Sunday, March 11, 2012

In My Mailbox (17)



In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. To see this weeks list of participants go here.

I had a great week, here is what I received in the mail:

 Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans
From Sterling Children's Books

The exciting launch title of Sterling's middle-grade fiction list:
HORTEN'S MIRACULOUS MECHANISMS
 Enter a wonderful world filled with real magic, mystery … and danger.

As if being small for his age and also having S. Horten as his name isn't bad enough, now 10-year-old Stuart is forced to move far away from all his friends. But on his very first day in his new home, Stuart's swept up in an extraordinary adventure: the quest to find his great-uncle Tony--a famous magician who literally disappeared off the face of the earth--and Tony's marvelous, long-lost workshop.  Along the way, Stuart reluctantly accepts help from the annoying triplets next door… and encounters trouble from another magician who's also desperate to get hold of Tony's treasures.
A quirky, smart, charming page-turner, Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms will enchant young readers--as well as teachers, librarians, and parents.



 The Widow's Daughter by Nicholas Edlin
From Penguin

In 1943, Captain Sokol is a surgeon in the U.S. Marines stationed in New Zealand where he and his longtime nemesis have fallen in love with the same beautiful and enigmatic woman, Emily Walters. Dismissive of Emily's suspiciously British mother and violent brother, the two vie for her hand.


 The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1) by Jennifer Nielsen
From Scholastic Press

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats


Songs of the The Earth by Elspeth Cooper
From Tor Books

The Book of Eador, Abjurations 12:14, is very clear: Suffer ye not the life of a witch. For a thousand years, the Church Knights have obeyed that commandment, sending to the stake anyone who can hear the songs of the earth. There are no exceptions, not even for one of their own.

Novice Knight Gair can hear music no one else can, beautiful, terrible music: music with power. In the Holy City, that can mean only one thing: death by fire—until an unlikely intervention gives him a chance to flee the city and escape the flames.

With the Church Knights and their witchfinder hot on his heels, Gair hasn’t time to learn how to use the power growing inside him, but if he doesn’t master it, that power will tear him apart. His only hope is the secretive Guardians of the Veil, though centuries of persecution have almost destroyed their Order, and the few Guardians left have troubles of their own.

For the Veil between worlds is weakening, and behind it, the Hidden Kingdom, ever-hungry for dominion over the daylight realm, is stirring. Though he is far from ready, Gair will find himself fighting for his own life, for everyone within the Order of the Veil, and for the woman he has come to love.


What She Left Behind by Tracy Bilen
Through Teen Book Scene Tour

"Don't even think of leaving...I will find you," he whispered. "Guaranteed."
Sara and her mom have a plan to finally escape Sara's abusive father. But when her mom doesn't show up as expected, Sara's terrified. Her father says that she's on a business trip, but Sara knows he's lying. Her mom is missing--and her dad had something to do with it. Each day that passes, Sara's more on edge. Her friends know that something's wrong, but she won't endanger anyone else with her secret. And with her dad growing increasingly violent, Sara must figure out what happened to her mom before it's too late...for them both.





Friday, March 9, 2012

Book Feature: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris




Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Publish Date: February 28, 2012
Paperback, 420 pages



buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery


About the Book:

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.


About the Author:

KRISTINA MCMORRIS is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents' wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman's Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader's Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland's "40 Under 40" by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.

Visit her website
Follow her latest on Facebook or Twitter
Invite her to visit your book club in person or via phone/Skype
Check out the Reading Group Guide


FTC Information: I received this book from author for review.  



Book Tour and Review: More Beauty Less Beast by Debora M Coty

More Beauty Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre by Debora M. Coty 
Publisher: Barbour Publisher
Publish Date: March 1, 2012
Paperback, 224 Pages
ISBN: 9781616263478



buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery

My Review:
More Beauty, Less Beast is an enjoyable little book full of great little vignettes to read each day or devotionals if you want to call them that.  Ms. Coty writes witty and down-to-earth stories that have to do with issues that affect us all as women.  Some examples of the topics that really spoke to me were stress, achieving goals, improving self esteem, gentleness, joy and prayer.  These are really just a sampling.  There are so many more and there is so much to learn from this book.

