Showing posts with label great reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label great reads. Show all posts

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Embers by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

Embers is captivating and brilliant--a fantasy tale that draws you into a world of heat and fire, good and evil. Ronie Kendig delivers a searing tale that will leave you craving more!
 
Siblings, one crippled the other gifted. A enemy who will stop at nothing to wage war. A long forgotten prophecy that will change the course of history. This is the recipe for a fantastic read and Ronie Kendig is the master chef who has brought it all together in Embers.

I really don't know where to start this review because I'm simply blown away by Ronie and this book. Not surprising (I love everything she writes) but this was on a whole different level of awesome. The world building, gifts-creation/explanation, and epic fantasy awesomeness coalesce into a tale that keeps you guessing until the end, desperate to find out what the truth is.

As I read Embers I was enveloped in the story, wholly there, leaping to new heights and anxious to discover what would happen next. Ronie's writing is flawless! Her grasp of the world was evident in her descriptions as well as the rich details that aid in sucking a reader in. She also crafted a really awesome character in the raqine (I want one) and it's the little details like that that simply amaze me.

I also really enjoyed her characters. I felt like the cast for Embers was well chosen and fleshed out. They are vivid as individuals, but they don't distract from the main characters or the plot. The dialogue was also amazing, really conveying the feeling of the world and its people.

As for the ending--I won't give anything away, but trust me, you'll turn the last page already wondering where Book 2 is, because let's be honest, we need it NOW. 

I highly recommend this to everyone! Those who already enjoy fantasy will love it, and those who haven't tried fantasy yet...well, you need to read this! There is action, adventure, romance, intrigue, and enough questions to keep you guessing until the end.

Embers is a wild ride you won't soon forget!

Rating: 5*
Purchase: Embers (book 1)

Book Description
(from Ronie's website)

HE’S COMING FOR THEM. AND THE KINGDOM.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does, it comes with a terrible price: Haegan’s disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king’s wrath.

Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.
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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Keep An Eye Out | Great Deals on Kindle Books


Hello, my dear readers! So, I just thought I'd do something fun today because I know some authors who are having sales this week as well as some eBooks that are a great deal and they are by people you SHOULD be reading...trust me!

P.S. All prices shown here were accurate when I posted this, but they are subject to change by will of the publisher, author, or price-gods ;)


Centralia
by Mike Dellosso

Yep, Mike was on the blog this week but his book Centralia is on sale in eBook format for $2.99

{And there's still time to enter to leave a comment for him on his post - he's giving away 2 copies!}




In Between 
by Jenny B. Jones

The Cactus Creek Challenge
by Erica Vetsch

$3.99 on Kindle
Chasing Amanda
by Robin Patchen

What A Girl Needs: An Ashley Stockingdale Novel
by Kristin Billerbeck

$4.99 on Kindle
To Mend A Dream
by Tamera Alexander

Three Little Words
by Melissa Tagg

FREE on Kindle
 A Lady of Esteem
by Kristi Ann Hunter

I Hope You Dance
by Robin Lee Hatcher

$3.99 on Kindle

The Wedding Chapel
by Rachel Hauck



Falcon
by Ronie Kendig

$7.99 on Kindle

Operation Zulu | Beginning
by Ronie Kendig


More Than This 
by Staci Stallings


Good Enough for A Princess
by Carol Moncado

FREE on Kindle

The Curse of Crow Hollow
by Billy Coffee 

A Cast of Stones
By Patrick W. Carr

Rules of Murder
by Julianna Deering
 Courting Miss Amsel
by Kim Vogel Sawyer





Take and Give
by Amanda G. Stevens

Pre-Order for $3.03

The Isaac Project
by Sarah Monzon





Love in Mistletoe Springs
by Lee Carver, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Lee Tobin McClain, Gail Sattler, Ginger Solomon







