Follow Me To Zion~ Deseret Book Blog Tour and Review

12 Nov, 2013 by in review Leave a comment

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

Follow Me To Zion~ Deseret Book Blog Tour and Review

Follow Me to Zion: Stories from the Willie Handcart Pioneers

by Andrew D Olsen and Jolene Allphin
on September 1st 2013
Genres: Non- Fiction
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
James G. Willie knew the trek would be arduous when he left Iowa City in July 1856, leading 500 handcart pioneers on a 1,300-mile journey across the plains.

But he could not have known that his people would run out of food while still hundreds of miles from Salt Lake City nor that the winter of 1856 would begin in the middle of October with prolonged, severe storms. Sixty-nine members of his company would die along the way. Yet from this tragedy emerged triumphant stories of personal endurance, courage, heroism, and unwavering faith.

Follow Me to Zion recounts 20 compelling stories of members of the Willie handcart company and their rescuers. Dozens of full-color images by artist Julie Rogers enrich this keepsake volume, which pays tribute to the men, women, and children who have become enduring witnesses of the power of faith and sacrifice.

Here you will find excerpts from their own accounts of the journey, learn what those faithful pioneers did after reaching the Salt Lake Valley, and read reflections on their lives by descendants.

The simple words “Follow Me to Zion,” cross-stitched onto small pieces of fabric kept in the journal of a handcart pioneer, are an invitation that still calls to us today.

The stories and paintings in this beautiful volume can inspire us to live true to our faith and reach out to help others do likewise.

This book also contains the most comprehensive, up-to-date listing of members of the Willie handcart company.
Review: I’ve heard the stories of the Willie and Martin handcart companies over the years, but never have I seen such a collection of personal poignant accounts as were collected in Follow Me To Zion. I knew I needed to grab a box of tissues when within the first two chapter I was already in tears– in awe with the fortitude, faith and determination of these pioneers. James G. Willie, captain of the company left his young family behind for four years to return to his native land of England then bring immigrants back to Salt Lake via an overland trek with handcarts. This was no easy journey. It required they board a ship bound to America amongst winds so strong they knocked passengers to the sides and bones were broken. Provisions ran out before New York was reached. Then a long rail journey to the end of the line and a trek on foot through Indian territory through mountain and and snow. Yet, these Saints pressed on, knowing full well they were leaving late int he season and may lose their lives in their quest to reach a land where all those who believed as they, were gathering in Utah.

Each chapter outlines the story of one family with photos, paintings, journal entries and a descendant letter at the end. You come to know the Martin handcart company intimately. So many things stuck out to to me while reading…

Those family members who carried their brothers and sons upon their backs when the snow was too deep for them to walk. James Kirkwood who lost his life carrying his younger brother to camp.
Emily Hill who was starving herself, yet saved the only onion given to her by rescuers on to another. Bodil Mortenson, a young girl of 10 who dies gathering bits of sagebrush for a fire amid the snow.

So many laid down their lives along the path to religious freedom. Yet their legacy lives on in their descendants who continue to tell the stories and feel the influence of their ancestors beyond the grave, as angels.

This book is unforgettable. The lay out is beautiful with thick pages and commissioned painting by Julie Rogers. I am so grateful for the authors who gathered all the Willie pioneer history into one book so that their memory may live on.

Thanks so much to Deseret Book for offering us a book in exchange for an honest review.

About the Authors: 

Andrew D. Olsen is an editor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the author of The Price We Paid: The Extraordinary Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers. Andrew and his wife, Linda, are the parents of 3 children.

Jolene Spendlove Allphin has a love for the 1856 pioneers and rescuers that continues to grow. She has published nearly 300 biographical sketches of them in Tell My Story, Too. Jolene and her husband, Michael, are the parents of 11 children.

Julie Boswell Rogers is an acclaimed artist who has won many awards. Her art has been featured in Church publications, visitors’ centers, and the Church History Museum. The book Emma, the Elect Lady contains many of her paintings of Joseph and Emma Smith. Julie and her husband, Russell, are the parents of 5 children.

