Beyond Escape By Deborah K. Jensen ~ REVIEW~

There are many reasons that I may choose a book to read. In this case the first thing that made me want to read this book was the author's last name. Jensen is a family name in my family, so Deborah Jensen's name caught my eye and made me check out Beyond Escape a little closer. When I read the back of the book and found out what the story was about, well that cinched it. I just had to read Beyond Escape. 

Kim is so in need of some time away. She has just ended a marriage to a man she thought she loved and loved her back, however she found out he is a no good lying cheater! Then the man has the gull to tell her he still loves her! That was enough Kim knows she must get out of town and regroup. She needs to get her life back on track, a new track, without her ex. I really admired Kim, she has been through a lot and knows it's time for a break. I love that she goes to visit her parents. What could possibly be better then spending some time with Mom and Dad when things are falling apart? However, when she gets there she finds out there is things going on with her Dad and it really is a blessing she is visiting at that time. I don't want to give too much away, so I will just leave it at that. I love how this gives her and her Mom a better chance to bond and that they take the opportunity to bond. 

Kim meets a new fella while she is visiting her parents. There is an instant bond between these two. However there are a few things that could stand in their way. I don't want to give too much of the story away so I really don't want to tell you too much about this situation. However, once I got to this part of the story I was completely captivated and unable to put this book down until I finished the story. There are many twist and turns that I totally did not see coming at all. I really enjoyed the whole story. 

I hope that Deborah Jensen may be writing a follow up to this book. I know I would love to read more about these characters.  I found Ms. Jensen to have a very nice writing voice and found this book very easy to read. I would certainly be willing to read more work by her in the future. 

I was given the opportunity to read this book in order to share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts on Beyond Escape with you all. 

Echoes in the Silence (The Siren Saga) Julie Johnstone ~ Review ~

I was given the wonderful opportunity to read Echos in the Silence to share my thoughts. My first thought was OH my Goodness what a FABULOUS book. My second thought was oh I hope there is  more and lookie here, this is going to be part of a saga so I am going to get my wish to read more about these wonderful characters! WOO HOO!

Alyse Estes has had many things happen in her life. She endured a lot of sadness and a lot of secrets. I really liked Alyse, she's strong and independent and think she knows exactly what she wants out of life. However, like many of us, things change along that way that make her question if that is what she really wanted out of life. Maybe there is something else out that that Alyse would rather have in her life. I found Alyse's paranormal talents to be very interesting and they come in very useful a few times in the this story. 

Maximillian Rheinhart has a few hidden things in his life away well. He's also a very strong man with some interesting paranormal capabilities as well. Max is also extremely handsome and has an instant drawn connection to Alyse. Alyse tries to fight the connection because she knows that she should fight it hard. 

I really enjoyed Alyse and Max's story. There are so many things that happen along the way that I had really hard time putting this book. I found there were times when I had tears of sadness for Alyse and at other times I was laughing so hard I had tears of joy. This book really hit on a lot of emotions and I LOVED it!

I had not had the chance to read any work by Julie Johnstone until I read Echos in the Silence. I found her to be very talented with creating fun characters that are dynamic and charming. Her writing was captivating and easy to read. I can not wait to read more of her work. I also CAN NOT wait to read more about these characters and find out what else can happen with this intriguing group of characters. I know I will be anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in the Siren Saga. 

If you enjoy a great paranormal story with some VERY interesting twists and turns I think you should check out Echos in the Silence. If you get a chance to read this book I would love to hear your thoughts. Please stop by my blog and let me know what you thought. 

I've included the link here, don't wait click now, grab yourself a copy of this great book. Don't forget to come back after you have read it and let me know what you think.

I was given the opportunity to read this books to share my thoughts. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on on this book.

Chasing the Star Garden By Melanie Karsak ~ The Airship Racing Chronicles ~ Fangtastic Book Tours ~ Excerpt ~ Giveaway

Chasing the Star Garden

The Airship Racing Chronicles

By Melanie Karsak

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Blurb:

An opium-addicted beauty.An infamous poet living in self-imposed exile.An ancient treasure about to fall into the wrong hands.

