tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71414786292957441212024-03-13T22:14:49.780-07:00Sunrise AvenueUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger489125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-23588940158488293482016-07-12T03:30:00.000-07:002016-07-12T03:30:23.217-07:002016 INSPY Award Winners!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://inspys.com/?p=2895"><img alt="INSPYs 2016-INSPY Winners Feature" height="263" src="http://inspys.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/INSPYs-2016-INSPY-Winners-Feature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, since I fell off the face of the galaxy, hopefully you have seen this already! At the end of June, the INSPY award winners were announced! </div>
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As a judge of Literature for Young Adults AND a fan of Jody Hedlund, I am proud to say her book 'An Uncertain Choice' was a hands-down winner. <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2015/03/an-uncertain-choice-review-and-interview.html">I've bragged about that read</a> here on the blog before, but all the books in the category were great reads, Only one nomination was new to me, 'The Choosing' by Rachelle Dekker and I hope to share about that intriguing book here on the blog soon!</div>
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As for the rest of the categories, check them out <a href="http://inspys.com/?p=2895">HERE</a>. Some fantastic books were read, reviewed, and chosen by readers and bloggers such as yourself. These are the book published in 2015 that NEED to be on your bookshelves. There are several I need to read still myself! So off I go....</div>
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Happy reading friends! :) </div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-25046653596010080272016-07-11T03:30:00.000-07:002016-07-11T03:30:00.172-07:00The Ringmaster's Wife {Review}<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Ringmaster's Wife" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449373743l/25884871.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Visit the Author's Website <a href="https://kristycambron.com/">HERE</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publisher: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publishing Date: June 7, 2016</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25884871-the-ringmaster-s-wife">Goodreads Summary</a>:</span></b></div>
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<span id="freeText16522529832630501705" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">What is revealed when you draw back the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth?<br /><br />Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.<br /><br />Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.<br /><br />With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><i>I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today!</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
I was totally blown away with Cambron's<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/965948129?book_show_action=false"> previous works</a>, which focused on the Holocaust. It was both saddening and fun to see her break away to something really different with 'The Ringmaster's Wife'. Cambron still kept her alternating POV style, although this time both characters are set in history. Mabel brings us to the 1900s and Rosamund to the 1920s.<br />
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Let me establish from the beginning that Cambron's writing is still sublime.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; line-height: 20.79px;">Little girls of all ages were gathered around Rose. They absorbed every smile from the bareback riding star, laughing and asking for autographs in a delighted swarm of swishing skirts, ankle socks, and black buckle shoes. (pg 244)</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That is just the snippet I used for my <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-ringmasters-wife-sneak-peek.html">Sneak Peek</a>, but it turns out to be a fine example of Cambron's writing style. She has such an ability to bring the pages to life, using rich imagery to paint clear, bright pictures. </span><br />
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<img alt="Frederick Whitman Glasier. Equestrienne on horseback, ca. 1903. Photograph. Collection of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Archives, Glasier Glass Plate Negative Collection, 0063.: " height="258" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7e/42/2e/7e422e2bb4e1c5e2c7385b99f056bfc5.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/475411304391990651/">Source</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, the story jumps all over the place which totally ruined any effort put forth by the reader to become emotionally involved with the characters. Mabel's parts could have been cut entirely so that Rosamund's story could really shine. Instead, we lose scenes like Rose really connecting to the audience finally and a good development of her romance with Colin. The 'showdown' between Rose and her nemesis left me flipping through pages saying 'I missed something. I totally must have missed something'. While it made sudden and complete sense to Rose, it made no sense to me whatsoever. After rereading the scene several times, I still don't get it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I love that Rosamund shook off the bonds of her </span>privileged<span style="font-family: inherit;"> English life, I struggled to view her in a positive light after her </span>naivete and rash decisions put her family in financial peril. Thinking that her family would ever welcome her back after she ran away with a working class man from the <i>circus</i>, is simply not going to happen.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mabel was a fun dreamer and I did enjoy this fictional look at her background. Her relationship with John Ringling was "Prince Charming"-esque, which just doesn't fit with Cambron's style. It's more <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16164030-once-upon-a-prince">Rachel Hauck</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, so I do totally admit that my previous interactions with Cambron's works probably has me biased and overly critical of 'Ringmaster'. But the book is jumpy and hard to track, I feel that is </span>undeniable<span style="font-family: inherit;">. However, I still have faith in Cambron. Her dedication to historical fiction and research is beautiful and entertaining. The Ringling circus truly came to life, becoming larger than life lifting right off the page. I would rate this one with 3.5 stars, but I am trying to move away from half stars, so I will confidently round up to<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">4 stars.</span> </b>Fans of odd points in history, Kristy Cambron, or the circus will truly enjoy this read. I, however, will shelf this one and impatiently wait for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29737083-the-illusionist-s-apprentice">her next work</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-23408292707414447892016-06-25T12:40:00.000-07:002016-06-25T12:40:04.386-07:00The Ringmaster's Wife {Sneak Peek}<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s1600/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sneak Peek Saturday on Reading List a glimpse into what I am reading currently" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s320/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Currently Reading:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>The Ringmaster's Wife</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>by Kristy Cambron</b></span></div>
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<img alt="The Ringmaster's Wife" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1449373743l/25884871.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25884871-the-ringmaster-s-wife">Goodreads Summary:</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">What is revealed when you draw back the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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Little girls of all ages were gathered around Rose. They absorbed every smile from the bareback riding star, laughing and asking for autographs in a delighted swarm of swishing skirts, ankle socks, and black buckle shoes.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Initial Thoughts</b></span></span></div>
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I think this sneak peek provides excellent insight to Cambron's writing. She makes the 1920's and the circus life come alive with just a few short sentences. I can't wait to continue diving deep into the story!</div>
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<i>Thank you to <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003366; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://adailyrhythm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Daily Rhythm</a> </span>for inspiring Reading List's Saturday Sneak Peek link up!</i><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;"><b>Meet the Hosts of Saturday Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Marissa @ Reading List" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYF7lYQZrw/VoWWd8L_GdI/AAAAAAAAG9w/_EhOPQrkZpE/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Marissa @ Reading List" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Marissa</b>, writes book reviews from a variety of genres and shares thoughts on motherhood & life on <b><a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading List</a></b>. She loves to see what others are reading to grow her to-read list. Marissa also enjoys photography and a new journal to fill. </div>
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<b>Alyssa</b> reads a variety of genres and writes about it at <b><a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunrise Avenue</a></b>. She is always looking for new bookish friends and recs'! Besides reading, Alyssa loves to bake and anything Doctor Who.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Karen </b>is a reading teacher who loves to listen to books as she commutes to and from work. She prefers crime thrillers and mysteries but enjoys a good book from any genre. She blogs about her life as a wife and mom at <a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank">Dino Hero Mommy</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Here are some rules if you decide to join in:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pick up whatever book you are reading (non-fiction, fiction, children's... really the sky is the limit)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Open to any page you have already read</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share a few “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page - make it interesting without flipping to a ton of different pages. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span> (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away -- You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share the title & author, too, so we can all add your book to our To-Be-Read lists!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This particular link up will be open for a month, so stop by often to share a new sneak peek, and grow your own TBR list!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-44999972290384212322016-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:002016-06-18T08:53:06.097-07:00The Choosing {Sneak Peek}<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">
Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s1600/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sneak Peek Saturday on Reading List a glimpse into what I am reading currently" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s320/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Currently Reading:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>The Choosing </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>by Rachelle Dekker</b></span></div>
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<img alt="The Choosing (Seer, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1417144814l/23627067.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23627067-the-choosing">Goodreads Summary:</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">“Not to be Chosen would yield a cruel fate of my own making.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—would end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. The whispers contradict everything she’s been told; yet they resonate deep within. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, but she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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"Surely all sinners can be save."<br />
Isaac's eyes grew dark with anger and Carrington began to tremble.<br />
"No they cannot," Isaac said.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Initial Thoughts</b></span></span></div>
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Yikes! So I am already on page 175 and am finding this to be quite the intriguing novel. Authority member Isaac gives me the creeps and this only ups that creepy factor! I am very excited to see how the book will end!!</div>
