Monday, April 29, 2013

POISON by Jordyn Redwood



Five years ago, Keelyn Samuels's armed, mentally ill stepfather took her family hostage in their house in rural Colorado. She and her half-sister Raven made it out alive, but others did not. Authorities blamed the father's frequent hallucinations about a being named Lucent, but in the end, even the best of the FBI's hostage negotiators failed to overcome the man's delusions and end the standoff peacefully.

SWAT team member Lee Watson was there that day. He watched it all unfold and was able to pull Keelyn and Raven from the grip of their demon-possessed father. Though partially successful, his team had still failed, and the outcome of that day--and that tortured family--has continued to plague Lee ever since. Though unusual for SWAT to reconnect with survivors, Lee bumped into Keelyn two years after the crisis, and they both found some peace in their budding relationship. But peace is hard to maintain when the memory returns . . . in the flesh.

Lucent is back, and he's no hallucination. In fact, he is a very real person with dangerous motives. He has kidnapped Raven's daughter, and--Keelyn worries--maybe has hurt Raven as well. Though she is estranged from her sister, Keelyn feels the immediate need to find Raven and save what family she has left. But when others who were involved in that fateful day start dying, some by mysterious circumstances, Keelyn wonders if she and Lee can emerge unscathed a second time.

The highly anticipated second installment of the Bloodline Trilogy explores the boundaries of faith and family and what happens when both are put to the test.

My thoughts...

Oh my gosh! This book is something else! This is book 2 in the Bloodline Trilogy is a fantastic read. Suspenseful, terrifying, chilling. As my readers know, I love a book that keeps me guessing till the end and this one does! Five years ago Keelyn Blake's stepfather, a man who was being told what to do by Lucent, a creature invisible to everyone else, had taken her family hostage. Some of the family survived the ordeal while others didn't. Her stepfather had claimed Lucent made him do the horrific things he did.

Suddenly Lucent returns and he is isn't the product of someone's imagination. He has kidnapped Keelyn's stepsister and neice. As Keelyn tries to find him those that were involved in the standoff years ago began to die mysteriously.

Redwood writes a great novel, she brings characters to life and places you right there with them. I'm looking forward to the next book! 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Alexander Drake by Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows Book Blast Giveaway!

Alexander Drake new coverAlexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit

Meet Alexander Drake, a curious young man living in a drab, oversized mansion with his secretive father. He spent his days playing alone. In the back of his mind he wondered what happened to his mother, and why his father was tight-lipped about the past; but secrets have a way of getting out. It all started with a stay at his grandmother’s cottage. Alexander found strange clues tucked away in his father’s old bedroom. With a mysterious key and several maps in his pack he set off on an innocent search for answers about his family. When he discovered a secret passageway the search took a dramatic turn. He suddenly worried about what was searching for him. Alexander was being hunted by a sorcerer from his father’s past. Answers lead to more questions and the journey of his life. Join Alexander for a thrilling adventure in Azra’s Pith, a place of beauty and magic… but beware—something evil lurks in the shadows.  

Amazon

   

General drake new coverThe Return of General Drake

When Alexander arrived in Verhonia, something went terribly wrong. A dark spell delivered from the mountains of Acadia sent him on a dangerous journey in the middle of the night. As he marched into the mountains, the great city of Verhonia was ambushed and burned to the ground by Roman's army of vicious giant murks. With the safety of the realm in jeopardy, General John William Drake was asked to come back to Azra's Pith. He swore he would never return. But after discovering his son was under a spell and in the grips of a dark sorcerer, he had no choice. Things take a wild turn in the mountains, with runaways, a hungry wolf and a mysterious, young empyrean wizard thrown into the adventure. A tight race against time and evil is in full swing. With faith and a little magic, they just might come out on top.  

