Big Cat, Small Cat

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Publisher: Abberville Press
Children's
To Purchase

Blurb:

An interactive book about cats that introduces children to rhyming and opposites in a fun and engaging way.

Big Cat, Small Cat takes readers through a fantastical world of felines, where they will encounter many different pairs of cats—from good and bad to happy and sad. This delightful iBook’s sing-song text leaves out the last word of each page, allowing little ones to chime in and complete the rhyme. Captivating, colorful illustrations provide clues for the words that have been left out. Introducing words like “dirty,” “clean,” “nice,” and “mean,” Big Cat, Small Cat teaches children about rhyming and opposites with a fun, fill-in-the-blank challenge that encourages participation.

Review: A totally cute story that had my little ones glued to the screen of my computer while we were reading. Interactive and engaging, with colorful pictures and easy to follow lines. It made for a great educational read for my 4 year old :) I had to read it 5 times when we first got it. The kids were so excited about the pictures of the cats and guessing what would come next.

While there were a few of the Fill-in-the-blanks that my youngest did not get, they were still happy :)

The Cowboy Father by Linda Ford

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 8.5
Total: 17
Publisher: Harlequin
Historical Inspirational Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: With Alberta in the grip of the Depression, Louisa Morgan is desperate to bolster her family's finances. But how can she tutor bedridden Ellie Hamilton? The little tomboy is more interested in making mischief than studying sums. And the girl's bond with her handsome papa is another reminder to Louisa of the children she'll never have.

For Emmet Hamilton, strength means shouldering burdens alone. He never thought he'd let himself share his child, or his heart, ever again. But before long, Louisa's kindness and optimism start to change the cowboy's mind. Maybe he can gain the courage to trust again—in Louisa, in God's grace, and in this new family.…

Review: A wonderful love story with overflowing inspiration.

Inspirational romance is near and dear to me. The ability to read clean, christian romance is something that has not always been verypopular and at times hard to find. Thanks to HArlequin and their group of fantastic authors, not only can I feed my spirit with up-lifint tales but I can be entertained with the wonderful romance that I have grown to love over the years.

Ms Ford has again done a great job of crafting an uplifing tale that wrapped me in grace and love and left me feeling toasty and fuzzy :)

Spellbound by Samantha Combs

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Publisher: Astraea Press
YA Paranormal
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Blurb: Logan Daniels has always led a sheltered life in sleepy, predictable Lancaster, New Hampshire. But when beautiful Serena suddenly appears at school one day, his comfortable existence becomes anything but as he finds himself falling in love with her. There’s something special about Serena Starr. He realizes what it is when he sees her unleash her spells. Soon, a mysterious and foreboding presence settles over his placid home.

Logan and Serena find themselves battling darkness and evil with an ominous mission: it wants Serena and will stop at nothing to have her. Tearing apart Logan’s town, threatening his friends, even causing harm to his family, the demon will spread its doom over every facet of Logan’s once placid life. Logan matures in ways he could never have imagined as he struggles to protect those he loves, including Serena. But he can't do it alone.

Serena hails from a long line of able and powerful women who will aide in the battle and perhaps settle a score of their own. The strength of the coven and Serena's love will be behind him, but ultimately this is Logan’s fight to win. But, will he?

Review: There is a boy name Logan who's dad died when he was younger so its just his mom, Lilly and his sister Jade all who has normal lives then there is Serena who one day just appears at Logan's school. Logan is very interested in finding out everything he can about Serena from the moment he saw her. He feels drawn to her somehow he doesn't know why, but when some stuff starts happening like magic. So Serena is a witch who tell Logan what she is and he doesn't care that she is a witch, he actually takes it very well. But soon someone is after Serena, they are not sure why until a bigger secret if uncovered about Logan's family.

When that secret is uncovered Jade (Logan's sister) and Sully (Jade's boyfriend and Logan's best friend) is kidnapped by the people who want Serena. Everyone must battle this evil if they are to survive and get everyone home safely. Makes you wonder if Logan and Serena's love can survive and can they come out of this battle alive. This battle will determined their lives and everyone elses.

