BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR: FINDING BEAUTY IN THE BEAST – BY – JESSILYN STEWART PEASLEE

Welcome to my stop on this tour for this super cute book.

description taken from cedarfort.com

DESCRIPTION:

Corbin’s simple rose was supposed to drive the princess away. He never wanted her to choose his gift—or him. After all, no one would choose to marry a beast. With her fiery temper, though, Princess Rose isn’t so perfect herself. Corbin and Rose might be stuck living with each other, but no one can force them to fall in love.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I love fairy tales, and this re-telling of Beauty and the Beast is wonderful.  Beauty and the Beast is hands down my favorite.  I am sure I have said that about others, but it really is the greatest story.

When Corbin is turned away by his true love for an opportunity to marry a Prince, he packs up and leaves town.  Hoping to find a better life for himself, and start over new.

When Corbin arrives in Laurel, he is able to take over a Blacksmith’s shop, where the owner had either abandoned it or died….  He was quickly busy with work, not that the town finally had a capable Blacksmith.

The bread maker told him that it was a giving day.  All eligible men in the town had to give a gift to the Princess.  Whoever gift she accepted would become the King. 

This was the last thing on Corbin’s mind since he left his life behind.  His heart had just been broken and now he has to give a gift to a Princess that he hears is a terror.

This book brings out all the feels.  Love, hate, anger, disappointment, determination, and romance.  I did not expect the book to be gender bent.  I have to admit I loved that the “Beast” was the Princess, and not the Prince.  We get to see the gentle side of Corbin, and how he deals with this new life that he did not choose.

He finds answers to a long unanswered question.  He tames the beast, and saves her.  It is such a sweet story.  I love it when we get to see men be more vulnerable.  If you like retelling this is a great one to pick up.  Plus, “Who could love a Beast?”.  (from Beauty and the Beast) One of my favorite quotes ever.

I was given this book as part of a blog 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.

EXCERPT:

“A beast. That was what they called her.
When she was in a good temper, Princess Rose’s face was deceptively sweet, even beautiful. Her large emerald eyes could appear tender, her rosebud lips touched with softness. There was a time, some would say, that her voice was warm and full of life and, though no one believed it, that she used to laugh.

But today, there was no hint of softness, no trace of tenderness. Her eyes blazed like green fire and she pursed her lips until they became indistinguishable from her pale skin. The freckles she painstakingly tried to hide glared angrily across her nose and cheeks—cheeks deep crimson from humiliation. No tears would escape her eyes, no quivering would touch her lips. She sat—cold and aloof—her gaze fixed straight ahead, glaring at the opposite wall of the swaying carriage.”

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

       

A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee was born the fourth of seven children into a family of avid readers, music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Jessilyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. She loves going on dates with her husband and playing with her five adorable, rambunctious boys. Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful high desert of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry . . . or should be. Current Residence: Saratoga Springs, UT

Be sure to follow the tour here:

“Finding Beauty in the Beast” Blog Tour Schedule

Jan 16
Jan 17	My Love for Reading Keeps Growing
Jan 17	Blooming with Books
Jan 17	Reading for Sanity
Jan 18	Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Jan 19	Kindle and Me
Jan 20	Making Life a Bliss Complete
Jan21
Jan 22	Mel’s Shelves
Jan 22	Literary Time Out
Jan 23	Geo Librarian
Jan 24
Jan 25	Life is What it’s Called
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29	My Book a Day
Jan 29	Bookworm Lisa
Jan 29	One Day at a Time
Jan 30	Aimee Brown
Jan 30	Bookworm 2 Bookworm

BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR: POTION MASTERS - THE ETERNITY ELIXIR - BY FRANK L. COLE

Welcome to my stop on this fabulous tour:

pic and description taken from shadowmountain.com

DESCRIPTION:

For hundreds of years, all of our medical findings, our technological advancements, and even our weapons are a direct result of magical potions. Few people know about the truth because few people are aware of the hidden potion community known as B.R.E.W.–the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide.

