Day 12 - Featuring Donna Hatch

Donna Hatch, author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” has won writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she is a sought-after workshop presenter, and juggles multiple volunteer positions and her six children. A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Google+ ~

"Determined to help her father with his political career, Jocelyn sets aside dreams of love. When she meets the handsome and mysterious Grant Amesbury, her dreams reawaken. But his secrets put her family in peril.                                                 Grant goes undercover to capture conspirators avowed to murder the prime minister, but his only suspect is the father of a courageous lady who is growing increasingly hard to ignore. He can’t allow Jocelyn to distract him from the case, nor will he taint her with his war-darkened soul. She seems to see past the barriers surrounding his heart, which makes her all the more dangerous to his vow of remaining forever alone. Jocelyn will do anything to clear her father’s name, even if that means working with Grant. Time is running out. The future of England hangs in the balance...and so does their love."

~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ 

~ Amazon Canada ~ B&N ~ Smashwords ~

I LOVED THESE BOOKS - LOVED EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!

So, now I want to share with you my reviews for these fabulous books!

Book 1 - THE STRANGER SHE MARRIED

Loved this book! I originally won it at a writing conference and got Donna Hatch to sign it for me.

I read it through so quickly because I simply couldn't put it down! I loved it!

Then, I read it through again because it was THAT GOOD!!

Then I let my sister borrow it and she loved it so much she almost didn't give it back - so I bought her her own copy for her Birthday so I could have mine back - and then I read it again!

It is sweet, it is so full of life and passion (in the clean way) and adventure! Donna's writing style is incredible and the story flows so well. You feel with the characters and you fall in love with them. You feel their confusion and are torn by the conflict! It is amazing! I highly recommend it to anyone, whether the regency style is your cup of tea or not, it's worth the read! You will love it!

Book 2 - THE GUISE OF A GENTLEMAN

I laughed, I cried, I loved this book!

This is actually the second time I've read it and I have adored it both times I even bought it for my sister because I loved it so much. It was so well written and you become so invested in the characters. You can't help but love them and you won't be able to stop reading!!

I highly recommend this to anybody who appreciates a good adventure and a sweet romance!

Book 3 - THE PERFECT SECRET

As always Donna Hatch has brought us a tell of sweet romance, crazy and during adventure, and love. I was very pleased with Christian story. It suited him and it was nice to get to know the story of the perfectly perfect Christian. It made me ache for the characters and it was so sweet to see the brothers' interactions with each other. I eagerly await to read Grant's story next!

Book 4 - THE SUSPECT'S DAUGHTER

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I adore this book! Seriously! I have read all 3 of the previous books and I wasn't sure what to think of Grant. He is so mysterious and dark. This book let us actual see inside his mind and soul and I loved it! I highly recommend reading the three as well, and the glimpses at Grant's character give you so much to anticipate for this book - which absolutely did NOT disappoint! I will have to read it again and again now. And Jocelyn is something else - absolutely a match for Grant in wit and levelheadedness! I adored her, I couldn't help it. And I knew from the start that if anyone could tame the dark soul of Grant, it was this woman. And oh how she does - I admire her and envy her and cheer for her and weep for her and I loved it! Love it!  Definitely fit the bill for the Rogue Hearts Series. They are all a MUST READ and this is no exception!

Overall - MUST, MUST, MUST READ this series!! Absolutely worth all your time.

I give it 5 stars for every book!

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Wonderful Book - 5 Star Review for My Pineapples went to Houston by Author Lee Gaitan

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book!  Come check out my review below and grab a copy for yourself!!

Lee Gaitan is a wife, mother, teacher, author and speaker, but above all she is passionately committed to overcoming life’s obstacles, surviving sometimes by the skin of her teeth, but always with humor and optimism. She shares her experience with anyone who will listen with the intent to encourage others to use humor to their benefit.

In the past twelve years Lee has had to deal with more than a healthy helping
of “are you kidding me?” moments. In 2002, she hit rock bottom. It was so bad shelovingly refers to it as a year of “shock and awfulness.” That year her father died,her mother was in the hospital, semi-comatose from grief, and her husband of 22 years lost every penny of their money BEFORE running off to Arizona with his girlfriend, who just happened to be a former stripper. 

That was just the beginning. She spent the next decade struggling with loss and challenges on every front, from finances and family to health and career.

While there have been many bounces up and down over the years, Lee has finally
bounced back and it was well worth the effort. She has happily remarried, working at a job she loves and has published her second book. She even has children on three continents and a granddaughter far too far away!

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Twitter ~
~ Pintrest ~ Stumble Upon ~

Heartbreak, Humor and, ultimately, Hope

That’s the message that comes through loud and clear in My Pineapples Went to Houston,  Lee Gaitan’s personal and powerful tale of surviving a decade of relentless chaos and loss. The “shock and awfulness” began in 2002 when her father died, her mother teetered on the brink of a coma and her husband of 22 years secretly lost all their money and ran off with a stripper. And it was all downhill from there!   

