Posts Tagged: blog tour

Women of Strength Blog Tour

26 May, 2012 by in tristi pinkston, walnut springs press, women of strength 2 comments

Women of Strength
by Tristi Pinkston
Paperback, 142 pages
Published March 2012
by Walnut Springs Press 
ISBN 1599928469
Book Source: author
5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: The need for courageous, faithful women has never been greater than it is today. As we draw nearer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we are faced with temptations on every side. But we can prevail as we gain true strength from living the gospel. In Women of Strength, Tristi Pinkston shares inspiring stories, as well as insightful quotes from Church leaders, to demonstrate the power and influence of righteous women. This book invites women everywhere to deepen their relationship with the Savior, rely on the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and learn what it really means to be strong.
Heather’s Review: Women of Strength is  a short but power packed message every woman in our day and age should read. Tristi uses talks, quotes and personal experience to teach about the trials women face and how to maintain their role as protector of the home, nurturer and daughter of God. Her chapters speak to whatever station of life women find themselves in- whether married,  single, or divorced. And her voice is down to earth with an added touch of humor at times. I found the writing smooth and easy to relate to. For me, it was a message so needed and well thought out by a wise author who is trying to help women to w find their place here they can thrive. She invites us to “take a stand” to face challenges head on and guard our castle against those who would hurt our children and spouses.
I highly recommend Women of Strength as a clean, uplifting non fiction read. Tristi is so talented and I’d gladly give her book as a gift to the women around me.
Author Bio: I’m an LDS historical/contemporary fiction author, stay at home mom, homeschooler, freelance editor, and media reviewer. I love to read, I love to share my thoughts on what I’ve read, so GoodReads is pretty much right up my alley. I appreciate recommendations for clean reads and seek friendships with people who enjoy reading the types of things I also enjoy reading.

Until I Die Blog Tour and Giveaway

23 Apr, 2012 by in until i die 9 comments

We’re so excited to be today’s stop on the Until I Die blog tour hosted by Mundie Moms and Author Amy Plum. We have a sneak peek excerpt plus a puzzle piece to a grand prize and a little giveaway of our own if you’ll keep reading!
Until I Die
Revenants #2
 by Amy Plum
Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 8th 2012
 by HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN 0062004042
Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love. As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.
Our excerpt from Until I Die…
 
” Revenants’ compulsion to die when saving their precious human “rescues” is more enticing and powerful than a drug addiction. But Vincent thinks he can hold out. For me.”

And puzzle piece: or guérriseur?
Be sure to check all the stops on the blog tour to collect each puzzle piece and Amy’s blog for more information on the grand prize!
Our Giveaway:  Fire and Ice is giving away some author signed bookmarks along w/ an Eiffel Tower bookmark donated by the amazing Amy Plum. To enter to win fill out this form.
About the author: Amy Plum is the author of the International Bestseller DIE FOR ME, which is an Indie Next List pick, Romance Times top pick, and recipient of a starred review from School Library Journal. DIE FOR ME is the first novel in a YA trilogy set in Paris. The second, UNTIL I DIE, will be released in May 2012.
After being raised in Birmingham, Alabama, in a rather restrictive environment, AMY PLUM escaped to Chicago to an even more restrictive environment at a university that expelled people for dancing. (And where she was called to the dean’s office for “wearing too much black”.) After all of that restrictiveness, she was forced to run far far away, specifically to Paris, France, where she only wore black and danced all she wanted.

After five years in Paris, she ventured to London, where she got an M.A. in Medieval Art History, specializing in Early Sienese Painting (1260-1348) mainly because it promised almost no hope of finding a paying job afterward.

Amy managed to find work in the world of art and antiques in New York. But after almost a decade of high-pressure lifestyle in the Big Apple, she swapped her American city for a French village of 1300 inhabitants.

After signing with HarperCollins for the DIE FOR ME series, Amy left her job as an English professor at Tours University to write full-time. She now splits her time between her centuries-old farmhouse in the countryside and Paris’s 11th arrondissement.

She is a huge fan of Edward Gorey and Maira Kalman (and collects both of their books/art), as well as David Sedaris, Amadeo Modigliani, and Ira Glass.

