Paranoia by J.R. Johansson Will Soon Be Out! New Interview and Giveaway-Enter Today!

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features
Jun 062014
 

With Every Night of Blissful Sleep Darkness Grows Inside Him.

 

 

Product Details

 

  • Title: Paranoia (Book 2 The Night Walkers Series)
  • Author: J.R. Johansson
  • Age Range: 12 and up
  • Series: The Night Walkers (Book 2)
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Flux (June 8, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0738740187
  •  FTC: FYI  Received a review e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

Book Description from Goodreads:
In the aftermath of the events that nearly killed him, Parker Chipp is trying to learn to cope better with life as a Watcher. And it seems to be working…until he wakes up in jail with a hangover and 12 hours of missing time. Darkness has somehow taken control and Parker doesn’t have a clue how to stop him. He finds an unlikely ally in Jack, the mysterious guy in the motorcycle jacket who offers to help Parker master his abilities as a Watcher. But even as they practice, the darkness inside Parker is getting more and more powerful, taking over Parker’s body and doing everything he can to destroy Parker’s life.

When Jack reveals that there is another kind of Night Walker, known as a Taker, Parker starts to wonder if the strange things happening in Oakville are more than just a coincidence. After all, people are more than just sleepwalking. They’re emptying their savings accounts with no memory of doing so, wandering into strange parts of town and disappearing, they’re even killing other people–all in their sleep. If Parker wants to find out what’s happening or have any hope of seeing his father again, he’ll have to defy Jack and put his own life in danger…because the more he learns about these other Night Walkers, the more certain he becomes that his life isn’t the only one that could be lost.

 

I reviewed this book in March and loved it! Here is my review:

It was so exciting to get the chance to read Paranoia early before it’s release. Insomnia was one of my favorite reads last year. I was completely taken in to the world of the Night Walkers. Parker’s journey in Paranoia is just as crazy and intense as it was Insomnia. You will find that there is no “2nd book in the series” let down here. There is more creepiness and wild happenings as Darkness takes over Parker’s life. There are more shocking twists and turns as readers learn more about the world of The Night Walkers and their enemies. In Paranoia we also get to know more about Finn, Addie, Mia and surprisingly enough, Parker’s father. Every character in this story is so well developed that it’s hard to pick a favorite. I do have to say that I was intrigued by the character Jack. I was THRILLED to see what the author is doing with this character.


If you are a fan of Insomnia (Book one in the series) I can assure you that you’ll not be disappointed in Paranoia. In fact, you may be liking this second book even better!

 

Here is the fantastic interview with J.R. Johansson:

 

-How did you come up with the title of Paranoia? 

I’m not even sure, to be honest. I think I just started thinking of names that fit well with Insomnia and it fit perfectly and it was done. I’m not even sure if there was a discussion about it. I think everyone just said, “Yep, that’s it.” And it was over. 

 

-Have you been surprised at the success of this series? Why?

I’ve been very happily surprised by how well the Night Walkers Series has done. Everything about this series has caught me off guard–from the fact that it sold overseas first to the fact that it was the bestselling title for my publisher last year–so I shouldn’t let it surprise me anymore, but somehow it still does. I’ve been very lucky and I am thrilled it has found such devoted readers. 

 

-What’s the hardest part about writing a character like Parker?

The hardest part would have to be making him walk that line between right and wrong, and yet striving to still keep him like-able. It’s also one of the things that makes him so fun to write. I really enjoy writing Parker and Darkness. It’s been a true challenge and I’ve loved it. He does things that main characters generally can’t get away with, that kind of freedom was very liberating. He truly wants to be good, he just doesn’t always achieve it. Too many characters are perfect. I don’t want perfection, I love flaws. They’re very humanizing.

 

-What are you most excited about your next book coming out?

SO MANY THINGS! I love CUT ME FREE. It’s that book that I really poured so much of my heart into and I can’t wait for it to be out in the world…but I’m also terrified for it to come out. It’s a very mixed-up kind of anticipation that I’m feeling, but it’s coming whether I’m ready or not. :) Guess I better get ready.