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<i>Thank you to <span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003366; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://adailyrhythm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Daily Rhythm</a> </span>for inspiring Reading List's Saturday Sneak Peek link up!</i><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;"><b>Meet the Hosts of Saturday Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Marissa @ Reading List" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYF7lYQZrw/VoWWd8L_GdI/AAAAAAAAG9w/_EhOPQrkZpE/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Marissa @ Reading List" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Marissa</b>, writes book reviews from a variety of genres and shares thoughts on motherhood & life on <b><a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading List</a></b>. She loves to see what others are reading to grow her to-read list. Marissa also enjoys photography and a new journal to fill. </div>
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<a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoJ6v6GeRV0/VoWWd2rKwEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/gu8k3_DrqGA/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Alyssa</b> reads a variety of genres and writes about it at <b><a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunrise Avenue</a></b>. She is always looking for new bookish friends and recs'! Besides reading, Alyssa loves to bake and anything Doctor Who.<br />
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<a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNxePWAQirQ/VxuLlHHXCmI/AAAAAAAAI9g/ZWcgPMeOJZAXtX7NzZSaY6TdZxZ6YVagwCLcB/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Karen </b>is a reading teacher who loves to listen to books as she commutes to and from work. She prefers crime thrillers and mysteries but enjoys a good book from any genre. She blogs about her life as a wife and mom at <a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank">Dino Hero Mommy</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Here are some rules if you decide to join in:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pick up whatever book you are reading (non-fiction, fiction, children's... really the sky is the limit)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Open to any page you have already read</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share a few “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page - make it interesting without flipping to a ton of different pages. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span> (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away -- You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share the title & author, too, so we can all add your book to our To-Be-Read lists!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This particular link up will be open for a month, so stop by often to share a new sneak peek, and grow your own TBR list!</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #a5a5a3;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3366ff;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-61798035072643100462016-06-15T03:30:00.000-07:002016-06-15T03:30:00.180-07:00June 9th {Pre-Order Blitz + Giveaway}<center>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Pick up JUNE 9TH for only $1.99 and be entered to win a goodie bag full of prizes!</span></center>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">June 9th</span><br /><em>Untouch Me #1</em><br />Author: Emha Goliesh<br />Publisher: INCLUDAS Publishing <br />Release Date: 9/29/16</span></b></div>
<blockquote>
Love at first sight? Not for studious college freshman Lacey Shyver. She knows everyone just pretends and acts nice to her face; no one could ever actually want her. It’s the same story every time, but no more false hope and shattered promises. She’s not going to trust anyone anymore — especially not flirtatious drummer Blake Nivey, the one person in her group project she can’t stand. She keeps staring, keeps complaining, keeps judging<em>. </em>She knows he’s just a charmer and a player, yet the more time they spend together, the deeper their connection becomes. Every time their eyes lock, his soul sucks her in. His touch alone unleashes a miracle she never thought she’d be able to feel. But Lacey struggles to understand if he’s acting overly friendly and nice or if these sensual feelings of connection and intimacy are actually love. And what does it all mean when he leaves to follow his dreams? Are their paths destined to cross again, or divert, only to remain alive through memories? </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Lobster Two; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26052651-june-9th" target="_blank">Add To Goodreads</a></span><br /><strong>PRE-ORDER NOW FOR $1.99!</strong><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/june-9th-emha-goliesh/1122663343?ean=2940153165660" target="_blank">B&N</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/june-9th/id1119761432?ls=1&mt=11" target="_blank">iBooks</a> | </div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Lobster Two;">About The Author</span></div>
<a href="http://imgur.com/R5svAum"><img align="left" src="http://i.imgur.com/R5svAum.jpg" height="160" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px;" title="source: imgur.com" width="200" /></a> Shy and introverted, I never felt like I fit in, even though everyone saw me as a “social butterfly.” I moved around a lot in California, left people and met new ones, but nothing felt like home. Ever. Expect for writing. I grew up loving to write in small journals, under a desk, in a secret place. A place known to me and only me. I built a relationship with words in order to escape the reality that wrote about me—documents filled with all of my flaws and weaknesses. The reality that I didn’t understand at a young age and wanted to hide away from because my writing was something I could control. I could live in a secret place where every dream, fear, joy, and risk could be mine and only mine. My home. My safety. My love. <a href="http://juneninthbook.com/">http://juneninthbook.com/</a><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Lobster Two;">Giveaway</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Pre- Order JUNE 9TH and be entered to win $25.00 Starbucks gift card + a tote bag filled with everything you need for summer reading!</span></strong><em>Must be 13+ To enter, open to US residents only. </em></div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-1262556621039343082016-06-14T03:30:00.000-07:002016-06-14T03:30:13.728-07:00Dawn at Emberwilde {Review}<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Dawn at Emberwilde (Treasures of Surrey, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436236530l/25863713.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Treasures of Surrey #2</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Visit the Author's website <a href="http://www.sarahladd.com/">HERE</a> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publisher: Thomas Nelson</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publishing Date: May 10, 2016</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25863713-dawn-at-emberwilde?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads Summary</a>:</span></b></div>
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<span id="freeText16829296368141451308" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><strong>Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.</strong><br /><br />For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.<br /><br />The unexpected arrival of a striking stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.<br /><br />At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with mysterious rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. And perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.<br /><br />At Emberwilde, Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><i>I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Emberwilde-Treasures-Surrey-Novel/dp/0718011813?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0718011813&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_glide_bb&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20">Buy a copy today</a>! </i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My Thoughts:</span></b></div>
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Another delicious historical read from Sarah E. Ladd. Her 'Whispers on the Moors' was probably my favorite Regency series. With 'Emberwilde...', Ladd is exploring a Gothic side of Regency storytelling. The old forest was rumored to be home to gypsies, ghosts, and secret tunnels. If you enjoy Gothic-Lite, this is your next choice. </div>
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I enjoyed Isabel's character. Although I won't claim her as my favorite of the year, I could see myself in a lot of her actions and choices. Living in a world of strong willed A-types, sometimes the quieter types have to learn to make a stand for themselves.<br />
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Colin was a fabulous man. He was respectful, honest, brave, kind, and smart. Typically I don't pick 'book boyfriends', but if I lived in the early 1800s, I hope I could find a husband just like Colin. I also really felt for Isabel's cousin Constance. I know it was incredibly common to have your husband chosen for you in the 1800's, but it was heartbreaking to see it played out in kind hearted Constance's life. </div>
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This is one of those books where <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">I crave a follow up book depicting Isabel and Colin's life together</span></b>. With the way things worked out, I am sure there is potential for more intrigue and mystery. Much like the first book, the action doesn't occur the until the very end. But don't think it is all romance either. This one is an incredibly slow burn, with the characters not realizing their attraction until about 80% into the story. Then if I had been in Isabel's position with everything that had just occurred, I would have been more suspicious of Colin's attraction. But I am glad it didn't play out that way in the story I suppose.<br />
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The cover? Fantastic. Cozy, beautiful, I can just envision Isabel so well. I wish we could see Emberwilde! I envisioned it looked a lot like Pemberley. I think the BBC would do a fantastic job making these into a fun little mini series. </div>
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Did I find an error? <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Anyone else who has read the book</span></b>: Page 218 Colin is asking Ellison about the watch he discovered in the tunnels. I found it odd that Ellison seemingly ignores the question. Later, page 252 has Colin showing Ellison the watch and saying "I have not had the opportunity to share it with you until now." ......Did I just happen to misread something?? Let me know readers!!</div>
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The third book in the series, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30340864-a-stranger-at-fellsworth">A Stranger at Fellsworth</a>, now has a cover but no description. I am hoping it will be about Isabel's friend Mary and thus we may get to see Isabel and Colin again. Because this wasn't my favorite Ladd story overall, I am only rating this one with <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">4 stars.</span> </b>But fans of the genre are bound to enjoy the characters and intrigue. </div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-22056484688031610962016-06-06T03:30:00.000-07:002016-06-06T03:30:24.190-07:00The Convenient Groom {Author Chat}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Exciting news for fans of Denise Hunter's stories: Her book <em>The Convenient Groom</em> is making its silver screen premiere as a Hallmark Channel Original Movie</span>!</strong> Join Denise and other readers on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1042381929156359/" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook</strong></a> on June 16th for a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that's 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)! Denise will be chatting about the book, answering your questions about the book-to-movie process, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways too: a $100 Amazon gift card and 25 signed copies of Denise's newest book, <strong><a href="http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/books.html" target="_blank"><em>The Goodbye Bride</em></a></strong>!
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The movie releases two days after the author chat party on <span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Saturday, June 18th, 9 EDT/8 CDT</b></span>. <a href="http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-convenient-groom" target="_blank"><strong>Click here</strong></a> for details and to find out more about the movie.
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Get your copy of <em>The Convenient Groom</em> so you're ready for a fun book discussion. You can order your copy and <a href="http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/movie-cg.html" target="_blank"><strong>find out more about the book here</strong></a>.