Melanie Karsak's Chasing the Star Garden takes readers on a thrilling adventure from the gritty opium dens of gaslamp London to the gem-colored waters of the ancient world. Lily Stargazer, a loveable but reckless airship racer with a famous lover and shattered past, reluctantly plunges into a centuries-old mystery in a romantic adventure best described as Dan Brown meets Mary Shelley.

It all begins on one of the worst days of Lily’s life. She just lost the London leg of the 1823 Airship Grand Prix. To top it off, a harlequin fleeing from constables shoved a kaleidoscope down her pants, told her to fly to Venice, then threw himself from her airship tower. What’s a girl to do? For Lily, the answer is easy: drink absinthe and smoke opium.

Lily’s lover, Lord Byron, encourages her to make the trip to Venice. Lily soon finds herself at the heart of an ancient mystery which has her running from her past and chasing true love and the stars along the way.

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Excerpt:

Chapter 1

I was going to lose-again. I gripped the brass handles on the wheel and turned the airship sharply port. The tiller vibrated in protest making the wheel shake and my wrist bones ache. Bracing my knees against the spokes, I tore off my brown leather gloves to get a better feel. The metal handgrips were smooth and cold. My fingers tingled from the chill.
“Easy,” I whispered to the Stargazer. I looked up from my position at the wheelstand, past the ropes, burner basket, and balloon, toward the clouds. They were drifting slowly left in a periwinkle blue sky. There’d be an updraft as we passed over the green-brown waters of the canal near Buckingham House. I locked the wheel and jumped from the wheelstand onto the deck of the gondola and looked over the rail. The canal waters were a hundred feet away. I ran back to the wheel and steadied the ship. If I caught the updraft, it would propel me up and forward and give me an edge.
“Cutter caught it, Lily,” Jessup yelled down from the burner basket below the balloon opening. “Up he goes,” he added, looking out through his spyglass. The gold polish on the spyglass reflected the fire from the burner.
“Dammit!” I snapped down my binocular lense. I saw Hank Cutter’s red-and-white striped balloon rise upward. At the top, he pitched forward with great momentum, catching a horizontal wind. I could just make out Cutter at the wheel. His blond hair blew wildly around him. He turned and waved to me. Wanker.
I was not as lucky. Just as the bow of the Stargazer reached the water, a stray wind came in and blew us leeward. The balloon jiggled violently in the turbulent air. I missed the air pocket altogether.
“No! No, no, no!” I cursed and steadied the ship. I had chased Cutter from Edinburgh across the Scottish and English countryside. He had been off his game all day. I’d had him by half a mile the entire race. With the bottom feeders lingering somewhere in the distance behind us, I’d thought the London leg of the 1823 Airship Grand Prix would be mine. That was until St. Albans, where Cutter caught a random breeze that pushed him slightly in front of me. Cutter had a knack for catching favorable winds; it was not a talent I shared.
“We’re coming up on Westminster,” Jessup yelled down from the basket. “Lily, drop altitude. Cutter is too high. Come in low and fast, and you might overtake him.”
The airship towers sat at the pier near the Palace of Westminster along the Thames. A carnival atmosphere had overtaken the city as it always does on race day. Colorful tents were set up everywhere. Vendors hawked their wares to excited Londoners and international visitors. I could hear the merchants barking from their tents even from this far above. I fancied I could smell roasted peanuts in the wind.
I jumped down from the wheelstand, ran across the deck, and pulled the valve cord, opening the flap at the top of the balloon. Hot air released with a hiss. I kept one eye on the balloon and another eye on Tinkers’ Tower. At this time of day, the heat coming off of the Palace of Westminster and Tinkers’ Tower would give us a bump. I looked up. Cutter had started preparing his descent. It would be close.
I ran back to the wheel.
“Angus, I need more speed,” I yelled down to the gear galley, rapping on the wooden hatch that led to the rods, belts, and propeller parts below.
