Wednesday, August 27, 2014

REVIEW: Thief of Glory








{About the Book}
In the tradition of Brock and Bodie Thoene's Zion Chronicles and history-meets-contemporary mysteries like those of bestseller Kate Morton, this WWII drama is both exciting in its revelations and heart-rending in its truth about human nature and forgiveness.

In the early 1940s, Jeremiah Prins was a 12-year-old living a content life as the son of a school headmaster in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). When Holland declared war on the Japanese in 1941, the situation changed swiftly. The Japanese army invaded, and Jeremiah and his family were placed in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp-a camp Jeremiah finally escapes and returns to Holland. Yet wartime complications force him to abandon a marriage engagement with Laura Jensen. The young man flees to California, where he struggles with the lingering anger and war stress he faced as a child.

Determined to find some kind of redemption, a now-elderly Jeremiah tries to make sense of his life by journaling of all that he does not want to reveal to his children about his past, intending to leave his writings as an apology after he is gone.

An online encounter puts Jeremiah in touch with his true love from the war years, Laura, and when they meet again, it triggers the time bomb of long-buried secrets. Even seventy years later, if uncovered, these secrets can harm everyone who matters to Jeremiah. 

{My Review}

Thief of Glory was just an okay read. I got through the book in only about an hour an a half and I had to push myself to finish it because I agreed to read it in it's entirety and then review it. It's the typical fluff, feel-good WWII Romance novel. I'm yearning for something different, something new.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Storm Siren by Mary Weber







BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Storm Siren by Mary Weber





{About the Book}


“I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.”

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.











{My Review}

My Rating: 5 Stars = MY PRECIOUSSSSS!!!

First of all, I want to say I am blown away by this cover!! It is so absolutely gorgeous and whoever designed it should get a bonus! Okay, that's enough drooling over the cover.

When I first discovered the author, Mary Weber, and saw on her website that she was going to be publishing her Fantasy novel with Thomas Nelson. I was over the moon, you see I am a complete Fantasy geek. My favorites are The Hobbit & LOTR Trilogy and I have been on such a Fantasy kick lately I had to read this book.

I was blown away by the story and the characters. I love Nym, she is a total kick-butt character and I completely connected with her. In the story, Nym thinks she is a "monster", but she learns that she was created with special abilities by the Creator for a special purpose. I loved that about Storm Siren. I really appreciated the message Mary wove into the story. It's a message I believe all young girls need to hear. I wish Storm Siren had been around when I was much younger and dealing with insecurity issues. 

After I finished it I began calling Storm Siren; Fantasy with a Purpose! Because you see, when I read a book or see a film I want there to be substance. A lesson to learn and something to take away from it. That is what Storm Siren did for me.  AND THAT CLIFFHANGER, OH. MY. THORIN OAKENSHIELD!! That was brutal. I NEED BOOK #2 NOW!!   Storm Siren by Mary Weber is most definitely a top read of 2014 for me. I can't recommend this book enough and have been recommending it to every fantasy geek I know. Pick up this book my fellow geeks. You won't be sorry.


Mt Final Words:
Mary Weber,









{The Author}





(I love your shirt Mary!!)

Mary Weber is a ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives. 
 In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean.





{Giveaway}





Friday, August 22, 2014

"Meet the Blogger" Questionarre







"Meet the Blogger" Questionnaire



I saw this questionnaire on Bethany Jennings blog, Simmering Mind and it looked like fun to share with all my readers a little bit more about who I am. Click the link above to see Bethany's answers.



Name: Alyssa Faith Washburn

Age: 21....but I'm an old soul, so more like 70 inside.

Gender: Female

A Selfie:




Favorites:

Food: Italian, Chinese, American, Mexican. Mmmm....now I'm hungry!!

Drink: Water, Smoothies, Juice, Hot Cocoa, Coffee....but mostly water.

Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Song: Right now I've been obsessing over "I See Fire" by Ed Sheeran. It's the song he wrote and recorded for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Movie: The Hobbit Trilogy...yes I've included the third film, even though it doesn't release until December. I know I'm going to love it!!

Band: Skillet, Red, The Letter Black, Shine Bright Baby, Silversyde, Flyleaf, NEEDTOBREATHE.

Solo Artist: Right now I've mostly been listening to Colton Dixon.

Place: 
San Fransisco, CA is only 45 min-1 hr away from me an the weather is always wonderfully cool.





Subject: History, English, Creative Writing, Bible.

Sport: College Football (ROLL TIDE!!), Baseball, & Rugby.

Male Actor: Richard Armitage!!! 

Female Actor: If I had to choose probably, Audrey Hepburn.

Life:

School: Public school kindergarten-sophomore year. Independent Study junior year-senior year. Community college for 1 year and Bible college for 2 years.

Politics: Conservative. Tea Party.

Religion: Christ Follower.

Tattoos: None. But I want some.

Piercings: Ears when I was three years old and my cartiladge when I was fourteen years old.

Languages: English, and I can say a few words in Elvish & Dwarvish.

Reason behind your blog name: I'm an American who loves everything relate to Europe.

