6/29/15

Cover Reveal: When We Fall - Marquita Valentine

* * * Surprise Cover and Blurb reveal!! * * *

WHEN WE FALL is the second book in the Take the Fall Series that I wrote for Random House. If you're a sucker for the best friend's older brother type of romance, then Jase and Piper's book is for you! Special thanks to Okay Creations. for designing this beautiful cover!

Synopsis:
The last time Piper Ross saw her best friend’s sexy older brother, Jase Simmons, he was being taken away in handcuffs. Seven years later, two things haven’t changed: Piper is still head-over-heels in love with him . . . and Forrestville’s chief of police—Piper’s dad—still hates his guts. So when Piper sees a chance to get close to Jase, she makes her move—literally. As his new roommate, and as the office manager of his tattoo shop, Piper won’t be satisfied until Jase knows that she wants to be his.

The quintessential good girl, Piper is pure temptation for Jase. The only reason he’s always kept his distance is because she’s the last person he’d ever want to hurt. But once he realizes that Piper is ready to take the leap, everything just makes sense. Suddenly Jase feels like a new man—until nasty rumors start swirling and Piper’s heartless father stirs up even more trouble. Now Jase must convince Piper that she wasn’t wrong about him . . . because falling in love never felt so right.

You can preorder it now!


6/27/15

Book Review: The Kiss - The Cotiere Chronicles #1 - Michelle Bolanger

Genre: New Adult - Romance

Synopsis: Best friends since birth, Leisel Gottschalk and Baden Dietrich are months away from the ceremony that will unite them forever, until Baden learns that everything they’ve been told about their arranged union is based on lies. He knows he has to let her go, but getting her away from their families will cost them everything.

Koen Lockton is determined to make the most of his life. He’s just signed a recording and tour contract that will jump start his music career. With one year of school left before he hits the road, his life changes in a way he never would have dreamed when he hears Leisel Gottschalk’s laugh. But when she fails to recognize him for what he is, he knows something is terribly wrong.

Driven into hiding and divided by an ancient wrong, a forgotten race of people are nearing extinction. Old traditions and long held grudges will be exposed and challenged when one man risks it all to right the wrong he caused and three young lives are caught in the middle. Will they be strong enough to change the future and unite a broken people? All it will take is a single kiss, but are they willing to break her family’s rules?

My Review: As friend of the author I have watched The Kiss blossom from the seed of an idea into this beautiful love story of family ties, past hurts, prejudices, loyalty and true love. I have seen this book morph from a very rough outline into what it is today. In some ways I feel like this may disqualify me from being able to write a trustworthy review in the eyes of some people, but I do know a good book when I read one.  While talking to my husband one day over the last year I said, “Michelle is writing a book…and it is REALLY good,” Justin just raised eyebrows in surprise, because he knows how honest I can be when it comes to reading and books. My opinion has been solid from the very beginning, and not because I’m her friend and I love her dearly, but because The Kiss captured my attention from the start and begged me to read it. (Unfortunately, most of the time Michelle just wasn't writing fast enough).

Michelle’s writing style is beautifully descriptive; she can take you into a scene and make you feel as if you were a bystander watching these characters fall for each other; she can take you into the heat of the moment and cause your heart to race, and best of all – she writes moments that will make you laugh out loud. These things are amazing qualities to find in a book – and to find them within the pages of a “first” book is even more unique and exciting. The Kiss is a great foundation for this series. Michelle feeds you all the nitty gritty and background information bit-by-bit throughout the story instead of in some introductory paragraph. You will experience twist and turns that will surprise you, all laced with a set of characters you either love, or love to hate.

I will say that while I love Leis and Koen; I am so very excited for the next book to come out. Read The Kiss– get to know the world, fall in love with Leis and Koen and their friends, and then hang on because I truly believe that the best is still yet to come!

