A Tale of Light and Shadow- Book One and Book Two: Secrets of Neverak by Jacob Gowans

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Sep 112015
 

A Tale of Light and Shadow23493842Product Details

  • Title: A Tale of Light and Shadow
  • Author: Jacob Gowans
  • Series: Tale of Light and Shadow (Book 1)
  • Genre: YA Fantasy
  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing; First Edition edition (May 12, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1609079817
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by :Sheila

Book Description: 
Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships. Henry and Isabelle have secretly sworn to marry despite his lowly station as a carpenter, but his devotion to her drives him to commit an unthinkable act that may cost both of them their lives.

At the same time, a secret, dark prophecy has set in motion events that will affect not only them, but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas, threatening to eclipse the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship.

My Review of Book One: A Tale of Light and Shadow

When I first started reading this book I felt confused and it dragged to me. I put it down for a few weeks and read other things. One weekend I picked it up again, started from the beginning,and once I got to chapter three(22 pages into the book) the story took off!! Please don’t give up on this book, because there is a very impressive story hiding within the pages of A Tale of Light and Shadow! I was amazed at the plot, the unforgettable characters, and the realism of life portrayed in this YA Fantasy novel. 
The love between two of the main characters, Henry and Isabelle, makes you long for this kind of love in your life. Henry and Isabelle being driven apart is at the heart of the plot of this series. Henry, along with his sister Maggie, his best friend Ruther, and Isabelle’s brother, James, head out against all odds to rescue Isabelle who has been “kidnapped” by the evil Emperor of Neverak, who wants Isabelle to become one of his concubines. You meet some grand characters along the way that will astonish you and some will terrify you, as they journey towards saving Isabelle. 
 
A Tale of Light and Shadow will give you many characters to cheer for and many more to hate. After I started reading this a second time, I finished it in less than 24 hours because I literally could not put it down…until my eyes were red, the letters were blurring, and I had to go to  sleep. 
 
If you are looking for a book that includes the power of love and friendship, great adventure,humor, mystery and fantasy; you will be glad that you picked up A Tale of Light and Shadow.

Secrets of Neverak23453183Product Details

  • Title: Secrets of Neverak {A Tale of Light and Shadow: Book Two}
  • Author: Jacob Gowans
  • Hardcover: 512 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing; First Edition edition (July 7, 2015)
  • Genre: YA Fantasy
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1609079787
  • FTC, FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by: Sheila

Book Description: 
Henry Vestin believed that despite being only a carpenter he could lead Isabelle and their friends to safety. He thought he could defy an emperor and protect Isabelle from harm. He was certain that love and friendship would be enough to survive.

He was wrong.

The Secrets of Neverak follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await them in strange new lands. Crippled and broken, Henry must rely on his friends more than ever. Allies and foes find them at every turn, but which are friendly and which are deadly? Isabelle, now a slave in Neverak, finds herself surrounded by enemies, uncertain about the fate of her friends, and desperate to escape. The Emperor moves forward with his plans of conquest, spurred on by the Seer’s dark prophecy, but he has not forgotten those who defied him.

Return to the world of Atolas, where a blade can extend life or end it, where friendships can topple kingdoms, and where the Path of Light and Shadow is feared by all but a few.

My Review of Secrets of Neverak {Book Two of A Tale of Light and Shadow}:
I was so ready to pick up this sequel the second I finished reading the first book, and that is exactly what I did! This second book is over 500 pages long. I’m a fast reader and I have been reading this book as quickly as possible. I’ve been reading every spare minute, even during my whole lunch time. I’m also taking advantage of my 2nd grade class “Silent Reading Time”. When my kids read, I read. 
Secrets of Neverak has all of the characters in so much distress: mentally, physically, and emotionally. Within the first few chapters many of them have to pass through a horrifying place called, The Iron Forrest, which is haunted. That was a very hard chapter to read because of what they go through during their passage. It just seems like one terrible thing after another keep happening to Henry, James, Maggie, Ruther, and a new friend Thirsty. I just kept thinking…please give them a break! I know it adds excitement and the characters grow a lot as individuals as they go through each trial. Isabelle has her own things to handle as a slave/concubine in Neverak and trying to stay out of the way of jealous women and the Emperor who wants her as his own. Isabelle has the hope that Henry and the others are on their way to rescue her, but she keeps trying to find ways to escape.  
Meanwhile, there are hideous bounty hunters after our heroes, the Emperor of Neverak is planning an invasion of his allies, and none of our main characters can stay out of trouble. I kept reading quickly because I hopefully wanted their journey to end and happily. But, here is the kicker, this series is NOT over yet. It ended and I sat there thinking how dreadful it was that now I had to wait for more. Author Jacob Gowans is a great storyteller, and you don’t want to miss out on this YA Fantasy that will be enjoyed by older teens and adults of all ages and imaginations. 

