BLOG TOUR / REVIEW - FOR - THE THRONE OF DAVID - BY ANN FARNSWORTH

DESCRIPTION:

The book begins when a mysterious letter is delivered to the Prince of Wales 32 years after it was posted. Hinting of a secret royal marriage, the letter raises the specter of an unknown heir to the British throne and sets in motion a desperate race for the truth. The search sets David Lord, an American accountant, against the unlimited resources of the Royal Protection Service (the SO14) who do whatever it takes to protect the King of England.

Critical to settling the issues spawned by the letter is locating the coronation stone, one of the holiest artifacts of the Hebrew nation and a companion to the Ark of the Covenant, of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ fame. The coronation stone legend originates in ancient Israel and travels, over time, to Ireland, Scotland and London. The revered stone is currently on display in Edinburgh castle.

Or is it?

Mounting evidence indicates that the genuine coronation stone disappeared before it ever reached Westminster Abbey. The sacred stone Mr. Lord uncovers could prove the downfall of the House of Windsor or validate their divine right to rule through the ancient Throne of David.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I thought this book was so much fun to read.  It was far more exciting than I thought it would be.  

David Lord is hired to find out if a letter written 32 years earlier is authentic.  David had no idea the trouble that letter would bring.  It sets a whole string of things into motion.

Peoples lives are in danger, a coronation stone needs to be located, and people are not who they seem to be.  While we follow David and his friends in the search to find out if their is another heir to the throne,  we realize that there are several families in danger.  Someone is killing people that "might" have a claim to the throne.  They are going off the year people were born and when they traveled.  Who knew traveling to England could result in running for you life.

David is also searching for the original coronation stone, so that it can be put back where it suppose to be.  The journey to find the stone some interesting stories are told, and it's so much fun to read.  I love it when books tell a story, along with some history as well (whether it's "real" history or fiction).  It makes it so much more fun to read.

In the end when the heir is revealed I was surprised because I thought it was someone else the whole time.  I do have to admit I am always the last person to catch on...I don't know why, but I am.  

I love how the story was told.  The writing was wonderful, and the characters were very well developed.

If you like excitement, adventure, and searching for a treasure, you will enjoy this book.  I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away.  Every time I start writing something I have to delete it because it would "give it away".    

I don't think you will be disappointed when you read this one.  It's an exciting, page turning adventure.

Source:  I was given this book as part of a tour in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My Bio

Tweetable:

Ann Farnsworth: author of 10 kids and one novel!

Short and Snappy:

Ann Farnsworth spent a lifetime studying ancient and modern history, and discovered a fascination with the plots used to construct a best-selling novel, a love of precise vocabulary and a true devotion to memorable characters. All of these interests came together and enabled her to write ‘The Throne of David’ when the youngest of her 10 children turned 9. 

More Detailed:

I have always been a voracious reader and sometime writer even while raising a large family of 10 children.  In fact, reading allowed me to escape for a few minutes (or longer) during the day while staying connected to the needs of our family.

Our youngest is now ten and the stories that have been stewing inside my head as I washed dishes, cooked dinner and helped with homework these last 25 years are bubbling up and out of my fingertips. My favorite books to read are Da Vinci Code, Pride and Prejudice, the scriptures, any of the Harry Potter books and of course, Good Night Moon.

It is said that about 80% of us feel we have a book we’d like to write. If I can do it, anyone can. That is the truth!

Thanks to:

Ann Farnsworth &

 for allowing me to be part of this tour.

BOOK TOUR / REVIEW - FOR THE CALL OF AGON - BY DEAN F. WILSON

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

THE LAST LINE. THE LAST WORDS. THE LAST CHANCE. 

Ifferon is one of the last in the bloodline of the dead god Telm, who mated with mortal women, and who imprisoned the Beast Agon in the Underworld. Armed with a connection to the estranged gods in the Overworld and a scroll bearing Telm's powerful dying words, he is tasked with ensuring the god's vital legacy: that Agon remain vanquished. 

Fear forces Ifferon to abandon his duty, but terror restores his quest when the forces of Agon find his hideaway in an isolated coastal monastery. Weighed down by the worries of the world, but lifted up by the companions he encounters along the way, Ifferon embarks on a journey that encompasses the struggles of many peoples, the siege of many lands, and discoveries that could bring hope to some—or doom to all.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

This was an exciting book to read.  The writing is beautiful.  I mean there are some descriptions I had to read over and over, just because they were put so beautifully.

