Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod

Published: February 4, 2014

Number of pages: 272

Genre: Memoirs

Synopsis:

“How much money does it take to change your life?”

Unfulfilled at her job and unsuccessful in the dating department, Janice MacLeod doodled this question at her desk. Then she decided to make it a challenge.

Over the next few months, with a little math and a lot of determination, she saved up enough to buy two years of freedom in Europe.

But she had only been in Paris for a few days when she met a handsome butcher (with a striking resemblance to Daniel Craig)—and never went home again.

A love story in the vein of Almost French and Lunch in Paris, Paris Letters (February 4) is a joyful romp through the City of Light, and an inspiring look at what can happen when we dare to create the life we want.

Realizing that her Parisian love affair would be forever, MacLeod began her own business on Etsy, creating beautifully-illustrated letters from Paris inspired by artists like Percy Kelly and Beatrix Potter. She now paints and writes full-time, bringing beautiful things to subscribers around the world and reviving the lost art of letter-writing.

What I thought about the book:

I thought this was a good book. One of the things I liked was how the author decided she wanted to go to Paris and then found a way to do it. She did this by saving or earning $100 a day or tried to anyway. Her ideas for saving made a lot of sense and I wish I had the courage to do what she did. When she want to Paris she had no idea she would find the love of her life and all this while not really being able to speak the language. I thought her idea of letters from Paris was a great idea. I wish I had some of her letters. 

What I thought about the cover:

I really liked this cover as it showed a nice view of Paris. Not just the Eiffel Tower but one of the many bridges and the town itself. I thought the cover was inviting that is one of the reasons I picked the book up. 

About the author:

How much money does it take to quit your job?

Exhausted and on the verge of burnout, Janice posed this question to herself as she doodled on a notepad at her desk. She started a blog to record how she would answer this question. With a little math and a lot of determination, Janice cut back, saved up, and bought herself two years of freedom in Europe. She skipped town and traveled with nothing more than a suitcase and a small set of watercolors. Along the way, she painted letters about her travels and mailed them to friends.

A few days into her stop in Paris, Janice meets Christophe and embarks on a whirlwind Paris romance--and soon realizes that she can't ever return to the world of twelve-hour workdays and greasy corporate lingo she left behind. But her dwindling savings force her to find a way to fund her dreams again. So Janice turns to her three loves--words, art, and Christophe--to figure out a way to make her happily-ever-after in Paris last forever.

Janice is originally from Canada. She called California her home for a decade, then moved to the land of stinky cheese and lippy waiters. Ooh la la.

Author website: janicemacleod.com

Caught Read Handed by Terrie Farley Moran - Review plus a Giveaway

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: July 7, 2015

Number of pages: 304

Genre: Cozy mystery

Series: Read Em and Eat Mystery #2

Synopsis:

From the national bestselling author of Well Read, Then Dead comes the second mystery featuring Sassy Cabot and Bridgy Mayfield, who bring Fort Myers Beach, Florida, residents plenty of sinful treats and killer reads at their bookstore café, Read ’Em and Eat.

Happy to help her fellow bibliophiles, Sassy visits the local library with book donations for their annual fundraising sale. Unfortunately, the welcoming readers’ haven is in turmoil as an argument erupts between an ornery patron and new staff member, Tanya Lipscombe—also known as “Tanya Trouble.” She may lack people skills, but everyone is shocked when she’s later found murdered in her own hot tub.

The man last seen arguing with Tanya is soon arrested. But Alan Mersky, a veteran with PTSD, happens to be the brother of Sassy’s former boss—and he’s no murderer. Now it’s up to Sassy and Bridgy to clear Alan’s name and make sure the real killer gets booked.

Includes a recipe for Miss Marple scones!

Review:

This is a fun series to read. I like that this book takes place in Fort Myers, Florida which is not far from me and a place I have been to. I also like the setting of the bookstore cafe. I wish this was really in Ft. Myers so I could go visit these fun characters. The author does a good job of giving us just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end of the story as to who committed murder. The characters are so fun in this series that you are glad to have a chance to get to know them better. As an added bonus be sure to check out the recipe in the back of the book. I am sure you will want to give it a try. I am looking forward to more books in this series. 

Read Em and Eat Series

#1 Well Read, Then Dead

#2 Caught Read Handed

About the author:

Short-listed twice for The Best American Mystery Stories, Terrie Farley Moran is delighted to introduce mystery fans to the Read ’Em and Eat café and bookstore, which debuted with Well Read, Then Dead. The only thing Terrie enjoys more than wrangling mystery plots into submission is playing games and reading stories with any or all of her grandchildren.