Meet Author: Jacob Gowans

Jacob Gowans is a resident of Utah, working as a dentist for kids. He is husband to a beautiful wife, and father to four children. When not working or writing, he enjoys watching sports, reading YA novels or long tomes, running, and chasing his kids around the house.

Psion Beta was his first novel, and he is currently working on two new series: Super Six and the Clone Saga. His favorite music artists are blink-182 (and their spin-offs) and Brandon Flowers. His favorite book is Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, and thinks the greatest film ever made is Dead Poets Society.

He was raised in Papillion, Nebraska, graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts in theater studies, and moved to Cleveland shortly thereafter for dental school at Case Western Reserve University.
For more info check out http://www.jacobgowans.com

Heroes of the Dustbin (Janitors #5) by Tyler Whitesides – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 012015
 

Janitors5Heroes of the Dustbin (Janitors #5)

Author: Tyler Whitesides

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date:  September 8, 2015

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Hardcover/Audio/ebook: 416 pages

ISBN# 978-1-62972-065-4

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: Received a free Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (DeseretBook.com)

Spencer knew that from the moment the Founding Witches had returned, the Rebel Janitors had begun disappearing. So many schools were defenseless now, the students’ minds rotting from Toxite breath while the janitors vanished without a trace. Then it became personal.

Although their enemies are powerful, their allies few, Spencer and his ream of Rebels are not giving up! But what chance do a handful of kids and one rescued janitor have against the combined evil of the Founding Witches and the Sweepers? Can the Rebels close the source of all Glop and stop the Toxites once and for all—or is the world doomed to fall under the control of the sinister Bureau of Educational Maintenance? This explosive series finale is a griping ride through conflicted loyalties and daring escapes, unexpected alliances and betrayals, and an ending you’ll never forget!

Review

I remember the first time I met Tyler Whitesides, a few months before his new book, Janitors, was due to be released. He told me about his new book, the first in a series, and I thought it sounded like a fun and unique adventure. Fast forward to today, as I review the last book in the Janitors series, and I can honestly say it has been a lot of fun. A little gross at times for the germaphobic, but always an adventure.

Our characters are in dire circumstances as the story begins, reeling after the loss of mentors and the continuing disappearances of allies. Spencer and Daisy must decide whether to trust former enemies and bear the responsibility of rescuing their Rebel allies. Secrets are uncovered that change everything, and their situation seems impossible.

I sailed through the book, anxious to see what happened from chapter to chapter. Tyler did a great job of keeping the pace going, surprising me and, as usual, making me laugh. He knows how to include the details with enough entertainment to keep young readers (and adults like me) engaged in the story. The creative use of every day janitorial items is clever and I still really want a set of magic squeegees.

Spencer, Daisy, and Dez, while still the same characters we know, have also grown both in experience and friendship. They’ve learned to appreciate each other and make sacrifices. Well, at least Spencer and Daisy have, though Dez surprised me more than once. As the story ends, I believe there is hope for him yet.

I found Heroes of the Dustbin to be a fast moving and satisfying conclusion to the Janitors series, and I think other fans will as well. This series is perfect for engaging the imaginations of young readers. I know many middle grade readers have enjoyed Tyler’s books, and I hope many more discover this series as they explore the possibilities that exist in the world of reading.

