Sheila

Blog Tour Review of, Stitch, by Samantha Durante

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Feb 152013
 


  • Product Details:
  • Title: Stitch(Stitch Trilogy Book 1)
  • Author: Samantha Durante
  • Paperback: 322 pages
  • Publisher: Samantha Durante (July 31, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0985804602
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985804602
  • FTC: FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

 

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence.  In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees – and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell – Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless.  But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn’t figured out yet is that she’s not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university’s idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface…

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.

My Review:
I really loved this book! I really liked the aspect of how things shifted so much not even half way into the book! What you had assumed was happening, was really all a facade! This was such a clever premise! I also really liked the spunky main character, Alessa and her devoted sister Janie. This book is a fun read with a lot of action. It also is a great combination of paranormal and dystopian. This book/series is touted as being “twist-laden” and that’s exactly right! I can’t wait to see what is revealed in the next book. I think the most surprising thing about Stitch, is when you realize that this is the first book written by Samantha Durante! Congratulations to her for such a successful first book!

Excerpt From Stitch

Alessa held her hand up.  “Just save it, Janie.  My mind is made up, and nothing you say is going to change it.  I’m going to warn Isaac, and I don’t care about the consequences.  I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try.”
Janie looked like she was about to argue, but she let it go.  “Okay, fine.  I have to go to the library now, but we can talk later.  Just… don’t do anything rash,” she pleaded.
Alessa just gave Janie a stony glare.  She could see the hurt on Janie’s face and felt a pang of remorse, but she just couldn’t seem to let the anger go.
Janie turned and left, closing the door cautiously behind her, and Alessa dropped into her desk chair.  She was shaking with rage from head to toe.

Download the free sample chapters here!
Are you a fan of Stitch?  Like the Stitch Facebook page and sign up on the Contact page to be notified when the sequel, Shudder, is available.

Looking for more Stitch Trilogy?  Spinoff stories, character interviews, and more available here!

 Buy Stitch on Amazon

Amazon Prime members: Stitch is currently available to borrow for FREE from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library!

****Here is an interesting post from Samantha Durante about why she chose to write a Dystopian novel. Enjoy!
Why I Chose Dystopian: by Samantha Durante, author of Stitch
  I’m so excited to be here and to share a little about why I chose to write Stitch – my very first book – in the dystopian genre.

There are literally HUNDREDS of book genres to choose from, but when I started coming up
with ideas for Stitch, there were only two that I knew right away Stitch might fall into: paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi. (And in fact, I wasn’t able to choose just one, so it’s actually a little bit of both!)

Dystopian stories have been incredibly popular lately, particularly in the young adult market (see: Hunger Games, Divergent, Pandemonium, etc.). And though I didn’t realize it until I discovered all these new dystopian series recently, I’ve always been drawn to dystopian settings – The Giver, Brave New World, and Fahrenheit 451 were some of my favorite books as a kid. So this begs the question of what exactly it is about dystopian books that’s got me and all these other readers so excited.

And after giving it some thought, I think it comes down to a few factors: uncertainty, morality, and hope.

1. Uncertainty. We’ve all seen the news reports the past couple years – between the economy, the environment, and the unending global violence, it’s pretty obvious: our world is on a downward spiral. At least, it certainly feels like that sometimes. And when you look into the future and it’s all of a sudden unclear where things are going, it gets you thinking: what if things actually got worse? Like, much worse? What would it be like? Am I prepared? Could I survive?

2. Morality. So the media has got us down on ourselves and wondering if our civilization can
even make it, and as soon as you open that can of worms, all kind of difficult questions present themselves. What would I do to survive? With limited resources, how do you decide who gets to survive? Who makes that decision? What happens if I don’t like the answers to these questions? How could I do things differently? But am I any more qualified to come up with answers than the next guy? We all know what’s right and wrong in the normal day-to-day but what happens when the world gets turned on its head? Do the rules change?

3. Hope. And I think this is really the crux of the whole dystopian genre – when the world ends, and everything is terrible, and you’re forced to do things you don’t even want to think about just to keep on living, what do you have left? Hope. Only hope.