The Hesitant Heiress
by Dawn Crandal

Sailing in Style
by Dana Mentink

$4.99 on Kindle
 



Truth or Dare
by Denise Hunter

$0.99 on Kindle





All for Anna
by Nicole Deese

The Ryn | Eyes of E'Veria
by Serena Chase

$3.99 on Kindle






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I decided to do this post of my own volition. I haven't read all of these, but I love sharing a good deal! And, as noted on my "About" page, I am an affiliate with Amazon and for some purchase links provided, I will receive a portion of the sale. This does not affect your purchase price in any way.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Beth K. Vogt & Jennifer Uhlarik | New Novel News +GIVEAWAY


Crazy Little Thing Called Love
by Beth K. Vogt

Published June 30, 2015
Howard Books
Purchase: Crazy Little Thing Called Love


What if what you thought was your biggest mistake was actually the right choice? Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first novel in Beth K. Vogt’s destination wedding series that examines the power of love, and the mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.”



Get to know Beth...

Share one pet peeve you have. 
My pet peeve reveals itself when I drive: inconsiderate drivers frustrate me. I’m one of those people who talk to other drivers. “Fine, come on over in my lane without using your blinker,” or “Get off my bumper, buddy!” I’m proud to say I’ve taught this “say it out loud” driving technique to my daughters.

What's your favorite chore? I like to clean out the fridge. Seek and destroy the old foodstuff. Wipe down the glass shelves. Reorganize everything, because I do have a system for where everything goes – and yes, my family ignores it.

What’s one thing you must have/do in the morning? 
Besides saying good morning to my husband? For the past year and a half, I’ve taken morning walks with my writing buddy, Mary Agius. She lives one street away from me. We walk 3-4 miles. Our walks are absolute necessities – mentally, physically and spiritually. We walk, talk, and pray together. And at the end of every walk, we say, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)


The Convenient Bride Collection
with Jennifer Uhlarik

Published July 1, 2015
Barbour
Purchase: The Convenient Bride Collection

The Convenient Bride: Join nine brides of convenience on their adventures in a variety of times and settings gone by—from a ranch in California…to the rugged mountains of Colorado…to a steamship on the Mississippi…to the dangerous excitement of the Oregon Trail…into high society of New York City. No matter the time or place, the convenient brides proceed with what must be done, taking nuptials out of necessity. . .and never dreaming that God might take their feeble attempts to secure their futures and turn them into true love stories for His glory.

Get to know Jennifer...

What's one chore you hate doing? 
Just one? The chore I most loathe is mopping floors. I don’t mind sweeping floors, but I detest mopping them!

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on? 
This would be a toss-up between Teagan Donovan, my hero in Sioux Summer (found in the Oregon Trail Romance Collection) or Cullen McGuinness, my Irish hero in an unpublished work I’m still trying to place.

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past? 
The Past. I know what to expect there, since we can read about the times and events that happened. Thus, I can prepare myself for what it will be like.

Leave a comment to enter to win a copy of one of these amazing books! I'll pick the winner and announce next Monday, July 20th. {U.S. residents only}

Monday, May 4, 2015

Misty Beller & A.J. Cattapan + GIVEAWAY | New Novel News

Angelhood
by A.J. Cattapan

Published April 12, 2015 
Vinspire Publishing 
Purchase: Angelhood
After a tragic death, seventeen-year-old Nanette finds herself in an afterlife that is less than heavenly. Trapped between alternating periods of darkness and light, Nanette learns she’s a guardian angel, and the only way she can earn her wings is to keep her young charge, Vera, from taking her own life. Unfortunately, Nanette is missing more than just her wings. She has no tangible body or voice, either. Frustrated by her inability to reach out to Vera and haunted by memories of her old life, Nanette wants to give up, but then she sees what happens when another Guardian at the high school turns his back on his charge. The shock is enough to supercharge Nanette’s determination to save Vera and herself from the shadows that haunt them both.

This is a story in the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life about appreciating the little things even in the midst of tragedy and recognizing God’s never-failing presence and mercy in our lives.
Get to know A.J....

What actor/actress would play you if your life was a movie?
Amy Adams. In fact, two years ago, I declared to my friends that I was going to spend the summer of 2014 in Italy, then write a book about my experiences a la Eat, Pray Love, and Amy Adams would play me in the movie version! I mean, it would be perfect, right? We’re about the same age, Amy Adams was born in Italy (I’m Italian), and we both have the name Amy. J The declaration was made tongue-in-check, but I did spend two weeks in Italy that summer, and I’m working on a spiritual travel memoir about that time period. So who knows!

