An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Aug 082013
 

anunlikelymatchAn Unlikely Match

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: October 2012

Softcover/Kindle/DB ebook/CD: 184 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-566-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed … except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?

Review

It takes particular talent to present a situation as improbable as the one in this book and turn it into a believable and endearing romance. Luckily for us readers, Sarah possesses the skill to do just that.

An Unlikely Match has a paranormal element that sets it apart from Sarah’s other books and shows off her flexibility. I was actually a little nervous about it, because it was different from her other books (with a ghost as a main character), but as I began to read I was soon reassured that I would not be disappointed.

Another thing that makes An Unlikely Match different from Sarah’s other books is that it is set in Wales, which is perfect for the more superstitious elements of the story. It’s a bit spooky, with a few scarier moments and a more intense ending than her other books. Sarah is great at writing suspense, which doesn’t surprise me at all.

Though the list of characters is limited to a small house party, there is enough variety among them to cover everything from a beautiful young woman who was the most popular of the Season to an older gentlemen who fancies himself quite the ghost hunter, and a young Welsh vicar who is friendly with a ghost to a tell-it-like-it-is housekeeper.

I really like Nickolas and his friends, Dafydd and Griffith. Gwen is an intriguing character with a tragic history. The way Sarah directs the unfolding of Gwen’s story is excellent. There is a different, more poignant longing between the two main characters because they can’t physically touch. I wondered the entire time how things could possibly work out between them.

I found the ending incredibly romantic. The description during the culmination of events is outstanding. I could envision everything that was happening clearly in my head, like a movie.

This is a good book to read during October, in the spirit of Halloween and Nos Galan Gaeaf (a traditional Welsh holiday that plays a part in the book), but don’t wait until then to read it if you haven’t yet. It is signature Sarah–good, clean Regency romance with well-written characters and a healthy dose of wit.

Visit Sarah:

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Find An Unlikely Match:

AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS 

Insight by Jolene Perry — Giveaway

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Oct 092012
 

Insight

Author: Jolene Perry

Publisher: Next Door Publishing

Published: September 3, 2012

ISBN13:  9781479253074

eBook

FTC FYI: Received a free copy in change for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  Micah hates her ability to “see” things when she touches people. She’s terrified of relationships, holds on to guilt over the death of her classmate, Lacey, and has no idea what to do with a vision from Landon, a boy from her school. She feels him falling for her, but Micah doesn’t do friends, much less relationships.

Enter a spooky history project about a tragedy from three hundred years ago, and voodoo dolls that Micah somehow feels has to do with her gift. Suddenly she’s sure the shadows in the woods are following her every move—without Landon’s relaxed attitude about what’s happening in her life, Micah would be sure she’s going crazy.

With no ideas on timing or specifics, the visions of both herself and the people she cares about are turning dark—and it appears the shadows around her house do move on their own. But as Micah and Landon try to prevent Micah’s visions of the future, the shadows close in, and they’re now afraid they’ve become the cause…

Micah’s story is the first of three girls, with unique talents, who are part of a 300 year old tragedy that follows them in the shadows.

My Review

Micah’s ability to see things has made it so she doesn’t like to be around people.  She doesn’t like accidently bumping into people at the risk of finding out things about them she didn’t want to know.  When Micah arrives at her new school, she tries to purposely be late to class to avoid seeing.  The only person she doesn’t mind touching is her mom, but now that they have moved, there is a new face besides hers that she sees through her mother.  Micah feels alone and has felt that way since she was five.  They only person she can’t see images from is her father.  When she goes to visit him, we find out why.

There are so many exciting and cool things that happen in this book, I can’t give any more details.   As with all of Jolene’s book, the characters are well written and the plot is page turning.  There is a cool legend mentioned with voodoo and shadows.

I really enjoyed this book.  I thought that Micah’s insights were very cool, and they always kept me guessing.  I loved how they were glimpses of what could happen.  Or are they?

4 out of 5 stars.

Content

There is some language, and teenage drinking. Some sexual references. Although the main characters do not have sex, it is talked about.

Jolene is the author of many awesome books.  Read more about her on her Website, Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Giveaway and Good News!

I am excited to announce that Insight is on sale at Amazon for $.99! AND, I am giving an eBook copy of Insight to a lucky winner.  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Contest ends October 16th.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall by Jennifer Hurst

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Apr 162012
 

Fall

Author: Jennifer Hurst

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published Date: July 2011

Kindle Edition; 298 pages

Genre: Paranormal Romance (not YA)

ISBN# 978-1463632779

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Women and construction shouldn’t mix. At least, that is what the client, Mr. Blackwell, thinks when twenty-one year old Julia D. Halstead is promoted to project manager to convert a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a dark secret that has been hidden for nearly a hundred years. A secret that will unleash the Furies of Hell and cause the Angels in Heaven to weep as ethereal brothers, Matthew and Nathan, battle over Julia’s very soul.