Rated:  PG-13 - for Sensuality, this is a "clean" book
Rating: 5 Stars

Buy Here:



About Michelle Bolanger:

Michelle Bolanger has been an avid reader all her life. In 2014 and with the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided to take the leap and publish her own books. The Kiss is her first full length novel and the beginning of what is to be a four book series titled The Cotiere Chronicles. Michelle is also a talented vocalist and amateur photographer. She enjoys going on cruises, cheering for her favorite professional hockey team, and falling asleep to the sound of auto racing on TV. Michelle lives in Ohio with her husband and two dogs.

Contact:

6/26/15

Cover Reveal: The Kiss - Book One - Cotiere Chronicles- Michelle Bolanger


Title:  The Kiss - Book One of the Cotiere Chronicles
Author: Michelle Bolanger
Genre: New Adult
Expected Publication Date:  July 24, 2015
GoodReads Link: www.goodreads.com/book/show/24309247-the-kiss

Synopsis:  

Best friends since birth, Leisel Gottschalk and Baden Dietrich are months away from the ceremony that will unite them forever, until Baden learns that everything they’ve been told about their arranged union is based on lies. He knows he has to let her go, but getting her away from their families will cost them everything.


Koen Lockton is determined to make the most of his life. He’s just signed a recording and tour contract that will jump start his music career. With one year of school left before he hits the road, his life changes in a way he never would have dreamed when he hears Leisel Gottschalk’s laugh. But when she fails to recognize him for what he is, he knows something is terribly wrong.

Driven into hiding and divided by an ancient wrong, a forgotten race of people are nearing extinction. Old traditions and long held grudges will be exposed and challenged when one man risks it all to right the wrong he caused and three young lives are caught in the middle. Will they be strong enough to change the future and unite a broken people? All it will take is a single kiss, but are they willing to break her family’s rules?

Teasers:


  


About Michelle Bolanger:

Michelle Bolanger has been an avid reader all her life. In 2014 and with the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided to take the leap and publish her own books. The Kiss is her first full length novel and the beginning of what is to be a four book series titled The Cotiere Chronicles. Michelle is also a talented vocalist and amateur photographer. She enjoys going on cruises, cheering for her favorite professional hockey team, and falling asleep to the sound of auto racing on TV. Michelle lives in Ohio with her husband and two dogs.

Contact:

Website to come later this summer. =)

6/25/15

Book Review: One Chance Night - Eliza Boyd

Once Chance Night by Eliza Boyd
Series: Make a Change #1
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Pages: 188 
Published: May 15, 2015 by Patchwork Press
Book Description:
On the surface, Chelsea Greer has it all: A loving husband. A nice house. A good job. In reality, she works hard to maintain the illusion that is her life. She's also missing the most important thing: Love.  One night could change her life. One night could give her the strength to rediscover what's important. In one night, she could find love when she most needs it and least expects it.  All Chelsea has to do is follow her heart after One Chance Night.
 **I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. Other than the joy of reading, I received no compensation for this review.**


 My Review:  One Chance Night captured my attention from the very start.  Her struggles and apathy with her marriage were so apparent that it was difficult to see her go through that.  As all the whats and whys started to reveal themselves, it was clear that what was once a decent relationship that only kind of had a foundation had become toxic.  The entire story reads kind of bland in the beginning, which is exactly how Chelsea feels, so it was perfect, but add in super hot Brett and things start to get stirred up.

What I loved:  I loved that though Chelsea made mistakes (ie, she really should never have taken off her ring) in the end, all of the characters maintained their honor.  This was a big deal to me, because going into the story I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into.  I loved that there was no needless drama, but that that the characters were understanding and kind toward one another.  (Trying not to give too much away here) but I loved that all characters got some kind of resolution in the end.

The country music!  I don't listen to too much country music anymore (though I did go see Garth Brooks this past November) but after reading this book I found myself tuning Pandora in on Country...and enjoying it!

Not so much: I'm afraid the part that I didn't like isn't something I can say without spoiling the book.  It's nothing that was done wrong or needs to be improved upon as far as story or writing, it just is personal preference - so while I usually try and find something to say here...I'm bowing out this time.  