Why do you blog: 1) Because I want help people find good books to read. 2) I want to help and serve authors everywhere.

If you have read through this whole thing you are tagged!


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

#ALSIceBucketChallenge






I accepted the #ALSIceBucketChallenge!

I did this yesterday, but forgot to post it here! So here it is!!!






REVIEW: Destined for Doon by Carey Corp







REVIEW: Destined for Doon by Carey Corp




{About the Book}


The second book in the popular new Doon YA series that takes on a classic story, Brigadoon, and spins it in a new way to give readers a fresh, modern experience.

In this sequel to Doon, Kenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake-choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. Worse, she's received proof she and Duncan are meant to be, along with torturous visions of the prince she left behind. So when Duncan shows up and informs Kenna that Doon needs her, she doesn't need to think twice. But even if Kenna can save the enchanted kingdom, her happily ever after may still be in peril.

The Doon novels are a part of Blink, HarperCollins Christian Publishing's new YA imprint that delivers empowering and heartening literature while maintaining a tradition of imaginative and impactful storytelling.













{My Review}

Rating: 5 stars!

Destined for Doon by Carey Corp is Book #2 in the Doon series. I have not read Book #1, Doon yet, but I plan to ASAP!! Destined for Doon was an amazing thrill ride for me. The setting was beautifully described, I felt like I was right there in Scotland with the characters. I loved how this book was not just about the romance but the friendship between Veronica and McKenna. This was quite a journey and I adored it.

Monday, August 18, 2014

REVIEW: Let Me Be Clear by Katie Keiffer






REVIEW: Let Me Be Clear by Katie Keiffer




{About the Book}


A SEARING INDICTMENT OF THE MASTER OF CHARM, BARACK OBAMA, FOR HIS HISTORIC WAR ON AMERICAN YOUTH
 
“Let me be clear.” It was his come-hither call, his winsome whistle, his lingual lure. Barack Obama employed this phrase to sell his lies as maxims and his ineptitude as expertise. From JFK to Bill Clinton, America has experienced charming and coy presidents. But the most charming and coy is Obama, who seduced a generation of 95 million young Americans he used for his own political gain. 
 
Katie Kieffer is a gutsy commentator who gives it back to Barack. She turns his words against him. She grabs the high bar of transparency that Obama set for himself and snaps it with her wit. In Let Me Be Clear,Kieffer gives us an unflinching yet entertaining account of this administration’s exploitation of Millennials:

· How: Obama spearheaded the Great Recovery—and young people could tell when their law degrees landed them jobs as baristas.

· What: the “New Shacking Up” entails. (Hint: parents AND young people hate this trend.)

· How: Barack’s buddy essentially wrote Obama-care without Congress. Plus, nearly 300 doctors offer free-market solutions to improve health care. 

· How: a constitutional law–professor president failed to rationally discuss gay marriage.

· Why: Barack wouldn’t have been the best father for Trayvon Martin; he deserved better.

· What: “Assuming We Don’t Die Tonight” reveals about the bloodcurdling story of Benghazi.

· How: liberal lies about guns have “tattooed” all youths as criminals. Kieffer implodes the naïve War on Guns and presents solutions for mass violence with more love and more guns.
 
Inspiring hope, Kieffer outlines how conser­vatives and independents can win electoral races and achieve entrepreneurial dreams. Kieffer’s got grit. She’s very clear with her president: she brings smooth-tongued bullies to justice. See for yourself.












{My Review}

5 Stars!!

I really enjoyed Let Me Be Clear, as a twenty-something who identifies as a conservative on all accounts, when I saw this was available for review I had to grab it. Katie really has her arguments down and actually deals in facts, not emotions like liberals tend to be. Katie brought all the facts to the forefront and I think she wins the debate.

If you are a conservative you should pick up this book.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Blog Name Change?





Yes, you did read that right. I have been contemplating changing my blog name to match my #Booktube Youtube channel name. I haven't made my final decision yet on whether it will actually take place or not, but sometime in the future you may just see something new.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

REVIEW: With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden







REVIEW: With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden



{About the Book}

In the shadow of the nation's capital, Kate Livingston holds a respectable position as a government statistician when she encounters a rival from her past, the insufferable Trevor McDonough. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and she's bewildered at the way he suddenly seeks her out. Surprising even herself, Kate agrees to Trevor's entirely unexpected and risky proposal to work side-by-side with him in his quest to rid the world of tuberculosis, a contagious and deadly disease. 

As Kate begins to unlock the mysteries of Trevor's past, she realizes there is much more to him than she could have imagined. His hidden depths may fascinate her, but his most closely guarded secrets and a shadowy enemy lurking in the background carry a serious threat to their future. 

When the truth of the past comes out, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear, how will Trevor and Kate ever overcome all that stands in their way?










{My Review}

Rating: 5 Stars!!

With Every Breath completely engrossed me from the very first page and Elizabeth wove together such a great message. While reading this ARC I felt as if I was wisked away into this story and I was battling TB along with the main characters. I'm definitely have to say that I am grateful for our modern medical advances.

