Sunday, December 29, 2013

This Morning I Woke Up Dead Book Review


Tour Schedule
This Morning I Woke Up Dead
by Mindy Larson
Date Published: 11/12/2013 - Re-Launch
Paranormal Romance


Book Description:
What would you do? What rules would you break to be with your soul mate? This morning Hadley Christensen and Dominic Morris woke up living their dream lives. They are engaged and each has promising careers in the medical field. They are happier and more fulfilled than they have ever been, and they are ready to begin their happily ever after.

Sadly, on her way to work, Hadley is in an accident. Before taking her last breath, she realizes she is already dead - and everyone on Earth is too. Now Hadley and Dominic must each find a way to live without one another. How do they continue when they are two parts of one flame?

Hadley is given permission by the Masters to contact Dominic in the hopes he will also realize he is already dead. If Dominic can open his mind to hear Hadley they can be together forever. Is Dominic ready to give up life the way he knows it?

BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1apcNAW
Nook: http://bit.ly/19qHmCL
iTunes: http://bit.ly/18KKkTd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1bLcMGN

During the months of November & December - 1% of the gross sales of all novels with Lavish Publishing, LLC will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America. The donation will be made in May 2014 in honor of AA Pencil and National Lupus Awareness Month.

Book Trailer



My opinion:
First of all did you see the book description and the book trailer? Just with that alone I felt a had to read this book. The story sounded so unique and different from what I have been reading lately. This book was the perfect book to end 2013 with. I fell in love with the story from the first paragraph. I even made my boyfriend pause his show so I can read that first paragraph to him and tell him that I already know I will love this book.

This story makes you think about what happens when you die. Or what is you are already dead and everyone else on earth is too? Maybe you just haven't realized it yet? When Hadley gets in a car crash she realizes she's been dead the whole time. She wants to be with her fiance Dominic but they can't be together until he figures out that he is dead too. Every time Hadley tried to make Dominic believe he was already dead and he was to stubborn to see it it would break my heart. But they are soul mates and Hadley refuses to give up on him. Their love is beautiful, Hadley and Dominic are both great characters. I can't wait for the next book! I give this book 5 stars!


Author's Favorite Quotes
1- “So, you're probably wondering how did I die? Well, the better question might be: when did I realize that I was never alive?”

2- “Think of Earth as one enormous waiting room. On Earth, we can do all the things needed to learn and grow for the next cycle of life. Life on Earth is a practice run. A dress rehearsal. While we're on Earth we can play. Love. Find our talents. Those who are smart, use them. It's a pity that not near enough of the population do. Most waste their time on Earth gossiping, arguing, spending too much money, worrying about anything and everything. We cause pain. To ourselves and others. The opposite of living. Why? I don't know. What I do know is that love, being happy, and feeling gratitude for everyone and everything is all its really about.”

3- “Logan steps over and around the bugs but through the kids, making the red head shiver. Seems sort of backwards to me, avoiding bugs in favor of passing through children. But who am I to judge?”

4- “I feel like I’m living in a science fiction book where every one hundred and nine minutes I must push a button or the Earth will explode. But that button is pushing a bottle or some other kind of baby food into Ruby's mouth.”

5- “A chill passes over me. I physically wince, wondering what is going on. Why does this keep happening? Maybe there is an air conditioning vent above me. I look up and there isn't one that I can see.”

6- “With my next few steps towards the Disneyland gates, I decide that my name is now, Scott, Scott Salisbury. I am an art teacher. I nod a couple of times, pleased with my choice. It's relaxing and low key being an art teacher. I play Jack Johnson in the classroom and blow bubbles over the student’s heads. Pass out candies. The kids adore me. They even come to me with their silly high school problems and I guide them through it. Scott doesn’t see crazy old guys. No one tells Scott that he is already dead. Scott isn’t mourning anyone.”

7- “The point of life. Or death,” he adds sarcastically. “Is to be loving, grateful, peaceful, and do what you love to do, to find fulfillment. You love Dominic. You are grateful for his presence. You found fulfillment with him. So,” Logan draws out the o sound. “It would appear, Hadley,” his tone changes slightly. He is jealous, I think. “That you get to interfere. You get to help him discover the truth: that he is dead, too. And if it goes well.” Logan pauses, cocks an eye brow and says, “They are willing to consider allowing you to help others realize this as well.”

8- Dominic shakes his head again. He can't see me. Not exactly. He can't hear me. Not exactly. He can't feel me. Not exactly. But he knows, on some level, that I am here. I know he knows.”

9- “Learn a word. Lose a memory. As time passes, some begin to remember things with a feeling of déjà vu or through dreams. Memories are forever cemented to your soul. They cannot make you forget.”