Visit Amy on her Website /Blog/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Goodreads/ Harper Teen Page

Espionage Blog Tour and Author Guest Post

17 Apr, 2012 by in Uncategorized 5 comments

Fire and Ice is today’s stop on the official blog tour for
Espionage
by A.L. Sowards
Paperback, 242 pages
Published March 2012
by Covenant Communications
ISBN 139781608611485
Book Summary From Author’s Website: France, 1944: Nobody expects Peter Eddy to survive his first commando mission—to retrieve a code book stolen by the Nazis—so when he does come back alive, his success is rewarded with an even more daunting assignment. Partnered with French Resistance leader Jacques Olivier, Eddy must identify which of three Allied contacts in Calais is a double agent and use the traitor to help implement a strategic Allied diversion that might win the war. Eddy and Olivier secretly cross the English Channel to confront their suspects one at a time, but what appears to be a clean assignment soon turns disastrous, and a shocking betrayal leaves Eddy in the grip of the Gestapo. With the courageous aid of Olivier and his sister, Genevieve, Eddy evades his captors with a dangerous escape plan. But as the Allied invasion approaches, treachery in the least likely places leads to fresh graves in the bloodied European soil—and only the power of loyalty and love can transform tragic endings into new beginnings.

Espionage is a suspense packed thriller with historical fiction elements that is set in WWII. It follows the decisions made by Peter, a young American soldier who enlists after his brother is killed in his service. Peter is chosen for a top secret operation then somewhat betrayed by his allies while putting his life on the line. With a bit of romance, authentic history and well written scenes, Sowards pull you right into the action. There is some moderate war related violence so I would recommend this book for adults.
We are so pleased at Fire and Ice to have an exclusive post from the author about why she writes what she writes…
Guest Post by Author A. L. Sowards
Why I write about war

 “I’ve run into a handful of people at book signings who say something along the lines of “I don’t read books about war”. They have good reasons, usually involving a family member’s sad, difficult experience. I met one lady whose father was killed in Vietnam, another whose brothers have served in Iraq. War books aren’t for everyone, and I’ve never thought they should be. These conversations made me ask myself why I write about war. It’s evil, it’s brutal, and it destroys lives in more ways than one. So why am I writing a book about it?

There are a few reasons. First off, Nazis make good bad-guys, and I rarely like books or movies unless there’s an antagonist. It’s also an easy time period to research because so much about it has been written, filmed, and photographed. And no need to waste words giving readers a history lesson—they already know the basics. Then there’s the other reason: all of us have challenges, trials, and moments that try our faith, our courage, our integrity. Reading about fictional characters overcoming their challenges can help us as we try to overcome ours. And what better setting than a horrible war to create difficult challenges for my characters to overcome? In the darkest times, the brightest examples can emerge to enlighten, encourage, and inspire.

 I still won’t say my books are for everyone. They don’t have to be. But sometimes looking into the dark chapters of history can help us find the strength and courage we need in our own lives to overcome our current challenges. And that’s why I write about war.”
Author Bio: “I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. Then I came to Utah to attend school and ended up staying. Books have always been an important part of my life. I remember writing self-illustrated storybooks at my grandparent’s house when I was in elementary school (none of those made it to publication for many good reasons) and attending my first writer’s conference when I was in third grade.
Another big part of my early life was swimming. I swam for the Big Bend Manta Rays, the Moses Lake Manta Rays, Moses Lake High School, and Brigham Young University. In addition to swimming, I studied Political Science and English at BYU.
Now I’m a busy mom of twin toddlers. I still love to read and I also love to write. I’m usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I’m grateful for that. I’ll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.
What can you expect from my books?
A little mystery, a little history, a little romance, and a lot of action, adventure, and suspense. Primarily, I write to entertain. I also hope my books will teach readers something new about history or about life (anything from the wisdom of wearing your seat belt to the truth that it’s never too late to change). You will find no printed profanity in my books, and no sex. Espionage takes place during the largest war in the history of the world, so there is some violence, but it’s not gory or excessive. My goal is for my writing to be thrilling, clean, and uplifting.
Learn More on the author’s website and click here for a full list of blog tour stops plus chances to win your own copy. Thanks so much to A.L Sowards for stopping by today and to Lexie Book Bug for hosting the tour.