Angus slapped open the hatch and stuck out his bald head. His face was covered in grease, and his blue-lense monocle glimmered in the sunlight. He looked up at the clouds and back at me.
“Let’s giddyup,” I called to him.
“You trying the Tower sling?” he yelled back.
“You got it.”
He laughed wildly. “That’s my lassie,” he yelled and dropped back down, pulling the wood hatch closed with a clap. I heard the gears grind, and the propeller, which had been turning nice and steady, began to hum loudly. The ship pitched forward. Within moments, we were coming up on Tinkers’ Tower. The airship towers were just a stone’s throw away.
I aimed the ship directly toward Tinkers’ Tower. Just as the bowsprit neared the clock, I yanked the wheel. The warm air caught us.
“Whoa!” Jessup yelled as the balloon moved within arm’s length of the tower.
The sound of “Ohhs!” echoed from the crowd below.
A mix of warm air and propulsion gave us some go, and seconds later we were slingshotting around Tinkers’ Tower toward the airship platforms. Gliding in on warm air and momentum, we flew fast and low.
Cutter had kept it high, but now he was dropping like a stone toward his own tower. Damned American. I didn’t blame him; I would have used the same move. His balloon was releasing so much air that I wondered if he would be able to slow down in time, not that I would have minded seeing him smash to the ground in a million pieces.
“It’s going to be close,” Jessup yelled as he adjusted the heat pan.
I guided the helm. The Stargazer was temperamental, but we understood one another. A shake of the wheel warned me I was pushing too hard. “Almost there,” I whispered to the ship.
The Grand Prix Marshalls were standing on the platform. Cutter and I had the end towers. I was going to make it.
“Cut propulsion,” I yelled toward the gear galley. On the floor near the wheelstand, a rope led to a bell in the galley. I rang it twice. The propeller switched off.
A soft, sweet wind blew in from the port side. It ruffled my hair around my shoulders. I closed my eyes and turned the wheel slightly starboard, guiding the ship in. Moments later, I heard a jubilant cheer erupt from the American side and an explosion from the firework cannon signaling the winner had been declared. My eyes popped open. I tore off my goggles and looked starboard. Cutter’s balloon was docked. I threw the goggles onto the deck and set my forehead against the wheel.
The Stargazer settled into her dock. Jessup set the balloon on hover and, grabbing a rope, swung down to the deck. He then threw the lead lines and anchors onto the platform. The beautifully dressed crowd, gentlemen in suits and top hats and fancy ladies in a rainbow of satin gowns carrying parasols, rushed toward the American end of the platform to congratulate the winner.
I was, once again, a national disgrace. Lily the loser. Lily second place. Perhaps I would never be anything more than a ferrywoman, a cheap air jockey.
“Good job, Lily. Second place!” Jessup said joining me. He patted me on the shoulder.
I sighed deeply and unbuttoned my vest. The tension had me sweating; I could feel it dripping down from my neck, between my breasts, into my corset.
“You did great,” I told Jessup. “Sorry I let you down.”
“Ah, Lily,” he sighed.
Angus emerged from below wiping sweat from his head with a greasy rag. He pulled off his monocle. He frowned toward the American side. “Well, we beat the French,” he said with a shrug and kissed me on the cheek, smearing grease on me.
“Good job, Angus. Thank you,” I said, taking him by the chin and giving him a little shake as I wrinkled my nose and smiled at him.
Angus laughed and dropped his arm around Jessup’s shoulders. They grinned happily at one another.
“You stink, brother,” Jessup told him.
“It’s a wee bit toasty down there. Besides, I pedaled this ship across the entire fucking country while you were up here looking at the birds. That, my friend, is the smell of success.”
I laughed.
“You pedaled the ship?” Jessup asked mockingly. “Like Lil and I were just up here playing cards? If I didn’t keep the balloon aloft, your ass would be kissing the ground.”
“Now wait a minute. Are you saying your job is more important that mine?” Angus retorted.
I could see where this was going. “Gents.”
“More important? Now why would I say that? Just because I’m the one . . .” Jessup started and then his mouth ran.