Ifferon had decided to take refuge in a monastery.  When he is intruded upon by a young boy pretending to be a cleric, his world is turned upside down.  Ifferon is called into a meeting, and while in the meeting they are attacked.  

The monestary falls to ruin and only Ifferon and Yavun, are spared at the hands of Herr'Don.  Herr'Don is determined to take Ifferon to safety.  

Along their travels Ifferon is forced to face who he is and what role he plays in this world.  Along their way they pick up others on their travels.  

There are battles on their journey, not only with others but between themselves.  Everyone seems to know how to get where they are going and what needs to be done to get there.

The closer you get to the end of this book the more exciting it gets.  There is no time to breathe :).  It's battle after battle, and its so exciting to read.

Then end....ugh the end.....I will definitely be picking up book two!  This book doesn't really end.  It draws you in, gets you invested, and then it ends.....Ugh.  I am sure that is the authors plan though :).  Draw you in so you have to read more.   I am anxious to read how this story continues!!!!

Source:  I was given this book as part of a tour in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Very clean, which makes me so happy.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dean F. Wilson was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1987. He started writing at age 11, when he began his first (unpublished) novel, entitled The Power Source. He won a TAP Educational Award from Trinity College Dublin for an early draft of The Call of Agon (then called Protos Mythos) in 2001.

His epic fantasy trilogy, The Children of Telm, was released between 2013 and 2014.

Dean also works as a journalist, primarily in the field of technology. He has written for TechEye, Thinq, V3, VR-Zone, ITProPortal, TechRadar Pro, and The Inquirer.

WEBSITE - FACEBOOK - TWITTER - GOODREADS - PINTEREST

AND THE WINNERS FOR THE DVD - FREETOWN - ARE...

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who participated.

INTERVIEW WITH - SIOUX TRETT - AUTHOR OF - DRAWN IN

I am so excited to welcome Sioux Trett to my blog today.  I just read her book DRAWN IN, (you can read my review here) and really enjoyed it.  I emailed her to see if she would be willing to share a little of herself with her readers.  She agreed, so happy reading :)!

1.  WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR BOOK?

     Drawn In was inspired by a dream that I had. It was incredibly vivid and it intrigued me so much, I couldn't get it out of my head. I knew I had to know more, so I wrote a story around it. Eventually, that dream became chapter 18. 

2.  WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE CHARACTER SERENITY?

    She grew quite naturally as a character. I infused a lot of myself into her... a lot of my close friends say they can "hear" me when they read her. She definitely has my sense of humor and my aversion to closed-in spaces. Her looks were inspired by the actress Molly Quinn (from Castle) and her name was a big huge nod to Joss Whedon and the best TV series that ever lived.

3.  IS WRITING YOUR FULL TIME JOB OR DO YOU DO IT ON THE SIDE?

     It's on the side. Sometimes way way on the side. 

4.  IF YOU WRITE ON THE SIDE...DO YOU WANT IT TO BE YOUR FULL TIME JOB?

     I would LOVE to be able to write full-time. I hope that maybe I can do that when I retire someday. 

5.  WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS??? (I hope working on book 2!!!)  hehe

     Yes! Book Two is definitely in the works. I've also started fleshing out some plans for a future stand-alone book that will be much more firmly in the Fantasy realm than my current series. Nothing ready for anyone to read yet, but it's fun to start something new and fresh! I also have two novellas in the works that are part of Rennie's story. One is a prequel, and one is more of an epilogue of sorts.

6.  NOW, WHEN WILL BOOK 2 BE COMING OUT?

     I'm really aching for it to be out around March 2016. I'm a bit behind on that right now, but I still have hope that I can make it happen. 

7.  IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE, WHICH AUTHOR WOULD YOU CONSIDER A MENTOR?

     Oh wow, I have so many favorite authors! If I had to choose one as a mentor though, I would say A.A. Milne (the author of the original Winnie the Pooh books--if you haven't read them as an adult, you owe it to yourself to do so). I've learned so much from him about breaking the rules for the sake of getting a meaning across, and playing with language in a way that's so unpredictable but immediately understood. His writing is just so beautiful. 