Learn more at  Deseret Book

The Princess In The Opal Mask Blog Tour, Giveaway & Author Guest Post

08 Nov, 2013 by in Author Guest Post, The Princess In The Opal Mask Leave a comment

On Wanting to Write “Someday”

From a young age I knew I liked to write and that I wanted to get published one day. In fourth grade my teacher had our class write an essay describing the field trip we’d just taken—with one fun twist: Our essays would be judged, and the top two would be published in the school newsletter the following month. Now, I’m not normally a competitive person. But that day in fourth grade I was seized with what I can only describe as “publication fever.” I wanted to win that contest, more than I remember wanting anything else.

So I got down to business writing the best essay I possibly could…and I won!!! I loved seeing my name in print, and just as important, I discovered I loved to write.
I wish I could say I went home that day and started writing. I wish I could say I started keeping a journal, but that’s not my story. My story is that it took me twenty more years to get serious about writing.
Maybe some of you out there can relate. You may have a dream, but sometimes for a whole host of reasons it’s hard to go after that dream. For me, what held me back was a lot of negative thinking. For one thing, I believed I wasn’t creative enough. I thought that writing fiction was only for the super creative people that had three brilliant ideas before breakfast. I believed I wouldn’t be good at it, and certainly no one would ever want to publish what I’d written. But in the back of my mind, I thought, “I’ll start writing…someday.”
That’s where I stayed for a long time. And then not too long after I turned 30, I had a strange experience in a restaurant while I was celebrating my friend’s birthday. My younger son was a few weeks old, I hadn’t slept in forever, and life was just HARD in so many ways. I watched my friend unwrap a journal, and something just clicked for me. I used to like to write and journal. But for so many years I’d done nothing about it.
It was at that moment that I made a discovery that a lot of people probably already know. And that is that time is a non-renewable resource. All the time that I’d spent thinking, “I’d like to write…someday,” was gone and I had nothing to show for it.
It’s my firm belief that the word someday is a dream killer. Unless your “someday” becomes “today,” you’re not going to start pursuing your dream.
So I set a goal for myself: I would write until I finished a rough draft of a novel. It didn’t matter how bad that draft was. It just had to exist. During those early months writing felt like a way to do something for me when so much of my days (and nights) were devoted to caring for others. It became a way to reconnect with the person I wanted to be when I was younger, and the person I hoped I still could be, one day.
And you know what I found as I worked on that first draft? It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. And another thing, no matter how bad the day had been otherwise, how much the children cried, how hard life seemed, I could always point back to the pages/paragraphs I wrote, and call the day a success. Because I had set a goal and I was working toward it.
Nowadays, I have deadlines I have to meet; people in publishing I need to please. But ultimately, I still write from a sense of passion, and from a place of knowing that writing brings me peace and fulfillment. I only wish I hadn’t waited so long to get started.
Whenever someone comes up to me and tells me they’d like to start writing (or painting, or scrapbooking, or take a cooking class, or go back to school, etc.) someday, I tell them to be careful not to let their dreams get derailed. “Someday” is a dream killer; but “today” is a dream maker.
 

About Jenny Lundquist: Jenny Lundquist was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies with a minor in TESOL at Biola University. Lundquist has published two middle-grade books, Seeing Cinderella and Plastic Polly. She lives in Rancho Cordova, California with her husband and two sons.

 
Social Media Links: Twitter/ Facebook/ Website/Blog/ Book on Goodreads/ Author on Goodreads/ Pinterest
 
About The Princess in the Opal Mask: One Legend Determines the Fate of Two Lives
In the faraway village of Tulan, sixteen-year-old Elara has spent her entire life as a servant, trying to track down her real name. The name she was given before being orphaned. Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Galandria, Princess Wilhamina does not know why her father, the king, makes her wear a mask. Or why she is forbidden to ever show her face.
 
When a new peace treaty between Galandria and Kyrenica is threatened, Elara and Wilha are brought face to face. Told in alternating perspectives, this intricate fairytale pulls both girls toward secrets that have been locked away behind castle doors, while the fate of two opposing kingdoms rests squarely on their untrained shoulders.
 