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Hope to see you on June 16 for Denise's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1042381929156359/" target="_blank"><strong><em>The Convenient Groom</em> Pre-Premiere Facebook Party</strong></a>!!<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/105/C11350FB3BC760FE918FD8127E724656.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-7954907885379459012016-06-01T08:52:00.000-07:002016-06-01T08:52:04.963-07:00Withering Rose {Review + Giveaway}<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="148" src="https://photos-6.dropbox.com/t/2/AACWCsbJNNb1IMW5Djxhk0n8_SyTFeqSLoSMbGbb_gdkHg/12/491684657/jpeg/32x32/1/1464811200/0/2/Withering%20Rose%20TOUR%20banner.jpg/EMrf5P4DGIUaIAcoBw/dTCIk-fWrzAktQTvRBZv2SWUoNeU4AO43NDGoOqM0HE?size_mode=3&size=800x600" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="Withering Rose (Once Upon a Curse, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1457454699l/26805518.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Withering Rose by Kaitlyn Davis</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Once Upon a Curse #2</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Visit the Author's Website<a href="http://kaitlyndavisbooks.com/"> HERE</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Published: May 17, 2016</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26805518-withering-rose">Goodreads Summary</a>:</span></b></div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">"As the heat finally disappeared, I felt the bloom blossom in the very core of my soul, a rose just like my name--a ticking clock hidden behind a façade of beauty. From that moment on, my life would become a countdown, and all I could do was wait and watch as the petals of time slowly started to fall."</em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Omorose Bouchene has a secret--magic. There's only one problem. At the age of seven, an earthquake struck, catapulting her into a new world. A land made of skyscrapers and cell phones. Fast cars and fluorescent lights. A land where magic isn't supposed to exist and anyone who wields it is the enemy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But after ten years of hiding, she's desperate to find a place where she can be free. Because all magic comes with a curse, and her curse is time--every ounce of power she uses strips days off of her life. The clock is winding down, and the only option left is to escape to the realm of the Beast. But the king of monsters isn't what he seems. And the more Omorose opens her heart, the more she comes to realize that the only person she may need to fear is herself.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">*This is the second book in Once Upon A Curse, a series of interconnected stand-alone novels all set in the same fantasy universe.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b> </b><i>I received a copy of this book from YA Book Bound Tours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Withering-Rose-Once-Upon-Curse-ebook/dp/B01CAHUV6S/188-5970063-2070943?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B01CAHUV6S&linkCode=as2&linkId=XTQJXB54F732VPJ4&redirect=true&ref_=as_li_tl&tag=theoffiweb0b9-20">Buy a copy today!</a> </i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My Thoughts:</span></b></div>
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I was lucky enough to enjoy book one of this fairy tale retelling series, and really enjoyed it. And while we do see Jade and Asher again, "Withering Rose" stands on it's own. As as 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling, this story stuck closer to our beloved movie version than anything I've read before. </div>
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Omorose is a princess with special magical powers that are passed down through the generations. She and her father are suddenly thrust into a world where magic is feared and hated and they must keep her powers a secret, even as it fights to be freed. </div>
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Her powerful magic of plant life is tempered by a horrible curse: each time she grows life, a little of her own life fades away. Omorose yearns to be free from the dangerous world around her, and from her magic powers. So she sets out to find the King of Beasts. </div>
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I enjoyed this retelling way more than I originally thought I would. I'm not sure why I doubted, especially <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2015/02/gathering-frost-review.html">after enjoying book one, </a> Perhaps it is the less than stellar cover :/ I would love to see this remade featuring the dress described in the book! But I think I really enjoyed that the author spend more time setting up some world building. We get to learn the history of magic and why it comes with such a high price. I really appreciated this as it grounded me a lot more in the story. </div>
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<img height="200" src="https://photos-3.dropbox.com/t/2/AACtq4dnpJCTx6yTh_Zdnwptdpb6v2ON5ZEYET7hf1hAOg/12/491684657/jpeg/32x32/1/1464811200/0/2/Withering%20Rose%20teaser%201.jpg/EMrf5P4DGIUaIAcoBw/B63J6GtaxhMWXzbA5Ys5g8Twe_c7YgRm7MuEjWBBN5Y?size_mode=3&size=800x600" width="400" /></div>
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All the similarities between "Withering Rose" and the Disney version of 'Beauty and the Beast' were so much fun to experience. Any fan of the movie will really enjoy this fantasy version as well. But! Be aware that it is heavily romance driven as well. Omorose and Cole learn to trust and love pretty quickly, and it is full of passion and honey dripped lines. It didn't read so bad though. Both the characters were already set up for quick, rash behaviors, so the romance fit right in. </div>
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This retelling is YA romance through and through. It is quick and dramatic. Oh so dramatic. Big event, after big event, after world ending event. But it sure makes for a quick read! I flew through, excited to see if Omorose and Cole would be able to break the curse. Being reintroduced to Asher and Jade was certainly an added bonus. </div>
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If any part of this review or summary sounds up your alley, then I think you should pick this one up. Ignore that odd cover and you will find a fast, romance driven retelling of Beauty and the Beast. <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">4 stars</span> </b>from me and I am excited to continue the journey in book three!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">GIVEAWAY:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="9e540ef9178" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9e540ef9178/" id="rcwidget_qgxyn2xz" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Blog Tour Organized by:</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/">YA Bound Book Tours</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<img src="https://photos-5.dropbox.com/t/2/AAChX4_faryqzpVtitUqquiyQ_JcGa8Oie7auqfhVd_uLQ/12/491684657/png/32x32/1/1464811200/0/2/YA%20Bounk%20Tour%20Button.png/EMrf5P4DGIUaIAcoBw/oGiDuRZi1DurLhy0PZZvm4K0QEkNAKv-b4FKF6A34Rc?size_mode=3&size=800x600" /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-70658393495964183432016-05-28T08:49:00.002-07:002016-05-28T08:49:34.522-07:00Withering Rose {Sneak Peek}<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s1600/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sneak Peek Saturday on Reading List a glimpse into what I am reading currently" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s320/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Currently Reading:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Withering Rose </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>by Kaitlyn Davis</b></span></div>
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<img alt="Withering Rose (Once Upon a Curse, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1457454699l/26805518.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26805518-withering-rose">Goodreads Summary:</a></span></b></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">What if Beauty was cursed, and the Beast was the only one who could save her? Don't miss WITHERING ROSE, a dystopian romance from bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis that reimagines the classic fairy tale of Beauty & The Beast.</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">"As the heat finally disappeared, I felt the bloom blossom in the very core of my soul, a rose just like my name--a ticking clock hidden behind a façade of beauty. From that moment on, my life would become a countdown, and all I could do was wait and watch as the petals of time slowly started to fall."</em><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Omorose Bouchene has a secret--magic. There's only one problem. At the age of seven, an earthquake struck, catapulting her into a new world. A land made of skyscrapers and cell phones. Fast cars and fluorescent lights. A land where magic isn't supposed to exist and anyone who wields it is the enemy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">But after ten years of hiding, she's desperate to find a place where she can be free. Because all magic comes with a curse, and her curse is time--every ounce of power she uses strips days off of her life. The clock is winding down, and the only option left is to escape to the realm of the Beast. But the king of monsters isn't what he seems. And the more Omorose opens her heart, the more she comes to realize that the only person she may need to fear is herself.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">*This is the second book in Once Upon A Curse, a series of interconnected stand-alone novels all set in the same fantasy universe.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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"I can't fight the bubble of happiness rising in my chest as I watch him. But I've never seen anyone get so excited about making breakfast." (pg 91)<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Initial Thoughts</b></span></span></div>
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Okay, I admit to reading the rest of this page....and it looks so adorable! I just started the book yesterday and am only 20 pages in. This future snippet has me excited to dive in and get reading! </div>
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Thank you to <em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003366; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://adailyrhythm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Daily Rhythm</a> </em>for inspiring Reading List's Saturday Sneak Peek link up!<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;"><b>Meet the Hosts of Saturday Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Marissa @ Reading List" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYF7lYQZrw/VoWWd8L_GdI/AAAAAAAAG9w/_EhOPQrkZpE/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Marissa @ Reading List" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Marissa</b>, writes book reviews from a variety of genres and shares thoughts on motherhood & life on <b><a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading List</a></b>. She loves to see what others are reading to grow her to-read list. Marissa also enjoys photography and a new journal to fill. </div>
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<a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoJ6v6GeRV0/VoWWd2rKwEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/gu8k3_DrqGA/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Alyssa</b> reads a variety of genres and writes about it at <b><a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunrise Avenue</a></b>. She is always looking for new bookish friends and recs'! Besides reading, Alyssa loves to bake and anything Doctor Who.<br />
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<a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNxePWAQirQ/VxuLlHHXCmI/AAAAAAAAI9g/ZWcgPMeOJZAXtX7NzZSaY6TdZxZ6YVagwCLcB/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Karen </b>is a reading teacher who loves to listen to books as she commutes to and from work. She prefers crime thrillers and mysteries but enjoys a good book from any genre. She blogs about her life as a wife and mom at <a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank">Dino Hero Mommy</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Here are some rules if you decide to join in:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pick up whatever book you are reading (non-fiction, fiction, children's... really the sky is the limit)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Open to any page you have already read</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share a few “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page - make it interesting without flipping to a ton of different pages. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span> (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away -- You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share the title & author, too, so we can all add your book to our To-Be-Read lists!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This particular link up will be open for a month, so stop by often to share a new sneak peek, and grow your own TBR list!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com" title="Sneak Peek Saturday"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzBQ0dJJ6LE/VxuOxfEy9tI/AAAAAAAAI9w/j3N4aZqr3vszoc1TctnYhIlbuOU6ldwDgCLcB/s200/SSP%2Bbutton.jpg" alt="Sneak Peek Saturday" style="border:none;" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-82760169996555013282016-05-27T03:30:00.000-07:002016-05-27T03:30:13.188-07:00Melanie Dickerson’s ‘The Beautiful Pretender’ Kindle Giveaway<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, <a href="http://www.melaniedickerson.com/my-books.html" target="_blank"><em>The Beautiful Pretender</em></a>, by Melanie Dickerson.</span></strong> Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
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Need more details? Check out<a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-beautiful-pretender-review.html"> my review </a>I posted last week!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Join Melanie in celebrating the release of <em>The Beautiful Pretender</em> by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!</span></strong>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">One grand prize winner will receive:</span></strong>
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<ul>
<li>A copy of <em>The Beautiful Pretender</em></li>
<li>A Kindle Fire tablet</li>
<li>A $25 Amazon gift card</li>
<li>The choice between a Funko POP Disney <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Funko-POP-Disney-Beauty-Beast/dp/B00K8UBW9K/" target="_blank"><strong>Beauty</strong></a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Funko-POP-Disney-Action-Figure/dp/B01CI86U6O/" target="_blank"><strong>Beast</strong></a> doll</li>
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<a href="http://promosimple.com/ps/9a1b" target="_blank"><img alt="beautiful pretender - prize collage" class="aligncenter wp-image-18885" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/beautiful-pretender-prize-collage-504x672.png" height="600" width="450" /></a> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th</span>.</strong> The winner will be announced June 8th on <a href="http://melaniewrites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Melanie's blog</strong></a>.
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-42728993070810195762016-05-26T03:30:00.000-07:002016-05-26T03:30:23.067-07:00Becky Wade’s ‘Her One and Only’ Giveaway<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong>Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, <em><a href="http://beckywade.com/home/her-one-and-only/" target="_blank">Her One and Only</a></em>.</strong> </span>Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.
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Want more details?? Check out my review <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2016/05/her-one-and-only-review.html">over here</a> and see why I just had to give this one five stars!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Join Becky in celebrating the release of <em>Her One and Only</em> by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!</span></strong>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">One grand prize winner will receive:</span></strong>
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<ul>
<li>A copy of <em>Her One and Only</em></li>
<li>A $100 cash card</li>
<li>Follow Your Heart tote bag</li>
<li>24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler</li>
<li><em>The Blind Side</em> DVD</li>
<li>Necklace with star charm</li>
<li>Porter Family navy jersey</li>
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<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/9978" rel="attachment wp-att-18818" target="_blank"><img alt="her one and only - prize collage" class="aligncenter wp-image-18818" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/her-one-and-only-prize-collage-470x768.png" height="653" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st</span>.</strong> The winner will be announced June 1st on <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/category/blog" target="_blank"><strong>the Litfuse blog</strong></a>.
