Emma Blooms At Last Review

Emma Blooms At Last by Naomi King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved reading Emma Blooms At Last. It is part of the 'One Big Happy Family' series. I believe it is better to read them in order, so you don't get lost in who is who, but also because story lines get carried over. I love the fact that the previous stories are woven into the new ones. I love being able to visit with old friends and catch up with them while reading the new chapter. I think it is the way the author leaves no one behind that makes this series so special to me. In this book we get the story of Emma. Emma is living at home taking care of her parents. She had been in love but the man married someone else. Now she feels there is no one for her and, due to her hurt at being rejected, fights the prospect of someone else. I think that is a reality for many. You get so caught up in the love you thought was yours that you can't see the love being offered to you. While reading Emma, (and really the other books in this series), I felt like I was there, visiting family. I love when an author can draw you into the story so that you feel a part of it. The story has plenty of emotional moments, some happy and some sad with some where you want to shake someone in frustration. Just like real life. I think what I took from this book is sometimes you need to let go of a dream that isn't working for you so you can embrace your reality. We all need that push at some point. We get so stuck on what we think our life should be that we don't see the opportunities for a new dream, a realistic one. We carry hurts with us and project them unto those who have not hurt us. The fear we hold distorts the reality offered. I really love the way Naomi King brings that message to us in Emma. Another thing I love about this story is that the characters are flawed and not just Emma. Jerome has broken engagements and hasn't committed to the church. Hmm commitment issues for him? I can certainly see why Emma would think twice before trusting him. He may be a good man but he has his issues too. Which is the point...don't we all have issues? It doesn't make us good or bad only human. I think when we look for the "perfect" mate we get in trouble. Emma brings home the message that a perfect mate isn't perfect. As flawed as Jerome and Emma are together they make the perfect couple. Sigh. Isn't that what we all want?

I would highly recommend This book and series, (as well as any written by Charlotte Hubbard/Naomi King), for anyone interested in the Amish lifestyle and/or clean romance. These are books you can trust to make your heart flutter without the pressure to add sex to every date. I love the way the author writes in the sexual feelings we all have but leaves out the falling into bed as soon as I know your name. It is refreshing to know we can have the feelings and longings and not die if we decide not to have sex on the first date. We can say no to ourselves and others without dying. It is a worthy message for many young women who get caught up in the pressures of sex with no commitment. There may be no commitment but there is always a consequence.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. Thoughts and opinions of the book are my honest feelings of what I read.

View all my reviews

The Heart of Christmas Release News

I am so excited about the release of The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak  in just 4 days. 

You can already pre-order this fabulous book on Amazon.com .

Brenda Novak is also offering a $1.00 coupon 

Click over to Amazon if you want to pre-order or clip out the coupon and take it to your favorite store. Be sure to tell your friends about the latest installment from the Whiskey Creek series. 

THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS

Just call her Christmas Eve… Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn’t have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that’s what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem…confining. Eve’s worried that her future will simply a reflection of her past. There’s no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband – until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve’s definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve’s happily ever after – just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she’s counting on the best Christmas of her life!

For all the exciting news about The Heart of Christmas, The Whiskey Creek Series or any of Brenda Novak's books please go to 

http://www.brendanovak.com/

While visiting her website be sure to check out the contest for your chance to win awesome prizes and the freebies page for fun items. 

