Friday, November 30, 2012

"Christmas Books Giveaway Hop!" Dec 1st to Dec 7th!

It's HERE! The "Christmas Book Giveaway Hop!" Hosted by Kathy, at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and myself as Co-Host, "Laurie", at Laurie Here - Contemporary Fiction and MORE - Book Reviews! SO glad to have you!

If you will just click HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! you can do so!
Merry Christmas!

Price Drop on both books! Plus a $20 Amazon or PayPal CASH Giveaway of Dead Running and Dying to Run by Cami Checketts!


**Price Drop - BOTH Ebooks are 99cents!
AND a Giveaway for $20 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal CASH - scroll down to enter the Rafflecopter form!
From Author Cami Checketts
Ends 12/23/12

Dead Running by Cami Checketts

Print Book: $9.58
Ebook:       $0.99


Dying to Run by Cami Checketts

Print Book: $5.99
Ebook:       $0.99



Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 29, 2012

BOOK BLAST! "Keegan's Chronicles trilogy Set" by Julia Crane! $100 Amazon GC OR $100 PayPal Cash!



Keegan's Chronicles Trilogy Set
Books 1-3

Coexist:
 

Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.



In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Conflicted: 
Keegan, is only alive now due to Black Magic, and her bond with her Chosen is broken. She cannot remember Rourk at all.

For the first time, she feels like a normal teenager. She is dating Donald, her long-time crush, and everything seems perfect. But Rourk still feels their bond, and despairs for the woman he was always meant to love.

Keegan's best friend Anna is determined to find a way to use her powers to return Keegan's bond, no matter what it takes. The question is does Keegan even want it?

Consumed: 
Keegan has dealt with a lot over the last two years: Death, black magic and the loss of her bond to her chosen mate. But on her eighteenth birthday, the bond with Rourk returns.

Now, Keegan faces her hardest decision. Tradition requires elves marry at eighteen. If she accepts the path laid out for her, she will be spared a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. But will that life ever really be her own?

Praise:

Really enjoyed this book. The story draws you in, and the characters are engaging, especially Rourk. I've never read a book about elves, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This was really good. Would recommend to anyone interested in a quick, fun, paranormal read. 
-- Amazon Reviewer


I am not one for Elves or Fairies but yeah these Elves RULE! What is not to love? You have an age old prophecy, destined loves, a great family and amazing friends. Not to mention .... Rourk *yummy* All that is left is the amazing way it all is put together into this fantastic story. 
-- Amazon Reviewer


If you pick up this book, I'm sure it will not disappoint, it had everything, it was cute, yet dark..and well that combo just makes for a perfect book on my shelf, Julia has truly written an amazing read. (: 
-- Haley @ Ya-aholic.com


Purchase



Author Julia Crane


Julia Crane is the author of the YA paranormal fiction novels: Keegan's Chronicles, Mesmerized, Dark Promise and Eternal Youth. Julia was encouraged by her mother to read and use her imagination, and she's believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Julia has traveled far and wide to all the places her grandmother told her about, gaining inspiration from her journeys to places like Nepal, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Italy, France and many more. And who knows? Maybe the magical creatures she writes about are people she met along the way.

Julia Crane has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

Links

Book Blast Giveaway Details (Starts November 29th)

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/9/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

2012 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge hosted by The True Book Addict @ The Christmas Spirit Blog!


I openly admit that I AM a Reading Challenge Addict! The button is in the right-side column of my blog! This IS how most of those meetings start, right? LOL! Take a look and you will see it! Click on it or the TAB above called Challenges, and you WILL SEE ALL THE CHALLENGES I AM IN!) I am in a LOT of Challenges, and it's time for me to Update that page! I've been a little lax in that category!

So, look what I found! Thanks to Aobiblioclassique! Click on the name for his LINK to 'one' of his blogs, his blog about the Classics, and what he is dong for the Challenge! Go on over and take a look! He would LOVE any comments you leave for him! Thank You, AO! You ARE my FAVE!!! It is a "Christmas Book Reading Challenge!" Wow! Right up my alley! It is SO ME!!! This is sponsored by The True Book Addict at her Christmas blog called Christmas Spirit by the True Book Addict! 

