Posts Categorized: Uncategorized

Story Tellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters

21 Apr, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Story Tellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters

Story Tellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters

by Covenant Communications
Published by Covenant on March 28, 2017
Genres: LDS
Pages: 67 minutes
Source: Covenant
Buy the Book
On cold night in the Utah Territory, three opinionated men seemingly by chance find themselves sharing a campfire as they tell tales, swap insults, and expound on their personal beliefs and philosophies. However, one of the men is not there by mere coincidence. Join Porter Rockwell, Mark Twain, and J. Golden Kimball for an entertaining and intriguing evening with three of the most colorful characters of the Old West.

Storytellers is a campfire meeting between well-known Mormon legends Porter Rockwell, J. Golden Kimball and American author Mark Twain. Right away we learn these three had strong personalities. The setting remains the same through out the whole movie. Three men sitting around swapping stories. I enjoyed learning little known facts in their histories as well as tales from their homes. We see that life in the desert was much more rugged than it is today.

We put this DVD in as a family home evening and soon realized its probably not one you sit down to watch all together with children.  There are tales with nudity, alcohol and the plot is slow moving enough it won’t hold the attention of younger family members. Recommended for adults. Thanks so much for the chance to view and review this little known interaction in Mormon history.

Actors: Jason Wade, Joshua Michael French, Cameron Asay
Directors: John Lyde

About the Author

Covenant Communications is an independent publisher of novels, nonfiction, music and spoken audio.

View more products by Covenant Communications

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Sweet is the Work Blog Tour and $25 Giveaway

30 Mar, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Covenant in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Sweet is the Work Blog Tour and $25 Giveaway

Sweet is the Work: Lessons from the First Sister Missionaries

by Breanna Olaveson
Published by Covenant on March 1, 2017
Genres: LDS, Non- Fiction
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback
four-stars
Source: Covenant
Buy the BookGoodreads
Young women serving as missionaries today are carrying on a noble legacy of faith and dedication that extends back to the early days of the Church. But who were the brave women who paved the way for modern-day sister missionaries? In Sweet Is the Work, author Breanna Olaveson delves into a previously unexplored history that demonstrates the unique ability of women to carry out the errand of angels. Discover the powerful experiences of twelve of the earliest sister missionaries, from the first single proselytizing women in 1898 to some of the well known sisters in Church history who were themselves pioneering missionaries. The women highlighted in this volume demonstrate the valiant and noble history of sister missionaries in an account that is sure to inspire readers to boldly go forth to share the truths of the gospel.
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With short chapters which tell the stories of the first LDS women missionaries, Sweet is the Work is a wonderful historical primer. Where pictures were available, they were used to introduce readers to the names and faces of women who bravely told the Savior’s story and shared their voices throughout the world. Each of the 12 accounts was unique, with some sisters being formally set apart to do the work, and others serving alongside their husbands in a foreign land.

Olaveson uses a bit of a feminist touch which I didn’t care for, but overall, the tone was one of the pioneering spirit of those who roll up their sleeves and get to work. Interesting history recommended for all ages!

Blog Tour Schedule

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A Fine Gentleman Blog Tour and Giveaway

10 Mar, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Covenant in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Fine Gentleman Blog Tour and Giveaway

A Fine Gentleman

Published by Covenant on March 1, 2017
Genres: Historical Fiction
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
four-stars
Source: Covenant
Goodreads
London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.

Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear.

When the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts.
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Sarah Eden’s Jonquil Brothers series is perfect for those who love quick wit, regency era fiction. I would recommend reading the books in order,as they build upon each other and characters come back in each new installment. A fine Gentleman traces the story line of Jason Jonquil, a respected barrister in London who has an infuriatingly condescending client step into his office. Mariposa Thornton is looking for her lost family after a war which pulls them apart. She has been trained to hide her real intent and purpose to protect her life, so tricking Jason is the only way to gain his help.

There were several moments which make readers feel hope and a the novel has a lightness with witty banter. I particularly love the strong family bonds portrayed and the message that one should not wear a mask. If you haven’t read Eden’s writing, now is the time!

