Fiction Addiction Book Tours Spotlight & Giveaway: Finding Mother (Anne Allen)

Prepare to be swept away by a heart-warming tale of family relationships and love
Three women. Three generations. Sacrifices for love…
Who is she really? Nicole is about to find out as she searches for her real mother; the woman who gave her away at birth. With her marriage in tatters, she sets out from England: travelling to Spain, Jersey and Guernsey before the extraordinary story of her real family is finally revealed.
Nicole becomes an unwitting catalyst for change in the family. Two women are forced to reveal long-buried secrets. One going back as far as the Second World War. Lives are transformed as choices have to be made and the past laid to rest…
This contemporary romantic drama is the second of The Guernsey Novels, a series of stand-alone books by the award-winning author Anne Allen. It is likely to appeal to lovers of the works of Joanna Trollope and Maeve Binchy.

"A sensitive, heart-felt novel about family relationships, identity, adoption, second chances at love… With romance, weddings, boat trips, lovely gardens and more, Finding Mother is a dazzle of a book, a perfect holiday read." Lindsay Townsend, author of The Snow Bride.

I'm a late-comer to writing, having only started in my, ahem, middle years. (I'm assuming we'll all be living to 100 from now on, won't we?) I'd often had an 'itch' to write but was focussed on my career as a psychotherapist and bringing up three children on my own. Writing was a luxury I simply could not afford! Then a few years ago I was a reluctant entrant (pushed by my mother!) into a writing competition run by Prima magazine. They wanted a True- Life story and I won the first prize of £500  So I decided that writing wasn't such a bad idea and wrote my first novel, Dangerous Waters, shortly after; eventually publishing it in 2012. As I'm now more or less retired as a therapist I've devoted a lot more time to writing and published my second novel, Finding Mother, in October 2013.

A restless soul, I have moved around the country quite a bit, as far north as Scotland and south to Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I've learnt that the sea must be part of my soul and am happiest when living near it. I now live in Devon to be near my daughter and grandchildren so I have the best of both worlds. As a family we lived in Guernsey for many happy years and I left one son behind as a valid excuse for frequent return visits. My other son's based in London so great for when I need some culture
Am happiest in warmer climes, however, and lived in Spain for a few years. My ideal would be to spend part of the English winter somewhere warm, possibly Spain, so that I can recharge my body and soul. So, if and when I write that bestseller…!

Links:

Website * Facebook * Twitter 

Amazon.com * Amazon.co.uk

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YA Bound Blog Tour, Review, & Giveaway: Anything To Have You (Paige Harrison)

Click here for Tour Page and Schedule!!!

Anything to Have You
by Paige Harbison
Release Date: 01/28/14
Harlequin Teen

Nothing should come between best friends, not even boys. ESPECIALLY not boys.Natalie and Brooke have had each other's backs forever. Natalie is the quiet one, college bound and happy to stay home and watch old movies. Brooke is the movie—the life of every party, the girl everyone wants to be.Then it happens—one crazy night that Natalie can't remember and Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden, can't forget. Suddenly there's a question mark in Natalie and Brooke's friendship that tests everything they thought they knew about each other and has both girls discovering what true friendship really means.

Goodreads 

 Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Books Depository * Kobo

Paige Harbison recently graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts. She grew up on the outskirts of Washington D.C. She spends most of her time with friends--who give her constant inspiration for characters--and calls it research. The rest of her time is spent writing, painting, and following all of the worst TV shows.

Author Links:

http://www.paige-harbison.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4130856.Paige_Harbison

http://www.twitter.com/paigeharbison

http://www.facebook.com/authorpaigeharbison

http://www.pinterest.com/paigeharbison

An inspiring story about two young girls that have to face harsh realities but find a way to remain friends. As I was reading I started thinking " I don't like where this story is heading"! Natalie is the high school senior who does not like the party scene. Brooke, her best friend, is the total opposite! She never misses a party. Natalie gives in to the peer pressure and attends a Valentines party...A night she will NEVER forget! The funny thing is at the time she could not remember what happen because she blacked out from drinking too much! That was my problem with the book...alcohol and drug abuse. I know it happens with people of all ages and I feel like Paige Harbison did an outstanding job of telling a story of how quickly you can lose control and possibly your life! Overall I really enjoyed the book! I love a book that keeps you guessing and tells both sides of the story. I also LOVE a good ending! I give it 3.5 stars!!