For this Challenge, we are to do a post about it, and explain what it is, of course! So here it is!

This is her 4th year doing this Challenge! Thank you!!! It runs from November 19th to January 6th, which is Epiphany, or Little Christmas, and also the 12th day of Christmas! Many people think that the 12 days of Christmas start BEFORE Christmas, well they ARE WRONG! The 12 days of Christmas truly starts the day AFTER Christmas, December 26th all the way until January 6th. If you count it out, the 12th day IS January 6th! (My true birthday! Yes, I was born on Epiphany, or Little Christmas, or The 12th Day of Christmas! On a religious note, this is the day the Three Wise Men brought their gifts to baby Jesus, thus, the name Epiphany. If you recall in the Bible story, the three wise men saw the star in the sky which looked down where he lay, (recognize the song reference?) and it took these men twelve days of traveling on foot to reach the new born Savior. Again, thus the twelve days of Christmas.

So, how does this Challenge work? There are multiple levels, such as reading Children's books to watching movies. Movies, I can do! I have the Hallmark Channel and GMC on ALL day and ALL night long! I see SO MANY Christmas movies, it's ridiculous! I read through the repeats at this time of year! They started showing Christmas movies on November 12th this year! Kind of crazy starting SO early, but I sure DO enjoy it! A GREAT break from the daily programming! I guess I AM a Christmas Movie JUNKEE!!! LOL! Anyway, there is something for everyone in this Challenge! The dates this runs is up above, already covered. Cross-overs from other Challenges is totally permitted and encouraged, thank gosh! I have a lot going on! The books must be Christmas novels, Christmas lore, short stories, poems, Christmas crafts, or Children's books. If you click on her link up above, she has a list of ALL the New Releases this year, too.

There are different 'required' levels:
1. Candy Cane: 1 book
2. Mistletoe: 2-4 books
3. Christmas Tree - 5, 6 or MORE books! This is the fanatic level! 

Extra Levels:
4. Fa, la, la, la, la Films: Watch as many Christmas movies as we want!
5. Visions of Sugar Plumbs: Read Christmas books to children (Well, mine are grown and would NOT prefer me to read to them! I asked, but was QUICKLY turned down! LOL!!!

So, what am I going to do?

3. Christmas Tree - 5, 6 or MORE Christmas books! I guess that makes me a FANATIC!
AND
4. Fa, la, la, la, la - FILMS! Oh, I have the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark MOVIE Channel on ALL day! I like noise in the background, even if I'm reading. I guess I like to WATCH the Very BEST! LOL! Sure beats anything else that's on in the Daytime! (I can't listen to the radio because if a song comes on I know, I'll start singing it!)

So, that's it! You can see this Challenge on the Challenge Tab up above! I will also have the button in the right side column to click on and take you there!
Happy Christmas Reading!



Book Blast! "The Legend of Garison Fitch" by Samuel Ben White! See the BOOKS and meet the AUTHOR! Plus, a $50 Amazon Gift Card OR PayPal CASH!!!


First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?


Purchase


Praise:

"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."
~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."
~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."

~Scott, Saudi Arabia


Also Part of the Series:

Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?



Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told-will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.


Purchase


Author Samuel Ben White


Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.

Links





Tour Schedule




Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/16/12

*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Sam then you can leave the others blank.


Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 26, 2012

Book Blast! "Wisteria" by Bisi Leyton - ENTER for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card OR $100 PayPal CASH! Plus, a LINK to enter to win a KINDLE "FIRE" from this author, too! Amazing prizes await!

There are "2" contests going on for this book! This one for the $100 Amazon Gift Card OR $100 PayPal CASH, AND another one for a KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY at the Author's website! Amazing! I'm in! Are you? Keep reading and you'll see the link to enter below! GORGEOUS COVER, huh!


Title: Wisteria
Author: Bisi Leyton
Genre:  Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Date of Publication:  Aug 2012
Number of pages: 275
Cover Artist: Olivia Smith

Wisteria by Bisi Leyton:

Sixteen year old Wisteria Kuti has two options—track the infected around the Isle of Smythe or leave the only known safe haven and face a world infested with flesh eating biters. But even with well-armed trackers, things go wrong and Wisteria ends up alone facing certain death, until she is rescued by the mysterious Bach. Uninfected, Bach is able to survive among the hordes of living dead.