After The End by Bonnie Dee

After the End by Bonnie Dee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. I really wasn't expecting a lot when I requested to review this book. I had never heard of the author and it was listed as a zombie romance type, (romance during the apocalypse not zombies in love - there would be a book: "oh I love you so much because you are so smart. Just let me have one taste of your brains. I promise I'll still love you in the morning and I will stop if you say to." Haha). So I was really surprised to find that I really enjoyed it. Yes the editing could have been better but quite honestly I have read some books lately by the big names and guess what? The editing could have been better. I don't know what is going on with that but it seems to be the start of an issue that is no longer limited to self publishing. I did not find the editing mistakes in this book to hamper my enjoyment of the book. The book is pretty much basic zombie fare - the hero, the female who starts out weak but turns out strong, the ditz, the geek, the guy with the antidote who needs to be kept safe,the older wealthy female, the strong black female and the lesbian couple. The author added in a couple of children, one teen and one younger. I thought she did a good job with getting me to care about the characters. I like the way she pulled them together to help each other but also wasn't afraid to tear them apart. This book delves into the thoughts of our hero. We see the way he is thinking and feeling. I like that the author made him a human hero. He has bad thoughts. He has realistic thoughts. He has tired thoughts and he has typical sexual thoughts. I know a lot of people think sex isn't going to happen in a zombie outbreak, (unless it is rape - which seems to be expected), but the reality is it will. People are people. Attractions will be there and sexual release will happen. I thought Bonnie Dee did a good job with the people she chose as the romantic interests. The timing of the unfolding was paced well. It is a z outbreak. Things happen fast because death is waiting. There is also plenty of action. The zombies were a bit different in that they seem smarter than usual. Also they do decompose. That was a huge change. I think that, along with the physiological aspect, makes this a book that could go to series very easily. The author has a good grip on what changes the survivors are going through mentally. The ending of the book had me on edge and still does. I want to know more. I want to find out what happens next for the survivors. I want to know ...well, I don't want to give spoilers, so, I just want to know. Check it out. It is on the intense side but also has it's moments of humor and hope. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

* I received a copy of the Kindle version of this book for review purposes. All opinions and thoughts are my honest feelings about the book. *

View all my reviews

ZBurbia Review

Z-Burbia: A Zombie Novel by Jake Bible
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this to be an entertaining gem in the Z genre. While it is not a truly realistic portrait of what the zombie apocalypse should look like it is a highly entertaining one. (Actually who really knows what a realistic portrait would be? Who has survived one?) I found this book to have realistic settings and plots that were presented with the dark humor I would expect may be found in an event like this. I know most people wouldn't expect that but I do. I think people are people and after the shock wears off the dark humor and sarcasm would set in. What wasn't realistic is the super human survival and/or skills of some characters. I, fortunately, am a reader who understands the concept of fantasy so this does not bother me. I mention it only because I know some people want only reality in this genre. I enjoy the mix and love humor so this book works well for me. There were some minor flaws in editing but those did not greatly affect me. I had fun with the book and am reading book 2 now. The cannibal family was absolutely brilliant. I just love Elsbeth! She is my female Darryl (from the Walking Dead TV Series). No this book isn't the Walking dead or World War Z. But it is an enjoyable read. If you are looking at a fun, fast, action packed, irreverent Zbook try this one.

Two favorite moments from the book, (to give you an idea of the writing):

“I hate clowns,” I say. “Why’d you have to bring up clowns? Zs aren’t enough? Gotta talk about the smiley creepy guys too?”
(Kindle Location 1414)

Holy shit, I think I brought home some cannibal savant or something. Rain Man with a taste for people.
(Kindle Locations 2158-2159)

I would recommend this book to the older crowd for language, sexual references and violence. I would think most adults would investigate a little if they are looking in the z genre for a book for their child but you never know. I think clowns should read it too. Yeah they should read them all. Holy cow I just had a thought...there will be clowns who become zombies!! I just know that will the zombie chasing me!





View all my reviews

The other books in the series:

    

Other books by this author:

    

     

Connect with the author on his website where you will see even more books. 