Blood Born Blog Tour and Giveaway

04 Apr, 2012 by in pendrell, ya paranormal 24 comments

Fire and Ice is so exicted to be today’s stop on the official blog tour for Blood Born hosted by Once Upon A Twilight
Blood Born
Blood Prophecy #1
by Jamie Manning
Hardcover, 360 pages
Expected publication: April 24th 2012
by Pendrell Publishing
ISBN 0983558000
Book Source: Publisher
4 stars
Summary From Goodreads: Waking up in a coffin hungry for blood is only the beginning for sixteen-year-old Ava Blue.
When Chance Caldon, the hottie who dug her up, tells her that she’s half vampire, Ava’s world really turns upside down.
Half vamp? Ava can’t believe it…she doesn’t even know what that means! Not until Aldric, a thousand-year-old vampire, shows up and tells her it’s true–and that he’s the one who turned her. Then Ava truly begins to believe what she is. Now, she has to deal with a sudden and powerful bloodlust, the desire to see Aldric dead, and her growing crush for Chance. Ava knows she’s a monster now, she can feel it; and her life is over.
So Ava sets out to get her life back. But killing vampires begins a battle that could destroy everything she is working toward. In the end, Ava’s decisions will forever change her life and the lives of those she loves. But redemption isn’t lost. Aldric is giving her a chance to regain her humanity. The price? Kill a hundred vampires, or remain a bloodsucker forever.

Heather’s Review: The first thing that gripped me about Blood Born is the quality of writing and the fascinating relationship between Ava Blue and her life saver Chance. The two have a chemistry that will keep you engaged and engrossed. I read the entire book in a day and a half! Well done for a paranormal debut Jamie.

Avaline finds herself buried alive with no recollection of who she is, where she lived or who her family is. She has been reborn to the life of a hybrid vampire. The one person who is there with her from the first moment of rebirth is determined to stay by her side and protect her at all costs. Chance is a keeper, you will love him. The two are on a mission to keep Ava as human as possible and the only way to that is not pleasant. Ava has a lot to overcome and the odds are stacked against her 100 to 1. Add in her new goth friend, a set of twins and two very evil undead and you have quite the action packed thriller of a ride.

I’m not going to lie, this book has some moments of vampire slaying and blood. So if you are queasy with the idea of scenes akin to the Lost Boys (movie of the 80’s) complete with wooden stakes and a clan of killers you might want to gear up for violence. Other than that there is mild swearing and one swoon worthy kiss and there is one heck of an ending that will leave you wanting book two.

Heather



Author Bio: I’ve always wanted to be a writer (like most writers, I’m sure) but not until the last few years have I taken it seriously (after I read a tiny, unknown book called Twilight). I was always told growing up that I had to get a job and “earn my keep”, so I pushed my dream of writing a book to the back of my mind and entered the workforce. Fast-forward many, many years and here I am, trying to make a go at it.

I stumbled across Blogger in 2010 and my world of writing exploded. I have met (via the web) so many amazing writers and industry professionals and book bloggers that have passed on their wisdom and experience and successes and failures. So many, in fact, that I have no excuse to sit down and write out the stories living in my head. Which is what I’m now attempting to do.

I enjoy reading more than most other things (well, except maybe for writing. And TV. No way am I giving up my TV) . I attempt to write YA (paranormal and dystopian) and I love it.

Blood Born, the first book in The Blood Prophecy Trilogy, will be released by Pendrell Publishing April 24, 2012.

Find Jamie Manning on Goodreads/ twitter/ his blog

Visit all the stops on the Blood Born Blog Tour for lots of giveaways!
6th: Hypable
13th: Once Upon a Twilight – Grand Prize
27th: Live Chat with Jamie on Once Upon a Twilight at 9PM CST (10PM EST / 7PM PST)
Our Giveaway: Author Jamie Manning is giving away five pieces of swag plus an ecopy of Blood Born to one of our readers! To enter to win fill out this form.
Buy Blood Born

Emerald City Blog Tour and Author Guest Post

26 Mar, 2012 by in book review 1 comment

Fire and Ice is today’s stop on the Emerald City blog tour. We are excited to have author Alicia K Leppert on our site today talking about the locations she used in her book and where they came from…

