Denise Hunter's "The Trouble with Cowboys" Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She'll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes - including a Kindle Fire! 
Save the Date for October 11th!

Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)

During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!

RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!


Dynamic Uno here:  The Trouble with Cowboys is book #3 in the Big Sky Romance series by Denise Hunter.  Honestly, I think it's the best one out of the three.  Plus,   I really enjoyed "seeing" some of the beloved townspeople and characters from the other two books in the series.  (A Cowboy's Touch-book #1 and The Accidental Bride-book #2)

Yes, we all know my affinity towards cowboys, but seriously, some of the emotions that the characters felt and the struggles they had within the story reflected some of my own issues and misconceptions.  

Dylan is another cowboy that I could completely fall in love with.  He had a great sense of humor, was a hard worker, and was loyal to his friends and family.  Annie reminds me of myself a bit because she had to grow up too fast and shoulders a lot of responsibility.  As the saying goes, opposites attract--despite the fact that both fight the attraction.  When things go spiraling out of control in Annie's life, she is finally willing to let God take the reins and direct her path.  Is Dylan willing to do the same?



If you're interested in a light-hearted romance with lots of drama, and of course, cowboys, look no further because The Trouble with Cowboys is just for you!

Remember to join us for the Facebook Party on October 11!  Even if you haven't read the book, you can still join in the fun.  Plus, there's a chance for you to win a Kindle Fire!!  (Of which I will be completely jealous of if you win.)  See the details above.

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!!

YouTube Thursday

I'm so over the garbage going on in our school district.  I'm still trying to do the job of 4 people because the accreditation team can't see the problem of only one person running the school library.  Thankfully we only have about 2089 students, but then you put administration, the new evaluation system, and add the cockamammy testing and it's a zoo.  No wonder kids quit school!

If it weren't for the bills and my poor furry child, I'd sing this song tomorrow.  Hope you're having a better week/day than I am.  If not, grab a can or bottle of your favorite beverage and sing along with me...

YouTube Thursday

Skimming through YouTube while I was sick the other day, I came across this phenomenal video produced by the KU Libraries.  Given my love of all things geekery, I decide to share it with you.  It is long, but if you let your computer load it and watch it later, I think you'll enjoy it.

Wordless Wednesday

I've caught whatever bug is going around at our school, so I had to take yesterday off to "rest."  Hopefully your day is better than mine.  Here's a little rose to help brighten your day!

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Title: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life: 50 Ways to Make the Most of Everyday

Author: Luci Swindoll

Format: trade paperback

Genre: Christian, General Life Reflections

Source: BookSneeze book review bloggers program through Thomas Nelson

Published: Thomas Nelson / 2012 / ISBN: 978-1-4002-0353-6 / 208 pages / $15.99

Buy the Book:  Amazon / Thomas Nelson / Luci's Store

Find the Author Online: Twitter / Website / Blog

Why I Read this Book:  I attended the Women of Faith Conference last October and Luci Swindoll was one of the speakers there.  She has been single her entire life and has a vibrant zeal for living every day and has a very artistic perspective.  I bought her book Doing Life Differently while I was there and it really resonated with me, so I've been "book stalking" her ever since.

What I Liked:  I love the fact that Luci begins with her childhood and discusses lessons learned from her parents in her youth.  Having grown up with my grandparents for most of my life, I love to hear stories about what their youth was like and how things have changed, whether for good or bad and why. 

I also love how each chapter title concerns the "lesson she has learned" and what we will be reading.  Even glancing over the titles of the chapters made me excited even before I started reading the book.  After all, "Keep Your Word Every Time" and "Celebrate the Life You're Given" intrigued me to find out what she learned and how she learned it.

All of the stories that Luci tells, and the illustrations she pens, contain wisdom that only a lifetime of rich and full experiences can give.  I hope that I am able to learn and pass on my knowledge the same way she has in this book.


What I Didn't Like:  The book ended too soon!  Yes, it's 50 chapters, but there's so much wisdom packed into the short chapters that I hungered for more.



Overall Impression:  I love the honesty and transparency that Luci displays in her words.  Reading her books makes me feel like we're sitting down for a cup of tea and having a conversation.  If you're ready to have a heart-to-heart conversation about a life well-lived, I suggest you grab hold of Simple Secrets to a Happy Life.  You will not be disappointed.  
 
Rating: 5 out of 5


Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!

The Secret of the Journal: Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Kregel Blog Tour Service book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Title:  The Secret of the Journal series, Book #1: Mortal Fire

Author: C. F. Dunn

Format: trade paperback

Genre: Christian, Suspense, Thriller, Touch of Romance

Source: Kregel Book Blog Tour Service

Published: USA: Kregel Publications / August 2012/ ISBN: 978-0-5-85721-202-3

Buy the Book:
U.S.: Kregel Publications / Amazon /  Barnes & Noble / Overstock / Christianbook / 
UK:  Amazon / Book Depository / Overstock / Sainsburys / WH Smith / Waterstones

Find the Author Online: Twitter / Facebook / Blog

View the Book Trailer here!

Want to Read an Excerpt?

Why I Read this Book:  Many people are unaware of my fascination with history.  After all, I chose to major in literature instead of delving in to the world of the past.  (That's a story for another day.)  In any case, when I first saw Kregel advertising the book tour for Mortal Fire, I knew I was going to be in love, just from reading the brief synopsis.  A book combining history, a good mystery, and literature ...put the phone on silence and bring on the tea!

What I Liked:  Knowing that C.F. Dunn is "across the pond," I figured British spelling and vocabulary would be used throughout the book.  I was not disappointed.  For those of you wondering if it detracts from the story, please know that it does not.  In fact, as Emma is from the UK, it lends an air of authenticity to the story.

When we come across a traffic accident with a fatality within the first few pages, I wasn't sure what to expect.  After all, I was just being introduced to the characters and I didn't really know their motives yet.  Reading on, I found myself being sucked into the story as Emma, being a stranger in a strange land, found her way amongst the academia and was introduced to new friends and some unsavory characters on staff. 

I enjoyed getting to know her colleagues and students (from Emma's perspective) and enjoyed the conversations about Emma concentration of history and how it has shaped her beliefs.  I even enjoyed the anticipation of a blossoming relationship that held immense mystery.  But as a librarian, I doubly enjoyed Emma's trips into the land of literature to find the journal she so intensely wanted to understand.  I even understood her actions with the journal, but was disappointed that she was stopped so violently from learning its secrets.

The characters are complex and multi-faceted.  Just as I thought I understood what they were thinking, something would crop up and completely change the direction of my own thinking.  (Isn't this true of us as living humans as well?)  I'm completely engrossed in the story and want to know what happens next.  No, I need to know what happens.  Does Emma discover the mysteries surrounding her recent relationship?  How will she react to the truth that she so desperately wants to uncover?  And what will the secrets in the journal reveal about her own and others' pasts?

What I Didn't Like:  The ending.  No, seriously.  I don't want to say too much to give away the story, but I was aggravated at the ending, only because I don't have book #2 : Death Be Not Proud in hand to continue reading.  We're left at a cliff hanger and I'm dying to know whether my theories are correct in what's happening in the plot.  I'm attached to the characters and I want to make sure they're okay.  That, and I think I'm in love with Matthew too.  Hurry up with releasing Book #2 PLEASE....

Overall Impression:  Fabulous work!  You will not be disappointed if you pick up this book (series).  Make sure o carve out some time to read it because you will not want to put it down.  Yes--it's that enthralling!

Rating:  5 out of 5 


Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!

You Tube Thursday

The stress has been building up at work and my friend Shea-Shea sent me this video to relieve tension.  Turn up your sound--it's only about 10 seconds or so.  Repeat after me...one more day until the weekend....one more day until the weekend...Enjoy!

YouTube Thursday

One of my former students turned me on to this hilarious video about the Bronte sisters and their writing.  I hope you like it too...

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

 

 Sorry for the head tilt on some of these--the computer says they're in portrait mode, but obviously it's wrong.  Enjoy!