Book Review - Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky + Giveaway!

Photo Source - Amazon

Isabella Grayson is the oldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper mogul who wishes to be like her father. Her parents believe that Isabella shows focus on marriage prospects than following her dreams of becoming a journalist. Ever persistent, she pens an anonymous letter to her father's newspaper that impresses her father and fuels her dreams of writing. Her father reluctantly agrees that she can write a series of article on aviation, but on the condition she must accept a marriage proposal within the year.

When the aspiring aviator, James Drake crashes his plane near the family's home, Isabella is smitten. She wants James to fulfill his dream of being the first to fly across the Channel and win prize. However, the closer the pair works together they discover they both have a dark secret. Will the duo be able to forgive each other and find happiness together? Will James succeed in being the first to fly over the Channel?

The Edwardian novel was an interesting and fun read. I love how the author wove in the mystery of Drake's father along with his desire to fly. My favorite parts were the family dynamics of the Professor and James. I think the author did a great job showing how family can both be people who are blood related or people who become family through a common desire. I thought the romance dynamic between Isabella and James was endearing and not annoying and back and forth like it sometimes happens in other romance novels. They both know they let each other down, but they worked together to put the past behind them and work towards a future together. A great read and I can't wait to read other works by the author.

About the Author

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of nineteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and five grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family. She loves to connect with reading friends through her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. 

Purchase a copy of the novel at Amazon!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of an autographed copy of Shine Like the Dawn and $30 gift card to Christianbooks.com!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c987

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

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Book Review - Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration by Rose Brock

Photo Credit - Amazon

Words can have different meanings and invoke different feelings. Hope can bring out different feelings depending when it was and by whom. This timely, relevant anthology of essays by twenty four YA authors hope to invoke awe, inspiration and empathy. In this personal collection of stories, each author narrates how hope is a decision they made and help inspire readers to have hope.

When I first opened the book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I assumed it was going to be a bunch of boring or mundane stories. I was actually pleasantly surprised and found myself staying up late and reaching for this book throughout the day. I love the stories where the author opened about their personal lives and the obstacles they faced. They displayed how they had the perseverance and conquered their obstacles and how they enriched their lives with hope. I found many of the stories inspiring, hopeful, and enjoyable to read. I feel with the current political atmosphere, this book is highly relevant for readers who need a bit of hope in their lives. 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**


BOOK DESCRIPTION

Hope is a decision, but it is a hard one to recognize in the face of oppression, belittlement, alienation, and defeat. To help embolden hope, here is a powerhouse collection of essays and personal stories that speak directly to teens and all YA readers. Featuring Angie Thomas, Marie Lu, James Dashner, Nicola Yoon, David Levithan, Libba Bray, Jason Reynolds, Renée Ahdieh, and many more!

"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."--Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We all experience moments when we struggle to understand the state of the world, when we feel powerless and--in some cases--even hopeless. The teens of today are the caretakers of tomorrow, and yet it's difficult for many to find joy or comfort in such a turbulent society. But in trying times, words are power.

Some of today's most influential young adult authors come together in this highly personal nonfiction collection of original essays, poems, and letters, each a first-hand account that ultimately strives to inspire hope.

Like a modern day Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul or Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens, Hope Nation acknowledges the pain and shines a light on what comes after.

Authors include: Atia Abawi, Renee Ahdieh, Libba Bray, Howard Bryant, Ally Carter, Ally Condie, James Dashner, Christina Diaz Gonzales, Gayle Forman, Romina Garber, I. W. Gregario, Kate Hart, Bendan Kiely, David Levithan, Alex London, Marie Lu, Julie Murphy, Jason Reynolds, Aisha Saeed, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Jeff Zentner, and Nicola Yoon.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Rose Brock is a twenty-year veteran professor who has dedicated her career to turning teens into book lovers. Building relationships with readers through books is her superpower. In addition to her career as a librarian and educator, Dr. Brock is also very involved in helping to organize the North Texas Teen Book Festival, a one-day event, which hosts sixty authors and has an impressive annual attendance of over 3,500 teens and tweens. She also serves as a team leader of the International Literacy Association's Young Adults' Choices project, which empowers teens to read and select the best books of the year. Dr. Brock was named by the Texas Library Association as the recipient of the Siddie Joe Johnson Award, an award given by the Children's Round Table to a librarian who demonstrates outstanding library service to children.

Book Spotlight - Secrets in Our Scars by Rebecca Trogner + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

About The Book:

Title: SECRETS IN OUR SCARS

Author: Rebecca Trogner

Pub. Date: February 7, 2018

Publisher: Rebecca Trogner

Pages: 314

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Goodreads

On a sweltering summer day, Daisy Aldridge knocks on the wrong door. She’s yanked inside. Trapped and pressed against her only means of escape she spirals into a panic. Years ago she suffered an assault. Alone and afraid, she kept it hidden and dealt with the emotional aftermath in her own way.

But this time she’s not alone. She’s helped by a man who seems vaguely familiar. Roy Blackwood is gorgeous, powerful, and controlled. She tells herself she wants nothing to do with him.

Roy sees through her resistance and is determined to unravel the mysteries of Daisy. He promises to find the identity of her birth parents and unveil the person who leaves her anonymous gifts. And most important of all, earn the love and trust of Daisy Aldridge.

About Rebecca:

Rebecca Trogner lives in Virginia with her husband and a passel of adopted pets. Her idea of a good day is copious amounts of coffee, her computer, and no commitments so she can write all day. To find out more about the author visit www.rebeccatrogner.com.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Details: International

1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card, US Only.

Ends on March 6th at Midnight EST!

 

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