http://jakebible.com/

A Matter of Grave Concern

A Matter of Grave Concern by Brenda Novak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not a huge lover of historical romance though I love history. Maybe it is because I feel like the story sometimes goes insane with the romance part and the historical part is dropped off. A Matter of Grave Concern though entertained me on both levels. The story starts with Abigail trying to buy a dead body. What woman does this? A woman whose father is her world and only parent. A woman who grew up at the Royal College of Surgeons where her father was head surgeon. A woman who desperately wants to follow in her father's footsteps in an era where woman married and ran households; if they were forced to work it was mostly frisky business they were doing. Abigail understands the human body but isn't so well informed of the human emotions. When the purchase of a dead body goes badly Abigail meets Max. Max is one of the men who stole from her. A Resurrectionist. Or is he something entirely different?
I love the story. As a teen I loved Frankenstein. Up until I read that story I had not thought much about how doctors learned so much about the human body. Then I was fascinated by the fact that they used deceased people as "live" samples to learn from. The thought of selling someone, deceased or not, made me queasy. I wonder at the desperation of the people who sold them. I had not given as much thought into people who bought them. Having a female character who buys dead bodies was extremely interesting. I assumed men did the buying and selling of them. I hate to say it but it was not only the era and the fact that not much was expected of women outside the home that made me think that way. It just seemed to me something men would do. (haha) Because of this Abigail fascinated me. That she would do so much for her father's love kind of saddened me. That she did it in part because of her own curiosity heartened me. It is good to know that woman who truly wanted to learn and experience had the courage to step out of bounds and find ways to do it. Max has his own demons. He is participating in some heavy evil as a resurrectionist with the gang of men he is with. That he sees Abigail and accepts her as is was awesome. I enjoyed his tug of war with doing what was right and doing what felt right. I also loved the chemistry between Abigail and Max. I think the demons that chased each of them are what brought them so close.
The author, Brenda Novak, is known to me. I have read her Whiskey Creek series, (which I love!), and a few other of her books. She has written 50+. That, to me, is amazing. The fact that the ones I have read are high quality astounds me and speaks of her talent and devotion. A devotion not only to her writing but to her fans. Some authors who have written that many books lose something in a few of them. Over time they seem to become the same thing using different names and words. I have not read all of Brenda's books. The ones I have read are fresh. Each has a story all its own. Since most of what I have read from her are her more recent books I believe she is an author with much to offer. Her characters are well written, not always the most likable people, but then when have you liked everyone you met? Her stories are researched and care is given for them to be "real". I like that more than I normally say. It is not so much that I want my stories to be realistic, (I read a lot of zombie books - so far not grounded in reality). I enjoy fantasy a lot. I just don't want to be taken so far away it is ridiculous. Brenda Novak has the line between reality and fantasy firmly in check and has the ability to blur them in an enjoyable mix. A Matter of Grave Concern shows off this ability with drama, intrigue, romance and heat. I enjoyed reading it. I hope you will too.

*I was given a review copy of this book. I appreciate the opportunity to review books and would not diminish this opportunity by providing a review that was not honest. A book is only as good as the author who is only as good as their reviewer who is only valuable through honesty.*

View all my reviews

* A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN IS ON SALE NOW ON AMAZON FOR $3.99* 

BRENDA NOVAK IS HAVING A RELEASE PARTY ON FACEBOOK TONIGHT 5-7 PM PST. PLEASE JOIN HER. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON HER WEBSITE.

http://www.brendanovak.com/

  

For The Love Of Mercy Review

For the Love of Mercy by Leta Gail Doerr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the Bluegrass Country series. It is set in one of my favorite states. For the Love of Mercy picks up where For the Love of Big Orange left off yet it is its own book. That means if you didn't read big Orange you can still enjoy Mercy, (though I recommend you read Big Orange - good story and has good background for this book).
In Mercy we meet Jax. He was adopted. He has some issues from that and also from just being spoiled. He is what I would call the typical spoiled, rich BOOK kid. I know plenty of "rich" kids in real life who are not typically spoiled. Jax accidentally finds out that he has a birth sister he did not know about, (or actually does not remember). He is angry that he was not told about her and sets off to find her. This brings him to Kentucky and Mercy Lynn.
Mercy is a down to earth, kind and compassionate woman who takes Jax under her wing. She knows he is searching for something and needs help desperately. What she doesn't know is that he has a diagnosis for a mental issue stemming from his childhood or that she will fall in love with him. The diagnosis could destroy her chances at love.
Both Jax and Mercy Lynn are likable characters. The story revolves around them but also around Emma, Jax's sister. Emma is from the first book For the Love of Big Orange. It was wonderful to see her and Lacie Jo again. I think the author did a phenomenal job continuing Emma's story without letting it overtake Jax and Mercy Lynn's story.
I would recommend this book to readers of romance. It has drama, humor and love. I found it to be an enjoyable, down to earth, home style book. I was easily able to read it in a day. I can't wait for, "For The Love of Justice", to come out!

View all my reviews

First book in the Bluegrass Country Series

Amazon Link

Connect with Leta Gail Doerr on her website where you can read the first chapter free:

The Literary Blonde

Please also take a look at Random Moon Books. This site provides links and other interesting posts. 