Publisher

  alexander tour

Tour Schedule

 

lizzieAuthor Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

Being the frizzy-haired tomboy with buck teeth gave me a slight case of shyness as a kid. A colorful imagination meant escape and adventure at the drop of a hat. Over the years I learned that the insecurities I carried around were a waste of time. I still prefer a football game to a manicure any day of the week. That indispensable imagination has found its way into my writing providing a sense of joy and a true purpose.  

Website * Twitter * Facebook

   

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/15/13   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 26, 2013

Time is running out, enter to win!

Grand Finale Celebration!

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Feeling forgetful? Can't remember where the heck you set down your keys? Your glasses?

We've all been there.

But . . . what if you forgot your life?

What if that life wasn't worth remembering?

In spite of the happy cover, I HAVE PEOPLE deals with the sensitive issue of domestic abuse. It is about learning to recognize a good man versus a bad one. It's about second chances and finding love, real love. 

The overpowering message behind I HAVE PEOPLE is that verbal, mental, and physical abuse is NOT OKAY! EVER!

Check out the tour and then read Holly's story. It will change your life.

The Book:

I Have PeopleI Have People
by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 366 pages
Published September 19th 2012 by Create Space

Premise:

Missing any memories? 

Holly Sinclair is happily married to the love of her life, Gabriel. Young and in love, Holly hopes to have their first child soon. Of course, Gabriel wants to wait till Holly’s health is restored, much to Holly’s dismay. She feels perfectly fine. So what if she just woke up from an eight-month coma? So what if some of her memories are missing? She remembers Gabe and that’s all that matters, right?

That is, until HE enters her life again . . . she forgot about HIM.




It's been a great Tour, exploring the origins and themes of I Have People by Taylor Dean. In case you missed part of the tour... here it is, one more time:  links to all the great guest posts and reviews with quotes...

The Grand Finale!!

8 –  Launch!
9 – Snuggling on the Sofa - Amnesia
I vividly remember my favorite high school English teacher sadly telling us that his wife had been in a bicycle accident.
-          Sylv Jenkins - The Cover of I Have People
I am a ‘happily ever after’ writer, therefore the happy cover matches the happy ending! I promise!
10 – PauseTime - The Music that Inspired I Have People
I love to share what song goes with which scene in my books. 
11 – TheBroke Book Bank - Ten Things You Don't Know About I Have People
My heroine’s name, Holly Noel, came from a friend who had a Christmas baby and named her Holly Noel. LOVE
12 – Mel’sShelves - Review; The Worth of a Soul
I was excited to get this guest post, The Worth of a Soul. This is one of my favorite conversations from the book, too.
14 – TheReaddicts - Review; Two Kinds of Love
I Have People was not an easy light read I was expecting but it was a good read none the less.
15 – Paulette’sPapers - A Gentleman Who Says "Gosh" Review
The hero of I Have People is a true gentleman and in many ways the perfect man. He’s kind, soft-spoken, polite to a fault, and compassionate.
-          Christy’s Cozy Corner - Review; The Inspiration behind I Have People
I love Taylor Dean's books. They always feel so real...One minute you're feeling giddy with happiness and the next you're filled with dread!
16 – fuonlyknew - ReviewThe Prologue to I Have People

You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll want to kick someone, but most importantly, you’ll want to hug someone.
You’ll want to hug “your people.”

17 – Tressa’sWishful Endings - Review; The Locations Featured in I Have People
I also really liked Holly's character. She was sweet and still strong. 
18 – LiteraryWinner - Review
I have to say it’s a bit eye-opening that Holly felt that if she wasn’t actually hit by her abuser, then she wasn’t being abused.  I can imagine that this may be thought by other people in similar situations.  
19 – GettingYour Read On - Review; Soooo Cliche!
I.  Love.  I Have People.  This book kept me engaged the whole way
22 –  A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner - My Favorite Character in I Have People
The main character, Holly, discovers that she does have ‘people’ in her life who are willing to help her out of a bad situation—she just has to let them. 

