Saturday, April 28, 2012

An ebook sale you won't want to miss...

A deal almost as sweet as cupcakes....
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Franklin Publishing (All Digital Publisher) is having their spring sale!!

For the next four days receive 30% off everything at www.Franklin.com and receive Free Shipping! 

Enter Promo Code SPRING2012A at checkout. Offer expires at midnight April, 30th.   Get yours before its too late!

Enjoy your shopping!

Monday, April 23, 2012

All The Difference



Kaira Rouda
Real You Publishing Group
ISBN: 978-0984915101
Pages: 288
Amazon|BN
Source: Author for Review, in conjunction with CLP Blog Tours
Rating: Highly Recommended

About the Book:

From the bestselling author of HERE, HOME, HOPE, comes a novel of suspense and choices, with a nod to the best of Susan Isaacs's tales of suburban murder. Once again, everything isn't what it seems in the suburb of Grandville. ALL THE DIFFERENCE is the story of three Grandville women whose lives become entangled by the choices they make and how, ultimately, one of them turns to murder to achieve her goals. Roommates Laura and Angie couldn't be more different. Laura is a local celebrity, the television anchor who is motivated to move out of small-time media markets and on to the big time, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Angie, a luckless waitress, spends her time waiting for Mr. Right to save her from temporary jobs and a life spent making bad choices. On the other side of town, Ellen abandons her life as a successful fundraiser for that of an isolated housewife in the country estate she shares with her husband, whose affairs become increasingly hard to ignore. When the city’s gossip columnist, Maddie, and restaurant reviewer, Dixon, become involved in the story, the unlikely duo stir up more than they intended. With her signature mix of compassion and wit, Kaira Rouda once again takes readers on an entertaining journey into the heart of women’s lives in suburbia, this time with a dose of suspense.

My Review:

Kiara Rouda is back with her second novel, All The Difference; a story that is has a much different tone than her first novel, Here, Home, Hope.  In this novel, Rouda takes the reader on a journey through the lives of three women weaved together through choices they have made and the town of Grandville which they reside in.  Each is connected in ways that don’t necessarily include friendship.  Kiara is an exceptionally talented author.  She was able to weave a story of intrigue, deception and suspense through the lives of women who are going through situations most every woman can understand.  The basis of the novel is so simplistic and human though the novel, overall, is complex and entangled to a much higher extent.  I loved how different this novel was from Here, Home, Hope while remaining true to Kiara’s writing style.  Though I can’t say All the Difference topped my love of Here, Hope, Hope, it did amaze me and solidify my opinion and love of Kiara Rouda.

To say this novel is an everyday piece of women’s fiction would be incorrect and doing the novel a great deal of injustice.  All The Difference is women’s fiction wrapped in suspense and deeply rooted in heartache and betrayal.  When I was reading this book, I found myself extremely engrossed in the story and instantly on alert for possible clues to the reasons why the murder contained within took place.  Fortunately I was held captive and not enlightened until the end because each character has such a deep history within the story.  The characters are well developed, leaving the reader with no questions in regards to who they are, how they feel and what they think.  Though there are multiple characters, I was able to keep them straight, which is impressive in and of itself for the number of characters and the intricately weaved story.  It could have easily been hard to keep track of the characters and their stories, but Kiara writes in a way that enlightens the reader enabling them to absorb the story easily.

If you love women’s fiction with an air of suspense and mystery you’ll love All the Difference.  Kiara’s writing style is beautiful, easy to read and engaging.  If you’re not already a fan, you will be.  I can honestly say you’re missing out if someone mentions the name Kiara Rouda and your thought is “Who?” I cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book to add to my collection.  If nothing else it will add to my beautifully stocked shelves.  I must say Kiara’s books are beautifully done and are very attractive and pleasing to the eye.  I absolutely love both of her covers; they draw your attention and make you wonder what the story holds.  It’s perfect.