Leta Gail is also a Goodreads Author;  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5349399.Leta_Gail_Doerr

 and is the moderator of Random Moon Books Group.

Guest Christine Amsden with a Giveaway

Hi. On the blog today we have Christine Amsden the author of the Cassie Scot Series. She has brought along Cassie and a GIVEAWAY! Yay!! Thank you for stopping by today Christine and for the awesome giveaway. 

If you know Cassie then you know how crazy her life has been lately. Stress, stress and more stress. We all deal with stress in our lives, though not the same as Cassie. I am always looking for ways to chill. I am always interested in what people do to just relax. Since Cassie has gone through so much I thought it would be cool to find out how she lets go of all the craziness. Here is Christine with the scoop. 

Top 10 Ways Cassie likes to Relax

With so much going on in Cassie's life, it can be hard for her to sit back and relax! But her life isn't all about solving mysteries, escaping from evil sorcerers, or even falling in love. She has hobbies, some of which made it into the pages of the book. Others were overlooked due to time constraints, but I hope they follow from what I revealed of her character. 

10. Shopping – Cassie does love pretty clothes so it follows that she also enjoys shopping for them. Shopping is low on the list because after her parents kicked her out of the house in book one, she didn't have much money. Shopping is a lot more fun when your parents are rich. 

9. Boating – Cassie only gets a chance to take a boat onto Table Rock Lake once during the series, but it is something she enjoys doing. The lake is like home to her. She will also sometimes swim or water ski. 

8. Archery – This was important in the first book. Cassie was actually a junior champion in archery during high school. She doesn't actually hunt, but she enjoys the challenge of hitting the bullseye. She can shoot a gun too, but she doesn't enjoy it nearly as much as the bow. As a point of interest, she first decided to start shooting archery after watching Robin Hood when she was 8 or 9.

7. Meditation – This is part of Cassie's spirituality. It's also an underlying part of the magic system that she can't access, but meditation comes with its own rewards.

6. Yoga – Mind/body connectedness is very soothing. Cassie doesn't do this often enough to be freakishly bendy or anything, but it helps keep her in shape.

5. Eating – Especially chocolate. Not the healthiest way to relieve stress, but I'm afraid she and I have this vice in common. Cassie also likes to cook. 

4. Running/walking – It's important to stay in shape when you do what Cassie does, and it also relieves stress. Cassie likes to run/walk in intervals, although she can run for quite a while if she wants to or needs to. There was an emotional scene in Mind Games where she just ran and ran, trying to escape the horror of a certain self-discovery. 

3. Reading – Cassie's genre of choice is mystery. Unlike me, she doesn't enjoy fantasy. I think it reminds her of what she doesn't have (magic).

2. Play with the kids – Cassie loves her family and she loves kids. She didn't have much of a chance to do this during the books, but I hope her love for her family came through well enough for you to imagine this. As the oldest of seven kids, she looked out for her younger siblings often. And she's still happy to look after them, especially the young ones with more innocent troubles. 

1. Cuddle with Evan – This means of relaxation wasn't available to Cassie early in the series, but by the end it is her favorite method. She enjoys doing other things with him too, but they're not relaxing. :)

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($100 Amazon Gift Card) a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Stolen Dreams - the final book in the Cassie Scot Series

Stolen Dreams (Cassie Scot #4)

Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood have despised one another for nearly a quarter of a century, but now their simmering hatred is about to erupt.

When Cassie Scot returns home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, she finds that her family has taken a hostage. Desperate to end the fighting before someone dies, Cassie seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood’s grandmother. But Abigail has seen her own death, and when it comes at the hand of Cassie’s father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot.

But things may not be precisely as they appear.

Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. New revelations about Evan and his family make it difficult for Cassie to cling to a shield of anger, but can Evan and Cassie stop a feud that has taken on a life of its own? Conclusion to the Cassie Scot series.

Buy Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Audible

About The Cassie Scot Series:

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective (Cassie Scot #1)

Secrets and Lies (Cassie Scot #2)

Mind Games (Cassie Scot #3)

Author Bio

Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that affects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Social Media Links:

• Website
• Newsletter
• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Goodreads
• Googl