Author Links:

Webpage: http://terriefarleymoran.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrie.moran.9

Blog: www.womenofmystery.net

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23186092-terrie-moran

Purchase Links:

Amazon

B&N

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Tour Participants

July 6 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – Review, Giveaway

July 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review, Giveaway

July 8 – Back Porchervations – Review

July 9 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – Review, Giveaway

July 10 – Mystery Playground – Guest Post, Giveaway

July 10 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review

July 11 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,&, Sissy, Too ! – Review, Giveaway

July 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Interview

July 13 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – Review

July 14 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

July 15 – View from the Birdhouse – Interview, Giveaway

July 16 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Spotlight

July 17 – Jane Reads – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

July 18 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Giveaway

July 19 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Review, Giveaway

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: July 7, 2105

Number of pages: 368

Genre: Christian/Historical Fiction

Series: Unexpected Brides #3

Synopsis:

Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony-until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1M44A97

My review:

This is a good addition to a fun series. Even though this book is a part of a series it can be read as a stand alone and you will not feel lost. There are a number of topics in this book to keep the story moving along. For example the story has mail-order brides, custody issues, discrimination as well as orphans and widows.There is also romance and adventure involved. Plenty of things going on to keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next. I really liked the characters in this book and found myself pulling for Silas and Kate to work things out and become a family. The author did a good job with the settings so you can really see and feel what is happening. A nice ending to a good series. 

About the author:

Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade and the author of A Bride for Keeps and A Bride in Store, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly.

Find Melissa online: website, Facebook

An Unexpected Brides Series

#1 A Bride for Keeps

#2 A Bride in Store

#3 A Bride at Last

Be sure to stop by Litfuse Group to see more reviews

Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa's August 4th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 gift card to Netflix (for a family movie night), Shutterfly (to create a family memory book), or TablePlayGames (for a family game night)
• One copy of A Bride at Last

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa's 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: July 7, 2015

Number of pages: 352

Genre: Christian/Historical Fiction

Series: Treasures of Surrey #1

Synopsis:

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whoever possesses it.”

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille must allow a mysterious stranger to come to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content to work as the village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may be the answer to his many questions.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, these two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, they will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

My review:

This was a nice book to read. I really liked the curiosity shop part of the book, I think it would be fun to visit one of these shops. The author's writing style just seem to flow for me and makes the book easy to read. In this story we have mystery and romance which makes the story even more fun to read. You are kept guessing right up until the end as to who the criminals are. The way the author writes this book can be read by both adults and young adults alike. The characters are so well developed that I wanted to really get to know them. Sarah also did a good job of describing scenes - I felt as if I was right there in the shop. I am looking forward to more books in this series as this was a great start and I can't wait to see what is in store in the next installment. 

About the author:

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for "The Heiress of Winterwood." She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

A Heart's Promise by Colleen Coble - Review and Giveaway

I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: July 7, 2015

Number of pages: 112

Genre: Christian/Historical Fiction

Series: Journey of the Heart #5

Synopsis:

Emmie makes a promise to her friend that, if fulfilled, could mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac.

Emmie Croftner let Isaac Liddle go to avoid telling him about her past. But Isaac remains determined to win Emmie's heart and hand. Though Emmie resolves to keep her heart in check, it hurts when she sees that another woman has set
her bonnet for Isaac.

Then Emmie's dear friend extracts a costly promise: if anything happens to her in childbirth, Emmie will marry her widower and raise the baby herself. And it seems Emmie may have to fulfill that promise. But can she live happily without Isaac?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Gc4QeO

Review:

Another great installment to the Journey of the Heart series. I have enjoyed reading each of these books. It is like getting a new chapter each month. I also like how you can read each of these stories in one sitting. This time we get to know more about Emmie and Isaac. Each of the characters in this series are strong characters. Since this book is part five of a six part series I would suggest reading them in order. I am looking forward to the last installment. 

About the Author:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide.Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Journey of the Heart Series

#1 A Heart's Disguise

#2 A Heart's Obsession 

#3 A Heart's Danger

#4 A Heart's Betrayal 

#5 A Heart's Promise

#6 A Heart's Home - August 2015

Take a day off and head to the beach with a new giveaway from Colleen: five books (books one–five in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series) and a beach bag to tote your new books in!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Heart's Promise
• A Lands' End beach tote
• A copy of A Heart's Betrayal
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession
• A copy of A Heart's Danger

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced August 3rd on Colleen's website.

A Charming Fatality by Tonya Kappes - Interview and Giveaway

Published: July 10, 2015

Number of pages: 165

Genre: Mystery

Series: Magical Cures Mystery

Synopsis:

Bubble. . .Bubble. . .
Whispering Falls’ resident potion maker, June Heal, is the first witch in the magical village to make a big money deal with the Head To Toe Works, a national chain specializing in spa and natural products.

Cures and Trouble. . .
June is going to need to use her own stress relief potion she made especially for Head To Toe Works after she discovers the dead body of Burt Rossen, the co-owner of Head To Toe Works, on the belt of the assembly line of her stress free lotion product.