**Visit Tyler’s website for information on the book launch and signing events on September 4th and 5th.

Visit Tyler:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find Heroes of the Dustbin:

DESERET BOOK | BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS

The Singularity Blog Tour: The Legacy Human (book 1) and The Duality Bridge (book 2) by Susan Kay Quinn

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Aug 282015
 

Legacy-Human-Cover-197x300Product Details

  • Title: The Legacy Human:Singularity Book 1
  • Author: Susan Kaye Quinn 
  • File Size: 1218 KB
  • Print Length: 413 pages
  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Publication Date: March 2, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00U1VKGSE
  • FTC, FYI : I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review
  • Reviewed by Sheila

The Legacy Human by Susan Kay Quinn What would you give to live forever? Seventeen-year-old Elijah Brighton wants to become an ascender—a post-Singularity human/machine hybrid—after all, they’re smarter, more enlightened, more compassionate, and above all, achingly beautiful. But Eli is a legacy human, preserved and cherished for his unaltered genetic code, just like the rainforest he paints. When a fugue state possesses him and creates great art, Eli miraculously lands a sponsor for the creative Olympics. If he could just master the fugue, he could take the gold and win the right to ascend, bringing everything he’s yearned for within reach… including his beautiful ascender patron. But once Eli arrives at the Games, he finds the ascenders are playing games of their own. Everything he knows about the ascenders and the legacies they keep starts to unravel… until he’s running for his life and wondering who he truly is. The Legacy Human is the first in Susan Kaye Quinn’s new young adult science fiction series that explores the intersection of mind, body, and soul in a post-Singularity world… and how technology will challenge us to remember what it means to be human.

 (Normally $3.99)
EXCERPT- The Legacy Human (Singularity #1)
I want to ascend so badly, I can taste it.
It’s bitter and metallic, like the acrylic paint spread before me. It’s beautiful and beckoning and untouchable, like the shimmering rose skin of my patron, Lenora, who hovers over my work, tasting it in her own way. Her fingertips barely graze the paint, sensing its color and texture and scent in a way that is utterly inhuman.
Because she’s not human. Not anymore. She’s ascended—vastly more intelligent, compassionate, and enlightened than any human could be without the procedure. I’m just one of those remnants of humanity the ascenders left behind long ago.
Lenora leans in toward the painting in that sudden kind of motion ascenders sometimes have. Her cascade of red curls brushes my cheek… and raises goose bumps on my arms.
I hold absolutely still.
This is the closest she’ll come to touching me. Anything more would be… wrong. Ascenders and legacy humans don’t do that sort of thing, at least not legally. I tell myself the instant full-body alert is just because I’m a seventeen-year-old guy who’s definitely straight—anything vaguely female would get this response—but it doesn’t help that Lenora’s body is pure fantasy. Sculpted cheeks. Curves that irresistibly draw my gaze. Lips that beg for me to draw each perfectly rounded part. The red curls have to be synthetic—ascenders don’t have hair—but their softness still heats my cheek. There’s plenty to desire in the bodyform she’s wearing now, but lust is a pale reflection of the thick, complicated feelings I have for her.
Feelings no legacy should have. And no decent ascender would return.
It’s wrong to want her. Or really, just delusional. But my fingers ache with the need to touch her, just once. She’s close enough that I easily could.
If only ascendance were equally within reach.
Praise for The Legacy Human “This book is Hunger Games (without the violence or controversy) meets Divergent.” “This story is so intense I felt I couldn’t get a proper breath.” “Science fiction with philosophical depth!”      

 

My Review of the Series:
This series has taken me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting so much action, interesting characters and thought provoking plots. I liked that this “dystopian” type world had technology that was easily understood, and would make sense to any reader. Author Susan Kay Quinn writes such beautiful words that brings the story to life. I know that I will want to read more from her.
 Main character Eli is one that you are drawn to, especially because all he wants to do is to save his mom, who is very sick. If he wins his artistic competition, he would have the drugs available to cure his mom.This futuristic world has “Legacy” humans, and then humans that have ascended into new and superior bodies. What has happened to the souls of the ascended? This is the question that is paramount in the story. I love a novel that makes me think about life and it’s meaning, and the fate of our souls. I also loved the twists and turns in both book one and book two. I did read that this series will have six books. Once you start reading the books, I can guarantee that you will be hooked like I am now. Though Eli is a teen, this book is by no means only for teen readers. Anyone who likes a sci-fi book that creates a plot that will make you look differently at life, along with some romance, and loads of action, will want to read the Singularity Series.