(I cannot even tell you how much I love the original Winnie the Pooh!!!!  It is hands down one of my all time favorites.  Great choice :))

8.  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?  IF YOU ARE LIKE ME THERE IS NO WAY I COULD NAME ONE, SO WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 FAVORITE BOOKS?

    Thank you for that out, because there's no way I could choose just one! My Top 5 (at least today) are: Watership Down (R. Adams), the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (D. Adams), the Host (S. Meyer), the Song of Albion trilogy (S. Lawhead), and Divergent (V. Roth). So so so many more could make the list, but those are the ones that crept to the top today.

9.  WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF WRITING YOUR BOOK?

     The hardest part was that the dream I had to inspire it was the middle of the story. Coming up with the whys and who's and hows that surrounded that was much more difficult than I'd anticipated. I had a basic premise for a story, but no plot. Carving that out into something reasonable was rough.

10.  DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING SPECIFIC YOU WANT TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?

     I love my readers! I've had such amazing response from those who have read my book and I'm so grateful. I guess I would want to say THANK YOU, and keep spreading the word! Oh, and don't forget you can contact me directly on Goodreads if you ever have a question about my book or characters! I love to hear from my readers!

Now, a little this or that...

Favorite color?  I'll go with pink

Favorite book boyfriend?  Oh my. Ummm... Four from Divergent (V. Roth) or Hayden from the Fill-In Boyfriend (K. West)

Favorite place to visit?  I love to travel, so this is hard! Disney World (particularly EPCOT) is my go-to vacation and I never get tired of it. But best trip ever? That would be Edinburgh Scotland or Tokyo Japan. Both were incredible beyond words.

Ice cream or yogurt?  I love both! I'll say ice cream though.

White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate? Gonna be a rebel and say DARK chocolate

Soda or Coffee? I recently gave up soda, so I'll definitely show some coffee love here.

Rain or Sun?  Rain. There is nothing better than the sound and smell of rain. 

This was so much fun! Thanks again for inviting me to your blog! :-)

Thanks for answering my questions, those were some fun answers.  You're a good sport to put up with so many :).

Please stay tuned for a give away coming in September :).  

REVIEW FOR - DRAWN IN - BY SIOUX TRETT

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Serenity Winters is taking the summer off. After her last year included crushing on the wrong guy (again), having her best friend move all the way across the country, and an unexpected loss she's still not prepared to deal with, she deserves it. And a visit to see Maia in California seems like the perfect getaway. Beaches, bonfires and boys? Yes please!

But Rennie's dreams aren't so easy to elude. Sketching what she can remember of them helps some, but her drawings are taking on a life of their own and the dreams they represent are starting to come true.

Enter Alex, who may or may not be perfect. (No, who is she kidding? He's perfect. Great hair, plus he can quote Hamlet and Yoda? Come on!) But Alex has secrets of his own, namely a hidden ability to transport himself through time using a book as a portal. Could it be that both Rennie and Alex are being drawn in to the same mystery? They better find out quickly, because her dreams are getting louder. And they know her by name.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Serenity or Rennie as she goes by in the book goes to California to visit her best friend for the summer.  Maia and Rennie have grown up together in Pennsylvania, but Maia's family ended up moving across the country. 

After a very trying year Rennie's aunt decides it's time for her to take a break.  She sends her to California to visit her best friend Rennie.  The summer is sure to be full of fun, bon fires, boys, and the beach.  What high school student doesn't love boys, and the beach?  Of course it is bound to make for a fun story to read.

Maia takes Rennie right from the airport to a bon fire on the beach with her friends.  She is determined to make this the best summer ever for Rennie.    The first boy she meets, is the boy who happens to hit her in the shoulder with a large log.  Yup, what a great introduction.  Right?  Of course it happens to be the one boy Maia doesn't want him to meet.  Alex.  

Rennie is a little struck (no pun intended) by Alex right from the beginning.  Upon meeting all of Rennie's girl friends they take it upon themselves to help her have a fling for the summer.  All Rennie can think about is Alex though.  

This story is told in present tense which I love!  It's not that I don't like historical books, but sometimes it's really nice to have a story about today's kids.  The whole time I read this book I couldn't help but think of my own daughter and niece.  Rennie is a little nerdy (which I love) and has OCD...umm My daughter and niece in a nut shell.....hehe.  

There are so many references in this book to other books, and shows that my kids watch now.  It was a lot of fun.  It takes place in San Luis Obispo, California, and the author did a great job of putting me right in the story.  I felt like I was there.  It was awesome.