I think this is a fundamental feature of human beings – that inner optimism, the ability to remind ourselves that there’s something out there worth living for even when our world crumbles beyond our wildest nightmares. So we start thinking about how we can solve the problem – how would I structure our society to make something better? What could I change that would create a better outcome? After all, every dystopia is just a failed utopia – someone’s unsuccessful attempt at making the world a better place. So dystopian books force us to ask ourselves what we would have done differently, and thereby tap into that inner well of hopefulness, that unbreakable conviction that somewhere there is a right answer, even if we haven’t figured it out yet.

For me, dystopian books are all about the “What If,” and that’s a game I love to play. So with the Stitch trilogy, we’ll get to play “What If” through (the protagonist) Alessa’s eyes – to see how she answers these questions, how far she’s willing to go, and what factors will push her to bend her own rules. And as we watch Alessa struggle to find her place in a transitioning society, we get to ask ourselves: what would I do?
Author Bio:
Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio.  Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing.  A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant.  Stitch is her first novel.  Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthadurante.com.

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway for, Fractured Soul, by Rachel McClellan

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Feb 012013
 

Product Details

  • Title: Fractured Soul
  • Author:Rachel McClellan
  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (February 12, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1462111807
  • ISBN-13: 978-1462111800
  • FTC: FYI: I was given a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her newfound friends and home, but the dark plot that is threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!
 
My Review
This is the second book in the series. I was blown away by the first book. If you didn’t read the first book, here is a synopsis of what happened…
About Fractured Light

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

I loved Fractured Light, and I started reading Fractured Soul cautiously. You know about the “2nd book curse” in a series right? Many times they are never as good as the first book. Well…you are NOT going to find that to be the case with this book.It is just as good or better than the first book! Many reviewers rate books by stars,I rate my books by what I’m doing while I’m reading a book. If I’m having a hard time staying awake and can easily put a book down to go to sleep, well…you get the picture. With Fractured Soul…I didn’t EVER want to put this book down, even when I could hardly keep my eyes open. I also was jumping in my seat, and exclaiming things out-loud; such as, “I can’t believe she just did that!”, “Oh no!!”, and, “Run!!”. Yes, people have told me I’m very annoying while reading a book like this or very entertaining.
There are so many things I loved about this book! The action is so consistent and very little down time. Main character, Llona is still a beautiful, independent, kick-butt girl. There really isn’t a love triangle in this book. Llona loves one guy, but there are things keeping them apart. Once again there is a mystery in this second book that keeps you guessing until the end. Speaking of the end….explosive!! You can finally breathe at the very end of the book, because you will be holding your breath in tense excitement. This YA Paranormal thriller is a must read for teens and adults. Rachel has created a story that you will love reading from beginning to the end.
You have a chance to win a copy of Fractured Soul here at my blog, Why Not? Because I Said So! I’m so excited that the publisher is offering you a chance to win a copy!  Also, because I have over 1000 followers, this is opened Internationally! You can enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
Author Bio  

Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she’s not in her writing lair, she’s partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel’s love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…
Find Rachel
Facebook  |   Blog   |   Website   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads  |  Book Trailer
Buy Fractured Light
Buy Fractured Soul

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Create a Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life by Connie E. Sokol

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 252013
 

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway For, Create a Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life

 

Product Details

  • Title: Create a Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life
  • Author: Connie E. Sokol
  • File Size: 251 KB
  • Print Length: 96 pages
  • Publisher: Sokol Publishing; 1 edition (January 7, 2013)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00AY7P6M6
  • FTC;FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by : Sheila

 

 

Book Description:
Ready to jumpstart your life, but not sure how?

Years ago I was fat, unfulfilled, and unfocused. Then I got serious about making changes, writing an achievable life vision and goals. Starting with weight, I lost twenty-five pounds and gained great energy. This motivated me to organize my home and time, rediscover the joy in parenting, and speak professionally part-time to share with others what I had learned.
That was my ideal life change, what’s yours?
Create a Powerful Life Plan: 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life! will help you achieve life changes in three stress-free steps. You’ll learn how to create a clear vision of your ideal life. Then, how to set and achieve simple, enjoyable goals to make that vision a reality. And finally, what to do when you become stuck, fearful, or frustrated.
You’ll also read the real-life experiences of five women who put their Life Plan into action. And receive online support through podcasts, video segments, blog posts and more at www.conniesokol.com.
Now is the best time to become the person you want to be, and live the life you yearn to live. No gimmicks, no hoopla, just solid, time-tested principles and practices that will help you achieve your dreams and goals, and enjoy the process.