10- “I actually had vague gossamer thin memories of my Pre-Earth life. Thanks to my dreams and the assistance of some rather reoccurring kooky Déjà vu I was able to remember. Most people dismiss both but not me. I always loved the bone chilling apprehension that I experienced whenever recalling my dreams, whenever I had déjà vu, I immediately tried to understand why and what I was remembering exactly.”

11- “They are all lost to me. I must make peace with that, and yet I will forever be knitted to them. I am gray colored yarn. Dominic is chocolate brown. Harper is light blue. My mother is emerald. My father is sapphire. Together, we make a beautiful tapestry. Apart we are loose ends, waiting, hoping to be woven together again.”

12- “I like not knowing the time. It’s so nice to just enjoy a moment or two without worrying about the time, whether I need to be somewhere or to do something.”

13- “Hearts do no beat. Lungs do not need oxygen. If one listens, they can hear the gentleness of thumping, thumping, thumping of a heart, and the whooshing of air being passed in and out of their lungs. It’s all relative. Each individual will, at some point, come to the realization that nothing is as it seems.”

14- “She laughs again and this time it’s so sexy. She has a million laughs. Different keys to different parts of our song.”

15- “Hours later, we're all exhausted and in bed, drifting off to sleep. My body remembers the gentle rocking of the waves and quickly lulls me into sleep. Just before I finally give in, I feel a familiar cool presence against my backside, chilling my raging sunburn so much so that I can sleep. Sleepily, I smile all knowingly that she is with me.”

16- “He lost his fiancée recently. And I lost mine. But,” Em pauses and laughs high pitched and loud and very manically. “And, sometimes,” her eyes widen, “We still see them.”

17- “Alone I can keep it real. As real as I choose to. My mind takes me back and forth. I saw her. I dreamed of her. I saw her. I dreamed of her. A see-saw. Unfortunately, I am not ready to get off this ride. Not yet. For now, no decision has been made as to whether or not I saw her. I can cling to the sea-saw for a while.”

18- “Hot water runs down my back, scorching me. I grab the soap and lather up my body. Turning the dial all the way to cold, I shiver as goose bumps assault me, reminding me that I can feel. If you're dead, you cannot feel such things. I don't think. There is no nervous system in place. No working brain to receive the messages even if there was. I settle on warm. Luke warm. Not alive. Not dead. That's exactly how I feel, somewhere in between life and death.”

19- “Those few gentle spirits, we all know at least one -who avoid stepping on any and all bugs, and instead, they carefully catch those that had wandered innocently into their homes to dispose of them in the out of doors- had been right to not torture a living thing.”

20- “Dominic Morris,” I tell her. Suddenly I am smiling. Out of embarrassment, I cover my lips with my hands. I think about how he's such a good kisser and my lips tingle. He does things to me. Even when we're not together, I react. When I realize that I am still grinning like an idiot, I attempt to stop. But I just can't.”



Mindy Larson
Mindy Larsen has always had a vivid imagination that has only improved with her love of reading and writing. She spent much of her childhood entertaining her three younger brothers with her stories and today she is bringing her imagination to life in books.

When not writing, Mindy enjoys spending time with the love of her life and four children while playing disc golf, cooking, baking, traveling and exploring.

Website: www.MindyLarson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisMorningIWokeUpDead
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarsonMindy
Blog: http://thismorningiwokeupdead.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Santa's Beard Organic Cotton Candy Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


Product Description:
Santa's Beard Packaging
A 32 oz plastic container filled with 2 oz of Organic Vanilla Cotton Candy, a Santa's Beard Sticker, and a Festive Green or Red Bow!
-- 4 to 8 week shelf life--
Or a 2.75" x 9" Clear Cello Bag stuffed with 2 oz Organic Vanilla Cotton Candy, a Santa's Beard Sticker, and a Festive Green or Red Ribbon!
-- 2 to 4 week shelf life--
Our Organic Vanilla Cotton Candy is spun and packaged the day we ship your order!

Santa's Beard Story

Santa's white beard grows more everyday.
But if it's too long, and gets caught on his sleigh,
He wouldn't be able to give presents that day.
So the elves work hard to keep the beard neat;
When one elf discovered "Hey, this beard is sweet!"
So the clever little elf, gathered the fluff,
And asked Santa Claus "Can we package this stuff?"
Santa said "Sure, that's a wonderful plan!
We'll stuff it in stockings across the land!"

My Opinion:
This year my family enjoyed Santa's Beard. It was the first time we had tried organic vanilla flavored cotton candy and we are in love. This cotton candy tasted better than the one we get at the fair every September. I wish I could have Santa's Beard all year long! My kids couldn't wait to open and eat it all. I can't wait to get my family some more next year.



Don't forget to like them on facebook and follow them on twitter!
Links:
Facebook
Twitter

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

60 Printable Christmas Party Games, Crafts and Activities Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


Their product description:

Customers receive their games via an encrypted email link. They are in PDF format and may be printed in the home, office, or a copy shop.