 

-What is the best part about being a writer?

There are so many great things…I think my favorite part is seeing how words and worlds that I create have an ability to make people feel things. Sometimes it’s fear, sometimes it’s anticipation and excitement. Either way, something I made up in my head created real emotion in another person and that’s a very special and unique thing. I love being a part of that kind of creation.

 

 

Meet Author J.R. JOHANSSON…is a young adult thriller author. Her books INSOMNIA, PARANOIA (June 2014), and a third untitled book (June 2015) are with Flux Books. CUT ME FREE (Winter 2015) and another untitled book (Winter 2016) will be coming out with FSG/Macmillan.  She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. When she’s not writing, she loves reading, playing board games, and sitting in her hot tub. Her dream is that someday she can do all three at the same time. She has two young sons and a wonderful husband. In fact, other than her cat, Cleo, she’s nearly drowning in testosterone.

 

Jenn’s Links –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennJohansson

Blog: http://www.jennjohansson.blogspot.com/

Site: http://www.jrjohansson.com

Tumblr: http://jrjohansson.tumblr.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJRJohansson

J.R. Johansson on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5100095.J_R_Johansson

PARANOIA on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12260608-insomnia

 

 

Pre-order Links –Order Your Copy Today!

The Book Depository – http://www.bookdepository.com/Paranoia-Johansson/9780738740188

Indiebound – http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738740188

Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Paranoia/J-R-Johansson/9780738740188?id=5529587671279

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paranoia-j-r-johansson/1117011365?ean=9780738740188

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Paranoia-The-Night-Walkers-Johansson/dp/0738740187

 

****You now get to enter this unbelievable giveaway that Jenn has made available to all of you! 10 books to 10 winners(either INSOMNIA or PARANOIA, winner’s choice)****

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Hitler Dilemma: A Mormon Boy in the German Army by Carolyn Twede Frank-Blog Tour Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jun 052014
 

 

 

 

 

Product Details

  • Title: The Hitler Dilemma: A Mormon Boy in the German Army
  • Author: Carolyn Twede Frank
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc. (May 5, 2014)
  • Genre: A novel based on true events
  • ISBN-10: 1621081613
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review PDF in exchange for an honest review.

 

Book Description:

“We’re Nazis, Max. Everybody in Germany is Nazi—if they want to be safe.” Papa pulled up a chair and sat down, crumpling the newspaper in his hand. “We don’t have to think like them, son, but we’ve got to act like them—at least on the outside. Try to remember that. Okay?” 

Saarbrücken, Germany—1938 Change is in the air in Max Adams’ small village: The censorship of classic literature, the elimination of math and science courses, the addition of extra physical education classes. Along with thousands of other young men, he is forced into the Hitler Youth and is being groomed to become the next generation of Nazi soldiers. But as a faithful Latter-day Saint, how can Max serve the villain who destroyed his younger brother in his effort to create a Master Race—a man who is bent on tearing apart not only a single nation, but also the entire world? 

From the horrors of battle and the sorrow of separation from family to the privations of a prisoner of war, Carolyn Twede Frank’s groundbreaking novel The Hitler Dilemma is a poignant chronicle of one remarkable young man’s struggle to reconcile his sense of duty with his staunch opposition to the evil tyrant destroying the country he loves.

 

 

 

Max Adam, the main character in The Hitler Dilemma:A Mormon Boy in the German Army

My Review:
 This novel is based on the life of Max Adam, a German, Latter-Day-Saint boy. It tells the story of WWII (World War 2) from the view of a teen living in Germany during this great war. I’ve read many stories of WWII from the American soldier or the Jewish survivor perspective. There are very few that I’ve read from the German viewpoint, and especially one of a teen that didn’t support Hitler. The story is told in such a moving way that you feel such sorrow and angst for Max and his family. His own precious, younger brother was a casualty of the war. This family had to do whatever it took to survive. It was hard to openly fight against the Nazis and stay alive. I agonized along with Max as he was forced to join the Hitler Youth group, and then was sent away from home for a year to work on a farm for the government. Then to have to serve on the battlefront and end up a prisoner of war really makes this novel heart-wrenching. 