Emerald City
by Alicia K. Leppert
Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: April 10th 2012
by Sweetwater Books ISBN1599558645
Book Source: Publisher
Book Summary from author’s website: Olivia Tate is a broken shell of a girl haunted by the tragic events that fill her past. She has closed herself off from the world, each day grasping at something—anything—to live for. Convinced there will never be a way out, she seeks solace in the depths of her medicine cabinet. When she wakes up days later in the hospital she is introduced to Jude, the quiet stranger responsible for saving her life. She never could have guessed then that her mysterious rescuer would end up saving her life a second time, while simultaneously turning her world upside down. A modern-day romance with a twist, Emerald City has a little bit of something for everyone!
Author Guest Post: ” I had a lot of fun picking locations in my book, and each one came from some memory or personal experience I’ve had in my lifetime. Much of the book takes place in Olivia’s apartment, which actually was something I just dreamed up based on studio apartments I’ve seen on TV and in movies. I’ve always had a thing for lofts and studio apartments in big cities, with brick or concrete walls. Although Olivia’s apartment is nothing as grand as the ones I dream about, it was roughly based on those.
The coffee shop she works in was based on a coffee shop I had breakfast in in Seattle about 12 years ago when I was visiting my sister and her family. They’re probably about a dime a dozen in the Seattle area, but whenever I wrote about Olivia at work, I thought of the coffee shop from that specific visit.
The mansion on the lake that Jude takes Olivia to is actually based on the gorgeous houses down the street from where I grew up, along the Columbia River. These houses are huge and amazing and have all those things you dream about having, like theater rooms and swimming pools and arcades. And since they’re on the river, they always have huge glass windows on the back walls, overlooking the water.
A personal favorite of mine is the location of their first “date,” on the pier. It was largely based on my husband’s and my first real date. We drove to Seattle and had dinner at Red Robin on the pier, then went on the Argosy Cruise around Puget Sound. While we waited for the cruise to start, we hung out on the pier looking out at the sound, and my husband (fiance at the time) carved our names into the wooden railing of the pier. The seafood restaurant Jude and Olivia eat at, however, was based on a restaurant we’ve visited many times at the Oregon Coast in Lincoln City.
That’s about it for the locations that had any kind of significance. All others came from some corner of my memory or imagination. But all were equally fun to create!
Alicia K Leppert’s Bio: I always knew I wanted to be a writer, ever since Career Day in first grade when I walked around carrying a notebook and pencil. Twenty-some odd years later, after a short stint in high school where I dreamed of being an actress, a whirlwind Internet romance including a blind proposal that led to a fairytale wedding and two pretty-near perfect kids, my lifelong dream came to fruition with my first novel, Emerald City. I live with my small brood in my beloved hometown of Pasco, which is located in the only part of Washington state that isn’t green. When I’m not writing, I can be found decorating novelty cakes and taking naps–my other two passions.

Find out more on Goodreads/ author’s website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ The Publisher

 

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters Blog Tour- Guest Post With Meredith Zeitlin

20 Mar, 2012 by in meredith zeitlin, putnam Leave a comment

Fire and Ice is today’s stop on the blog tour for Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin.
She is joining us for an exclusive guest post …SO, WHAT ABOUT MY FRESHMAN YEAR?

“My freshman year was both really hard and ultimately really rewarding. I started at a brand new school that year, which was really nerve-wracking. I missed my friends from middle school and could barely find my way around the place! But I actually ended up loving it – I did make friends, and figure out where to sit at lunch, and got cast in a lead role in the school play, and somehow ended up on the lacrosse team – a sport I’d never even heard of before. (In a related story, I was TERRIBLE at it. But I stuck it out, just like Kelsey does with soccer in the book.)
Of course, this is me as an adult looking back – at the time I know I was incredibly frustrated much of the time. It’s so hard to be new. It took a long time for things to be mostly fun instead of mostly terrifying.
I’ve been asked a lot during this book tour what I’d say to myself if I could go back in time, and the answer is: PLENTY. To be honest, I think Freshman Me would probably roll her eyes and tell Future Me I had no idea what I was talking about – I mean, what would you say to some nosy old person who claimed to know all about you and tried to tell you how to run your life? But I’d give it a shot, anyway.