“Gents.”
“ . . . and another thing . . .” Jessup went on.
“Gentlemen! Our audience awaits,” I said cutting them both off, motioning to the well-shod crowd who waited for us on the loading platform outside the Stargazer.
I grinned at my crew. “Come on. Let’s go.”
I patted the rail of the Stargazer. “Thanks,” I whispered to her, and we exited onto the platform.
A reporter from the London Times and several race officials stood waiting for me.
“Well done, Lily! Well done!” the British race official congratulated me with a pat on the back. “Second place! King George will be so proud. One of these days you’ll have it, by God.”
I was pretty sure that the last thing I needed was the attention of George IV, the extravagant, unpopular lush. But I bit my tongue and smiled politely.
“Lily, how did Cutter beat you? You led the entire race,” the reporter asked. She was a round woman wearing a very thick black lace collar that looked like it was choking her. Her heavy purple walking dress looked hot under the late afternoon summer sun, and the brim of her black satin cap barely shaded her nose. I noticed, however, that she had a small clockwork fan pin attached to her chest. The fan wagged cool air toward her face.
I pulled off my cap, mopped my forehead, and thought about the question. “Luck,” I replied.
“Lily, that was some move around Tinkers’ Tower. How did you learn to do that?” another reporter asked.
“My father,” I lied.
“Make way, make way,” one of the race officials called, ushering a Marshall forward.
The Marshall looked like someone who lingered an hour too long at supper. The gold buttons on his satin, marigold colored vest would take an eye out if they popped. His overly tall top hat was adorned with a ring of flowers that matched his striking orange colored dress coat.
“Miss Stargazer, congratulations,” he said, shaking my hand. “The Spanish airship is coming in now. Will you please join Mr. Cutter at the winners’ podium?” he asked politely as he guided me forward by the hand.
From below there was a commotion. A man dressed in an unusual costume rushed up the stairs. The London constables, a full squadron of the Bow Street Runners, chased him. When he got to the loading platform, the man pushed through a crowd of well-dressed ladies and gentlemen, many of whom were gentry. It was then I could see he was dressed as a harlequin. He wore the traditional red and black checked outfit and a black mask. He scanned the towers until he caught sight of me. He jumped, landing on the tower railing, and ran toward me. A woman in the crowd screamed. Moments later the constables appeared on the platform. The race Marshalls pointed toward the harlequin who was making a beeline for me.
I let go of the Marshall’s hand and stepped back toward the ship.
“Lily,” Jessup warned, moving protectively toward me.
Angus reached over the deck of the Stargazer and grabbed a very large wrench.
Was it an assassin? Christ, would someone murder me for winning second place? I turned and ran toward the Stargazer. A moment later, the harlequin flipped from the rail, grabbed one of the Stargazer’s ropes, and swinging over the others, landed on the platform directly in front of me. Any second now, I would be dead.
He panted and muttered “Lily?” from behind the mask.
“Stop that man! Stop him!” a constable yelled.
“Get out of my way!” Angus roared at the crowd that had thronged in between us.
The masked man grabbed me, tugged on the front of my trousers, and leaned into my ear. The long nose of the mask tickled the side of my face. “Go to Venice,” he whispered as he stuffed something down the front of my pants.
“We got you now,” a constable said, grabbing him, raising his club.
The man shook him off, took two steps backward, and with a jump, leapt off the tower.
Several people in the crowd screamed.
I rushed to the side of the tower to see the harlequin lying at its base. His body was twisted, and his arms and legs bent oddly, contorted into three distinct points. Blood began pooling around him.
“Miss Stargazer, are you all right?” a constable asked.
“A man just killed himself in front of me. No, I am not all right.”
“I mean, are you harmed? Did he hurt you?”
I shook my head and looked down at the mangled body which lay in the shape of a three-sided triskelion. It was the same symbol that was painted on the balloon of the Stargazer.