Twelve-year-old Gordy knows all about the importance of cauldrons, flasks, and Bunsen burners. He has an extensive knowledge of hundreds of ingredients including Toadflax, porcupine quills, and catfish eyes because Gordy’s mother is the Director of B.R.E.W., and he is an apprentice potion master with a secret lab in his family’s basement.

When the world’s most powerful potion–the Eternity Elixir–disappears and then mysteriously ends up in Gordy’s possession, he must use all of his skills to protect the “forbidden potion” before enemies of B.R.E.W. find and use it to destroy the world as we know it.

Gordy recruits his two best friends, Max and Adeline, to assist him while his mother leaves to confront the most powerful elixirist of all time-the great Mezzarix-who happens to be Gordy’s grandfather.

The Eternity Elixir is the first book in the Potion Masters trilogy.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Let us just start with the cover.  It's awesome.  I always fall in love with a cover before I even look at what the book is about.  Sometimes that is a good thing, and sometimes not.  This time it is definitely a good thing.  This book was so much fun to read. 

This is great book for any age reader, but will probably be particularly good for middle grade.  Although I am no longer in middle grade, and I loved the book...so I guess it's good for old people too :).

I read that this book was about potions, so I just assumed it meant it was about magic as well.  I was wrong.  I guess I just assumed they went hand in hand.  Well, we all know what assuming does.  I am happy to say that this is just about potion brewing, and it was so exciting.  We all know how powerful potions can be.....and in this book we get to explore the world of potion making with Gordy.  His love for brewing sends us on an exciting adventure.

Gordy is a 12 year old boy and is already a master potions-maker just like his mom Wanda.  Wanda is an Elixirist, Fourth Class, and one of the greatest concoters of potions in the country.

Gordy learns that his mom works for B.R.E.W. and gets to visit work with her.  There Gordy learns what his mother really does for work.  When, Wanda gets an urgent message during Gordy's visit, they return home, and his mother leaves immediately.  

Gordy has two great friends that accidentally learned about his ability to make potions during a dinner one night.  Gordy, begged his mother not to erase all their memories, and allow him to share his gift with his two best friends, Max and Adilene.  Although, Gordy's mom would rather him work with other kids like him, Gordy has convinced his mother that his friends are trust worthy.  Good thing!

While Gordy's mother is away a strange package is delivered to their home, and Gordy decides to open it.  I guess he wasn't taught not to open things that are not addressed to him.  Once Gordy opens the package a world of chaos is opened upon his family and friends.

Who knew opening a package could be so dangerous?  

The ride I got to enjoy with Gordy, his friends and family was so exciting.  I read most of the book before bed one night.  It is a fast, fun, and exciting read.  If you or your kids like adventure, potions, mummies?, danger, and excitement this book is for you.  Pick it up!  Read it with your children, and enjoy the ride.  I am so excited to see where the next book takes us.  What an awesome beginning to a series!

Here is a fun book trailer to help you get even more excited about the book!!

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:

A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

for allwoing me to be part of this tour!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from shadowmountain.com

Frank L. Cole lives with his wife and three children out West. When he's not writing books, Frank enjoys going to the movies and traveling. He is the author of nine books. He is an active promoter of reading and using your imagination and has been to more than 120 schools presenting to kids. His philosophy is “With a good imagination you can solve any problem you ever come up against in life!

WHERE TO BUY:

    

I KNOW!!! I KNOW!!!! I ALWAYS SAY THIS.......

I keep saying I am going to be better at blogging and posting.  I really try.  I know it doesn't seem like it, but I do.  This year, I plan to do better.......but I have said that before..hehe.  Well, I can say it, and I just hope it happens.  

My fathers health declined quickly for a few months and I was unable to do anything but help my mother take care of things around the house, and shopping while she took care of my dad.  Now he has kind of leveled off, and it's not so iffy, I hope to be able to do more.  Although, I do have a lot more on my plate now, with helping my mother, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.  They are the greatest people on the planet and I am honored to be able to help them at this time in their lives.  