Eighteen year old Bach, from a race known as The Family, has no interest in human affairs. He was sent here to complete his Great Walk and return home as a man—as a Sen Son. The Family regard humans as Dirt People, but Bach is drawn to this Terran girl, whom he has never seen before, but somehow
knows.

Hunted by flesh eaters, cannibals, and the mysterious blood thirsty group called Red Phoenix, Wisteria and Bach make their way back to the Isle of Smythe, a community built on secrets and lies.

Praise for Wisteria:

“I love the buildup of this story, getting to know
the characters and watching their connection grow. I had no idea which way the story was headed and I was kept in suspense right up to the very end! It has plenty of action and a fascinating plot and I can’t wait to see what Bisi
Leyton has for us next!!” 

“There are a lot of great things in this book, so much more than zombies and a struggle for survival. At it’s base core it is about star-crossed lovers, literally and the supporting characters roles… Ms. Leyton brings to Wisteria a mixture of science fiction, fantasy, dystopic world with a twist to the paranormal romance angle!”

“The book was full of nonstop action from the beginning until the end, and I did not put it down until I had finished it. I loved the book.” 

Purchase:

Excerpt:
As she walked back to the ridge of the roof, Bach’s heart went with her. Someone had tried to hurt her. Tried to damage what belonged to him, and who he belonged to. He started to feel dizzy from the volumes of strangle weed planted in the front of her house.
“Thank you so much for coming and for the guitar. It’s perfect.” She gave it back to him.
“No, it is yours, Wisteria.” He refused to take it. “Do you not like it?”
“No, I love it. It’s so beautiful.”
“Then keep it.” He kissed her neck. Knowing—hoping—his touch would soothe her pain, but he hadn’t come here to comfort her.
“Bach.” She used her instrument as a shield as she moved away from him. “It’s a bad idea. You won’t understand.”
“You are right. I do not get why you would refuse something you apparently love,” he whispered while rubbing her forearms and taking in her scent.
“If I accept your kindness, then I’ll have to face the consequences. I don’t know if I can face those.”
“You cannot face accepting my kindness, or is it accepting me that you cannot face?”
“Um…?”
“Tell me that you do not feel the same,” he whispered. “That the moment you first saw me that I did not get inside your head. Tell me that you do not think about me all of the time when we are not together?”
The dark-eyed girl did not answer.
Wishing he could will her to speak, he pressed her against his chest. Briefly, he noticed a black spot at the base of her neck, where he had kissed her, and then it was gone. 
“Okay, Wisteria. Then tell me that you want me to leave, and that you do not care if you never ever see me again.” He felt like someone else was speaking for him, once again. The questions became pointless as he found himself still planting kisses along her neck and the sides of her face.
“I can’t tell you that, Bach,” she replied softly, her voice breaking. “Because it’s not true.” She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. Desperately wanting to kiss her luscious-looking lips, he leaned into her. Wisteria reached up to him, tugging his head down as she stood on the very tips of her toes, seemingly just as eager to taste his lips.
“Wisteria, I cannot.” He broke away before it happened. “I do not want this.”
* * * * *
Wrapping her arms around herself, she moved away from him. Once again, humiliated and feeling foolish. “Goodnight, Bach!” She strode angrily to the side of the roof in order to climb down.
He grabbed her and held her back
The guy came here just to tease her, yet again! Didn’t he know he was hurting her? Didn’t he care? “I’m tired of all this nonsense. I’m actually tired and need some sleep. I’m done with this. All of this!” She should’ve left the roof when she saw him appear.
“Let go, so I can go.”
“Wisteria, it is not that.” Exhaling heavily, he released her. “My people could kill you if they knew I wanted you.”
This wasn’t at all what she’d expected him to say. “What?”
“I am in love with you. I do not know why, but I am. And it is selfish, because I just want you for myself.” Sadness filled his eyes as he spoke.
“Why would they do that to me?”
“Because you are human and because we see humans as Terran, or dirt people.” 
“And you believe that too? So why are you here, living among us, if we’re so disgusting?”
“You are not disgusting. You are beautiful.” Rubbing his temples, he seemed troubled and bewildered. “I came to Terra as a rite of passage. To be considered a man, to take a journey and experience the wild.” 
“The wild?”
“I chose Terra, or Earth, because I came here as a child. Your people treated me so badly in the past. When I learned about the Nero disease, I wanted to see your world.” He paused. “You were right when you said there was something wrong with me.”
“Bach, it cannot be that bad.” Stepping up to him, she stroked her fingers along his biceps. The sweet motion made him smile at her, but he still looked distressed.
“Like about Garfield, you let him live with you. And now you’re here with me.” 
“You are not like the rest.”
“Neither are you. You’re not so cold and cruel like Enric or patronizing like Felip. They think they’re better than us. You just hate people because you’re a jerk, Bach.”
“Ha.” Bach laughed. “A jerk?”
“You’re a big jerk.” As the final word rolled from her lips,
he kissed her. 
She was stunned for a second. His lips tasted like a strange, tantalizing spice. He squeezed her against his larger frame and rested his right hand on the small of her back. She fidgeted, unsure about what to do with her hands. She tried to kiss him back, but she struggled because she was so short.