Purchase:
Giveaway: Jenny is giving away 15 copies of THE PRINCESS IN THE OPAL MASK! Enter to win by entering the Rafflecopter below.

Spotlight and Author Photo Shoot- Jenny Moore {Becoming Lady Lockwood}

07 Nov, 2013 by in Heather Gardner Photography, utah authors 4 comments

Author Jenny Moore
All rights reserved Heather Zahn Gardner

I had the amazing opportunity to do another author photo shoot this week. Each time I meet new writers and hear their success stories from draft to publishing, I am inspired. 
Jenny Moore is working with me this year as a Whitney Awards judge. After the slew of emails I forward on to her each week, we finally met! 
Her book Becoming Lady Lockwood is expected to hit shelves July 2014 from Covenant. It’s so new it hasn’t even hit goodreads or amazon yet– but watch for this one, a Regency romance (don’t we all love them?)
And isn’t she beautiful? It’s all in the eyes…
View the other favorites from our sitting on the official website or Facebook page for Heather Gardner Photography.

Jenny Moore Bio: Who am I? Isn’t that the big question. Depends who you ask. I’m currently defined by labels such as “Mom” or “PTA Board Member” or “Primary President.” But deep inside of me, there is a struggling writer trying her best to squirm her way to the surface to earn a label of her own. Here’s hoping she doesn’t get too distracted by all the chocolate in there!

Wife, mom, romance writer, eclectic reader,Guitar Hero champion, shoe addict, and lover of all things chocolate.

Learn more about author Jenny Moore on her website/ twitter

Harper Collins Holiday Gift Guide 2013

06 Nov, 2013 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Harper Collins has a ton of awesome titles on their Christmas Holiday A Gift Guide for 2013. Some have not yet been released but most are available now! 
My kiddos have already commandeered and started reading My Weird School Special: Deck the Halls, We’re Off the Walls. You can check the full catalog out at:
PICTURE BOOKS
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Reason for the Season
Alvin and the Chipmunks are looking forward to Christmas this year! Alvin especially – he can’t wait to open his presents on Christmas morning and see what Santa brought him. But with all the talk of gifts, sometimes it can be easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Can Alvin and the gang keep holiday tradition and remember the reason for the season?
Written by Jodi Huelin, illustrated by Artful Doodlers, LTD – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 – $4.99

