Friday, October 17, 2014

More Cover Candy









~More Cover Candy~
(2015 Releases)





Emissary by Thomas Locke (AKA Davis Bunn)

{About the Book}

Hyam is a likeable lad who will make a fine farmer someday. But he carries a burden few can fathom. As his mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall, where he spent five years as an apprentice. It was there that Hyam's extraordinary capacity for mastering languages came to light--and soon cast him into the shadows of suspicion. How could any human learn the forbidden tongues with such ease? When Hyam dares to seek out the Mistress of the Sorceries, her revelation tears his world asunder.

He has no choice but to set out on the foreboding path--which beckons him to either his destiny or his doom. An encounter with an enchanting stranger reminds him that he is part hero and part captive. As Hyam struggles to interpret the omens and symbols, he is swept up by a great current of possibilities--and dangers.

I am super stoked for this Fantasy novel from Thomas Locke, otherwise known to us as Davis Bunn. The synopsis sounds so intriguing and the cover is beautiful.







{About the Book}

From the author of Entwined, a brilliantly conceived adventure through an alternate London. This sweeping, cinematic tale of an apprentice scientist desperate to save his family—and his world—is The Night Circus meets Pixar.

Through richly developed parallel worlds, vivid action, a healthy dose of humor, and gorgeous writing, Heather Dixon spins a story that is breathtaking and wholly original.


This will be a book I will be pre-ordering as soon as possible! Steampunk, faerie-tales, and Alternate London. Yes please!! I still need to read Entwined though.






{About the Book}


Though once a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village. Dubbed "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest," her band of followers soon become enemies of the throne when they hijack ill-gotten gold meant for the king. 

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, will he choose fame or love?


I will read almost anything related to Robin Hood!!







{About the Book}

She stood at a crossroads, half-aware that her choice would send her down a path from which there could be no turning back. But instead of two choices, she saw only one—because it was all she really wanted to see… 

Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden--one that will test her convictions and her heart.

1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, one million children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage, Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed…



1940's England......yes please!!







{About the Book}

A new series of global proportions -- from master of intrigue, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter.

This exciting new series from NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter focuses on Grace, who can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world, and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.

Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay -- in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.


A new Ally Carter book......AHHHHHH!!!!!!







{About the Book}


Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice. If Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow. 

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights the one who appears the most guilty had not already captured her heart.


One of my favorite authors is delving into the world of YA Medeival Fantasy-esque Romance!!! Eeeekkk!!!










{About the Book}


When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend— two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.

The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party — three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.

Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.


I love this cover and the synopsis sounds so adorable!!







{About the Book}

N/A


I wasn't fond of Lori's first book, but I loved her second book. Definitely checking this one out.







{About the Book}

"Swan Lake" meets Robin Hood when the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant by day becomes the region's most notorious poacher by night, and falls in love with the forester.

Jorgen is the forester for the wealthy margrave, and must find and capture the poacher who has been killing and stealing the margrave's game. When he meets the lovely and refined Odette at the festival and shares a connection during a dance, he has no idea she is the one who has been poaching the margrave's game.

Odette justifies her crime of poaching because she thinks the game is going to feed the poor, who are all but starving, both in the city and just outside its walls. But will the discovery of a local poaching ring reveal a terrible secret? Has the meat she thought she was providing for the poor actually been sold on the black market, profiting no one except the ring of black market sellers?

The one person Odette knows can help her could also find out her own secret and turn her over to the margrave, but she has no choice. Jorgen and Odette will band together to stop the dangerous poaching ring . . . and fall in love. But what will the margrave do when he discovers his forester is protecting a notorious poacher?


Another Robin Hood type story!!!!






{About the Book}

A Tender Contemporary Romance about Finding Unexpected Love 
When a Lost Child warning blasts over the mall's PA system, toy store manager Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about five-year-old Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that Penny suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's own past suddenly confronts her. Never again will Carly become involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart. Before she has time to think it through, she agrees to a much-needed job as a nanny. 
Dr. Ryan Tremaine knows he messed up his life. But this summer he will redeem himself. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan is dedicated to his sink-or-swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruiting Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny. 
Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?


I love the cover, as it's a little more edgy than the normal covers we see in Christian Romance.







{About the Book}


After years of upheaval, Sarah Miller's life is finally settled with all echoes of the past stilled and silent at last. She spends her time teaching the children of Sanctuary, a town she is happy to call home. 
When the sister Sarah hasn't seen in years reappears, it stirs up hard memories of the past and their parents' murder. Even so, Sarah's joy at being reunited with Hannah and meeting the niece she didn't know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed. 
As Sarah learns more about Hannah's death, the circumstances seem eerily similar to her parents' death. She enlists Paul's help in digging deeper into these murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul's concern encourages Sarah's growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one man will do anything to hide--even if he must do away with the last remaining members of the Miller family.


