Monday, October 3, 2022

Early #Review ~ The Magic of a Small Town Christmas by Megan Alexander @MeganAlexander @BNoticedPR #ChildrensPictureBook

ASIN: ‎ B09SZQV9X4
Publisher: ‎ Aladdin Books
Publication Date: ‎ October 18, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 32 pages

Pre-Order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pQYLFP

About the Book:

From Inside Edition’s national correspondent Megan Alexander comes a sweet picture book celebrating the joys, wonders, and traditions of a small-town Christmas in the spirit of her show, Small Town Christmas.

In the town of Heartbeat Falls, where skies are crystal clear, the magic of Christmas is celebrated in many different ways: from picking the perfect tree to decorating it with glittering ornaments; from ice skating to eating yummy gingerbread cookies; from hanging handmade stockings to sharing a homecooked meal. Here, the residents know the beauty of a small town doesn’t come from its size, but from the love shared by its people, shining brightly in their eyes.

My Review:

The Magic of a Small Town Christmas is filled with color illustrations, descriptive traditions, and diverse townsfolk. Everyone comes together to celebrate different aspects of the holiday. Whether Christmas tree shopping, selecting the perfect treats, decorating the town, or coming together to share a feast, neighbors celebrate together. 

I love the unity this book promotes. The story's illustrations truly depict wonder and joy in the faces of each person. This is the perfect book to share with children, give as a gift, and donate to charity's for children and families.

You can pre-order The Magic of a Small Town Christmas at your favorite bookstore.

I was provided a pdf of this book to read.

Meet the Author:


Megan Alexander is an Emmy-nominated national host, author, speaker, actress, and the owner of M. Alexander Productions. She is the creator, Executive Producer and Host of the UPtv travel show “Small Town Christmas”, seen every Holiday Season on UPtv. She believes in creating and launching meaningful projects that matter. You can hear and see Megan on a variety of outlets, like the syndicated national news magazine, television show INSIDE EDITION, CBS television shows, Fox News, Lifetime, the Hallmark Channel and many more.

For the 2014 and 2015 NFL seasons, she covered Thursday Night Football on CBS. As an actress, her film credits include roles in the movies Space Warriors, Redeemed, Heartbeats, and in the television dramas Nashville and Still the King. She is an Executive Producer of the feature film Heartbeats. Megan hosts the nationally televised Inspirational Country Music Awards each year. Megan sits on the Board of Trustees for the Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. She was born and raised in Seattle, WA and attended King’s High School. She graduated from Westmont College with a degree in Political Science. She previously worked with Fox 17, Metro Networks, KENS5, the CBS station in San Antonio, TX, and co-hosted the morning show Great Day San Antonio before joining the INSIDE EDITION. Her first book, Faith in the Spotlight – Thriving in Your Career While Staying True to Your Beliefs, was released by Simon & Schuster on October 4, 2016. She released a second book, One More Hug, a children’s picture book in the Fall 2019. Megan splits time between NYC and Nashville, TN. She and her husband have 2 sons and one daughter. Megan is a Christmas fanatic and still believes

Stay in touch with Megan Alexander on her website and social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Watch videos on her official YouTube account and stay connected with her on LinkedIn.

Friday, September 30, 2022

Book #Review ~ Day Dream: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel: (Remarkable Remedies, Book 6) (Haven Hollow, Book 21) by J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory @HPMallory #PWF

 


ASIN: ‎ B09JMCWV38
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication Date: ‎ September 16, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 215 pages


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60597452-day-dream-remarkable-remedies-6

About the Book:

I’ve just moved to the legendary Haven Hollow to start the next chapter of my life…

My name is Sydney Blackstone, better known as The Sandman.

After losing my wife two years ago and getting lost in grief ever since, I decided I needed to start over.

So, I find myself in Haven Hollow, where I plan to open my own mattress store, Sandman Syd’s.

Almost as soon as I move to Haven Hollow, though, I realize my work is cut out for me—someone is having not only bad dreams but dangerous ones.

As the Sandman, it’s my responsibility to relieve this sleeper of whatever night terror is after them.

Little do I know the culprit is the infamous Jormungandr, the legendary serpent from Midgard.