I absolutely loved this book, it has so much going on not one boring part, it kept you interested in it til the very end. You never knew what was going to happen. I would re-read this book over and over and still wouldn't believe that some of the stuff happened. Amazing writing too everything was in detail that you could understand, you could actually feel the love that Logan and Serena had for each other. Amazing!

The Cowboy Tutor by Linda Ford

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Inspirational Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: With the mortgage due and funds scarce, Madge Morgan can't afford distractions. Especially not from Judd Kirk, her sister Louisa's meek tutor and—according to their mother's plans—suitor. Madge's focus is on her housekeeping job…little knowing Judd's connection to her employer, or his real reason for coming to Golden Prairie.

At last, Judd has found the man who swindled his mother. Yet if he seeks revenge, he risks losing the one thing he wants even more: a woman with faith enough to rekindle his own. A woman with strong values and a gentle heart. A woman like Madge.

Review: A well written book is a thing to be cherished. A well told story is a thing to be admired. Without a doubt Ms Ford was able to do both with this Inspirational Historical Romance. The plot was engaging and easy to follow. The characters were layered and complex as well as understanding and likeable.

Filled with faith and hope, this is one that I can honestly say touched me.

Of Light and Darkness: The Vampire's Daughter by Shayne M. Leighton

Story: 3
Presentation:5
Total: 8
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
YA Paranormal Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...

Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...

As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.
Review: I didn't like this book at all.

I had to force myself to finish it because I found it to be too boring, not enough action and when there was action it was poorly describe. From what I gather this book was about Charlotte who was Abandoned by her parents and was raised by a vampire named Valek. Valek is the last of his kind, they live in Prague. War basically breaks out where they live and force them to find feelings for each other that they never knew they had. That's all I really took away from this story.

Like I said the book wasn't that good, I mean I loved the idea of the story but not the way it was presented. And when combined with editing and spelling errors...it just didn't do it for me.

I'm Not Tired Yet by Marianne Richmond

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Childrens
To Purchase

Blurb: For every parent whose child won't settle into bed without a dozen excuses, here is an adorable bedtime story that makes us laugh with recognition from beloved, award-winning author Marianne Richmond. With her signature heartfelt illustrations and whimsical text, I'm Not Tired Yet! helps every parent ease their child off to dreamland. I'm Not Tired Yet! inspires a playful, endearing bedtime routine that leaves kids and grownups looking forward to nighttime, no matter how strong the allure of playtime.



Review: Imaginative and creative, this fun bedtime tale not only brought a smile to my face but brought laughter and giggles to my children when I read it to them.

A fresh story that tackles the dreaded bedtime woe's of the child that isn't wuite ready for bed when mom says it's time. Whimsical pictures that brough a layer of delight to the kids. Nifty hugs and kisses that made us all find the fun in the moments leading up to the lights going off.

Ms Richmond has done a wonderfl job with this terrific poetic story. I can't wait to grab her next story for my family collection.

Freebie from Iris Blobel

Today, we have a special treat for all the sweet readers out there. Iris Blobel and Astraea Press are making Journey To Her Dreams FREE for the next 24 hours. How awesome is THAT?

 

Light Paranormal Fiction

Word Count: 73k

Blurb: Would you travel around the world to uncover the reason for your dreams?

Hollie Anderson does. A young woman from Tasmania who lives on a farm just outside Launceston, she has got good looks, likes her job and loves to hang out with her friends. She should be happy, right?

But it’s a recurrent dream that throws her daily life into chaos and takes her on a journey to Ireland. While on her quest for answers she meets Sam in Dublin under unusual circumstances and both women, so different in many ways, find out they have one thing in common - and it changes their lives forever.

For your free copy of Journey To Her Dreams please go HERE and enter code XQ27P during checkout.