Magic Stirs. . .
A new baby is born in Whispering Falls and giving Oscar Park, June’s fiancé and Whispering Falls’ sheriff, the itch to get a wedding date set and gives June an ultimatum.

And Trouble Doubles. . .
June is forced to use her witchy ways to figure out who stole her secret potion after it turns up missing. Rumors are flying around like broomsticks that June is a witch and used a spell to murder Mr. Rossen. Someone wants her out of Head To Toe Works, but who? Will the killer get to June before she can walk down the aisle?

About the author

Tonya Kappes is a USA Today Bestselling Author.

I write fun humorous fiction, some with romance and some with a little mystery.

More than anything I love to connect with readers! I’m a huge fan of them and LOVE getting to know them. Making readers smile, and remembering not to take life too seriously is how I like to write. I’m addicted to coffee, McDonald’s Diet Coke, and Red Hots Candy to keep her going!

When I’m not writing about quirky characters and even quirkier situations, I’m busy being the princess, queen and jester of my domain which includes my BFF husband, three teenage boys, two dogs and one ornery cat.

Author Links:

And be sure to stalk me on Facebook, Twitter, TSU, Instagram!

Website – http://www.tonyakappes.com/

Purchase Link:
AMAZON

Interview:

1. Who or what inspired you to start writing?

My husband! He realized my spending on books was higher than our weekly grocery bill for a family of six. 

2. What do you do to help you get over writer's block? 

I do not believe in writer's block. If I need help getting going, I will take a walk or start writing long hand. That usually gets the brain going.

3. Do you have scheduled writing time or a certain amount of words you write each day? 

I write everyday starting at 5:30 a.m. I at least get 2-3k words a day on the page. They might not be the best words, but they are there.

4. When you are not writing what do you like to do? 

I spend a lot of time with my family and fur babies.

5. What one piece of advice would you like to give to aspiring writers? 

Write, write, and write. Plain and simple.

6. 5 interesting facts about yourself: 

I played the piano for 13 years. 

I use to be a child therapist. 

I'm a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and still go every single week. 

Chick-lit is still my favorite genre to read. 

I'm a very loyal person.

Giveaway:

This giveaway is for one e-copy of A Charming Fatality. I will use rafflecopter to choose a winner and the winner will have 24 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be chosen. 

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Tour Participants

July 10 – Community Bookstop – Review, Giveaway

July 11 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight, Giveaway

July 11- readalot – Review, Giveaway

July 12 – Laura’s Interests – Review, Giveaway

July 13 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Giveaway

July 14 – Tea and A Book – Review

July 15 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Interview, Giveaway

July 16 – Frankie Bow – Guest Post, Giveaway

July 17 – Book Babble – Review

July 18 – A Blue Million Books – Interview

July 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Guest Post

July 20 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Interview, Giveaway

July 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – Spotlight

July 22 – Queen of All She Reads – Spotlight, Giveaway

July 22 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review

July 23 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post , Giveaway

July 24 – Nadaness In Motion – Review, Giveaway

July 25 – Moonlight Rendezvous – Review, Giveaway

July 25 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – Spotlight, Giveaway

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Seven Letters From Paris by Samantha Verant

Published: October 7, 2014

Number of pages: 272

Genre: Memoir

Synopsis:

Twenty years, seven letters, and one long-lost love of a lifetime

At age 40, Samantha Verant's life is falling apart-she's jobless, in debt, and feeling stuck... until she stumbles upon seven old love letters from Jean-Luc, the sexy Frenchman she'd met in Paris when she was 19. With a quick Google search, she finds him, and both are quick to realize that the passion they felt 20 years prior hasn't faded with time and distance.

Samantha knows that jetting off to France to reconnect with a man that she only knew for one sun-drenched, passion-filled day is crazy-but it's the kind of crazy she's been waiting for her whole life.

What did I think of this book:

I really enjoyed this book. It was a true-life fairy tale come true. The writing style of the author really made this book easy to read. I liked how she included the seven letters throughout the book and not all in one spot.  Every woman dreams of finding her own Jean-Luc and Samantha really did find him. It was nice how everything worked out for her and how she had the courage to try and find her Frenchman from twenty years ago. Samantha also gave you a glimpse into both her's and Jean-Luc's past relationships and how they found their way back to each other. A nice beach read. 

What did I think of the cover:

I thought the cover was very nice and simple. I like the Eiffel Tower with the heart stamp on it and how that was then incorporated at the beginning of each chapter. After reading the book you will get the reason why their is a hummingbird on the cover. 

About the author:

Samantha Vérant is a travel addict, a self-professed oenophile, and a determined, if occasionally unconventional, French chef. She lives in southwestern France, where she's able to explore all of her passions, and where she's married to a sexy French rocket scientist she met in 1989, but ignored for twenty years.