I’d tell her not to try so hard, and to trust that people will like her even if she isn’t always “on,” or cracking a joke, or proving she’s right about everything. I’d love to explain to her that all the other fourteen-year-olds are just as insecure about themselves as she is. I’d definitely inform her that the guys she agonizes over are not worth her agony, and that she doesn’t have anything to prove.

I’d tell her not to suck up to that junior after the cast list for the fall play goes up. “It backfires!” I’d say. “Someday you’ll be working this moment into a YA book – stay away from her!”
I’d encourage her not to go into Manhattan to stay over at the apartment of a random girl she barely knew from camp. “She turns out to be really weird and live in what is essentially a room filled with garbage!” I’d insist. “This is not going to be the cool adventure you think it’s going to be!”
I’d try really, really hard to talk her out of the darkish-brownish-burgundyish lipstick she insists on wearing. Oh, and I’d suggest she find out something about Kurt Cobain – like, the name of more than one song he sings, for instance? – before she hangs pictures of him all over her locker. (I wouldn’t tell her he dies on her 16th birthday. That would just be mean.)
I’d tell her she’s pretty, even if she doesn’t think so. And that she isn’t fat. And that her parents aren’t ACTUALLY out to destroy her, even if it seems that way.
And the things I’d want to warn her about the next three years after ninth grade? Or college? Well, that list would be too long for this post.
The truth is, there’s a good reason we can’t go back and reveal these things to ourselves – we have to learn the hard way. It’s what makes us the adults we become, I think. And we probably know that truth, even as we’re slogging through the mess of freshman year – even if we don’t realize it til much, much later.
Of course, being able to read a book about anothergirl whose life is a disaster doesn’t hurt. So that’s really why I wrote this one. For fourteen-year-old me… and all the real freshmen who are trying to figure it out right now.”
About the Author: Meredith Zeitlin is a writer and voiceover artist who lives in Brooklyn with two adorable feline roommates. She also writes a column for Ladygunn Magazine, changes her hair color every few months, and has many fancy pairs of spectacles.

“Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters” (Putnam, March 2012) is her first novel.

You can learn more about the book on her website/ twitter/ facebook.

Emerald City Blog Tour

15 Mar, 2012 by in book review Leave a comment

Fire and Ice is today’s stop on Alicia Leppert’s Emerald City blog tour.

Emerald City
by Alicia K. Leppert
Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: April 10th 2012
by Sweetwater Books ISBN1599558645
Book Source: Publisher
3.5 stars 
Book Summary from author’s website: Olivia Tate is a broken shell of a girl haunted by the tragic events that fill her past. She has closed herself off from the world, each day grasping at something—anything—to live for. Convinced there will never be a way out, she seeks solace in the depths of her medicine cabinet. When she wakes up days later in the hospital she is introduced to Jude, the quiet stranger responsible for saving her life. She never could have guessed then that her mysterious rescuer would end up saving her life a second time, while simultaneously turning her world upside down. A modern-day romance with a twist, Emerald City has a little bit of something for everyone!
Heather’s review: Emerald City is one young woman’s journey from the harrowing feeling of hopelessness to beginning to heal. 20 year old Olivia has suffered far more than most 20 year olds and feels alone in the world, her mother having committed suicide and her father abandoning the family after living a lie. One particularly hard night Olivia reaches her breaking point and in an effort to end the pain ends up in a hospital bed with no knowledge of how she could have possibly been saved. Her front door was locked, she has no real friends or neighbors in her apartment building that would check up on her, yet a mysterious man name Jude is said to have found and rescued her.  Soon Jude has taken Olivia under his wing and shows her what it means to be cared for and looked after. Feelings are growing on both sides and there are so many unanswered questions about Jude.
As a reader I found myself wondering who and what Jude is through out most of the book until we get his back story over 20 chapters in. I really enjoyed learning more and wish we would have been filled in a bit sooner. From there this romance with a twist of Urban fantasy takes off. It’s a darker read until then as Olivia is treading through the absolute hopelessness of clinical depression and suicidal ideation. I like that she addresses her issues through seeing a psychiatrist and going on medication when she so clearly needs it. But I think this is an older read for 17- adults because of the sad tone and traumatic life events Olivia faces. I am curious if there will be more books to come! If you are a fan of the Heavenly series by Jennifer Laurens this has similar character elements. I love love the cover and the chapter headings which highlight Seattle where the book was set, and I am pleased the author shows how one person can change the life course of another.
Content: no swearing or sex, some violence, suicidal and traumatic life events, some kissing and sleep overs.
Heather
Author Bio: I always knew I wanted to be a writer, ever since Career Day in first grade when I walked around carrying a notebook and pencil. Twenty-some odd years later, after a short stint in high school where I dreamed of being an actress, a whirlwind Internet romance including a blind proposal that led to a fairytale wedding and two pretty-near perfect kids, my lifelong dream came to fruition with my first novel, Emerald City. I live with my small brood in my beloved hometown of Pasco, which is located in the only part of Washington state that isn’t green. When I’m not writing, I can be found decorating novelty cakes and taking naps–my other two passions.