Book Trailer:



Audiobook
Excerpt: 



Author Bisi Leyton:
Bisi Leyton was born in East London in 1978. She grew up in
London, Nigeria and the States, listening to the stories life and love from
aunts, cousins and big sisters.
She lives in London, but has worked around Europe
including France, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and the Czech Republic. She has a fondness for reading graphic novels.
Links

Kindle Fire Giveaway Details:
Bisi is currently running a Kindle Fire giveaway on her blog until November 30, 2012
To enter, click on - Visit Bisi's Blog





Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/5/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Sunday, November 25, 2012

The New York Times TOP 15 Best Sellers for the week ending 11-25-12


(I NEED to address this immediately! As you are reading my column, the words I am typing right now inside of ANY paragraph, you will see "any brand name product" highlighted in RED OR BLUE, OR ANY OTHER COLOR. This is a link done by another company "WITHOUT MY PERMISSION"! I do NOT KNOW who the company is, NOR is there a way for me to find out. This has to be some sort of MALWARE/PHISHING? It is NOT OF MY DOING! I ask that you NOT click through on their highlighted words, please, until I am able to find out more information. I don't even know who to ask except Blogger. What it is doing is getting YOU to click through on it so THEY make money. This is WRONG! Especially when they don't have my permission to do so! This is why I am asking you to NOT click through their words, PLEASE. Thank you!)

First - when I first started this column, I had always stated it would be up by noon. I just wanted to remind you of this, because today it will come close! LOL! Yes, I've had quite a full weekend for myself, but a great one! LOVE it when my son is here! (Now I'm tired and I didn't even get turkey!) Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend! I can imagine many of you are sick of the left over turkey by now? I had to laugh when I found out my 65 year old uncle threw his entire left-over turkey away! I thought it was hilarious because if I were living alone, running a 100-acre farm (at that age), had the two kids over, their spouses, and three grandchildren, you would NOT see me sitting and picking away at that turkey! I would have done the same thing! Pitch! That is my one pet-peeve. I HATE picking the turkey to pieces! Hate it! When we have had Thanksgiving's in the past, my husband has been the GEM and has picked it apart. 'That', is what I am thankful for! (If you have any funny Thanksgiving stories, let us know in the COMMENTS BELOW!)
Okay, let's get on to the books! We'll really see better results next week, after ALL the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping is done! Can't wait to see that list!
OH! Have you seen the NEW KINDLE? WOW! It's 'just' for reading, VERY AFFORDABLE so ANYONE can purchase one! It's ONLY $69.00! You CAN afford one for your kids now, at this price! Here's the link below, and you have got to take a look at it! I am planning on getting the Fire for my husband, as he likes the ability to go online (maybe because I HOG 'his' computer? Mine died! We just haven't gone to the store to replace mine YET!) So in addition to the Fire, I just might pick one of these up for him, too, only for reading! Plus, my son has been reading a LOT more (in the past, you could NOT get him to pick up a real book!) So at 'this price', it's well-worth it! You 'at least' need to take a look at it! There is a FULL PAGE dedicated to it right now. You can't pass this up! I don't know if it will stay at this price? Or is this just a Cyber-Monday price? It's an AMAZING PRICE! $69.00. Wow! Grab one today! Here it is:

Kindle, 6" E Ink Display, Wi-Fi


Please check this, but I do NOT believe the charging ADAPTER (the plug!) is included with this device! Reason I say this because in the right side column it has a choice to purchase it or not! Unbelievable! You would think this VITAL component which IS "NEEDED", would BE INCLUDED!!! No, it says "Power Adapter NOT INCLUDED". What a rip-off, huh? BUT, if you own another Kindle, you ALREADY HAVE THIS PLUG! Keep this in mind when deciding to purchase it or not. If you do NOT OWN A KINDEL - YOU NEED THIS PLUG!! When you go to purchase the Kindle, make sure to put a check mark in the light blue box that is in the right side column. Also remember - you do NOT NEED TO PURCHASE AMAZON'S KINDLE LEATHER COVERS! There are MANY other Vendors that sell Kindle covers! Many of them are in GREAT designs that are MUCH NICER, other than what Amazon offers, so if I were you, I would search around for Kindle Covers/Cases, or however they word it. I know because I bought a PINK one! Plus, my case even has an arm in the back so it can sit up like a photo frame! Have fun looking around! Here's the link to the adapter, but this link is the ONLY LINK I could even FIND for the Adapter. This one is $19.99, so you ARE better off by purchasing this item when you purchase the $69 Kindle by clicking the adapter box THERE for only $9.99, half price!

Kindle US Power Adapter (Not included with Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle, or Kindle Touch)


Fiction - Both Print and Ebook for the week ending: 11-25-12

1. The Last Man: A Novel by Vince Flynn
Print Book: $15.99
Ebook:       $12.99

 

2. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson
Print Book: $15.98
Ebook:       $12.99

 

3. The Racketeer by John Grisham
Print Book: $15.39
Ebook:       $12.99

 

4. The Perfect Hope: Book Three of the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy (The Inn Trilogy) by Nora Roberts
Print Book: $8.00
Ebook:       $9.99

 

5. Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn (I am hunkering down and finishing this book today! The other books for review HAVE to wait! This story IS beyond great!)
Print Book: $13.93
Ebook:       $12.99

 

6. Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy (50 Shades Trilogy) by E L James
Print Book: $9.00
Ebook:       $9.99

 

7. All In (The Blackstone Affair, Part 2) by Raine Miller
Print Book: NONE - only available as an ebook
Ebook: $2.99

 

8. Sweet Tooth: A Novel by Ian McEwan
Print Book: $15.00
Ebook:       $12.99

 

9. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Print Book: $9.23
Ebook:       $7.59

 

10. Fifty Shades Freed: Book Three of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E L James
Print Book: $9.00
Ebook:       $9.99

 

11. Fifty Shades Darker: Book Two of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E L James
Print Book: $9.00
Ebook:       $9.99

 

12. Reflected in You: A Crossfire Novel by Sylvia Day
Print Book: $9.99
Ebook:       $9.99

 

13. Poseidon's Arrow (Dirk Pitt Adventure) by Clive Cussler
Print Book: $15.98
Ebook:       $12.99

 

14. The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorenson
(To purchase the PRINT BOOK, click on the title. To purchase the Ebook, click below.)
Sorry, Amazon has NO PHOTO available of this PRINT book today to LINK to, but here is a copy and paste of it:

Print Book: $8.99


Ebook:
The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorenson

Ebook:  99cents!