I love that it's organized into little sections for each topic.  Ms. Coty tells a story that really leads into the topic, maybe it's about her or a friend or something in general.  She usually employs a Bible verse or example and ends with questions and things to think about through the day.  I see some great journaling opportunities if you like to journal.  I know she really got me to thinking on each topic.

More Beauty, Less Beast is an easy read.  I could read a section in 5 minutes or less and even sit and pray and think about it during that time.  I also liked that usually the thoughts she gave me stuck with me for the rest of the day.  That really helped to drive each idea further home.  I think the book is well put together and the topics Ms. Coty chose are very relevant to women today.  I really enjoyed what I have read of the book so far and will continue to enjoy the rest of the book in devotional style through a few more weeks.  Goodness knows I definitely have some inner ogre to transform! ;-)

About the book:

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner beast that unexpectedly pounces, roaring and shredding, as it threatens to destroy the divinely beautiful princess hidden within. In More Beauty, Less Beast, women will find simple, practical techniques for embracing the true beauty rightfully theirs as cherished daughters of the King. Whether jaded by emotional wounds, unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, this laugh-out-loud, girlfriend-to-girlfriend encouragement will help women transform their destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant to be.  
About Debora Coty: 

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living." 



Visit www.deboracoty.com for more about Debora and her books.

Transform Your Inner Ogre with a $150 Visa Cash Card from @DeboraCoty!

 Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor, Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in More Beauty, Less Beast. Celebrate with Debora by entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!

One "beautiful" winner will receive:

  • A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
  • A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
  • Chocolate (Every good things begins with chocolate!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party on  3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)


So grab your copy of More Beauty, Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!



***I received this book through Litfuse for an honest review. ***

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Guest Blog: Finding Katie by John J. Smith


Please join me in welcoming John J. Smith, author of Finding Katie to My Reading Room today.  Enjoy the guest blog and be sure and enter the giveaway at the end!

Writing Finding Katie by John J. Smith

Finding Katie came to me out of nowhere, and I mean that in all seriousness. I wanted to write a comedy but the story had to be unique compared to what I’ve written in the past and I wondered how I could take the simple log line, “A young man's sister becomes missing, and while he ventures out to find her, he stumbles onto the zany, insane, and criminal world he never knew existed.”

I wanted to take a “person” and toss him/her into a scenario they’d never been in and I felt it couldn’t be a woman; I just didn’t get a good feeling about a naïve woman running around in a bad neighborhood looking for her brother. It wasn’t that she wasn’t strong enough but there were certain things I wanted to have in the story that I thought a naïve young man would pull off better. I feel Preston Meadow did it for me. He is kind and considerate but extremely naïve and clumsy, but, he was very likable and had the best intentions.

The only thing I really knew when the idea came to me was that I wanted a little suspense, a little drama, and a touch of paranormal wrapped in the middle of a comedy storyline.

The major research was on the therapeutic end of Preston. He had major issues with his parents and I had to research several things I found wrong with him; I actually worked with a therapist to get the details down right. Preston suffered from various issues caused by his father and he constantly talked (or wrote in his journal) about those issues throughout the book. Of course living in a homeless shelter didn’t help. He stumbled onto issues that were as bad as his and that in it self forced the research to expand somewhat more than I had originally planned. I want to thank Catherine Burton for her help, and especially her patience, there were issues mentioned in Finding Katie that was somewhat difficult to get my hands around without destroying it or making light of some very serious situations.

About Finding Katie
The very wealthy and very sheltered Preston Meadows lives his life protected from even the hint of harm. His world is safe and secure until someone kidnaps his sister, Katie. Against his parents’ wishes, Preston sets out on his own to find her. Preston works hard to blend in with the “regular” people roaming the streets of Dallas – but the real world is zany, insane, full of danger and ruthless criminals. Preston soon begins to learn more about himself and finds he has a knack for foiling certain crimes. In his adventures, during his search for his sister, he makes friends with some of the strangest people he could ever imagine. Along the way, Preston falls in love, comes face-to-face with a self-described Drug Lord, and discovers a side of himself he never knew existed, especially after the Drug Lord kidnaps his girlfriend.

