Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - Photo © Gwenelle, February 2012
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Book Review: Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer
19 Mar 2012 — adminThis week I’m on back-to-back Litfuse blog tours, both for historical romance novels. Today’s book, Song of My Heart, is written by Kim Vogel Sawyer, who along with her publisher, is celebrating the release with a fun Nook Tablet giveaway and Facebook party on March 29. Find out how to enter at the end of this post, and come back tomorrow for another review and giveaway!
About Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer:
Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can’t work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent–though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.
McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit.
After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.
Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter’s unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she’s far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he’s come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (view all my reviews on Goodreads.com)
My review: Song of My Heart is one of those books where the emotions jump of the page and grip your heart. I could feel Sadie’s passion for singing and the peace she found in the music. I felt her trepidation at continuing to work for Asa Baxter, despite his questionable intentions, in her desperation to provide for her family. I wanted to slap the self-righteous smirk off Asa’s ugly face as he manipulated everyone around him. I could hear the shrill voices of his sisters as they dash about their store helping customers and fuss over Sadie like a pair of mothering hens.
I also enjoyed the little bit of mystery tied into the plot, and the author’s sprinkling of historical details made each scene authentic. In fact, the only part that didn’t feel genuine was Sadie’s cousin Sid. His character felt inconsistent and a bit flat; I was tempted to skim through the scenes in which he appeared. His attitude change near the end confused me, too. The way he went so abruptly from his jealousy toward Thad and his obsession with Sadie, to apparently accepting their relationship and even being happy for them, acted kind of like a speed bump in the pace of the action. But, as everything turned out “happily ever after” the way I like it, I can’t complain too much.
Check out other blogs on the tour HERE, then head over to Facebook and RSVP for the book chat party on March 29 where the author will be giving away gift certificates, books and more. She’ll also be announcing the winner of the Nook Tablet, which you can enter to win by by clicking one of the icons below.
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Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via Facebook or Twitter and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Song of My Heart from Litfuse for review purposes. No compensation was received. I was not required to give a positive review; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. FTC: 16 CFR, Part 255.
March Swagness: Earn Bonus Bucks Every Day!
19 Mar 2012 — admin
This time of year, most people are all about March Madness … but for me, it’s all about March Swagness!
Starting tomorrow, March Swagness means you can earn bonus Swag Bucks while doing all of the things you’re already doing on Swagbucks.com. Every day, they’ll announce an earning goal, which you’ll find on their homepage (just look for a box that looks like the one at left). As you earn Swag Bucks throughout the day, that meter will fill up and when it’s full, you’ll have earned your bonus for the day! The bonus will always be 10% of that day’s goal.
You’ll want to check in every day, because the earning goal for any given day could be higher or lower than the day before. Your total bonus amount will continue to accumulate each day, and your bonus amount will be applied at by April 5th (this special promotion runs through April 2nd). Plus, if you hit the earning goal every single day of March Swagness, your bonus amount will be doubled!!
By the way, EVERYTHING you earn on Swagbucks counts towards March Swagness – search, surveys, tasks, swag codes, special offers, referral bucks, playing games, watching videos – if you earn it on Swagbucks.com, it counts towards the day it was earned!
It all starts tomorrow with a goal of 50 Swag Bucks, so get your game face on and good luck!
If you’re not familiar with Swagbucks, let me be the first to tell you, Swagbucks is THE best place to get free stuff online! Get rewarded for things you’re already doing online like internet searches, playing games, watching videos, using coupons and more. It couldn’t be any easier – simply sign up here , then check out my Swagbucks ”How To” page for some handy tips. Of course, you can always email me with any questions, too. I’m happy to help!
Coming Soon: New series by Colleen Coble
16 Mar 2012 — admin
At a Facebook party earlier this week to celebrate the release of her new book, Blue Moon Promise, author Colleen Coble also shared about her new series - Hope Beach – a contemporary romantic suspense series set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
The first book is called Tidewater Inn. Don’t you just love the cover? Here is the blurb on the back:
Welcome to Hope Beach
Where the sea breeze is fresh, sun sparkles on sand . . . and trouble appears with the force of a hurricane.
Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the seaward shore of Hope Island could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.
But Libby soon realizes that only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her new-found brothers and sisters are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, Libby’s under suspicion for the crime, and her handsome lieutenant clearly doubts her innocence.