Rated:   PG-13 (Sex references, probably some cussing...I can't remember now, sorry)
Rating:  4 Stars
 
Purchase Links:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple | Scribd
About Eliza Boyd: Eliza Boyd is a contemporary women’s fiction and romance author. Also an avid reader, she writes novels, short stories, poetry, and whatever else strikes her fancy. Born and raised in Northern Illinois, she now lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and her plethora of animals. When she’s not reading, writing, or working, she can be found walking around her neighborhood (for exercise, not for stalking), taking photos of her pets, or catching up on her favorite shows. Catching up really means binge-watching.

 

6/23/15

KidzKorner: Captain Underpants #11 - Dav Pilkey


Reviewer: Elijah
Author:  Dav Pilkey

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
When the Incredible Robo-Plunger defeated the evil Turbo Toilet 2000, George and Harold thought their toilet troubles were over. Unfortunately, their porcelain problems were only beginning . . .

Just when you thought it was safe to flush . . .

The Turbo Toilet 2000 strikes back! The carnivorous commode known for devouring everything in its path has built up a real appetite . . . for REVENGE! Join Captain Underpants for another epic showdown of Wedgie Power vs. Potty Power as our tighty-whitey-wearing superhero GOES TO ELEVEN!

Elijah's Review:
What did you think about the book?
At first I thought it was kind of inappropriate, but after I read the book, I actually thought it was a very great book. 

Why did you think it was inappropriate?
Because it's a guy in his underpants

What was your favorite part?
When Captain Underpants fought the Turbo Toilet 2000, because it had a lot of action in it.

Do you think other kids your age would like to read it?
I don't think so, I know so!

Do you think Adults would like to read it?
Probably, because....I don't really know.

Rate the book, was it Very Good, Kind of Good, Good, Not that Good, or Bad?
Very, very good.

6/20/15

Anita Writes: Julie and Green Eye'd Boy




Here's something I had considered doing more than once, so let me know what you think.  I dabble in writing.  I'm not an author, though I have started and stopped many-a-story.  Some of them are much further along, and many - like this one, just didn't go anywhere.  Sometimes I get an idea and start writing.  Sometimes the idea is better formed and I have an outline and usually make more progress. I thought it would be fun to take some of these bits and pieces of things I've written and post them.  Especially the ones that I don't think are going to be made into something real.   I believe this particular session came from sitting down with a word document and just typing away.  Please keep in mind - this is very rough, un-edited, off the top of my head type stuff.  (Check out the date...I'm sure the year is at least accurate).

*************************************************************************

August 25, 2009


It’s the first day of school.  I can’t believe it’s the first day of school.  I don’t know if I can do this, if I can face all my friends, my teachers, classes.  It’s all just too much.  I should have asked to home school.  I’m sure mom and dad would have understood, but who goes to school all their life and then decides to home schooling their senior year?


I used to dream of this day; the beginning of the end, the end of the beginning.  My childhood ending, my adult life finally starting.  But now it’s just nothing.  Life feels like nothing.  It has no meaning, no purpose.  Why do we put ourselves through this torture, through school then work, through all this crap – only to get cancer and die on everything you once considered important?  Nothing’s important.  Life’s not important, because after life there is only death.