You’ll love this book if:

Fan of women’s fiction
Fan of light suspense
Fan of mystery
Fan of romance
Enjoy deeper elements in a storyline
You loved Here, Home, Hope

You might not like it if:

You want a story of fluff
You don’t like the element of wonderment
You prefer to read books where you know exactly what will happen
You enjoy non-fiction exclusively



Thursday, April 19, 2012

Winners! Authors in Bloom - 2012 Hop

 Grand Prize Winner....
YJ Wang!  She is choosing between a Kindle Fire, Nook Color or Nook Tablet
Winners of "runner-up" grand prizes....
  • Amy Wenndt - Sunlight Calculator for your garden use and canvas tote bag by Beverly Nault
  • Brandy English - Signed copy of Jennifer's Garden -- by Dianne Venetta
  •  Desiree - Doing Italians…oops…Italy – by Debra and Stephanie aka Deena and Shelby 
  • Lisa McCarthy - Ebook – Releasing Gillian’s Wolves in PDF -- by Tara Reed
  • Tamalyn Roberts - The Boyfriend of the Month Club -- by Maria Geraci 
  • Tonya Peterson - Ebook copy of Welcome to Redemption Series Collection Books 1-6 -- by Stacey Joy Netzel and Donna Marie Rogers 
  • Isabelle R. - Poopendous by Artie Bennett (children's lit) 
  • Savannah Miller - Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas -- donated by A Cozy Reader's Corner 
  • Brandi Howell - All the Numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen -- donated by A Cozy Reader's Corner
  • Raelena Pavey - Little Black Dress -- by Susan McBride
  • Lorelei Buzzetta - $10 Amazon e-gift card -- by Dee Detarsio
  • Christy Powers - Signed copy of Walking with Justice (US)
  • Natasha Donohoo - Signed copy of The 12 Factors of Business Success (US) 
  • Mel Bourn - The Scoop - Fern Michaels (Thanks to Kensington Publishing)
  • Jan Ashe - Living Single by Holly Chamberlin (Thanks to Kensington Publishing) 
  • Lysette Lam - Gift Basket full of Goodies, including a signed copy of Coming up for Air -- Patti Callahan Henry
Winners from participating Authors.... 
  • From www.staceyjoynetzel.com, Shadow has won her choice of a book!
  • From Susan Mallery, Julie Partridge has won a copy of Already Home!
  • From Nina Benneton, Patricia F has won a signed copy of Compulisvely Mr. Darcy!
  • From J.M. Kelley, Catherine C won a kindle copy of Drew in Blue and $10 Amazon Gift Card!
  • From Maria Geraci, Melissa Bourn won a copy of Bloom by Kelle Hampton!
  • From Beverly Nault, Melissa B won!
  • From Sheila Seabrook, Samantha L has won a Cookbook - Soups for all Seasons!
  • From Dianne Venetta, Virginia Wright won a garden inspired goodie basket
  • From A Cozy Reader's Corner, Sue won a signed copy of Jennifer's Garden
  • From Karl Fields, Melissa B won an ereader cover and copies of Karl's books.
  • Joy's winner was Melissa Bourn
  • Mina Khan's winner was Melissa Bourn
  • Shadow Kohler, Djinn & Dilemma won swag packs
  • Ebook Combo - Shadow Kohler
  • YA Combo - Cynthia Garcia
  • Ebook jackpot - Cynthia Garcia
  • Micahel Miller's winner was SK
  • Sally's winner was Stereoqueenbee
  • Amy Saunder's winner was Mel Bourn
  • Melanie Nowak's winner was April A who won Almost Human
  • Cheryl Malandrinos's winner was Elisha G who won two gardening books.

Monday, April 16, 2012

The Wedding Dress


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Author: Rachel Hauck
ISBN: 978-1595549631
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source: Litfuse Blog Tour
Rating: Must Read

About the Book:
One dress. Four women. An amazing destiny.

Charlotte Malone is getting married. Yet all is not settled in the heart of Birmingham's chic bridal boutique owner. Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown before her.
Emily in 1912. Mary in 1939. And Hillary in 1968. Each woman teaches Charlotte something about love in her own unique way. Woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of faith, and the beauty of finding true love.
My Thoughts:
The Wedding Dress was an engrossing read.  I felt I couldn’t read it fast enough.  Truly enjoyable, the novel is more than a romance.  Deep within the pages lie mysteries that will keep your nose in the book as you eagerly turn the pages to discover the truth.  This novel is full of well-developed characters, an interesting plot, well-chosen settings and one common factor that every girl can relate too, the perfect dress.  It is one of those books you have to force yourself to put down. 
Intercalary weaved; the author does a wonderful job of portraying each woman’s story individually yet woven together, attached by their common bond (the dress).  It will leave you with a smile and touch your heart ever so gently yet dramatically.  I don’t think you should miss out on this one!