The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas
It’s the night before Christmas, and all through the tree house – the Berenstain Bears are ready to celebrate the holiday! The tree is decorated, the milk and cookies are set out for Santa, and the Bears are cozying up to read their favorite Christmas tale. Join the Bears as they celebrate the most magical night of the year.
Written and illustrated by Mike Berenstain – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $3.99
Biscuit’s Christmas Storybook Collection
Merry Christmas, Biscuit! Celebrate the holidays, wintery weather, and more in this heartwarming storybook collection. Join Biscuit as he takes a trip to the big city, goes to school, gives a gift, and more. 
Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories – 10/1/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $11.99
Charlie the Ranch Dog: Charlie’s Snow Day
The world is covered in white, and Charlie can’t wait to get outside and see what’s going on around the ranch in this I Can Read book.
Written by Ree Drummond, illustrated by Diane deGroat – 10/8/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $16.99
Christmas Mouse
It’s Christmas time and Mouse has lots to do! The tree needs decorating, lights need hanging, and carols must be sung. There are presents to leave for special friends, treats to nibble on, and stockings to hang by the fire.  When everything is ready, Mouse makes a Christmas wish before snuggling down to sleep. Will Mouse’s wish come true? Anne Mortimer’s cozy story celebrates the little things we do that make Christmas a magical time for all.
Written and illustrated by Anne Mortimer – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $12.99
Dot.
Dot knows a lot.
She knows how to tap…to swipe…to share…
And she pays little attention to anything else, until one day Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her. Dot’s tech -avvy expertise, mingled with her resourceful imagination, proves Dot really does know lots and lots.
Written by Randi Zuckerberg, illustrated by Joe Berger – 11/5/2013 – Ages 4-8 – $17.99
Everything Goes: Santa Goes Everywhere!
It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa’s doing something a little different this year. Instead of by sleigh, he and a reindeer pal travel by boat, plane, truck, train and more, delivering presents to children around the world.
Written and illustrated by Brian Biggs – 9/24/2013 – Ages Nwbrn-4 — $7.99
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Extra Sweet Edition
A special edition of the classic picture book IF YOU GIVE A MO– USE A COOKIE, featuring stickers and gift tags.
Written by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond – 10/15/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $16.99
Marley’s Christmas Pageant
Every year Marley’s family goes to see the Christmas pageant, and this year is going to be extra special. Cassie will be part of the show! Can Marley find himself a role, too? No matter what, Marley is sure to be a star…
Written by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $6.99
Merry Christmas, Splat
It’s the night before Christmas and Splat wonders if he’s been a good enough cat this year to deserve a really big present. Just to make sure, Splat offers some last-minute help to his mom but messes up completely! That night Splat stays awake hoping to see Santa Claus only to miss him. Splat is sure his Christmas is ruined along with his hopes for a really big present… but it turns out that Splat may have been a good enough cat after all!
Written and illustrated by Rob Scotton – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $9.99
Mia’s Nutcracker Ballet
Sashe, Plie, Nutcracker Ballet! Mia the ballerina kitten stars in the whimsical retelling The Nutcracker, putting her own endearing twist on the dance classic. 
Written by Robin Farley, illustrated by Olga Ivanov – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $9.99
Pete and His Magic Sunglasses
Pete the Cat wakes up feeling grumpy-nothing seems to be going his way. But with the help of some ROCKIN’ magic sunglasses from Grumpy Toad, Pete learns that a good mood has been inside him all along. Groove and move with Pete as he helps Squirrel, Turtle, and Alligator discover that the sun is shining and everything’s ALRIGHT!
Written and illustrated by James Dean – 10/1/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $17.99
Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook
Cupcakes galore! Pinkalicious loves pinkatastic cupcakes – and now you can make all your cupcakes Pinkalicious cupcakes. The PINKALICIOUS CUPCAKE COOKBOOK features more than 20 cupcakes straight from Pinkalicious’s world. Bake everything from a classic Pinkalicious cupcake with a cherry on top, to a Princess cupcake and castle, a snowman cupcake, or a cake pop flower! There are cupcakes for every occasion – birthday parties, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and more!
Written and illustrated by Victoria Kann – 10/22/2013 – Ages 6-10 — $14.99
Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas!
Pinkalicious stars in a Christmas 8×8 deluxe with perf-out holiday greeting cards, a sticker sheet, and a poster.
Written and illustrated by Victoria Kann – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $6.99
Santa Claus and the Three Bears
The classic story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears gets a Christmas twist when Santa Claus becomes the cheery intruder in this funny holiday picture book.
Written by Maria Modugno, illustrated by Jane Dyer – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $17.99
The Silver Moon
Twenty lullabies by poet Jack Prelutsky are paired with lush watercolor illustrations by Jui Ishida. A great gift for families with young children. Includes the music to four of the lullabies.