So, are you ready to create your powerful Life Plan?

My Review:

I want to state from the beginning of this review that this review may be an ongoing one. This book is one that I have not read all the way through because it is a work in progress. As I have been reading this, I have also had my little composition notebook by my side. As author Connie Sokol has suggested things to think about or write down, I have done exactly that. For example, at the beginning of the book here was the first thing/assignment I chose to do…

 

“Life Plan. Specifically, it’s a paragraph comprised of four to six sentences that describe your ideal self and life—a written reminder of what you want your ideal life to be, feel, and look like.”
Create A Powerful Life Plan is basically this…
“ The three simple steps to creating your Life Plan are as follows: Create a Life Vision, Choose a Life Focus, Set ONE weekly to achieve it!”
As I have been reading this book the one thought that has been going through my mind is, “I can do this!” The way that this is set up, in smaller steps, I have not felt overwhelmed. I’m so excited to try follow the steps and advice that Connie has laid out for readers. It has left me with a feeling of great empowerment. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately in my life, but this book has breathed new life into me. I look forward to checking in with readers of this blog to let you know how things are going with my Life Plan.

Connie is such an inspiration to me and I know that she will be able to do the same for you!

You have a chance to win a copy of this wonderful book, or a 30 minute CoachCast with Connie Sokul on Fit and Fabulous, by entering with the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post.  


Endorsements:

“I love your book!! I read it once last week and now I’m reading it again and marking it. I can see it making a difference in my life. I’m realizing that I don’t have to do it all at once.” Jodi Anderson
“Before I started this [book], I wanted to break down my goals into weekly accomplishments in a goal setting program. I can’t believe it, this is exactly what I have been looking for!” Brea Mefford
“I love this program. It really helps me to be accountable, and more importantly, to see progress. I increased my weekly income by better than half. I paid off two credit cards and my overdraft. My husband was able to pay off his car, and I have completely revamped my business goals and direction. Thank you!” Andrea Johnson

Social Media Links:
www.facebook.com/8basics
www.conniesokol.com
www.8basics.com
http://pinterest.com/conniesokol
http://www.amazon.com/Connie-E.-Sokol/e/B00530YEVI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5032389.Connie_E_Sokol
www.youtube.com/My8Basics

Biography:

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a sought after local and national presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL’s “Motherhood Matters.” She is a former columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine, and TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as the creator of talk CDs, podcasts and the “8-week Challenge.” Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For more, visit www.conniesokol.com.

Blog Tour Schedule for Create A Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life by Connie Sokol

January 2013–
1/16/2013    http://rachelannnunes.blogspot.com/
1/17/2013   http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/
1/18/2013    http://www.christydorrity.com/
1/21/2013    http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/
1/22/2013    http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
1/24/2013    http://lisaswinton.blogspot.com/
1/25/2013    http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
1/25/2013    http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
1/28/2013    http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/
  2/1/2013    http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
 2/8/2013    http://ordinaryhappilyeverafter.co

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Blog Tour Review and Giveaway for, The Secret Sisters Club: A Ginnie West Adventure by Monique Bucheger

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 232013
 

Product Details

    • Author: Monique Bucheger
    • Paperback: 212 pages
    • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 10, 2012)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1475008627
    • ISBN-13: 978-1475008623
    • FTC: FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
    • Reviewed by:Sheila

 

 

 

 

Book Description

THE SECRET SISTERS CLUB: A Ginnie West Adventure (BOOK 1) Blurb: Twelve-year-old BFF’s Ginnie and Tillie, want to be sisters. Ginnie’s widowed dad plus Tillie’s divorced mom could equal a lifetime of round-the-clock girl talk and slumber parties. Too bad Dad vowed to never marry again. Ginnie and Tillie form a secret club and come up with the perfect mission to change his mind: ‘Operation Secret Sisters’. Before long, Tillie seems happier about gaining a dad than a sister. Ginnie suspects that Tillie has turned ‘Operation Secret Sisters’ into a scam called ‘Operation Steal My Dad.’  Things get more complicated when Ginnie stumbles across her real mom’s hidden journals. Ginnie can finally get to know the mother she doesn’t remember and Dad doesn’t talk about. When Dad discovers she has the journals, he takes them away. Ginnie needs to figure out what the big mystery is before her relationship with her father and her best friend are ruined forever.