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-56232231931236852152016-05-25T08:35:00.000-07:002016-05-25T08:35:24.008-07:00Anchor in the Storm {Review + Giveaway}<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444950099l/27066853.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Anchor in the Storm</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Waves of Freedom #2</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Visit the Author's website <a href="http://www.sarahsundin.com/">HERE</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publisher: Revell Company</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publishing Date: May 3, 2016</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27066853-anchor-in-the-storm?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads Summary:</a> </span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he "is" her brother's best friend. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><div style="color: #181818; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800723430/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0800723430&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2"> a copy today! </a></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you like romances with a smidge of mystery, or characters who are spunky and larger than life, or enjoy 1940's era stories, than 'Anchor in the Storm' is exactly the book for you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Lillian and Arch are some of my favorite characters I've read thus far in 2016. They are both complete products of their pasts and upbringings. This happens every now and then in books I read, a character's past actually sticks with them throughout the story. But here in 'Anchor..' it is so real. Because of Lillian's experiences she acts and reacts in realistic, expected ways. I don't want to give specifics for fear of any spoilers, but expect fully developed, lifelike characters. In the same way, Arch is a product of his upbringing as someone who is constantly pursued for his fortune. Even the ending events from book one factor into Arch's character. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">'Anchor...' focuses a little less on the mystery than it's predecessor. I enjoyed that it was still as high stakes and all that action at the end....whoooa. However, I found the mysterious kingpin to be pretty obvious and I didn't think that the danger was really felt until nearer the end. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Instead, I had plenty of time to focus on the characters and their budding romance. And it was adorable! Spunky, spiky Lillian was the perfect match for hilarious Arch. Naval officer Arch knows what he wants in a woman and when he meets his best friend's sister, he knows he is willing to wait for her to warm up to him. They both have to learn to trust and open up themselves to love and hurt, and when they finally do, it is so precious. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818;">I can't leave my rating at a four, but I feel like it is missing that certain something to make it a full five, so I'm cheating a bit with a </span><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">4.5 star </span></b><span style="color: #181818;">rating :) I can't wait for book three in which we get to know older brother Dan more intimately! </span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book,</span> <em><a href="http://www.sarahsundin.com/books/anchor-in-the-storm/" target="_blank">Anchor in the Storm</a></em>.</strong> During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?
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<br />
<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Celebrate the release of Sarah's <em>Anchor in the Storm</em> by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/9a33" target="_blank"><img alt="anchor in the storm - 400" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-18888" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/anchor-in-the-storm-400.png" height="300" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">One grand prize winner will receive:</span></strong>
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<ul>
<li>A signed copy of <em>Anchor in the Storm</em></li>
<li>Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric</li>
<li>Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the <em>USS Constitution</em> in Boston during restoration</li>
<li><em>365 Devotions for Hope</em> by Karen Whiting</li>
<li><em>Shine</em>: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book</li>
<li>"Hope Anchors the Soul" journal</li>
<li>Set of two nautical tea towels</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/9a33" target="_blank"><img alt="LF AIS full group 2" class="aligncenter wp-image-18897" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/LF-AIS-full-group-2-504x393.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th</span>.</strong> The winner will be announced June 9th on <a href="http://www.sarahsundin.com/blog/" target="_blank"><strong>Sarah's blog</strong></a>.
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-5030661058188147652016-05-19T03:30:00.000-07:002016-05-19T03:30:19.004-07:00INSPY Shortlists 2016If you've been following the INSPYs (which you totally should be), you'll see they announced the shortlists at the beginning of the month.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPVv_au9Jus/Vz0qaWc69WI/AAAAAAAAB0c/Vsll8N1xCHsufECvfqEcBiYLg91eJ8PLgCLcB/s1600/INPYS%2BJudge-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPVv_au9Jus/Vz0qaWc69WI/AAAAAAAAB0c/Vsll8N1xCHsufECvfqEcBiYLg91eJ8PLgCLcB/s320/INPYS%2BJudge-2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yours truly *waves* is a judge for Literature for Young Adults, <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2015/04/inspys-literature-for-young-people-judge.html">as I was last year</a>. I'm super excited to be apart of something so great, and fun!<br />
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The short lists contain some SPECTACULAR books that I can't imagine how all my fellow judges will choose a final winner!<br />
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So this is your PSA, friends. Check out the shortlists <a href="http://inspys.com/?p=2574">HERE </a>or read more about me and my fellow judges <a href="http://inspys.com/?p=2577">HERE</a>. Or even check out last year's winners right <a href="http://inspys.com/?p=2417">HERE</a>.<br />
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Off to get reading <3<br />
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<i>See anything on the shortlists you already love? Adding anything to your TBR??</i><br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-13623473877102437112016-05-18T07:45:00.001-07:002016-05-18T19:41:17.102-07:00The Beautiful Pretender {Review}<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Beautiful Pretender (Medieval Fairy Tale Romance, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1446051744l/25891581.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Thornbeck #2</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Visit the Author's Website <a href="http://www.melaniedickerson.com/">HERE</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publisher: Thomas Nelson</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publishing Date: May 17, 2016</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25891581-the-beautiful-pretender">Goodreads Summary</a>:</span></b></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><i>I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Beautiful-Pretender-Melanie-Dickerson/9780718026288?ref=grid-view">Buy a copy today</a>!</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
I've read three previous Dickerson novels, two just this year already. After finishing "<a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-huntress-of-thornbeck-forest-review.html">The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest</a>", I was really hoping we would get to see the margrave's story. Enter in "The Beautiful Pretender".<br />
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I had trouble connecting with the characters in the beginning. Dickerson has the reader jump right into the start of the plot with no setup for the characters. I was left floundering, thinking 'Why should I care for this character?' I even thought Avelina a bit childish when we first meet her, as she is trying to steal a cherry tart from her lady. Her thoughts were quite simple and easy. But as I scan through the reviews on Goodreads, many other readers found this thrilling and attention grabbing. I, however, struggled and could have cared less about Avelina and her situation for quite a few chapters.<br />
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The margrave on the other hand...he is gruff and tough, exactly like the Beast, snarling at everyone. But his tough exterior just hides the compassionate inside. He is downright heroic, rescuing Avelina time and time again, caring for an addled old lady, and ensuring every orphan in the village has a warm bed and full belly. Being forced to choose a wife by the king, Reinhart searches for the lady who will be most caring, kind, and full of inner beauty. Because of his own injured appearance, I loved that he didn't care about a woman's outer appearance either.<br />
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Over the course of two weeks, Avelina (posing as Lady Dorothea) and Reinhart get to know each other ala 'The Bachelor'. As Avelina tries to purposefully fail the challenge, she just can't seem to not show her true colors, revealing again and again her kind and caring heart. This gets her in trouble with the biggest competition, Lady Fronika, who is selfish and evil much like Gaston, but also gains her a wonderful friend in Lady Magdalen.<br />
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I haven't read anything like Dickerson's books yet. Her attention to detail and her knowledge of the historical setting helps pull the reader in, making an insta-fan out of them within a few pages. She chooses a fairy tale to weave into her story, but the books always stand on their own. I wouldn't have guessed it was a retelling at all if it wasn't for a few, key plot points such as the 'West Wing' and a wolf attack. So if you don't prefer retellings, you can still enjoy this one.<br />
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This loose 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling clips along fairly smoothly until the end when Dickerson ramps up the action in dramatic fashion which had me turning pages as fast as I could. I still can't claim this was my favorite read, or even my favorite Dickerson read, but it has recieved many five stars on Goodreads. So perhaps take my middle of the road <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">3 star </span></b>review with a grain of salt.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vqoyom6orM/Vx1ToiZNOuI/AAAAAAAAOA8/8lTKz0xrRoczgaF14eFcoMLJ3wZaQ_tdQCLcB/s1600/thefairestpoison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vqoyom6orM/Vx1ToiZNOuI/AAAAAAAAOA8/8lTKz0xrRoczgaF14eFcoMLJ3wZaQ_tdQCLcB/s400/thefairestpoison.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Fairest Poison</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7728542.Lauren_Skidmore">Lauren Skidmore</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Genre: Fantasy</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Release Date: May 10th 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Summary from Goodreads:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Princess Bianca returns to her court to find it poisoned from the inside out. Faced with mysterious sicknesses, power disputes, and whispers of impending death, Bianca turns to an unlikely ally—a former assassin—to find the antidote that will save her kingdom. But Bianca quickly realizes that she might not even be able to save her own life in this Snow White story.</i></span></span><br />
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<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Chapter One </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
My parents were sick.<br />
<br />
That was the first news I received when I returned to the palace after nearly six months away. I was Venesia’s princess, and so its ambassador. I was happy to serve . . . but not if it meant coming home to this.<br />
<br />
“What’s wrong?” I asked, shedding my cloak and shaking it out before handing it to a servant. It was still damp with seawater from the journey. It hadn’t exactly been a peaceful trip.<br />
<br />
“Are they up to visitors now?”<br />
<br />
The two handmaidens that had greeted me exchanged glances. “You should rest from your journey first, princess. It’s late, and the details can wait until the morning.”<br />
<br />
I frowned. “No. You cannot welcome me back by saying my return may aid my parents’ recovery and then refuse to tell me what’s wrong.”<br />
<br />
“We don’t want to worry you, princess,” the other one said, throwing a nervous glance at her companion. She’d been with the palace longer and knew I would not be easily dissuaded from getting what I wanted.<br />
<br />
“It’s too late for that.” I sighed. “Where is my brother?”<br />
<br />
“Prince Aiden went to speak to the Guard about the successful capture of that Chameleon. He was eager to see the killer in person.”<br />
<br />
I braced myself. Aiden was in for a surprise on that front. “Maybe I will go rest after all,” I said, brushing a dark curl behind my ear and adjusting the purple mask I wore across the upper half of my face. I would miss the freedom of not wearing my full Venesian mask while I was away from court. “But don’t think it’s because you dissuaded me from seeing the king and queen tonight. Surely, if they were seriously ill, they’d have ordered you to take me to them right away. I won’t disturb their sleep.”<br />
<br />
“Of course, princess.” They both curtseyed.<br />
<br />
“Bianca!”<br />
<br />
I cringed. Aiden.<br />
<br />
“You’re dismissed,” I said quickly to my handmaidens. I didn’t need spectators for this.<br />
<br />