Okay, I got side tracked for a bit.  There are so many wonderful side characters in this book.  Levi, which I think is a hottie :), and Seth, who Maia is determined to make her boyfriend.  Maia's girls friends, and of course Alex.  Each one makes the story interesting and so much fun.  Some are fantastically (yes, I just made that a word) wonderful, and some are not who they seem to be.  Makes for an interesting story.

Funny things have been happening to Rennie since tragedy struck her family.  She has been having night mares that seem so real, but she cannot quite remember them.  She starts to make sketches of her dreams after a while so that hopefully she can make sense out of them.  They are so real to her that sometimes she thinks she might be loosing her mind.

When Rennie is in California she stats having her "dreams" while she is awake.  She feels like she is being transported to another world.  Which in her mind she knows cannot really be happening, but she cannot find another answer for what is happening to her.

Rennie decides Maia is going to have to give her an inch where Alex is concerned.  She seems to only have eyes for Alex.  Alex gets Rennie, and Rennie gets Alex.  They both have secrets that they can only share with each other.  He's kind of a mystery, and who doesn't love a mysterious guy?  

When things start getting more and more strange, Rennie decides she is going to have to tell Maia all things that have been going on in her life since the day her life changed for ever.

I love the witty banter in this book.  It's so much fun.  I love the mystery.  I love the characters.  I just loved it all around.  I got to the end, and I have to tell you, it's a good thing there is more coming!!!!  The ending made me want to scream a little.  I need the next book, like, NOW.

I already feel like I have told you too much.  I hope I intrigued you enough to read it and didn't give too much away.  I hope it was a vague review...hehehe

I think the thing I loved most about this book was the fierce loyalty between Maia and Rennie.  They are what true friends really should be.  Stand by each other no matter what.  Face anything that comes at them together, and back each other up.  It really is a great book.

If you like mystery, boys, strange happening...maybe new worlds...then you should pick this book up.  It's a great read.

I bought this book because my brother read it and told me that it was one he thought I would like it.  I am glad I picked it up.  I have to admit the cover isn't my favorite.  I am not a fan of animated looking covers.   I like real trees, real people etc.  This is yet another book you cannot judge by it's cover if you are a cover whore like me.  I like it enough, but I probably wouldn't have grabbed it if it hadn't been recommended to me.  I am so glad I read it though.  It was so much fun to read.

***  I am going to have the author on my blog later this month for an interview.  I am so excited!  I am also going to give this book away during the Tackle Your TBR Read-A-Thon hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings, for one of the Challenges.  It starts September 14th and goes to the 27th.  So stay tuned for your chance to win a copy :) ***

Source:  I bought this book for myself off Amazon.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Seriously I have been so lucky lately when it comes to reading clean books.  I love it so much.  There is kissing, but that is all.  In my opinion a very clean book!

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from SiouxTrett's Blog here

Hi, I’m Sioux and I’m a writer.

I’m also a reader (mostly YA these days, but other genres sneak in there occasionally).

In my non-book-related time, I like to travel, see movies, cook (or at least rip lots of recipes out of magazines that I may or may not make), all things Disney, and most things Joss Whedon (with the exception of the really scary things that I can’t watch). Oh, and I may be addicted to Pintrest.

DVD REVIEW / GIVEAWAY FOR - FREETOWN

pic and description from Deseret Media

DESCRIPTION:

Caught in the middle of a brutal civil war, six Liberian missionaries in Monrovia flee the widespread violence in their native country. Their destination: Freetown, Sierra Leone. With the help of local church member Phillip Abubakar (Henry Adofo), the missionaries make the difficult journey, only to have their troubles compounded by a rebel fighter bent on killing one of their own. Based on incredible true events, FREETOWN is a thrilling and inspiring story of faith, hope and survival.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I say it loud and proud.  If you are not a religious person this post is probably not for you.

I was excited to be contacted by Deseret Book to review this DVD.  I love movies about faith.  They make great family home evening lessons :).  

This story was so heart wrenching.  I have some nephews out on missions right now, so watching missionary movies is a little hard.  It hits a little too close to home.  