Duality Bridge

Product Details

  •  Title: The Duality Bridge: Singularity Book 2
  •  Author: Susan Kaye Quinn
  • Print Length: 426 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publication Date: August 17, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B014242I36

 
The Duality Bridge What does it mean to be human? Elijah Brighton is the face of the Human Resistance Movement. He’s the Olympic-level painter who refused an offer of immortality from the ascenders—the human/machine hybrids who run the world—in solidarity with the legacy humans who will never get a chance to live forever. Too bad it’s all a complicated web of lies. Worse, Eli’s not even entirely human. Few know about the ascenders’ genetic experiments that left him… different. Fewer know about the unearthly fugue state that creates his transcendent art—as well as a bridge that lets him speak to the dead. But the Resistance is the one place he can hide from the ascender who knows everything the fugue can do. Because if Marcus finds him, he’ll either use Eli for his own nefarious purposes… or destroy him once and for all. The Duality Bridge is the second book in the Singularity series and the sequel to The Legacy Human. This thrilling new young adult science fiction series explores the intersection of mind, body, and soul in a post-Singularity world.

EXCERPT – The Duality Bridge (Singularity #2)
Delphina is watching me from outside the holo matrix… along with Kamali, whose wide brown eyes hold silent judgment for the things she thinks I’ve done. Forbidden things, like being a love toy for my ex-patron and current-rebel-ascender, Lenora. Who happens to be standing right next to her. While Kamali’s graceful dancer body is hidden under the black military garb of the resistance, Lenora’s perfect bodyform is barely covered in scintillating ascender-tech fabric. The thing is, I’ve never so much as kissed Lenora. Except in my dreams, which really shouldn’t count against me. Any seventeen-year-old guy would have those kinds of thoughts. But the truth is Kamali’s not wrong to judge me.
My feelings for Lenora have always been… complicated.

Susan  Meet: Author Susan Kay Quinn
Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the Singularity Series, the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, and the Debt Collector serial, as well as other speculative fiction novels and short stories. Her work has appeared in the Synchronic anthology, the Telepath Chronicles, the AI Chronicles, and has been optioned for Virtual Reality by Immersive Entertainment. Former rocket scientist, now she invents mind powers, dabbles in steampunk, and dreams of the Singularity. Mostly she sits around in her PJs in awe that she gets to write full time.

Blog Tour Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Annette Lyon Collection by Annette Lyon

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 312015
 

Annette Lyon Collection25729345 Product Description
 Title:A Timeless Romance Anthology: Annette   Lyon Collection
 Author: Annette Lyon
Published: July 3, 2015, by Mirror Press 350p, 
Genre:Clean Romance
FTC, FYI: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Sheila

Book Description:
The ANNETTE LYON COLLECTION contains brand new contemporary romance novella OUR SONG, as well as five hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Annette’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of three contemporary and three historical romance novellas.

In OUR SONG, a charming romance novella, Cassie and Matt have been dating in the Yellowstone area for two years, and things are, well, average. When Cassie meets up with two college friends who are visiting, their love lives like sound like fairy tales: rose petals, chocolates, candles on the beach… Cassie goes home feeling like she’s missing out. After all, repeatedly watching Old Faithful erupt and walking through sulfur-smelling gases at Fountain Paint Pot don’t exactly say “romance.” Maybe things with Matt aren’t going anywhere, and it’s time to move on. Then she discovers that perception and reality are completely different things. Now she can only hope it isn’t too late to show Matt how much she really cares.

In the sweet novella GOLDEN SUNRISE, Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she’s putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

FIRSTS AND LASTS, an enchanting novella, begins with Dani’s last week in New York. She’s failed in her dreams to catch a break as an actress and is now ready to return home and dust herself off. As she visits the places on her final to-see list, she meets Mark, another New York City transplant with big dreams. Except Mark hasn’t given up on his. As they spend the day together, Dani realizes that even though she hasn’t hit the “big time” she might be living her dream after all. Only problem: she has a one-way ticket back home.

In the compelling novella WAR OF HEARTS, Anna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her now-former boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland. She arrives at a snowy Finnish battlefront only to discover that Pete is already there—as her photographer. She’s determined to be professional about the situation until a battle breaks out in camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way and putting their love to the test.

The captivating novella BETWEEN THE LINES follows Jane Martin, who is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find true friendship. The program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected, and unknown to Jane, one of the men in her city becomes her writing friend. Thomas Allred has always known shy and quiet Jane, but reading her letters written to his secret persona, opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. The only trouble is, Jane doesn’t know that the man who she is falling in love with through letters is also Thomas, the man who is falling in love with her in person.