About the Author

SARAH M. EDEN read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster. Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.

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Release Day Blitz~ The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins

07 Mar, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

 

 THE GREAT PURSUIT by Wendy Higgins is available now and that I get to share the news! 
If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Wendy Higgins, be sure to
check out all the details below.
This blitz also includes a giveaway for some amazing prizes! So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.
 
Title: THE GREAT
PURSUIT (Eurona Duology #2)
Author: Wendy
Higgins
Pub.
Date: 
March 7, 2017
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 512
Formats: Hardcover, eBook,
audiobook
In The Great Pursuit, the dramatic sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Great Hunt, Wendy Higgins delivers another thrilling fantasy filled with dangerous enemies, political intrigue, searing romance, and a princess who is willing to do everything to protect her kingdom. 
One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continues.
The kingdom of Lochlanach has traded the great beast that once terrorized the realm of Eurona for something far more dangerous: the ire of powerful Lashed woman Rosaria Rocato. Rosaria demands that Eurona overturn the laws prohibiting magic, or an innocent will be killed each day.
Despite the king’s resistance, Princess Aerity believes they must make peace with the Lashed, and though she’s accepted a betrothal to the man who took down the beast, she cannot help thinking about Paxton, the Lashed man who stole her heart and disappeared.
Aerity soon discovers that Paxton has joined Rosaria’s army in the war against her family. Though her feelings for him are still strong, her duty to her kingdom and her family is stronger—especially when her parents are kidnapped and she has to step up to the throne and once again put aside what’s best for her in order to do what’s best for her people. Paxton and Princess Aerity must fight to see what is more powerful: their love or the impending war between the magical Lashed and the non-magic humans.
 
Grab the eBook 1 THE GREAT HUNT for just $1.99!

GiveawayGIVEAWAY DETAILS:

(2) Winners will receive the grand prizes (The Great Hunt Paperback and The Great Pursuit hardback from HarperTeen, and signed swag from Wendy Higgins! Plus an ARC of ROAR by Cora Carmack!), US Only.

(5) Winners will receive signed sets of swag – International!

Enter here

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An Inconvenient Romance Blog Tour and Giveaway

10 Feb, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Covenant in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

An Inconvenient Romance Blog Tour and Giveaway

An Inconvenient Romance

by Chalon Linton
Published by Covenant on February 2017
Genres: Clean Romance, Historical Fiction
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
four-stars
Source: Covenant
Buy the BookGoodreads
The countryside of England provided an idyllic backdrop for Charles Brumley’s and Leah Hastings’s childhood. Neighbors and best friends, the pair passed many happy days racing through the rolling hills of Derbyshire. Everything was perfect—until Charles ruined it all and abandoned Leah for university.

Six years later, the former friends are thrust into each other's paths once more. Leah had been looking forward to the ball, an opportunity to further her acquaintance with the handsome Mr. Wilkins—but when she sees Charles’s familiar face through the crowd, her traitorous heart leaps.

Charles faces his own struggle: he has loved Leah since he was fifteen years old, yet it seems he is too late—it appears that her affections are otherwise engaged. As the pair tentatively renews their friendship, the spark between them is undeniable.

After so many years apart, Leah endeavors to reconcile her feelings toward her once cherished companion. But when a conniving rival for Charles’s attention approaches Leah, the threat is clear: give up her association with Charles, or a devastating secret about her family will be revealed. Faced with an impossible decision, Leah must make a choice—the ruin of her family or the ruin of her heart?

Review

Told in alternating points of view, this regency romance tracks the childhood memories of two friends Leah and Charles. Their adult life is in full swing with the season of balls, matchmaking and future plans. Charles goes off to school leaving Leah behind, when he returns he has competition for her heart.

I enjoyed hearing the thoughts and struggles each character went through to forgive. The pacing was a bit slow in parts, and one villain way too overbearing. Her attempts to thwart a match were repeated too often. Overall, though An Inconvenient Romance was a clean, light novel with a heartwarming hero. Recommend!