With such a powerful predator on the loose, I don’t have much time to ensure the citizens of Haven Hollow are safe and, more pointedly, one citizen in particular: Bailey Bennett.

At the moment Bailey, a psychic from Spook Society, walks through my door, I have a feeling she won’t be walking out anytime soon.

As long as I can keep her safe, that is…

My Review:

Day Dream is Book 6 in the Remarkable Remedies series and Book 21 in the Haven Hollows series. Following newcomer Sydney Blackstone, aka Sandman Syd, Day Dream almost seems like a standalone in both of the forementioned series'. The story focuses on more of the secondary characters as Syd tries to settle into his new life in Haven Hollow. Very different storytelling in Day Dream but yet completely intertwined in the Haven Hollow setting. 

I enjoyed Day Dream, learning about Syd, and following his integration into Haven Hollow. Day Dream is another fantastic and fun novel in the Remarkable Remedies/Haven Hollow series. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters do their thing.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:


Friday, September 23, 2022

New Release Book #Review ~ Uncommon by Justine Alley Dowsett & Murandy Damodred - Adult, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance @MirrorWorldPub

Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the 1-Week Book Tour for 

Uncommon 
by Justine Alley Dowsett & Murandy Damodred

About Uncommon:

Rygal Saline has always stood in his sister’s shadow. As heir to the Clan Chief, Rhea has been trained in the art of leadership and warfare. Rygal is just, well, Rygal.

After several years away at a College in Ismera, Rygal returns to Jaram for his father’s funeral only to find a letter from his sister. She’s gone, she’s sorry, and she expects him to take her place as the next clan chief. Never envisioning a place for himself within the clan, let alone taking on the responsibilities of leadership, Rygal finds himself alone and out of his depth.

Desperate for companionship and for someone he can turn to for help, he writes a letter to every eligible maiden on the continent, hoping to find a wife. The letters travel far and wide. Most are rejected until an accident of fate sends Rygal’s letters into the hands of two women for whom they were never intended, setting in motion a plot that threatens to bring Clan Jaram to the brink of war.


My Review:

Told from multiple points-of-view, Uncommon is an intricate tale of intrigue, deception, and determination. The plot is very well defined and exciting. The POVs give the book a sense of real time activity; that what's going on in Jaram is taking place at the same time as Rhea's adventures. 

All of the characters were interesting, 3-dimensional, and complex. I love how the authors created, set up, and fully developed them in Uncommon. I loved Rhea, Cael, Rygal, Emily, and Micah. I enjoyed the authors' writing style, tone, and pacing. The book pulled me in and kept me engaged, and I read it rather quickly.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:


Visit the Tour Hosts:

https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2022/09/book-tour-host-schedule-uncommon-by.html

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0B9V77GQH
Publisher: ‎ Mirror World Publishing; 1st edition
Publication Date: ‎ September 17, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 339 pages

Order Links:

Mirror World Publishing ebook: 

Mirror World Publishing paperback: 


Meet the Authors:

Justine Alley Dowsett (right) is the author of more than ten novels and one of the founders of Mirror World Publishing. Her books, which she often co-writes with her sister, Murandy Damodred (left), range from young adult science fiction to dark fantasy/romance. She earned a BA in Drama from the University of Windsor, honed her skills as an entrepreneur by tackling video game production, and now she dedicates her time to writing, publishing, and occasionally roleplaying with her friends.

With a background in Drama and Communications from the University of Windsor, Murandy Damodred enjoys fantasy fiction with strong romantic subplots. She is an avid role-player and is happiest when living vicariously through her characters. Though she'd rather think of herself as the heroine of her next novel, in the real world she is a nurse and a mom of two living in Windsor, Ontario.


Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/mirrorworldpublishing

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/mirrorworldpub

Amazon:
http://amzn.to/2obPWUL

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28439132-mirror-world

Blog:
http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.wordpress.com/

Publisher Website:
http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-d6tf8fpn4_mjraKjM-hUQ





Saturday, September 10, 2022

Book #Review ~ The Girl on the Poster (The Dark Circus Trilogy Book 2) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain #Paranormal @HPMallory


ASIN: ‎ B0B6XT5FY4
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication date: ‎ August 20, 2022
Print length: ‎ 219 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3L1bgbu
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61433078-the-girl-who-joined-the-circus

About the Book:

Cirque du Noir… the circus of the night, where something wicked is definitely coming.