About the Author:


Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner Sweet Caroline, and RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle, and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, The Songbird Novels.

She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets.
Rachel earned a degree in Journalism form Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor. Visit her web site atwww.rachelhauck.com to reader her blog, and to follow her on Facebook andTwitter.
Rachel is hosting a $200 Visa Cash Card Giveaway and throwing a fun "True Beauty" Author Chat Facebook party on 4/19. Please help us spread the word about both! A few ways to do that are:
"True Beauty" Facebook Party & $200 Visa Cash Card Giveaway!
One "beautiful" winner will receive:

  • A $200 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
  • The Wedding Dress (by Rachel Hauck)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/18/12. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "True Beauty" Facebook Party on  4/19. Rachel will be hosting an evening of beauty (inner/outer) chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Rachel via Skype.)
So grab a few of your friends and your copy of The Wedding Dress and join Rachel on the evening of April 19th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19!


 Blog Tour Schedule



Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Outside the Lines

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Amy Hatvany
ISBN: 978-1-4516-4054-0
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Source: Publisher for Review
Rating: Highly Recommended

Synopsis:
When Eden was ten years old she found her father, David, bleeding out on the bathroom floor. The suicide attempt led to her parents’ divorce, and David all but vanished from Eden’s life. Since childhood, she has heard from him only rarely, just enough to know he’s been living on the streets and struggling with mental illness. But lately, there has been no word at all.

Now in her thirties, Eden decides to go look for her father, so she can forgive him at last, and finally move forward. When her search uncovers other painful truths—not only the secrets her mother has kept from her, but also the agonizing question of whether David, after all these years, even wants to be found—Eden is forced to decide just how far she’ll go in the name of love.

My Thoughts:

Wow!  What an intensely emotional novel.  Amy Hatvany has a unique talent for creating stories based on real emotional topics that plague thousands of people across the globe.  In Outside the Lines, Hatvany sheds light on the reality of mental illness, a topic many judge when they cannot conceivably understand.  Mental illness is a disease that many struggle with on different levels, yet no one talks about it because others have preconceived notions and judgment about a topic they can’t understand until it plagues them.
When Eden decides to find her mentally ill father in effort to move on with her life, she doesn’t expect the level of emotional toll her journey will bring.  The title of this book is perfect for the storyline. Outside the lines is a poignant and heartbreaking novel that explores the affects and difficulties that come with having a loved one with a mental illness.  It is both heartbreaking and inspiring.  It captured my attention from the start.  The topic of suicide is difficult for me and I usually avoid reading about it or watching movies that contain an attempt or the final act.  While this book has an attempt in the story, it was very minor, and really didn’t take up more than a memory essential to Eden’s story.
The story is told from each characters perspective, switching voices, time frames and viewpoints and giving the reader an in depth and well-rounded look at all sides of this story both emotionally and mentally. I loved the characters in this novel. Eden is remarkable. As I watched her life unfold, secret by secret, I couldn’t help but feel for her. Everything she thought she knew changed. Eden is left with doubt about trust and faith in relationships. I loved how the author brought a character that needs healing from her past in order to have a bright future. Eden’s life isn’t complete without the truth. The truth sets us free, even if it’s difficult to hear or understand. Knowing who you are makes you stronger and for Eden this is proven in the story.
Full of relationships, guilt, love, pain, confusion, secrets and all of the emotions that make us human, Amy Hatvany builds a novel of psychological moments that prove the amazing inner workings of our minds as well as the power of our hearts.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Authors in Bloom, An All Author Blog Hop! Enter to Win a Nook or Kindle!