 

15. Naked by David Sedaris
Print Book: $9.99
Ebook:       $9.99

 

There we have it! The "mass population's" choice of reading for this week, or, should I say what the most popular books are for this previous week. I've come to the conclusion that this list, the Best Selling books each week, is ONLY the 'mass population's' "choices", or just what is most popular. The books no longer 'necessarily' mean that they are GREAT WORKS OF LITERATURE, but ONLY the "choices" of popularity of the vast majority of Readers. Some books I think SHOULD BE HERE, and that this list should project the choices of GREAT LITERATURE, but it does not necessarily do that, "in MY opinion", as shown by 'some' of the books on the list. I would like to think that ALL books on this list were GREAT WORKS OF LITERATURE, but I don't necessarily think 'this list' reflects this any longer. Keep this in mind as you see the books 'that are the most popular books'. Maybe that is the wording I should use instead?
Thanks for reading, and see you next week!
Laurie

Friday, November 23, 2012

Open Adoption, Open Heart by Russell Elkins "Excerpt and Spotlight!" $25 Amazon Gift Card to enter to win, too!



Synopsis from Goodreads:
The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child. 

Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heartwarming journey.



***Here is an Excerpt from the book*** 

Since our situation seemed to be drastically different every week, our friends were always ready for an update. I actually wondered if some people suspected me of making some things up. Our life wasn’t usually so dramatic. One minute Brianna wanted us as parents, and then she couldn’t have us. Next thing Melissa wanted us to raise her child, and then they both wanted us, then just Brianna. If I hadn’t already gone bald, I’m sure my hair would have fallen out.
Even though Jammie (my wife) and I had lost hope because of the legal issues, Brianna (biological mom) still had hopes about the adoption. She still had hopes we could figure something out. While Jammie and I were meeting with our caseworker again one day, I randomly asked him about a thought I had. One of my best friends from college adopted a baby a couple of years earlier, and he chose to adopt the baby through the state of Utah even though neither he nor the birth mother lived there. I was not sure about all the details, but they chose to do it that way because the laws of Utah were much friendlier toward adoption than the laws of California where they lived. So, thinking a little bit about that situation, I asked if there was anything we could do about having Brianna go through our state of Idaho instead of her home state of Mississippi. It seemed like a long shot. In fact, I didn’t really think it was a shot at all, just a thought and a wonder, but it ended up being an option after all.
We asked Brianna if she would be interested in doing the adoption through our state. The only way to make it happen, though, was for the baby to be born here. The only way for that to happen was for Brianna to come to Idaho.

About the Author:
Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family moved away from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood hometown. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.
Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.
Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.



Links
Website * Facebook

***To ENTER the $25 Amazon Gift Card GiveawayPLEASE CLICK HERE!!! You will find the Rafflecopter form to ENTER it! Good Luck!

Open Adoption, Open Heart: An Adoptive Father's Inspiring Journey by Russell Elkins
Print Book: $14.95
Ebook:       $  2.99





Thursday, November 22, 2012

Debt-Proof Your Christmas: Celebrating the Holidays Without Breaking the Bank by Mary Hunt, Found of DebtProofLiving.com


Goodreads Synopsis:
Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also one of the most stressful--and most expensive. Expectations run high and it's tempting to whip out the credit cards to create the perfect Christmas for your family, with lavish meals, new decorations, and the latest, greatest gadgets and fashions for everyone on your Christmas gift list. But you don't have to overspend or go into debt to have a fabulous holiday. 
Financial expert Mary Hunt shows readers how. She helps readers assess their financial situation, commit to no new debt, and think creatively about their gift list. With Mary's guidance, readers will identify what has caused them to overspend in the past and approach this Christmas with a plan and a new attitude toward holiday spending. This just might be the best gift you can give yourself and your family. This book is an updated edition of "Debt-Proof the Holidays."