Find out more on Goodreads/ author’s website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ The Publisher

 

Delivering Hope Blog Tour and Giveaway

08 Feb, 2012 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

Delivering Hope
by Jennifer Ann Holt
Paperback, 224 pages
Expected publication: February 8th 2012
by Cedar Fort, Inc.
ISBN 1599559021
Book Source: author
Summary From Goodreads: Olivia Spencer wants to be a mom more than anything else in the world, but years of infertility have wounded her soul and strained her marriage.

Allison Campbell is a recent high school graduate who discovers that a moment of excitement has led to an unplanned pregnancy and an overwhelming heartache.

As the lives of these two women touch, we see that deep love can pave the way for sacrifice, and we all learn the true source of hope and healing.
Delivering Hope is born today! Happy Book Birthday Julie and thanks for asking Fire and Ice to be a part of your blog tour. For any woman who has ever struggled with infertility or young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy this is an inspirational educational read. It contains two parts- the first outlines the personal struggles of Olivia and Michael a married couple who have been tyring for years to get pregnant only to find out it is medically impossible. The strain emotionally and financially is overwhelming. But a glimmer of hope comes thanks to a journal left behind by Olivia’s great aunt. She finds solace in knowing someone close to her has felt the heartache and inadequacy deep within. Ultimately it is serve to others and turning one’s will over to the atonement that will save both women.
The second half of the book begins with Allison Campbell, a young woman just out of high school with a promising future in college and hopes of a medical career. One night’s cations change her life forever. She is pregnant, she feels ashamed and the father wants her to have an abortion. Olivia and Allison’s lives cross as Allison turns to her church leader and the gift of adoption.
While this was a hard read because it is so honest and heartfelt; I think it is a good teaching tool for all of us to be able to empathize with the emotions behind infertility and adoption. It shows the judgements, every day trials and soul searching that gets poured into two families lives. I would recommend it for older teens and adults, as well as social workers who counsel both birth mothers and adoptive parents.Hats off to Jennifer for writing about something so near and dear to her heart.
About The Author: My name is Jennifer Ann Holt. I grew up as a farm girl in Enterprise, Utah, so I have lots of experience moving sprinkler pipe and mucking out calf pens. I can hold my own when handling a tractor as well. I have always loved reading and really like the power of the written word to heal, bring people together, provide comfort and understanding, and uplift.
I graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University in December 1998 with a degree in Physical Education / Physical Therapy Emphasis. In March of 1999 I married my wonderful husband and we started our life together.
After a couple years of marriage, and without having had a successful pregnancy, we began pursuing both adoption and increasingly aggressive fertility treatments. We were blessed to be chosen by an amazing birth mom, and we adopted our beautiful daughter as a newborn. Following several failed adoption attempts, and several more years of fertility treatments (including a couple of surgeries) I became pregnant with our youngest son. We were waiting to update our adoption portfolio until after the first trimester to make sure the pregnancy was going to stick, and when I was just about a week shy of that 12-week mark, a wonderful birth mom picked us as the family for her soon-to-be-born baby boy.
She didn’t mind that I was pregnant, she felt strongly that her baby boy was to join our family, and he did! We were excited at the prospect of our two boys only being 6 months apart. Then, my pregnancy took a nose dive. I developed severe toxemia almost overnight and had a small stroke. In addition, we discovered that the cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck 3 times. So, in order to save both of our lives, my doctor performed an emergency c-section and delivered our 2 lb. 8 oz. son about 3 months early. I was very blessed to recover with only some slight numbness on the left side of my face. And after spending 8 1/2 weeks in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and undergoing numerous blood transfusions, a surgery, and many scary moments, our youngest was able to come home and join his big brother and sister.
Today, my husband and I have three wonderfully healthy, happy children (including our two boys who are 3 months apart), and we feel at peace that all of the members of our family are here.
I love to speak about adoption and infertility, particularly about adopting and raising a multi-racial family and how to find healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I must say that my family and life has not turned out the way I always thought it would, but I know that my family has come in accordance to my Heavenly Father’s will. Because of this, it is better than I ever imagined, and I couldn’t be happier!
The Giveaway: Here is what the author is offering as a thank you to all who participate in the blog tour stops “As I mentioned in the invitation, I will be giving away a signed copy of the book to two individuals, and a signed bookmark and Delivering Hope magnet to five individuals. There will be several ways to enter, and your readers can enter using one or all of the ways.
1. Become a follower of her blog: http://www.jenshopefulwriting.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment letting me know you’re here!
2. “Like” the Delivering Hope facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/DeliveringHopeNovel
3. Watch the book trailer: www.bit.ly/peCixw and post a comment on the facebook page telling what you liked about it.
The winners will be randomly chosen at the conclusion of the blog tour and posted on both the author’s blog and the facebook fan page by 10:00 am on Saturday, February 11th. Good luck!