 - Beck Valley Books - The Title of I Have People
It was at this moment that I realized, I Have People, and I always will!
23 – Deco MyHeart - Review
This is an emotional story of domestic abuse and recovery, wonderfully written with realistic characters, and it will stay with you long after you finish. How I wish women (and men) that are bring abused would seek help and realize they have "people" too.
-          Mrs. Mommy Booknerds Book Reviews - Review
Dean creates a story that is not only engaging, gritty and real
24 – GreenMountain Couple - Review
I cried with Holly and laughed with her too.
25 – icultgen - Friendship
Angela was fun to write. She is funny, blunt, loyal, and loves her ‘girl time.’
  – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer  - When is it Abuse

 - That Girl Reads - Review; Two Kinds of Men

26 – Grand Finale Blast!


The Author:

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you'll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up. 



The Giveaways:

5 prize packs to US winners: 1 signed paperback, 1 tote bag, 2 bookmarks, 1 "I Have People" pencil, and 1 "I Have People" pink dog tag necklace.


10 ebooks to US or International winners

Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, April 25, 2013

When The Morning Glory Blooms

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
When The Morning Glory Blooms
Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013)
by
Cynthia Ruchti


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia writes stories of hope that glows in the dark, merging her love for storytelling with inextinguishable hope for inexpressible hurts.

Cynthia spends her days diving into words, worship, and wonder and celebrating 40 years of marriage, three grown children, and five outrageously adorable grandchildren. One of her greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she served as the assistant director and a faculty member of the Quad Cities Christian Writers Conference, has served as worship and devotions staff for the Write-to-Publish conference, and teaches at other conferences as opportunities arise. She speaks to women’s groups, at mother-daughter banquets, and for women’s refresher days and retreats. It is her delight to serve on her church’s worship team. Rather than “busy,” she likes the term “active.”

For 33 years, Cynthia wrote and produced the radio broadcast The Heartbeat of the Home. The scripted radio drama/devotional broadcast aired on as many as 50 radio stations and two cable/digital television stations over the years. Cynthia was the editor of the ministry’s Backyard Friends magazine, a twenty-page, twice annual publication that reached 5,000 homes, churches, and parachurch outreaches.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Becky rocks a baby that rocked her world. Sixty years earlier, with her fiancé Drew in the middle of the Korean Conflict, Ivy throws herself into her work at a nursing home to keep her sanity and provide for the child Drew doesn't know is coming. Ivy cares for Anna, an elderly patient who taxes Ivy's listening ear until the day she suspects Anna's tall tales are not the ramblings of dementia. They're fragments of Anna's disjointed memories of a remarkable life. Finding a faint thread of hope she can't resist tugging, Ivy records Anna's memoir, scribbling furiously after hours to keep up with the woman's emotion-packed, grace-hemmed stories. Is Ivy's answer buried in Anna's past? Becky, Ivy, Anna--three women fight a tangled vine of deception in search of the blossoming simplicity of truth.

If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Morning Glory Blooms, go HERE.

My thoughts...

Wow, I loved this book! Not only does it have a beautiful cover, it has a great storyline and the three main characters are wonderful. In 1890 Anna begins a home for unwed mothers. In 1951 Ivy is pregnant by her boyfriend who is fighting in the Korean War and has no idea she's expecting. Can you imagine the disgrace these women experienced? Finally there's Becky, she's a grandma that is trying to help her teenage daughter be more responsible in caring for her baby. You can't help but love each one of these women as you get to know them.

The author takes these three women's lives and binds them together at the end even though they are from different areas in time. She has written a story that will bring tears to your eyes throughout the book. This one gets 5 stars from me!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

MIRACLE ON SNOWBIRD LAKE



A gripping and original novel of suspense, Miracle On Snowbird Lake took First Place honors in Deep River Books' 2012 Writer's Contest in the fiction category. In a small town, in the shadow of the Adirondack Mountains, pastor Robert Davis's daughter is abducted.