Welcome to the prize landing page for Authors in Bloom! Here you have the opportunity to win "Jennifer's Garden" by Dianne Venetta. To enter the contest use the rafflecopter form below. To enter the GRAND PRIZE contest, collect all of the phrases from the particpating author in this hop, return to this site and use the Google form below to enter.
April 9th –April 18th
10 Days of Giveaways-Gardening Tips-Recipes-and more!
Plus GRAND PRIZE you’ll be digging to win!
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Gardening Tip #1:  Don't forget to water your plants!
Tip #2: Once your done for the day curl up and relax with sweet tea, lemonade or a margarita and a good book!  After all, you just spent the day working hard!  You deserve it.
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Line 20: He leans over and plucks you by the stem Line 31: You're taken, Chosen. Line 32: You glance around and wonder, Line 53:She's blossoming toward her teenage years, Line 55: Is she feeling the pinch of the crowd. Line 63: Ultimately, our physical parts all perform the same tasks. Line 84: Celebrate your unique beauty and value Line 85: Ulitmately, happiness stems from acceptance and love.

Line 22: You’ve been chosen as the most beautiful bloom
Line 23: a stand out among the crowd.


Enter to win Jennifer's Garden by Dianne Venetta

Synopsis:  JENNIFER’S GARDEN epitomizes the showdown between a career woman’s criteria for the perfect husband and what true love means.  In a race against time, cardiologist Jennifer Hamilton is caught between her mother’s dying wish and taking the risk of a lifetime with Jackson Montgomery. He’s the man hired to complete the landscaping for her new home; the venue for her upcoming wedding. Jackson’s everything she never wanted in a man, but as the job progresses, his lure pulls strong. It’s an attraction she cannot deny. And one that puts her career on the line.


Enter to win Jennifer's Garden using the Rafflecopter form below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Grand Prize Listings

Grand Prize:  1 winner

E-reader of choice (Nook or Kindle) with a $25 gift card to get your library started!

Runner Up Prizes: Multiple Winners

Prizes donated by the authors listed!
Visit their website by clicking on their name and say thank you!

Prize List

Sunlight Calculator for your garden use and canvas tote bag by Beverly Nault

Signed copy of Jennifer's Garden -- by Dianne Venetta

Doing Italians…oops…Italy – by Debra and Stephanie aka Deena and Shelby

Ebook – Releasing Gillian’s Wolves in PDF -- by Tara Reed

The Boyfriend of the Month Club -- by Maria Geraci

Ebook copy of Welcome to Redemption Series Collection Books 1-6 -- by Stacey Joy Netzel and Donna Marie Rogers

Poopendous by Artie Bennett (children's lit)

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas -- donated by A Cozy Reader's Corner

All the Numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen -- donated by A Cozy Reader's Corner

Little Black Dress -- by Susan McBride

$10 Amazon e-gift card -- by Dee Detarsio

Signed copy of Walking with Justice (US)


Signed copy of The 12 Factors of Business Success (US)


The Scoop - Fern Michaels (Thanks to Kensington Publishing)


Living Single by Holly Chamberlin (Thanks to Kensington Publishing)


Gift Basket full of Goodies, including a signed copy of Coming up for Air -- Patti Callahan Henry

To enter this giveaway you need to collect all the phrases of the traveling story by visiting each author on the linky list below.  Each page has a phrase.  I recommend copying and pasting all the phrases into a seperate document and then copy and paste the full list into the form below.  They do not have to be in order, but if you do put them in order you will get to read a wonderful short, written by Dianne Venetta.  Happy Collecting!  Don't forget to enter all the giveaways on each authors site while collecting the phrases!  Each author is posting a tip or recipie for your enjoyment as well!
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Questions?  email acozyreaderscorner AT gmail DOT com
Ready to enter?  Use the form below!  Good luck!
Winners will be announced by April 20th on this page.
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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

These Girls - Review & Interview

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Author: Sarah Pekkanen
ISBN:
Publisher:
Source: Book Sparks
Rating: Highly Recommended

About the Book:

In her third novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen examines the lives of three women working and living together in New York City and shows that family secrets may shape us all, but it’s the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us.

Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.

Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It’s a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.

Cate’s roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee’s weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills—despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.

Then there’s Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby—or why she left everything she once loved behind.

