What Now? 8 Ways...

 What Now? 8 Ways to Deal with Life's Difficulties by Connie E. Sokol

My good friend, Connie Sokol, has just written a new ebook! (So I had to share it with you).

Having just experienced a tough trial in her life, she is sharing the go-tos learned as she has thrived through it. It hit #1 on Amazon as a preorder! Called "What Now? 8 Ways to Deal with Life's Difficulties" it's a quick jumpstart to deal with what is. No matter your life stress, the simple tips help you move from soul paralysis, indecision, or frustration, to taking a productive step. Get a chance to win a free ebook copy today by sharing this blog post and commenting below. 

Visit her fabulous website www.conniesokol.com or connect with her here:

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A Promise for Tomorrow by Michele Paige Holmes

Coming November 2017, from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the Hearthfire Historical Romance, A PROMISE FOR TOMORROW, sequel to Yesterday's Promise.

Scottish Highlands, 1700s:

Barely two weeks have passed since Laird Collin MacDonald first darkened Katherine Mercer’s doorstep and married her. Marriage has hardly been what she expected, given their grueling and adventurous days of travel to the Scottish Highlands. Along with the discovery that Collin’s twin Ian would like to see her dead, Katie must now face her own clan, whose chief wants to kill Collin and take her to wife himself. All because Katie possesses the Campbell gift of sight, passed down through centuries of her ancestors.

With little more than faith in her grandfather’s vision and her unique bond with Collin to guide her, Katie steps bravely into an unknown future, where the glimpses afforded her may bring more danger than direction. When the misuse of her gift takes Collin from her side, she is left alone and vulnerable. Help arrives in the most unexpected form as Ian MacDonald makes good on his threat to attack the Campbells and Katie learns that the bond between brothers and love knows no bounds.


Other Hearthfire Romances:
SAVING GRACE
LOVING HELEN
MARRYING CHRISTOPHER
TWELVE DAYS IN DECEMBER
YESTERDAY’S PROMISE (Scottish Historical)
A PROMISE FOR TOMORROW (Scottish Historical, coming Fall 2017)
HEARTHFIRE ROMANCE COLLECTION, VOLUME 1 (box set)

Find it on Goodreads.

Sarah M. Eden's Love Remains

Another fun Book Tour scheduled for Love Remains by Sarah M. Eden:

September 11 - My Book A Day

             Smiling Book Reviews

              Peggy Urry (you're here!)

September 12 - Bookworm Lisa

Wishful Endings           

Getting Your Read On

September 13 - LDS Writer Mom

Min Reads and Reviews

September 14 - Literary Time Out

Heidi Reads

Singing Librarian Books

September 15 - Katie's Clean Book Collection

                         Why Not? Because I Said So!

Mel’s Shelves

Back of the Book: For nearly a year, Tavish O’Connor has carried the crushing weight of his family’s future on his shoulders. He has taken on the care of his youngest brother, Finbarr, who lost his eyesight in a terrible accident. But the lad needs more than Tavish can provide. Finbarr needs hope.

Cecily Attwater specializes in hope. As a tutor to the newly blind, she has dedicated her life to helping others overcome the obstacles she herself has conquered. Her new assignment in a remote corner of Wyoming proves trickier than usual: Finbarr refuses to learn. To make matters worse, his family—and the other Irish townspeople—are less than thrilled to discover an Englishwoman in their haven.

Cecily’s only hope lies in securing the cooperation of her pupil’s brother, Tavish, who happens to be her harshest critic and quite possibly the most frustrating man she’s ever known.

For Finbarr’s sake, Tavish and Cecily forge an uneasy alliance that, as the weeks pass, tiptoes toward something deeper than either dares admit or face, and toward a future they know to be impossible. There can be no hope of a happy outcome for an Irish man and an English woman amongst a people reeling from violence and centuries of hatred between their two homelands.

My take: I laughed, I cried, I felt for the very real characters in this novel and it made me want to be a better person. Highly recommend. (It isn't necessary, but may be helpful to read Longing for Home Book 2 Hope Springs).