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Blog Tour Schedule

Feb. 6th
Feb. 7th
Feb. 8th
Feb. 9th
Feb. 10th

About the Author

Chalon Linton was first introduced to Jane Austen by a dear friend and now she can’t get enough of handsome men in tailcoats. Her intrigue in the genre stems from a nostalgic longing for manners, wit, and true love. Fortunately, Chalon found her dashing gentleman, married him, and now lives happily ever after in Southern California.

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Starfall Launch Blitz

09 Feb, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

 

StarfallHi, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m so excited to launch STARFALL, the second and final book in my Starflight duology! This story picks up shortly after the first book ends, but now Cassia and Kane are the main characters, with Doran, Solara, and the rest of the Banshee crew pitching in to help take down an intergalactic mafia. (You know, just an ordinary day in space.) And while saying goodbye to characters is never easy, I think I gave the crew a proper sendoff with plenty of humor, heart, and action. I hope you love STARFALL as much as I do!

Haven’t read the first book? You’re in luck, because for a limited time, Starflight is on sale for 99 cents in all e-formats. Now you can binge read the entire duology in one sitting!

Praise for Starflight:

“Smart, action-packed and utterly addictive!” –New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman

“Starflight has the cinematic appeal, warp-speed action and unlikely heroes of Star Wars.” –Justine Magazine

“A lively tale of romance, space pirates, conspiracy, and made (as opposed to genetic) families.” –Booklist

“A great choice for fans of raw sci-fi action, reminiscent of the lawlessness presented in the television series Firefly.” –School Library Journal

If you love sci-fi adventure with a dash of romance, I hope you’ll pick up the Starflight duology today. Starflight and Starfall are both available in stores and online.

 

 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jmEOqA

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2kjs57n

Book Depository (free international shipping): http://bit.ly/1OoN2WD

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1IIMPx7

 

STARFALL (book 2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jmNsW2

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2ddKuih

Book Depository: http://bit.ly/2k98EvN

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/2dhMLry

 

starfall

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Starflight duology swag pack, complete with bookmarks and two signed mini posters! The giveaway is open internationally. Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

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Passenger Series ~ Review

19 Jan, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Genres: Time Travel, Young Adult

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Passenger
Passenger #1
by Alexandra Bracken
Hardcover, 486 pages
Published January 5th 2016
by Disney-Hyperion
Amazon* Goodreads

Violin prodigy Etta Spencer had big plans for her future, but a tragedy has put her once-bright career at risk. Closely tied to her musical skill, however, is a mysterious power she doesn’t even know she has. When her two talents collide during a stressful performance, Etta is drawn back hundreds of years through time.

Etta wakes, confused and terrified, in 1776, in the midst a fierce sea battle. Nicholas Carter, the handsome young prize master of a privateering ship, has been hired to retrieve Etta and deliver her unharmed to the Ironwoods, a powerful family in the Colonies–the very same one that orchestrated her jump back, and one Nicholas himself has ties to. But discovering she can time travel is nothing compared to the shock of discovering the true reason the Ironwoods have ensnared her in their web.

Another traveler has stolen an object of untold value from them, and, if Etta can find it, they will return her to her own time. Out of options, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the mysterious traveler. But as they draw closer to each other and the end of their search, the true nature of the object, and the dangerous game the Ironwoods are playing, comes to light–threatening to separate her not only from Nicholas, but her path home… forever.

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Wayfarer
Passenger #2
by Alexandra Bracken
Hardcover, 532 pages
Published January 3rd 2017
by Disney-Hyperion
Goodreads* Amazon

I’ve been orphaned by my time.
The timeline has changed.
My future is gone.

Etta Spencer didn’t know she was a traveler until the day she emerged both miles and years from her home. Now, robbed of the powerful object that was her only hope of saving her mother, Etta finds herself stranded once more, cut off from Nicholas-the eighteenth century privateer she loves-and her natural time.

When Etta inadvertently stumbles into the heart of the Thorns, the renegade travelers who stole the astrolabe from her, she vows to finish what she started and destroy the astrolabe once and for all. Instead, she’s blindsided by a bombshell revelation from their leader, Henry Hemlock: he is her father. Suddenly questioning everything she’s been fighting for, Etta must choose a path, one that could transform her future.

