Book Review - Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty + Giveaway

Photo Credit -Amazon

Willa is her clan's best thief. One day, she sneaks into a cabin of the day folk to bring back treasure to her people. Willa knows she is taking a huge risk by entering the day folk's homes especially since they kill what they don't understand.  When she is left hurt and is in the day folk's home, she calls upon her forest allies for assistance. Upon returning to her clan, she begins to learn not everything is what it appears. Who can Willa trust? What can Willa do?

The novel is a thrilling and engrossing read. It was fast-paced and fun to read. I couldn't wait to find out how Willa gets out of situations. I also like how she relied on her allies to help. I like how she growed and matured.  Overall, a great read and I can't wait to read more by the author.

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

About the Book:

Title: WILLA OF THE WOOD

Author: Robert Beatty

Pub. Date: July 10, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 384

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Beatty comes a spooky, thrilling new series set in the magical world of Serafina. 

Move without a sound. Steal without a trace. 

Willa, a young nightspirit of the Great Smoky Mountains, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the homes of day-folk in the cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work — the day-folk kill whatever they do not understand. But when Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in a day-folk man's home, everything she thought she knew about her people — and their greatest enemy — is forever changed.

About Robert:

Robert Beatty is the author of the #1 New York Times best selling Serafina Series published by Disney-Hyperion, a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate.

Serafina and the Black Cloak was a #1 New York Times best seller, has been on the list for more than 45 weeks, and won the prestigious 2016 Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize. The second book in the series, Serafina and the Twisted Staff, became a #1 New York Times best seller in the first week of its launch and earned a “Starred Review” from Kirkus Reviews, which said, “Even better than its predecessor, a sequel that delivers nonstop thrills from beginning to end.” Enjoyed by both young readers and adults, the books are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide. The third book in the Serafina series comes out in July 2017. Robert Beatty has been awarded an additional four book deal with Disney-Hyperion.

Robert Beatty lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and three daughters, who help create and refine his stories. He loves to explore Biltmore Estate and the darkened forest trails where his novels take place. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives, Robert was one of the early pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the chairman/CTO of Narrative Magazine. In 2007, he was named an Entrepreneur of the Year.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of WILLA OF THE WOOD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2776/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

7/9/2018- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

7/10/2018- A Backwards Story- Interview

7/11/2018- Novel Novice- Guest Post

7/12/2018- Don't Judge, Read- Review

7/13/2018-  Two points of interest- Review

Book Review - Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Captain Reynolds Macy is returning home after sailing away six years ago. He left his newly married bride to sail across the sea in search of whale oil. He looks forward to returning to his beautiful bride, Jane. However, Ren realizes nothing is the same and everything has changed during his absence. 

Daphne Coffin is Jane's sister and is excited that Ren is returning home. When tragedy strikes, she urges Ren to "mind the light" and find solace in God. While Ren is traveling down the path of light, Daphne finds herself falling in love with Ren. However, she is promised to betrothed to someone else. Will Ren be able to find the path to happiness? Will Daphne be able to find love with Ren?

This is the second novel in the Nantucket series. I have read the other novel but, I find that this novel can be read as a standalone. I thought the novel was a good read but, it was a bit slow in some parts. I like how the novel showed that people are very dynamic creatures. The ending was a bit predictable but, it ended a bit abruptly. We found out a missing piece of the puzzle but, we don't know how the characters will react. I am assuming it is a lead way into the next book.  I also liked reading bits of Mary Starbuck's diary but, I felt the first book had a more cohesive theme surrounding the diary. Overall, a satisfying second book to the series.

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

About the Book

Book Title: Minding the Light

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 3, 2018

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship’s hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. “Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?” he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn’t defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and “mind the Light,” finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be–honorable, wise, faithful–she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren’s business partner, cousin, and best friend–and Daphne’s fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

About the Author

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

 

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card to five winners!!

Be sure to leave a comment on one of the blog stops for 9 extra entries into the giveaway. Click link below to enter.

 https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c4/minding-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Book Review - Who Was Marie Curie? by Megan Stine and Ted Hammond

Photo Credit - Amazon

Marie Curie is a famous scientist who discovered several new materials. However, did you know Marie was able to speak five different languages? Both of her parents placed a high importance on learning, especially, since they were both teachers. Marie always had an innate passion for learning and she felt comfortable while working in a lab. She was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. She had many noteworthy accomplishments in her career but, she didn't like the publicity. 

I thought this biography was well written and thoughtful. It is also empowering for young girls who have an interest in the STEM field. It shows Marie as a strong female lead. I enjoyed the balance Marie had with her passions in life: her family and science. Overall, a great beginner biography of a very talented woman.

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

Book Review - Who Was Harry Houdini? by Tui Sutherland and John O'Brien

Photo Credit - Amazon

Harry Houdini is the world-famous escape artist. However, there is much to this great magician than his tricks. Did you know that Houdini didn't like being called a magician but, preferred being called an escape artist? He was also the first pilot to fly a plane in Australia.  Houdini was also a perfectionist when it came to his acts. When his brother, Theo made a mistake during one of the performances, Houdini found Bess, who later became his wife to help him perform his illusions. 

I found the biography to be well written and very interesting. I learned a lot more about Houdini. The book was very easy to read and understand. I also like how the author included diagrams showing how the tricks were done. While the book was well written, I didn't like the drawings. I felt the drawings looked rush and incomplete. 

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

Book Review - Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard decides to give up her life in Norway. She travels to Blackbird Mountain to become a housekeeper for her husband's family. When she arrives she finds three grown men on the farm. Aven was expecting to help care for three children. As she adjusts to life living with the brothers, she learns the brothers make a living by brewing hard cider.

Aven's appearance at the farm has the two youngest brothers at odds. They are both in love with Aven and want to marry her. Haakon, the youngest is bold and passionate. While Thor is a gentle deaf and mute giant who drinks to cope with his pain. Will the love for Aven tear the two brothers apart? Will she be able to find the solace she is looking for?

I enjoyed that this novel had a character who had disabilities. I thought the author portrayed Thor's challenges and frustrations in a humanizing and sympathetic way. I enjoyed reading the novel but, at times I felt like it was a bit slow and boring. I felt like novel could have more action/drama, instead of the fluff.

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

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain
Author: Joanne Bischof
Genre: Historical Romance
After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.
But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.
As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?
A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

 

JOANNE BISCHOF is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com, Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof, Instagram: @JoanneBischof.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joanne is giving away

Grand prize of a country crate, a jar of apple butter, a bag of gummy berries, journal, bath salts, honey spoons, copper earrings, and a blackbird sign!!

Click below to enter.  
https://promosimple.com/ps/d140/sons-of-blackbird-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Butter

Photo Credit - Amazon

I am a huge fan of pomegranate. I tried Burt’s Bees Cranberry and pomegranate body scrub and I loved it.  The body butter is packed with cranberry seed and pomegranate oils and cocoa and jojoba butter. The potent cocktail promises to replenish, moisture and hydrate dry and itchy skin. The thick fragrant body butter absorbs easy and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. Overall, I like this body butter as made my skin really soft and left my skin with a soft fragrance on my skin.

Book Review - Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Quinn Collins has never left her small hometown of Harbor Pointe. She wants to stick around in case, her mom who abandonded her and her family, decides to return. Quinn has bought the flower shop that her mother once owned. She wants to create a one of a kind design so, her mother can finally notice her. And, perhaps, her mother would see the woman Quinn has become and realizes her mistake of leaving her family behind.

Howver, Quinn is completely swamped with renovations and the flower expo. Luckily, Olympic skier Grady Benson, caused damage to a local shop and was court ordered to do community service. Grady has always taken the easy way out on life and never listened to his coaches. The duo are complete opposite and are constantly butting heads. But, as the continue to work together, they see glimpses of each other's vulnerability. Will Quinn and Grady realize that they need each other?

I thought the story was good but, I was annoyed that each character gave up on each other so quickly. They kept showing each other they cared but, as soon as one person makes a mistake or is at their lowest point, they are ready to throw in the towel. I felt like they like each other and want to fight for each other but, they failed to do it. Overall, I enjoyed the story but, I could do without the many "Oh, she's too good for me" or "He's a bad boy, and I am not like that".

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

Title: Just Let Go  
Author: Courtney Walsh  
Release Date: June 5, 2018  
Genre: Contemporary Romance

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help. Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out—and the best way to avoid more negative press. Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town—and Quinn’s life—possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two more books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Courtney Walsh is giving away a grand prize of a library of Courtney Walsh’s books and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/d0a4/just-let-go-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

Photo Credit - Amazon

Imagine for one dinner, you can invite any five people,  dead or alive, to have dinner with you. While the possibility is endless, most people already have a set list of people, they would choose. "The Dinner List", is about a young woman, who on her thirtieth birthday is surrounded by her five chosen dinner companions. Sabrina, at first, is bewildered to be surrounded by these people, especially by, Audrey Hepburn's presence. However, she quickly learns, there is a reason, why everyone has gathered here. Will Sabrina be able to figure out the reason behind the dinner? 

The novel had an interesting premise about choices people make. As we learn in the novel, each of the characters has a specific reason for being there. I felt the novel was well done, even if it was a bit predictable. The characters were all lovable and flawed but readers can't help to love them. I found the ending to be interesting and different. I am looking forward to reading other books by the author. 

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

Book Review - She Walks in Moonlight by Jennifer Silverwood

Photo Credit - Amazon

Danica Pavolva locates old folktales for work but, she spends her nights trying to forget her life isn't a fairy tale. Ten years ago, she ran away from her boyfriend after causing his accident. She was determined that Adam King was better off without her. However, when her older brother is diagnosed with leukemia, she decides it is time to return home. She tries to put the past behind her but, she can't help feeling a connection with Adam. Will Danica and Adam be able to put the past behind them?

I enjoyed the novel but, I had a hard time liking Danica. She is upset when people think of her a certain way but, she continues to act that way. I felt like she was a coward when she ran away and she wanted forgiveness without trying to make amends. Most of the characters acted like selfish children, especially when they didn't get their way. I would have liked if the author included a bit more context around Adam's accident. Overall, the novel had a nice story line but, I didn't care much for the lead characters.

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