Once Upon A Summertime by Melody Carlson-- A Review

She's looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.

Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises--not the least of which is discovering that Sean O'Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position. 

This sweetly romantic tale of dreams come true takes you through the storied streets of New York City--and into the depths of the human heart

It can be purchased at the folowing retailers as well as many others: 
Amazon
CBD




Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.




My Thoughts: I very much enjoyed reading this book. It's fun, sweet and light hearted. I enjoyed the characters of Anna and Sean, but I didn't care much for Anna's friend Marley. She was just a little too bossy for me. The writing was very good and the story line was done well. This is a quick and fun read. Definitely a great pick for a summer read on the beach. I also enjoyed all the sights of New York City written about in the book. I almost felt like I was there. Altogether a really good read that I would recommend to others. 

I received this book through Revell (a Baker Publishing Group) in exchange for my honest review. A positive review was not required.

Books Being Reviewed Soon

I am working super hard on getting more books read this week and next to get more reviews for y'all.

Here is the list of the next few books to be reviewed, including a few from my Mini me Lizzie!

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.



Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest." Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known.

Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, so she’s always looking for articles to publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become chief editor). With a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply of writing material.

 In the third book of the Samantha Sanderson series, when the school’s grades were tampered with, Sam must enlist Makayla’s help in hacking the system to discover the virus that was used and who committed the crime. But when the lead suspect is her newfound friend, Felicia, Sam must choose whether to stick by her friends at all costs or report the story as she sees it.

The Samantha Sanderson series is about an ordinary girl with extraordinary dreams. Each book touches on a crime straight from headlines, from bomb threats to bullying, while following Samantha and her friends as they navigate middle-school and questions of faith.

One dress, five women, a lifetime of memories.
Five single, fiercely independent women live together in a Chicago apartment in the early 1950s but rarely see one another. One Saturday afternoon, as they are serendipitously together downtown, they spy a wedding dress in a storefront window at the famous Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co. After trying it on—much to the dismay of the salesclerk and without a single boyfriend or date between the five of them—they decide to pool their money to purchase it. Can one dress forever connect five women who live together only a short time before taking their own journeys to love and whatever comes happily ever after?

Come back soon to see these reviews and many more!

Falcon by Ronnie Kendig--A Review GIVEAWAY!!

Giveaway is Closed!


Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.



To purchase your copy through Amazon click here to purchase through CBD click here. Also available at many other retailers.

  

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs--a a Maltese Menace and a retired military working dog, Vvolt N629. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. 

 My Thoughts: Suspense, Drama, Romance and Action are just a few of the exciting things you will find in Falcon. 

Sal and Cassie don't get along, Sal blames Cassie for something that happened years ago. Cassie has a few secrets that will effect him and the whole team! Can Sal forgive her? Will they make it out alive?

This book is an amazing display of military action, personal struggles and mind blowing suspense. Reading this book is like being in the action, ready to fight the bad guys. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for action and suspense. It's full of military terms and phrases which make it all the more authentic. You almost feel as if you are in the military yourself. I am not one to read military inspired books, but this one was awesome. Get your copy today and dive right into the action! Read it, Love

it, Share it!

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

  I am Doing a giveaway of Ronie's Book FALCON. To enter simply leave a comment below. For an extra entry please follow me via Google+ and tell me how you follow

Giveaway is for continental US residents only. Must be 18 yrs or older to enter.

Must leave an email or way to contact if you win.

Winner will be sent a paperback copy by USPS of FALCON.
Contest ends May 31st, winner will be announced on June 1st.

This promotion is hosted by Reader's Cozy Corner. No social media sponsorship.
Blogger cannot assume responsibility for prizes lost in the mail.

Seven Wealth Building Secrets by De'Andre Salter--A Review

What you are about to discover is not a short term fix or a treasure map that will lead you to instant riches. No, it’s far more valuable. 

There are seven divinely-established wealth building secrets, and when you embrace them they will revolutionize your today and tomorrow. 

Consider yourself fortunate that this book has found its way into your hands. You are being handed the keys that open the door to financial peace. 

Says the author, “I pray what you will find written on these pages will turn your life around—as it has mine and the countless lay people, entrepreneurs, and others I have been blessed to coach.” 