 Knowing from the start that this novel was based on true events made me look at everything differently. Author Carolyn Twede Frank heard about Max Adam from his daughter-in-law. Once hearing about him and his life, she knew she had to write a story about him and the struggles he lived through.

This book will give tweens and teens (and adults) a great look at the other side of life during WWII. It will strongly show that not all Germans supported Adolf Hitler and what he was doing to the Jews and those who did not perfectly fit into his Master Race.I know that any reader will go away with a new sense of being less judgmental until you’ve heard the other side. It should also make people more thankful for the blessings and freedoms that we have in our country.

 I read and reviewed Carolyn’s other books, Promises, and The Big Debate and I really liked them. This new book shows how she has continually grown in her writing.The Hitler Dilemma is a crowning jewel for Carolyn!

******Purchase The Hitler Dilemma  HERE:

 

Meet Author Carolyn Twede Frank:
Carolyn grew up in Utah and went to school at USU. She always wanted to write, but dropped it when a teacher tore her down to the point that she gave it up. She instead majored in Biology and started her own company. Now that she has raised her family and has been successful in her business, she has rediscovered her love for writing and writes YA/Middle grade historical fiction and speculative fiction.  
 Visit her at her website.

The Hitler Dilemma Blog Tour Stops
May 24th. www.franklycreative.blogspot.com
May 25th: annadelc.com/blog
May 26th  http://www.fayklingler.com/
May 27th: lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.com
May 28th: sueysbooks.blogspot.com
May 29th: themusingsofabookaddict.com
May 30th: ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com
May 31sth: http://www.tarynataylor.com/
June 1st: Julielcasey.com/blog
June 2nd: renaewritespot.blogspot.com
June 3rd: thewriteblocks.blogspot.com
June 4th: maryanndennis.blogspot.com
June 5th: whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com
June 6th: donnakweaver.com
June 7th: lisaswinton.blogspot.com

The Secrets of Darkwood Castle by Heather Ostler

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jun 052014
 

Darkwood Castle cover (1)The Secrets of Darkwood Castle

Author: Heather Ostler

Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterflies Publishing

Published: May 21st, 2014

ISBN13: 9780692222751

Paperback: 384 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary 

18-year-old Julia Levesque is returning to Lockham Castle for her third and final year of shapeshifting school. She’s become a powerful werecat, completely embraced her siren side, and has found true love; but her problems are far from over. Julia is the lead candidate to become ambassador of Ossai, her world, in the hopes of ending the reign of the evil Guild. With her estranged mother as the Guild’s dictator, she knows it won’t be easy. She’ll have to travel to Darkwood Castle, a sinister and hopeless palace in order to stop her mother from destroying Ossai. Julia must find a way to save her world—and those she loves most. Otherwise, they’ll both be lost forever.

My Review

Julia has grown a lot since the first book.  She has come to terms with her destiny as a shapeshifter and a siren, and her future with Caleb.  Julia does feel things have been left up in the air with Terrance, and I liked how they were able to work things out.  Many exciting things are happening to many of the characters.  Not only does Julia and those around her need to worry about Guild attacks and Julia’s mother Alexis, they are encountered with a stranger that Julia has a hard time trusting.  School is challenging and while Julia is dealing with running for ambassadorship, the Guild attacks those she loves.

