The Progress Series Blog Tour by Amy Queau

Happy Release Day to Amy Queau

Happy Release To Amy Queau

Rewired....Book 3 and the Final Chapter of her Progress Series has Arrived

Rewired (Progress Series #3) by Amy Queau Book Review

"Trauma is trauma, no matter what the experience or to whom.  But it's what we do with it afterwards that defines us, challenges us, and either stops us dead in our tracks or propels us to move forward,"  Amy Queau writes in Rewired, the third book in the Progress Series.  I can’t get this quote out of my mind and I think it is a perfect summation of what the Progress Series is about.
 

Baby Lock Melody Sewing Machine for My Mother

So normally this blog is all about books, reading, authors, etc...But this time I will make an exception for a chance to win a Baby Lock Melody Sewing Machine for my mother.  Her hobby which she's had for awhile now is quilting and I've been the recipient of several quilts.  One of which my dog is extremely attached to - it's pretty hilarious, but he's an old dog and there's nothing wrong with a nice plush quilt for a dog, right?

My dog on one of the quilts my mother made for me!

The Pact by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt

This isn't a book I would normally pick up - my boyfriend had to read it as an assignment for a college course and I decided to read it as well.  That being said, I don't regret reading this book at all.  The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt with Lisa Frazier Page is an inspiring true story of three inner city kids overcoming all odds and becoming doctors. 

Render by Stephanie Fleshman Book Review

Are you ready for an action packed young adult novel that will keep you guessing?  If so, look no farther than Render by Stephanie Fleshman.  Render has everything to keep a reader intrigued - plot twists, mystery, adventure, a love story and well developed characters. 

Reading Multiple Books at Once

We all have different types of reading-reading for class, fun, work, to a child.  Reading is very important to me and I believe the more you read the better your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and maybe even memory will become.  That being said, how do we juggle all of the different reading that we have to or want to do.  What happens when they want and have to reads coincide with each other?  Or what happens when you just can't wait to read that one book that just was released but you are in the middle of a saga?  How do you cope?

Author Discussion Group Event ~ Jodi Daynard

Support an awesome author and enter to WIN a Kindle Fire, a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an autographed copy of The Midwife's Revolt

We'll be doing an event every hour on the hour with prizes throughout as well as a day long giveaway for a Kindle Fire! Each event will have clues for extra entries so check back in often. So hop over to GoodReads between 10AM and 8PM EST! Come back throughout the day to get more inside info about Jodi, The Midwife's Revolt and have some fun!

Join us on GoodReads

The Midwife's Revolt is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon this novel is rich in detail, character and intrigue! The Midwife’s Revolt takes the reader on a journey to the founding days of America. It follows one woman’s path, Lizzie Boylston, from her grieving days of widowhood after Bunker Hill, to her deepening friendship with Abigail Adams and midwifery, and finally to her dangerous work as a spy for the Cause. A novel rich in historical detail, The Midwife’s Revolt opens a window onto the real lives of colonial women.

Guest Post by Stephanie Fleshman - Blog Tour

Please enjoy this guest post by Stephanie Fleshman, author of the enticing Paranormal YA, Render. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $550 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of the book.  

The 5 Guys You'll Meet in YA Fiction:

A Guest Post by Stephanie Fleshman

According to GalleyCat, YA eBook revenues increased 120.9% last year. The great news is whatever YA male character types keep you reading, it's unlikely you'll run out of books anytime soon. After a while contemplating my favorite YA reads, I noticed a pattern when it came to the male heroes in these stories. Without further ado, here's a run-down of the 5 guys you're likely to meet when reading a Young Adult novel...

Excerpt from Render by Stephanie Fleshman - Blog Tour Post

Please enjoy this fun, playful excerpt from Render by Stephanie Fleshman. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $550 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

When Life Gets in the Way of Reading...

With the end of summer upon us I find that my "me" time and my reading time has slipped away like so many people's.  I have family, home and work obligations.  My significant other is taking college courses and needs my assistance and support to be successful in his classes (I may have gone to three colleges for a total of 8 years-I know my way around colleges).  This has left so little time for me to read.  And people who know me know I'm a voracious reader.  So, how have I been coping and finding a little me/reading time in between everything?  Little bits of time at a time...

Farsighted by Emlyn Chand Book Review

When you think of the typical book hero, what do you instantly think of?  Strong, intelligent, popular, a jock?  I'm not saying Alex, the hero in Farsighted by Emlyn Chand, isn't smart or strong, but he definitely isn't a jock or popular.  In fact, Alex is pretty much an outcast in addition to being born blind.  With the help of the supporting characters Alex will learn about himself and hopefully change the future.

Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett Book Review

Are you ready for the hot, sexy, steamy, fun, second book in the Off Series by Sawyer Bennett?  If you are then you will not be disappointed in Off Limits!   

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor Book Review

We all make mistakes and bad choices.  Some are big mistakes that change your entire life.  Jake Hayes knows all about those big mistakes and bad choices.  In his senior year of high school, Jake's life is changed forever when he gets drunk at a party and gets into a car with a drunk friend.  On his way to Samantha Shay's house the car goes off the road and Jake's injuries are so severe he loses his ability to talk and the ability to tell Sam he's been in love with her for years.

Rating a Book...When do you decide?

I was recently reading a book and within the first half of the book I realized I had made my mind up about what star rating I would give this particular book.  Then I got to thinking about when I usually decide what star value a book is.  Is it normal to judge a book within the first half?  Or is it more prudent to wait until you have completed a book to decide the rating?  Is there something that causes you to instantly dock points from a book? 

To Catch a Bad Guy by Marie Astor Book Review

What would you do if you were "downsized" from your last position while your boss who happens to be your ex-boyfriend will obviously not give you a reference?  You might get a little desperate and accept an offer for a job from your friend without knowing too much about the company.  That's the situation Janet Maple finds herself in in To Catch a Bad Buy by Marie Astor.

There Comes a Prophet by David Litwack Book Review

I once saw a documentary that said in a thousand years, if our society crumbled, there wouldn't be much left of our buildings or our culture.  There Comes a Prophet by David Litwack makes me think of that documentary and reflect on what would people think of us today.  Now, I know that probably wasn't the goal Mr. Litwack had when he set out to write this book, but that is what's resonating with me.

Interview with Author David Litwack - Blog Tour

Please enjoy this interview with David Litwack, author of the gripping contemporary novel, Along the Watchtower, and the deep, dark dystopia, There Comes a Prophet. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $650 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.

Along the Watchtower by David Litwack Book Review

Lieutenant Freddie Williams is a war hero wounded in Iraq who must now undergo the long journey of recovery.  Frederick is the dauphin of the mystical kingdom who must undergo four trials to ensure the safety of his people and earn his right to be crowned king.  Freddie inhabits the waking world of therapists and learning to move forward after the tragedies that have befallen him.  Frederick quests at night blurring the lines of reality and fantasy for Freddie.  Both have important missions where failure is not an option. 

Excerpt from Along the Watchtower by David Litwack

Please enjoy this gripping excerpt from Along the Watchtower by David Litwack. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $650 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.

The Virtual World of Gaming and the Plight of War Veterans: A Guest Post by David Litwack

Please enjoy this guest post by David Litwack, author of the gripping contemporary novel, Along the Watchtower, and the deep, dark dystopia, There Comes a Prophet. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $650 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.

Souls of Darkness by Eleanor T. Beaty Book Review

What's the best way to start out a book?  With a bang! That's how Souls of Darkness by Eleanor T. Beaty starts out and the fast pace remains throughout the whole story. 

Walk Away With Me by Darby Davenport Book Review

I'm not one to normally read novellas, they are simply too short for me.  I sometimes feel that there just isn't enough development to the story in 100 pages.  Or that it ends abruptly.  But Walk Away With Me by Darby Davenport made me want to try a novella again. 

Novels vs Novellas...Where do you stand?

As I was reading a novella, which sounded too good to not read (and you can read the review later), I contemplated novels versus novellas and what people think of them.  I can't be the only person to dislike reading novellas because I feel they are too short?  Or can I?

Interrupted (Progress Series #2) by Amy Queau

Are you ready for the emotional rollercoaster of a sequel to Progress?  Interrupted (The Second Book in The Progress Series) by Amy Queau picks up exactly where Progress ended.  After the events of the first book, we find Charlie and Jesse going their separate ways.  While, Charlie moves on seemingly quickly, Jesse has a harder time.  I give this book 5 stars because it will make you laugh, cry, shake your head and believe in "normal" love again!

Delayed Penalty by Shey Stahl Book Review

Delayed Penalty by Shey Stahl follows the journey of Evan, a hockey player in the NHL and Ami, the woman he finds brutally assaulted in an alley.  While this book deals with the heartbreaking truth of rape, the author handles the subject matter delicately and does it justice.