You can catch up with Sarah here:

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Goodreads

Amazon

Be sure to pick up your own copy of Love Remains and don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adventure!

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!

CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World's Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.

There's Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There's Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika's wealthy grandfather isn't too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he'll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.

The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.

Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!

Goodreads

Twitter

Website

Facebook

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Other blogs you can check out on this fun tour:

August 14: Katie's Clean Reads Collection, My Book a Day

August 15: LDS & Lovin' It, Min Reads and Reviews

August 16: Rachelle J Christensen, Lisa is a Bookworm

August 17: Peggy Urry, Literary Time Out Rorie

August 18: Why Not? Because I Said So, Literary Time Out Tarah

Before you read what I thought about the book, take time to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


My take: I don't normally read Middle Grade, so take everything I say with that in mind. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars (out of 5).

What I struggled with: Keeping track of the characters in the beginning and several places throughout the book I wasn't sure whose point of view I was in. In the end, there was an inconsistency that I still am not sure whether it was intended or not.

Things I liked: The concept of the book, that the kids had to work together to 'solve' the adventure, once I got into it, it kept my attention, it didn't wrap up too neatly (meaning it wasn't just solved with a magical wave of a wand or good luck--which is a very good thing).

Would definitely recommend.


*I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own.

New Cover for Hearthfire Series!

I am excited to show you the new cover in the Hearthfire Series by Michele Paige Holmes.

YESTERDAY'S PROMISE

Release date: July 5, 2017

Goodreads Link

Book description:

New from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the newest Hearthfire Historical Romance, YESTERDAY’S PROMISE.

In the Scottish Highlands, 1746:
Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother. 

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Other Hearthfire Romances: 

SAVING GRACE
LOVING HELEN 
MARRYING CHRISTOPHER 
TWELVE DAYS IN DECEMBER
YESTERDAY’S PROMISE (Scottish Historical)
HEARTHFIRE ROMANCE COLLECTION, VOLUME 1 (box set)

Shattered Worlds Boxed Set

This is available for pre-order for only 99 cents. Seriously how can you beat twenty-three great stories for that price? And one of my favorite authors, Jane Redd, is one of the authors. If you haven't yet pre-ordered this speculative fiction set, don't miss out on this fantastic deal.

About the book:

Escape into twenty-three epic worlds that will leave you breathless.

From dystopian nightmares to gorgeous steampunk and fantasy settings to fairy-tale retellings and beyond, SHATTERED WORLDS has every story you've been dying to get your hands on!

This unique Young Adult/New Adult collection, inspired by the creative minds of today's New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors, promises to satisfy your cravings for action and adventure as you experience rune magic and time-travel, overthrow corrupt governments, meet reapers and aliens, battle dragons, fall hopelessly in love, and break ancient curses, right alongside some of the bravest characters in fantasy fiction!

Each book within this collection is exclusive to the set and can't be found anywhere else.

Here's the fabulous cover of Mistress Grim, the story by Jane Redd, who you may know as Heather B. Moore. Pre-order your boxed set today to get some great reads. 

Free Mother's Day Gift

It's true. It's free. But only this weekend, so get one for you and one for a friend.

Mothering Through the Whirlwind by author Tamara Passey is a chronicle of one mother's experiences. While her challenges are different from yours or mine, it boils down to allowing us to appreciate our own mothering experiences, to find joy in the challenges, to get through the difficult knowing we are not alone.

A great gift.

The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch

The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch

Isn't this cover beautiful? Loved this book. There are several reasons why. It was a light, easy read. I like regency romance. It's clean. But on a deeper level, Ms. Hatch brilliantly weaves characters and their situation, intertwining them with the impossible, and making the reader yearn for what the characters seemingly cannot have. Very satisfying read. Still sighing.

I recommend you buy this one. It's currently on Amazon for pre-order, but will be available April 18.

reader's note: I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

You can check out more fine works by this author here:

Amazon

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Goodreads

Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore

So SO excited for this release. READ more about it below, ENTER the contest, BUY your copy here, today.