After everyone else gives up, Pastor Davis goes on searching tirelessly—not only for his daughter, but for a God from whom he demands answers. Can his faith, family, and ministry survive the darkest places of the soul? When tragedy strikes, is love the one gift that empowers courage to face the very gates of hell?

Through menacing twists and turns, this fast-paced read will keep you on the edge of your seat and take you to the far side of God's providence, as you follow the relentless journey of a man who refuses to give up hope.

Buy your copy HERE.

My thoughts...

If you have a hard time reading about child abductions you may want to pass on this one. This book stirs emotions and brings tears to your eyes. The author writes from the victim's family point of view and did an excellent job!

Robert Davis pastors a church in a small community where things like this just don't happen. His eleven year old daughter is missing, her bicycle was found but there were no other clues. Robert's wife falls into a deep depression, he thinks about suicide often. God doesn't even seem to care. Though parents start watching their children more closely a year later another girl disappears.

Bednarz has written a gripping tale with unforgettable characters. We find out what happened to Annie at the very end of the book. This one will stay with you!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Postcards from Misty Harbor Series!



When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality?

Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.





Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins.

Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives.

My thoughts...

This is a delightful tale of three sisters, Caroline, Gracie, and Sam, who are retired and wanting to rebuild their relationships. They decide to buy a run down Inn where they vacationed as children, over 50 years ago. Owning the Inn was a dream of their mother's. As they refurbish the Inn they learn a lot about each other and learn there is a mystery waiting to be solved. The disappearance of a woman back in the 1800's.

I enjoyed the descriptions of Nantucket, it sounds like a nice place to visit. The women are strong and the other residents of Nantucket are pleasant. In SEASIDE HARMONY the saga continues as the sisters open the Inn. A young couple on their honeymoon are guests and are having trouble in their marriage already. Grace does a good job of counseling them. There's more on the missing woman from the first book.

I thought this was a sweet novel, a fun read, if you like cozy mysteries you'll like this series.

I received a copy of these books from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A HEALING HEART ~ CFBA Tour

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Healing Heart
Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013)
by
Angela Breidenbach


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Angela Breidenbach is a speaker/coach in mental and physical health, author of A Healing Heart April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series, Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance, and Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister (worship/prayer leader) for her congregation in Missoula, MT. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom’s brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she’s also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital.

ABOUT THE BOOK



Mara Keegan is an uber-successful mother and a widow of three years. She's been chasing success and all the "good things in life" for her family to make up for the cruel whim God played on them by taking her husband. In an effort to be the perfect mom, she decides to make a photo memory quilt, a graduation present for her daughter, Cadence.

She’s not yet finished when she experiences a heart attack. While Mara recuperates, she revisits the choices she's made that led to this physically and spiritually broken heart. The memory quilt must be finished in time for Cadence's big day, but Mara struggles with her burgeoning feelings for the man who must keep Mara's business going during her recovery, Joel Ryan. Can Joel find his way into Mara's heart and onto Cadence's quilt?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Healing Heart, go HERE


My thoughts...

The Quilts of Love series are good books, I've read all of them and was moved by each. Here, widow Mara Keegan is trying hard to keep the family business afloat. She works long hours and doesn't have the time to spend with her three children. Stressed and overworked she suffers a heart attack and during her recovery she has no choice but to let Joel, the man who once attempted a hostile takeover, run the business for her.

Heartwarming and entertaining is how I would describe this book. The story moves at a good pace, it's well written, and the characters are likeable.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Showers of Books Giveaway Hop!!



My giveaway is US only and here's what you can win! Enter via the Rafflecopter below.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hop on over to these blogs for more chances to win!

I HAVE PEOPLE by Taylor Dean



Missing any memories?

Holly Sinclair is happily married to the love of her life, Gabriel. Young and in love, Holly hopes to have their first child soon. Of course, Gabriel wants to wait till Holly’s health is restored, much to Holly’s dismay. She feels perfectly fine. So what if she just woke up from an eight-month coma? So what if some of her memories are missing? She remembers Gabe and that’s all that matters, right?