This story was so beautiful.  In the midst of horrible racism in Liberia, six missionaries find themselves in a dangerous situation.  Many times they are forced to spend the day indoors, because of the rebels killing members of the Khran tribe.  It's absolutely horrible.  I will never understand racism, and hatred like that.  Ever.  It's absolutely unacceptable behavior.

When these missionaries are forced to stay inside most of the time, fighting to stay alive they decide it's time to do something about it.  They want to be able to spread the Gospel and they know staying in Liberia that it will never be safe for them.  Knowing that leaving the mission is against the rules, but also wanting to do what they have been called to do, they decide for their safety they must flee to Sierra Leone.

The journey they take is so inspiring.  Their faith is unwavering.  They enlist the help of a friend to drive them to Sierra Leone, but one Rebel is bound and determined to find these missionaries and eliminate them.

I love how much faith these missionaries had.  They were out serving the Lord, and they were not going to let a Civil War come between them and their mission.  The strength these boys had, and the determination is amazing.

All I could think about while watching this movie was this quote:

They had pure faith in what they were called to do.  It was beautiful.

Source:  I was given this DVD by Deseret Book Media in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Deseret Book Media for allowing me to participate in a giveaway for this DVD.  This is for US entries only.  Sorry.  You must have a mailing address for Deseret to send DVD to you directly.  I will inform Deseret Book within 48 hours of who the winner is, but I cannot guarantee when the DVD will arrive since I am not the one sending it to you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW FOR - MARRYING CHRISTOPER - BY MICHELE PAIGE HOLMES

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea. 

MY REVIEW / COMMENTS:

I really enjoyed this book.   Of course it was so frustrating at times.  I wanted to scream, throw my book, and slam things around at times....hehe.  I cannot tell you how much I love it when a book brings that much emotion out of me.  

Christopher - I have read about some really swoon worthy men lately and, Christopher is definitely swoon worthy.  Besides being handsome and wonderful, he treats his sisters like queens.  A man who treats a woman as well as Christopher does is more of a catch than some super male model!!!!

Marsali - is what I would call Cinderella.  Her life super sucked, until she finds the right man.  She's beautiful, kind, caring, and compassionate.  She's just such a wonderful young woman.  Love her.  The two MC's are so fantastic.  

After Christopher sees that his sisters are married and taken care of he decided to board a boat to America.  He thinks that there will be more opportunity for him in America and he is looking forward to having time to himself and had no plan to get all giddy about a girl like his brothers-in-laws did.

Christopher boards the ship early.   He has dinner with the Captain and the other few crew man that are on the ship.  The ship was taking it's maiden voyage to America and the Captain wasn't able to get many people to buy the tickets.  It's a ship all it's own.  A steam ship that goes faster than any ship on the ocean.  Or so he says...

When the Dr. comes to clear the ship for it's voyage they realize they are still waiting on one passenger.  The Dr. tells him he will give them until the next day if the passenger isn't there they either leave without her, or stay in port.

The Captain get anxious as they wait for the passenger.  The only reason the ship is even able to take this maiden voyage is because of this woman and the man she has to work for in America.

Soon an old woman starts to shuffle up the walk to the ship.  They tell her she cannot board the ship.  When they realize it's their missing passenger Marsali they are both surprised and excited that they will be able to make their way across the Atlantic.

The story just blooms and blooms from that point on.  Marsali has had a rough life.  She is so happy to be away from her horrible Aunt and her family.  She thinks that her life is going to be so much better in America.  Upon arriving on the ship she gets a letter from her Sister in America telling her to not make the voyage.  The man she is indentured to is suppose to be a horrible man.

The trip that was suppose to be care free and wonderful for Christopher and Marsali turns out very differently.

There are so many great characters in this book.  The MC's are fantastic, but all the secondary characters are fabulous as well.  I loved reading this book.  

This love story is so fantastic.  There is so much that happens on their journey to America.  It made me want to cry, scream, and throw my book.  Thank heaven's I was reading on my Kindle!  If it would have been a real book it would have been across the room several times. :). 

So many things happened that threw me for a loop, that it made the story that much more fantastic.  Yes.  With all the screaming, and gnashing of teeth going on this was a, grab a cup of cocoa (okay let's be real it's like  a BILLION degrees in AZ so more like a cup of diet dr. pepper), stress ball reliever, tissue grabbing, love story.  

Content:  I don't think there was any thing more than kissing, so very clean!  YAY!