Blog Tour Schedule

March 20: Heidi Reads / Min Reads and Reviews

March 21: Katie's Clean Book Collection / Mel's Shelves

March 22: Peggy Urry /  Lisa is a Bookworm

March 23: Literary Time Out / Why Not? Because I Said So

March 24: My Book a Day / Empower Moms

Goodreads Summary

“This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life.” —Reverend Cotton Mather, 1692

USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.

Visit this fabulous author on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads and don't forget to enter the giveaway below. 

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Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship

I love purple, so of course I was drawn to this cover. And bonus that it sounds like such an entertaining read. Enjoy this one my friends!

Goodreads Summary

Union Pacific Station Agent Chadwick Hughes has everything in a state of readiness to welcome his mail order bride…everything but the bride. The woman he’s corresponded with for a year didn’t change her mind or miss her train in Omaha—she never existed. Chadwick’s mortified to discover he’s been swindled by a fraudulent matrimonial agency in Chicago. He needs a lawyer if he’ll ever recover a dime of the fortune he spent on worthless membership fees and the nonexistent bride’s transportation west.

Sophia Sorensen, Attorney at Law, is a spinster on the edge of propriety. The good people of Wyoming Territory are open to a lot of things, including Lady’s Privilege during Leap Years, but some aren’t fond of her day-to-day behavior. Why, the woman rides her bicycle hither and yon, showing her petticoat ruffle and ankles. She might be the least ladylike specimen beneath Wyoming skies, but it’s entertaining to watch her court the U.P. Station Agent, Chadwick Hughes, the most-eligible bachelor in the county.

Visit Kristin Holt at here:

 Website 

Goodreads.

Amazon

and be sure to follow her on 

Twitter and her Facebook Author Page

Love Remains by Sarah M. Eden

So excited to be part of this cover reveal for Sarah M. Eden's upcoming novel due out September 5, 2017. And isn't this lovely?

From the USA Today Bestselling author of the Longing for Home series, LOVE REMAINS is a new romance novel set in the beloved world of Hope Springs.

Cecily faces a dark, uncertain future. Tavish is haunted by his painful, anguished past. Fate has brought them together in a world determined to tear them apart.

Be sure to mark this as 'to read' on Goodreads and enjoy it this fall.

Holiday Recovery

I love Halloween--the candy, the costumes, the creepy decorations. I love Thanksgiving--the focus on gratitude, the days off with family, the food. Then comes the depression. I'm never ready for it, but I'm always grateful for January and the routine and normalcy it provides. I feel pretty good this year that it hasn't taken the whole month to recover.

Resolutions? Haven't set any for many years. It isn't that I don't believe in them or that I'm so far gone by January 1 that I can't even change a habit. It's that goal setting is a habit. A weekly habit. A monthly habit. This week my goal was to write 200 words per day. Not quite making it, but hope to make up for some of that today.

Some things I find that work:

Set small, manageable goals. Especially goals that take 10-15 minutes (because some days that's what's manageable).

Know yourself. If larger blocks of time are more manageable for difficult tasks, go for it.

Have a punishment for not working on the goal. Some things that have worked for me: delete an app from my phone or iPad if I don't meet the goal; take a 3:00 a.m. 'walk with God' to discuss with Him why you didn't meet the goal (who wants to get up at 3:00 a.m. let alone grovel and try to explain away three hours on Pinterest or Facebook? You get the idea.)

Don't give up. If you miss a day, commit to restart the next day.

Have Accountability Partners. For my writing, it's my critique group. For my personal life, it's my husband. They truly make all the difference.

What are some things that work for you in staying commited to a resolution or goal? Leave me a comment! (because, you know, I need all the help I can get)

Cover Reveal: Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore

I am excited to announce the 

cover reveal of 

USA Today Bestselling Author 

Heather B. Moore's 

CONDEMN ME NOT.

CONDEMN ME NOT releases 

March 14th, 2017!

Preorder links ebook / paperback

Here it is!

Isn't it gorgeous? Love the cover and even though my 'To Read' list is a mile long, I'm adding this one toward the top. I would love to know what you think about the cover. What's compelling about it for you?