Libby’s dream-come-true is becoming a nightmare. Can she find her friend and establish her innocence? Must she sell Tidewater Inn and lose her family again? Or can she find a home for her heart on the beautiful shores of Hope Island?
Tidewater Inn won’t be released until June, but you can pre-order from Amazon.com for just $10.87 (paperback) or $9.99 (Kindle). In the meantime, check out my review of Blue Moon Promise and then head to Colleen’s website to find out more about her 40 other novels and novellas. Wow, that’s a lot of new reading material! I think The Lightkeeper’s Daughter, book one in the Mercy Falls series, will be the next book from Colleen Coble on my list.
What’s New at Swagbucks
14 Mar 2012 — adminWow, have you seen the new homepage at Swagbucks? Now it’s even easier to find your favorite ways to win!
I know I’ve blogged about Swagbucks a lot lately, but I just can’t say enough about how easy it is to earn a few extra bucks just by doing the things you already do every day – searching the web, online shopping, watching videos and playing games. Even CBS News, CNET, MSN Money and Crystal Paine, the Money Saving Mom, agree that Swagbucks is a simple, legit way to put a few extra dollars in your pocket. If you haven’t joined yet, now’s the time! Simply sign up here , then check out my Swagbucks ”How To” page for some handy tips.
Here’s a few highlights of the new design at Swagbucks.com (click the image to view full-size):
Check out this post from the Swagbucks blog for even more great features!
Children’s Book Review: S is for Shamrock
13 Mar 2012 — admin
Small in size (less than 400 by 200 miles) the country of Ireland holds a big place in world and human history. And many from around the globe proudly lay claim to ancestral ties there. S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet by Eve Bunting gives readers a guided A-Z tour of this small island country whose influence extends far beyond its sea borders.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (view all my reviews on Goodreads.com)
My review: “S Is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet” is fantastic for anyone interested in Irish culture, legends and history. The short rhymes are perfect for reading out loud to a young child, while the longer sidebars of historical information will appeal to older children who can read it on their own. Even adults might learn something new (I did!)
The illustrations are wonderful and fascinatingly complex. Although some of the intricacy is lost due to the sort of crosshatched, sketched drawing style (at least in my opinion), one could spend ages studying each page and keep finding more and more details.
Readers of any age will enjoy this book. Order your own copy of S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet (Discover the World) from Amazon.com, currently priced at $12.21 (hardcover). Now I’ve got to check out the rest of the Discover the World series!
St. Patrick’s Day goodies
10 Mar 2012 — adminWith St. Patrick’s Day only a week away, I thought I’d share some fun dessert ideas I’ve found around the web. Just looking at all these yummy treats makes me want to run to the kitchen and start baking!
Thin Mint Cooke Truffles from Six Sisters’ Stuff:
These little balls of goodness only require three ingredients: mint chips, cream cheese, and Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies (or Keebler Grasshopper cookies). And there’s no baking involved, either! Doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Rainbow Layer Cake from The Idea Room:
Two white cake mixes, divided into six bowls and colored accordingly, baked separately. Stack them with a layer of frosting in between, frost the outside and decorate with skittles and marshmallows!
Also check out the creator’s recipe for Light and Fluffy frosting (using Cool Whip!) to decorate this colorful cake.
St. Patrick’s Day Pops from Dollhouse Bake Shoppe:
Cake pops and various spin-offs are all the rage in the baking world right now. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, these step-by-step tutorials are a fantastic way to get started.
The “Green Beer Marshmallow Pops” tutorial uses both regular and mini-sized marshmallows dipped in candy melts for this satisfying, non-alcoholic treat. For the “Leprechaun Hat Marshmallow Pops” and “Pot O’ Gold Donut Hole Pops” tutorial, you’ll need some kind of tiny yellow or gold candies – such as colored sugar, confetti sprinkles, or even mini M&Ms – and black licorice to decorate.
Chocolate Mint Brownies from Mom On Timeout:
This layered dessert starts with a rich, moist brown, followed by a mint filling, and then covered with a decadent chocolate ganache. You can also sprinkle some chopped Andes mints on top.
Leprechaun Juice from Miss Organic’s Kitchen:
If you’d prefer something a little healthier for your St. Pat’s festivities, this simple smoothie is a great option. It’s really just a green smoothie in disguise! Just don’t tell the kids there’s spinach involved.