That is, until HE enters her life again . . . she forgot about HIM.

My thoughts...

Holly Sinclair awakens from 8 months in a coma and has lost most of her memory. She does have memories of her wonderful husband, Greg. He begins to recreate certain events in hopes of helping her regain her memory. It doesn't take Holly long to figure out he and her best friend are hiding information from her about the accident. When her memory does return she in shocked at what she remembers.

This is an emotional story of domestic abuse and recovery, wonderfully written with realistic characters, and it will stay with you long after you finish. How I wish women (and men) that are bring abused would seek help and realize they have "people" too. It made me angry, it's heartbreaking and stirred up memories of abuse I witnessed as a child in my home. Taylor handled the subject very well, I highly recommend this book to everyone!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Connect with Taylor on her website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase your copy here... AMAZON and BARNES AND NOBLE

Monday, April 22, 2013

DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN by Ace Collins



On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’ husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas, the teen, comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. Angered by her senseless loss, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further—until the D.A. intervenes.

The results of the brutal trial enrage Meg, leading her down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction.

My thoughts...

On their anniversary Meg receives a phone call that changed her life drastically. Her husband, Steve, was killed by a drunk driver, a teenager, who is a star athlete and the son of a prominent, high powered Judge. Meg begins to turn into a different woman, she is angry and wants revenge. She makes a plan to destroy this teens life. Hate consumes her and soon everyone avoids her, even those she loves.

This is a difficult book to read, Collins' description of the hatred inside Meg and the treatment she gets from those in the justice system is touching. The issue of drunk driving is a tough one and the way the case was handled with this teen was sad for Meg and himself. There were many times throughout the book I just had to stop and think how awful to be in this situation. Collins is a talented writer, I've read several of his books and loved them all. This is definitely a 5 star book!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Visit Ace’s website at www.acecollins.com.

Connect with Ace:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK

About the Author



Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials.

He has appeared on Good Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.

Purchase: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

DAVID'S SONG Tour Blast w/giveaway!!

davids tour

Tour Schedule

 
David's Song Taken from the book cover: Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience. A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-doubt and personal inadequacy.  

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

   
Author A.R. Talley April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique. Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads

  Praise from reviews on Goodreads.com "Not just your typical romance novel" - Tracy Williams "David's Song is great read that leaves you thinking about the story and pondering your own relationships". - Anna Pavkov "Sucked me in from the 1st page" - Jill Walker "Loved this book . . . could not put it down!" - Dana Vieira     Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/12/13   a Rafflecopter giveaway

SOLITARY DESIRE Book Blast



A story of a woman in love with all things French, who accomplishes her dreams through hard work and determination - driven by the overwhelming desire to be who and where she was meant to be. Conveying amusing candor, Defforge takes us along on her journey as she narrates the life events that weave an emotional tapestry, from adolescent imagination to adult life situations. A true story of twists and turns and the author’s courage to follow it. Inspirational and engaging - the perfect read for those who wish to pursue their own life dreams.

Read more: HERE

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Meet the Author



Born in the U.S. and now, an expat living on the French Riviera. As a former French teacher, and lifelong Francophile, I currently enjoy writing: books, and sharing news, information, and amusing stories on my blog, "24/7 in France."

Read more: HERE

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

DAYNIGHT by Megan Thomason w/great giveaways!!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours...

It's time to leave Earth and cross over to the other side... it's not as far away as you think!!

Megan Thomason
Megan Thomason lives in paradise aka San Diego, CA with her husband and five children. A former software manager, Megan vastly prefers writing twisted tales to business, product, and marketing plans. When she isn't typing away on her laptop, she's reading books on her phone—over 600 in the last year—or attending to the needs of her family. Megan’s fluent in sarcasm, could potentially benefit from a 12-step program for road rage, struggles with a Hot Tamales addiction, loves world travel & fast cars and hates paperwork & being an insomniac. Daynight is Megan's first published novel, but fourth written one.