“If you are ready to unlock the meaning of wealth, pick up this book now. Salter provides a fresh perspective that is a game changer!” – Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer, PhD 

You can purchase the book at these retailers and many more:
Amazon
Deeper Shopping



DE’ANDRE SALTER is a rare breed of minister and entrepreneur. He is the Senior Pastor of The Tabernacle Church in South Plainfield, NJ, and CEO of various successful business ventures. His accomplishments in ministry and business have been profiled on FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC, and featured in national magazines. After graduating from Drew University, he earned a Masters of Theology from the King Seminary and completed post-graduate studies at Oxford University. He and his wife, Terri, are the proud parents of four children. 


My thoughts: I found this book to be very interesting. Lots of good information and thoughts on how to build your wealth. Each section of the book had thought provoking insights and had scripture references to back them up. Some of the things he talked about in the book I had never thought of before. I especially enjoyed the section where he talked about living below your means, which is something my husband and I have always tried to do. This most certainly is a different perspective than I have ever heard before. Lots of ideas and helpful thoughts to chew on. Definitely a book worth looking in to. 
I received this book from the publisher through the book club network reviewer program in exchange for my review. A positive review was not required. 

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert--Review

                                         Just like in my dream, I was drowning and nobody even noticed.



Every morning, Carmen Hart pastes on her made-for-TV smile and broadcasts the weather. She’s the Florida panhandle’s favorite meteorologist, married to everyone’s favorite high school football coach. They’re the perfect-looking couple, live in a nice house, and attend church on Sundays. From the outside, she’s a woman who has it all together.  But on the inside, Carmen Hart struggles with doubt. She wonders if she made a mistake when she married her husband. She wonders if God is as powerful as she once believed. Sometimes she wonders if He exists at all. After years of secret losses and empty arms, she’s not so sure anymore.

Until Carmen’s sister—seventeen year old runaway, Gracie Fisher—steps in and changes everything. Gracie is caught squatting at a boarded-up motel that belongs to Carmen’s aunt, and their mother is off on another one of her benders, which means Carmen has no other option but to take Gracie in. Is it possible for God to use a broken teenager and an abandoned motel to bring a woman’s faith and marriage back to life? Can two half-sisters make each other whole? 

Katie’s Bio:

Award-winning author, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her family. When she’s not busy penning novels or spending time with her people, she enjoys drinking coffee with friends, reading great literature, and eating copious amounts of dark chocolate. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website or author Facebook page.

You can purchase the book at these and many other websites:

Amazon

Deeper Shopping

My Thoughts: Why can't Gracie be good enough? Why does Carmen have to be so perfect? How long can they both keep pretending they are okay? Will everything work out okay, or will it all come crashing down?

 Words can not describe how much I loved this book. From the very beginning I felt drawn to each character. I needed to know more about Gracie and Carmen. I had to know the ending to the story. I couldn't put this book down. The realness of each character made it hard to remember I was reading a book. This book touched my heart in so many ways I can't even describe. The raw and gritty test of faith was real and emotional. I really felt as if I was watching somebody's life behind the scenes. Katie is an excellent writer and I can't wait to read more from her. Read this book and share it with someone else. You won't regret it!

I received this book from the publisher through the blogging for books blogger program in exchange for my review. A positive review was not required.

Only God Can Make A Kitten by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant--Review

Bestselling author Rhonda Gowler Greene follows a conversation between a mother and child as she explains that God made everything.
Only God Can Make A Kitten, written by award-winning author Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrated by bestselling artist Laura J. Bryant, follows a conversation between a mother and child as the child asks "Mama, who made . . . ?"
Told in delightful rhyme, this jacketed picture book shows young ones that God is behind all the beautiful blessings of creation-including kittens!

 Amazon
Deeper Shopping 



About the Author
Rhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over twenty picture books. Her books have received honors such as School Library Journal Best Book, Children’s Book Council Showcase Book, Bank Street College Best Book, and starred reviews. A former elementary school teacher, with a master’s in educational media, Rhonda is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and conferences. She lives with her husband, Gary, in a house overflowing with books in West Bloomfield, Michigan. They have four grown children. For more information, visit her on the web at—www.rhondagowlergreene.com

 
My Thoughts: What a beautifully illustrated, wonderfully written book to show children just how awesome God is. I picked this book for my almost eight year old daughter and she loved it. I have to admit I loved it too. The pictures are vibrant and fun. The poetry like writing makes this sweet little book flow and is very easy for even a young reader to read. This book would be wonderful as a gift to any young child. I can see this book being someone's favorite bedtime story. You will not be disappointed in this book. Take this book home, read it to your kids every night and let them know Only God Can Make A Kitten. 

I received this book from the publisher through the Book Look bloggers program in exchange for my review. A positive review was not required.