I am still trying to collect myself as I pull up to the school.  Last year, this moment, this day would have been the day of anticipation and excitement.  I would have called Angie and Katelyn and planned every detail; what we were going to wear, how to fix our hair.  Heck, we might have planned a girl’s night and splurged on a manicure and pedicure at the mall, wasting away the last of whatever money I had made working at the movie theater in town over the summer, a job I only took the last two previous years as a way to earn enough money to fund my back-to-school wardrobe for the year to come.  The theater is perfect for me because…well, I love to watch movies.   As an employee, I got to watch all the new releases before anyone else in a special previewing session, and usually we were allowed to bring one friend.   For me, that one friend would have been my then-boyfriend, Bruce.  We’d sit snuggling into each other, as close as a movie theater arena would allow, and laugh at the movie or talk about what was going to happen next.  If the movie sucked, we’d make-out like any other normal teenage couple would. But even that has changed.  I sigh at the direction of my thoughts, and close my eyes.
This summer I never went back to the theater.  Bruce and I didn’t hang out.  I didn’t hang out with my friends either.  I sort of pushed them all out of my life.  I didn’t do much of anything but hang around the house and help my family.  This summer we stuck together like glue, because at the beginning of summer I found out that that very glue that was holding our family together was falling apart.  On the last day of school, my Junior year, my mother found out she was dying of lung cancer.  The cancer had rapidly progressed to a point that there was no way to save her.  She is going through treatment, prolonging her life, but eventually, probably within the next 12 months, she is going to die.
So while my life as I knew it before this summer is completely over, here I am trying to move forward as if nothing ever happened.  We didn’t exactly break up officially, Bruce and I, I just stopped talking to him, and he just stopped calling me.  Any normal guy would have given up a month into the summer and found something else, someone else.  So there were no expectations on my part today.  And as I push myself out of the car and toward the school, I can see that I am right in my expectations, out of the corner of my eye I catch Bruce play-fighting with Miley Michaels, a ditsy red-headed Sophomore who has a reputation for attempting to work her way through all the jocks in school.  I know I shouldn’t assume, but whatever is going on between her and Bruce, there is definitely the air of, “I’m free to play,” in Bruce’s demeanor.  No big deal though.  Like I said, I was expecting this.  
Homeroom is where I meet up with Katelyn.  “Hey, Julie!  I tried to call you last week, I needed some help with this ensemble.”  She pronounces “ensemble” with a French accent, then sobers up, “How are you doing?”  Katelyn’s eyes are sympathetic and closed off at the same time.  It’s as if she’s put on some mask, keeping herself from me.  I know I’ve hurt her by not hanging out over the summer, but really I had more important things on my mind then hanging out at the lake or going to the mall. Katelyn is sensitive, and views every rejection as a reflection on herself.
“I’m okay, I guess.  It just feels so weird being here today.”
“Oh, I know right!  We’re SENIORS, this is just so….A-MAZING!” she squeals. I draw back at her delight.  Hello, cheerleader much?
“Yeah.  Amazing.” I say.  Really I’m thinking; Uh, no.  I meant being here and not at home with my mom.  That’s weird.  I mean, here pretending everything is going to be fine.  But I don’t want to get into that right now.  Besides, that’s my life, not hers.  
“Look, I’m sorry about not calling you this summer.  It’s just been, er, well difficult lately.” I say to her.
“Hey, yeah.  I understand,” she replies, although by the tone of her voice I’m not so sure she does, “your mom and all.”  She looks at me full faced then, a flicker of my friend is revealed. “You know, I can listen well.  You can talk to me.  I DO care what’s going on with you, you know?”  
“Yeah, Katie, I know.  Thank you.”  I struggle for more words when Mr. Jackson rescues me by choosing that time to begin his welcome back speech, and handing out our class schedules.  The truth is, I had attempted to talk to Katelyn and Angie earlier in the summer, but they were too excited about what was going on in their own lives to take a minute to understand.  And really, how can I expect them to understand.  Life is perfect for them right now, on the brink of adulthood; freedom.  I admit I didn’t try very hard, no one wants to rain on that parade of excitement.  Why should I bring everyone down into depression with me anyway?
I sit there looking over my new schedule.  It seems like a lifetime ago that I worked out this schedule, planning the perfect senior year.  I’ve got some harder classes, like Calculus; and some easier ones like Choir and a Painting class.  A perfect blend of college prep courses, and classes that are perfect for “senioritis.”  I look up and over to the window, and notice someone new.  Being a smaller school everyone knows everyone else, so whenever there is a new person, it is painfully obvious.  It looked to me like this guy knew it too, as he was sitting in the far aisle looking as if he were attempting invisibility, trying to shrink up into his desk.  He had dark black shaggy hair that dipped down into his eyes, and the sides could easily be tucked behind his ear.  His shoulders were hunched over and chin tucked to his chest, but then his hand was moving rapidly over his notebook.  Whatever it was he was writing, or working on, he did so with intensity.  Then, as if he could feel me looking in his direction, he lifted his head and his eyes met mine.  He had the most wonderful green eyes I’d ever seen, but they were sad, and a bit lonely looking.  I quickly looked back down at my schedule.  I’m sure my embarrassment at being caught looking was obvious.