I have been loving this series and can not wait to see where it goes!!




What upcoming releases are you excited for?

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

REVIEW: Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray




REVIEW: Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray







{About the Book}


One woman's search for the truth of her sister's disappearance leads her to deceit and danger in 1893 Chicago.

Rosalind Perry has left her family's rural farm in Wisconsin to work as a housemaid at Sloane House, one of the most elegant mansions in Gilded Age Chicago. However, Rosalind is not there just to earn a living and support her family-she's at Sloane House determined to discover the truth about her sister's mysterious disappearance.

Reid Armstrong is the handsome heir to a silver fortune. However, his family is on the periphery of Chicago's elite because their wealth comes from "new money" obtained from successful mining. Marriage to Veronica Sloane would secure his family's position in society-the lifelong dream of his ailing father.

When Reid begins to realize that Rosalind's life may be in danger, he stops thinking of marriage prospects and concentrates on helping Rosalind. Dark things are afoot in Chicago and, he fears, in Sloane House. If he's not vigilant, Rosalind could pay the price.

Set against the backdrop of Chicago's Gilded Age and the 1893 World's Fair, Secrets of Sloane House takes us on a whirlwind journey of romance and mystery.









{My Review}

Rating: 4 stars!!

Secrets of Sloane House is book #1 in a series. It's a book that has been on my TBR list for a while now so I was glad to see it available for review on BookLookBloggers. Since it is book #1 in the Chicago World's Fair Mystery series, I had expected the fair to be a huge part of the story and setting, however, the story only took place at the fair for a few scenes and the fair was mentioned a few other times. Other than this I found Secrets of Sloane House to be a riveting mystery and can not wait for book #2.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Cover Candy








{Cover Candy}


It is that time again when I fangirl over AMAZING book covers I have come across. However, this post will be a little bit different as I will be fangirling over one, yes one cover!! The cover is so utterly gorgeous that it deserves it's own post!





DRUMROLL........








{About the Book}


"I thrust my hand toward the sky as my voice begs the Elemental inside me to waken and rise. But it's no use. The curse I've spent my entire life abhorring—the thing I trained so hard to control—no longer exists."
Nym has saved Faelen only to discover that Draewulf stole everything she valued. Now he’s destroyed her Elemental storm-summoning ability as well.
When Nym sneaks off with a host of delegates to Bron, Lord Myles offers her the chance for a new kind of power and the whispered hope that it may do more than simply defeat the monster she loathes. But the secrets the Bron people have kept concealed, along with the horrors Draewulf has developed, may require more than simply harnessing a darker ability.
They may require who she is.
Set against the stark metallic backdrop of the Bron kingdom, Nym is faced with the chance to change the future.
Or was that Draewulf’s plan for her all along?

*hyperventilating* It's. So. Beautiful. I mean this has to be one of my favorite covers EVER! Whoever is designing the covers for the Storm Siren trilogy is an absolute genius! This will be a book I pre-order as soon as it's possible. Because I need this cover on my shelf and for the fact that I read and reviewed Storm Siren in August and I was completely mesmerized by this story. Storm Siren holds a special place in my heart! I've been taken by the storm!
My only complaint: I can't believe I have to wait until June to read Siren's Fury. I NEED it!!

{About the Author}


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. She likes orange trees, tattoos, and ALL the music.

Monday, October 13, 2014

REVIEW: The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller








REVIEW: The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller




{About the Book}


Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business
and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart.










{My Review}

Rating: 3.5 stars!!


To be perfectly honest, The Brickmaker's Bride was a little bit of a disappointment. It wasn't what I had hoped it would be for me. There's a love triangle, which already bugs me in of itself, but it wasn't done that well. Although the characters were pretty rich and flawed. I got bored quite a few times waiting for things to start happening, so I ended up skimming through a lot of pages. The romance between Ewan and Laura didn't begin until almost the the end of the story. It wasn't for me obviously.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

REVIEW: Searching for Home by Jessica Keller








REVIEW: Searching for Home by Jessica Keller



{About the Book}


She thought a dead relative ruined her life, but discovering his story will save it instead.

When the story of Whitney's long-dead anarchist ancestor, Lewis Ingram, makes front-page news, she must find a way to exonerate her relative, or risk losing everything--her mayoral-candidate boyfriend and her job at a local magazine. Aided by Nate, a volunteer at the Chicago Historical Foundation, she digs in, determined to find a positive spin on the situation. But what awaits her isn't spin at all. It's truth--and it will change her life.