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About the author:



Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania where there wasn’t much to do but read books and go for hikes. She wrote her first novel, a gripping piece about a 1920s stage actress, when she was 12. Today, Melanie, a steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and caffeine junkie, lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.




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Author Links: 

Blog: melaniekarsak.blogspot.com

Twitter: twitter.com/MelanieKarsak

Email: melanie@clockpunkpress.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsak

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/melaniekarsak/

Authorgraph: www.authorgraph.com/authors/MelanieKarsak

A Goodreads author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539577.Melanie_Karsak


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Deathblow by Dana Marton ~ Broslin Creek #4 ~ Review

I have read several books by Dana Marton now and I always enjoy her work. She has a talent for keeping me on the edge of my seat while I am reading. I enjoy a nice romantic story with some great suspense included. 

Deathblow starts with an extremely dramatic and suspense filled scene that caught my attention right away. The rest of the book was just as thrilling and kept me completely captivated. 

Joe Kessler is one of those guys that I know I would want on my side if I was in trouble. He's brave, smart, and handsome as sin. He has a very dangerous undercover job and finds himself in many life threatening situations in this book. 

Wendy Belle has found herself in a horrible relationship. She is a mother of a little boy and she will do what she has to in order to protect her son. She is use to taking a lot of abuse and doesn't have a lot of trust for anyone. She does have a few friends that she does trust and they step up to help her. She is almost afraid to accept the help for fear of what her jerk of a ex-boyfriend will do to her when he finds out that she has told someone about the situations. 

Joe helps to watch over Wendy and her son. There is an attraction between these two right away, however Wendy has trust issues and isn't sure she should let Joe in her life. I really enjoyed how Joe interacted with Wendy's son. He shows Wendy how much a real father figure could mean to her son's life. Joe might be a strong tough guy but he has a heart of gold and it is a big teddy bear when it comes to the people he loves.

This is an incredibly captivating story that has a LOT of twist and turns that I did not expect at all. Overall this is a wonderful suspenseful romance that I really enjoyed reading. 
I really enjoyed reading Joe and Wendy's story. It was certainly an emotional read as well as a suspenseful one. 

I can not wait to see what Ms. Marton has in store for us lucky readers next. So far everything I have read by her has been wonderful. If you are looking for a romantic story that is going to keep you are on the edge of your seat as well I think you should check out Ms. Marton's work. 

I was given the opportunity to read this book so that I may share my opinion with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Deathblow. 

Heaven on Earth by Gioconda Lyss ~ Review ~

I had not had the pleasure of reading anything by Gioconda Lyss before Heaven on Earth. Now that I have read this great steamy story, I know I want to read more. Gioconda Lyss has created a wonderful story with plenty of steamy scenes and a little bit of mystery.

Gwen McAllister and Desmond Blankenship have developed a very hot long distance relationship that really works for both of them. Gwen is a little hesitant to develop a deeper relationship. She has been bitten by a bad relationship in the past and just wants to keep things kind of light. Desmond is trying to end a bad relationship but he's having a tough time getting the strings cut. 

Gwen and Desmond have a nice relationship that is plenty steamy, but when Leticia comes for a visit things get a even hotter. I don't want to give too much away but if you enjoy a really good steamy bedtime story I think you will enjoy this one. It's a rather short story so it is perfect for a nice naughty bedtime read. 

I found Gioconda Lyss' Heaven on Earth to be a nicely written erotic story with a plot that certainly kept me entertained. 

I was given the opportunity to read this story in order to share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

Right Before My Eyes 11 By Michelle Robinson ~ Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour ~ Interview

Right Before My Eyes 11 

By Michelle Robinson

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INTERVIEW:

Crystal: Today as part of this Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour, I have the opportunity to interview Michelle Robinson. Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today? 

Michelle: I am a hairstylist & salon owner. I’ve been in the business for 19 years now. Listening and talking to many clients over the years has given me more fuel than I need to create drama & plots for my characters. I started writing poetry in the mid 80’s when I was in junior high. I started having thoughts of writing a book by the late 90’s but felt that I was too young to talk about anything. In 2008, with more experience I knew I was ready to began writing a book especially after two people on the same day told me to. I took that as a definite sign.  

Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Michelle: My favorite scene takes place on the airplane when Journee is forced to have a conversation with Jason’s wife and has to face the naked truth about her and Jason’s friendship.

Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for Right Before My Eyes II? 

Michelle: The idea came from an ex boyfriend who had too much drama. So quickly I had to end it. Jules is portrayed as his character and I just wanted Journee and her twin Jordyn to be as complex and different as possible for added drama.

Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Michelle: I am actually promoting Right Before My Eyes II right now. I am speaking at book events, hosting a few book signings,  and vending at shopping & hair show events. But I will be back writing in December in hopes to be finished with part 3 before summer 2014.

Crystal: Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing? 

Michelle: I jot ideas down all the time because ideas always come to mind when I’m busy doing something else. I write down the ending of the book first and then all the events that I want to happen in the book and I pretty much go from there. Then I make sure to always stop writing in the middle of a sentence so when I start writing again it won’t take long getting started. It helps you get into writing mode when you have to complete a sentence.

Crystal: Did you have to do a lot of research this book or any other? If so do you have a fascinating fact that you have learned you would like to share with us? 

Michelle: When I did research on the cruise ship’s policy in case of a death of a passenger, I was shocked to learn that the cruise lines almost always consider any death on board a suicide.