AnitaLoves2Read has been MIA

Hello to my faithful readers...do I have faithful readers?  I'm not even sure.  Either way, hello to anyone who just happened to meander on by!

I just wanted to take a quick moment to talk where I've been the last couple weeks.  I know I sort of was going pretty steady on here with my KidzKorner, Friday Favorites, Workout updates and Insecurities series in addition to my normal book reviews; all posts that I have been really enjoying, but then I dropped off the last couple of weeks.  There is a reason for my disappearance.  There is a very good reason for it.


I have mentioned on here how my husband was going to compete in Austin, TX with the PlantBuilt team.  Well the competition happened two weeks ago today - but he was gone for 5 full days. (He won 3rd in his weight class, for those of you who might want to know.)  While he was gone I missed him.  A lot.  Being married for 14 years, this was the longest time we'd ever been apart.  I know this is nothing compared to some, there are soldiers who are deployed regularly and for much, much longer periods of time.  I respect those families, especially those wives and mothers, because it was not easy.  
So for those 5 days I stayed home with our three kids, and spend a lot of quality time with them doing things like going to the local amusement park, hiking and tie dying shirts.  Just having fun in general, and watching lots and lots of movies on NetFlix (there is only so much SpyKids I can take though..yiee).  I was focused on my kids - so making sure I had a post ready to go (I did do a Friday Favorites post) just wasn't my top priority.  Then we had a long saga of trying to get my husband home, as his flights got cancelled and his phone dying, and the big storms coming, and then just trying to find a flight and communicate with each other.  I was so, so ready for him to just get home.


Then when he got home I just wanted to make sure I spent time with him, and us as a family.  I think the biggest realization I came to while he was gone is that while we always make sure to spend time together, we sometimes forget to focus on "us" even in the little moments.  So instead of coming home from work and sitting down to read or write a blog or some other sort of social media meandering, we sat down and talked, and laughed, and enjoyed each other's company.  Justin and I, we have a great relationship.  We always have, even during the difficult times we've come together as friends and husband and wife and just loved each other.  But as the saying goes, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' and taking time out of normal life to just be and love each other has been great and refreshing.  


To sum up my thoughts; realize that all this focus we put into our online presence, and what we do with our lives - it means nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to the relationships we have with those we love the most.  Cut out some of your time on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever your vice is - and just go love them. 

6/8/15

Book Review: Trail of the Raven: Haiti - Chip Davis

Author: Chip Davis
Genre:  Young Adult

**I received this book from the author for review. Other than the joy of reading, I received no compensation for this review.**


Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Jack's life consisted of new schools, in new towns, with the same old problems. The pattern continued until he saw Ana deep in the woods. Through Ana, Jack developed a keen interest in learning who he was and where he came from, his ancestors. 

"The best way to learn about your ancestors is to put yourself in the same environment they were in. It isn't enough to know what they did. If you really want to know them, you need to learn about what shaped them into who they were." Those were Ana's words. Her death left Jack with the realizations that he knew little of this amazing woman who was his adopted mother. 

The first step of Jack's quest takes him to the last place she visited before his adoption, the island of Haiti. New friends, unexpected events, and the island itself give Jack a greater understanding of Ana, and ultimately himself.
Come with Jack as he begins his Journey.

My Review:
Trail of the Raven: Haiti is the first of a series of books about Jack, who is following in the footsteps of his adopted mother in the discovery of their ancestors through travel and discovery.  Chip Davis has combined non-fictional stories with a fictional cast of characters and combined them into an easy to read, enjoyable book that educates, inspires and entertains.

What I Loved:  This was an easy read, and very appropriate for the audience.  I loved how through Jack's curiosity you discover more about the people and environment around him; the stories that the individuals tell are true events that likely can be tracked back to a specific date and time.  This is very easily the "old way" of keeping and remembering history, through story telling such as this.

Jack's character was one that I think that everyone, even the best of us, can learn from.  He was curious and not afraid to ask questions, but he also watched his environment and those around him to learn what is appropriate behavior for the environment he was in.  Most of all, he cared for everyone and knew how to show love and compassion without being a push over.  I think that is what I loved this most of all.  The sly (recent) history lesson was interesting and held my attention, but the book as a whole made me want to be more like Jack.

Not So Much:  As far as the story goes, it was good, easy to read and was easy to follow without being overly descriptive and losing you in the process.  The one bit I had trouble with was the transitions between scenes.  Sometimes it felt like you were in one moment washing dishes and in the next line it was the next day.  In a book like this, I'm not sure how this could be resolved, but I can say that on more than one occasion I would back up and reread just to make sure I didn't miss something between Point A and Point B.

Rating:  PG
Rated:  5 Stars - despite any issues I may had with the book, I loved its purpose!   I cannot fathom anything lower than 5.

6/5/15

Friday Favorites: Old Songs I'll Probably Always Love



Here are some old(er) songs I'll probably always love.  I'm not even really sure how far back you have to go to consider a song "old" but here we go!

1.  Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
This song is just one of those you have to stop and sing along to, but more than that Sweet Caroline reminds me of a very tentative, extremely brief relationship I had with some guy I crushed on for years.


2.  The Longest Time - Billy Joel
Another song that is impossible not to sing along to.  I love the poppy, barber-shop sound of this song.  Billy Joel is one of those artists who have crossed a few generations of music and was able to remain some-what relevant.




3.  Free Falling - Tom Petty
This song will forever remind me of sitting over at my cousin's house while my mother and her friends played guitar.  This was one of the songs I learned to play on guitar pretty quickly because I kind of wanted to be just like her at the time.


4.  Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
Speaking of my cousin; that same cousin lost her mom to cancer a few years ago.  Stairway to Heaven was her favorite, and she would listen to it in repeat - so this one is also forever embedded on my mind.  (And now on my blog)



5.  To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
If I'm completely honest, any song by Garth Brooks would fall on this list, but this love song in particular is a favorite.  It has always just stopped my heart and made me believe that love is beautiful, and possible and real.  I recently got to see Garth in concert; it was on my bucket list, and had been sing I was about 14, so to finally get to realize this dream was an extra special treat!


BONUS:  One of the best music videos ever.  I love it!  And to bring my blog back to books once again, I present to you Tom Petty as the Mad Hatter!



Thank you for joining me today!  Once again, I have to give credit where credit is due.  My Friday Favorites is based on Creative House Blog's own Friday Favorites blog and link-up. 

6/2/15

KidzKorner: Smile - Raina Telgemeier


Reviewer: Abigail
Title: Smile
Author: Raina Telgemier
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
From the artist of BSC Graphix comes this humorous coming-of-age true story about the dental drama that ensues after a trip-and-fall mishap.

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

Abigail's Review:
What did you think about the book?
I think it funny, because even though its based off a real person, it's still a little funny because theres a lot of crazy stuff happening.

What was your favorite part?
When Rana fell and knocked out her two front teeth.

Do you think other kids your age would like to read it?
Yeah, because its about an actual girl when she was a kid.

Do you think Adults would like to read it?
I don't know

Rate the book, was it Very Good, Kind of Good, Good, Not that Good, or Bad?
Very Good


~* Books by Rana Telgemeier*~