Welcome to the "Second Chances" daynight blog tour! Over the next few day/nights I am really excited to share with you:


- Over $300 of daynight-related prizes as a giant THANK YOU to the thousands ofdaynight early adopters and those who have yet to enter the twisted world of The Second Chance Institute and Thera. Want to prepare for Exile? Or an overday date with Ethan? Have breakfast for dinner? Glam it up in Garden City? There are *12* prize packages to be won! We'll introduce a new package every day of the tour so you'll have a second, third & so forth chance to win.

- The launch of clean slate complex (a daynight story)... For those who have read daynight you can learn more about what the SCI is up to on Earth (surely nothing good). For those who haven't read daynight this is a great way to get your feet wet...test the waters so to speak. I warn you though...the SCI's like Jaws Jr and the giant school of barracuda I encountered on my recent vacation--pretty from a distance, but up close they've got a lot of bite ;).

- Posters, teasers and guest posts about the themes of daynight and clean slate complex... Plus, I'm fully prepared to sneak in some nuggets about what to expect in the daynight sequel, arbitrate.

Thanks again for joining us on the tour and for your support of daynight. I'm grateful for all of you and humbled by your support.

- Megan Thomason
author of daynight


* The Tour *

Become an SCI Recruit
The Second Chance Institute (daynight's Dystopia)
April   22 - Launch!
                - My Seryniti - Review
                - Little Library Muse
           23 - Tressa's Wishful Endings
                - Buckeye Girl Reads - Teaser
                - Marked by Books - Review
                - Red Headed Bookworm
Welcome to Thera!
Building Thera
           24 - Coffee Books and Me
                  Stressed Rach
                  Snuggling on the Sofa - Review
           25 - Christy's Cozy Corner - Teaser
                - All Fantasy Words - Review
Kira * Blake * Ethan
Character Backgrounds & Posters
           26 - Susie Q-Pons and Giveaways - Review
                - My Passion for Books - Review; Ethan
                - Paranormal opinion - Blake
                - The Cozy Reading Corner - Kira
                - Book, Books, the Magical Fruit - Teaser
                - Bookaroo-JuTeaser
           27 - Bookworm Lisa - The Characters
                - Getting Your Read On - Review
Cleaving
daynight's Controversy of "Cleaving"
           28 - Fantastical World of Wonders - Review
                - Pause Time
                - A Backwards Story
                - Beck Valley Books
           29 - I Am a Reader, Not a Writer - Teaser
                - Books Mystify - Review
                - Mel's Shelves - Review
Vacation on Earth!
Escapism
           30 - The Broke Book Bank - Review
                - Letters to the Cosmos - Review
                - Arriane Cruz 
                - Candace's Book Blog
May      1 - Life of a YA Girl - Review
                - Fuonlyknew - Teaser
                - Jack's Junk Drawer - Review
Risking Exile
Dystopian Survival 101
             2 - A Tiffyfit's Reading Corner - Review
                - Lovin' Los Libros - Review
                - Paulette's Papers
                - Becky's Barmy Book Blog 
             3 - Backing Books - Teaser
                - Book Snob - Review
             4 - Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks - Recipe
                - Living a Goddess Life - Review; Recipe
Clean Slate Complex
             5 - Mortality Bites
                - Sab, The Book Eater
                - Deco My Heart - Review
             6 - Passion and Life - Teaser
                - The Reading Diaries - Review
             7 - Grand Finale Blast!!


Daynightdaynight
by Megan Thomason
Paperback, 324 pages
Published November 26th 2012 by Creatspace

Meet The Second Chance Institute (SCI): Earth’s benevolent non-profit by day, Thera’s totalitarian regime by night. Their motto: Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance™. Reality: the SCI subjects Second Chancers to strict controls and politically motivated science experiments like Cleaving—forced lifetime union between two people who have sex. Punishment for disobeying SCI edicts? Immediate Exile or death.