We do not impose time limits on our customers. The games are theirs to keep; so if they don't use them all in the first Christmas season (which is pretty unlikely, given the quantity of games here!), then they have the games to use in future years.

  • Spot the Difference
  • Mad Libs
  • Trivia
  • Scavenger Hunts
  • Left-Right Games
  • Group Party Games
  • Teen Christmas Games
  • Word Games
  • Kids' Games
  • Adult-Appropriate Games
  • Christian Games
  • Paper Dolls
  • Newlywed Game
  • Gift Exchange Games
  • Office Christmas Party Games
  • Printable Letter From Santa
  • And more

My Opinion:
I was so excited to try the 60 printable Christmas games but have had a very hard time trying to print them. I just couldn't figure it out... I guess I was supposed to download Adobe Reader. So I downloaded it but now my printer is being difficult. My printer was working great before but since I moved a week ago I have no idea what is going on with it but hopefully I can get my printer to print again soon. I'm a little sad that I didn't get to print at least a few games. I was especially hoping to print a Letter From Santa, Christmas Hide N Go Seek Your Gift, Christmas Coloring Pages, and Christmas Puzzles. The good thing though is that these printable pages don't expire so I will have them for next year and my son will be three by then so he will be able to color and play some of the games too.


You can buy them on their website: http://www.python-printable-games.com/printable-christmas-games.html#axzz2oQsMXqub

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Energems Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
Energems Press Release
ENERGEMS LAUNCHES MOM-FRIENDLY ENERGY SUPPLEMENT MADE WITH REAL MILK CHOCOLATE
15-calorie energy boost with a B-Vitamin and caffeine energy blend†

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL – NOVEMBER 2013 – Busy parents everywhere need all the help they can get to power them through their hectic days. The juggling act of car pools, household chores and in many cases a full-time job makes modern parents wish they had a little support. Luckily, Energems has announced the launch of the first energy supplement made with real milk chocolate. A special energy blend with B-12 vitamins and caffeine makes each 15-calorie gem a tasty alternative to energy shots and drinks†.

Founder and CEO of Energems, Brian Street, realized that all energy supplements were liquid so he set out to create a new product with a taste consumers, particularly women, would enjoy. The end result was an indulgent energy supplement that was the first of it’s kind. Street explains, “Bitter, liquid energy shots and drinks just don’t have an appealing taste. We have been able to create a, great-tasting, low-calorie alternative to liquid energy products that is as effective, but with a delicious milk chocolate taste.” †

Energems are made in a U.S.-based factory to ensure a high-quality, well-made final product that consumers can trust. The size and shape of the gem was uniquely developed to incorporate the perfect blend of energy ingredients, real milk chocolate and then coated with a hard shell, resulting in a great-tasting dietary supplement†. In addition to real milk chocolate, Energems are made with peanut butter and natural mint flavor, ensuring an authentic taste for even the most discriminating palate.

Consumers are given the power of portion control with the convenience of a small portable box containing nine bite-sized chocolate gems. The handy box can easily fit in a small clutch, pants pocket or be tucked away in your office desk. Three Energems are equivalent to one cup of coffee and with three servings in each box, people can control when and how much caffeine they want. From a trip to the grocery story to a high-powered workout, it is easy to find the perfect energy balance. Energy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Energems puts the control in your hands†.

Energems are currently selling in nearly 20,000 stores nationwide and can be purchased at Dollar General, and select Circle K stores, 7-Eleven stores, independent retailers and Energems.net.

About Energems:
Energems is a great tasting energy supplement made with a special blend of B-vitamins, caffeine and real milk chocolate†. The hard-coated gems are 15 calories each and come in three flavors; milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolate and mint chocolate. Three Energems are equivalent to one strong cup of coffee and with nine gems in each portable box, consumers decide when and how much energy they get†. One box of Energems retails at $2.99 and can be found at Dollar General and select Circle K stores, 7-Eleven stores, independent retailers and Energems.net. For more information, please visit Energems.net.


FOR MORE INFORMATION on Energems, to schedule an interview, or request a media kit and sample, please contact Lais Pontes of The Pontes Group at lais@thepontesgroup.com or 954-960.6083.


My Opinion:
I love chocolate so when I heard about Energems I had to try them. Chocolate that gives you energy? Sounds perfect to me! I received 1 pack of milk chocolate, 1 pack of mint, and 1 pack of peanut butter flavored Energems to try. They look like giant M&M's except without the M in the middle of course. I couldn't wait to try all three flavors so I opened them all and had one of each. I can't decide which one I loved more. They really do taste like the flavors they are. My mom and two sisters loved them too but my older sister loved the peanut butter ones the best. My boyfriend says they taste like medicine but he doesn't love chocolate like I do and he rather drink energy drinks. I would take chocolate Energems over energy drinks any day! Three is definitely enough for me and gives me just enough energy for my busy days.