Written by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Jui Ishida – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $17.99
Snow Queen
Bagram Ibatoulline illustrates a storybook version of the classic tale about an evil queen and the ordinary girl who triumphs over her.
Written by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline – 10/8/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $17.99
The Twelve Days of Christmas
This holiday season, let Susan Jeffers’s vision of THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS wisk you away on an enchanting sleigh ride with Santa and young Emma. There will be all of the traditional gifts–from Santa–and, at the North Pole, the best gift of all.
Written and illustrated by Susan Jeffers – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $17.99
Zoomer’s Out-of-This-World Christmas
Zoomer, the little dog with a BIG imagination, celebrates a Christmas that is out of this world, complete with a hi-tech spaceship and aliens.
Written and illustrated by Ned Young – 9/24/2013 – Ages 4-8 — $17.99
MIDDLE GRADE
Cody Simpson: Welcome to Paradise: My Journey
Filled with exclusive interviews, never-before-seen photos, and behind-the-scenes stories, Cody Simpson’s official autobiography is tailor-made for both Cody’s Angels and anyone who loves pop music.
Written by Cody Simpson – 10/22/2013 – Ages 8-12– $21.99
Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures #10: Showdown at the Alamo
Yee-haw! Stanley and his friends are headed to Texas to see the sights-but what they find when they get there might surprise them!
Written by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan – 12/23/2013 – Ages 6-10 — $15.99
My Weird School Special: Deck the Halls, We’re Off the Walls
With tons of bonus content and a holiday-themed story centered on A.J. and his friends instead of the teachers, the My Weird School Specials bring the beloved My Weird School brand to a whole new level of weird. This time, it’s Christmas, and A.J. squares off with a mall Santa and a kid rapper!
Written by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Paillot – 9/24/2013 – Ages 6-10 — $4.99
Fortunately, the Milk
There’s no milk for cereal. No matter—Dad will run down to the store to pick some up. The children wait. And wait. And wait. Dad better have a pretty good excuse for taking so long…
In a delightful reversal of how things usually go, the father is the one making up wild, impossible stories, and the child is the rational listener who isn’t buying a word of it.
Written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young, 9/17/2013 – Ages 8-12 — $14.99
One Direction: Where We Are
This is the only official book from 1D charting their journey over the last year and a half-from the places they’ve visited and fans they’ve met, to their thoughts and feelings, hopes and dreams, highs and lows. It has been a phenomenal year-and this is a phenomenal story.  Packed with exclusive beautiful photos, backstage snapshots, hand-written annotations, and brand-new insights into the boys’ world, WHERE WE ARE is a unique book that no fan’s life is complete without-bringing the 1D story right up to date.This Christmas, there will be no other book that true One Direction fans will want!
Written by One Direction – 8/27/2013 – Ages 8-12 — $21.99
School for Good and Evil
The School for Good and Evil series unleashes a dazzling new fantasy world, one in which ordinary boys and girls are trained to be perfect heroes or perfect villains. Book One subverts the assumed roles of our indelible heroines, when witch-girl Agatha is “mistakenly” sent to the School for Good, and wannabe-princess Sophie to the School for Evil. As rivalries bloom and jealousy sets in, Agatha and Sophie discover that these fates may not be a mistake, after all…
Wirrten by Soman Chainan – 4/24/2013 – Ages 8-12 — $16.99
The Spindlers
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver follows twelve-year-old Liza as she braves the fantastical underworld and its many unusual creatures to rescue her younger brother, who has been stolen by the evil, fearsome spindlers.
Written by Lauren Oliver – 8/27/2013 – Ages 8-12 — $8.99
Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog
Stick Dog returns with the same crew of friends and they’re hungry again. In this hilarious sequel, Stick Dog’s met his match. As the dogs embark on their quest for hot dogs, they learn they’re not the only ones on a mission, a band of raccoons are following close behind-and they’re ravenous, too!
Written by Tom Watson – 10/8/2013 – Ages 8-12 — $12.99
Under Wildwood
The second book in the New York Times bestselling fantasy/adventure series from Colin Meloy, lead singer of the Decemberists, and Carson Ellis, the acclaimed author of The Mysterious Benedict Society.
Written by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis – 9/4/2013 – Ages 8 and Up — $9.99
 Warriors: Omen of the Stars Box Set
All six volumes in the nationally bestselling Warriors: Omen of the Stars story arc, now packaged together in a beautiful box set!
Written by Erin Hunter – 9/24/2013 – Ages 8-12 — $36.99
Warriors: The Ultimate Guide
This is the ULTIMATE gift for Warriors fans who have followed the series for years and those who are just getting to know the cats. Chock full of never-before-seen information about the cats , and featuring gorgeous full-color interior art as well as a fold-out poster (on the first printing only), this is a must-have companion book.
Written by Erin Hunter – 11/5/2013 – Ages 8-12 — $19.99
TEEN
Divergent Series Complete Box Set
The DIVERGENT Series Complete Box Set contains hardcover editions of DIVERGENT, INSURGENT, and ROTH TEEN #3, plus “The World of Veronica Roth’s DIVERGENT Series,” a booklet of bonus content.
Written by Veronica Roth – 10/22/2013 – Ages 14 and Up – $55.97