What are some of your favorite St. Patrick’s day recipes?
Book Review: Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings
09 Mar 2012 — adminI’ve read quite of bit of historical fiction recently, but nothing quite like Sixty Acres and a Bride! Although I can’t say I loved the book, her debut novel proves author Regina Jennings has a lot to offer!
About Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings:
With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.
Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can’t help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention.
Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future. Read an excerpt.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars (view all my reviews on Goodreads.com)
My review: The heroine, Rosa Garner, is refreshingly unique – a Mexican beauty who can’t help attracting attention with her exotic looks and awkward attempts to adapt to the conventions of her new home in Texas. She’s feisty and passionate, and I completely understood her exasperation with “proper” conduct for a young widow in America. The parallels in this book to Ruth and Boaz’s story in the Bible give the latter a new depth, yet the author doesn’t let the plot become too predictable. All in all, the characters and storyline showed a lot of promise.
The writing itself, however, offered way too much room for improvement. The book seemed longer than it needed to be and would have benefited from some tightening up in the editing process. The dialogue often felt a bit forced and unnatural, and although both main characters were vibrant and intriguing alone, when brought together there just wasn’t any chemistry. And although I liked many of the secondary characters as well, it seemed the author had an abundance of details and sub-stories she wanted to include and tried to squeeze them all in, rather than choosing a few and doing them justice. I would have loved to see this book continued in a sequel, or even broken up into a series.
Despite those flaws, Sixty Acres and a Bride is a solid start for Regina Jennings, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. Hopefully it will also be set somewhere in Texas with the type of settings and characters that she brings to life so well.
Would you like to win your very own copy of Sixty Acres and a Bride? Here’s your chance! Click on the banner at left to enter. One lucky winner, announced at the Facebook launch party on March 27, will receive a Kindle fire and Sixty Acres and a Bride. Regina will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and some beautiful silver jewerly!
RSVP for the Facebook party now, and be sure to check out other blogs on the tour here. You can also purchase Sixty Acres and a Bride on Amazon.com for just under $10 (paperback).
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Sixty Acres and a Bride from Litfuse for review purposes. No compensation was received. I was not required to give a positive review; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. FTC: 16 CFR, Part 255.
Book Review: Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble
09 Mar 2012 — adminBlue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance, and suspense . . . immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars. Written by best-selling author Colleen Coble, it’s the first in a new series called Under Texas Stars and it arrived just in time to take on my vacation last week. It’s a fun, quick read and of course, since it’s a Litfuse blog tour, there’s a Facebook party and giveaway to celebrate! (Details at the end of this post.)
About Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble:
Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.
Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (view all my reviews on Goodreads.com)
My review: Romance novels that begin with an arranged marriage tend to be predictable and not always G-rated, but Blue Moon Promise stands out on both accounts. There was a touch of mystery to keep the pages turning, and the romance was sweet and clean. I also enjoyed Coble’s descriptions of the settings. What I liked best, though, were some of the characters. Coble painted each one in a realistic light – Lucy’s pride and determination, Nate’s frustrations with accepting a ready-made family, his father’s well-meant but deceptive schemes to bring them together. Unfortunately, parts of the story felt too rushed and disjointed; some of the action was just a little off somehow. However, I had no trouble finishing the book and enjoyed it overall.
Givaway: For a chance to win a Kindle Fire and a Texas-sized gift basket, join the Facebook party this Tuesday, March 13. Click the banner at left to RSVP now. In the meantime, you should check out all other reviews on the blog tour, too.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Blue Moon Promise from Litfuse for review purposes. No compensation was received. I was not required to give a positive review; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. FTC: 16 CFR, Part 255.
Free Movie Night with Redbox
08 Mar 2012 — admin
Make it a movie night tonight with a free Redbox rental!
Redbox just reached 2 billion rentals – and as a thank-you to everyone, they’re celebrating with a free movie night this Thursday. Just visit their Facebook page for the code!
Promo code valid only between 12am CT and 11:59:59pm CT on 3/8/12. Limit: 1 code per transaction, regardless of # of rentals. 1 time use of code only. Code valid at kiosk only for a 1-day standard DVD rental or a discount worth the value of the standard DVD daily rental rate off the first night’s daily rental fee for a Blu-ray Disc® or video game. Not valid online, via app, or for prior rentals.
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