Book Tour~Greta & The Goblin King~Chloe Jacobs

Eeks! I've been waiting for this book tour for what seems ages. I am so happy to be a part of Chloe Jacob's book tour for Book One of the Mylena Chronicles, Greta and the Goblin King. Just look at the cover!

Doesn't it make you want to sit down and gobble it up in one bite? Yum! I am not posting a full review here, but let's just say that I am not through with this book yet, and I am already wanting more. As I get closer to the end, I find myself saying, "No! It can't almost be over. There are too many other things that need to happen!" This, of course, is exactly why this is Book One in a series. An excellent writer leaves her readers begging for more, and this will be no exception.

Blurb:

While trying to save her brother from the witch three years ago, Greta was thrown into the fire herself, falling through a portal to a dangerous world where humans are the enemy, and every ogre, goblin, and ghoul has a dark side that comes out with the full moon. To survive, 17-year-old Greta has hidden her humanity and taken the job of bounty hunter—and she’s good at what she does. So good, she’s caught the attention of Mylena’s young Goblin King, the darkly enticing Isaac, who invades her dreams and undermines her determination to escape. But Greta’s not the only one looking to get out of Mylena. The full moon is mere days away, and an ancient evil being knows she’s the key to opening the portal. If Greta fails, she and the boys she finds stranded in the woods will die. If she succeeds, no world will be safe from what follows her back . . .

Release date: November 2012

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Goodreads

Excerpt:

“You happened. The night we met, I entered your dreams and

discovered your secret.”

Surprised he’d actually told her the truth, she glared at him.

“Just how many times did you spy on me without my knowledge?”

“It didn’t take more than once to suspect the truth, and not

more than twice to be absolutely certain. Although, there were

more times…they were just for fun.” He grinned as she blushed,

as if he knew she was remembering the way she’d flirted with him.

“Your dreams are like none I’ve ever visited.”

“Should I feel flattered?”

“Perhaps. They are certainly unique. You don’t always dream

about this world,” he lifted an arm to encompass the classroom,

“but your identity is in every move you make. Now that I know

who you are, I don’t know how anyone could miss it.”

She pushed a hand through her loose hair. “Because I obviously

can’t seem to remember to do up my braids in my dreams?”

“It’s more than that.” He raised his hand to her face. She

thought he would push her hair behind her ears again to check,

but he only drew a smooth line high on her cheek with his thumb.

“The truth is right here,” he murmured. Before she could

react, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to each of her eyelids.

She gasped, but he wasn’t finished. His hand moved lower

and flattened on her chest, right over her heart. “And here,” he

murmured.

Author Spotlight:

Chloe Jacobs is a native of nowhere and everywhere, having jumped around to practically every Province of Canada before finally settling in Ontario where she has now been living for a respectable number of years. Her husband and son are the two best people in the entire world, but they also make her wish she'd at least gotten a female cat. No such luck. And although the day job keeps her busy, she carves out as much time as possible to write. Bringing new characters to life and finding out what makes them tick and how badly she can make them suffer is one of her greatest pleasures, almost better than chocolate and fuzzy pink bunny slippers.



Where to find Chloe?

Chloe Jacobs' Website 

Twitter

Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you Chloe Jacobs, Shane at Itching for Books, Entangled Publishing and Heather Riccio (@HeatherRiccio) for this opportunity to promote Greta!

Crude Policy by Joel Albert

Crude Policy by Joel Albert

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was enthralled with this book from page one. It is an excellent story of current economic situations and one man's attempt at creating its stability, only to discover that everyone working on his project cannot be trusted. Somehow a terrorist has infiltrated his group. Joel has created an outstanding work of fiction that should put him amongst such great authors as Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum.



View all my reviews

Shadow Cats by Rae Carson

The Shadow Cats by Rae Carson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An outstanding prequel by Rae Carson. I absolutely loved getting to know Alodia's story and watching her as she begins to understand Elisa. Sisters, yes, but Alodia never fully "sees" Elisa until circumstances force her to. Readers will delight in such a wonderful addition to this series.



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Legacy of the Witch by Maggie Shayne

Legacy of the Witch by Maggie Shayne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I'm a firm believer that you don't have to be a believer in witchcraft to enjoy a good story. That being said, I loved this prequel! What an exciting way to begin a new series and get people hooked! I'll definitely be reading the remainder of this series when it releases.



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Susanna's Christmas Wish

Susanna's Christmas Wish by Jerry S. Eicher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am not schooled in the Amish ways, but have always been fascinated by them. This book was a welcome insight into Amish beliefs, old and new. I truly enjoyed it. A wonderful look at Newlyweds and decision making. Good Christmas read.



View all my reviews

Blog Tour & Giveaway~My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

Alright guys, I am STOKED to host a guest post on the

 My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century Blog Tour!

This book is amazing and you can read my full review here. Enjoy the blurb and the amazing guest post by Cat!

Blurb: On the precipice of her
sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an
extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So
even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace
offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her
curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into
Renaissance Firenze.


Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband
future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and
protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo.
But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an
unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of
creeptastic amore.


Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns
into an Italian forever?

And now....In Cat's own words:

A Lesson in Renaissance Social Graces….From the very UN-Graceful Cat Crawford

Okay, I admit it. I’m not exactly an expert on the subject.

In fact, I turned screwing up during my Renaissance vacay into an art form.

But the upside is I learned from my one or two (okay, maybe more like a bazillion) mistakes, and I’m here today to share my wealth of knowledge in the hopes I’ll spare you the drama I went through… you know, just in case you find yourself breezing through the flaps of a certain green gypsy tent.

So here my compiled list of handy-dandy tips—with possibly the world’s longest title ever:

Cat Crawford’s List of Traits Any Self-Respecting 16^th Century Chica Should Know to NOT Look Like A Cultural Ignoramus:

·         Sharpen That Tongue. Get your mind out of the gutter, people… I’m talking speech. Turns out, the art of flinging the right word or taunt at just the right time was a skill peeps respected back in the day. (Explains why Antonia thought she was all that.) They also liked cleverness, wit, good story-telling, and clever jokes, so maybe I don’t totally fail in this category—I have been told I’m quite humorous at times.

·         Study Up. Did you know that the upper class actually had books they studied on how to act, what clothes to wear, and even how to stand properly? Yeah, me neither. And you better believe they used the info they gained to scrutinize everyone around them—even time-traveling chicas not exactly up on the latest intel. Just one example of a book to grab during your own adventure through time is The Book of the Courtier by Baldassare Castiglione, but there’s several out there. It’s almost too bad we don’t use these today. Like, How to NOT Act Like Snookie. Oh, and while you’re studying,  be sure to brush up on your art and music knowledge. There may be a quiz later.

·         Unleash The Voice. Christina Aguilera you may not be, but that won’t matter. Without the modern conveniences of television, radio, or video games, people amused themselves by entertaining others, and that includes singing. If the very thought of singing in front of more than your favorite stuffed animal or toothbrush terrifies you, I’m right there with you...but there’s no getting out of this one. YIKES! All I can suggest is close your eyes, think a happy thought (such as a sexy pair of chocolate eyes), and belt it out, sister.

·         Lose That Tan. Yep, it’s true. Those paintings you’ve seen with the uber-white faces are for real. People believed that pale skin made women look more prestigious because women with tanned skin often worked lowly jobs outdoors. The upper class women stayed inside all day. Can you imagine all the money we’d save if this was still the trend? Goodbye spray-tans and tanning beds, hello Snow White.

·         Embrace Your Inner Rhythm. Dancing was a big thing back then, and we’re not talking those ‘drop it like it’s hot’ or grope and sway moves so popular on the dance floors today. These things had steps, lots of them, and everyone knew them. Luckily, the steps repeat after a while so you can pick it up pretty quickly. Or you can always make a break for it with a certain hottie and teach him a modern-day dance like me… (*grin*)

And finally,

·         Get Your Swoon On. This one is really just for fun and is all about the boys, but it’s good to know what sixteenth-century women want. Chivalry and knowledge of hunting, horses, and fighting were all very important qualities in any suitor, as well as knowing how to work a sword. Don’t believe me? Think about Heath Ledger in A Knight’s Tale. Yeah, it’s the wrong century, but still H-O-T. And hey, it’s an excuse to watch a movie with a cute boy. Enough said.

So there you have it, my quick list of must-know traits to blend in with the well-to-do of Renaissance society. Of course, there’s more to it then this short list, but if you can manage these things, you’re well ahead of where I was. Oh, and don’t forget to pack this handy-dandy list in your extra handy-dandy backpack, and keep that baby with you at all times. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

So how do YOU measure up on this list? Are you a natural Sixteenth-Century Chica, or a Cultural Ignoramus like me? Let us know in the comments! And thank you, Staci!

{sigh} {rolls eyes back to the front of her face and wakes from a dreamy stupor}

No, Cat....thank you! I am sure every teenage girl can relate to your (ahem) mess ups. I know I had many myself during my teenage years. Thank you for sharing your hilarious insights and knowledge. I feel completely prepared to enter that gypsy tent.....just as soon as I find Reyna ;)

Thank you, Shane, at Itching for Books for hosting this awesome blog tour.
Follow the rest of the tour by clicking on the banner below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:  Rachel Harris

As a teen, I threw raging parties that shook my parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels.

As an adult, I read and write obsessively, rehash said embarrassing fodder, and dream up characters who become my imaginary friends.

When I'm not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, you can find me homeschooling my two beautiful princesses, hanging out with my amazing husband, or taking a hot bubble bath…next to a pile of chocolate.


MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY is my first novel. I did have my own fantabulous Sweet Sixteen in high school. Sadly, it wasn’t televised.

Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Flirt Squad!!!

Are YOU ready to Unmask Your Inner Flirt??

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is about to be unleashed on the world, and my team of highly trained (and frankly awesome) publicists and I would love your help!

We've created an ultra fantabulous (and super secret) street team, THE FLIRT SQUAD, and I'd love for you to be a part of it.

Why Should You Join?

Besides being propelled to the status of my favorite person ever, you'll win awesome prizes and get special perks!

Like:

Exclusive contests and prizes just for Flirt Squad members
Teaser chapters and special snippets from future books, including My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, and the sequel, A Tale of Two Centuries, along with my current project, Rearview Mirror
Tons-o-swag
Your name in the acknowledgements of A Tale of Two Centuries
A special note from me with secret tidbits
A chance to become a character in a future book
And the ultimate Sweet Sixteen prize, a sparkly tiara (for becoming the official Sweet Sixteen diva) and a necklace with the Super Sweet cover as a charm
What will the Flirt Squad actually DO?


There's several different levels based on point totals, and at each new level you win some of those awesome prizes. The more points you have, the bigger the prizes. As you earn points, you can always email me at FlirtSquad@gmail.com or tweet me at @RachelHarrisYA, but the main way that point totals will be kept is on the Flirt Squad Google doc (we're very official here, peeps). Once you sign up in the comments below, I'll send you a link to the form so you can begin!

Join now!

Don't forget to tell her Staci sent you!

Review~My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century~by Rachel Harris

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stars to infinity! How on earth would you rate such a whimsical and amazing work of complete art such as this? Rachel Harris created a character that, in my mind, will become a literary classic. I've always been in love with time travel historical fiction novels and this addition to the genre is a welcome one.

Cat is by no means a typical teenage girl. Most girls spend their evenings with friends, hanging out, getting in trouble, and going on dates. Not so much, for Cat. She is the daughter of a scandalous actress who deserted her and Cat's father when Cat was young. Her scandals are constantly being thrown into Cat's face on the covers of tabloids all over the world. As if that isn't enough for any teenage girl to handle, Cat's father is a well known film director. Although he strives for Cat to live a normal life as much as possible, it simply isn't easy when the paparazzi are always following you, just knowing you will mess up just like your mom.

To make matters worse is Cat's over the top, future stepmother. Miss I-Can't-Wait-To-Use-My Fiance-To-Better-My-Own-Career Jenna. Cat wants to stay out of the media yet party planner Jenna wants to throw her an extravagant sweet sixteen bash. Sounds innocent right? Not! If done correctly, this extravaganza will be broadcast on Mtv and will be the ticket to Jenna's success. Selfish much?

It's no wonder Cat's Dad has agreed to take her on a trip to Italy. He's totally trying to butter her up. Cat has always been in love with Italy and their art. She aspires to be an artist one day, herself. In her spare time, she studies everything she can about Renaissance Artists.

Knowing she will eventually have to give an answer about this dreaded birthday bash, she decides she needs a bit of time for herself in Italy. After assuring her dad she would return for dinner with him and Jenna, he reluctantly agrees. While exploring, Cat stumbles upon a gypsy tent. Very curious and with time to spare, she enters. After what seems to be some normal gypsy mumbo jumbo, Cat feels something unusual happening around her and soon realizes she has been transported back to Renaissance Italy.

Cat finds herself thrown into a conundrum of events. She must pretend to be someone she is not. Perhaps, however, this new person is who she needed to be all along. Is this where she was meant to be, with the chance of love or must she find a way back to her father and her own time?

Thank you, Rachel, for creating a masterpiece I am sure I will reread many times. I'm already looking forward to sharing it with my daughter. Looking forward to the next installment in this captivating series. You rock, girl! Congrats on your debut. You can only go up from here!

View all my reviews

Torrent~by Lisa T Bergren

Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Torrent was amazing. I read it in a week, which is difficult for a mom who homeschools her two children to find time to do so!

Torrent finds the reader again swept back into the lives of Gabi and Lia. Their family is whole again and they must begin to accept their new life in Medieval Italy. Their parents must also accept the fact that their daughters are now considered women and the role of parents of teenagers in this time period is drastically different from the 21st century. As Marcello and Gabi's love grow, so do the battles that surround them.

Can their love survive the stress of normal medieval times along with the added pressure of Marcello's stature of Lord Forelli? Gabi is thrown from being a typical modern day teenager into the possibility of becoming Lady Forelli. Could this really be happening to her? How will she accept this new role if asked? Is she ready for such a role so young? Will her enemies even allow the She-Wolves to relax and get settled into their new roles in this time? Will her parents accept that they must take certain orders from Marcello? All questions that are explored in this book! Enjoy! Dive into the river!



View all my reviews

Cascade~by Lisa T Bergren

Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great sequel to Waterfall. I could not put it down.

The story picks up as Gabi and Lia return to their mother, but leaving behind her love. Gabi convinces her sister and mom to return to medieval Italy, if it is even possible to return to the same time, or accept that her Marcello may be out of her life forever. If they return to the fourteenth century, they will be faced with known battles, illnesses, and the like. They will be leaving all they have ever known behind. Also thrown into the mix is a question. Can another be saved by time traveling? Or should history be left alone?

View all my reviews

Waterfall~by Lisa T Bergren

Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I downloaded this when it was offered free by amazon on my Kindle. I'll be honest, the cover grabbed me and I thought I'd read it eventually no matter the subject matter. I read the description and immediately added it to the top of my list. Then, I stumbled upon Waterfall Wednesdays, a read along. Oh my! What a great way to read and share with other Tribe fans! I soon realized that this would be one of those series I would fall in love with.

Waterfall is a story of two young girls, who are constantly dragged along to archaeological dig sites with their parents. Although Gabi and Lia find the teachings and history of historic Italy to be a bore at the time, it soon becomes absolutely relevant to them. After the tragic death of their father, their mother believes she has found an Etruscan site that she and her husband have always searched for. Knowing full well she should not, Gabi persuades Lia to enter the tomb her mom has found. Seeing two odd handprints on the wall of the tomb, the girls feel compelled to touch them. That's when everything changes, even the time. Medieval Italy, here they come. And they can only survive by trusting each other and by faith.

To say this book was amazing is an understatement. I cannot put into words how this book made me feel. It is refreshing to read a story that compels me to share it with my children. When I fist downloaded Waterfall, little did I know I would be buying the next two in the series within the following two months. Almost a year after I found Waterfall, I am using it as a homeschooling family reading novel with my two kids, who love it. This series is a wonderful young adult medieval time travel series.

View all my reviews

Bourne~by Lisa T Bergren

Bourne by Lisa Tawn Bergren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once in a blue moon there is a series of books when, as soon as another is released, you must immediately purchase and read. The River of Time Books are such a series. One must stop whatever they are currently reading and continue the saga of the She-Wolves! This novella was captivating from page one...enjoy!

View all my reviews

Review~Tributary By Lisa T. Bergren

Tributary by Lisa Tawn Bergren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another amazing installment in the River of Time Series. Lisa snags your attention from the first word written and doesn't let it go. Ever! I'm seriously still thinking about what may happen next. I am not one for spoilers, so this will be kept short.

Marcello, Gabriella, Luca, Evangelina and Rodolfo's story continues a year following the battle in Bourne. Things are quite calm until a stranger literally lands on their side of the border. This stranger, a young girl named Alessandra, soon finds herself torn between the life she once knew, enemies of Marcello and his family, and the life that is now presented to her. She is forced to look at Gabi and the She-Wolves in a different light and it confuses her very being. As if this weren't enough, secrets abound between Gabi and Evangelia. Secrets the enemy must not uncover or they shall once again be in harm's way.

Tributary was everything I wanted in a novella and more. Grab your copy today!

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Review-The Girl Of Fire And Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars! Wow. What can I possibly say to give this book justice? This is one of those books that make you think about the story even when you are away from the book. Rae Carson is an exceptional writer and I am so glad I stumbled upon her book.

In this novel, a young princess goes on a journey of self discovery. This is not your ordinary princess story. Elisa was chosen as bearer to the Godstone. As a bearer, Elisa has no idea why she was chosen or what it truly means. She constantly feels unworthy of being the bearer of something so precious. At a young age, she is married in a political agreement and soon finds herself thrown into a whirlwind of events no princess at her age should deal with alone. Hers is a story of love, loss, defeat, and victory. A story of faith.

View all my reviews

Review The Immortal Rules

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

5 of 5 stars!

I believe Kagawa is an outstanding author. I truly have enjoyed the Iron Fey books I have read thus far. When I heard she was writing a series about vampires...well, let's be honest, I almost squealed. (and I'm in my 30's) I couldn't wait until it came out on Netgalley so I could read and review it quickly.

Coming from the older tellings of Dracula, Twilight, and Sookie Stackhouse, I dived into this book with an open mind. There isn't any way to compare Vampire stories. Each one is unique and captures a different audience. I believe as a reader, that every author deserves their own take on a subject matter. No one story line is considered "correct" when it comes to fantasy and vamps.

Julie was able to totally recreate the story of Vampires by setting the story line in the future, unlike many books today. In The Immortal Rules, Vampires rule. Vampires even decide how, what, and when humans can eat. Some humans register with the vamps hoping that by giving themselves into the care of the Vampires, their lives will be spared, but some humans, such as Allie, choose not to register. These unregistered humans are constantly being hunted. I love the idea that it is up to Allie to try to save humanity. Most mortals don't know how to read or even know what a hospital is. Allie hides the fact that she can read, but tries to teach her closest friends. Vampires would not be hapoy with this in the least. If mortals can read and find books about the past, they would know that at one time Humans ruled the earth. Allie learns all she can and has a hatred for the Immortals like others in hiding. That all changes the night Allie is attacked. Everything she knows about Vampires must be reevaluated.

The Blood of Eden series is already powerful with the release of this first novel. Kagawa, once again, engages readers and transports them into another world, where nothing is predictable.

Synopsis

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Review~Bittersweet by Brooke Moss

From the Author's website

Anna Kirkpatrick isn't looking for love. Being a single mom to Bowan, her eight-year-old autistic son, takes up all of her time...leaving no room for romance. Willing to do anything to help her son come out of his shell, Anna agrees to take Bowan to cooking classes with a world class chef.

 Motorcycle-riding pastry chef Leo Mancini isn't exactly searching for"the one", either. After losing every penny he had, his business, and his girlfriend, he's moved to northern Idaho to sulk, restart his
career, and pay his sister back for a loan that no amount of money
could ever really suffice.

 When Anna and Leo discover that Bowan's fondness for the kitchen
extends beyond his peculiar cookbook collection, Leo quickly becomes the one person who can break through his barriers. But will Leo and Anna's attraction lead to more than just a weekly cooking lesson?


 **Novella available in April of 2012 - Proceeds will support AUTISM SPEAKS! (a charity near & dear to my heart, as a mother of an ASD kid)**

Published April 28th 2012 by Entangled Publishing in a charity anthology entitled Love Knows No Bounds 

My Review

Bittersweet is a captivating short read. I absolutely love the fact that Brooke Moss wrote a short, but meaningful story about a single mom with a special needs child. I have several friends who have children with Autism. These kids are some of the kindest kids I know. Many parents, siblings, and other family members feel ashamed to have lives of their own when the Autistic child requires so much themselves. This is a shame, because every individual needs time for themselves as well. This book is a delightful story of one such lady who must realize that her own happiness will actually further her son's progress.

Buy Now:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About Brooke:

"I write because if I don't...my head will explode, and ruin the drapes." ♥

Brooke Moss is the name, contemporary romance, fantasy YA, and women's fiction are the game. 

Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more!

When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading two books a week (ask her who her faves are), watching movies then comparing them to books, and, of course, wrangling four kids, one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.

Find Brooke:

Facebook   Twitter   Goodreads   Brooke Moss Blog   Email

Cover Reveal *New* My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

I am very excited to present the new cover reveal for My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris. While I liked the original cover, I can definitely say that the new cover is absolutely breathtaking. It makes me want to drop what I'm doing and start reading what I am sure will be an outstanding novel!


And now, without further delay...

Blurb: On the precipice of her
sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an
extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So
even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace
offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her
curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into
Renaissance Firenze.


Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband
future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and
protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo.
But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an
unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of
creeptastic amore.


Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns
into an Italian forever?

Never-Before-Seen Excerpt from MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY:

“I thought I’d teach you a dance from where I come from,” I tell him. “One that’s much easier than that multi-step mess inside.”

I place my left hand on Lorenzo’s shoulder and slip my right one into his. I pause to listen to the music floating over the tinkling voices and bubbling fountain, and begin counting the three-beat tempo. “One, two, three. One, two, three.”

I stand still, only my head moving, slowly nodding with my words so he can hear the rhythm.
When his head begins subtly bobbing with mine, I show him how to add his feet. He takes a tentative step forward with his left while I step back with my right, then we side step, close, and repeat the steps with our other feet, all while I lightly whisper the beat count.

The breeze picks up, blowing my skirt and skimming my veil across the back of my neck. Chills run down my spine, but the warmth coursing through my veins from being in his arms provides a delicious contradiction.

Lorenzo continues nervously darting his eyes to our feet, but he is dancing. As he relaxes into the movement, his shoulders rising and falling with the steps, the confidence he always seems to exude creeps back on his face, and he tightens the hold around me. Our faces are kissably close, our lips a hairs breadth away from touching. I stare into the chocolate depths of his eyes and the rest of the ball fades away. The only music guiding our steps is my light whisper and the erratic rhythm of our breathing. Time slows. Lorenzo grins.

“I think you got it,” I say breathlessly, running my hand along the soft fabric of his shoulder, feeling the rock-hard muscles underneath.

My body curls inward, pressing against his. The proper form for the waltz is a straight spine and shoulders back, but if there was ever a time to break the rules, this is it.

About the author:  Rachel Harris

As a teen, I threw raging parties that shook my parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels.

As an adult, I read and write obsessively, rehash said embarrassing fodder, and dream up characters who become my imaginary friends.

When I'm not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, you can find me homeschooling my two beautiful princesses, hanging out with my amazing husband, or taking a hot bubble bath…next to a pile of chocolate.


MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY is my first novel. I did have my own fantabulous Sweet Sixteen in high school. Sadly, it wasn’t televised.

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I'd like to thank Rachel Harris, YA Bound, and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to be a part of this special reveal :)

YA Bound is also hosting a *Super Sweet* giveaway along with the new reveal! You're all welcome to enter. Rachel's giving away a backpack full of signed swag: bookmarks, bookplates, tattoos, and other fun stuff.

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Glamorous Illusions

Watch the trailer here!

From Lisa's website

It’s the summer of 1913 and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. After enduring crippling personal losses, she struggles to make it through, day to day. But then a stranger comes to call. And in one fateful afternoon, Cora discovers that a terrible secret has been kept from her…a secret that will radically change her future. Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person’s eduction, to solidify an understanding of culture, history and personal refinement. As she travels from England to France, with kin she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning…

From Goodreads

When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery

My Review

5 of 5 stars!

First off, let me say how I love Lisa's books. I was fortunate to stumble on a kindle version of Waterfall last August and found a read a long group for the book. I had never thought about blogging, writing a review, being in a book club, conversing personally with an author or much less, even knew what an ARC was before reading Lisa's work. I flew through her YA series and found myself wanting more. When she announced her adult novel, Glamorous Illusions, I was absolutely thrilled and wanted to share it with everyone. I knew it was going to be as exciting as her previous books I had already read. I was not disappointed.

Glamorous Illusions encapsulated me from the first line. A young girl, in 1913, coming home from College, expecting a warm homecoming at the station, is unpleasantly surprised by her father's ailment. This caused the beginning of life-changing events for young Cora. Once just a farm girl from Montana, who had to work for everything she had, Cora is greeted by a mysterious stranger who could change her life forever. A stranger that has a secret to share and it involves Cora.

Cora was quite content with returning to College before this man abruptly entered her life. Now, to save her father, she must accept this man's generous offer of going on such an excursion she could never dream of attending, The Grand Tour. The Grand Tour involves a group of young adults touring foreign countries, attending balls, historic sites, and other cultural experiences with an experienced tour guide. Cora begins the tour heartbroken for leaving her parents.

On The Grand Tour, Cora must make numerous decisions. Decisions that will determine her now open future. No longer the poor farm girl, she must use this experience and God's guidance to discover who she really is, who she wishes to become, and who she loves.

This book was exceptional, easily transporting the reader into Cora's head and I immediately felt comfortable in 1913. It was as if I were actually Cora, myself. It truly made me stop and think about what decisions I would make if placed in her situation. The book inspired me to take a look at my own life and view the world from an entirely different perspective. How would the world be today if each person first had to work hard for everything they had and then experienced life as one who was just given everything. Or reverse the roles. How would that change us? Thought provoking, wouldn't you say? Which decisions would you make?

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Bergren Challenges Readers to Face Their Own Identity Crisis

(via press release)

New series from Lisa T. Bergren leads readers through a journey of inner discovery

Colorado Springs: Glamorous Illusions (David C Cook/June 1, 2012/ISBN: 978-1-4347-6430-0), the first release in Lisa Bergren’s new Grand Tour series, is a beautiful exploration of the covenant connection between God the Father and His children. Through the story of Cora Kensington, Bergren takes her audience on a European adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awareness, and self-discovery.

A person often identifies themself by their family, profession, or circumstances. However, as Christians, what would happen if we began to better understand our true identity in Christ? It is this spiritual journey that author Bergren guides readers through in Glamorous Illusions.

It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father’s health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her.

Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person’s education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.

Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King—a Father who is the only One who can truly heal. “Glamorous Illusions is not only Cora’s journey toward understanding true identity in Christ, but it will help every reader understand it better too,” explains Bergren. “It’s an examination of the bond between the Father and his child.”

Each member of the traveling group expects an outer cultural journey of refinement, but each will also wrestle with their own sins and inner conflicts. Ultimately, they explore what truly informs a person’s sense of identity. Readers will be able to join Cora and the other Kensingtons and Morgans as they continue their Grand Tour, discovering new lands, new cultures, and new aspects of themselves, in the upcoming installments Grave Consequences (Spring 2013) and Glittering Promises (Fall 2013).

About Lisa

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 35 books, with more than 2 million copies sold. She recently finished a teen series called River of Time (WATERFALL, CASCADE and TORRENT) and soon will release a follow-up e-novella called BOURNE. She's currently writing a New Adult series called The Grand Tour, and the first release is GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS (June 2012).

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She’s married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids–Olivia (16), Emma (13) and Jack (9).

All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Twitter: @LisaTBergren or @TheWorldCalls

Facebook: Lisa, Author Page, The World Is Calling

Goodreads: Goodreads Author

Website: http://lisatawnbergren.com/

Publisher: David C. Cook

I would like to thank David C. Cook and Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced reading copy of Glamorous Illusions and thrilled to write a review for such a wonderful novel.

Cover Reveal! My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

I am very excited to be a part of Rachel Harris' cover reveal! I am fascinated by novels involving time travel, especially those set in historical Italy. Rachel's book will be released on September 11, 2012 by Entangled Publishing. After seeing the cover and reading the excerpt I am sure you will join me in being one of the first to purchase this magnificent read!

Now......ready?

Big breath!

Isn't it breathtaking?

You can preorder at Barnes & Noble and Amazon now. Don't forget to add it to your TBR shelf on Goodreads!

Book Description:

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

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PREMISE EXCERPT: My Super Sweet 16th Century by Rachel Harris

I hear their muffled whispers and understand every Italian word. Every witty comment made at my expense.

It’s like my brain is automatically translating.

I bunch the soft fabric of the dress in my hand and then reach up to feel the ribbon in my hair. I lightly skim my fingers over my chin and feel my lack of zit. I take in the costumes of the crowd, the stench of the animals, and the Italian I can now speak and understand. And suddenly it hits me.

Reyna must have pulled some kind of gypsy mojo.

Maybe this is one of those nifty “change your life” magic scenarios like in the movies. I mean, mostly I’m still expecting to blink and be right back in the midst of overpriced, gaudy tourism, but for now, the gypsy-time-warp explanation is infinitely better than thinking I’ve lost my mind. As I decide to go with that option, I feel my frantic tension melt away.

The growing crowd seems to notice my change in demeanor and begins shooting one another amused looks, but I don’t care anymore. A smile stretches across my face. Evidently, I was wrong earlier; Reyna is a psychic mind reader, because if this is her special brand of bibbity-bobbity-boo, then she made my exact daydream from earlier in the courtyard come to life.

The long red gown, the braided hair, the Italian merchant’s daughter, the time period. I am in Renaissance Florence.

I stare dumbly at the ground, the words and reality sinking in.

I’m in Renaissance Florence!



Connect with Rachel on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or her website!

Winter's Passage

 I was very glad that I realized Winter's Passage was an in-between novella. I can only praise this addition. It was well written and exciting!

The Iron King

 I was compelled to read this by a young adult I met through one of my favorite author's twitter page. We both loved the other author's work and were beside ourselves trying to determine what to read next. Normally I would expect a book about Faeries and Talking Trees to be a bit out of my reach. It just didn't sound to me like something I would enjoy. Perhaps I was trying to tie all books magical to Harry Potter. How unfair to any author.

After my new friend finished the book, she made me promise to read it. I picked it up and told myself I wasn't going to like it. I would soon find out this was incorrect. I did feel that some of it was slow at first, but looking back I agree that everything I found to be a bit boring, were actually very important. Once I told myself that these creatures are fantasy and completely dived into the entire scene, I found it very enticing.

Hunger Games

Since I've last posted I have finished Hunger Games. I kept throwing this title to the back of my mind as it did not seem like something I would be interested in reading. After seeing the movie trailer and so many of my adult friends posting about the series, I decided to give it a try.

Ok, so I admit it...I was hooked from the 1st page. I loved how it jumped right into the story. So many times books take too long to make an impression as to what the current plot is. Collins engages the reader from the beginning and includes only pertinent historical information when it is necessary. It is a story of political retaliation, self-discovery, and family. I enjoyed it immensely.

My Book Boyfriend HOP Giveaway

http://www.dianagabaldon.com/writing/the-outlander/outlander/

My book boyfriend has got to be James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser...aka Jamie from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series. I mean, really...who wouldn't live to time travel and meet a gorgeous hunk of a Scottish Highlander who would lay his life down for you repeatedly. I began this series in high school and have retread each numerous times. I highly suggest it to each of you. Plus, this series is still being written. Why end the story while there is more to write?

2012 Witches and Witchcraft Reading Challenge

First of all, I am not one who practices Witchcraft. I am a Christian, however I enjoy escaping into great books including fantasy. So in this spirit I am joining this challenge.

Join I am joining at the initiate level. I am not positive which books I will be reading, however I homeschool my children and we will be reading Harry Potter for Literature. Any suggestions are appreciated. I am a well rounded reader and enjoy many genres.