You can print this coupon for $1.00 Off expires 2/21/14
$1.00 Off Digital Coupon: http://www.energems.net/energems-coupon-1-off/

Links:
Website: http://energems.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateEnergems
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Energems

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Secrets Kept Guest Post and Giveaway ends 1/7

On Tour with Prism Book Tours


The Secrets Kept Tour!



This tour will explore the World of Nälu: 

Where a story with adventure, action, love, betrayal, and a quest takes place.

We will get to visit sites, learn more about the cuisine, and be introduced to some elves, dwarves, and shape-shifters, at the least.


Secrets Kept
Secrets Kept 
by JL Mbewe
YA Fantasy
October 30th 2013 by AltWit Press



With a curse, she will build an army.
With the dagger, she will undo the last sacrifice.
But first the sorceress must find the secret keeper.


Torn from her homeland and thrust into a betrothal against her wishes, Ayianna learns her family has a deadly secret that now has her on the run. She joins forces with Kael, an embittered half-elf, and Saeed, an elderly High Guardian, to seek answers to her father’s death, the destruction of Dagmar, and the plains people’s bizarre behavior.

Ayianna discovers there is more at stake here than just her mother’s disappearance and her familial duty to her betrothed. The sorceress has cursed the plains people, and it is a race against time to release them before the sorceress resurrects an ancient evil.



GoodreadsAmazon * iTunes * Barnes and Noble





GUEST POST

The Haruzo
The feline shape-shifting race of Nälu
The Haruzo are split into two ethnic groups: The Plarzo in Bonzapur and the Rugazo in the mountainous region of Arashel. Although each group claims to be the true Haruzo, they will refer to their specific title when they are in the midst of political exchanges. They each speak a dialect of Hazrul and the common tongue.
Bonzapur, the land of sun-fire. Arashel, the land of ice and snow, and mountains.
The Plarzo are the night to the Rugazo’s day. Where they are gracious, hospitable, and laid back, the Rugazo are unmerciful, cold, and rigid. The king of Bonzapur has a harem; the king of Arashel claims only one wife. The Plarzo embrace life outwardly, relishing in the colors, the music, and the beauty around them. The Rugazo are reserved, but don’t misjudge them. Their loyalty and integrity run deep.
But people like Stygian didn’t differentiate between the two. He hunted them both for their hides and awarded others who did likewise, except he much preferred the lush coat of a snow leopard during the winters. After Stygian’s defeat, the Alliance outlawed the hunting of them.
In Desert Rose and Secrets Kept, we meet only the Plarzo. The sleek black cats who mark the desert as their own, but their territory doesn’t end there. Their claim to land stretches beyond the Kha Vaaro Mountain Range to the rich verdant valleys of the Rimanga Jungle.
In the palace, Ayianna discovers the great murals depicting the fall of Stygian and the prophecy to come. She also learns first hand, much to her embarrassment, that a zaporza is a public bath house, and that the queen has a paqzrona, her own band of female warriors. Quite different than the western culture of elves and humans, and this gives her hope.
The music of Bonzapur was inspired by the Hang drum, which Ayianna found herself dancing to during the wedding feast of the king, but I won’t tell who she was dancing with. ;-)
Here are two music videos to give you a glimpse into what the music might have sounded like. They are a compilation of three groups I had the privilege of seeing at the Festival of Nations at Dollywood. LOVE this! Special time, special people. Enjoy!







desert-rose-3web
FREE right now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
Desert Rose
(A Tale of Nälu #1)



Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00013]
NOW AVAILABLE: Tales of  Nälu (all three short stories in paperback) on Amazon!



Living life balanced between reality and dreams.


JL Mbewe - AuthorWriting as J. L. Mbewe, Jennette is an author, artist, mother, wife, but not always in that order. Born and raised in Minnesota, she now braves the heat of Texas, but pines for the Northern Lights and the lakes of home every autumn. She loves trying to capture the abstract and make it concrete. She has two short stories published in The Clockwork Dragon anthology, and is busily creating worlds inhabited by all sorts of fantasy creatures and characters, all questing about and discovering true love amid lots of peril. Her debut novel Secrets Kept and her short stories set in the world of Nälu: Desert Rose, Dragon Thief, and Indestructible are now available. She is currently living her second childhood with a wonderful husband and two precious children who don’t seem to mind her eclectic collections of rocks, shells, and books, among other things.


For more information about her journey as a writer mama and all things creative please visit her at:





Tour-Wide Giveaway



Kindle Fire Prize Pack (US/CAN ONLY), which includes:
- Kindle Fire
- Chocolate truffles
- Paper backs of Secrets Kept and Tales of Nälu
- Awesome swag (key chain, bookmark, and poster)
Ends January 7, 2014
a Rafflecopter giveaway





Follow the tour!