Giveaway
The giveaway is open international, US/Canada has the option to win a print copy of the book, international can win an ebook (US/Canada can win an ebook as well if they choose).  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Book Tour and Review: The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya

The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Date: January 18, 2012
Paperback, 240 pages
Also available: Mentor's Guide and Prayer Journal
ISBN: 9780825442209




buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery
 

My Review:
After looking through The Beautiful Wife along with The Mentor's Guide and the Prayer Journal, I think this is a very well-thought out Bible Study for women and I hope to somehow get it started in our church.  I see it as a way to help instill a confidence that is already there in women and use this confidence to help in their marriage and help woment also in their walk with God.

The book is well laid out with each chapter focusing on a topic, like focusing on self-care, cultivating a mystique, inviting romance, thinking differently about sex, speaking the truth in love, managing money, personalizing the roles of wife and mother and choosing God's best.  And those are just a few, but those are some powerful chapters that can lead to some great discussions.  The Book alone can fascilitate great learning for the individual.  Add in the mentor's guide and the prayer journal and this study can add so much more to the individual's life.  I plan on starting it myself and exploring it and then seeing if there is any interest in the church since we just finished our Bible Study tonight.

I think Ms. Ralya has done a wonderful job putting these three books together to work together as either an individual study (the main book and the prayer journal) or as a group study where you can include the mentor's guide as well.  It is a wonderful study to really get women to think about their roles and things they could do in their marriage to bless it in small ways.  I know I will be using many of her ideas as I go through the study.

So if you are looking for a Bible study focused on women and marriage for you or for your church group, check this one out, it is a real winner. 

About the book:
The Beautiful Wife uses these inspiring stories along with biblical principles to guide and encourage any wife looking for God's best in her marriage. The Beautiful Wife answers serious questions women have about their roles as wives. Discussing everything from romance and money to beauty, communication, and sex, Sandy challenges women to open up and share their journeys so that together they can see God's plan for their marriages. "It is my passion to help women discover God's heart for their marriage, just as the other women helped me," writes Sandy. "When women share with each other the details of their journeys with God as wives, it's a beautiful thing indeed." The Beautiful Wife has two companion resources - Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide.
About Sandy Ralya: 
Sandy Ralya is the founder and director of Beautiful Womanhood, a marriage mentoring ministry based near Grand Rapids, Mich. Her marriage testimony was the focus of a popular three-day interview on FamilyLife Today, TV's Walking by Faith, and Time Out for Women. Sandy is a sought-after speaker, presenting Beautiful Womanhood seminars to hundreds of women each year at MOPS groups, women's retreats, and church leadership conferences across the country and in Canada. Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980, and have a growing number of grandchildren.  www.beautifulwomanhood.com
About the giveaway and party: 

Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to her "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party {3/8}!


One beautiful winner will receive:
  • A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
  • The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
  • The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy's "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, prayer journals and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or small group!

So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.
Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 8th!

 
Video Links:
1.      Sandy’s Testimony. This is directed primarily at wives. Sandy speaks to the mentors for a few seconds near the end, but her testimony will be one that resonates with wives as well.
2.      About BEAUTIFUL WOMANHOOD Ministry. This uses Sandy’s experience to speak directly to the marriage mentor to encourage and equip her role as a mentor.


***I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free. 

Waiting on Wednesday (16)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I saw this and it looks really good and only a few weeks from release!


A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink
Publish Date: 3/20/2012
Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance...

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal

So what are you waiting on this week?



Feelin' Lucky Giveaway Hop




Fictional Candy


Welcome to the Feelin' Lucky Give-A-Way Hop hosted by I Smell Sheep and Fictional CandyThere are around 100 blogs signed up for this hop so you have a lot of great prizes to try and win.  Make sure you check out the list of blogs after entering my giveaway.

 So what is up for grabs?  For my readers of the young adult genre, I have an ARC of Partials by Dan Wells up for grabs.  I haven't reviewed it yet, but it comes in a very close second to Cinder by Marissa Meyer as one of my favorite YA books of the year.  It has nothing really to do with St. Patrick's Day, but I couldn't figure out anything else to do.  

Also, as a second giveaway for my adult readers I have a copy of Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd, which I reviewed last year and loved.  So something for everyone here.  Open to US/Canada and the only requirement is your email address so I can contact you.  Thanks for stopping by!  

Just a note, I'm approaching my 3-year-blogoversary and it looks like I am also approaching 2000 followers, wow!  Thank you so much my wonderful readers! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway