The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 142012
 

 11 days until Christmas

 

Rachael Anderson is the author of five books: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, The Reluctant Bachelorette, and Twist of Fate (a short story in an anthology called All I Want). She’s the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Visit Rachael:  BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

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LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

RACHAEL: Right now, it’s got a big bow on top. I know, I know, lame, but in my defense, it’s a pretty bow. :) Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any sort of special meaning to me or anyone else in my family. At one point, we did have a star, but one of my children broke it. Then last year, we upgraded to a taller, pre-lit tree, so now an angel or star really wouldn’t fit on top, which is a problem because my children all think we need a star or an angel. Maybe next year I’ll have to trim down our fake tree or cave to my husband’s wishes and get a shorter real tree.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

RACHAEL: I have so many–mostly of the Hallmarkish variety–but I do love How The Grinch Stole Christmas (the newer Jim Carey version). It’s funny, well made, makes my kids giggle, has my all-time favorite Christmas song in it (“Where Are You Christmas?”), and leaves us with a really good message. What’s not to like about that?

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

RACHAEL: Unfortunately, my husband is notorious for taking the surprise out of Christmas gifts because he ALWAYS finds his early, not matter how hard I try to hide it. A few years ago I spent hours compiling all his mission pictures/letters into a scrapbook that I had professionally printed, and when the finished version finally arrived in the mail I couldn’t wait to give it to him. I hid it away deep in the recesses of our closet. But then his mother came to town and wanted to see it. Since Jeff was at work, I didn’t see any reason not to show it to her so I pulled it out. While she looked through it, something happened with one of my kids that distracted both of us and we left the book on the desk. Fast forward several hours, and I found my husband looking through it. So frustrating!!! The worst part was that he initially thought it was some type of yearbook a fellow missionary had put together for everyone from his mission. I promptly ripped it from his hands and told him off for discovering his Christmas present early yet again.

LDSWBR: Oh no! How frustrating. Maybe this year you will surprise him. Thank you, Rachael!

* * * * *

Purchase The Reluctant Bachelorette: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE (Coming soon)

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it’s up to the viewers–not her–to decide which bachelors stay or go. Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke’s an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she’s up to, it means revenge. But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

Do you know someone notorious for guessing their gifts or finding them early?

* * * * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers. :)

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (21 book prizes as of December 14, 2012 – check back daily as we add more to this list!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback)
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback)
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired)
  • Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback)
  • Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson (paperback)
  • The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson (ebook)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

All I Want by Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin and Rachael Anderson – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 032012
 

All I Want: Three couples. Three stories. One Holiday.

Authors: Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin, Rachael Anderson

Publisher: HEA Publishing

Published Date: October 2012

Paperback/Kindle; 225 pages

Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance

ISBN# 978-1480115231

Reviewed by: Shanda

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

***See below for summaries of each story and giveaway details.***

Review

I love Christmas romances. As soon as Thanksgiving is over I start looking forward to all of the holiday romance movies on the Hallmark channel. I know, but I can’t help myself.

I was so excited to take part in the All I Want blog tour. Three Christmas romances written by three authors whose past books I’ve read and loved? Count me in!

I read All I Want straight through. All three stories are enjoyable and well-written. It was fun reading and recognizing the style of each author. These women are talented storytellers and I appreciated the toe-curling yet clean romance in each story.

I loved each hero. I couldn’t begin to pick a favorite. I really liked the heroines, too. While Pretty Near Perfect, Six Days of Christmas, and Twist of Fate are all novellas, they were so well done that at the end of each I felt as if I’d read a full-length novel.

I highly recommend All I Want to anyone who enjoys a good romance. It’s a bargain at $2.99 on Kindle. I am adding All I Want to my list of Favorite Christmas Reads, though I’m definitely not waiting until next Christmas to read them again.

Tour Schedule

 

ALL I WANT

THREE COUPLES. THREE STORIES. ONE HOLIDAY

Pretty Near Perfect

by Jolene Perry

The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé’s parents’ home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas

by Kaylee Baldwin

When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother – someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate

by Rachael Anderson

When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty’s mailbox, Ty’s faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her – make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.

Purchase All I Want

 Kindle Ebook * Paperback

 

Author Jolene Perry

Jolene Perry is an enigmatic figure. She is most often seen behind her laptop, staring at the words flying onto the screen with reckless abandon.