Review

JD is capable, talented, and feminine construction manager. She likes hot pink animal print accents and heels. She appreciates good-looking men, even if she’s not necessarily looking for a relationship. So when demolitionist Matthew Rigo shows up in a tight black t-shirt pointing out a mistake on her blueprints, she’s both attracted to him and annoyed.

When JD starts investigating the cause of the incorrect measurements of the building she’s renovating, strange noises come from the floor above send her scrambling out to her car. From there the story progresses to a mysterious, dark romance with motorcycle-riding bad boy Matt and feelings that JD just can’t seem to resist. A few steamy kisses and chemistry-filled encounters lead to JD finding herself a pawn involved in forces of good and evil that she never would have imagined.

Set in picturesque Torrey, Utah, Fall is about angels and demons, good vs. evil, and choice and consequence. While certain parts of the story could have used just a bit more polish, I was easily pulled into the story. The characters had depth, and I’m curious to see what will happen next.

If you are a reader who likes paranormal romance with adult characters or are tired of the high school/teenage aspect, then you will most likely enjoy Fall.

Content

I don’t remember any language or graphic violence (it’s been a little while since I read it), though there are some scary incidents of strange noises, etc. Some steamy kisses, but nothing too graphic. At one point, Matt carries JD into the bedroom and while we can guess what happens, no details are given. (This incident proves integral to the story and is not gratuitous.)

Indelible by Lani Woodland

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 282011
 

Indelible

Author: Lani Woodland

Publisher: Pendrell Publishing

Published: To Be Published October 2011, eBook available now!

Hardcover: 416 pages

ISBN13: 9780982729724

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the publisher, which did not effect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Yara is beginning to understand just how much her life will change now that her Waker abilities have emerged. She has come to terms with the fact that seeing ghosts is part of her life, but she isn’t ready to let being a Waker dictate her choices. All she wants is a ghost-free senior year with her boyfriend, Brent, and her best friend, Cherie. But Yara soon discovers that there are more dark secrets in her school’s history than just the curse she broke. While an angry ghost makes Yara question everything she thought she knew about spirits, she and Brent learn that there are long reaching consequences to last year’s adventures. As new enemies emerge and old ghosts resurface, Yara finds herself in the center of another deadly mystery, and this time she has to contend with the living as well as the dead. (summary from Smashwords)

Yara Silva just got back from summer break in Brazil training with her grandmother, Vovo.  Yara is a Waker (see my review of Intrinsical), she can see and communicate with ghosts.  Yara was training with Vovo to learn how to help the ghosts that she sees.  Right off the plane, she notices them, but figures there are too many of them to help.  She’s picked up by her friends Cherie, Steve, and of course her boyfriend Brett.  The couples are headed to their school, Pendrell Academy, mixer.  During their senior year, students are required to have an internship, and this was the night to impress the alumni.  Brent and Yara are talking with some friends of his parents, and she lets it slip that she is a Waker.  Feeling embarrassed she rushes away where she meets DJ, who says he believes her and needs her help with something.  DJ tells them about Christopher Pendrell and his wife Sophia, who died mysteriously.  He takes them to where their portraits are and Yara sees Sophia.  Right away Yara can tell that she is troubled.  Sophia leads them, unknowingly, to a hidden compartment that she is protecting.  Yara notices that DJ takes something.  Right away Sophia starts attacking, all the while blaming Yara for what happened.  Brent uses his powers to help her, but they can’t figure out how Sophia was able to touch her.  This attack prompts Yara, Brent, and Cherie to investigate more into the Pendrell family.  What they find is a dangerous hidden society with secrets of their own.

I enjoyed Indelible as much as Intrinsical.  What I love about Lani’s writing is her character depth.  Each character is important to the story, and are very well written.  This book has so much of action and suspense.  And don’t forget about some great smooching.  What I liked most was the growing that Yara goes through.  She may see ghosts, but still needs to learn how to care about them.

4 out of 5 stars.  Looking forward to the third and final book, Inevitable, to be released next year.  Indelible will be available in hardcover soon, but is available in eBook form on Smashwords.

Content:

  • No language
  • A bit of violence, nothing I was offended by
  • Kissing, but never sexual


Shades of Gray by Rachel Ann Nunes – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 132011
 

8 days until summer!

Rachel Ann Nunes (noon-esh) is the acclaimed best-selling author of more than thirty novels, including the Ariana and Huntington Family series, Fields of Home, Saving Madeline, and the Autumn Rain suspense novels. As a stay-at-home mother of seven, it isn’t easy to find time to write, but she’ll trade washing dishes or weeding the garden for an hour at the computer any day! Her only rule about writing is to never eat chocolate at the computer. “Since I love chocolate and writing,” she jokes, “my family might never see me again.”