Source:  I was given this book as part of a tour in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

TOUR SCHEDULE

August 10

Julie http://www.juliecoulterbellon.com/

Katie http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

Paij Slater http://www.readingisoneofmypassions.blogspot.com/

August 11

 

Melanie http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

Andrea http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

August 12

Tressa http://www.wishfulendings.com/

Rachelle http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/

Shauna http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

August 13

Rachel D. http://empowermoms.net/

Lindzee http://www.lindzeearmstrong.com/

August 14

Sheila http://www.whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

Sydney http://singinglibrarianbooks.weebly.com/

Cathy http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

Talei/Leslee http://www.bubblebath-books.com/

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children’s literature. 

Her first novel, Counting Stars (Covenant Communications 2007), won the 2007 Whitney Award for best romance. Her companion novel, a romantic suspense titled, All the Stars in Heaven (Covenant 2009), was a Whitney finalist, as was her first historical romance, Captive Heart (Covenant 2011). My Lucky Stars (Covenant 2012) completed the Stars series. 
After having a novella published in A Timeless Romance Anthology European Collection (Mirror Press, 2013), Michele decided to focus on historical romance and began Hearthfire Historicals, with the debut novel Saving Grace. A companion novella, Loving Helen will be released February 2015.
Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fourteen years and feels privileged to meet with fellow authors Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, LuAnn Staheli, Sarah M. Eden, J. Scott Savage, and Robison Wells. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences. 
When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shitzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains. You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook and twitter . 

AUTHOR LINKS:

Michele's website http://www.michelepaigeholmes.net/

    

REVIEW FOR - AWAKENED - BY PATRICIA VANASSE - RESILIENT SERIES BOOK 2

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Under the control of The Agency, a secret, governmental organization that created genetically engineered teens who posses a combination of extraordinary abilities, Adam is serving the purpose for which he was created while his girlfriend, Livia fights to save him. Manipulated to forget his love for Livia and his past, he lives a life crafted by fake memories that enslave him to a life of following the orders of an organization, whose intentions are unclear. Now Adam battles with vivid “dreams” of a life he does not remember and the strong connection he feels to the girl with familiar blue eyes.

Livia’s desire for vengeance lead her and Daniel on a dangerous race to disrupt the destructive string of events that The Agency initiated seventeen years earlier. As they travel across parts of North America in search of other teens who are just like them, Livia will face an ethical battle over genetics, loyalty, and love. The race is on, and it is up to Livia to destroy The Agency and rescue Adam, but even if she succeeds at saving him, there are no guarantees she’ll be able to save the deep connection they once shared. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I was so excited when the author contacted me to review this book.  I loved the first one so much, so I was super excited to see what happens next.

Let me start with what I LOVED about this book :)!

When Adam is captured by The Agency they erase his memories of Livia and they train him to be a soldier.   When they are out on a mission he sees Livia and cannot understand the feelings that come up when he sees her.  He realizes that Livia is the girl he keeps seeing in his dreams.  Livia can see his struggle when they meet eyes, but cannot convince him to come with her.

Livia and Daniel get together in Alaska and decide it's time to locate the other kids like them.  Livia only agrees when Daniel tells her that he will help her save her love Adam.

There is so much going on in this book.  Run ins with The Agency.  Meeting new characters with abilities.  Which is my favorite part :).  Trying to bring The Agency down.  There is a plan to clone the kids with abilities, and some people from the inside are also trying to stop it.  

This book is exciting, and has lots of escapes going on.  It's great.  It was hard to put down, and was fast moving the whole time.  Someone was always watching.  It was a bit creepy how The Agency seemed to always know where the "enhanced" kids were.

Now....I am sooo sad to say this because I really do love this book.  BUT, I think there might be a love triangle coming.  I hate love triangles more than anything.  It is the only reason why I am not giving this a 5 star.  I am excited to see what the next book brings, but I am not excited about the triangle I am going to have to go through.  They just frustrate me soooooooo bad.  

Source:  I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  In my opinion it's a pretty clean book.  Nothing I can pin point so I consider that clean :).

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Patricia Vanasse was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now she lives on a beautiful island in the Pacific Northwest. She has been through Culinary Arts, Psychology, Law School, and now has finally found her passion in creative writing. She also loves traveling, cooking, and is an avid reader. Her strength- believes that everything is possible. Her weakness- an obsessive relationship with caffeine.