 

My Review:This is a cute middle-grade book that girls will enjoy.It is a story of friendship and family. It is a clean, story with values intertwined into it’s pages. It’s nice to have books out there, that you don’t have to worry about pre-reading before your kids or students read it. There is also a mystery as Ginnie discovers something about her past. In the end, both girls realize what is most important…family. Any tween who enjoys reading about horses, friends and a simpler life, will enjoy The Secret Sisters Club and the whole Ginnie West Adventure series.

If you like farms, friends, horses, and secrets, you’ll love: Trouble Blows West: A Ginnie West Adventure.  So saddle up and be ready to ride with Ginnie as she explores the true meaning of friendship.

Debbie Shakespeare Smith, middle-grade author of The House of Chicken TROUBLE BLOWS WEST: A Ginnie West Adventure (BOOK 2) Blurb: Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. She is certain that defending her twin brother, Toran, from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do. But Ginnie couldn’t be more wrong. She quickly figures out that Toran doesn’t appreciate being rescued by a girl any better than Charlie likes being knocked down by one. When Charlie seeks revenge on Ginnie, Toran sets aside his anger and helps her plot a playback prank at Charlie’s house. Sadly, Ginnie learns that Charlie has a reason for being a bully when she sees his dad drop him to the floor like a ragdoll with one awful blow to the chest. Realizing he’s a boy in big trouble, Ginnie switches gears and decides to be his ally, even if he won’t let her be his friend. I loved this book! I didn’t know a book without zombies could be good! 15 yr-old Amanda

 

 

 

 

 

SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN: A Ginnie West Adventure: (BOOK 3) BLURB: Twelve year-old Ginnie and her BFF, Tillie, schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom. It worked. But before they could become ‘for real’ sisters, Ginnie stumbled across her dead mom’s journals. Which was totally awesome sauce… until her dad took them away and won’t tell her why. Now all their plans are starting to unravel. If that’s not bad enough, Ginnie’s favorite uncle drops the mother of all bombshells and leaves her in a maze of uncertainty. While her head is still spinning from that news,  a blast from her late mother’s past shows up and makes Tillie goes nutburgers. Ginnie realizes her best friend has her own agenda and Tillie’s plans to merge their families may not be so innocent. SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN is a contemporary MG novel that follows Ginnie West as she tries to make sense of one too many curve balls tossed her way in the most pivotal summer of her life.

 

Would you like an autographed, personalized copy? Visit Monique’s page here to order: http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/p/paypal-safer-easier-way-to-pay-online.html

Social networking links:
Purchase link:

The Secret Sisters Club: A Ginnie West Adventure

Author bio:
Monique Bucheger was born in Landstuhl, Germany to active duty Air Force parents. After watching her creative writing teacher’s astronaut son lift off in the Space Shuttle Endeavor, she recalled a promise to her teacher to write the books only she could write. In January of 2011, her first book made it through the first 3 tiers of Amazon’s National BreakThrough Novel Award Contest to the top 5%. In November of 2012 Mrs. Bucheger was offered a 3 book contract for her Ginnie West series. Book one: THE SECRET SISTERS CLUB: A Ginnie West Adventure was published March 8, 2012. Her second book: TROUBLE BLOWS WEST: A Ginnie West Adventure was published April 14, 2012.
Mrs. Bucheger has championed the cause of children as a foster parent to over 120 children and her books embrace and empower people on all sides of the child abuse issue.

Blog Tour Schedule for Ginnie West Adventure Series by Monique Bucheger

12/13/2012    http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/2012/12/monique-bucheger-interview-with-author.html#more

12/19/2012    http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-secret-sisters-club-by-monique.html

12/21/2012    http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-secret-sisters-club-by-monique.html

12/28/2012    http://thethingsilovemost.blogspot.com/2012/12/ginnie-west-adventures-by-monique.htmlv

12/31/2012  http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-secret-sisters-club.html

1/2/2013   http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-tour-secret-sisters-club-and.html