Still devastated by Etta’s disappearance, Nicholas has enlisted the unlikely help of Sophia Ironwood and a cheeky mercenary-for-hire to track both her and the missing astrolabe down. But as the tremors of change to the timeline grow stronger and the stakes for recovering the astrolabe mount, they discover an ancient power far more frightening than the rival travelers currently locked in a battle for control. . . a power that threatens to eradicate the timeline altogether.

From colonial Nassau to New York City, San Francisco to Roman Carthage, imperial Russia to the Vatican catacombs, New York Times #1 best-selling author Alexandra Bracken charts a gorgeously detailed, thrilling course through time in this stunning conclusion to the Passenger series

Review

What originally drew me to this series were the covers and the promise of travel on the high seas. Both Passenger and Wayfarer have stunning covers which draw readers in. I was browsing at our bookstore for something to take on a trip and this seemed the perfect match.  I am always intrigued by books that span more than one historical time period and give me a peek into how others lived. Etta James is thrust into a passageway of time and is a time traveler much to her surprise. She has no idea of her heritage or the sinister plot of her enemies that pulls her through one time and place after another.

Carter is a bi racial slave’s son who is used as a guide and host to his half-brother’s own travels. He wins his freedom and is adopted by a shipmaster. The sea is his love, a future ship his master. The Passenger series is rich with detail, but at times slow. Both books are long and reading them back to back within a few days may have made the pacing seem much slower to me. The tone is darker than I enjoy. By the end of Wayfarer, I was weary of the action, the violence and heartbreak. I was ready for redemption and a glimmer of positive news. I think perhaps a trilogy may have been a wise choice to break up the two books into three, and to flesh out the final chapter a bit. It leaves readers wondering what happened to Etta’s parents and how the resolution came about as it did.

I bought both books and will be taking them to my local bookstore for trade. There are some content issues that keep me from wanting to keep them on my shelves for younger readers. I skimmed some paragraphs and at times almost abandoned the books all together.  I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy them as much as I had hoped. I would take the covers and frame them though! If you are a fan of darker time travel with lots of diversity, this series will appeal to you.

Content- Lord’s name in vain, moderate violence, teen sex, LGBT relationship.

about_ the_author

Alexandra Bracken was born and raised in Arizona. The daughter of a Star Wars collector, she grew up going to an endless string of Star Wars conventions and toy fairs, which helped spark her imagination and a deep love of reading. After graduating high school, she attended The College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she double majored in English and History. She sold her first book, Brightly Woven, as a senior in college, and later moved to New York City to work in children’s book publishing, first as an editorial assistant, then in marketing. After six years, she took the plunge and decided to write full time. She now lives in Arizona with her tiny pup, Tennyson, in a house that’s constantly overflowing with books.
Alex is a #1 New York Times bestselling and USA TODAY bestselling author. Her work is available across the world in over 15 languages.

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The Inventor’s Secret Books 2 & 3

12 Jan, 2017 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

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The Conjurer’s Riddle
The Inventor’s Secret #2
by Andrea Cremer
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published November 3rd 2015
by Philomel Books
Amazon* Goodreads

Charlotte may have left the Floating City, but she’s not out of danger yet. On the run from the British Empire’s clutches, she leads her group of exiles west and south, plunging into a wild world of shady merchants and surly rivermen on the way to New Orleans.

But the more Charlotte learns about the revolution she has championed, the more questions she has. As she and her friends get to know the hidden tunnels that run below New Orleans, home to criminals, assassins, and pirates, and head deep into the mystical bayou surrounding the city, Charlotte must make a decision.

Do the revolution’s goals justify their means, or are some things too sacred to sacrifice?

9780399164255
The Turncoat’s Gambit
The Inventor’s Secret #3
by Andrea Cremer
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published November 15th 2016
by Philomel Books
Goodreads*Amazon

Charlotte is on the run. The Empire is hunting her. The Revolution wants her back. And Charlotte has allied herself with pirates, just to stay safe.