My Take:
5-Stars and MORE!
This book is written by Mary Hunt, founder of the website, Debt-Proof Living, (an excellent website to follow I have found!) and also by her many dedicated fans from her website! With this book, she wants to help ALL of you come out of this holiday shopping season WITH ZERO DEBT!
So, to ALL of you Thanksgiving Shoppers out there preparing for Black Friday, this year starting TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT! (And 'some' stores have already started their hours as I write this review!) Then we have Cyber-Monday in a few days, I 'hope' this book review can help you come out debt FREE, like Mary wants! This is starting in a few mere hours away, and if you have an ereader, now is the time to download this book and at least skim over it before you step out that door to do your holiday or bargain shopping! Hopefully you can at least skim through this book quickly enough to get a few ideas to help you STAY OUT OF DEBT THIS YEAR! Or, take your ereader, or whatever device you are using to read this on, and while standing in line, read, read, read!
I find this book is worth a hundred fold MORE than the cost of it. The helpful ideas, suggestions, and even tips from her Followers on her website are VITAL to the holiday season.
If I can share ONE thing that Mary says is vital, it would be this: TAKE CASH, NOT PLASTIC! NO PLASTIC AT ALL! She even advises 'if' you are to use plastic, a credit card offers more protection than does a Debit Card! Please be aware that in 21 days the interest starts immediately, NOT IN 30 DAYS! (You need to always check your credit card's 'small print'! Better yet, leave the plastic AT HOME!
For one, Mary says we allow the overcommercialization of the season to overcome us, and we get caught up in the man-made hype, the 'feeling' of the season, and allow it to almost become a popularity contest. I can so relate to this! My kids 'love' their one aunt to pieces because she buys them 'designer' name items. Coach purses, brand name items, etc. Can "I", mom, keep up with that? No. Do "I" think it is fair? No. I agree with Mary. This can be the most stressful time of year for many of us, if not ALL of us.
As I read this book, I kept reading 'predict and prepare', 'predict and prepare'. Is your plan in writing? How true! Have you done this homework before you step out your door? Do you know what you want your holiday to look like money-wise? Have you made a list and are you dedicated to sticking to it, especially with ALL of those gorgeous holiday displays beckoning your name? It's HARD! I know I can get caught up in the season inside the stores, too. The stores plan this. There is Christmas music playing, the stores are all decorated to the hilt, and have been since the evening of Halloween, getting us all hyped up. The circulars that have been mailed out to us, the television commercials are already playing and have been for the last week. Even Amazon has had 'the week before Black Friday deals' going on.
With all of this, she asks us if we are going to allow our emotions to spark a repeat performance of previous years? Come January when the after-Christmas bills roll in, are you prepared, or are you going to freak out? Are both you AND your significant other on the same page? She talks about 'mindless shopping'. Do you have a plan? Is it in writing? Have you thought this out?
She goes on to talk about and ask us what are we after? It should be the great  "good memories of Christmas", "NOT THE DEBT IN JANUARY MEMORIES!" She talks of wonderful memories and renewed relationships that should be the priority for Christmas, and it is NOT 'our' job to fulfill the deepest desires of every person on our lists. We are not mind readers, nor their dream fulfillers. She also says these people probably don't even remember what we got them last Christmas.
Whoa! That got me! Stopped me dead in my tracks at the realization of that! How true!
Instead she has incredible advice for us to follow. Setting a spending limit for every person on our list, making sure our attitude is not influenced by the surroundings we are shopping in, to stay out of the stores at certain times, to plan ahead and put our plans in writing, and most important of all is to ONLY have CASH on hand so we DON'T GO INTO DEBT. (What a concept!) All of these things I just listed are the most important in the book, and they don't stop here. There are many, many more, but my review would be a lot longer, and 'you' really need to get this book. You are going to find it priceless year after year.
She even asked her Readers to send in suggestions as to how they spend and what they buy for the holiday. This book covers everything. Tipping, giving to coworkers, neighbors, the paperboy, waiters, waitresses, gift cards, charities,  and even your significant other. She also reminds us that the best things of this season are the things that money cannot buy.
She also has her Readers write in and tell her their plans on how they started shopping and making things starting in the summer. She says it's not to late to start now, either. There are recipes in this book to make many handmade items, so many, in fact, it takes up a great portion of the book. The ideas are limitless and incredible! I loved them! What could be any more personal than something you made with your own hands, be it food or a craft meant especially 'for' that one person?
The resources for websites in this book are incredible! I have highlighted almost every website mentioned! I am going to look at all of them before I spend. I'm in NO hurry after reading this book.
I LOVED this book! It is so well worth every penny spent on it. I thought I already knew everything there was to saving money and not over spending for the season, and boy, was I wrong! This is one book I am keeping in my library and will look at even for birthdays when one or both of my kids are begging me for the latest and greatest! At the weak moments in my life, just about when I am ready to give in, I have made a pledge to myself to GRAB THIS BOOK!
I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Baker Publishing, a Division of Revell Publishing through NetGalley, in exchange to read and write a review about this book. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but, of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was NOT provided with ANY MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading the book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