1/7/2013    http://www.bradenbell.com/bradens-blog.html

1/8/2013    cindymhogan.blogspot.com

1/9/2013    http://blog.juliereece.com/

1/11/2013    http://valeriesteimle.blogspot.com

1/12/2013   www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com

1/14/2013    www.ordinaryhappilyeverafter.com

1/15/2013    www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com

1/16/2013    http://www.kimberleygriffithslittle.blogspot.com/

1/18/2013    http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

1/21/2013    http://www.karen-hoover.blogspot.com/

1/22/2013    http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

1/23/2013    http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

1/23/2013   http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

1/24/2013

1/25/2013

1/28/2013

1/29/2013    http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

1/30/2013    http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/

1/31/2013    www.jlloydmorgan.com

1/31/2013    http://cranberryfries.blogspot.com/

2/1/2013    http://kbrebes.blogspot.com/

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Blog Tour Review of, Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles by Kylee Shields

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 192013
 

 Product Description 

Title: Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles
Author: Kylee Shields
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Genre: LDS Self Help
FTC,FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by: Sheila

Book Description 

Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?
If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.
Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom

My Review 
Being single is something I happen to know a lot about. First, as a single young adult, and now as a single, divorced, mom. Though both experiences have been different, there has also been many of the same feelings attached to these different times in my life. Kylee Shields book, Make It Happen, A Guide To Happiness for LDS Singles, could just be called, “A Guide to Happiness for ALL People.” I was pleasantly surprised, and quite pleased, to see that this book wasn’t just another dating book about how to win a spouse. This book centers on becoming the best person that you can be, and in turn this will bring about happiness in your life, single or not.

One of my favorite aspects of the book came at the end of each chapter.  After a great topic, like Validation, or A Matter of Heart, Kylee leaves the reader with “Action Questions”. These questions help the reader focus on the topic just discussed and how to implement these ideas into their life. I found this a powerful aspect of the book, where I stopped and reflected on my life and considered how I could make some good changes.

Kylee shares such wonderful and rich stories from her life.You can’t help but be lifted up and inspired to change your life for the better. The title of the book, Make It Happen, exudes with such positive energy, you can’t help but be enthused to make good things happen in your life. I recommend this book to readers of all ages, teens, young adults, older adults…you name it! Everyone who reads this book, will come away with ideas of how to make happiness a part of their everyday life.

I am so pleased to share with you a guest post by Kylee!

Guest Post: A Matter of Heart
 By Kylee Shields
In my book there are a few themes that circulate throughout. I talk a lot about wandering, loneliness, trails, and hearts. When I started putting this book together the one thing I really wanted to do was put my heart into this book in a way that people who had never met me could feel it and understand it. I was also hoping that as my heart whispered to their heart they could feel inspired, heard, and lots of empathy.
I think about hearts a lot. So much so that I devoted an entire chapter of my book on the topic. The following is an excerpt from chapter six, “A Matter of Heart” under the section titled, “The Healing Heart.”
“I wish we were as gentle with other people’s hearts as God is with ours. How do we deal with loss of love or the pain that love can cause? What about the wounded hearts, the lonely nights, the struggle to allow yourself to love again? What do we do about those who leave us brokenhearted, and those whose hearts we just can’t reach? In his book Making Loss Matter, Rabbi David Wolpe says:
 Love is an ever fixed mark in the minds of poets, but in the world, love can fade or end. “Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,” wrote Shakespeare, “but bears it out even to the edge of doom.” We want to believe it. But for those who have lost love, the heroic words about everlastingness are mocked by the pain of unhealed hearts. . . . The inescapable paradox of love is this: It is made precious by time, which threatens to destroy it. Only through loss can we love, but it is loss that wracks our heart. . . . True love is the outgrowth of the ability to have faith. . . . To love is to accept the possibility of suffering. . . . The root of love is bound up with a knowledge of pain and a consciousness of loss. In the end, such love connects us to God. (1999, 119)
All who love know there is a measure of pain that accompanies it. There is even secondary pain caused by watching someone you care about suffer. But we gladly pick up the broken pieces of our hearts and love again because the alternative is unthinkable. After all, it is the pain that makes us fully aware of the kind of love we have. In his book The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis wrote:
To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one . . . Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness . . . the alternative to tragedy, or at least the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell. (1960, 121)
In the end, the choice of who we let guide, inspire, wound, change, and ultimately have our hearts is up to us. If you are given the opportunity to just sit and listen to someone cry, know you are sharing a precious moment. If you are allowed to be in the presence of someone who is struggling with the circumstances that led to his or her broken heart, be sure to appreciate that person’s trust. If you are allowed to catch a few fallen tears and bind up a hurting heart, know you are being given a gift from God. These are the moments—raw, naked, and desperate—where lasting friendships and relationships are formed. These precious and rare moments are the makings of great men and women. I treasure the quiet nights when I’ve shared my room with a grieving soul, when I’ve sat in silence and listened to heart-wrenching sobs. I treasure the moments when I held my peace and just listened. In those moments— hard as they may be—I realize I would rather love too much than not enough.”
How is your heart?
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Blog Tour Schedule