What’s your favorite book?
Anne of Green Gables. I’m heartbroken over the passing of actor Jonathan Crombie who played Gilbert Blythe. He was so perfect in that role. But before I saw the movies, I read the books, starting in sixth grade. In fact, I credit L.M. Montgomery for turning me on to the idea of becoming a writer. I wanted to write a book with characters that captured my readers’ hearts the way Montgomery’s characters captured mine.

Coffee or tea?
Tea. However, my recent trips to Italy are starting to turn me into a cappuccino drinker. Nonetheless, it’s tea (a nice Earl Gray) that’s sitting by my side as I’m typing this. One of my favorite places to visit with my sisters-in-law and friends is a tea shop called Tea Lula in Park Ridge, IL. I was so excited when the tea shop owner asked if I’d do a book signing at her store! We have it planned for this July, and any folks who are in the Chicago area at that time are welcome to come. Details can be found on the events page of my website.

Website: www.ajcattapan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/acattapan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJCattapan
Instagram: https://instagram.com/a.j.cattapan/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ajcattapan/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24553425-angelhood
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AJCattapan
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/ajcattapan

The Lady and the Mountain Doctor
by Misty M. Beller

Published April 28, 2015
Self Published
Purchase: The Lady and the Mountain Doctor (Mountain Dreams Series Book 2)

Miriam Bryant has always dreamed of leaving the never-ending work of her family's remote mountain ranch to travel abroad as a genteel lady. She's thrilled when the opportunity finally arises, but a gruesome hunting accident crushes her plans, leaving her stranded for weeks in a mining town. The single bright spot in her disappointment comes in the form of this mountain town's newest doctor…

Fresh out of medical school, Alex Donaghue is excited to join his brother's practice and prove himself in the mining town of Butte, in Montana Territory. But the tough conditions in the mines and the brutal winter are worse than he expected. Now a mysterious lung disease is killing patients he fought so hard to cure. The single bright spot in this dreary place comes in the form of their newest patient…

But when Miriam's life is threatened by the effects of a medical tragedy, will Alex have what it takes to save the woman he's come to love? Will Miriam ever find the place God created her for, or is it too late?
Get to know Misty...

What are you reading right now? 
The Still of Night by Kristen Heitzmann. Kristen is one of my favorite authors, and I had the amazing opportunity to meet her at a writer's workshop earlier this year. What an amazing person!

Do you have a nickname? Care to share? 
One of my ongoing quirks is that I'm a bit of a Mountain Dew-aholic. Some of my friends that know me best lovingly call me "Dewey".

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past? 
Oh, the past! I would want to live out West in the 1870s (which happens to be the time period I write in the most!)

Website: http://www.mistymbeller.com/



::WINNER::

I had the lovely Caryl McAdoo on the blog last week and she offered a copy of her novel, Sing a New Song.
We've got a winner...

L. Afong

Congratulations! Contact me via the blogger contact form to the right and we'll arrange to get your copy to you :)

Monday, April 20, 2015

Melissa Tagg & Catherine West Giveaway Winners

We've got winners! 
I was so excited to host these two amazing ladies on the blog last week - if you missed it, check out their post HERE. And the fact that they were both so gracious to offer a giveaway was equally amazing :) We had a lot of entries (so awesome to see some new commenters here!) and I wish I could just give you all copies....but unfortunately that isn't possible.
Make sure you come back soon - I look forward to seeing you here again!



Winner: Debra Hancock

P.S. You may not have won, but Melissa does have a fun little eBook short out that's currently FREE on Amazon Kindle: Three Little Words (Walker Family): A Novella


Winner: Beth Gillihan

 If you didn't win this time, make sure you stop by regularly because I offer a lot of fun giveaways. Speaking of, there's still the chance to enter to win a copy of Dandelions for Dinner. Leave a comment on Valerie Comer's interview HERE. Winner chosen Wednesday April 22nd.