12/9: Launch on Colorimetry and Tressa's Wishful Endings
12/12: The Real Deal
12/12: fundinmental
12/15: Colorimetry
12/23: alwaysjoart
12/29: Fictionally
12/31: Grand Finale



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Are you an author or publisher and would like to have us organize a tour? Go HERE.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Unbearable Book Review and Giveaway



Unbearable (Undescribable #2)
by Shantel Tessier


Synopsis:
Grief.
How do you survive the loss of a mother you thought didn't love you...until it was too late?
Forgiveness.
How do you forgive the person who hurt you the most?
Fear.
How do you survive the person who won’t let you go?
Jealousy.
How can your heart continue to trust the person you thought you knew?
Betrayal.
How many secrets are too many?
Lust.
How can you say no, when your body screams yes?
Passion.
How can you deny a love that has no boundaries?
Slade and Samantha's story continues...

Unbearable Buy Links
Amazon- http://goo.gl/eM3Y2s
B&N - http://goo.gl/D1NCvh


Undescribable Buy Links & Currently $0.99!
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Undescribable-Shantel-Tessier-ebook/dp/B00E3EQNUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386350299&sr=8-1&keywords=undescribable+shantel+tessier
B&N -  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/undescribable-shantel-tessier-b-n-shantel-tessier/1116122770?ean=2940148514992

Book Trailers:

Undescribable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB24mFWkK-o

Unbearable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wxw3Y9dUWY

My Opinion:
After reading Undescribable and Unbearable I have mixed feelings about these books. Sometimes I think I love them and sometimes I don't. Samantha and Slades love is beautiful because they are sure about the whey they feel and never doubted each other. Their sex life was a little too wild for me though and I did not want to read about it every couple minutes! I thought Slade was too controlling but I can't decide if I like him or not. So many bad things happened to Samantha it seemed like everyone was after her and girls kept trying to ruin her relationship with Slade, I just felt so bad for her. My favorite couple though is Holly and Micah even though they are not the main characters. In the end though I just couldn't put this book down and even with all the sex that I know will be there and I won't want to read but will read it anyways, I can't wait to read Uncontrollable to see how this story ends. Just because the sex was too much for me I give this book three and three fourth stars.


About the Author:
Shantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, and their three year old little princess. She considers herself extremely lucky to be a stay at home wife and mother. When she’s not reading or writing, she spends her time with family and friends.

Find more about Shantel!
Twitter: @Shantel_Tessier
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Shantel-Tessier-Author/408437342580536
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7086716.Shantel_Tessier

Blog Tour giveaway –
4 signed paperback of Undescribable & Unbearable
5 swag packs
1 Kindle paperwhite (US only)
1 $100 Amazon gift card for International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Saturday, December 21, 2013

Copy-Kids DVD Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Product Description:
Copy-Kids is a media company producing video that encourages positive habits in young children, by watching and copying other kids. Copy-Kids unique content — DVD, online and TV — helps parents get their children hooked on healthy and positive habits.

Produced for children aged 6 months to 5 years, Copy-Kids innovative video is fun and compelling for both children and parents.

Copy-Kids launched in January 2012 with Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables. The DVD features 12 x 7 minute chapters, one for each of twelve fruits & veggies:
  • bell peppers
  • carrots
  • raspberries
  • broccoli
  • bananas
  • strawberries
  • tomatoes
  • cucumber
  • oranges
  • avocado
  • apples
  • blueberries

Each chapter features several adorable and entertaining children aged 9 months to 4 years, eating with joy and delight. It’s a simple but revolutionary tool for parents who want their kids to develop a life-long habit of healthy eating. The DVD includes an on-camera discussion about healthy eating with renowned pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon, plus a section of delightful outtakes.

Total Running Time: 115 minutes


My Opinion:
When it comes to eating my five year old daughter and two year old son are complete opposites. My daughter is so picky and it's so difficult to get her to eat anything especially healthy food but my son loves to eat everything! Right now I'm trying anything and everything I can think of to get my daughter to eat her vegetables. One of the things I'm trying is the Copy Kids DVD. In Copy Kids there are very young children eating different fruits and vegetables. Honestly I'm not a big fan of this DVD but my children love it and since it is for them what really matters is if they love it and if it actually works. My daughter still isn't eating much vegetables yet but she is now at least willing to try them before she decides she doesn't want them. It's true than children like to copy everything and Copy Kids is helping to improve my daughter's eating habits.

Links:

Website:
http://copy-kids.com/

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/CopyKids

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/CopyKids
Pinterest:
YouTube:


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, December 20, 2013

My Hikes Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


Product Description:
My Hikes Fasteners help kids and sometimes even moms "hike" up their pants. They are lightweight and comfortable. Kids love to wear them because they're cute, fun and they work.