Pekkanen’s most compelling, true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate the complications of careers and love—and find the lifeline they need in each other.


Mini Review:

It is no secret that I fell in love with Sarah's writing from the moment I picked up The Opposite of Me.  I have not missed a book since her debut and don't plan to miss one ever!  One of the things that amazes me about Sarah is her ability to write new and intriguing novels that are all so different from each other.  The Opposite of Me, Skipping A Beat and These Girls are all wonderfully written yet so unique and different from each other.  They all explore a facet of life that most women can relate too, yet do do individually making each book different and exciting.  It's almost as if you can't expect anything from Sarah aside from a great story!

These Girls was a wonderful story about three women brought together by circumstance and fate.  Their lives are full of secrets that they keep from one another, yet those secrets are what will bond them in the end.  It reminded me that many of us have hidden emotions or events we don't want to remember though they have shaped who we are today and as the girls discover, they are situations others can understand and emphasise with because we have been through a similar hurt or pain that brings about the same emotions and self doubt.  I loved how Sarah used the three women's stories to bring them together and show the importance of female friendship and companionship.  We all need that friend to have coffee with, cry with, laugh with and ultimately feel comfortable with at any moment in time, knowing they are there for us without judgement and scorn.

While this story has a New York based setting and involves women in the city, it's much different than other "girls in New York" stories I have read.  The setting spans outside of the Big Apple and includes so much more than women trying to survive in the city.  These Girls actually discusses some sensitive and important topics that plague women and girls today.  I was impressed with the storyline.  The characters are, as usual, well developed and likable.  I was not let down.  While These Girls is not my favorite novel written by Sarah to-date, it is an excellent and exciting read.  I highly recommended it and look forward to her next novel!!

Enjoy the interview with Sarah below!!  I had a lot of fun coming up with questions to ask about her newest release!  In all honesty, it wasn't hard to do, I loved the book.

Interview with Sarah Pekkanen:

These Girls takes a different approach to women connected and living in NYC. There are some deep seeded issues in this novel. What was your motivation or inspiration for writing it?

I wanted to write a novel celebrating the rich, nurturing bonds of women's friendships for a few reasons: First, it seemed like the natural progression in my books, since all of my novels focus on the important relationships in a woman's life. My first book, The Opposite of Me, was about sisterhood. My second, Skipping A Beat, was about marriage. These Girls, my third novel, is about female friendships - and because friends so important to me personally, I was eager to plunge into the creation of three very different women who became roommates in New York City and formed an incredible friendship. My novel is told from alternating points of view of my main characters - Cate, Renee, and Abby - and each of these women is carrying a painful secret. They end up finding the emotional lifelines they need in each other.

Which character do you connect with most? Why?

There are bits and pieces of me in all three characters! When my editor asked me which was my favorite character, I told her it was whichever one I was writing at the time. I think I'd most like to go out and have a glass of wine with Renee, who's so funny and warm, but I'd like to hang out with all three women.

Have any of these characters been "real" in your life?

Ooh, good question! I don't base characters on people I know - even though I can't tell you how many times people have suspected that they're the inspiration for a character! - but everything I write is inspired by reality. All of my observations and thoughts and ideas are filtered through a kaleidoscope, then sprinkled onto the page. I did do some interesting research for These Girls, which is set in the world of glossy magazines, when I went to New York and had a staff writer for a big magazine sneak me into headquarters very early one morning. I got a great behind-the-scenes tour and some juicy gossip - and you can bet a bit of that made it into These Girls!

How does it feel to have your third book published? What's different now versus your life when you released your first, The Opposite of Me?

It feels amazing. This is the first time I've had the sense that I might actually get to keep doing this for a living! With my first two novels, I was so nervous, and felt as if I'd stumbled into a dream that could end at any moment. But I recently signed a new 3-book deal with my editor and publisher, and now I'll have new books out every Spring through 2015. I'm ridiculously excited - this is what I've wanted to do ever since I was a kid, and to be able to do it for a living? I'm grateful every single day.

Thanks so much for having me here today, and if any readers want to connect on Facebook or Twitter, please come find me there so we can keep chatting!

Highly Recommended