Untraceable Blog Tour

07 Feb, 2012 by in sr johannes, untraceable 1 comment

Fire adn Ice is super excited to be a stop on the official Untraceable blog tour hosted by Mundie Moms. To see all of the stops and find out more click here.

Untraceable
The Nature of Grace #1
by S.R. Johannes
Kindle Edition, 315 pages
Published November 29th 2011
by Coleman and Stott
16-year-old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.
When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she lovesOne day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.

Fire and Ice has an exclusive character interview with Grace today.
What is your favorite thing to do with your dad outdoors?
That’s easy, fishing. My dad and I don’t talk much when we go. We just fish next to each other in the river. I love that we can spend that time together without even saying a word.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself over the course of your story?
I learned that I am not immortal. I don’t think I thought about death or many dark things until my father went missing. I think I always thought, “That would never happen to me.” I’ve learned to appreciate the smaller things more because you never know when they will be gone.
Tell us why you believe you dad is still alive and what you plan to do about it?
My dad would never just fade away into the night. He was a survival expert. He’s been patrolling those woods his whole life. He knows the dangers and he knows how to swim. He didn’t like to swim but he knew every survival tip there was. I don’t believe he would die and not leave a trace. That leads me to believe someone tried to cover something up.
How would you sum up Mo’s personality and what is one thing you love about him?
Mo is a straightforward guy. I loved how he didn’t play games like most guys seem to. He just told me how it was from the very start. He liked me and told me, not knowing if I liked him back. But most of all, he liked me for me – the good and the bad.
What is it you love so much about your town and the wilderness surrounding it?
I love that we are small and know each other. But I love the Smoky Mountains. Most people don’t realize how much wilderness is still left in the US. Especially in the south. They assume Colorado and Montana have all the beauty. I happen to know that beauty exists her and it’s my backyard.
Do you think you’ll be a ranger like your dad when you grow up? Why or why not? And what’s the most important survival skill you have learned?
I’m not sure what I’m going to do. Something with nature or animals but what specifically – I don’t know. I can barely decide on my breakfast so my future is like 365 breakfasts away. 🙂
As far as survival skill – I would say, “tell someone where you are going and when you will check in” I think that would have saved me some heartache.
Author Bio: S.R. Johannes is the author of Untraceable (a teen wilderness thriller) and On The Bright Side ( a tween paranormal).
She started out writing for her local school paper, winning a state Nutrition essay contest for “Be a Smart Cookie”, and singing in a local Jazz band. Somewhere along the way, she earned an MBA in Marketing and embarked on an 18-year marketing career in Corporate America working as a marketing and communications consultant.
In 2000, S.R. traded in her expensive suits, way-too high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She started her own marketing & communications business, www.bilaninc.com, and continues creating materials for a variety of large profit and nonprofit clients, including Spanx, Goody Hair Products, Chick Filet, Delta, CARE, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.
S.R.’s dream is to publish children’s books and magically imprint the imaginations of kids. In addition to juggling nap schedules while attending client meetings, Shelli focuses on her writing. She is a frequent marketing speaker at SCBWI conferences across the U.S and runs a popular marketing blog, Market My Words (www.faeriality.blogspot.com) where she provides marketing advice for authors in the hopes of helping them better market their words.
In her spare time (yeah right!) and if the kids allow (yeah right!), Shelli obsesses over movies, reads children’s books (over and over), wishes she could squeeze in Bikram Yoga sessions, and dreams of sleeping in on the weekends.
She currently lives in Atlanta with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess that someday will change the world.
Find the author on her :Email/ Blog/ Twitter/ Author Facebook/ Author Goodreads/