Even though I’m on my second tour of the US with Cirque Du Noir, I’m no closer to getting answers to the myriad questions that plague me.

And Laurent and Rex are no help, being as tight-lipped as ever.

I realize it’s up to me and me alone to get the answers I’m after, and those answers can only come from The Dark Room within the forbidden, ebony caravan.

With the mysteries mounting and answers unavailable, I search for the truth, but what I discover not only horrifies me but also adds to the enigma that is the Cirque Du Noir, Laurent and Rex.

I only hope that when I eventually uncover the truths behind the circus, it won’t be too late for me…

My Review:

The circus has begun its next circuit through the US and Bindi is the only one left from the previous troupe. Sad and lonely, she still can't grasp why the entire previous band of performers and stagehands had to be completely replaced - all but her. Lacking any real answers from Laurent or Rex, Bindi knows she's going to have to investigate and try to find the answers herself. Bindi's curiosity is only getting stronger as she begins to notice things, overhear conversations not meant for her ears, and realize all is not as it seems in the Cirque du Noir. Discoveries in the Dark Room don't resolve any mysteries, only continuing to fuel the myriad of questions Bindi has about The Dark Circus, Rex, Laurent, and the friends she's lost.

This second book in the trilogy is suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. So many questions - old and new. Who is the girl on the poster? Why are there feelings of familiarity with Rex and Laurent? What happened to Amelia? The list goes on. I cannot wait to discover all of these answers and more!

This book will draw you in and keep you engaged from the start. The characters are complex, well-written, and interesting. This writing due certainly knows how to keep me on the edge of my seat and, at the end of the book, wanting more. And this cover is amazing!

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Friday, September 9, 2022

Book #Review ~ Find Your Way Home (Small Town Dreams #1) by Jackie Ashenden #ContemporaryRomance @JackieAshenden @SourcebooksCasa


About the Book:

He's hell-bent on telling her what to do.

She's determined to make it on her own.
They're both going to learn a thing or two about first impressions.

Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, is beautiful, rugged, and home to those who love adventure. But it's also isolated and on the verge of becoming a ghost town.

When the town puts out a call to its sister city of Deep River, Alaska, hoping to entice people to build homes and businesses in Brightwater, ex paratrooper Chase Kelly is all for it. He sees the benefits of building the economy, but only if those who come to Brightwater are ready for its challenges. Former oil executive Isabella Montgomery and her plan to open an art gallery don't seem up to the test. Now Chase is determined to help her learn the ways of his formidable hometown.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Lwqzsj
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58571309-find-your-way-home

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B097FZV2CK
Publisher: ‎ Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: ‎ April 26, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 314 pages

My Review and Rating:

Isabella Montgomery is a last-minute addition to a trio of women heading to New Zealand to help a small town build more tourism. Her current life in Houston crumbled down around her feet and she really has no reason to stay in Texas. Getting away from everything for a short time just might be what the doctor ordered. Running into a grumpy, know-it-all has Isabella bristling.

Chase Kelly is supportive of the initiative to encourage people from Brightwater Valley, NZ’s sister city, Deep River, AK to come to NZ and settle down, start families, and open businesses. The latest group of women to heed the call doesn’t impress him much. He goes into their meeting already frowning and feeling like the three newcomers won’t be up to the challenge. The non-Alaskan particularly ruffles his feathers. 

Find Your Way Home is a book so good it’s unputdownable. I read the book in two days. When I couldn’t read the book (pesky work and stuff), I thought about Chase and Isabella. I dwelled on their past lives and how the treatment and hurt from people who are supposed to love you molded them into who they are today. I relished in the chemistry and the sparks the author expertly portrayed. I felt their interest, frustration, tension, protective nature, and most of all, their love. Love not just for each other but for everyone around them. For having such tragic pasts, they both embody a giving nature.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.