4 out of 5 stars.  I have been a big fan of this series from the first book.  Heather is a dear friend and I am happy how successful these books have been.  I loved how in The Secrets of Darkwood Castle, the author jumps right in to the story.  Then, later, when the action settles down for a bit, does a great job of catching the reader up on important events that happened in the first two books.  That being said, I would recommend starting with The Shapeshifter’s Secret, then The Siren’s Secret, so you are fresh and know everything.  During the last half of the book, I had a hard time stopping reading!  So many exciting things happened, the pages turned themselves.  The author plants many great seeds along the way that come to play later in the story.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Divinity of Women by Heather B. Moore and S. Kent Brown

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jun 042014
 

Divinity of Women_COVERThe Divinity of Women: Inspiration and Insights from Women of the Scriptures 

Authors: Heather B. Moore and S. Kent Brown

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: March 2014

Hardcover: 123 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-623-9

Religious non-fiction

FTC FYI: Received a hardcover copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

From the moment woman was created on Earth, she served a divine purpose. History is filled with accounts of women who have overcome incredible odds and accomplished great deeds. We can read about some of them in ancient scriptural texts—prophetesses, priestesses, queens, wives of prophets, and daughters of kings.

Most women will not obtain any such title, and they may easily conclude that they’ll never have these types of responsibilities while on earth. But even if they’re not numbered among the higher profile women of past or present, women must understand that they have a calling that supersedes any who’s who list and tops every worldly accolade or prestigious title: They are divine women. They are noble daughters of God.

As we study the divine women who have gone before us and how they handled their various callings and duties, both small and lofty, women will soon recognize the divinity within themselves. The choices that may seem insignificant today have eternal importance, in which a woman’s daily tasks and decisions create the warp and weft of their own souls, and the souls of those they influence. As the nature of divinity slowly weaves itself together through faith and endurance, women will come to understand just how noble and precious their heritage is and how they might serve best in the divine roles with which each has been entrusted.

My Review

I’ve been reading bits and pieces of this book on Sundays after I get home from church.  Mainly to learn more about these incredible women from the scriptures, but also to keep the spirit of the day with me.  I am blown away by the absolute beauty of this book and the time and research it must have taken to write.  I have always been impressed with Heather Moore, but this book brought her to a whole new level of awesome.

As much as I loved the entire book, the conclusion was my favorite.

By studying women who have gone before us and how, with heaven’s help, they have handled their various callings and duties, both small and lofty, women find strength and comfort in the fact that they are not alone in their duties and responsibility of making correct choices.  (page 109)

I often feel the overwhelming burden of being a mother in these times and my responsibilities to my family.  In reading this book, I am reminding of the powerful examples of those who came before me, that they had a lot more to bear than I, and if I but hold true to my Heavenly Father and His plan, I will overcome as well.

5 out of 5 stars.  The book itself is lovely to look at with lovely pictures, and typesetting that adds so much.

About the Authors

HEATHER B. MOORE is the two-time Best of State and two-time Whitney Award winner for her historical fiction, the most recent being Esther the Queen.She is also the author of the nonfiction inspirational book Women of the Book of Mormon and the coauthor of Christ’s Gifts to Women with Angela Eschler. Heather is a columnist for Meridian Magazine on LDS topics.

DR. S. KENT BROWN is the author of scores of doctrinal works and scripture commentaries, and he is the executive produce of the Messiah film series. His educational background includes a PhD in religious studies, and he has served as the chair of Ancient Scripture at BYU, the director of the BYU-Jerusalem Center, editor in chief of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, and associate director of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute. He currently serves as the New Testament scholar consultant for the LDS.org film vignettes on the Savior’s life.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Seagull Book / Amazon

 

How to Embrace Your Inner Hotness: An Inside-Out Approach to a Lasting Makeover by Leta Greene-Blog Tour Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jun 032014
 

Product Details

  • Title: How to Embrace Your Inner Hotness: An Inside-Out Approach to a Lasting Makeover
  • Author: Leta Greene
  • File Size: 1736 KB
  • Print Length: 183 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Scrivener Books (November 10, 2013)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00GP5AS2Y
  • FTC-FYI: I received a review pdf in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 2013
 