January 8: The Book Bug – Kickoff & Giveaway
January 9: I Love to Read and Review Books :) – Review & Giveaway
January 10: Ryan Hunter – Author Guest Post & Giveaway
January 11: Marcus Lane – Review & Giveaway
January 13: The Book Bug – Excerpt & Giveaway
January 14: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Author Interview & Giveaway
January 16: Geo Librarian – Review, Author Interview, & Giveaway
January 16: LDS & Lovin’ It – Review, Author Interview, & Giveaway
January 17: A. L. Sowards – Author Interview & Giveaway
January 18: Anna Jones Buttimore – Review & Giveaway
January 19: Why Not? Because I Said So! – Review & Author Guest Post
January 19: LDS Women’s Book Review – Review & Author Guest Post
January 21: The Book Bug – Author Interview & Giveaway
January 22: Jinky Is Reading – Review & Giveaway
January 23: Literary Time Out – Author Guest Post & Giveaway
January 25: The Book Bug – Review & Giveaway

Author Bio:
“My name is Kylee and I am passionate about life. I am the oldest of 8 children and have the most amazing parents ever. I have one adorable niece and one adorable & squishy nephew. I grew up in Oregon, moved my senior year of high school to Utah, then moved to San Diego, Boston, and currently live in Arizona.
I went to BYU and got my BA in English (creative writing/Editing) and a minor in Linguistics. I love words and writing! There is something very powerful in putting words together and expressing human emotions. I love poetry, reading great novels, blogging, etc. I have an old typewriter I adore and like to type out letters now and again and seal them with wax. I am an author and avid reader. I love learning new words and can trace that back to my mom who has the most amazing vocabulary.
I also attended ASU and got my Masters in Social Work (emphasis in child & family therapy). I have always been drawn to the “punk kids” and absolutely love my job. I work as a Shadow (family therapist) at The Anasazi Foundation. I get to do therapy with amazing adolescents out in the deserts of Arizona. My office is on the trail and I get to throw rocks, hear hearts, and get to know some incredible kids from all over. Not bad for a day job!
When I am not with my family, hanging out with my friends, or working I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and almost all 50 of the states. I love music–singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and listening to other musicians. I co founded a Musical Fireside group that is in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have loved watching INSPIRE: music. service.hope grow and touch the hearts of those who hear us sing.
I am a huge Avengers fan (Captain America), I like straws, bridges, swinging on swings, and trains.
I love God and try to recognize His presence in my life. For Him I am indebted for my many blessings and tender mercies. All that I have and am is because of Him.”
Social Networking Links:

Giveaway:

As part of the tour, Kylee is offering 4 amazing giveaways!! These include a $25 gift card to Amazon, a $25 gift card to Target, and a hard copy and ebook copy of the book.

To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
  • Open from January 8 to January 31.
  • Must be 13+ years of age to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sheila’s Review of Tournament of Chance, by S.G. Rogers

 Posted by  Sheila's Reviews
Jan 182013
 

 

Product Details:

  • Title: Tournament of Chance
  • Author: S.G. Rogers
  • File Size: 562 KB
  • Print Length: 273 pages
  • Publisher: Musa Publishing (September 27, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B009I95O8M
  • FTC, FYI: I was given a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by: Sheila

Book Description:

In Tournament of Chance, a hunter’s daughter becomes the spark that ignites a revolution—in time.
When a beautiful commoner enters the Tournament of Chance archery competition, her thwarted victory sparks a revolution in the oppressive kingdom of Destiny. Although Heather never believed the legends about the restoration of Ormaria, after three shape-shifting Ormarian wizards awaken from a long magical slumber, she joins their perilous quest to regain the throne. Heather battles vicious predators and angry trolls to free the wizards’ magic, but at a horrendous cost. She is unexpectedly torn from the arms of the man she loves and hurled back in time to fulfill a prophecy not yet written. The ensuing maelstrom tests Heather’s survival skills, wits, and endurance. Will she become an unwritten footnote in history, or can she trust the magic to lead her back to her one true love?