They scurried away—though I’m sure to only just around the corner so they could eavesdrop—and I turned to face my elder brother. He came barreling down the dimly lit corridor, his half-cloak billowing out behind him. He wore the emerald green mask he favored when he was out of the palace so no one would bother him as the prince. The pure white masks of the royal family tend to stand out in a sea of blues and green.<br />
<br />
“Where is he?” he demanded. The head guard and a young woman in a green mask were just a few steps behind him. Looks like we were going to have an audience after all.<br />
<br />
I was tempted to play dumb but knew that would only make him even more upset. And he had good reason to be upset; I couldn’t deny him that.<br />
<br />
“Please hear me out,” I began slowly, my voice even and calm.<br />
<br />
“You set him free, didn’t you?” He shook his head in disbelief. “Bianca, he killed Evie’s father.” He gestured to the woman behind him, who shifted her weight from foot to foot uncomfortably, a medium-sized brown dog with a fluffy, curled tail at her heels. “He tried to kill me.”<br />
<br />
“I know that, but—”<br />
<br />
“There is no excuse here! He killed and was willing to kill again. He stole masks and identities. He betrayed the trust of a kingdom who took him in. He is a criminal who needs to pay for his crimes.”<br />
<br />
“He saved my life. I owe him,” I explained simply.<br />
<br />
That made Aiden pause, but only for the length of a breath before retorting, “One good act does not make up for all the evil he’s done.”<br />
<br />
“But it proves there is good in him.”<br />
<br />
“Or he is just trying to save his own skin by having you in his debt.”<br />
<br />
“He’s not as terrible as you think he is.”<br />
<br />
“But you admit he is terrible.”<br />
<br />
“Aiden.” I started to truly feel the late hour now and my shoulders drooped. “He deserves a fair trial at the very least.”<br />
<br />
“I can’t give him a trial if he is mysteriously set free in the middle of the night.”<br />
<br />
“You’re being dramatic.”<br />
<br />
“I think I’m being understandably upset. I went from news of my baby sister returning home with the scum I’ve been hunting for the past three months—to finding out that the scum has vanished and has said sister to thank for it! With everything that’s been going on in court, and now with Mother and Father ill—”<br />
<br />
“Do you know what’s wrong with them?” I interrupted, both wanting to know and hoping to change the subject. I’d bristled slightly at being called his “baby sister”—there were only two years between us, after all—but was willing to overlook it in the name of the greater good of the moment. His accusations weren’t untrue; he just didn’t know the Chameleon like I did.<br />
<br />
I might have been part of the reason he’d been captured, but we had a history. And that history meant that I owed him his freedom.<br />
<br />
It seemed Aiden was as tired of arguing as I was. He answered, “The doctors aren’t<br />
<br />
sure. It’s not an illness they’re familiar with. Mother and Father are on bed rest now until a cure can be found. They can barely eat and are very weak, and they both have a pink rash all over their bodies. It happened so suddenly, but no one else in court has the same symptoms, so we don’t know where it came from.”<br />
<br />
“How long have they been like this? Why did no one tell me?”<br />
<br />
“They only just felt sick enough to admit it and seek a doctor, though Father mentioned to me he’d been feeling poorly for several days.”<br />
<br />
I sighed. It was just like them to overlook any health problems until they got too serious to ignore. They didn’t want to appear weak in front of the kingdom, and to appear human was to appear weak. In the king’s eyes, at least.<br />
<br />
“I’ll go see them first thing in the morning. We all need our rest.” I gave Aiden a meaningful look. “That means you as well.” I was sure his mask hid dark circles under his eyes, one benefit of our country’s tradition. I knew my brother, and he’d been pushing himself too hard. I’d gotten snippets of the unrest that had crept into our court from his letters while I was away, but it was another matter to see him in person.<br />
<br />
From what I understood, the court was reluctant to accept him as their next ruler. He had no respect for tradition, they claimed. For generations, the royal family protected themselves behind pure white masks, fine clothes, and strict rules. Aiden wanted to make changes that gave him more personal freedom as well as control over the country.<br />
<br />
“We’ll all of us go to sleep, and discuss things again after breakfast.”<br />
<br />
“Fine,” he begrudged as he turned, offering his arm to the woman beside him, who looked as tired as I felt, plus awkward after witnessing a royal argument. Evie, he said her name was. He’d written about her. He had proposed marriage to her, and she’d said no.<br />
<br />
I was very curious about her.<br />
<br />
“I am glad you’re home, though. I missed you,” he said.<br />
<br />
I smiled. “I missed you too.” My gaze shifted to Evie, and I opened my mouth to greet her properly.<br />
<br />
“Let’s save introductions for a less unconventional time,” he interrupted before I could say anything. He reached for her hand, tucking it in the crook of his arm. “I’d rather your official meeting be a more pleasant one. Or at least one where we’re not arguing.”<br />
<br />
She rolled her eyes at him but offered me a shy smile.<br />
<br />
“If you insist,” I replied with a smile for her and a raised eyebrow for him. Its effect was somewhat lessened thanks to my mask, but he knew my expressions well enough to spot it.<br />
<br />
He chuckled and shook his head with affection in his eyes. “Until tomorrow,” he said, and we parted ways.<br />
<br />
The halls were dim and quiet, but I could have found my way to my chambers in the dark. I rarely left the palace growing up, and walking through these halls now felt like slipping into a warm bath. I loved the palace.<br />
<br />
Servants had already brought my trunk to my parlor. Normally, I would need help dressing for bed, thanks to the complex finery of the clothing that comes with royalty, but since I was still dressed in a simple traveling dress, I didn’t bother ringing for a handmaiden.<br />
<br />
I’d missed my rooms. It had been a long time since I’d been alone, and my rooms were the one place I was granted my privacy.<br />
<br />
For six months, I’d been acting as ambassador to Nishima, a neighboring country we had strong ties with. That meant that for nearly six months, I’d been constantly surrounded by people—if not by the dignitaries I was there to see, then by my own guards who never left my side. Even on the journey home, when we’d been sidetracked by the hunt for the Chameleon, I’d never been left on my own.<br />
<br />
But in my own palace, in my own rooms, I was alone. And I felt safe.<br />
<br />
I fell asleep almost as soon as my head touched my pillow.<br />
<br />
—<br />
<br />
The next morning, I’d barely dressed before I heard insistent knocks at the doors to my suite. I knew it was Aiden even before my handmaiden opened the door to reveal him.<br />
<br />
“I said after breakfast, Aiden. I’m still—”<br />
<br />
“They’ve gotten worse,” he interrupted me, his eyes grim. “Mother and Father. And another doctor, a specialist from Nishima, has examined them.”<br />
<br />
He opened and closed his mouth several times, searching for the right words.<br />
<br />
“Just say it. What is it?”<br />
<br />
“Bianca . . . they’ve been poisoned.”<br />
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<span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lauren Skidmore grew up in Kansas, with stints in Ohio and New York, and currently lives in Utah. She attended Brigham Young University where she earned a BA in English Teaching with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese. She then spent a year in Japan teaching and travelling. She hasn’t made it to Europe yet, but it’s on the list and has been to 30 states in the U.S. so far. When she’s not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.laurenskidmore.com/" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.6933px;"><img alt=" photo iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png" border="0" src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u367/nereyda1003/new/social%20icons/iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.6933px;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7728542.Lauren_Skidmore" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.6933px;"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/3c46be723ce1fdc018c5f5545/images/icon_goodreads_32.png" height="32" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/3c46be723ce1fdc018c5f5545/images/icon_goodreads_32.png" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 32px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 32px;" width="32" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.6933px;"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/ilaurenskidmore" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.6933px;"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/3c46be723ce1fdc018c5f5545/images/icon_twitter_32x32.png" height="32" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/3c46be723ce1fdc018c5f5545/images/icon_twitter_32x32.png" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 32px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 32px;" width="32" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.6933px;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurenskidmore" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.6933px;"><img alt=" photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png" border="0" src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u367/nereyda1003/new/social%20icons/iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>GIVEAWAY:</b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-68806518266460559682016-05-14T08:07:00.001-07:002016-05-14T08:07:21.731-07:00The Beautiful Pretender {Sneak Peek Link Up}<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s1600/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sneak Peek Saturday on Reading List a glimpse into what I am reading currently" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s320/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Currently Reading:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>The Beautiful Pretender</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>by Melanie Dickerson</b></span></div>
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<img alt="The Beautiful Pretender (Medieval Fairy Tale Romance, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1446051744l/25891581.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25891581-the-beautiful-pretender">Goodreads Summary:</a></span></b></div>
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<span id="freeText16812534308281230236" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><strong>What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?</strong><br /><br />The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.<br /><br />Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.<br /><br />Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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"The more she tried not to think him handsome, the handsomer he became, as she realized his care and concern for the orphans, his easy manner with Jorgen and Odette and friendship with them, his gentle way with the poor addled woman who haunted the west wing--the way he looked at Avelina, so considerate, so intense." (pg 219)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Initial Thoughts</b></span></span></div>
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Whew! I left it at that one sentence because it was a lengthy one! I think it gives a good glimpse at what the book will be all about: a forbidden romance. It also reveals two things: Jorgen and Odette!! YAY! And it also shows the softer side of 'the beast' character of this (very loose) Beauty and the Beast retelling. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNwxVSXmMq1tSCx4yfPr4kfMw/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNwxVSXmMq1tSCx4yfPr4kfMw/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you to <em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003366; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://adailyrhythm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Daily Rhythm</a> </em>for inspiring Reading List's Saturday Sneak Peek link up!<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;"><b>Meet the Hosts of Saturday Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Marissa @ Reading List" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYF7lYQZrw/VoWWd8L_GdI/AAAAAAAAG9w/_EhOPQrkZpE/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Marissa @ Reading List" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Marissa</b>, writes book reviews from a variety of genres and shares thoughts on motherhood & life on <b><a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading List</a></b>. She loves to see what others are reading to grow her to-read list. Marissa also enjoys photography and a new journal to fill. </div>
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<a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoJ6v6GeRV0/VoWWd2rKwEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/gu8k3_DrqGA/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Alyssa</b> reads a variety of genres and writes about it at <b><a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunrise Avenue</a></b>. She is always looking for new bookish friends and recs'! Besides reading, Alyssa loves to bake and anything Doctor Who.<br />