Crystal:  Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Michelle: James Maxwell, Eric Jerome Dickey, Terry McMillan, & Mary Morrison. 

Crystal:  Is there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?


Michelle: Yes, actually I want to write a cookbook. Healthy and quick meals will be the theme for it. I want to help busy people get back in the kitchen and cook again instead of winging it in the drive-thru.

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About The Book: 

Journee and Jordyn are back! It’s a new year and things have shaken up alot between The Bell Twins after the untimely death of Kalena’s husband Todd. Coming back alone from her honeymoon, discover if Kalena will find peace with Todd’s death and happiness within her own life again. 

Jordyn’s shocking secret only gets worse as it takes a turn down a path that leaves everyone more confused than before. Will Jordyn and Chris survive? Now that Jordyn’s mayhem has put Journee in the middle of her and her sisterhood, Journee has to decide what’s more important now, the friendship that the girls have shared for over twenty years or the relationship with her twin sister.

Chelsea & Najah’s lives have changed as well as Journee’s when Drew comes home from prison. This is the moment that Journee has been waiting for but is she ready to leave her broken past behind and marry him? Has she really moved on from Jason?  On vacation in Cabo San Lucas, things about him are uncovered and the truth is finally revealed to her.

As you witness more drama and celebrations, follow Jordyn, Journee, Kalena, Najah & Chelsea as the year 2009 just might be their year after all.

December 2-31, 2013

ISBN-13: 978-1491805442

ASIN: B00EU77UW0

Genre: Mainstream Fiction

Hosted by: WLN Book Tours: http://wnlbooktours.com

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About The Author: 

Michelle Robinson was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Oakland’s rich culture has laid the fabric for this story. She’s been doing hair for two decades. As a hairstylist, it’s safe to say she has also served as a therapist to her clients. She has heard and witnessed it all right behind her styling chair. From her experiences, she’s given advice to many and has watched people’s lives transistion. With this driving force, she has finally penned her second novel.

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Buy Links:

Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EU77UW0/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00EU77UW0&link_code=as3&tag=revibycrys-20

Amazon paperback:  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1491805447/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1491805447&linkCode=as2&tag=revibycrys-20">Right Before My Eyes II</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=revibycrys-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1491805447" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

Barnes & Nobel: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/right-before-my-eyes-ii-michelle-robinson/1116739967?ean=9781491805442

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Social Links:

Email: rightbeforemyeyes@yahoo.com

Website: www.michellerobinsonauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrob.robinson

Twitter: @BooksbyMichelle

Write Now Literary VBT Tour Schedule:  http://wnlbooktours.com/michelle-robinson/

Harper’s Wish By Krista Ames ~ Blog Tour ~

Harper’s Wish 

By Krista Ames

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Blurb:



Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time of year, but for Harper Donaldson it’s just another day. Orphaned at an early age, she doesn’t have a single good memory of Christmas.

But, when a Santa’s Mailbox mysteriously appears in the lobby of the post office where she works as postmistress, Harper wonders what it could hurt to send her own letter to Santa.

Could he bring her the family she’d always wanted?

Publisher: Roane Publishing
Release Date: December 20, 2013
Key Words: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Sweet, Novella

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Purchase Links:

Amazon
Amazon (UK)
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Smashwords
All Romance eBooks

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Bio:
Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Krista now resides in Northern Lower Michigan.  She is married to a very supportive man who allows her to follow her true passion of writing and never complains when she is pirated away on her computer for hours.  He is excellent at bouncing ideas around with and even helps the occasional writers block.  He’s also a terrific “in house” editor.  Krista is also a mother of 4 ornery children who keep her plenty busy.  With an addition of 2 beautiful chocolate lab sisters and a playful kitty, there is never a dull or spare moment in her household.

Krista has always loved to read and would often sit up for hours into the night not able to put down a book until she was finished.  She still reads when she can but her main focus is creating her own stories to share with the world.

She loves to communicate with her readers so please feel free to drop her a line anytime.

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Krista Ames’ Links:

Website  

Blog

Facebook

 Twitter

Goodreads

Link for Harper’s Wish on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19046979-harper-s-wish?from_search=true

Link for the tour button:
http://www.roanepublishing.com/harpers-wish.html





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The Holiday Brides Collection Books 1 - 4 By Ginny Baird ~ Review ~

This wonderful collection of stories by Ginny Baird contains the first four books in her Holiday Brides Series. These were all wonderfully sweet romantic stories that I could not put down. I have a special fondness for Christmas stories so all of these stories hold a special place in my heart.