They are for use in a variety of situations:
1) Size transitions: Previous size is embarrassingly short, but the next size starts out too long
2) Pants preservation: Kids are "walking off the hems" of that brand new pair of pants and driving mom crazy.
3) Capri style: Kids can shorten pants to get a capri look or for practical reasons such as water play.
4) All weather: Pants can be lifted off the ground when rain and snow might dampen the hem as kids splash through puddles and muck. We all know a wet hem takes forever to dry!

My Hikes have passed USA safety tests for use with children of all ages.



When I was pregnant with my first my mom gave me some advice that I always follow. She told me that kids grow so fast and I should try to buy my kids clothes in the next size up so it could last longer. I have seen with my children that it is very true and they seem to grow overnight. Just this week I noticed that a shirt that was to long for my son last week now fits him perfectly. It's so easy to adjust clothes to fit them. I usually get them the adjustable pants because they fit skinny kids better and I don't have to worry about a belt. Sometimes the pants are too long though and My Hikes helps with that. They are very easy to put on my very wiggly two year old son also. I was surprised my son never tried to take them off and play with them. I chose the train My Hikes but there are other options for both boys and girls. 

I tried to take pictures but it was almost impossible with my two year old who doesn't stay still so I just took his pants off to show how much longer his pants are with and without My Hikes.






You can use the coupon code MyHikes40off for 40% on their website
Or buy them for $11.99 with free shipping in the USA on Amazon
Like them on facebook


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Secrets & Lies Promo with Guest Post and Giveaway


Tour Schedule
Secrets and Lies
by Christine Amsden
Fantasy/Paranormal/New Adult Romance
Date Published: 11/15/2013


Book Description:
Cassie Scot,still stinging from her parents’ betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn’t letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness.

BUY LINKS

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Lies-Cassie-Christine-Amsden-ebook/dp/B00FX4C0YM/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1384282104&sr=8-11&keywords=Secrets+and+Lies

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-and-lies-christine-amsden/1117158667?ean=9781606192771

Excerpt:

“I smell trouble.“
Evan Blackwood had been staring blankly at a news report about a hunt for a man who had robbed a local bank earlier in the week. Now, he stared blankly at his best friend and cousin, Scott Lee. Evan had hoped Scott would help take his mind off the woman he loved – the woman who had flatly rejected him. Instead, Scott was making things worse with dire predictions… predictions Evan had no choice but to take seriously. Scott was, after all, a powerful intuitive, whose gift had only seemed to improve after his unfortunate run-in with a werewolf ten years earlier.
“What do you expect me to do?“ Evan asked. “Hit her over the head with a club and drag her by the hair back to my cave?“
Scott snorted. “You never had to do any of that. You had her right here, in your cave, and you let her walk out. You could order her back, but you won’t.“
Evan didn’t dignify the comment with a response. Scott’s instincts had always served him better when it came to physical threats rather than emotional ones, and Scott didn’t want to hear that Cassie would hate Evan for forcing her to stay with him. In Scott’s world, after she was safe, gratitude would soften her heart. Or if not that, then at least time. If Evan had ever thought anything of the sort, her reaction to his saving her life, and the life debt she now owed him, set him straight.
He had to admit, his initial marriage proposal hadn’t been at all well done. Nerves he barely acknowledged had fumbled the question into a near-command, Marry me, and she had freaked out. Still, he had hoped she would want to marry him. Now, he wasn’t even sure how he could try to convince her without inadvertently coercing her. The life debt made it difficult for her to refuse anything she knew he wanted, and impossible for her to refuse anything he directly commanded.
Scott wasn’t the first one to suggest he just claim her, either. Evan’s father, Victor Blackwood, had said much the same thing, adding: I want to see you steal that girl right out from under her father’s nose. At least Scott’s motives were better.
“I spotted one of the Travises in town today,“ Scott said.
Evan nearly growled. “One of these days, we really need to run that family out of town.“
“Hey, you know I’d help you with that if it came to it, but it isn’t going to happen anytime soon.“
“They wouldn’t go after Cassie.“
“I wouldn’t put anything past them.“
He had a point, Evan grudgingly admitted. The Travises had always lived just outside of civilized behavior, and they seemed to make their own rules.
“And I told you about the Blairs asking questions,“ Scott added.
“You also said they were probably just trying to stir up trouble.“ The Blairs were mind mages, adept at manipulating people’s behaviors with a few well-chosen, well-timed words.
“They may be succeeding.“
“Or they may be hoping to goad me into acting too soon, pushing her away.“
Scott didn’t have an answer to that. Perhaps it was just as well that he didn’t understand matters of the heart, since he was too dangerous by half, the beast within him prone to violence. Scott was, perhaps, the only man in town Evan didn’t know if he could beat in a fight. He only hoped he never had to find out for sure.
“Come on.“ Evan shut off the TV with a flicker of will, not even bothering with the remote, resting within easy arm’s reach on the end table next to him. “I can’t stay here anymore tonight. We’ll find her, make sure she’s safe, and if not, send a message to anyone stupid enough to try anything.“