But things are not what they seem. There’s a traitor in the revolutionaries’ midst pulling unseen strings, and surprises lurk around every corner. As Charlotte is left to sort out what she truly thinks about the revolution she’s spent her whole life fighting for, she must also battle to keep herself and her friends alive.

 

What a whirlwind of a series. Books 2 and 3 concentrate more on action and adventure than romance. The setting fluctuates between New Orleans, a city where all must wear masks with a gritty underground, the open sea, a military prison, a floating city, and the headquarters of the resistance. There are secret societies, magic, pirates, sisters who hold spiritual power, and a turncoat. While I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series, I think book one was my favorite.

Charlotte is an outstanding female heroine with a conscience and one who follows her moral compass. Most of books two and three there is a rift between her and Jack, while interest in the other Winter brother heats up in book two. Book three holds a darker tone as it is wartime. There’s more action and violence, which I personally do not favor. I was disappointed in Charlotte and Ash’s mother, and Jack & Coe’s father which both have a cold distant heart.

Favorite elements: the party in New Orleans, the moments between Linett and her pirate, the apothecary mentions.

I’m sad to see this series end! It’s an amazing adventure which I highly recommend.

Content: moderate violence, seduction and romantic tension, implied intimacy threat of assault, drinking.

about_ the_authorAndrea Cremer is the author of the internationally bestselling Nightshade series. She spent her childhood daydreaming and roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin.

Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.

To contact Andrea, please visit, andreacremer.com

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A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas~ Netgalley Review

27 Dec, 2016 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas~ Netgalley Review

A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas

by Darcie Boleyn
Published by Canelo on November 7, 2016
Genres: Adult, Chick Lit, Christmas
Pages: 201
Format: eARC
four-half-stars
Source: Netgalley
Buy the Book
Lucie Quigley hates Christmas. It’s the time of year when everything goes wrong in her life. So this year, when she’s asked to be a bridesmaid at her friend Petra’s Manhattan wedding, she jumps at the invitation to escape the festivities.

Dale Treharne has been best friends with Lucie for as long as he can remember. He’s used to looking out for his oldest friend and when she asks him to be her plus one, he can’t seem to find a reason to refuse. Instead, he sees it as a way to help Lucie get through what is, for her, the most miserable time of the year.

In New York, as the snow starts to fall, Lucie and Dale start to realise that their feelings run deeper than just friendship. But can they overcome their pasts, and make it a very merry Manhattan Christmas?

A holiday read with a magical setting, A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas was the perfect escape. Lucie is invited to be a bridesmaid to her college friend Petra in Manhattan, and needs a plus one. What better choice than Dale, who has been by her side since they were children. The two have to find a way to break it to his parents that he will not be home for Christmas, but taking a trip abroad. And, Lucie will have to somehow overcome her core aversion to celebrating the holiday which reminds her of all she has lost.

Prepare to laugh and swoon and have a wonderful diversion via these two in their thirties who are seemingly perfect for each other, but need to figure it out on their own. Thanks so much to Netgalley for the free copy! Some adult content, more than I would have liked, not for readers under 18.

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Mischief and Manors Blog Tour

26 Dec, 2016 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Mischief-and-Manors-blog-tour-banner Mischief-and-Manors-9781462119370

About the Book

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers are sent to Kellaway Manor for the summer, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen’s charm.

Amazon

About the Author

Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah, with her family.

Blog Tour

“Mischief and Manors” schedule:
December 13: Getting Your Read On
December 14: Compass Book Ratings
December 15: Cause Everyone Needs Romance
December 16: Book Loving Mommy
December 17: The Things I Love Most
December 18: The View From My Window
December 19: Mel’s Shelves || Wishful Endings
December 20: Katie’s Clean Book Collection || Rockin’ Book Reviews
December 21: Bookworm Lisa
December 22: Jorie Loves a Story
December 23: Why Not? Because I Said So
December 24: Blooming With Books
December 25: Bab’s Book Bistro
December 26: Kindle and Me || My Book a Day || Writing Worm || Fire and Ice
December 27Jorie Loves a Story || Literary Time Out
December 28My Love for Reading Keeps Growing || Robyn Echols Books

 

 

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