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The Christmas Catch Holiday Brides #1: 

Christine White has such a full plate. Since she lost her husband, she has been a single mother, raising an adorable, intelligent four year old son. She is in desperate need of some time to recharge and spend some quality time with her son. Her best friend, whom is also her boss sends her to Vermont to house sit. I found it so sweet that Christine's friend saw how much Christine needed this get away. 

Little does Christine know she is about to meet handsome, wonderful, and helpful John Steadman. John seems to pop up in all the the right places to run into Christine and her son until they finally make plans to meet again. These two become instant friends and John shows Christine and Tyler all the fun things to do in Vermont. I really liked that John included Tyler in all the outings with Christine and found things that Tyler would enjoy doing as well. 

I really enjoyed reading John and Christine's story. The Christmas Catch is a wonderful sweet romance story. 


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The Holiday Bride Holiday Brides #2: 


I have to say that this was my favorite story in the collection. They were all fabulous but I LOVED this story. Lucy West has a jerk of a fiance' that she is about to marry. He's just not the right person for her. When she disappears for a few days he doesn't even know she has been gone. What a butt head! 

However Lucy takes a fall on the side walk and that is when everything changes. She ends up with a wonderful family that helps her figure out what is going on. William Kinkaid's little girl is certain that Lucy has been left as a surprise from Santa. You see she wants a new mommy and she thinks Lucy will fit that bill just perfectly. 

There are many twist and turns, some really sweet family moments, some sweet romantic moments, and a bit of mystery. I just adored this story. I have to admit that I could not put this story down until I was finished. All the books in this wonderful collections are fairly short and can be read in a short amount of time. Which is great if you are looking for a feel good Holiday story just before bed, or anytime. 


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Mistletoe in Maine Holiday Brides #3: 

I really enjoyed this story as well. Carol Baker wanted to take her children on a Christmas vacation that they would never forget. When she finds the Love Inn located in Maine she thinks she has found the perfect vacation spot. She doesn't know if she can truly afford the vacation but in the end I don't think she could have afforded not to take this vacation. 

Paul Love is thinking of retiring from the inn life since he lost his wife. He plans this to be his last Christmas as an inn Owner. So when the Baker family arrives and a few members of Paul's own family arrive as well it makes for an intimate Christmas holiday. I loved the family aspect of this book. I thought it was sweet that they all became one big family for the holiday. They do many things together and show the kids a really fun White Christmas. Paul and Carol hit it off right away and there is chemistry between these two. Can they find a way to make it work for them after Carol and the kids go back home? 

Once again this is another one of those feel good stories that left me with the farm fuzzy feeling when I was finished reading it. I would highly recommend this whole set to all my fellow Christmas story fans out there. If you are already a fan of Ginny Baird I know you are going to love this collection. If you have not read her work yet this is a great way to give her stories a chance. 

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Beach Blanket Santa Holiday Brides #4: 



Christmas on the beach, what could be more perfect? Except when a winter storm is blowing in and leaves everyone on the island stranded for a few days. 

Sarah Anderson's friend insist that she take a vacation over the Christmas Holiday, and that she make use of the beach house. She won't take no for an answer so Sarah heads off for her Beach Holiday. Little does she know that Matt Salvatore has also been instructed that he needs a break. He too is planning to spend the holiday at the beach house. 

These two have a past together that embarrasses Sarah and that Matt doesn't quite understand. This makes for some interesting moments and a few twists and turns at the beach house. I really enjoyed watching Sarah and Matt REALLY get to know each other. It turns out they have more in common then they thought and they have a lot of fun together. By time they can leave the island are they really going to want to? I'm going to let you grab a copy and find out for yourself. 


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I have become a big fan of Ginny Baird's work. She writes the sweetest romances that leave you with those warm fuzzy feelings. She also adds a lot of humor and I love to laugh when I am reading a book. If you have not read her work yet I suggest you give one of these a try. You don't need to read them in order because they stand alone. I hear Ms. Baird has a new book coming out soon, I can't wait to read it. 

I was given the opportunity to read this book to share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts on this great collection of stories.