Guest Post: 5 musts every urban fantasy or paranormal novel should have

1. A well-developed main character. And there's a reason this is number one! I confess, I'm a character girl. I look for character wherever I go, and I think it's the #1 most important aspect of almost any book. A handful of stories really aren't about people – there are mysteries that are just about solving a puzzle and fantasies that are just about a fun alternative world. But by this point so many fantasy stories have already been told that the cleverest world isn't going to be as affective as a well-drawn character. Magic is meaningless without people to use it, and as long as you've got people using it you may as well look deep into the human soul for inspiration.
2. Magic as a complicating force, not a cure-all. This is actually a pet peeve of mine – magic being used as a cure-all. Far too many paranormal stories do it, especially when the paranormal subplot is secondary to a romance or mystery. The clairvoyant whose power doesn't cause problems is nothing more than a deus ex machina. And then the hand of God (the author) comes down from on high to solve the mystery. No! For a truly fantastic plot, magic must cause as many problems as it solves.
3. Growth and change. I started with strong characters at point one, but down here on point three I will add that these characters shouldn't remain stagnant, particularly since urban fantasy novels tend to run in series.
4. Solid world-building. In a world where literally anything can happen, it's not particularly interesting when it does. A strong world is almost like a character itself. And while it may look like a lot of the other urban fantasy books out there (we all draw upon the same pool of myths and legends), it should stand on its own.
5. Imagination. When it comes to fantasy, I don't like to get too bogged down in shoulds. The genre is as vast as human imagination, which is infinite.
 

Christine Amsden

Website: http://christineamsden.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Amsden-Author-Page/127673027288664

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineAmsden

Blog: http://christineamsden.com/wordpress/?page_id=200

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/117845642477854934607/posts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1030664.Christine_Amsden

Giveaway
$25 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble
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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Tragic Love Guest Post


Tour Schedule
Tragic Love
by M.S. Brannon
New Adult Romance
Date Published: 11/6/2013


Book Description:
“From the moment I locked eyes with hers, we've had this undeniable connection that was and will always be wicked. A love that would literally kill me if it didn't survive, but lately, could kill me if it did.” ~Drake Evans.

For Drake and Presley, life has handed them more challenges than any one person should ever face in a lifetime. Together, they've survived Presley’s captivity from her deranged uncle, but now they must learn how to live with the events that surrounded her time spent with him, while keeping the details of her rescue a secret.

For Presley Quinn, living the last two years has been practically unbearable, constantly drowning in nightmares put there by a man responsible for the violent imagines continually playing in her mind. She keeps moving forward, but is barely clinging onto the edge when she’s faced with another obstacle from her past that is so unavoidable, so tragic, it threatens to break her apart—herself.

Drake will do anything to protect Presley from ever feeling pain again. His love is irrefutable. He walks side by side with her, vowing he will never let anyone harm her again. However, when an unexpected event turns Presley against everyone she’s ever loved, Drake is faced with trying to save the only woman he’s ever loved or severing the only lifeline she’s ever had—himself.

**Mature Content Warning** 17 years and older for language and sexual content.**

BUY LINKS

http://www.amazon.com/Tragic-Love-Sulfur-Heights-Brannon-ebook/dp/B00GH429TS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387150736&sr=8-1&keywords=tragic+love

Guest Post: What Does Your Office Look Like?
My office is the one space in the house my husband has free reign to decorate as manly as he wants, other than the garage of course. When we bought our house I let him go crazy and did not say a word. It’s funny how this is a room I am in every single day, writing away and he has yet to spend a significant amount of time in it at all. When I sit in this room, I’m surrounded by everything guy. I find it easy to write from in a man’s point of view because the inspiration is everywhere.
As for a description of the room itself, the moment you step foot into it you will learn quickly my husband is a huge fan of the best college football EVER, the Iowa Hawkeyes. GO HAWKS! Everywhere you turn there is a piece of memorabilia hanging on the wall, sitting on a shelf, or scrolling across the monitor as the screen saver. Pictures of our son dress in an Iowa Hawkeyes jersey are hanging just above the desk and I know my husband is secretly hoping he will play for them someday. To keep adding to the masculine theme of the room, Al Pacino starring in Scarface is hanging on another wall wanting to introduce you to his little friend. The next thing you learn is he has a great passion for cars. Placed along the ledge that surrounds the room is bumper to bumper model cars he assembled throughout his life.
My desk is nothing to call home about. Just a black, pre-manufactured desk picked up from some local office supply store. There is nothing too fancy, but it does the trick quite well. Accompanying my desk, I have a five tier book shelf covered in books, DVDs and CDs. To the right of my desk is a window which has a view of my backyard. I love to write during when the lightening is flashing outside and the rain is coming down. I don’t know why, but it ways seems to keep me focused.