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<a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNxePWAQirQ/VxuLlHHXCmI/AAAAAAAAI9g/ZWcgPMeOJZAXtX7NzZSaY6TdZxZ6YVagwCLcB/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Karen </b>is a reading teacher who loves to listen to books as she commutes to and from work. She prefers crime thrillers and mysteries but enjoys a good book from any genre. She blogs about her life as a wife and mom at <a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank">Dino Hero Mommy</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DinosaurSuperheroMommy/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> ~~ <a href="https://twitter.com/Mrs_KarenC" target="_blank">Twitter</a> ~~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/101146466030780386439" target="_blank">Google +</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Here are some rules if you decide to join in:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pick up whatever book you are reading (non-fiction, fiction, children's... really the sky is the limit)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Open to any page you have already read</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share a few “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page - make it interesting without flipping to a ton of different pages. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span> (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away -- You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share the title & author, too, so we can all add your book to our To-Be-Read lists!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This particular link up will be open for a month, so stop by often to share a new sneak peek, and grow your own TBR list!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com" title="Sneak Peek Saturday"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzBQ0dJJ6LE/VxuOxfEy9tI/AAAAAAAAI9w/j3N4aZqr3vszoc1TctnYhIlbuOU6ldwDgCLcB/s200/SSP%2Bbutton.jpg" alt="Sneak Peek Saturday" style="border:none;" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-92022140721543748732016-05-13T03:30:00.000-07:002016-05-13T03:30:31.768-07:00New on the Shelves {April 2016}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I added quite a few things to my shelves in April. One last hurrah before the Hubby completely locked down the budget ;D I also couldn't resist a few good sales going on during the month! </div>
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<img alt="Like Never Before (Walker Family, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433860656l/25170227.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg</span></b></div>
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I already shared a <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2016/04/like-never-before-sneak-peek.html">Sneak Peek</a>, but should be sharing a review for this beauty soon. Spoiler? I liked it, but didn't love it :/</div>
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<img alt="Brazen: The Courage to Find the You That's Been Hiding" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1452546790l/26266611.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Brazen by Leeana Tankersley</span></b></div>
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I already posted my <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2016/04/brazen-review.html">Review</a>. Yay me! You'll have to head over to the review for my thoughts on this one</div>
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<img alt="Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414368748l/22295440.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Live Original by Sadie Robertson</span></b></div>
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I have an odd fascination with the Duck Dynasty family, so when I saw this on super clearance I just couldn't resist. </div>
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<img alt="Balancing It All: My Story of Juggling Priorities and Purpose" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387301167l/18113513.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Balancing it All by Candace Cameron Bure</span></b></div>
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I have also admired Candace for quite some time, and really enjoyed watching her on Dancing with the Stars. After binging Fuller House, I had to add this one to my shelves</div>
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<img alt="You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356464467l/15863519.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">You're Made for A God Sized Dream by Holley Gerth</span></b></div>
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I enjoy anything by Holley Gerth. And you should too!</div>
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<img alt="The Beautiful Pretender (Medieval Fairy Tale Romance, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1446051744l/25891581.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson</span></b></div>
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Super excited to start this one tomorrow! I've read several of Dickerson's books this year and really appreciate her historical detail.</div>
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<img alt="Dear Mr. Knightley" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364231994l/17657649.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay</span></b></div>
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I really<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1006392183?book_show_action=false"> enjoyed</a> Lizzy and Jane. Reay has such a great way of writing depth of emotions. Can't wait to dive into this one. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Live Love Lead by Brian Houston</span></b></div>
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I actually recieved this one for free at a concert! Not sure when I will get to it, but I am glad to have it on the shelves.</div>
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<img alt="Dawn at Emberwilde (Treasures of Surrey, #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436236530l/25863713.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd</span></b></div>
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Sarah E. Ladd is a master writer. This is her newest and the only published work I have yet to read. Can't wait!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here by Anna Breslaw</span></b></div>
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This was Uppercase's book pick of the month. The two previous months had fantasy picks, so I was a bit surprised to find this one in my little canvas bag. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins</span></b></div>
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This was a book club pick. I'm not sure I would have ever read it otherwise, I am not a big thriller reader. However, when people say 'Hitchcock' they mean it.</div>
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I also added two Penguin classics and I hope to grow my collection sooner rather than later. But as for now: I have a LOT of reading to do! <i><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">What did you add to your bookshelves this month??</span></b></i><br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-62920467176963772292016-05-12T03:30:00.000-07:002016-05-12T03:30:35.469-07:00Her One and Only {Review}<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Her One and Only (Porter Family, #4)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1445659561l/26974629.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Her One and Only by Becky Wade</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Porter Family #4</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Visit the Author's website<a href="http://www.beckywade.com/"> HERE</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publisher: Bethany House</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publishing Date: May 3, 2016</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26974629-her-one-and-only">Goodreads Summary</a>:</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Romance Fans Eagerly Anticipate Every New Release from Becky Wade </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><i>I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764211102/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764211102&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Buy a copy today</a>!!</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My Thoughts: </span></b></div>
The final installment of the Porter Family series, 'Her One and Only', is all about character development. NFL tight end Gray grows and learns throughout the story in such a natural way that it makes him truly come alive. The story begins with him as the typical famous footballer, into the party scene and money. By the end, he is learning to open up and trust again and to forgive his trouble filled past. Gray's profession was an added bonus for me. Anything with even a smidge of football is alright with me! I enjoyed that Wade seamlessly added a new team to the NFL but kept all the other real teams -- again so realistic, believable, that it drew me right into the events.<br />
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I really enjoyed Dru, even though we are pretty opposite people. She is tough as nails and the direct product of an only girl with three older brothers. Dru is driven, competitive, and unwilling to back down. She made a great challenge for Gray! The only thing I was sad about: I wanted more butt-kicking moments!! It would have been great to see her tackle more bad guys or fire her weapon, even if just on the range. (Dru's profession really wanted to make me dive into <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25795324-always-watching">Lynette Eason's book</a>!) I enjoyed the bit of suspense so much that I found myself wishing it was a larger focus of the story. Don't get me wrong, I loved that the story was so character driven. But Wade made the suspense and Dru's character so intriguing, that I just wanted more!<br />
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The attraction between Dru and Gray occured a bit quickly, but the progression of their relationship was natural enough. Their thoughts were rational, logical, and yet totally romantic. There was no 'we are attracted and thus must be together immediately' vibes. Instead they both realize the futility of it, fight to remain partial, and yet still end up falling for each other. SO CUTE.<br />
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Wade proves yet again that she is the queen of contemporary characters. Her writing is fun, romantic, suspenseful, natural, inviting.... I highly recommend her books if you are a fan of character driven contemporary romances!<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">5 stars</span> </b>from me. Lucky for me, I still have the Porter family book one to read...can't wait!<br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-74711579544121720562016-05-11T03:30:00.000-07:002016-05-11T03:30:15.450-07:00The Neverland Wars {Book Blitz + Giveaway}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Neverland Wars</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545831.Audrey_Greathouse">Audrey Greathouse</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Genre: YA Fantasy/ Fairytale Retelling</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Release Date: May 9th 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Clean Teen Publishing</b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Summary from Goodreads:</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="freeText13028137997924897983" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"><i>Magic can do a lot—give you flight, show you mermaids, help you taste the stars, and… solve the budget crisis? That's what the grown-ups will do with it if they ever make it to Neverland to steal its magic and bring their children home.<br />However, Gwen doesn't know this. She's just a sixteen-year-old girl with a place on the debate team and a powerful crush on Jay, the soon-to-be homecoming king. She doesn't know her little sister could actually run away with Peter Pan, or that she might have to chase after her to bring her home safe. Gwen will find out though—and when she does, she'll discover she's in the middle of a looming war between Neverland and reality.<br />She'll be out of place as a teenager in Neverland, but she won't be the only one. Peter Pan's constant treks back to the mainland have slowly aged him into adolescence as well. Soon, Gwen will have to decide whether she's going to join impish, playful Peter in his fight for eternal youth… or if she's going to scramble back to reality in time for the homecoming dance.</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">"Gwen's description of growing up and high school life is one of the most accurate that I've ever read." (Across the Bookiverse)</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;" /><br style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">"The author creates such a peaceful and serene place that it felt likeescape just reading about it...Through this world, the author explores the themes of what it means to grow up." (K.E. Carson, The Underground)</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPSwqSqwQFM/VxVHB6t98uI/AAAAAAAAN9I/9LKqc6oQQfgBxwQJFZiMNuYTK44gEtwVgCLcB/s1600/audrey%2Bgreathouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPSwqSqwQFM/VxVHB6t98uI/AAAAAAAAN9I/9LKqc6oQQfgBxwQJFZiMNuYTK44gEtwVgCLcB/s1600/audrey%2Bgreathouse.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">Audrey Greathouse is a Seattle-based author of science-fiction and fantasy. Raised in the suburbs, she became a writer after being introduced to NaNoWriMo during her sophmore year of high school. Since then, she has drafted more than a dozen books, 100 sonnets, and 800 other poems, and a handful of short stories and one-act plays.</span><br style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">After dropping out of her university and beginning training as a circus performer on the aerial silks, she returned to school to study at Southern New Hampshire University College of Online and Continuing Education to earn her B.A. in English Language and Literature, with a minor in Computer Information Technologies.</span><br style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 21px;">Audrey Greathouse is a die-hard punk cabaret fan, and pianist of fourteen years. She's usually somewhere along the west coast, and she is always writing.