually you get a wonderful new addition to The Case Files of Dr. Matilda Schmidt.  A Psychologist who is living a life we all secretly dream of living.  Well..maybe the hot sex part anyway! 


Dr. Schmidt just found out she is being blackmailed by 'the ferret'  and no sooner does he leave then the suicidal Easter Bunny shows up wanting her to help her end his life.  When her very own demigod shows up with yet another problem from the otherworld, clothes start flying and mayhem ensues. 
This book didn't disappoint.  It's full of laughter and fun and merriment and joy that will lighten any mood.  It's a short story that will fill your life full of rainbow jelly beans and sunny days, no matter what the outside weather might be!  I can't say too much, but if you are in the mood for a light hearted yet hilarious romp through the world of Dr. Matilda.  Warning...rated X!  You may want to grab all three books in this series....yeah...it's that good!

                                                                     Yep...a high five!



HAND OF MIRIAM BY EVA GORDON

Title: Hand of Miriam
Author: Eva Gordon
Available:  Now
Pages:  292

Kindle

Synopsis:
 On an archaeological expedition, Bayla Gideon, is widowed by a supernatural force and branded with the Hand of Miriam or Knowing Eye. Threatened by evil, she awakens the golem; a mythical man of clay, who protected the Jewish community over three centuries ago.
The golem, Gesher, is surprised. Freedom –by a beautiful, enchanting woman. His desire is to return to the celestial spheres and regain his status as an avenging angel. Yet, Bayla challenges his mind, body and soul. Would he risk his return to the heavens for her?
Besides, dealing with the otherkind, mad inventors and an unrelenting matchmaking aunt, Bayla is equally determined to resist her steamy attraction to the striking fallen angel.
Thrust into a malevolent war, which includes facing Jack the Ripper, they must resist the magnetic pull toward each other, while protecting the world from encroaching evil.
                                                     
 My Review:
Steampunk..check, historical fiction...check...Romance...check...goth...check...paranormal creautures...check

You would think if you merge too much together it wouldn't click. Well...Eva Gordon, made it click! The story unfolds as an everyday historical fiction and slowly morphs into ...well....everything else! From fallen angels to vampires (no not the sparkling ones) to weres...well, I don't want to give too much away.
The steampunk attributes were well thought out and very well described. Hard to find a steampunk book that actually knows what steampunk means! There is a bit of Jewish lore as well as English tales (Jack the Ripper will never be looked at quite the same way).
I very much admired the way the book came together and it looks as if this may be a series? YES PLEASE!
If history could have been taught this way in school, perhaps more people would be history buffs!
This book rocked and can't wait to see more from this very intelligent author!

                                                                  High Five!

The Seance by Tricia Drammeh

Title:  The Seance

Author:  Tricia Drammeh

Available:  now

Source:  Author via Fae Books 

Pages:  243

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

About the Book: 

 Ninth grade can be a nightmare when you don’t fit in at school, your crush chooses someone else, and your parents tell you they’re having a new baby. Abby was prepared for normal high school problems. She wasn’t prepared for the demon.

Abby has always been fascinated by the paranormal, but after an ill-fated séance, she discovers not all Spirits are benign. A dark entity unleashed during the summoning sets out to destroy Abby, and within days, she loses her best friend, incurs the wrath of her parents, and becomes a prisoner in her own home. With time quickly running out, she assembles an unlikely group of helpers: the most hated guy in school, a retired psychic, and the cute clerk from her favorite bookstore. Unless the demon is defeated, Abby and her new baby brother won’t stand a chance.

My Take:

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It was a very well written younger ya paranormal book!
The story of unknowing kids playing with a Ouija, something my mom always warned me against and after reading this...thank goodness that was one lesson I listened too!

There is always something out there that is dangerous, evil and threatening. This book showed all that and the threat of what evil can do to not only your psyche but also those around you, whether they believe or don't believe.
I wish we could have learned more about the characters, I think there is still a lot to learn about all the characters of the book. I was left wanting to know more about...well everyone!

The writing kept the story and suspense flowing and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this read to the younger teen crowd as well as anyone who loves a little horror in their day!  

 

P.S....Book 2 should be here by this summer!  Can't wait!

 

 

HIGH FIVE!

 

Unlovable (The Case Files of Dr. Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist, #1)

Title:Unlovable (The Case Files of Dr. Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist, #1)
Author: Cynthia St. Aubin
                     Available:  Now 

It isn’t every day a sexy demigod throws a pissed-off Cupid onto psychologist Matilda Schmidt’s couch and informs her the fate of the world depends on her ability to get him off his diapered ass and back to helping people fall in love.

Just when Matilda convinces herself she’s not hallucinating, in walks a Vegas hit man with a big gun and a bigger threat: pay back the million dollars she owes a notorious casino mogul, or wind up as fish food in Lake Mead.

Rocketing across country with a gun to her head, Matilda has a dysfunctional love-god in her laptop bag, a million dollar debt she has no knowledge of, and must convince the seductive hit man he’s snatched the wrong woman before he convinces her he might be the right man—for a night.

Can Matilda stay alive long enough to keep love from becoming history?


My Review


I was in one of those face book parties where we are all trying to win stuff and support either a new author or congratulate a new release. This author was one of the giver away of things...and while I didn't win what she was givin'....I loved how she came across the page. I was trying to dry my eyes from the tears that were flowing down my cheek after that party and decided she has to be someone to go check out and see if she is as good in her books as she is in true life.

I was not disappointed...from the word go, she not only held my interest in the book but kept me laughing throughout the whole thing. The book is pretty short but packed full of hot stuff. From a seemingly normal psychologists to demigod's and cupids and hitmen....it's full of unpredictable behaviors. It was well written, albeit a little short, not enough time to get to know the characters, but hopefully we will get to know more about everyone in the future books.

Combining mythology and modern day romance is always a definite hit with me and if you are into the steamy side of myths and other stuff, I highly recommend you pick this up. Not for the shy of heat tho...the heat level in this book is scathing!

Five Thumbs Up!

Tempestuous Review

Title: Tempestuous

Author: Kim Askew, Amy Helmes

Publisher:  Merit Press

There were many small and big references to the original works...it made for not only a interesting read but also a sort of scavenger hunt!
While RomCom is not my favorite genre, this one had enough to keep my mind occupied without looking for that next shining pearl. 
Well...I didn't think I would...but I liked it.  The authors used real words for starters that's always a plus in literature and followed 'The Tempest' to make even a hater of Shakespeare want to read more of his stuff! 
Looking forward to reading more of Twisted Lit!!

 

2014 Reading Challenges

Good Family Reads is Back!  And what better way to get back to the blogosphere than to take on a few challenges!

 

 

 

Deets.....

- Runs January 1 to December 31, 2014
- Either has a witch as a main character or revolves around witchcraft
- One entry for every linked-up review
- You can move up levels, but no moving down
- There will be a giveaway at the end of the year.

Goal by books:

Initiate: Read 1 – 5 Witchy Books
Maiden: Read 6 – 10 Witchy Books
Mother: Read 11 – 15 Witchy Books
Crone: Read 16 – 20 Witchy Books

If you're interested because you love witchy books, you can sign up here

 

 

 

My List of Books for 2014