 

Amazon's eBook Return Policy ~ My Thoughts

I recently found out about Amazon's Kindle book return policy, which in my mind is ridiculous.  It gives you seven days from the purchase date to return a book.  So in that time a reader has the opportunity to read the full book and then return it.  This, in my opinion, is very damaging to the Indie author community.  People need to be accountable for their actions, yes, but at the same point Amazon's policy at times allows unscrupulous readers to do that.

Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett Book Review

Have you ever read a book where you have to seriously think to figure out something you didn't like about the book?  Well, that's Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett for me....  I had to really think hard about something that I didn't like.  And the only thing I could think of is that the main characters fell in love in a very short time.  But Ms. Bennett doesn't make it seem like it's a short time, so I guess when characters have such chemistry, it works. 

 

Love of Truth by CT Oliver Book Review

Catching some sun, having adventures, cooking good food, lounging with a good book, playing with her sidekick Larry (the dog), and enjoying catching up with friends--that's all Amelia Adler has planned for her beach side vacation.  That is until she locks eyes with her gorgeous neighbor Craig Patrice.  Love of Truth by CT Oliver follows two people who meet on vacation and have an instant connection, but can that connection last once they get back into the real world?

Meetings of Chance by Darlene Deluca Book Review

What would you do if you stumbled upon a secret that could change your family's life forever?  How would you handle it?  Who would you turn to?  Those are the questions that Megan has to deal with in Meetings of Chance by Darlene Deluca all the while dealing with the recent death of her mother.

Traditional vs eBooks:The Dilemma with Technology

As I sit here writing this, I am waiting for my Kindle to charge so I can continue reading my book. I am now pondering the joys and annoyances of ebooks versus traditional books. In this technological age with so many ereaders out there, most people I know have one, but what happens to the traditional books? Do you stop reading them? Do you read some books on an ereader and then some traditional books?

How Do You Read a Series?

Nowadays, it is becoming the trend for authors to write everything in series--it seems there aren't as many stand alone novels out there.  I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I truly like to have a story continue or have minor characters become the main characters in their own books.  But with that comes my dilemma and maybe yours as well... How do you read a series? 

Progress by Amy Queau Book Review

Some of my gauges of how much I truly like a book are:
Can I put it down easily?
Can I can watch a movie instead of read the book?
Am I okay with only reading a chapter or two then putting the book down for awhile?
Do I constantly think about going back to the book if time doesn't allow me to read it right then and there?

So by that gauge I must have truly loved Progress by Amy Queau because I read it in one afternoon.  And I do love this book.  I say I read it in almost one sitting--only stopping to give the dogs a potty break and to get some dinner (I would've been content to not take that break).

Daughter's Justice by Thaddeus Nowak Book Review

What would you do to right a wrong?  How far would you go?  Who would you trust to help you seek justice and not cloud the line of revenge?  Stephanie, the main character in Daughter's Justice by Thaddeus Nowak has to deal with just those questions.  As well as the minor problems of people wanting to burn her at the stake for being a witch and her mother stealing the kingdom's treasury.  Daughter's Justice is a perfect follow-up to Mother's Curse that will have you wanting to hide from the reality so you don't have to put the book down!

**Blog Tour: An Interview with Thaddeus Nowak, Author of Mother's Curse & Daughter's Justice

Please enjoy this interview with Thaddeus Nowak, author of the exciting and beautifully written YA fantasy, Mother's Curse, and its sequel, Daughter's Justice. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.

**Blog Tour: Excerpt of Mother's Curse by Thaddeus Nowak

Now that you've read my review from yesterday, here is an excerpt of Thaddeus Nowak's Mother's Curse.

Please enjoy this excerpt from the exciting and beautifully written YA fantasy, Mother’s Curse, by Thaddeus Nowak. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.

Mother's Curse by Thaddeus Nowak Book Review

The sins of the mother....

Have you ever blamed your mother for passing along some undesirable trait?  We all get unwanted habits and traits from our parents (my mom gave me fine, straight hair that can't hold a curl), but I think we can safely say that our mother's didn't "curse" us.  For Stephanie in a Mother's Curse by Thaddeus Nowak, she can trace the blame for her curse back to her mother's sins.

A Guest Post by Thaddeus Nowak, Author of Mother's Curse & Daughter's Justice

Please enjoy this guest post by Thaddeus Nowak, author of the exciting and beautifully written YA fantasy, Mother’s Curse, and its sequel, Daughter’s Justice. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book.

Why This Male Reader Loves Strong Female Characters

A Guest Post by Thaddeus Nowak

COVER REVEAL ~ Love of Truth by CT Oliver

Photo Credit: Okay Creations

I'm so excited for this amazing book from a wonderful new author!