Featured #Free Fiction ~ Content Breviews

05 Nov, 2013 by in Uncategorized 8 comments

by 
E book, 332 pages
Published February 1st 2005 
by Fleming H. Revell Company 
Adult 
Christian fiction?, romance
Source: bought
3 stars

In the harsh Scottish highlands of 1565, superstition and treachery threaten a truce between rival clans. It’s a weak truce at first, bound only by an arranged engagement between Anne MacGregor and Niall Campbell-the heirs of the feuding families.

While Niall wrestles with his suspicions about a traitor in his clan, Anne’s actions do not go unnoticed. And as accusations of witchcraft abound, the strong and sometimes callous Campbell heir must fight for Anne’s safety among disconcerted clan members. Meanwhile his own safety in threatened with the ever-present threat of someone who wants him dead.

Will Niall discover the traitor’s identity in time? Can Anne find a way to fit into her new surroundings? Will the two learn to love each other despite the conflict? With a perfect mix of a burgeoning romance and thrilling suspense, this book is historical fiction at its best

Breview: This was my first experience with Christian Scottish Fiction and I enjoyed the historical elements of the harsh conditions of women being accused of witchcraft for wanting to use herbs in their healing, or assisting in resuscitation of an infant. The arranged marriage and clan clashes also rang true to the period as well as the Scottish language which takes some getting used to. The writing was well paced and very interesting, characters defined in a way that I can still remember them after having read the book a month ago.

What I didn’t like: it feels like a romance that tried to convert itself to Christian and left some tidbits of content I hated along the way. The relationship between Niall and Anne is abusive at times and he has a tryst with a servant which should have been completely omitted in order for it to be a Christian title, in my opinion. It also has a darker element as there is someone who seeks Anne’s life, which adds suspense but at times it seems her pull to do dangerous things repeats itself.

Overall, to be honest, it was memorable. I loved the setting and imagery as well as the flow of the story, but the content was disappointing.

 Content: (highlight to reveal) Domestic violence, sensuality, moderate violence, heavy petting. For adults.


by Claire Robyns
Kindle Edition, 159 pages
Published October 23rd 2012
ASINB009W7XYVY
Book Source: Bought
Adult
Contemporary Romance
4 stars
Love exploded into the sheltered life of Princess Catherine de’Ariggo when she met Nicolas Vecca. But duty calls Catherine to sacrifice that love. Now, years later, she must be strong once more. Can she ignore the whisperings of her heart and stand firm in her convictions? Trusting in Nicolas, loving him, is a risk she dare not take.

When Nicolas sees Catherine again, he thinks he’s looking at a ghost. Either that, or he has been cruelly deceived. Haunted love turns to hate. But even as he determines to remain unforgiving, his heart refuses to forget.

Breview: This one didn’t start out strong for me and I think the first chapter’s relationship encounter between the two main characters could have been left out until almost the very end. It didn’t sync with what we learn about them later on. 

But, things got much better and overall I truly enjoyed this freebie. It’s almost like The Princess Diaries meets Shannon Hale for adults. While it’s contemporary, the setting feels more traditional–like a castle tucked away in space and time. I loved the main male character Nicolas. At times the female love interest’s pride and stubborn nature and bizarre philosophy of marriage got in the way of me truly binding to her. He’s a good one…pick him already!!

I really enjoyed the lesson of tenacity, loyalty and sticking by the side of the one you love. The mystery wrapped up a little too neatly and I wish we would have gotten to know the villain a little bit better, but I would definitely read another one from this author.
Content:  (highlight to reveal) premarital sex on two occasions, mild violence. For Adults.