 Then one day in the midst of all the chaos—somewhere between loud cursing and crying—she recalled an amusing anecdote she’d heard about pineapples that spoke to her circumstances in such an unexpectedly humorous way that she couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“That moment of laughter was a small epiphany for me. I realized that I had allowed my sense of humor, which had always mitigated the bad breaks in my life and enhanced the good ones, to fall victim to the machete my ex-husband had taken to my life. I determined right then and there that I could no longer permit that. I instinctively knew that humor was the most potent, and just about the only, protection I had at my disposal to survive the crises unfolding around me, and I vowed to keep it alive.”

Told with honesty and insight—and, of course, humor—My Pineapples Went to Houston both inspires and entertains readers and offers hope and encouragement to those struggling with their own “plans gone outrageously awry.”

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
~ Universal B&N Link ~

I cannot say enough good things about this book! I enjoyed every moment of it. It showed the good, the bad, the ugly, and - most importantly - how to survive it all with humor and a good additude. I adored Author Lee Gaitan's stories, her presentation, her life lessons, and her overall approach to hard things. The humor she found in each situation and yet the reality of not glossing over the ugly things. But rising above it all despite everything is an amazing story and a few life lessons.

I also loved that she didn't just talk about getting over, past, or through these difficult things with the help of humor and sweet caring people, but she does talk about the reality of depression and the hard times and the tears. I was completely blown away by this book. I would and have recommended this book to so many people already. I loved it - LOVED IT - and will absolutely be reading it again and continuing to recommend it to others around me. Well written, and well done Lee Gaitan!

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Three Stones of Bethany Tour and Review

The kingdom of Bethany was once a beautiful place made up of five magical nations, each with their own special gifts. It all changed in a day, however, when the murderous dredgelings arrived. No one quite knows where they came from or how they keep multiplying, no matter how many are killed in the long, cruel war they’ve waged. 
All seems to be lost, until a human girl named Taylor is mistakenly transported to Bethany. Kane, the king over these nations, despises her whole-heartedly at first, and then she makes him laugh for the first time since the devastation began years ago. And the earthling manages to find new ways to surprise him with her valor and loyalty every single day. Unfortunately, Taylor’s only wish through their dangerous quest to reunite three magical stones and save the kingdom, aside from surviving this fearful place, is to return home.
But as fate goes, she soon discovers the only way to recapture the stones and save the lives of the royals she’s come to love as her first real family is to give up any hope of ever returning to her old life. In the end it all comes down to what sort of hero she truly is, one to her own self, or one to entire nations.

Find all of April Marcom's book here

~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon UK ~ 

I read this book without any expectations. I hadn't even read the back description when I picked it up so that I would see how it was standing on it's own feet (per se) .... And I was so pleased! It grabbed my attention right away and did not let it go through the entire story. The characters were engaging and had their own personalities. The writer kept the story moving without relying on any factor too much. There was just the right amount of action, dialog, emotions, etc. I was absolutely captivated and I loved the story. I felt like I was right there seeing it all, feeling, smelling, heart pumping, fearing, and celebrating as needed. I would easily read this again and any other book by this author. I was very impressed with her work and I would not mind at all if this story had continued. It was one of those stories that made me sad when it was over because the world was so well done and felt like the perfect place to be. Highly recommend this book!

April Marcom is a Pre-K teacher's assistant and mother of three. Her greatest passion, second only to her family and faith, is writing romance. Like the characters in her stories, there's nothing more important to her than the people she loves. 

April has enjoyed writing fiction since grade school, but only began pursuing publication in recent years. She is the author of such books as Good vs. Evil High and Wisteria and the Pirate Assassin. Besides writing, she loves baking, hiking, watching old movies, and dreaming of faraway places.

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ ~ Amazon ~

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Great Summer Reads - Day 4 - Tarragon: Key Keeper by Author Karlie Lucas

Author Karlie Lucas has been here on this blog with us several times. I have enjoyed all of her books and I'm excited to feature her today during this countdown event!

Karlie Lucas is a preschool teacher by day and a writer/artist by night.

A graduate of Southern Utah University, Karlie received a B.A. in Creative Writing, with a minor in art. She is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, The International English Honor Society, as well as ANWA, the American Night Writers Association.

Karlie is interested in all things magical and mysterious, especially elves and dragons. She is an avid fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling.

When not writing, Karlie can often be found drawing, baking, watching her favorite old school shows, or just spending time with her family.

She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband and a cat named Kally

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~

For hundreds of years, the gates of Tarragon have been sealed from the outside. Prophecy speaks of the day the last Key Keeper will return and wake the dragons from their spell-cast slumber, returning them to their rightful home.