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: inherit;"><b>A to Z of Peter Pan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A is for ALWAYS a child and on adventures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">B is for BEDTIME stories from Wendy at night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">C is for CANNIBAL'S Cove and it's buried treasures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D is for DODGING the dastardly pirates we fight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">E is for ETERNALLY young and forever free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">F is for FAIRIES that twinkle and sparkle in flight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">G is for GAMES and all their ensuing gaiety.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">H is for HOOK himself, horrible pirate captain,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(I shake in my boots just to think of him!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">J is for the JOLLY RODGER, when he sails again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">K is for KIDS who run amok and fight on a whim.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">L is for LAGOON depths that house the most beautiful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">M is for MERMAIDS and their miracles in the mire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">N is for the NEVERBIRD nesting, happy and droll.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">O is for OLD TALES told once more around the camp fire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">P is for PETER PAN, of course, friend to the pixies—</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Q is for QUITE a bit of nonsense surrounding him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">R is for REDSKINS, a brave tribe living among trees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">S is for SWORDFIGHTING and stabbing old peg-leg Jim.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">T is for TINKERBELL and Tiger Lily's sly tricks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">U is for UNDERGROUND home, always safe and sound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">V is for VICIOUS enemies getting their licks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">W is for a WOUNDED Wendy-bird falling to the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">X marks the spot for the greatest treasures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why is for questions that need no answers;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Zzzzzzz's come after a long day's adventures.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">GIVEAWAY:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-73392785102536976332016-05-02T04:00:00.000-07:002016-05-02T04:00:22.739-07:00The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder {Review}<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder (Herringford and Watts, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440463450l/25913867.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Visit the Author's Website <a href="http://a-fair-substitute-for-heaven.blogspot.com/2016/04/giveaway-and-relz-reviewz-character.html">HERE</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publisher: Harvest House</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publishing Date: March 1, 2016</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25913867-the-bachelor-girl-s-guide-to-murder?from_new_nav=true&ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads Summary</a>:</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><i>I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. B<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Bachelor-Girls-Guide-Murder-Rachel-McMillan/9780736966405?ref=grid-view">uy a copy today</a>!</i><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>My Thoughts:</b><i> </i></span><br />
I am a fan of BBC's Sherlock, as is any sane and logical person. The show sparked my love for all things Sherlock and has even led me to read some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories. Thus, after seeing a new read being touted as 'female Sherlock-ians', I knew I would be picking it up asap.<br />
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To be entirely upfront, I am not sure my expectations were met. I was under quite the pretense that our leading ladies, Merinda and Jem, were going to be very much like Sherlock and his companion John Watson. Perhaps it was this misknowledge that caused my great disappointment with the novel and so I want to warn you too, the next possible reader, that this is NOT THE CASE. I was certainly hoping that Merinda and Jem would have been more Sherlock-esque and less two silly women pretending.<br />
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Instead, Merinda is the daughter of rich, generous parents and as such seems bored with life and conventional society. She insists on injecting herself into the role of detective although she has no experience is is a woman...in 1910. Jem is her unsuspecting best friend who seems incapable of saying no to kooky Merinda even if she isn't entirely sure whether she wants to be parading around Toronto in men's clothing.<br />
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I was sad that the two came across as silly and inept since I think that was a message the author was trying to fight against--women being any less capable than men. But the concepts and revelations that Jem experiences were not very clear to me. By the time Jem decides whether or not she wants to be detecting with Merinda, I just didn't really care. Thus when it came to her Big Decision moment, I felt let down. Overall, she was flaky and bland to me.<br />
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I spent a large majority of the beginning of the story trying to figure out if I was missing something. McMillan was attempting a 'big bang' beginning, but I was left utterly confused. I felt like there must have been a previous book I missed out on. Turns out there is a #.5, '<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25971504-a-singular-and-whimsical-problem">A Singular and Whimsical Problem</a>', that <i>may</i> contain some missing info. Left treading water, I quickly found myself detached from the characters, which did not help my case. For example, we never really learn much about Merinda, her background and why she is so adamant on fighting society's expectations. Knowing these details would have helped me connect to her a lot more.<br />
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So yes, I experienced some major letdown. I mean, even the adorable cover had me excited for some Sherlock vibes! But as it's own story, it is cute enough. <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">If you are looking for a story about two females running amuk in 1910 Toronto</span></b>, who are both determined, in their own ways, to turn societal norms on their ear, "The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder" is your very next pick. I will be keeping my eye out for book two, but will enter in with lowered expectations. "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28523796-a-lesson-in-love-and-murder">A Lesson in Love and Murde</a>r" is expected to drop this September with another novella releasing sometime before then. I'm rating this one with a disappointing <span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-weight: bold;">2 stars </span>because while it was cute enough in the moment, it surely hasn't stuck with me since then. <br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-7649410728791928292016-05-01T09:25:00.001-07:002016-05-01T09:25:10.612-07:00Their Fractured Light {Sneak Peek Link Up}<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s1600/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sneak Peek Saturday on Reading List a glimpse into what I am reading currently" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s320/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Currently Reading:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Their Fractured Light </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Goodreads Summary:</span></b></div>
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<span id="freeText16450488271210763841" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.<br /><br />Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.<br /><br />Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.<br /><br />When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNw/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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"I grab for Gideon's arm as he starts to move past me, and his gaze snaps over. Off to the side, near one of the plush leather-lined booths, are Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen." (pg 203)</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Initial Thoughts</b></span></span></div>
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I'm already about 100 pages in, and I am just not sure this one is going to be as awesome as I had hoped it would be. I find the pacing strange and the two main characters too trusting (too instalove) for them to be believable. The Sneak Peek quote gives me hope that one of my fave couples, Lilac and Tarver, will be showing up soon!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNwxVSXmMq1tSCx4yfPr4kfMw/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3VWUirfMA/VXXmjWUL62I/AAAAAAAAGZA/QTzauj57qNwxVSXmMq1tSCx4yfPr4kfMw/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you to <em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003366; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://adailyrhythm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Daily Rhythm</a> </em>for inspiring Reading List's Saturday Sneak Peek link up!<span style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;">Meet the <b>Hosts of Saturday Sneak Peek:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Marissa @ Reading List" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYF7lYQZrw/VoWWd8L_GdI/AAAAAAAAG9w/_EhOPQrkZpE/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Marissa @ Reading List" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Marissa</b>, writes book reviews from a variety of genres and shares thoughts on motherhood & life on <b><a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading List</a></b>. She loves to see what others are reading to grow her to-read list. Marissa also enjoys photography and a new journal to fill. </div>
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<a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoJ6v6GeRV0/VoWWd2rKwEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/gu8k3_DrqGA/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Alyssa @ Sunrise Avenue" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Alyssa</b> reads a variety of genres and writes about it at <b><a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunrise Avenue</a></b>. She is always looking for new bookish friends and recs'! Besides reading, Alyssa loves to bake and anything Doctor Who.<br />
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<a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNxePWAQirQ/VxuLlHHXCmI/AAAAAAAAI9g/ZWcgPMeOJZAXtX7NzZSaY6TdZxZ6YVagwCLcB/s200/SSP%2Bhost%2Bimage.jpg" title="Karen @ Dino Hero Mommy" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Karen </b>is a reading teacher who loves to listen to books as she commutes to and from work. She prefers crime thrillers and mysteries but enjoys a good book from any genre. She blogs about her life as a wife and mom at <a href="http://dinoheromommy.com/" target="_blank">Dino Hero Mommy</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Here are some rules if you decide to join in:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pick up whatever book you are reading (non-fiction, fiction, children's... really the sky is the limit)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Open to any page you have already read</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share a few “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page - make it interesting without flipping to a ton of different pages. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span> (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away -- You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share the title & author, too, so we can all add your book to our To-Be-Read lists!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This particular link up will be open for a month, so stop by often to share a new sneak peek, and grow your own TBR list!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-10243032062062039122016-04-26T03:30:00.000-07:002016-04-26T03:30:15.708-07:00The Rose & The Dagger {Release Blitz!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am so
excited that <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">THE ROSE & THE DAGGER</span> </b>by
Renée Ahdieh releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an
awesome giveaway!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you
haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Renée Ahdieh, be sure to
check out all the details below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This blitz
also includes a giveaway for a paperback of THE WRATH & THE DAWN and a
hardcover of THE ROSE & THE DAGGER and an awesome candle from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMeltingLibrary?ref=l2-shopheader-name">The
Melting Library’s Etsy Store</a>, US Only! So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the
Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Title:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> THE
ROSE & THE DAGGER</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Author:</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Renée
Ahdieh<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Release Date:</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> April
26, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Publisher:</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> G.P.
Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pages:</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> 432<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Formats:</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find it: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23308084-the-rose-and-the-dagger">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/1SVN6Lw">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rose-and-the-dagger-renee-ahdieh/1122492542?ean=9780399171628">B&N</a> | <a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-rose-and-the-dagger/id1029293653?mt=11&at=10l32yD">iBooks </a></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The much
anticipated sequel to the breathtaking <i>The Wrath and the Dawn</i>,
lauded by <i>Publishers Weekly</i> as "a potent page-turner of intrigue
and romance."<br />
</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br />
<i>I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and
sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.<br />
</i><br />
In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her
husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but
his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that
might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge
with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be
happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire.
Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But
she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.<br />
<br />
While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't
yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within
her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young
man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true
love.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Praise
for <i>The Rose and the Dagger</i>:</span><br />
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</span></u></b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Above all there is the shattering, triumphant
catharsis of love… In a story about stories, love is ‘the power to speak
without words.’ Thrillingly full of feeling.”—Kirkus Reviews<br />
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“Fiery romance, a spirited heroine, shifting loyalties… With more than a few
heartrending twists and turns.”—Booklist<b> </b></span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Excerpt:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcM6bcH3Cus/VxpzikXuIyI/AAAAAAAARxs/-L6U_97erBoSvI3Ywx35hHcr30wXibLWACLcB/s1600/Renee-Ahdieh1-243x365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcM6bcH3Cus/VxpzikXuIyI/AAAAAAAARxs/-L6U_97erBoSvI3Ywx35hHcr30wXibLWACLcB/s320/Renee-Ahdieh1-243x365.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">About Renée:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Renée lives in North Carolina (Go
Heels!) with her husband Victor and their dog Mushu. Her YA fantasy novel, THE
WRATH AND THE DAWN, will be published on May 12th, 2015. In her spare time, she
likes to cook, dance salsa, and wreak havoc on the lives of her characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
She’s also a member of the <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/">Society of
Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators</a>, as well as an active member of
the<a href="http://www.sfwa.org/">Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of
America</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://reneeahdieh.com/">Website</a>| <a href="http://www.twitter.com/rahdieh">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ReneeAhdiehAuthor">Facebook</a>| <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4600197.Renee_Ahdieh">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://rahdieh.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a> |<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rahdieh/">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/reneeahdieh">Instagram</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Giveaway Details:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 winner
will receive a paperback of THE WRATH & THE DAWN, a hardcover of THE ROSE
& THE DAGGER, and a His Calipha candle from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMeltingLibrary?ref=l2-shopheader-name">The
Melting Library’s Etsy Store</a>, US Only.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ends on May 3rd at Midnight EST!</div>
<br />
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-72217447582050625132016-04-25T03:30:00.000-07:002016-04-25T03:30:16.585-07:00Becky Wade Facebook Party!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade/" rel="attachment wp-att-18599" target="_blank"><img alt="wade event promo - fb" class="aligncenter wp-image-18599" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/wade-event-promo-fb-504x264.png" height="204" width="390" /></a> </div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Becky Wade's "A Love Like Ours" was one of the cutest romance reads of 2015. I am beyond excited to get my hands on her latest: "Her One and Only". Not only does it sound super cute, but the cover is beyond adorable. Make sure to stop out at her Facebook party next week!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Deets: </span></b><br />
A female bodyguard plus her star NFL client plus danger equals a great recipe for romance! <strong><em><a href="http://beckywade.com/home/her-one-and-only/" target="_blank">Her One and Only</a></em></strong>, book four in Becky Wade's Porter Family novels, releases May 3. To celebrate, Becky is hosting an author chat party on <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade/" target="_blank">her Facebook page</a></strong> on May 5 at 5 PM PDT/8 PM EDT. Join Becky for an evening of book chat with other bookworms and prizes.<br />
<br />
Plus a portion of all pre-sales and sales the release week of <em>Her One and Only</em> will be donated to the <strong><a href="https://www.fallenheroesfund.org/" target="_blank">Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund</a></strong>. For more details on how to purchase a copy, <strong><a href="http://beckywade.com/home/her-one-and-only/" target="_blank">click here</a></strong>.
<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">
About the Book</span></h3>
After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?
<br />
<br />
Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.
<br />
<br />
Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.
<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://beckywade.com/home/her-one-and-only/" target="_blank">Learn more and purchase a copy.</a></strong><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">
Welcome to Sneak Peek Saturday!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s1600/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sneak Peek Saturday on Reading List a glimpse into what I am reading currently" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JALz4BhVaDQ/VXYzHWKVF0I/AAAAAAAAGZc/bIpaYh_AaHw/s320/sneak%2Bpeak%2B1.png" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Current book:</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>The Girl on the Train</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>by Paula Hawkins</b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><img alt="The Girl on the Train" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421709869l/22557272.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22557272-the-girl-on-the-train">Goodreads Summary:</a></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">A debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people’s lives.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller and an electrifying debut.</span></div>
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Sneak Peek:</span></h3>
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"It's different, the nightmare I wake from this morning. In it, I've done something wrong, but I don't know what it is, all I know is that it cannot be put right." (pg 179)</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Initial Thoughts: </b></span></div>
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I think this sneak peek sums up my experience with the book thus far. I'm currently on page 68 and so far, no one really knows anything about anyone. I am shocked to see this statement from character Rachel is much the same on page 68 as it is on 179. It gives me little hope that the book is going to progress. However, I am determined to finish this one, and quickly, as it is a book club read due for next Friday!</div>
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Thank you to <em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003366; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://adailyrhythm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Daily Rhythm</a> </em>for inspiring Reading List's Saturday Sneak Peek link up!<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">
Meet the Hosts of Saturday Sneak Peek:</span></h3>
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<b>Marissa</b>, writes book reviews from a variety of genres and shares thoughts on motherhood & life on <b><a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading List</a></b>. She loves to see what others are reading to grow her to-read list. Marissa also enjoys photography and a new journal to fill. </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/forfunreadinglist/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> ~~ <a href="https://twitter.com/Reading_List1/" target="_blank">Twitter</a> ~~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/+ForFunReadingListblogspot" target="_blank">Google +</a> ~~ <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Marissawrites/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<b>Alyssa</b> reads a variety of genres and writes about it at <b><a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunrise Avenue</a></b>. She is always looking for new bookish friends and recs'! Besides reading, Alyssa loves to bake and anything Doctor Who.<br />
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Here are some rules if you decide to join in:</h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pick up whatever book you are reading (non-fiction, fiction, children's... really the sky is the limit)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Open to any page you have already read</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share a few “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page - make it interesting without flipping to a ton of different pages. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span> </span>(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away -- You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Share the title & author, too, so we can all add your book to our To-Be-Read lists!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This particular link up will be open for a month, so stop by often to share a new sneak peek, and grow your own TBR list!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/105/C11350FB3BC760FE918FD8127E724656.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7141478629295744121.post-13454174757278795962016-04-21T03:30:00.000-07:002016-04-21T03:30:06.354-07:00Least Favorite Covers of 2015<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Sometimes....they just don't work. Covers don't always draw you in. Or, too frequently, they depict something that doesn't fit with the story. In no particular order, these are the covers from books I read in 2015 that could use a redo:</span></div>
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<img alt="How (Not) to Fall in Love" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420800771l/22392967.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">How (Not) To Fall in Love by Lisa Brown Roberts</span></b></div>
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I actually enjoyed this read, but not this cover. The figures are so stiff...and odd.</div>
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<img alt="Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Destination Wedding #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435548512l/23492612.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt</span></b></div>
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There is far too much writing on this cover. I would at least remove the lengthy quote at the top. Add in the photoshopped bouquet and this is just not working. </div>
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<img alt="Valley of Decision (The Carthage Chronicles, #3)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1439787330l/23492727.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry</span></b></div>
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That's some nice, long, photoshopped hair. I just think this one could have better depicted the story.</div>
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<img alt="We Were Liars" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402749479l/16143347.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">We Were Liars by E. Lockhart</span></b><br />
I suppose this was the best scene they could pick without giving away spoilers, but it is too washed out and BLAH. Maybe something graphic, bright colors on a black cover?<br />
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<img alt="The Five Times I Met Myself" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1439560059l/26093614.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart</span></b><br />
I assume they were going for a 'Tuesdays with Morrie' kind of vibe. The shadow is supposed to add a bit of mystery...but no. I wouldn't pick this up based on cover alone.<br />
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<img alt="Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760l/7896527.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas</span></b><br />
This is the cover of the version I read. Thank goodness they have since <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16034235-throne-of-glass">updated it</a>!<br />
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<img alt="A Sparrow in Terezin (Hidden Masterpiece #2)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404475923l/22578264.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron</span></b><br />
This one is more of a letdown really. The fancy hairdo and flowers don't match with the concentration camp vibe (although pretty). But the obviously fake and last second bird? No thanks.<br />
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<img alt="Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles, #3.5)" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1460846345l/22489107.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Fairest by Marissa Meyer</span></b><br />
Yup. Just generally not impressed. The mirror is on fire?? The font? It just doesn't match the other covers in the series which irks me.</div>
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This list of covers may not have been very eye catching, but <a href="http://alyssazech.blogspot.com/2016/02/favorite-covers-of-2015.html">THIS LIST</a> sure is! I'm still drooling over some of these choices!<br />
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<i>What did you think about the covers on this list? Which books would you add from 2015??</i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/105/C11350FB3BC760FE918FD8127E724656.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/SunriseAvenue" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_rss_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sunrise_books" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_twitter_fushcia.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssa_zech/boards/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_pinterest_chartreuse.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a><a href="mailto:amzech1188@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb396/cwfrosting/cwdesigns/circle_email.jpg" height="40" width="40" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0