In the charming novella A TASTE OF HOME, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She’s stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one.

My Review:
I love the Timeless Romance Anthologies. The novellas have grown on me, and I look forward to having short stories to read when I don’t have a lot of time.

In this anthology, author Annette Lyon has written all six of the novellas. The first one is brand new and the other five novellas are some of her best from other anthologies. The first three novellas are contemporary and the last three are historical fiction. It’s really hard to pick just one that stood out for me, because there was something to like about each novella.

Annette always writes great characters, and I especially loved Claire and William from the novella, A Taste of Home and Anna and Pete from the novella, War of Hearts. Their stories made me wish to read more about them and what happened later. One common thing you’ll find in all of Annette’s stories, is that your heart will be touched by what you read. You are pulled in quickly and care about the happiness of the couple and how they will eventually get together. You can also be assured of a nice, clean romance, that is still filled with kisses that will make you melt. The overall message from these stories is to open your eyes and embrace love when its there right in front of you.

This book is one more I recommend you put on your summer romance reading list.

Amazon * Barnes and Noble

If you want to read about other Timeless Romance Anthologies go to this site
Timeless Romance Anthologies

 

Meet Author: Annette Lyon
Annette Lyon is a Whitney Award winner, the recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction and the author of ten novels, a cookbook, and a grammar guide as well as over a hundred magazine articles. She’s part of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, a senior editor at Precision Editing Group, and a cum laude graduate from BYU with a degree in English. When she’s not writing, editing, knitting, or eating chocolate, she can be found mothering and avoiding the spots on the kitchen floor.
Website * Facebook * Twitter
Tour Schedule:
July 27th
Katie’s Clean Book Collection http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
Bookworm Lisa http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
I Love to Read and Review Books http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

July 28th
Lindzee Armstrong http://www.

The Kiss That Launched 1000 GIFS by Sheralyn Pratt-Blog Tour Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 212015
 
The kiss25763490Product Description
Title: The Kiss That Launched a 1000 GIFS
Author:Sheralyn Pratt
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Wicked Sassy
Published: July 6, 2015
ASIN: B00ZONLBVK
FTC, FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by: Sheila

 
Book Description 
Each weekday from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Grace and Ashton cohost Battle of the Sexes, a radio program arguing the he-said/she-said issues of the day. Their fiery debates often have listeners wondering if there’s more to their relationship than just talk, even though Grace has been dating Phillip, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Perfect, since long before she ever met Ashton Miller. Yet when news comes that Battle of the Sexes is on the bubble for cancellation, Grace and Ashton need to step up their efforts to engage their audience to keep the show alive. When a charity organization approaches them and proposes that the two of them kiss for a fund raiser, Grace and Ash agree to kiss for a good cause. A kiss is just a kiss, right? 

My Review:
This romance has strong characters that is the key to pulling you into this story. From the very first chapter you are hooked and wanting more of the banter that is between Grace and Ashton, co-hosts of a talk radio show called, Battle of the Sexes.

The thing I love even more in this book is Ashton’s relationship with his 15 year old niece, Megan. He has helped raise her and is a true parent figure in her life. her mom, Ashton’s sister hasn’t always been there for Megan. This truly showed what a great guy Ashton is. He even made her put an app on her phone that will track her whereabouts so if she needs him to come help her, he’ll be there. There are so many reasons to love the man Ashton is in this story.

Getting back to the romance…it takes a lot of tension and fiery interaction between Grace and Ashton before they give in to the attraction that has always been there between them. Oh, there is a certain kiss in the middle of the novel that is…Wow!

I read this book in just a few hours because I could not put it down. I loved the ending and the epilogue was sigh worthy. If you are wanting to read a cute romance, with humor, and also playing out the ups and downs of a relationship, The Kiss That Launched a 1000 GIFS is the one for you. I would recommend this book for anyone 18 and older because of some subject matter that is discussed on their talk show. This book gets 5 stars***** from me! This modern day romance needs to be on your Summer reading list and moved to the very top.