In the world of 1886, Ellen Ingram and James Kent didn't intend to get caught in the middle of an anarchist spy ring. Ellen was content to leave all such intrigue to her brother, Lewis Ingram. But as the political climate in Chicago changes, Ellen and James have no choice. In the midst of the famous Haymarket Riot, both realize that they must live the life God created them for, not the one dictated by society.

Two generations encounter the same truth--and neither will ever be the same.















{My Review}


My Rating: 5 blazing stars!!

Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. Jessica, what are you doing to me?! First Saving Yesterday, now Searching for Home. Boy, can Jessica write! I was completely enthralled and invested in this story and the characters from the first page. In fact, I stayed up until almost 5 AM to finish it, because I could not and would not put it down. I loved that the story had a present day POV and a "flashback" POV. The characters are so rich and each have their own flaws. I love the characters of any story to have flaws.  And Nate, oh Nate! I love this guy! Overall, this story of an anarchist spy ring, political intrigue, and heart pounding romance is something you will not want to miss. Believe me, you will fall in love with this story as much as I did!


Thursday, October 9, 2014

REVIEW: Deceived by Irene Hannon









REVIEW: Deceived by Irene Hannon





{About the Book}


For three years, Kate Marshall has been grieving the loss of her husband and their four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was dead. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious but agrees to investigate. Digging into the case he discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret. 
As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, "Deceived "is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plot line that accelerates to an explosive finish.














{My Review}

Rating: 4 stars!

A grieving widow. A grieving mother. That is where Kate Marshall is in her life. She lost her son and her husband in a boating accident. Or did she? One day she notices a child in the elevator and is completely convinced the child is her son. The son that supposedly died. She goes to the police, but they think she's crazy. So she makes her way to Connor Sullivan, a P.I. Connor is skeptical, but decides to investigate anyway.

I did enjoy Irene Hannon's latest release, however there was one thing that kept me from giving Deceived a full five stars. I noticed through out the story that there was a lot more talking than action. When I read a Suspense/Thriller I expect a lot of action to be involved. Action that will keep me involved in the story and keep me turning the page. Otherwise, Deceived was a well-thought out, fleshed-out, rich story.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

#InspireWriters Blog Chat!!









#InspireWriters Blog Chat!!




"How to Blog Your Way to a Book Deal." Join us for a live chat with Allison Flexer, author of "Truth, Lies and the Single Woman. " Allison will be available for questions and dialogue on the Inspire Christian Writers blog at www.inspirewriters.com on Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 9am-11am Pacific. She will be visiting the Inspire blog to fellowship with readers throughout the day, until 7pm Pacific. We look forward to being equipped, encouraged and inspired by this author, who blogged her way to a book deal.






{About the Book}





Single women are neither unloved nor forgotten. Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman: Dispelling 10 Common Myths combats the lies that destroy the joy and confidence of unmarried women.

In her groundbreaking book, Allison Flexer dispels the following myths surrounding single women:

1. Because no one has chosen me, I'm not valuable.

2. God has forgotten about me .

3. Sex outside of marriage is okay.

4. My past can't be forgiven.

5. I'm not beautiful.

6. Getting married will solve all my problems.

7. There is something wrong with me.

8. The church values married people more than me.

9. It's too late for God's plan to work so I should settle for less.

10. My life is on hold until I find a spouse.

Single women will gain practical steps to accept and believe God's truth and why Flexer says the question, Who am I? is best answered by asking, Who is God?





{About the Author}



Allison K. Flexer is passionate about encouraging single women in their journeys of faith and communicating the love of God to others. As a single woman until the age of 38, she fought her share of lies and learned to replace them with God’s truth.

Allison’s first book, Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman: Dispelling 10 Common Myths, is now available from Beacon Hill Press. The book is designed to combat common lies that destroy the joy and confidence of single women. As each myth is dispelled with truth from God’s word, readers are challenged to deepen their faith while accepting their value as beloved children of God.

Allison was a contributing writer for Devotional Ventures (Regal Books, 2006), and a contributing writer for Fulfilled: The NIV Devotional Bible for the Single Woman (Zondervan, 2014). She has also published articles in the Wesleyan Publishing House periodical, VISTA: Journal for Holy Living, and on Crosswalk.com.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

REVIEW: A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes









REVIEW: A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes





{About the Book}


How would you live if you knew the day you'd die?

Parvin Blackwater has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. 

In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the crooked justice system. But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence. 

What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her Clock is running out.















{ My Review}

Rating: 5 stars!!

In A Time to Die everyone is born with a clock and they know the exact moment their lives will expire. Which begs the phrase "Live like your dying". When I first opened my ARC copy I had no idea what wild ride I was going to go on, and boy it was a wild ride

A Time to Die is also boldly filled with Scripture and the main character, Parvin's blooming relationship with the Lord. A Time to Die is a roller coaster ride you won't want to miss,

::: I received A Time to Die from Nadine in exchange for my review.