About the Author:

From Amazon:
Debt-Proof Living founder Mary Hunt has authored 18 books on money management and becoming debt-free. Her nationally-syndicated newspaper column, "Everyday Cheapskate," appears in newspapers across the country and is also distributed electronically to opted-in subscribers every weekday. She is the money editor at Woman's Day magazine and is a regular guest on national radio and television shows.

Debt-Proof Your Christmas: Celebrating the Holidays without Breaking the Bank by Mary Hunt

Print Book: $10.39
Ebook:        $ 9.39



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

"Courting Cate" by Leslie Gould - My Review and Blog Tour via LitFuse Publicity thru 11-20! RSVP for Leslie Gould’s Facebook Party TONIGHT - 11/20!

The Courtships of Lancaster County, Book 1

My Take:
5-Stars!
An absolute non-stop read for me! I could not put this book down! This story was irresistible! Leslie Gould pens a story that has you flipping the pages of this book as fast as you can wanting to know what happens next. Like the rest of her books, the reading was very easy and enjoyable to read. She pulls you into the story making you feel like the main character. There is not a feeling you haven't experienced at some point that you cannot relate to. Koodles to Leslie Gould!
I connected with Cate Miller, the main character, very well. I could really feel for this character's predicament her own father put her in.
So what is this predicament her father puts her into? Cate is 24, with no male suitors courting her. She is known for her sharp and fiery tongue, as well as her temper. Cate would rather keep her nose in a book and chase the Bookmobile rather than court a possible future husband. Marrying and becoming a mother is just not in her foreseeable future right 'now'. At least not yet, but it is in her father's.
The problem? Her little sister, Betsy. As soon as any young man sees Betsy, her looks and flirtatious behavior can grab any young man's attention he might have shown Cate. Instead, they focus directly on Betsy, and Betsy eats this up. She loves it, as she wants to court, marry, and become a mother right away.
Their father puts a stop to this by making a hard and fast rule that the daughters shall marry in order, so with Cate being the oldest, Betsy can't get married until Cate does first. Betsy knows this, and Cate is not happy. Pretty soon this rumor spreads into the community and Cate is devastated.
In comes newcomer Pete. He meets Cate, but like all the rest, as soon as he sets eyes on Betsy, he is taken aback by her as well. Cate expects it, as it is not new to her, but she can't help but to wonder if maybe Pete really is interested in her after all when he asks her to go to a singing while they are on a hike together with all of their friends. So the book twists and turns, and things happen you would not have expected, but I can't tell you the rest. You have to enjoy this book on your own or else it's just not the same.
If you enjoy Amish Fiction, this is well worth the read! I cannot say enough about this book or this author, except you must pick up your copy today!
I received this book for FREE from the Publisher-Bethany House and LitFuse Publicity Tours together, in exchange to read and write a review about this book. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but, of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was NOT provided with ANY MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading the book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 


A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway through 11-19 and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20) to find out who the winner is!

Since my Blog's Tour Date is today, the day AFTER this giveaway ends on the 19th, I have notified you of this previously, and it has been in my right side-column for the last month, as well. You CAN STILL ATTEND THE FACEBOOK PARTY TONIGHT at https://www.facebook.com/events/166057660185003/ 
We ALL hope to see you there! There ARE usually prizes still given at the party, too, ut by ONLY attending the Facebook party.



One lucky winner will receive:


    *  A Kindle Fire

  • Courting Cate by Leslie Gould
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)


Courting Cate (The Courtships of Lancaster County) by Leslie Gould
Print Book: $10.94
Ebook:       $  9.99



Want to GO to the Facebook party TODAY? Here's the ADDRESS: https://www.facebook.com/events/166057660185003/ 



Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

To see a list of the other books on Tour at LitFuse Publicity, click here: http://litfusegroup.com/2012-campaign-schedule!