Book Spotlight - As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl

Photo Credit - Amazon

In one impulsive moment the summer before they leave for college, overachievers Scarlett and David plunge into an irresistible swirl of romance, particle physics, and questionable decisions.

Scarlett and David have known each other all their lives in small-town Graceville, Colorado, where David is just another mountain in the background, until, one day, he is suddenly so much more than part of the landscape. Magnetic, spontaneous, David is a gravitational force. And Scarlett, pragmatic, wry, eye on the future, welcomes the whirlwind he brings even as she resists it.

Moving between the present and the past, this is the story of a seemingly grounded girl who's pulled into a lightning-strike romance with an electric-charged boy, and the enormity of the aftermath. Smart, bold, and unconventionally romantic, Shana Youngdahl's debut explores grief, guilt, and reconciling who you think you need to be with the person you've been all along. It's an aching, transporting reminder that between the past that shapes us and the unknowable future, we have only the present to forgive ourselves and forge ahead.

  **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

Book Review - The Night Visitors by Carol Goodman

Photo Credit - Amazon

Three people have their faith interlocked with each other during a winter storm. Alice is a victim of domestic abuse and flees from her current relationship. She is desperate to protect ten years old, Oren. He is an avid Star Wars fan and is seemingly wise beyond his years. He bonds instantly with Mattie, a social worker in her fifties. She lives in a huge run-down house in the middle of nowhere.  Mattie takes in the duo for the night as she has plenty of room. However, she doesn't mention that Oren reminds her of her little brother, who died over thirty years ago at the tender age of ten. As the storm progresses and traps them indoors, Mattie will soon to learn, she isn't the only one keeping secrets. And some secrets can't stay buried forever.

I thought the novel was an interesting read with a few unexpected twists in the end.  I was surprised that the novel had a few supernatural twists. I usually don't mind books that include supernatural elements but, I was expecting a story about abuse and survival, not a ghost story. Overall, it was a good read but, slow in some parts.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Spotlight: Brave the Page: A Young Writer’s Guide to Telling Epic Stories by Rebecca Stern and Grant Faulkner + Ideas for Inspiration

Photo Credit - Amazon

Partly a how-to guide on the nitty-gritty of writing, partly a collection of inspiration to set (and meet) ambitious goals, Brave the Page is the go-to resource for middle-grade writers. Narrated in a fun, refreshingly kid-friendly voice, it champions NaNoWriMo's central mission that everyone's stories deserve to be told. The volume includes chapters on character, plot, setting, and the like; motivating essays from popular authors; advice on how to commit to your goals; a detailed plan for writing a novel or story in a month; and more!

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes in the transformational power of creativity. They provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds--on and off the page. With its first event in 1999, the organization's programs now include National Novel Writing Month in November, Camp NaNoWriMo, the Young Writers Program, Come Write In, and the "Now What?" Months.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Topic - Things you can do for motivation to help you with story ideas 

Spending time to write down one's thoughts and emotions are essential for mental health. A common misconception is that you need to be a "writer" or you only "need to write stories or poems". However, even take a few minutes to write whatever you are feeling can give you mental clarity. But, what happens when you are feeling the dreaded writer's block? I have a few ideas that can help you get into the writing mood!

1. Take a long relaxing bath or shower 
2. Go for a walk  in nature  
3. Take a walk utilizing a different route
4. Talk to a stranger
5. Read a book 
6. Do word associations
7. Take a look at photographs and try to picture the memory
8. Listen to music
9. Draw without limits
10. Visit a museum
11. Try eating/cooking a new dish
12. Ask a relative about their favorite memory
13. Research events that happened around a specific day
14. Take a nap
15. Meditate 
16. Try freewriting
17. Eating a favorite childhood dish
18. Playing 
19. Going for a run


What are your favorite things to do when you feel "stuck"? Which techniques helps you the most?


 

Book Review - My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Photo Credit - Amazon

Korede loves her sister but, is also jealous of her sister, Ayoola. Ayoola is everything Korede isn't. She is beautiful and her mother's favorite child. However, Ayoola might be a serial killer. Ayoola relies on Korede for her practical skills such as cleaning up the blood, knowing where to ditch the body, and acceptable social behaviors for someone who is "mourning her missing" boyfriend. Korede is in love with a handsome doctor at her hospital. She dreams of the day when he will notice her. However, when he asks Korede for Ayoola's phone number, Korede must decide how far she is willing to go to protect her sister.

The novel was a fun and interesting read. I like how different Korede and Ayoola were but, they very loyal to each other. However, I was disappointed by how the novel ended. It felt like it ended abruptly and it left me with more questions than answers. The novel was a quick and entertaining read during a long train ride but, I wished the ending was better.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

BBW Aromatherapy Sleep Lavender and Cedarwood 24hr Moisture Butter

The cream is scented with lavender and cedarwood essential oils which promotes relaxation and sleep. The cream is enriched with mango seed butter, cocoa seed butter that helps keep skin hydrated. The thick cream was easy to spread but, it did leave my skin slightly greasy.Overall, it's an indulgent treat  to be included in my nighttime ritual.

Book Review - The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ailsa Calder's mother recently willed her an old Scottish manor. However, only half of the house belongs to her. The other half belongs to her father who disappeared twenty-seven years ago with diamonds. Ailsa is torn between leaving her life in London behind and returning to her childhood home. She returns to get the house in order before selling and asks her half-sister to join her.

While spending time at the Manse, Ailsa feels claustrophobic and can't sleep. She feels drained and tired. She senses someone is watching her and especially when she hears stories about the manor's past. Then one night an intruder shows up causing Ailsa to fear what secrets the Manse might be hiding. Will Ailsa be able to move on from her father's disappearance?

I have read the "French Girl" and liked it but, this novel left me baffled. While the "villain" was unexpected, I felt disappointed. The novel dragged on and on only for a mediocre ending. I was left with more questions than answers. This novel is an easy pass and not worth even a second glance.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Falling for Her Bodyguard by Amy Vastine + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kelly Bonner keeps receiving gifts from a mysterious sender. Even when things escalate, Kelly isn't sure she needs a bodyguard, especially one like Detective Donovan Walsh. Detective Donovan Walsh is intense and has a tough-guy exterior. However, as Kelly spends more time with Donovan, she realizes there is more to him beneath his tough-guy appearance.  Donovan is struggling with raising his sister's children by himself. Kelly can see herself falling in love with him but, that would mean breaking her rule of not dating cops. Will Kelly and Donovan be able to let go of their rules to find happiness?

The novel was a fun and interesting read. The "stalker portion" of the story wasn't the main pull of the novel but, it was a surprise at the end.  Surprisingly, I didn't mind that the romance took center stage because both characters were lovable and realistic.  I thought the novel was a cute and romantic read.

  **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Falling for Her Bodyguard
(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She needs his protection…

But can he protect his heart?

Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - Save Me from Dangerous Men by S.A. Lelchuk

Photo Credit - Amazon

Nikki Griffin might look like your average bookstore owner but, she is much more than your typical private investigator. She uses her office above the bookstore to find solace among her books but, she also tracks men who hurt people. More notably, men who hurt the women they claim and promise to love. Nikki likes to teach these men a lesson on how it feels to be helpless and hurt. She helps make sure that their victims are safe from being harmed them again. 

Nikki receives a PI job tailing a woman, Karen, who might be selling her company's secrets. However, things turn ugly and Karen's life is in danger causing Nikki to break cover. Karen tells Nikki that there are dangerous people after her and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Will Nikki be able to stay alive long enough to solve the case?

First, the title is awesome. I wish I had a button with that title. But, the main character is seriously awesome. She is brilliant and quite the fighting beast. I almost wish there was someone like this in real life looking out for people who need help. The book was an awesome read and I can't wait to read the next books in the series.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Evil Princess vs. the Brave Knight by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

The Evil Princess is known for casting terrible spells. The Brave Knight protects the villagers from the evil dragons. One of them helps those in need while the other causes mischief. Between the two of them, the kingdom is always in distress.  

I thought the book was a fun read but, I didn't like that the little girl was portrayed as a villain. I felt like with kids even if one child seems to be one way, when they are playing together their personalities do change. Overall, it's a fun read because I did notice things that my brother and I used to do when we were little (and sometimes, now).

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book:

Title: THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT

Author: Jennifer L. Holm,  Matthew Holm (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: August 6, 2019

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 40

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book--from the beloved creators of Babymouse--is here to help. Sort of.

Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn't much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story.

About Jennifer:

Jennifer L. Holm is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling children's author and the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE. Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on two graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series and the bestselling Squish series. Her new novel is THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. She lives in California with her husband and two children.

Website | Twitter | Facebook |  Goodreads 

About Matthew:

MATTHEW HOLM is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of more than 40 books for children. He is the co-creator (with his sister, Jennifer) of a number of graphic novels, including the BABYMOUSE and SQUISH series from Random House Children’s Books and SUNNY SIDE UP from Scholastic Graphix. He also co-wrote and illustrated the middle-grade novel MARVIN AND THE MOTHS with Jonathan Follett. He currently lives with his wife in New York's Hudson Valley.

Website | Twitter |  Goodreads 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2961/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/29/2019- Wonder Struck- Review

7/30/2019- BookHounds YA- Interview

7/31/2019- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

8/1/2019- Country Road Reviews- Review

8/2/2019- YA Book  Nerd- Review

Week Two:

8/5/2019- The Pages Inbetween - Review

8/6/2019- Novel Novice- Review

8/7/2019- Nerdophiles- Review

8/8/2019- Book-Keeping- Review

8/9/2019- Two points of interest- Review