M.S. Brannon
M.S. Brannon was born and raised in the Midwest. She still resides there today with her wonderful husband and son. When she is not writing or reading, M.S. Brannon spends time with her family, watching movies, and discovering new music. She writes romance because she believes love and heartache is the rawest emotion one can experience.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MS-Brannon/361712440596820?notif_t=page_new_likes

Blog:
http://msbrannon.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @MSBrannonAuthor

Email: MBrannon16@gmail.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7103293.M_S_Brannon

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Silver-White Book Blast and Giveaway ends 12/31


Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost

*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …

Big time.

On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

Praise
"Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan
Purchase ~ just .99 cents
Author Shawn Underhill

Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.








BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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The Reunion Guest Post


Tour Schedule
The Reunion
by A.A. Pencil
Date Published: 11/12/2013
Mystery/Thriller


Book Description:
C. Moore Catholic High School's 10-year reunion was organized as many reunions are - to reminisce, to see who had made a success of their lives, and in truth, to gossip on who had not. But this party in the secluded, 1890's mansion once owned by a long dead, paranoid WWII Veteran, was to become anything but typical.

After a horrible accident within the mansion, the alumni realize they are locked in and fighting for their lives. Instantly, tempers rise and fingers are pointed as the number of living alumni begins to rapidly decrease. Theories range from there being a murderer in the midst to the mansion possibly being haunted by the previous owner's ghost.

Who or what is responsible and will anyone make it out alive?

Find out for yourself in this combination of a mystery and psychological thriller, with a twisted ending!

BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cP7SO4
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1bLdfcg
Nook: http://bit.ly/1cwUsBp
iBooks: http://bit.ly/17G87n9


To celebrate the release of AA Pencil's debut novel "The Reunion" - During the months of November & December - 1% of the gross sales of all novels with Lavish Publishing, LLC will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America. The donation will be made in May 2014 in honor of AA Pencil and National Lupus Awareness Month.

Book Trailer


Guest Post: Inspiration to your writing
When I was in the third grade, the students would be lined up one two separate lines: boys and girls. Once or twice a week, we’d follow our teacher down the hall like two rows of obedient ducks. I’d be the zombified kid towards the end of the girls’ line annoyed that the person behind me almost stepped off the back of my shoe and frustrated that we were heading to the library. I called it the room of doom. Why? Because it was cramped and musty and housed thousands of old, dusty books. By the time library time was over, I had mini coughing attacks and felt as though I washed them with sand!
Of course, I tried to avoid the old boring books but diving into all of Beverly Cleary’s books. When I found R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps collection, I was in heaven (despite the need for a cough lozenge or two). Eventually, however, things went south when the school decided that we had to read the books from a specific list, take a computer exam on them and get points. Each trimester, we need a certain amount of points to avoid getting demerits. (Three demerits equates to a detention. Yes! I still remember!). To my dismay, Beverly Cleary and R.L. Stine’s books didn’t qualify and I was left with…you guessed it old, yellow books with more dog ears than a puppy mill. It was then that I vowed that one day, I’d have my books on the shelves of libraries and that kids would snatch them up and fight over them.
It turns out that that room of doom is what inspired me to become a writer. It stems from my drive to entertain and inspire people through words. I absolutely love seeing that random eye brow raise on a stranger reading something on their e-reader on the train or the kid who quickly looks away in embarrassment because they accidentally laughed out loud from a scene in a book that they were reading. That’s what drives me. To invoke a strong emotion through writing whether it be a smile, a few tears, shock or even anger. So, thank you room of doom.

A.A. Pencil
A. A. Pencil works part time as a school nurse at an all-boys Catholic school in New York City. As a Lupus survivor, she uses writing as a significant part of her therapy and you will see influences from classical writers such as Agatha Christie and Edgar Alan Poe in her work. When not working or writing, she enjoys cooking, shopping and walking. She has sponsored a child in Mexico for over three years with a children's organization. She currently lives in a borough of New York City with her extended family who are her greatest supporters.


Website: www.AAPencil.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeneathTheTrapDoor

Friday, December 13, 2013

Presto Photo Book Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.



If you have been thinking about getting a photo book I recommend Presto Photo 100%!
I was gonna make a photo book from Walmart but after having a very unhappy experience ordering some photo products I decided I won't be ordering from Walmart any time soon. Presto Photo is just so much better. I didn't even have to get off my couch to order my photo book. It was so easy to upload the photos I wanted, arrange them in the order I wanted them and customize my book as much as I like. Not only was it easy to order the shipping was quick too. I thought it would be more difficult but I had a great experience ordering my first photo book from Presto Photo. As soon as it arrived I looked through it and I loved it!

Here is the front cover the first and last pages and also the back cover of my photo book




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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.