For more about Iris and her works please check out her blog

Here are just a few of the comments about Journey To Her Dreams

Review by Frank Nolan, 99.9 VoiceFMBallarat writer Iris Blobel’s first book was titled Sweet Dreams Miss England and was set in London and Dublin. She returns to the subject of dreams in her recently published second novel Journey to Her Dreams. The story is set in two small islands – Tasmania and Ireland- and involves the lives of two young women. Hollie lives with her father on a farm near Launceston while Sam lives in Dublin. A recurrent, disturbing dream inspires Hollie to visit Ireland and the two women meet in extraordinary circumstances, with momentous effect on both of their lives.
A cleverly constructed plot, believable characters and lucid writing make Journey to Her Dreams enjoyable romantic fiction reading. It is available now as an e-book, and will apppear shortly in paperback.

Wilma Bass:

This was a great story and I found the characters very interesting..I particularly thought Davo emerged as a complete surprise and added to the mystery. I was totally surprised by the ending of the story and very happy for everyone. I truly loved this book!

Sigrid MacDonald:

Journey to Her Dreams is a wonderful page-turner about two women whose lives intersect. The characters are likable, the background is unique, and the story is suspenseful. I really enjoyed it.

"hazelgems" (amazon.com)
Journey to Her Dreams is an enjoyable novel that will captivate your attention. Iris Blobel creates characters in her novels who stay in my mind after I have finished reading the story. Her characters are created with detailed description, and in this novel I discovered that I had immediate emotional reactions to the main characters. The story is intriguing, and I felt like I was a traveling companion on the journey. I highly recommend this book.


Margaret (Literary Chanteuse)
This is a beautifully told story that takes you on an emotional journey from Australia to Ireland. The author puts you into the shoes of these characters as you go through their quest to find love, new beginnings and a few surprises along the way.

You're still here? Good Gravy, what are you waiting for? You need to jump on this awesome story while you can.

Special thanks to Iris and Astraea for offering up this read to the readers for free

The Goblin and the Girl by Neil Irani

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Maverick Arts Publishing
Children's
To Purchase

Blurb: Every morning a girl looks in the mirror and sees a goblin. She is scared that people will see that she is different and so she hides under a hat. One day, when it is stormy outside, the hat blows away…
A beautifully illustrated book about self-confidence and friendship.

Review: The blurb really nailed this one. I was inspired by this little children's book. And thrilled to see an author unafraid to tackle the issue of low self esteem in kids. The fact that I have children and one of them gets picked on sometimes only made this story hit closer to home for me. It helps to show kids that not everyone sees what you see. and that REAL friends see who you are and not what you look like :)

Sparkle's Song by Samantha Hale

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Maverick Arts Publishing
Childrens
To Purchase

Blurb: Aunt Millicent does not allow music in her house, so when Sparkle hears a beautiful song coming from the forest, she wants to find out where it is coming from. Following a songbird, she discovers something magical that will change her life forever.

Review: I don't get many children's book to review but when I do I jump all over them :) This was one that not only appealed to me but also to my kiddos, as well it should. A tale of loss and coping with change, Sparkle finds joy in the world again after the loss of her parents. A wonderful story with pictures that drive the imagination to new heights. A winner for my kids :) Therefore a winner for me :)

Ghostly by Samantha Combs

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Astraea Press
Young Adult
To Purchase


Blurb: High school has never been effortless for social misfit Juice Zander and her sophomore year is proving to be no exception. Having a new boy in homeroom actually pay attention to her might be a start to all that changing. But there are some big issues brewing. That fact that Shane Elliot has revealed himself to be a ghost isn’t her biggest problem. Neither is the fact that he wants her to help him find a “host body” so he can be a real teenager again. It’s not even that when she does find a possible donor for her supercute ghost, it’s another so-not-ugly guy who for some unprecedented reason likes her. No, her real problem is that after years of platonic friendship, she discovers one of her best buddies has feelings for her, and she’s afraid those feelings might be mutual.
Enlisting the help of her tight group of best friends, Juice sets out to 1) find the perfect host for her ghost, 2) figure out her surprising new relationship with her longtime friend and 3) maybe discover she’s not such a social misfit after all.