Who knows what the future holds.  I just hope to do some more things that I enjoy while helping at the same time.  This life is too short not to enjoy the things we love.  There is a time and a season for everything.  It might not be my time or season to blog everyday right now, but I do hope to do better.  

Thank you to all of those who still check on me, and read my blog, even though it's patchy.  I love this blogging community and have learned so much from all of you!  

Happy New Year!  I hope that this year brings you all good things!

BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR - LIES JANE AUSTEN TOLD ME - BY JULIE WRIGHT

Welcome to my tour stop for this awesome book!

pic taken from blog tour info, description taken from shadowmountain.com

DESCRIPTION:

Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she’s been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife.



But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she’s good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake’s younger brother, Lucas.

Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate.



What she can’t understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake’s arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him. It isn’t until Lucas reveals to Emma that he was adopted into the Hampton family that she begins to understand his loyalty to Blake as well as his devotion to the child April-she is Lucas’s biological niece.



Emma opens up to Lucas about the feelings of abandonment she has harbored ever since she was a child and her mother left the family. As she helps Lucas deal with his past demons, she is able to exorcise some of her own.



Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it’s time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it’s time for him to love her back.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Again, Proper Romance hits it out of the ball park.  This was an absolutely delightful read.  I am in love with the cover.

While I was reading this I got a "While You Were Sleeping" feeling, which is wonderful, because that is my favorite movie of all time.

Let me start by saying that I love all things Proper Romance.  They are such amazing, clean, entertaining and well written books.  If you want to see more books in this series you can go here.  I have read every single one of them and each one has been amazing.  I mean, A MAY ZING!  This book is no different.

Emma thought she was in love with Blake Hampton.  A young, wealthy bachelor who chose her.  Emma was getting more responsibilities at work, that she had worked very hard for.  Blake invites Emma to his parents house for the weekend, but Emma doesn't feel like she can go.  She tells Blake she won't make it, but her team encourages her to have their work meeting, and then drive out to meet Blake and surprise him.

Emma's team is convinced it is going to be a marriage proposal.  When Emma showed up at the Hampton's Estate, it was she who got the surprise not Blake.  It was then Emma realized she loved Blake more than he loved her.  

While leaving the Hampton house Emma upset, and angry, she realizes she doesn't have a way to get back home.  When she stomps down the driveway, a car pulls up and asks if he can help.  When Emma realizes it's Blake's brother she doesn't want to have anything to do with him, but also realized she would never make it back home without his help.

Making it home, sad, disappointed, and hurt, Emma decides she is just going to focus all on work from now on.  

Then she gets put in charge of finding new locations for her business and they bring on someone new to help out.  Of course, you guessed it, Lucas Hampton.  Emma was NOT happy about the new companion she would have to deal with while trying to get over her ex.  Now she is expected to find new locations, and work with her exes brother.

A comedy of errors (okay maybe not comedic errors, but you'll get it) , and misunderstandings happen from that point on.  Emma loving Jane Austen so much has decided she lied about how men were, and was going to give up on them and break up with Austen.  Little by little she sees that her resolve is waining, and she is finding Lucas agreeable and easy to work with.

I don't want to say much more because I want you to go and read it for yourself.  The writing is beautiful.  I felt as though I was a fly on the wall whenever Emma was around.  I love it when a book pulls me in that way.  If you like Jane Austen, then you will love this book.  Like I said at the beginning it gave me a "While You Were Sleeping" feel, and it was FAN FREAKING TASTIC!

I took this book in all in one day, because that is how much this book grabbed me.  Forget dinners, kids, responsibilities, I mean who can deal with that kind of stuff when your in the throws of love, and hurt.  hehehe.  Okay, I wish I could say I was kidding about ignoring everyone and everything, but I am not.  That his just how much I loved this book.  Pick it up, you won't regret it!

Source:  I was given this book as part of a blog 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:

this book deserves my +1!

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from here

Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen, and has since written twenty-three novels. She has a husband, three kids, a dog, and a varying amount of fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, speaking at schools, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

for the opportunity to review this amazing book!