Wednesday, September 7, 2022

#Book #Review: In Her Sights (Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters, Book #1) by Katie Ruggle #RomanticSuspense #Romance @KatieRuggle @SourcebooksCasa


Book Details:

Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
ASIN: B07HK4KGRG
Purchase Link: Amazon

About In Her Sights:

Five bounty-hunting sisters
Deep in the heart of the Rockies
Fighting to save each other
...and the men who steal their hearts

Bounty hunter Molly Pax fought hard for everything she has, turning the bail recovery business she shares with her sisters into an unqualified success. So when their sticky-fingered mother jumps bail and puts the childhood home up as collateral, Molly's horrified. To make matters worse, every two-bit criminal in the Rockies now sees her family's misfortune as their next big break.

She needs help, stat.

Enter rival bounty hunter John Carmondy: six feet of pure trouble, with a cocky grin to match. John's the most cheerfully, annoyingly gorgeous frenemy Molly's ever had the pleasure of defeating...and he may be her only hope of making it out of this mess alive.

My Review of In Her Sights:

This new series by Katie Ruggle features bounty hunter sisters, a nice change from male leads to female leads. As a huge fan of the author, I was excited to get my hands on In Her Sights, book one of the Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters series. The story focuses on Molly Pax, the oldest sister in the bounty hunting family.

Molly lives with all of her sisters and their mother in a home the sisters worked hard to pay off. When their irresponsible, sneaky, lying mother is accused of grand larceny, dear old mom bonds out of jail using their home as collateral and then skips town. Now, Molly has to turn to John, another bail bondsman, in order to try and locate her mother before her trial date. One problem - Molly tries to avoid John at all costs due to his attempts to steal her bond jumpers and his smugness and cockiness. Unfortunately for her, and much to John's and her sisters' entertainment, she needs him. She soon discovers she needs him for far more than she knows.

The chemistry between Molly and John doesn't jump off the page at first fut you feel its subtlety. Molly denies it but everyone else sees right through her. The duo reminds me of two kids on the playground teasing each other instead of saying they like each other. I really enjoy their interactions and the tension.

The writing is well-done but there is a bit of suspense lacking. I wasn't on the edge of my seat with this book as I usually am with stories by Katie Ruggle. Of course, I'm chomping at the bit for the next book since book 1 ended without a definite conclusion. There are certain aspects that are tied up, however, others will most likely take the entire series to be fleshed out. That's okay though, I'll just sit here and patiently wait....

My Rating:


Tuesday, September 6, 2022

#PWF #Review ~ Angora Alchemy (Wanda's Witchery, #6) by J.R. Rain & H.P. Mallory ~ Paranormal Women's Fiction


ASIN: ‎ B0B75N4D5S
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication Date: ‎ August 26, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 189 pages
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RBNRQ7
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61924408-angora-alchemy-wanda-s-witchery-6

About the Book:

Lookout, Dr. Frankenstein, because here comes Wanda Depraysie…

It’s not as though I meant to create a life.

I didn’t, but that life is still here, all the same.

And the worst part? I created it with… sigh… my detested cousin, Maverick.

Now, before you think I’m a double-timing, good-for-nothing witch, I’m not.

It was all an accident. Swear.

And the even craziest part? This little mixup isn’t even the worst thing that’s happened to me this week.

No, that award goes to the invitation I receive to my own funeral—a party sponsored by the leader of the vampires, Rupert, featuring me as the guest of honor.

Should be fun.

Review & Rating:

Angora Alchemy (Wanda's Witchery, #6) (Haven Hollow, #21)

Angora Alchemy (Wanda's Witchery, #6) by J.R. Rain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wanda has had a heck of a week. She brings something else to life (because the ghost and zombie weren’t enough) and it involves not only her magic but Maverick’s, too. Then, she received an invitation to Rupert’s lair and it’s not one she can decline. Looks like Wanda may become a vampire, after all.

Angora Alchemy is another fantastic and fun novel in the Haven Hollow series. I love Wanda and her motley crew. They aren’t your typical coven but that’s what makes them all so incredible. I was fully engaged in Angora Alchemy. I loved the story, characters, setting, and writing.

The Wanda's Witchery series by J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory is excellent. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters do their thing.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.  

View all my reviews