She survived growing up in rural Alaska, driving like a lunatic, and her husband’s careers in the military, as a perpetual student, and an Alaska State Prosecutor. She also survived as a middle school math teacher using her degree of Political Science and French.

One day Jolene was playing her guitar (probably some-thing juvenile for her kids) when she wondered what it would be like to write a song for a rockstar, and her first book was born. (that book is shelved)

She now lives a very glamorous life as a stay at home mom, elbow deep in dirty dishes and peanut butter sandwiches. She doesn’t even attempt to keep up with the laundry because non-writing time is precious, and her family is sorta awesome.

Links:

Website * Twitter * Blog * Facebook

 

Author Rachael Anderson

Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She’s the mother of four, can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

 

Author Kaylee Baldwin

I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.

I currently live in southern Arizona with my husband, Jeremy, and our three children. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with my family.

Links:

Facebook * Website * Twitter

 

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Ends 12/24/12


Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com
Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase
necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent’s permission. The winner will be chosen
by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new
winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any
other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of
winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


A Rafflecopter Giveaway
 

Official All I Want Blog Tour Schedule

Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson – Countdown to Christmas 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 162011
 

9 days until Christmas

 

About Rachael: I love to read, write, and do most anything outdoors, with the exception of rock climbing and sky diving. (I have serious height phobias.) If there’s something I can do within five feet of solid ground, count me in!

Connect with Rachael: BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

RACHAEL: Burn a Yule log. That’s always sounded like such a cool tradition but sadly, we have a gas fireplace. I guess I could think of our fake logs as an eternal Yule log, but somehow it’s not the same.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

RACHAEL: Mmmmm . . . that’s a tough one. Maybe Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins? I’ve been wanting to read that for awhile now. (Yeah, so lame I haven’t yet.)

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

RACHAEL: That would have to be the year my brother wanted this really cool remote control hovercraft. Since I had to have everything he did (we sort of had this “I’m better than you are” competition thing going on), I asked for one, too. But when Christmas morning came, he ended up with the cool hovercraft and I ended up with a lame beefy tired truck. Or so I thought until we took them outside to try them out. Turned out the hovercraft didn’t like the snow so much, whereas my suddenly cool truck raced everywhere. The best part? The next day he exchanged the hovercraft for a truck like mine. Yeah, I LOVED that Christmas. :)

LDSWBR: That is too funny. Thank you, Rachael. Merry Christmas!

* * * * *

Buy Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK

Read Mindy’s review of Minor Adjustments.

Have you ever burned a Yule log?

* * * * *

To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

  • **Required entry (+1) – Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.
  • Bonus entry (+1) – I’m not very familiar with the Yule log tradition, so today’s bonus entry is to send an email to ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com with either your explanation of what a Yule log is, or a link to a good, concise explanation of the Yule log tradition, thus freeing me from my ignorance. :)
  • Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.
  • By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

 

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

 

Book prizes donated by their authors:

  • Winners choice of  Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, or Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson (new addition to the prize list!)
  • Winner’s choice of Secret Sisters, Dearly Departed, or Hang ’em High by Tristi Pinkston (new addition to the prize list!)
  • Montana Summer by Jeanette Miller
  • Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon
  • Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson
  • Cinder & Ella by Melissa Lemon (ebook)
  • Pride & Popularity by Jenni James
  • The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice
  • Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black (paperback or Kindle)
  • The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry
  • Winner’s choice of one of the books in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series by Josi S. Kilpack (including Banana Split which will be released in February 2012)
  • Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
  • Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Circle of Secrets by Kimberley Griffiths Little
  • Indelible by Lani Woodland and a swag bag!
  • Identity by Betsy Love
  • The Hainan Incident by D.M. Coffman (autographed copy)
  • Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford
  • Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett
  • The Breakup Artist by Shannen Crane Camp
  • Seers by Heather Frost
Don’t forget to comment! Merry Christmas and happy reading!

Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 082011
 

Minor Adjustments

Author: Rachael Renee Anderson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: August 2011

Softcover: 216 pages

ISBN: 978-1-59955-913-1

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from the publisher which did not affect my review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Devon Pierce is a busy man.  He owns his own internet security company in Chicago, and doesn’t have time in his life for distractions.  When Devon is asked to come to Australia to meet an old acquaintance’s son, he feels obligated to go.  Devon has been asked to be Ryan’s guardian.  His mom, Lindsay, passed away and named Devon as his guardian.  Stella Walker is Ryan’s solicitor, and Lindsay’s best friend.  Stella loves Ryan and wishes that she could of been the one to raise him.  Stella at last convinces Devon to at least get to know Ryan for two weeks before he makes his final decision.  Devon is unsure of how he would be as a father, and Stella has her doubts too.