Both of these reviewed books are still free in the Kindle store, click title or book cover to purchase!


DNF- Did Not Finish The Following E books Due To Content: 

Peek Into My Postbox #9 ~ Share Your Mail

04 Nov, 2013 by in peek into my Postbox Leave a comment

Welcome to Peek into my Postbox where we all can share our mail goodies!

Here’s what I’ve received in the last two weeks…

My Weird School Special: Deck the Halls, We’re Off the Walls! by Dan Gutman  (Author) , Jim Paillot (Illustrator)
Dead Set: A Novel by Richard Kadrey
When Will the Heaven Begin?: This Is Ben Breedlove’s Storyby Ally Breedlove (Author) , Ken Abraham (Author)
The Spindlersby Lauren Oliver (Author) , Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator)
  Under Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles, Book IIby Colin Meloy (Author) , Carson Ellis (Illustrator) Fortunately, the Milkby Neil Gaiman  (Author) , Skottie Young (Illustrator)
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani  (Author) , Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator)
Follow Me to Zion: Stories from the Willie Handcart Pioneers by Andrew D. Olsen  (Author) , Jolene S. Allphin (Author) , Julie Rogers (Illustrator)
I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring by Robert I. Eaton; Henry J. Eyring

 Special thanks to Harper Teen, Penguin Teen and Deseret Book for the goodies!

What should I read first?

What’s in your postbox?

Leave your PIP, IMM and Stacking the Shelves link in the comments below.

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Cover Reveal- Storm Warning by E. Lee and C. Quinn

01 Nov, 2013 by in Cover Reveal-, Storm Warning 2 comments

December 12, 2013

The Storm Rolls In…

Are you ready for the storm? The first book in E. Lee and C. Quinn’s Broken Heartland Series, STORM WARNING, has a cover and we get to share it with you today! Check out how pretty it is and then look below to read all about the title and the authors. We also have the STORM WARNING Book Trailer reveal for you!



Isn’t it gorgeous?!? STORM WARNING is a Young Adult Contemporary novel and is scheduled to be released December 12, 2013.

Sometimes you can’t see the storm until it’s too late…

About STORM WARNING:

Sometimes you don’t see the storm coming until it’s too late…
Severe Storm Warning Tip #1:

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #2:

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #3:

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

Situated just outside of Oklahoma City, Calumet County is divided into two drastically different communities: Hope’s Grove and Summit Bluffs. One is the small backward town where dirt roads lead the way to field parties and railroad tracks. And the other, a sprawling suburb where paved drives lead to the landscaped lawns of the wealthy and privileged.

For five teenagers smack in the middle of Tornado Alley, summer is heating up fast. The winds of change are blurring the invisible line that divides the rich and the rural.

One has a secret.

One has a crush.

One has been lying.

One will get caught.

And one might not make it out alive.

They’re from two different worlds…but one summer is about to change everything.


About E. Lee and C. Quinn:


Whether you believe in destiny, divine intervention, or just plain ol’ dumb luck, several things happened in 2013 that caused E. Lee and C. Quinn’s paths to cross. It may have been that the stars aligned perfectly, or the fact anytime Luke Bryan was mentioned on a social media site both of them were tagged, or maybe it was just that their small town roots and country girl attitudes were magnetically drawn together—calling out to one another, “Y’all should write a book!” Despite geography keeping them apart—Lee in Illinois and Quinn in Alabama—they did. Thanks to three-hour phone calls, ridiculous amounts of online chats, and umpteen Google Docs—Storm Warning is the first book in their edgy new Young Adult series,  Broken Heartland.

STORM WARNING’s Book Trailer




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Halloween Mystery Giveaway

31 Oct, 2013 by in Uncategorized 12 comments


Happy Halloween from Fire and Ice!
 I love Fall, but will be the first to admit that I don’t have much of a stomach for scary books! I”ve collected quite a stack of them over the years and in honor of our wonderful readers am going to give some away as a treat to a new home. 
Enter below for your chance to win a mystery package of scary/ paranormal, ARCs and books.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway