Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Litfuse Group: "Darkness Before Dawn" by Ace Collins Book Review


Will grief push Meg over the edge?
On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’s husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life—and Meg’s future—forever.
Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court’s decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels "Swope's Ridge" and "Words of the Father", as well as the nonfiction "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas"; and "Lassie: A Dog's Life". His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. AceCollins.com


Darkness Before DawnDarkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As I have stated many times in reviews, I am not generally a fan of contemporary fiction.  Well, this is one of those rare occasions when I can say that I could hardly put this book down, and it is contemporary fiction.  It is also Christian and includes no profanity nor bedroom scenes.  But that does not mean that everything is happy and cheery all the time.  I truly felt for Meg, and it was sad to watch her go down a road she didn't need to.  I am not being critical of her because after all, I have never in my life lost someone I love like this.

I loved the Christian message that Ace Collins wove into the very fabric of the book.  I found myself emotionally connecting with Meg more than once, and it was so glorious to see commitments to God being made.  I found myself really getting angry over the defense attorney in the courtroom.  And it really gets to me when I realize that the way things are described is not so far from the truth.

This is a book that can be enjoyed by all, and I believe teens should read it, too.  It is a good reminder that drinking and driving don't mix.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


View all my reviews

Litfuse Group: "The Heiress of Winterwood" by Sarah E. Ladd Book Review


Pride goes before the fall . . . but what comes after?
Darbury, England, 1814
Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything. An heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met.
When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.
Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.
Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.
Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love a book that only gets better as I continue to read it.  I was certain I would give this a four-star rating and that I knew exactly how this would end.  The more I read, the more I liked it.  And in the last few pages, the author threw a wrench into the narrative that completely threw me for a loop.  It was then that I called out and said that the author had earned her five-star rating!

This is a typical Christian historical romance in many ways.  It's like a Christian Regency romance in many ways.  However, there is no profanity nor bedrooms scenes.  The Christian message comes through in a way that does not come across as preachy.  Captain Sterling and Amelia do make for an intriguing character, and Edward is that villain who becomes more vile as the story goes on.  If you like romance with a little bit of intrigue, this book is for you.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. "The Heiress of Winterwood" was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Read all the reviews.

IO Book Tours: "A Note of Scandal" by Nicky Penttilla Blog Tour

Review coming very soon!

BLURB:
What’s the harm in a little white lie?
Especially when it could carry so much good: a new life for a wounded soldier, catharsis after long years of war—and an opportunity for lady composer Olivia Delancey to finally hear her music played in public.
Newspaper publisher Will Marsh refuses to compound the sins of his father’s generation by taking money to print propaganda. But with the end of the wars in France and America, he needs something new to drive Londoners to grab his paper first. Why not publish the score of the “Tune That Took Waterloo,” by a wounded vet, no less?
As Olivia struggles to keep her secrets from this unsuitably alluring publisher, and Will fights to find the truth without losing his hold on this bright-eyed angel who has descended into his life, both discover another sort of truth.
Being the talk of London can be bad—or very, very good.
Interesting elements:
The newspaper-publishing setting is very rare in regencies but fascinating to the author, a former newspaperwoman.
Music plays a big role: Olivia plays pianoforte and Spanish-style guitar; there are three very different concerts in the story.
Water also is big: the hero falls in the sound and nearly drowns; the heroine surprises the hero during a steamy bath.
Olivia lies to help a wounded veteran and he is a strong secondary character. Services and conditions for war veterans were poor at this time.
BIO:
Nicky Penttila writes stories with adventure and love, and often with ideas and history as well. Her favorite settings are faraway cities and countries, because then she *must* travel there, you know, for research. She lives in Maryland with her reading-mad husband and amazing rescue cat. She’s chattiest on Twitter, @sunshinyday, and can also be found at nickypenttila.com and on Facebook.
ONLINE LINKS:
Pinterest (sometimes): http://pinterest.com/nickypenttila/
Present but rarely on: Google+, FriendFeed, new.myspace.com, shelfari, Kindleboards
Member of: Washington Romance Writers (Romance Writers of America), The Beau Monde (RWA), Historical Novel Society, National Association of Science Writers
BUY NOW LINK:
Giveaway link




EXCERPT
“I might tell you one of my secrets.” She gave him an oddly timid smile, as if she were unsure of her allure.
“A false promise. You have no secrets from me.”
“No?”
“Not with that expressive mouth. And those eyes.” He stroked her chin. “And that jaw line.”
She leaned into his touch. “Can you be sure?”
“As sure as I am of anything. I knew you were hopping mad when you came in here, and it was not all about me.”
“True.” She lifted her head away, just a fraction, from his hand. “But you didn’t seem to know you’d stung me in Mr. Swizzlewit’s office.”
“I did know. But what you may not have known was that our solicitor had given me the worst of news, and I was angry with the world and ready to lash out. Unfortunately for you, and for me.”
“For you?”
“Most assuredly. For I knew it meant that later I would have to humble myself abjectly and plead for forgiveness.”
“You did not need to.”
“I did. You see, Miss Olivia Delancey, your good opinion means much to me, it turns out. I did not feel right after you left, not until I saw you walk through my door.”
“Such flattery.”
He shrugged. “Truth. We don’t go much in for lying here.”
It was her turn to put her hand over her heart. “I thank you for your kind apology. It is accepted. Now may I do something for you?”
He could imagine many things she could do. Likely none of them were what she was thinking of. “What?”
“Come to Plymouth. I know the town well, and can guide you. We might even arrange to row out and meet the ship in harbor. A first.”
“A scoop.”
“Meet me at our house at Manor Gardens above Union Street. I’ll get you your story.”
How could he say no? “Deal. And a finder’s fee.” He took her jaw in his hand again, thumb over her cheekbone, and pulled her gently toward him. He brushed his lips against hers. The barest whisper of a touch, but it pushed all the thunderclouds from his mind, making way for the sweet warmth of spring sun.
Then she pressed back, and the sun grew hotter. His hips moved of their own accord closer to hers, possessive. Her hand on his chest, over his heart, seared him, marking him as hers.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and they pulled away. Her gaze was softly intent, as if she were trying to read his mind. He prayed she could not.









Charisma Media: "Jade and the Tooth Fairy" by Jacinta Zecharaiah Blog Tour/Review



Title: Jade and the Tooth Fairy
Author: Jacinta Zechariah
Genre: Children’s
Published:  April 9, 2013
Book description:
A magical tale about a little girl called Jade who stays up to meet the Tooth Fairy and goes to fairyland with her. She is also in for a pleasant surprise when she finds out what happens to all the teeth the Tooth Fairy takes!


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am so pleased to get to review this book by a fellow blogger.  I truly loved the illustrations and the unusual story.  My daughter would have loved this story when she was little.  I don't want to give away the story, but it is one that makes the perfect bed-time story when your child has lost his/her first tooth.

I only have one minor criticism, and this is just me.  The entire book is written in poetry--that's not a problem.  I have always been fascinated when people write and entire book in poetry.  It is not as easy as one may think.  The author definitely has the rhyming scheme going, but the lines are sometimes slightly uneven.  It is perhaps that author's intent, but for me, this put a damper on my enjoyment of the book.  I know it's no big deal, but you know me--I try to be honest.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


Author  Bio
Jacinta Zechariah (nee Dias) lives in London, UK with her husband and 3 children – 2 daughters and a son. She loves travelling and being with her family.
She has a teaching degree with a Masters in Literature but now spends her time writing and marketing her book. When she is not busy with her children she is busy writing her future books and content for her blog.
She began writing at a very early age when she and her sister would make little paper books where she would write and her sister would illustrate.
She writes poetry and has had a few poems published in anthologies.
Jade and the Tooth Fairy is her debut book and has been written with her daughter Jadyn in mind.
She loves writing and would love to inspire more people to get involved in reading especially children.

Find her on


Buy Now links:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk



New Blogger Opportunity! Tip Hero's Super Grad Giveaway Event

Run Dates: May 7th - May 21st

Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card

Eligibility: US 18+

Sponsor: Tip Hero 

Signups Close: May 5th


  • Participation is free for this event with an announcement post. For participating, each blog will be included on the entry form and receive one free link - either Twitter or Pinterest.

  • The announcement post can be found here or you can pay the $5 non-publishing fee to tiphero@gmail.com.

  • Each blog will have the option to add additional links (RSS/Email Subscribe, Twitter and/or Pinterest) for $5.00 each, which can be paid via PayPal as a Gift to tiphero@gmail.com.

  • Each blog must post the giveaway on their blog on May 7th and promote it on their social media outlets 3 times during the event.

  • This giveaway will be promoted in Tip Hero's newsletter, reaching over 80,000 email subscribers, and another sweepstakes newsletter that has more than 10,000 email subscribers.

  • This is a great opportunity to co-market with other great bloggers and increase your social media followers.

  • We will submit the giveaway to all relevant giveaway/sweepstakes directories to gain further exposure.


There is no cost to participate in this event. Bloggers are only required to post the giveaway on their blog and promote it on their social media outlets!


Don't underestimate these giveaways.  And honestly, people do win them.  Chances might be slim, but you can't win if you don't enter.  Sign up here if interested.

Skinny Pop Giveaway (ends 5/14) U.S.

Want to win some skinny pop popcorn?  Check out Sublime Media Connection's post to win 5 bags of this great snack!
http://sublimemediabloggers.blogspot.com/2013/04/skinny-pop-giveaway.html

Giveaway is open to U.S. and ends May 14.

May Flowers Giveaway Event/Home Depot Card (Ends 5/15) U.S.


Welcome to the May Flowers Giveaway Event hosted by Famous Free Samples! We're looking to celebrate spring even more with a bunch of fabulous bloggers and a great prize.
Whether you'd like to stock up on goods to make your garden enviable this spring or whether there's another home project that you've got your sights set on, this is the giveaway for you. One lucky winner will be the recipient of a $100 Home Depot gift card to use in whatever way he or she would like!

Whether you are a confirmed Home Depot shopper or not, this is something that everyone can use.  Buy flowers, or buy anything you could use for your home.  
This giveaway begins on May 1st and will run through May 15th at 11:59pm EST. Open to residents of the US only, 18+.
Use the PromoSimple form below to enter this giveaway. Also, be sure to come back daily for more chances to win. Good luck!

$100 Home Depot Gift Card

Makobi Scribe Mother's Day Giveaway Event (ends 5/18) U.S.

mothers day gift ideas

Everyone loves their mom and always wants to find the best gift to make her feel loved and appreciated. These are the gifts I have found and would love to share with you. After you enter my giveaway head over to Makobi Scribe to see her mothers day gift ideas worth over $3000. Then enter the grand prize drawing of a $1000 worth of Karina Dresses.


I am so pleased to be working with Candleshop.com.  They contacted me to do an honest review of two of their travel tins, and I am very pleased to offer my honest opinion.  

I was sent two of their travel tin soy candles by Serenity, and I got to choose the scent.  I chose awapuhi and noni fruit.  And I couldn't have been happier.  I love the fact that these come in nice little tins so there is no need to put any kind of tray under it to keep the wax from dripping or the area getting too hot.  I just used the lid.  

Oh, and as the the smells--they were amazing!  The noni fruit was my favorite, but both were subtle and burned for a long time.  I had never used soy candles, so this was a nice chance to try them out.  The company did add in a couple tea lights that I have not had the opportunity to use yet--we tend to burn more candles in the summer.  

The company was nice enough to offer a great giveaway for my readers, and I think mom will love this!  One U.S. reader will win two 7-oz Soy Serenity candles.  These will be the medium jar candles listed on the site. These soy candles will burn twice as long as standard wax candles, so you will truly be giving your mom something great.

In addition to this, I will give this same winner a couple books I reviewed within the past few months.  Read the reviews by clicking the link.





So all you need to do to be eligible to win is enter the rafflecopter below by 9 P.M. Pacific time on May 18. And then be sure to hop on to the other blogs!





 Makobi Scribe Reviews, LLC or the Mother’s Day Gift Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Fling Giveaway Hop (ends 5/7) WW


Spring Fling Giveaway Hop
May 1st – 7th
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Eve’s Fan Garden

So I'm keeping this simple and fun.  I am going to give a book of the winner's choice ($10 or under) for every 200 entries.  This means that the more people who enter, the more winners there will be.  Sound good to you?  Okay, just be sure to fill out the one and only entry on the rafflecopter form by 9 P.M. Pacific time on May 7.  And then hop on for the chance to win more books!  


a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Day in History April 30, 1952



I always loved Mr. Potato Head (and I think I waited quite a while as a child to own one), and on this date in 1952, it became the first child's toy to be advertised on TV.  It was originally pushpins that could be inserted into a real potato--can you imagine?  I bet someone would be up in arms about that today!  Someone would probably say that was  a waste of food today (halfway kidding, halfway not).  Or they might  be concerned about the safety of children.  Interesting how things have changed.

For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Potato_Head
http://cnynews.com/the-first-toy-ever-advertised-on-tv-mr-potato-head-1952-video/
http://www.mrpotatohead.net/tv/tv.htm


Monday, April 29, 2013

Litfuse Publicity Groups Giveaways Coming Up Soon

I am in the process of reading a couple books for this book tour company, and there are big giveaways coming up for all of them, so please check them out.


Jody Hedlund is celebrating the release of A Noble Groom by giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party {5/8}! 


A-Noble-Groom300
One "noble" winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced at the "A Noble Groom" Author Chat Party on May 8th. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of A Noble Groom and join Jody on the evening of May 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

This book is fabulous!  I can hardly put it down!

Sarah Ladd is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!
Heiress-of-Winterwood-giveaway300
 One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire
  • Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 30th. Winner will be announced on 5/2/13 {HERE}.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

This giveaway ends tomorrow, so be sure to enter!  The book is pretty good.


If all goes well, my review of both of these (and another one) will be up tomorrow.

Massive Mother's Day Giveaway (Ends 5/12) U.S.

Are you ready for an AMAZING Mother's Day Giveaway with lots of gifts that you will LOVE?
Here are ALL the participating brands and ALL of the details! There will be ONE Winner for each gift! That means that there will be multiple winners.
writeon-Mother's Day
1. 2 nights at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas $600 2. $250 Gift Certificate to Posh Tots $250 3. Timi + Leslie Abby Bag in Ocean Blue $180 4. Sail to Sable Mommy + Me Tunic $206 5. Lane Boots in Bella $420 6. Temptu Flawless Complexion Airbrush Makeup System $225 7. Tieks Ballet Flats $295 8. Hayden Reis Cross Fit I LOVE Squats Tote $68
9. Zulily Aimee Canvas Beach Tote in Jade Green $60
10. Gyft Gift Certificates $50 Zappos, $50 Sephora
11. Skinny Bikini Turquoise Russian Doll Kaftan $248
12. Goods by Grinn gold foil heart pillow $36
13. Olivia + Joy Trixie Bag $78
14. $100 gift certificate to Lending Luxury $100
16. Dogeared I love Mom Pearl Necklace $44
18. Compliment Short Jade Malaysian necklace $42
20. Essence of Vail Soothing Sleep Gift Box $72
22. Jordache leopard skinny jeans $15.44
23. Origami Owl charms from Amy $60

That means you have 23 chances to win!  Wow!

There will be ONE lucky Mommy Guru winner for each item. There are a lot of ways for you to enter and to gain more entries. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends May 12th at 11:59pm EST open to US residents only, ages 18+. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Sort It" Android App Game Review

I am always on the lookout for new apps and games that I can download and enjoy on my Android phone.  I was quite pleased to be invited to review "Sort It," and I will be sharing my honest review with you.  I was not compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Here is the description from the App Store:


Are you tired of boring racings and other games with a trite motto 'kill all monsters around'? Do you want to get from the game both pleasant leisure and some benefit? If your answer is 'yes' then don’t go by because you have already found what you were seeking for!
...
'Sort it!' is an unusual quiz game. Here you’ll find great pleasure and passion in searching for the right answer to our puzzle. It combines fun, warm-up for your brains and a real test for your logic. Are you ready to show your abilities? WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF 'SORT IT!'

I happily went here and downloaded it for free.  I actually don't generally download apps that I have to pay for.  I personally think free apps are the way to go whenever you can.  I generally like games where I have to  use various strategies and keep my brain active.


Your job is to try to figure out the relationships between various images and try to match them.  I thought it would be pretty easy.  The graphics were very clear, and I like the fact that the game did not look too busy.  I would have liked for the directions to be a little clearer.  I struggled with what I was supposed to do, but I figured it out as I played it.   

My real complaint with the game is that they do not give you the solution if you can't figure out.  I know that is the point of the game is to figure it out on your own, but I enjoy having a solution in case I can't get past a level.  If I need to push past a level, I would like a safety net.  But that's just me.

If you are looking for a game that will challenge you, and you easily see relationships between things, this just might be the game for you.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

NBC Share & Tell App and Giveaway (Ends 5/5) U.S.



What is NBC’s Share and Tell? 

Did you know that for every pound of new goods produced, 71 pounds of waste are generated during manufacturing? This Earth Week, NBCUniversal is partnering with the sharing site yerdle to help you minimize your impact on the planet by sharing your stuff. One person’s stuff is another person’s story!

Here’s how it works.1) Join or host a Share & Tell Party (click the “Join the Party” button in the app below).
2) Post your stuff to share with friends. Discover other items that are up for grabs. 
3) Tell the story of your sharing experiences on your favorite social media site. #ShareandTell.

What is yerdle? 
Yerdle is the new mission-driven California Benefit corporation that’s out to help people share with their friends rather than buying things new. On yerdle, friends post items they're willing to give away or loan, search for items they're looking to get, and nab the things they want. Simple. 

Why Host a Share and Tell?
Protect the planet, save money, give gifts to your friends and find things you want. Hosting a Share and Tell means inviting your Facebook friends to share things you want. Parties can either be hosted in-person or online, it’s up to you! 

Okay, so now I have definitions out of the way.  Let's talk a little bit about what the big deal is.  Share & Tell is the perfect way to to reduce and reuse.  I actually do this from time to time within my own family (or amongst friends).  We have never had an actual party, but we "re-gift" items now and then, and I do my part to try to giveaway things I am not going to use to someone who will enjoy them.  At first, it might sound crazy.  I used to be ashamed of buying things second-hand, but in recent years (and in light of our economy), I think it makes perfect sense.  

In honor of this promotion, guess what--you have the chance to win!  That's right!  Read about what you might win!

   One Green is Universal canvas tote bag (made from recycled cotton) 
    
    ... along with two of the items below (chosen at random)

    - Planet Ocean DVD
    - Green is Universal T-shirt (made by Alternative Apparel) 
    - Green is Universal colored pencil kits (made from recycled newspaper) 
    - Green is Universal Vapur water bottles (BPA-free) 
    - Green is Universal hardboard cover spiral bound notebook (not pictured)
     - Green is Universal burlap FEED bag (not pictured)

Okay, I realize that this may not be the most exciting giveaway prizes in the world, but think about it for a minute.  Getting something for free is always a good thing, right?  Those canvas tote bags are always a great thing, and you never know what else you might receive.  I am one of those people who believe that every giveaway is a good thing!  And I think everyone could enjoy this prize package.



    

Enter on the rafflecopter below by May 5 at 9 P.M.  Be sure to take care of the mandatory entry so that I can quickly submit your info to receive your prize winnings.  And one other thing.  I have noticed a lot of people struggling to copy the tweet URL for their giveaway entries.  If you are unsure about how to copy the tweet URL, click here (this seems like the easiest one to follow, but there are many more online.  I just wish the person had spelled tutorial correctly, but the info is correct.).  Please make sure your entries are verifiable, and don't cheat.  There have been a lot of cheaters in my giveaways recently.

The assets included within this post were delivered to me in promotion of NBCUniversal’s Share and Tell.  I am  working with NBC Share and Tell, and any opinions provided are 100 percent mine.  I was not compensated in any way for posting this information and giveaway.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Day in History April 29, 1852


Okay, if you are over 70, your life is not over.  Why?  On this date in 1852, Dr. Peter Mark Roget first published his thesaurus, containing 15,000 words.  He had started work on it 47 years prior, and he was a prolific writer already,  But this is probably what he is most remembered for.  And I used to read that thesaurus when I was growing up--just for fun.  Seriously.  I loved learning new words.

For more info:
http://famousdaily.com/history/rogets-thesaurus-first-published.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roget%27s_Thesaurus

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Tribute Books: "The Grace Painter" by Mark Romang Book Tour/Giveaway (Ends 4/30) WW

Read my book review.
The Grace Painter Book Summary:
Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is the one reflecting back at you from inside a mirror. Matthew London can attest to this difficult truth. Ever since the former NYPD hostage negotiator changed his identity and fled New York City for the backwaters of Louisiana, regret has ruled his life.

For eight years London has lived like a hermit in a declining plantation house. Only his talent for painting Renaissance-style murals and paintings keeps the inner-demons from totally destroying him. Each day the disgraced hostage negotiator longs for a chance at redemption, never expecting it to actually happen. But then a down-on-her-luck FBI agent shows up on his doorstep one evening. It turns out Jean-Paul and Sebastian Boudreaux, two local brothers famous for lawlessness have inadvertently kidnapped a little girl.

London is quickly thrust into the starring role of a daring rescue attempt. But before he can rescue the child from the dangerous Boudreaux brothers, he first must find a way to forgive himself for a past misstep, a blunder that forever altered his once promising life. But in the Atchafalaya Basin swampland, nothing is promised. Grace cannot be purchased or earned. It can only be given.
Mark Romang's Bio: 
I was born in 1967. Avid reader, suspense novelist, faithful husband, baffled father, factory worker, reformed head-banger, failed musician, contact sports lover, MMA enthusiast, distressed KC sports fan, Lord of the Rings geek, workout fiend, dog owner, nature lover, proud American, disgruntled voter, pistachio addict, caffeine-riddled, screw-up saved by grace, sojourner. This is me in a nutshell.

Price/Format: $0.99 ebook
Pages: 303
Publisher: self-published
Release: November 26, 2012

Kindle buy link ($0.99):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADWZ4M4?tag=tributebooks-20

Nook buy link ($0.99):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-grace-painter-mark-romang/1113848026?ean=2940015785463

Smashwords ($0.99):
http://www.smashwords.com/b/259249

Be sure to check out the author and book at the various sites below.

Mark Romang's Web Site:
http://www.markromangbooks.com/
Mark Romang's Facebook:http://facebook.com/mark.romang.18

Mark Romang's Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6606226.Mark_Romang

The Grace Painter's Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16210809-the-grace-painter

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

The Grace Painter's
 blog tour site:
http://thegracepainter.blogspot.com/


Be sure to enter the giveaway before it cloes on Tuesday night!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Poetry Month Celebration: "Don't Frighten the Pansies" by Verna Cole Mitchell Book Review




Book Synopsis 
Poems in this collection will make you laugh and cry and reflect upon your own growing-up experiences. Most of all, you will be encouraged by reminders of God’s forever goodness and love. Verna Cole Mitchell is a poet, teacher, editor, and published author of poems and short stories. Don’t Frighten the Pansies, her first book of poetry, contains some of the poems she has written through the years. Whether you enjoy the pictures of God’s world she paints with words or her descriptions of the security and hope He offers, these poems will inspire you.

Author Bio:
Verna Cole Mitchell attended Southern Wesleyan University and graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband, Leon, have lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, for 47 years. They have two children, four grandchildren, and just recently, they welcomed two great grandchildren.  

Verna was a secondary English teacher for 37 years and still substitutes occasionally at a private school. She is currently an editor and a writer, whose work has appeared in a number of publications, including Teachers of VisionLooking Back, and Lucidity Journal of Verse. She is an editor for Magnifico Publishing, and she serves as one of the writers and as an editor for the devotional section of her church’s website.


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Excerpt from Poem

Your God Has Not Forsaken You

Oppressed by the problems around you?
Confused by the cares that confound you?
Concerned for what the future holds?
Afraid to watch as it unfolds?
Your God has not forsaken you.

God’s covenant will be with you.
His promises are ever true.
Compassionately He forgives.
His everlasting love He gives.
Your God has not forsaken you.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Poetry is something that is very close to my heart.  I began writing poetry in elementary school, and I always enjoyed reading poets from the great poets in history.  But quality, modern poetry is something that I have struggled to find.  That is until now.

Verna Cole Mitchell is a refreshing breath of air in the world of poetry.  It is evident that she can write about any topic from English to cats to family life to the Bible.  Her language and description are so beautiful, and many of her poems affected me emotionally.  The woman even wrote a poem about Edgar Allen Poe's writings!  None of the poems appear contrived, and I couldn't help but smile throughout the book.  She does have a fantastic sense of humor.

The best thing about this book of poetry is that the author is a Christian, and she does not make apologies nor excuses for her beliefs.  Even in her lighter poems, you can see her faith in an organic way.  She never forces her faith on the reader--it's just there.  I highly recommend this book of poetry to everyone.  You are sure to find some poems that will touch you deeply.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.





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