Rachel has several upcoming novels, which you can read about on her website www.RachelAnnNunes.com. For more fun, join her on her blog, Rachel’s Ramblings, on Facebook: Rachel Ann Nunes, and on Twitter: @RachelAnnNunes.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

RACHEL: Urban fantasy. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s basically contemporary novels where there is some sort of supernatural element in the story. It’s hard to find good ones that don’t have a lot of questionable junk, but there are a few good series available. I wish there were more. Sometimes I’ll read YA stories in the genre for this very reason, but I avoid anything that features kids in high school. Been there, done that, and it doesn’t interest me. I also enjoy regular women’s fiction and suspense.

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

RACHEL: I am saving the fifth in the Kate Daniels series to read on my summer camping vacation. I’ve also been trying a few new authors in that same genre.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite outdoor cooking recipe? (Can be grill, campfire, Dutch oven, etc.)

RACHEL: My husband does all the outdoor cooking, and I like it that way. Even if I knew how to do any of it, I’d pretend I didn’t!

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

RACHEL: For me the perfect summer day would be one where I get to sleep until eight or nine before working for a few hours on my current manuscript. None of the kids would interrupt me with complaints, fighting, or to solve their problems. They would all do their chores before they come ask if they can play video games. After a nice lunch, we’d all go to the pool for a little fun and exercise. Then I’d read a bit of a book until my seven-year-old (who never wants to quit) is ready to get out of the pool. We’d go in and shower. By that time my husband would be off work and would stop and get some chicken or something for dinner. After dinner, we’d all go out in the backyard and play a little soccer before roasting marshmallows for s’mores over our outdoor fire pit (which after two years would finally be completed). All the kids would be there, even the one who doesn’t live at home anymore. Then we’d go in and send the kids to their rooms to read (most likely) or sleep or whatever while my husband and I go for a walk or watch a little TV.

Wow, what a fantasy! In actuality, there might be a lot of days where some of this happens—for instance, we swim almost every day in the summer—but all these things in one day. Ha! We really might finish the fire pit soon, though . . .

LDSWBR: Thank you, Rachel. Have a great summer!

Shades of Gray by Rachel Ann Nunes (Shadow Mountain; May 2011) is available for purchase from Amazon.

Fire pits are really popular right now. Do you have a fire pit in your back yard? If not, do you have plans to build or buy one?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 122011
 

9 days until summer!

Since Marie Higgins was a little girl playing Barbies with her sister, Stacey, she has loved the adventure of making up romantic stories. Marie was only eighteen years old when she wrote her first skit, which won a Funniest Skit award. A little later in life, after she’d married and had children, Marie wrote Church roadshows that were judged Funniest and Best Written. From there, she branched out to write full-length novels based on her dreams. (Yes, she says, her dreams really are that silly, and she’s like that in real life.)

Marie has been married for twenty-six years to a wonderful man. Together, they have three loving daughters and several beautiful grandchildren. Marie works full time for the state of Utah, where she has lived her entire life. Marie plans to keep writing, because the characters in her head won’t shut up. But her husband smiles and pretends this is normal.

Marie is the author of 3 books: Winning Mr. Wrong (romantic comedy), Heart of a Hero (historical romance), Hearts Through Time (time-travel, mystery, paranormal romance).

Visit Marie on her blog: I Must Be Dreaming… and on Facebook.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

MARIE: Having an entire day to read sounds heavenly right now. Because of my hectic work scheduled (both the crummy day job and my writing career) I’d love to do nothing by lounge by the beach reading a good book. The genre I’d pick would definitely have to be historical. I love Colonials, Regency, Victorian, and the Old West. Probably my favorite would have to be Victorian, though. I love the manners, the way of life, and especially the beautiful, romantic clothes they had back then. Reading historicals like that takes me out of the real world and puts me in a romantic setting… Ahhh…

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

MARIE: I will always choose historicals of course, but I also enjoy suspense. I must have a little mystery in my romances. So I’ll be looking for my next favorite author who writes what I love to read!

LDSWBR: What is your favorite outdoor cooking recipe? (Can be grill, campfire, Dutch oven, etc.)

MARIE: Dutch Oven potatoes, baby!!! Oh yeah! I love making this recipe, especially when the family gets together in the canyons for a lunch or dinner. Yum! All I do is cut up bacon and onions and cook these until they’re brown. Then I throw in cut up potatoes and cook them until they are almost done. Then I pour sour cream over the top (don’t stir in!) and sprinkle grated Cheddar Cheese on the top until everything melts into the potatoes. Then I serve! My mouth is watering even now…

LDSWBR: Wow, sounds delicious! Thank you, Marie. Oh, and Happy Anniversary!

Hearts Through Time (Walnut Springs Press; March 2011) is available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Deseret Book.

Where do you go to find your next favorite author or book?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

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