Right away Devon sees what a sweet and agreeable child Ryan is.  Although Ryan has his “four-year old” tendencies to misbehave or be winey, Devon handles it well.  He quickly starts to love Ryan.  Stella in her kind, but pushy way, keeps asking Devon to take Ryan.  Devon reminds her that he is only doing the two week trial because she asked him too, but as their time together progresses, is Devon having second thoughts?  And, is Stella telling him everything?

Rachael’s writing is so smooth.  I love the way the relationship between the characters progress.  Especially Devon’s and Stella’s.  Trials come up for them, and I thought they are handled well.  An ex-girlfriend, selling companies, relocations, just to name a few.  There is a bunch of humor that made me smile too (Stella is a lover of random facts).  I also really enjoyed the beautiful setting of Australia.  I felt I was there with the characters, what a beautiful place.  Australian’s way of saying things are so fun and different.

4 out of 5 stars.  I really enjoyed this book.  It’s very cute and clever.  Rachael is such a great writer.  Minor Adjustments is Rachael’s third book.  Check out my review of Luck of the Draw.  To purchase Rachael’s book’s click here.


Luck of the Draw by Rachael Renee Anderson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 172011
 

Luck of the Draw

Author: Rachael Renee Anderson

Publisher: Bonneville/Cedar Fort

Published: 2010

Softcover: 214 pages

ISBN: 978-1-599-55-443-3

FYC FYI- Borrowed from the library

Brighton Andrews lives with his three roommates at BYU-Idaho, and not one of them likes to do laundry. In order to avoid it, the one holding the toy rat needs to ask out a stranger and take her on a date. Brighton is challenged to go out with three girls, who happen to be roommates and they can’t know they are dating the same guy. If he wins, no laundry for a month. Challenge accepted. His first conquest is Katherine Buzzner, a gorgeous, fun girl he met at the school library, but rushing around he “crashes” into Dani Collins, Katherine’s roommate, who does all she can to avoid him. The third is an obnoxious opera star, and Brighton sits through many “performances”. As great as Katherine is, Brighton can’t get Dani out of his mind. He even takes snowboarding lessons from her to try to get another date. He is really starting to like her. Brighton, who calls himself Jeff to Dani, really turns on the charm, but Dani is hesitant. Mainly because Jeff is going to med school when he graduates. Instant turn-off for Dani. Her father is a doctor, and felt her parents weren’t there for her growing up. They were more interested in the next social event instead of being parents. Luckily Dani had her Nana who kept her grounded, and showed her the life she knows she wants.

What I liked most is, what happens next. Of course, Brighton will get caught (sorry to spoil, but it was inevitable right). I enjoyed how it all came about, and where Dani and Brighton go from there.

I really enjoyed this book. The turn it took really surprised me, I’m glad there was more to what the back cover read. My favorite was Dani, she is a great character. A smart girl who has a strong testimony, and a strong head on her shoulders. She knows what she wants, but also learns to bend at end. I laughed and cried.

4 1/2 stars of out 5. Rachael has also written Divinely Designed, which I have not read, but will very soon. Congrats to Rachael, Luck of the Draw is a finalist for a 2010 Whitney Award in the Romance category. Here’s the link to Rachael’s blog.

Teaser Tuesday – January 26, 2010

 Posted by  Special Features, Teaser Tuesdays
Jan 262010
 
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
Shanda’s Teaser:

“Interrupting the silence, she questioned without thinking. ‘Hey, Brax, other than your father, why don’t you have any pictures of your family up?’ She studied him curiously.
He had to give Kennedy some credit. She definitely didn’t miss much, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.”
Divinely Designed by Rachel Renee Anderson, page 61
Sheila’s Teaser:

“I see dead bodies all the time in the mortuary,” I said, “and I think that that’s fine- Mom and Margaret have worked there for years, and they’re not serial killers.So I see lots of live people, and I see lots of dead people, but I’ve never actually seen a live person turn into a dead one. I’m…curious.”

“And the scene of the crime is the closest you can get without committing a crime scene yourself?”

“Yes,” I said.

I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
Leave your teaser in the comments!