Are You.....Addicted to Reading?

Does reading interfere with your daily life?  Do you find yourself daydreaming about reading at inopportune times?  Are you constantly late to family/friend gatherings because you couldn't put your book down?  Do you stay up all night just to finish a book making you tired the next morning?  If you answered yes to any of these you may be addicted to reading....

Cold Glory by B. Kent Anderson Book Review

Who would've thought a middle-aged, overweight man with a special needs son would be the hero of an action packed thriller?  I certainly wouldn't, but B. Kent Anderson does a great job of making an everyday man do what needs to be done for his country and his son.  This book has the feel of a National Treasure movie that keeps you hooked from page one!

Judging a Book by the Cover

Okay, we have all been told not to judge a book by it's cover... Our parents and teachers all say that not only in relation to books, but as a metaphor for judging people.  Now, I'm all for not judging people by their "cover", but in terms of actual books all bets are off.   Have you ever spied a book cover and just had to read it?  Maybe even without reading the synopsis? 

Angel Falls by Michael Paul Gonzalez Review

Fire....Eternal damnation....Suffering....Satan's an evil guy....

Let's get all of those preconceived notions out of the way and get to the real version of Lucifer and Hell.  Angel Falls isn't that different of a town from one on Earth, it's when you start on your "long walk" that it becomes more of your traditional Hell.  So before you start on you long walk, stay awhile in Hell, enjoy some manna cakes and have a few laughs with Angel Falls by Michael Paul Gonzalez.

First Person vs Third Person POV

True story....until a few years ago, if I picked up a book that was written in the first person point of view I would immediately put the book down and stop reading it.  Until there was one book that I thought sounded so good that I couldn't stop reading it just because it was in the first person.  Even though I won't stop reading a book just because of the point of view it's written in, I still prefer to read books that are written in the third person point of view.

The Midwife's Revolt by Jodi Daynard Review

**I won this book as part of a Facebook contest on the author's page.**
What would you do when you are faced with some of the harshest conditions?  How far would you go?  Does the end truly justify the means?  The answer for Lizzie Boylston and friends is you do what you must.  The Midwife's Revolt by Jodi Daynard follows Lizzie Boylston over a period of years during the Revolutionary War. 

When Do You Read Reviews About A Book?

Do you read reviews, then pick up a book?  Do you pick up a book, then in the middle of it of it read reviews?  Do you wait after you've read a book, then read any reviews?  It can be a conundrum for me.  I want to make sure I will like a book before I read it, but I don't want other's opinions to sway my view of the book.  And I run into the problem where a lot of times, I disagree with the reviewers opinion of the book. 

"The Wedding Shroud" by Elisabeth Storrs Review

There are historical romances and then there are ancient-historical romances.  The Wedding Shroud: A Tale of Ancient Rome by Elisabeth Storrs is in the later category.  It follows the story of a Roman girl and an Etruscan nobleman in BC times. 

Book Version vs. Movie Version

Are you the type of person who reads the book then watches the movie?  Or do you watch the movie then get inspired to read the book?  Or if you see the movie version does it spoil the book for you?  When possible, I generally try to read the book then watch the movie version.  But there have been times when watching a movie version has inspired me to go and read the book, especially if it is part of a series (then I can learn what happens sooner). 

The Night Circus Review

Step right up to the magical, mystical world of Le Cirque des Reves as written by Erin Morgenstern in The Night Circus.  The circus is only open from dusk to dawn, so get your fill of this book with magical prose before the sun rises!

Picking up a Book You Normally Wouldn't Read...

Okay, we all get into ruts.... Ruts at work, school, home life, the books we read, the movies we watch.  Part of my goal in using this blog is to get me out of the ruts I sometimes find myself in and to start enjoying the plethoria of books and movies categories out there. 
Now, there is nothing wrong with knowing what you like and sticking with it, sometimes it is good to see what is out there.  That being said, do you ever pick up a book or watch a movie that you aren't sure you will like?  If you do, what have the results been?

"A Rogue by Any Other Name" by Sarah MacLean Review

How far would you go to get revenge on someone who had wronged you?  Would you care about the collateral damage?  In A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean, the hero must come to grips with these very issues. 

**UPDATED**A Blog is Born!

So I have been bugged and bugged for a while to start a blog by my best friend Marie for a while - here it finally is. She has given me a little help in figuring out the set up - other than that she is leaving me all on my own *yikes*.

I will primarily use this blog to review the movies I see and the books I read, with a few other random thought provoking posts thrown in for good measure.