Persuasion Blog Tour and Giveaway

06 Feb, 2012 by in persuasion, Rebecca H. Jamison 15 comments

Fire and Ice is happy to be today’s stop on the virtual blog tour for

Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale
by Rebecca H. Jamison
Paperback, 240 pages
Expected publication: February 14th 2012
by Cedar Fort, Inc.
ISBN 1599559471
Book Source: publisher
5 stars 
Summary From Goodreads: When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she’d never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil’s brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil’s return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen’s most romantic novel.
Anne Elliott is a 27 year old single stockbroker who is trying to help her Dad get out of debt and her sister get through her bed rest when her ex-fiance Neil Wentworth stumbles back into her life. She’s working the family garage sale with no regard to how she looks which couldn’t be worse timing for Neil to pop back up after years of not hearing from him. Captain Wentworth is recovering form a high speed chase accident with the extra loving care of Lily and Hannah, which ironically enough also happen to be Anne’s sister’s next door neighbors and in-laws. Neil and Anne will be crossing paths quite a bit whether they like it or not. Throw in a life threatening jelly fish sting, some unruly children, and a jaguar driving bachelor and you have Persuasion. It’s a story about a second chance at love and learning to put yourself first for once.

What a fun debut by Rebecca H. Jamison with humorous situations, life lessons and even suspense  in. It’s a look at why expensive dates and appearances can be deceiving and what it means to be a true night in shining armor. I would recommend it to everyone as a clean romance based loosely on Jane Austen’s original story. You’ll want to pass Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale on to your friends. It is indeed a Latter-day tale with references to Mormon culture and terminology but I think all will enjoy! So sit back watch the trailer and enter to win your own copy below. Thanks to Cedar Fort Books and the author for inviting us to be a stop on the tour.

Author Bio: “I’m a stay-at-home mom with a passion for writing novels, running, and dancing. I’m a mom to five boys, so I know how to pronounce a lot of dinosaur names and how to clean up legos.
I also have one wonderful daughter.I met my husband on a blind date.
Before I had kids, I worked as an English teacher. I plan to go back to teaching once my kids are older. I have a BA and MA
in English from BYU.I love to swim, make jewelry, and play in water. I like teenagers. Summer is my favorite season of the year because I can eat watermelon and hang at the pool.
People have asked me to write a lot of skits over the years. My favorite is Snow White and the Seven Values, which I did for the Young Women’s group at my church.
I grew up in Vienna, Virginia. Now I live in Utah. I’m a city girl.
The country’s okay, as long as I don’t have to smell manure.I served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde Islands. I write novels for fun. I play the piano, but I’m not good at practicing, so don’t expect too much from me there.I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
You can view my profile on Mormon.org.”
Find more on the author’s website/ or facebook. View the rest of the blog tour schedule here.
The Giveaway: Fire and Ice is giving away a copy of Persuasion courtesy of Cedar Fort Books. To enter to win fill out the rafflecopter form below. Open internationally. One winner will be randomly chosen February 20, 2012.