Review: Captivating til the end. Will keep you wondering what the outcome will be. A good read for young paranormal readers. Will take you from one character to another and yet to another as the story line unfolds. Recommend!

The Parting Gift by Leah Sanders and Rachel Van Dyken

Story: 10
Presentation: 10
Total: 20
Publisher: Astraea Press
Inspirational Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Blaine Graham lost his mother at the tender age of eleven. Grief over the loss drove a wedge between him and his father, and soon proved too difficult for him to deal with. At the age of sixteen, he falsified his papers and made the trip across the border into Canada with his best friend to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and enter the war in Europe as a pilot. Ten years later Captain Graham finds himself flying commercial jets in Boston – his estranged father and his past life all but forgotten, until the day he receives a telegram from his dying father asking him to come home.

The persistent Mara Crawford, a live-in nurse, has experienced her fair share of loss as well. Her attachment to Blaine’s father drives her desire to bring reconciliation between the two men before time runs out for her patient. But her best laid plans didn’t include falling in love again.

Review: Amazing! I do not know if this review will give appropriate justice to not only the storyline but the presentation. The Parting Gift is a story of heartfelt emotion. The emotion is not subject to one area but it covers all areas from joy, love, laughter, new found discoveries to loss and heartache. Leah Sanders has done more than an excellent job of bringing out the emotions of human beings in the purest of forms.

The story begins with the funeral of Emily Graham, wife to David Graham and mother to eleven year old Blaine Graham. The life of Emily Graham was so precious to the two that neither knew how to deal with her death. The loss caused tension, regret, hate, anger and rebellion to build in the home, which once harbored love and laughter. After nearly 5 years had passed Blaine left home in a rage at his father and never looked back. Never wanting to see his father again. David Graham's bitterness and anger over his son's departure grew and grew until it consumed him to his very core. It was not until he was diagnosed with a illness that was threatening to end his life soon that he would be brought to feelings of forgiveness and want of reconciliation with his son. David Graham's feelings of forgiveness and reconciliation did not come on their own but with the help of his nurse, Mara, he learned to adapt these feelings as his own.

 

Blaine living his own life, was jolted to a point of unearthed reality when he received the telegram from Mara informing him of his father's failing health and inevitable death only months away. Tossed about with confusing emotions from the telegram and memories from years before he reluctantly makes his way back home.

 

The memories of his mother hit him as he entered the home he had tried to forget for so many years. The failing health of his father was a sight that was so foreign to him he had no idea how to deal with such an image. Through the help of Mara, the beautiful nurse, taking care of his father and his father's willingness to forgive and accept Blaine found himself on his knees in new discovery of a world he thought had been buried long ago. Blaine's journey back home opened doors of forgiveness, love and a new found meaning for life he never knew could exist anymore.

 

The message of love, hope, forgiveness and heartache are all presented in the dearest of forms by Leah Sanders. This story had me in tears, hope and happiness on more than one occasion. The Parting Gift is one you must add to your collection of must reads. You will surely not be disappointed.

3 Christmas Wishes by Beth-Ann Mason

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher Tri Destiny
Inspirational Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: It’s Christmas time and Lacey Jude is not only out of a job, but she and her five-year-old son have also been evicted. When the reverend of her church says he knows of a widower who is willing to let them stay through the holidays, her apprehension is overridden only by the drive to provide a warm and safe place for her son for Christmas.

Robert Martinez left the small town as soon as he graduated and hardly looked back. As a founding partner of one of New York’s top advertising firms, he lives his life on his own terms. Going back home brings him face-to-face with a harsh reality; you can rarely have everything your own way.

Coming from such different worlds, will Lacey and Robert find a way to make the Christmas wishes of the people they love most come true?

Review: This was a really great sweet romance that is so hard to come by these days. Not only was the story well written and moving, but inspirational in a way that I rarely see in todays market.

Sweet and "real" This is one that I totally loved and you can bet your boots that I will be on the look-out for more from Ms Mason in the future :)