Excerpt

“Good afternoon, and welcome to the newest edition of Battle of the Sexes,” Grace said, starting off the show. “With me today is the man who has just proven that the Instagram app is truly foolproof—my no-longer-technically challenged cohost, Ashton Miller.”
Ash leaned forward into the mic. “And with me is the woman I’ve recently learned feels compelled to alert the world via photograph every time she finds a pair of shoes she likes—the woman who takes the ‘anonymous’ out of Shopaholics Anonymous—my lovely cohost, Grace Vasquez.”
Grace was unapologetic. “A good pair of shoes is worth sharing.”
“Oh? Does that mean I should post pictures of my shoes?” Ash asked, picking up his phone and pressing the camera icon.
“You’re wearing hiking boots.”
“That’s right,” Ash said, putting his shoes up on the table and snapping a picture. “These are Salomon Quest 4D GTXes. I wear them any time I go on a shoot that requires some hiking. They’re light, durable, and provide great stability. Is that the sort of thing you share on Instagram?”
“Not really,” Grace said. “But I’m sure Salomon doesn’t mind the free advertising you just handed them.”
“Well, I’m totally posting a picture,” Ash said, in his best valley girl tone. “It’s not every day a man finds comfort, function, and fashion all in one shoe.”
“Indeed,” Grace replied. “I’m still waiting for that day to happen for you.”
Ash smiled against his will and set his phone to the side. He’d post the photo later. Grace was clearly in a mood that required his full attention. “So what are we talking about today? And, please, don’t let it be shoes!”
Grace glanced at her computer screen, giving Ash a view of her stunning profile. Seriously, how was her skin so smooth?
“Today the most up-voted topic is…” She blinked, looking confused. “Huh.”
“Huh?” Ash echoed, intrigued by the look of confusion on Grace’s face.
“Cupcakes,” she said.
“Cupcakes?”
Grace nodded and frowned at her monitor. “Why do men hate cupcakes? is the trending topic at the moment.” Grace looked Ash’s way, visibly confused. “Do men hate cupcakes?”

Purchase your copy

Meet Author Sheralyn Pratt

Sheralyn’s first job was as a karate instructor, which taught her that practice does not make perfect; practice makes habit–good or bad. Martial arts also taught Sheralyn that a master is simply a person who can effortlessly do all the actions a beginner finds difficult or maybe even impossible. Sheralyn has worked in many fields throughout her life, but her 12 years as a karate instructor have shaped how she does everything, including writing and mentoring. She likes to keep things light and fun, but she’s also aware that life is journey and that if you’re going to buy a book, your life should better for it. So, fiction or nonfiction, know that each of Sheralyn’s books are designed to take you to a new place. Maybe that book is designed to help you escape for a few hours, or maybe it’s a book designed to teach you a new skill. Either way, Sheralyn hopes it’s unforgettable…in a good way. ;)

Blog Tour Review of: 3,000 Miles to Eternity A True Internet Love Story by Duane & Selena Pannell

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 172015
 

 

Tour Schedule

 

 
3000-Miles-to-Eternity_9781462116317 Product Description:
Title:3,000  Miles to Eternity: A True Internet Love Story
Authors:Duane & Selena Pannell
Published: by CFI(Imprint of Cedar Fort) July 14th 2015,
Pages:272p,
Genre: LDS Non-Fiction/romance
FTC, FYI: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

 

 

Book Description:
But What if?

What if two people who were meant to be together for eternity had to live their earthly lives separate for many years? And what if when they did finally meet, they were a little broken and the miles apart helped them ease into their destiny together?

Years before online dating became a respectable option, two broken and imperfect souls digitally crossed paths as they tried to find their way back to God. This fascinating true story, told through journals and emails, will have you smiling from start to finish and shedding a few tears along the way. Engaging and entertaining, it’s the perfect reminder of the power of love, redemption, and hope.

Excerpt:

Duane’s Journal
October 25, 2000
I had breakfast this morning with one of the guys from the bottling plant. We see each other a couple of times a day for a few minutes as I make my way back and forth to my warehouse and we have become friends. Mark is a big man and really opinionated. He probably knows a lot about some things, but I don’t think I’m going to take relationship advice from him.
I told him that I had been on the Internet for the past few months looking for a potential wife. He thought that was outrageous. “You know women lie. You’re liable to end up with some crazy chick that’ll strangle you in your sleep, or . . . or worse, take all your money and leave you with a bunch of kids that don’t even belong to you.”
I asked, “Well, Mark, how do you suggest I meet a good woman?”
“I met all three of my ex-wives in a bar,” he said, “That’s the best place to look for a woman ‘cause when they have a few drinks, they can’t keep a secret—they got anything bad, it’s comin’ out!”
I think I’m just going to stick with my current plan.                                                         
Selena’s Journal
October 16, 2000
Having a weekend away has been a needed break for me. Kristine, another of Paige’s friends, came over and all our talking and laughing took a decidedly unexpected turn. Paige was telling her about Donna’s news and apparently during the phone call between them, she had also told Paige about being on a single’s website. She said she saw Paige’s sister Jacqueline on the same site. Paige, with her little “tee hees,” thought it would be great fun to sneak into single’s world and have a look at her sister’s profile. We tried to do that, but the way the site is set up didn’t allow random people to just come on in and gawk. Someone had to sign up.
Well, guess who got this dubious honor? My dear friend Paige said, “Selena, you’re almost divorced. You do it.” Almost divorced? Are you kidding me? I only filed two days ago! But I was a good sport (sort of) and did  the deed. While those two giggled among themselves, I zipped through the “sign up free for seven days” registration. I couldn’t help but mutter under my breath at how ridiculous this whole thing was, all these silly people shopping for love. It seemed kind of pathetic and made me want to gag. As I was grumbling, Paige and Kristine were having great laughs at my expense and my obvious discomfort with the whole crazy idea.
And so we entered the forbidden zone, wandering around singles’ world and peeking here and there. Satisfied that we’d stealthily invaded Jacquie’s privacy and seen all there was to see, we signed off. This little adventure, however, has not changed my mind.
I’ve decided I will never marry again, ever, under any circumstances.

My Review:
As a divorced woman I’ve contemplated jumping into the Internet dating scene, but I’ve not done it yet. After reading this book, maybe, just maybe, I’ll give it a shot. It truly speaks to the hopes and fears of single/divorced people that are looking for love, but may be hesitant because of not wanting to get hurt again.

 I do want to say, this is not a dating “How-To” book at all. This book is a look at two people who go through so much soul searching as they befriend each other almost 3,000 miles apart. They have both been through their own kind of hell and are tired of it all. They are single parents trying to do their best. I enjoyed reading about their friendship that did eventually end up in love, but it took some time. There was a lot of purging of the souls, and taking some good hard look at themselves and how they view life.

This book made me think long and hard about my own life. I think it will make other readers do the same, whether divorced or if you’ve been married for 30 years. This book will show lessons of having faith and hope in your life, as well as forgiving others and yourself. It’s entertaining and reads like a novel with the journal excerpts and emails. It’s based on the life of LDS people, but I think anyone of any faith will enjoy reading this.


Meet Authors:
Duane & Selena Pannell 

DUANE AND SELENA PANNELL ‘met’ online while living in Virginia, USA and Alberta, Canada respectively. After a complicated long-distance relationship spanning four years, they married and have a son together. Their first book is borne of yet another separation in their lives when Selena was in Alberta for several months in 2013 with her dying father.

Duane was going through their old correspondence because he is a “mushy man” and thought this was a story worth telling. After some coaxing, he convinced Selena and with a little help from googledocs they began their collaboration on 3,000 Miles To Eternity.

They have just completed a three year mission in the LDS Addiction Recovery Program, where they served as group leaders and led two 12 Step meetings a week in Vernal, Utah. Duane is putting the final touches on a manuscript addressing addiction recovery while Selena homeschools their son and teaches archery in her spare time.

Book Website  3000milestoeternity.com

Author Website & Blog   pannellbytes.com
Facebook Book Page  3000MilesToEternity
Twitter  pannellbytes
Amazon Buy the Book
******A Note From the Authors******
“Reading it will be like peeking over the shoulders of two individuals who have, through an unusual twist , stumbled across each other on a single’s dating website. One is sincerely seeking a mate, the other determined never to marry again. Both have an agenda and because neither expects in a million years to meet the other, they feel free to be uncommonly candid. This snapshot of an unlikely online relationship combines honesty and humor as themes of divorce, addiction, pornography, depression and matters of spiritual import are explored. While some themes are heavy, they are handled sensitively and should not be offensive to any reader. We tried to keep this in mind as we considered young adult relatives or friends who will be reading 3,000 Miles…”
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