Meet Kira Donovan. Fiercely loyal, overly optimistic, and ensnared by the promise of a full-ride college scholarship, Kira signs the SCI Recruit contract to escape memories of a tragedy that left her boyfriend and friends dead.

Meet Blake Sundry. Bitter about being raised in Exile and his mother’s death, Blake’s been trained to infiltrate and destroy the SCI. Current barrier to success? His Recruit partner—Miss Goody Two Shoes Kira Donovan.

Meet Ethan Darcton. Born with a defective heart and resulting inferiority complex, Ethan’s forced to do his SCI elite family’s bidding. Cleave-worthy Kira Donovan catches his eye, but the presiding powers give defect-free Blake Sundry first dibs.

Introducing...  the new Novella:  FREE for the Tour!
On Smashwords!

clean slate complex
by Megan Thomason

Meet The Second Chance Institute (SCI): Worldwide non-profit and do-gooder organization. Their motto: Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance at Life(TM). Reality: hidden behind every kind act is a dark agenda designed to gain control and force societal and moral extremes. Currently, the SCI’s pushing Project Liberate, a program to woo the poor and downtrodden into their Clean Slate Complexes—where “everything is provided” from jobs to food, shelter, clothing, and education. Unfortunately, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there’s a catch…

Meet Alexa Knight. Feisty, tough and currently homeless in Los Angeles, Alexa agrees to help the SCI in return for medical care for her sick mother. When she starts to suspect there’s more to the SCI than meets the eye will she believe Adam—the boy who saved her life and the SCI’s biggest champion, or Joshua—the attractive enigma who sings about conspiracy theories and pretends to be someone he’s not?

Full of action, humor, romance, twists and turns, clean slate complex is a companion story to the highly-praised dystopian novel, daynight. It can be enjoyed before or after readingdaynight.



Theme 1 photo Spuds-a-Dud-Giveaway_zps2aeaabb5.jpg

daynight Second Chances Giveaway:


Choose what you enter to win wisely. Your stay on Thera may be extended indefinitely.

 photo daynight-Second-Chances-Tour-giveaway_zps0237b6a0.jpg


Highlighting a different giveaway every daynight of the Tour... International Winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate and US Winners may choose $25 GC in lieu of Prize Package.

US only. International winners will receive $25 Amazon gift certificate. US winners can opt to receive $25 Amazon gift certificate in lieu of any prize package.Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Megan Thomason. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, April 21, 2013

WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY



When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and—even more unexpectedly—with each other…

Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong reason: the security of old Atlanta money—for herself and for her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal.

Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old world charm of The Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all.

And then there’s Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She’s just starting to realize that it’s time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.

For Samantha, Claire, Brooke—and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings—it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life’s hardest moments—all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey.

My thoughts...

Being a fan of the addictive "Downton Abbey", I was drawn to this book because of the title and the author. This is the second Wax book I've read and I found it fun! Samantha, Claire, and Brooke reside in a condo building in Atlanta. Edward, the concierge, is a fan of the show and watches every Sunday night. Eventually the three residents end up being his viewing companions and friendships form that otherwise never would've happened.

I loved this delightful book and read it in one day, the characters are interesting and fun. Wax knows how to write a good story. I liked how the girls friendships form, each week layers of their fake exteriors are peeled away as they begin to be "real". 5 out of 5 stars!

I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

STARTING NOW by Debbie Macmber



For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.

With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.

As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.

My thoughts...

I've really enjoyed the Blossom Street novels, this one is no exception. Libby is an attorney expecting to be offered partnership when she is called into her bosses office. What she gets is the opposite, he has to let her go. Like many others that have lost their jobs due to the economy she is devastated at the loss of the job she loves. It takes effort but Libby is finally able to enjoy life. You'll find a little romance, humor, healing of relationships and teen pregnancy.

A fun, quick read with loveable new characters as well as the ones we've become familiar with in this series. 4.5 out of 5 stars!