I really enjoyed reading all the medical facts about TB as well. The romance was there, but it didn't take over the entire story. Elizabeth writes her characters in such a way that makes you feel like you know them personally.

If your a fan of Historical Romance like me than this is a book you will want to pre-buy!

NOTE:::This book was provided to me for free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review!



The Word Changers is 99 cents + a Giveaway!!






The Word Changers is 99 cents + a Giveaway!!




Fantasy author Ashlee Willis is offering a special promo price of the ebook version of her debut Fantasy novel, The Word Changers, for 99 cents!!








{Giveaway}


Saturday, August 9, 2014

How a Star Falls Cover Reveal






How a Star Falls Cover Reveal


Today I have a Cover Reveal post for you. The cover is for my friend, Amber Stokes' upcoming New Adult Romance Novella, How a Star Falls. Which I am uber stoked about ever since I heard Amber was writing it. Before I start rambling on and on about this novella and how amazing it is going to be I better show you what you all came here to see.









*DRUM-ROLL PLEASE*








It is sooooo GORGEOUS!!! I sure hope Amber releases a paperback version because I need this cover on my bookshelf!! 



{About the Book}


How does a star fall?

Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he’ll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it’s far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won’t stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she’s crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can’t just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Fallsexplores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.








{Rafflecopter Giveaway}




Thursday, August 7, 2014

Houston....We Have A Title!!!!






So, a few days ago I posted here about my brand spanking new WIP, a kind of retelling or continuation of Alice in Wonderland. I posted the short blurb I had written and asked you guys, my readers, if you could come up with an awesome title. I also posted the very same question to the Got Teen Writers group on Facebook, then after I had a few titles I liked I made a poll for fellow writers to vote on which title they liked the best for my WIP.






DRUMROLL........







The title that everybody loved the most and coincidentally the one I loved the most is.....

"After Alice"

I absolutely love this title and I can not wait to finish outlining so I can start writing!

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

I Need Your Help!!!





So very recently I got an awesome idea for a Christian Speculative retelling/continuation of Alice in Wonderland and it's going great so far. I've already written a blurb for it and I'm going to start plotting very soon and hopefully be knee deep in writing it by the beginning or middle of October, which is around the same time my local writers conference is, so I'm probably not going. :( However I've hit a bit of a snag with the title. I have a current working title, but I'm not in love with it. So I'm asking for your help. Below is the blurb for my novel. If you would be so kind to take a gander and maybe you can help me with coming up with a new title that better fits my story.



BLURB:


What if the Red Queen and her Jabberwocky were only the beginning of the evil that took over Wonderland? What if there was something or someone more sinister --a mastermind, sitting and waiting for their chance to destroy everything good and pure in Wonderland?

Allison Darling is the granddaughter of the original Alice, though she doesn't know it yet. Her grandmother never talked about it for fear of being put in an asylum --again, and her parents have kept it a secret to protect Allison. But the truth is about to show itself and Allison will begin a journey that will change her life forever.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

A to Z Bookish Questions






A to Z Bookish Questions



Author you've read the most books from: Oh goodness....ummm....Jenny B. Jones. I adore her books especially There You'll Find Me.

Best sequel ever: Luminary by Krista McGee

Currently reading: Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Drink of choice while reading: Water or Coffee.

E-reader or physical book: Physical books are better.

Fictional character you probably would have actually dated in high school? I'm not telling. ;)

Glad you gave this book a chance: Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent. I LOVE that book and it's two sequels.

Hidden gem book: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Surprisingly, many friends of mine have not read this gem.

I (There's not a question for this letter??)

Just finished: With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden

Kind of books you won't read: Not a big fan of Contemporary.

Longest book you've read: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

Major book hangover because of: Anomaly by Krista McGee. The feels I had after I finished that book and having to wait for Book #2.

Number of bookcases you own: 2.

One book you read multiple times: Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer. Yup, it just cam out in June and I have re-read it at least 7 times.

Preferred place to read: My bed.

Quote you like from a book you read“Oh, Mr. Thornton, I am not good enough!'

'Not good enough! Don't mock my own deep feeling of unworthiness.” 
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

Reading regret: Not enough time.

Series you started and need to finish: Anomaly Trilogy. I finally have the last book and I need to get to it.

Three of your all time favorite books: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, and Anomaly by Krista McGee.

Unapologetic fangirl for: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Okay...it's mostly due to Mr. Thornton and not to mention Mr. Thornton was portrayed by Richard Armitage!!!!!!!!! *FANGIRL*

Very excited for this release more than all the others: Hit by Lorie Ann Grover, Morning Glory by Amber Stokes, Master Song by Andrew Maloney, Both of Me by Jonathan Friesen, Together with You by Victoria Bylin.

Worst bookish habit: Not sure.

X marks the spot: The bookmark I use is I cut the corner of an envelope and decorate it.

Your latest book purchase: Erasing Time by C.J. Hill

Zzzz snatcher book: Any Ted Dekker or Frank Peretti book. Super creepy, but oh so good.