Seeking to fulfill her father's dying wish, Anwen Porter travels to the Drakonii Mountains where she meets Tyler, a mysterious local with a secret. With his help, she learns more about her clouded past and her own abilities. But when Courtney, a lovesick mage, tries to insert herself into their plans, things begin to go horribly wrong. 

With death threatening at every turn, Anwen must learn to rely on her newfound friends to survive. But how can she unravel the mystery of her heritage when everything is trying to kill her?

~ Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ B & N ~

~ Amazon UK ~  Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~

Snippet

Courtney pounded up the stairs, almost tripping over a spike that protruded from the last stair. It took her a moment to spot her somewhat friend lying unconscious by the far window. Almost flying the last few feet, she knelt by Anwen's side, shaking her. “Hey, this isn't funny. Wake up.”

When the auburn-haired girl didn't respond, Courtney looked around with large eyes. "Tyler's going to kill me," she uttered, her voice changing pitch. "Come on, Anna. Please!"

The wind picked up, whipping her long hair and she moved to brush it aside. A dark shadow fell over both teens as Courtney turned back to the unconscious girl. It stretched up the wall like a menacing beast. Her heart thudded in her chest as she made to slowly turn around. Before she could so much as turn her shoulder, the shadow's owner was upon her.

“What did you do to her?" Tyler yelled as he thrust Courtney aside, using far more strength than he'd normally use on a mortal. His whole body shook with fury.

Courtney tumbled, then skid across the floor. She shivered in the corner where she landed, legs askew in front of her, her expression filled with shock. It took a moment for her to find her breath. For the briefest of seconds, she thought Tyler's eyes had changed color as he stared at her with anger-filled eyes.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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Great Summer Reads - Day 1 - Winning or Losing: The Financial and Retirement Race

I am so excited to participate in this event for the Great Summer Reads Countdown this year!

And this first book/author has special significance to me!

Come say Hello to my Father and check out his amazing book!

Robert Lamoreaux, JD is a successful attorney who has specialized in estate and financial planning throughout his career. He holds degrees from Brigham Young University and University of Utah College of law as well as certificates from many other institutes of higher education around the country. He has lectured extensively from coast to coast and has traveled the world managing assets, which have been gifted, to an international charitable organization. Robert has given legal counsel to numerous corporations, colleges and universities, prominent individuals and the IRS. He has vast knowledge, which has come from planning numerous estates of all types and sizes. Robert currently has a successful private practice and continues to be in demand for his work on estate law and financial planning.

Q&A With the Author:

1.     What inspired your book?

a.         I realized, while attending an Estate Planning Seminar in Seattle, that everyone needed the information I had and it was not accessible to most people because of cost.  A book seemed a reasonable solution at the time. 

2.     How do you spend your free time

a.     I go on missions for my church, with my wife; I read good books;  I surf the internet;  I watch old chick flick movies and spend time with my family.

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Amazon ~

This is not a ""get rich quick"" book. This book is for readers who are concerned bout their financial state. Robert Lamoreaux, JD uses his extensive knowledge and experience to create a straight-forward, easy-to-read, behind-the-scenes look at the factors influencing all aspects of personal finances and future retirement.

~ Amazon ~ Goodreads~

Q&A with the author!

1.         If you could travel to any time in history, when would you
visit?

a.      This is a bad question for me.  I love history of all ages, and I am looking forward to
the future.  I don’t imagine that this question could span the life of the
earth, but it should

2.       Do you have any advice for other writers?

a.       When you get discouraged, don’t quit, keep moving.  Don’t let someone else
determine what’s best for you, friends, editors, publishers, critics.
However, you must educate yourself and be in tune with the times.  If
someone gives you a suggestion, ponder it and decide if it is a good
suggestion.  Don’t  throw all suggestions away just because you don’t
want to listen to other’s thoughts.

Snippet from the Book:

There are probably as many approaches to money as there are people.  These range from those who worship money to those who hate money.  From the penthouse to the hermitage, from the large estate to the mud hut, each has his or her own vision as to what money means.  Money, like all other things, is a tool to be used to accomplish goals in life.  Having given much thought to this, I have reduced my philosophy on money to a few small items which, to me, seem very important. 

·         Money is a tool—nothing more, nothing less.  It helps accomplish goals and dreams. 

·         It is not how much money you make that counts, it is how much money you keep.

·         Having money sooner is better than later.  The longer the time period you have money, the more things you can do with it. 

·         More money is better than less money.  More money buys you more options, it reaches more goals, and it buys you a better retirement.

·         Money allows you to benefit your church, give to charity, and bless many individual lives.

                         Money is absolutely an essential part of life—you can’t escape it, and you can’t live without it.  When you reach retirement, your quality of retirement will depend on how much you made and what you did with it. 

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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