Your outward appearance might make the first impression, but sixty seconds later, when that first impression is ancient history, it’s your inner beauty that needs to shine! If you want to be truly hot, this book will show you exactly how, including the following:
• Why you need to stop buying in to a cultural concept of beauty
• How to transform the way you see and present yourself, inside and out
• How to discover the secrets to the right look for you
• Why different isn’t bad—it’s your key to hotness
• How to choose happiness now, no matter your current situation
• How to leave pain in the past
• How to figure out what you really want
• How to stop letting other people define your worth, potential, and purpose
• How to find the right man and have the hottest marriage imaginable!
• What it means to be “enough” (and it’s not what you think!)
We all experience loss and pain when our lives don’t end up looking like we dreamed they would. Professional beauty expert and speaker Leta Greene looked that in the face and made a choice. Happiness and permanent hotness followed. Yours can too, right now, as Leta shares how to create the life and look you want in 15 simple steps—a transformation that will make you irresistibly, and lastingly, hot!
Leta Greene’s Virtual Book Tour
May 27th:        www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com
May 28th:        http://rebeccablevinswrites.blogspot.com/
June 1st:           http://lynndeniseparsons.blogspot.com/
June 3rd:          http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
June 10th:         http://www.designzbydede.com
June 11th:         http://www.minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
June 13th:         http://mariahoagland.blogspot.com/
June 14th:         http://debbiesinkspectations.blogspot.com/
June 15th:         http://www.authorrebeccarode.com/blog/
June 18th:         http://sublimereflection.com/
June 20th:         www.jjbennett.com
June 21st:          http://kerryandam08.blogspot.com/
 My Review 
I loved this uplifting look at how we can start today treating ourselves so much better. We all come with different packages in life, Leta shows women how to embrace who we are with humor and some easy exercises. Readers will learn how to love what’s inside, as well as what we and the world see on the outside. I find that I’m always my worst critic, and from reading this book I’m learning how to be kinder to myself. This is a book that I will be revisiting over and over again. 
This book should be read by women of all ages from 12-101. It’s time that women stop the negativity and learn to value who we are. There are many tips and things to help women in this process. I highly recommend this book, in helping all women change their mental outlook on what’s important when it comes to true beauty.  
Meet Author Leta Greene
 Leta Greene has been a makeup artist and image consultant for the last twenty years.
She is a international speaker, motivator, and recently an author! Her first book is titled “How To Embrace Your Inner Hotness: An Inside Out Approach to a Lasting Makeover”.

Spy for a Spy by Jordan McCollum

 Posted by  Book Reviews
May 302014
 

18479841Spy for a Spy: Spy Another Day #2

Author: Jordan McCollum

Publisher: Durham Crest Book

Published: November 13, 2013

ISBN13: 9781940096032

Paperback: 320 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Canada is probably the last place you’d expect to find an American spy. And it was the last place CIA operative Talia Reynolds expected to run into fellow operative Brand Copley. AKA her new boss. AKA her ex-boyfriend.

Just the guy every woman wants to face in the middle of planning her wedding. Once again, Talia’s lying to the man she loves, but this time, to protect his heart.

After Brand takes over Talia’s latest case and steals her newest agent, he assigns her to spy on her old boss—who’s suddenly giving her every reason not to trust him. With only weeks until the big day, planning falls by the wayside as she goes into damage control mode. But when Talia discovers Brand’s real plan, fighting him is the only option, no matter what the personal and professional cost.

My Review

I was thrilled that both Spy for a Spy and I, Spy were Whitney Award finalists for 2013. Not only was it very deserved, but I was also so happy for Jordan.  I loved, loved, loved this book. While reading, right away, I knew I was going to love this book, just like I loved I, Spy.  I loved Spy for a Spy even more, if that was even possible!  Talia is such a great character. Her snark, humor, and smarts are my favorite things about her. She is always full of surprises and just plain awesome.  Loved Danny too. Jordan is such a great author. She really knows how to draw you in and makes you keep reading until the end, and then you’re wanting more. I can’t wait for more from her. This book has it all!

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords 

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

About the Author

7064847An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don’t want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most–she’s a mom.

Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

 

 

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