Excerpt:
“Today is a momentous occasion,” said King Chance, after he’d settled himself on a cushion. His booming voice resonated across the field. “Let the finalists for the Tournament of Chance come forward.”
“Your Majesty, I present Lady Felicia of the Valley and Heather of the Jagged Peaks,” announced Sir Fitzelle.
Felicia glided toward the king as if to greet an old friend, but Heather hung back. Now that the moment had arrived to actually meet the king and queen, her feet were frozen to the ground. Suddenly wishing for
invisibility, she forced herself to move toward the king’s canopy. All eyes swiveled in her direction as she stood next to Felicia. Murmurings and titters rippled through the royals at Heather’s appearance. Although Felicia ignored her altogether, the queen openly laughed, as did many of the courtiers. A rosy blush crept toward Heather’s hairline.
The king beamed at Felicia. “How splendid to see you again, dear girl.”
“And you, Your Majesty,” Felicia responded. Her smile showed the lovely dimples in her cheeks.
Queen Chelsea frowned — far less pleased to see Felicia than was her husband. King Chance next focused his attention on Heather. His welcoming expression did not slip one bit, but Heather was taken aback. His eyes resembled those of a cold, poisonous snake.

My Review:

I could make this review short and say, this was one of those books I couldn’t wait to get back to, and end it there, but I won’t. That says a lot in my book. I read this book every chance I could: before bed, during my lunch time, while putting my make-up on etc. This compelling read has the best of everything! I loved the storyline, the characters, the fantasy world, the romance…well, even the bad guys! Tournament of Chance is one of those books, that when you finish, you love the ending but  you are incredibly sad because you don’t want to leave this world you have been hanging out in the past few days.
This fantasy book has time travel, a great romance, lots of action, dragons, shape-shifters, a powerful lead character and a story that never drags and lots of magic. Even those that think they don’t like fantasy, will find something to like in this novel. I am now sitting here wishing for another book with these same characters. I would be thrilled to read anything else this author has written. This book gets 5 stars from me!

I’m happy to share this guest post with you from S.G. Rogers about her path to publication.

 

The Story Behind the Story
Never give up.
The path to publication can be, to paraphrase Paul McCartney, a long and winding road. I originally wrote Tournament of Chance as a lengthy short story and submitted it to several magazines. Although the feedback was positive, I could not sell it.  Battered and bruised, I ordinarily would have chucked the manuscript into a folder marked REJECTS, licked my wounds, and moved on to something else. But I just couldn’t let it go. The concept behind Tournament appealed to me, and I knew there was more to the story than what I’d written. So in between revising, editing, and promoting my other titles, I allowed the full-length version of Tournament to unfold.
Unlike more disciplined authors, I usually let my stories discover themselves. That is to say, I write by the seat of my pants. As the novel moved along, I was actually quite surprised at its twists and turns. Although the original short story contained no magic, suddenly time travel, wizards, and shape shifters found their way into the mix. I wrote Tournament of Chance over a period of six months, and was thrilled when it found a publisher right away.
If it weren’t for the rejections I experienced, Tournament of Chance would never have been published as a full-length novel. Perhaps it’s the fighting Irish in me, but when I get knocked down, I get up again…and then I write some more.
~ S.G. Rogers

Purchase

Author: S.G. Rogers

Originally from Southern California, S.G. Rogers has lived in Asheville, North Carolina and Laurel, Mississippi. She earned her first black belt in taekwondo from martial arts champion Billy Blanks.  Later on, she earned black belts in taekwondo and hapkido from Master Myung Kim. Currently residing in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, S.G. Rogers writes fantasy and romantic fantasy stories.  She’s owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer and the occasional gator. Although she’s most often drawn to speculative fiction, she’s been known to break away to write other genres.

 

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