I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, April 19, 2013

HEART LIKE MINE by Amy Hatveny



Thirty-six-year-old Grace McAllister never longed for children. But when she meets Victor Hansen, a handsome, charismatic divorced restaurateur who is father to Max and Ava, Grace decides that, for the right man, she could learn to be an excellent part-time stepmom. After all, the kids live with their mother, Kelli. How hard could it be?

At thirteen, Ava Hansen is mature beyond her years. Since her parents’ divorce, she has been the one taking care of her emotionally unstable mother and her little brother—she pays the bills, does the laundry, and never complains because she loves her mama more than anyone. And while her father’s new girlfriend is nice enough, Ava still holds out hope that her parents will get back together and that they’ll be a family again.

But only days after Victor and Grace get engaged, Kelli dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances—and soon, Grace and Ava discover there was much more to Kelli’s life than either ever knew.

My thoughts...

This is an emotional story, my heart broke in several places as I read. Grace is happy with her life, loves her career and Victor, her fiance. He has two children who live with his ex, Kelli, and that makes Grace even happier. She has no desire to be a mother. Something tragic happens and the children come to live with Grace and their father. Thirteen year old Ava needs to know more about what made her mother a woman with a lot of pain. As she and Grace dig through Kelli's past the story is then being told by Kelli. So heartbreaking .

Hatveny writes with such passion you can feel the emotions from each person as they go through the grieving process...the depression... the pain... and the change in their lives. Kelli and Grace are such different people, my heart went out to Kelli. She loved being a mom and just wanted to be accepted. A beautiful story.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

THE GATE by Dann Stouten



When an ad for a vacation cottage catches the eye of a man on the edge of burnout, he impulsively sets off to visit the property while his wife and daughters are away. When he arrives and is ushered through the gate, he finds something far different from the typical vacation retreat. In fact, it seems he may have found the back door to heaven. The proprietor and people from his past welcome him with food, rest, and conversation until what started out as a little escape from everyday life turns into an experience he will never forget.

This imaginative novel explores the big questions we all have about what lies beyond this earthly life. Readers hungry for a taste of heaven will find in The Gate hope, encouragement, and pure joy.

My thoughts...

Christian Counselor Sky Hunt is stressed and needs to get away. While reading the paper one day he sees an ad for a cabin rental where the "view is heavenly". While his family heads off on a shopping getaway he goes to the cabin. It isn't the same though, this time an angel greets him and he begins an amazing journey!

Similar to THE SHACK this book is an enjoyable read, Sky talks with people from his past who have died, he meets Jesus, and more. Each person has a life lesson for him. Well written, fun, you'll definitely feel good after reading it.

I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

A Place to Belong by Lauraine Snelling



As winter settles over the Engstrom ranch, Cassie Lockwood has a lot on her mind. The way Lucas Engstrom smiles at her should set her heart to tripping. But it doesn't. Shouldn't there be some attraction to him if they are going to be married?

His vow to make her love him doesn’t seem to be working, no matter how considerate and charming he is. And then there's the look she caught him sending Betsy Hudson at church one Sunday. Are she and Lucas drifting apart?

During a short trip away, Cassie realizes she must make other plans for her future. But what will the Engstroms say when she announces plans to leave the ranch and join a Wild West show?

My thoughts...

I don't usually read books set in the Wild West but I'm such a fan of Lauraine's I read all of her books! She always has a great storyline with good strong female characters. The is the last in the series and has Cassie deciding to marry Lucas, a man she doesn't love, for her it will be a marriage of convenience. Since arriving at their home Lucas' father notices the changes in him and encourages him to marry Cassie.

Hoping to win enough to pay off her debts she enters shooting contests and is getting pretty good at it. Winter is coming quickly, wedding plans are being made. This may be Cassie's biggest mistake ever or does she change her mind?

I really enjoyed this story, the characters were very likeable, the plot was good. A fun read!

I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.