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Guest Review: The Boleyn Bride (Brandy Purdy)

Paperback, 272 pages
Expected publication: February 25th 2014 by Kensington
ARC Provided by Publisher for Honest Review

From carefree young woman to disillusioned bride, the dazzling lady who would become mother and grandmother to two of history's most infamous queens, has a fascinating story all her own. . .At sixteen, Elizabeth Howard envisions a glorious life for herself as lady-in-waiting to the future queen, Catherine of Aragon. But when she is forced to marry Thomas Boleyn, a wealthy commoner, Elizabeth is left to stagnate in the countryside while her detested husband pursues his ambitions. There, she raises golden girl Mary, moody George, and ugly duckling Anne—while staving off boredom with a string of admirers. Until Henry VIII takes the throne. . .When Thomas finally brings his highborn wife to London, Elizabeth indulges in lavish diversions and dalliances—and catches the lusty king's eye. But those who enjoy Henry's fickle favor must also guard against his wrath. For while her husband's machinations bring Elizabeth and her children to the pinnacle of power, the distance to the scaffold is but a short one—and the Boleyn family's fortune may be turning. . 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Brandy Purdy (Emily Purdy in the UK) is the author of several historical novels including THE CONFESSION OF PIERS GAVESTON, THE BOLEYN WIFE (THE TUDOR WIFE), THE TUDOR THRONE (MARY & ELIZABETH), THE QUEEN'S PLEASURE (A COURT AFFAIR), and THE QUEEN'S RIVALS (THE FALLEN QUEEN).

Website * Email * Goodreads

This was an interesting read to say the least! If you are intrigued by history and what could have been going on in England back in the day of King Henry VIII then this is definitely the book for you! I have always been enthralled by the Royals of England. Being very close in age to Prince William I always thought I should have moved to England to try to become the Princess...LOL! The is exactly what Anne Boleyn did! 

This book tells the story of how Anne Boleyn became King Henry VIII's second wife. The story is told from the perspective of Anne's mother, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a selfish person and a terrible mother...or at least that is how she portrayed herself. Anne was never expected to amount to anything and her family often told her she would become a nun. Anne sure showed them! I would highly recommend this book! 

I give it 4 stars!!

** Thank you to Edelweiss  & Kensington Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!**

YA Bound Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Stir Me Up (Sabrina Elkins)

Stir Me Up

by Sabrina Elkins
Release Date: 10/01/13
Harlequin Teen

Cami Broussard has her future all figured out. She'll finish her senior year of high school, then go to work full-time as an apprentice chef in her father's French restaurant, alongside her boyfriend, Luke. But then twenty-year-old ex-Marine Julian Wyatt comes to live with Cami's family while recovering from serious injuries. And suddenly Cami finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.
Julian's all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami's starting to feel. And Cami can't stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He's got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated….

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18333827-stir-me-up?ac=1

Buy Links: 

AMAZON: http://tinyurl.com/paht2kt

BARNES & NOBLE: http://tinyurl.com/kxq2fod

KOBO: http://tinyurl.com/nmlb63e

BAM: http://tinyurl.com/nzz4lpn

ITUNES: http://tinyurl.com/okf7ry6

ZOLA: http://tinyurl.com/nblf98d

Praise for Stir Me Up: 

"Fun, steamy, and leaves you hungry for more. Sabrina Elkins nails the vulnerability of becoming an adult and the choices that come with growing up." —Katie McGarry, author of Dare You To 

"Cami's slow burn for a wounded hero will rivet readers. I seriously loved this book." —Jennifer Echols, author of Dirty Little Secret 

"This book is one of my favorite young adult contemporaries. Not only does it feature a hot romance, it's also very meaningful and well, you just have to read it and see." —#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout 

I am a former journalist who worked for the Los Angeles Daily Newsand other newspapers in the greater Los Angeles area. Prior to this I worked in advertising, writing ad copy for corporate travel accounts and major motion pictures. My first job out of college was as an administrative assistant to an executive chef and a food & beverage director at a Four Seasons hotel. I also spent some time working as a prep cook for Spago in Beverly Hills.
I received my Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California. While in graduate school, I had the privilege of studying fiction writing under renowned author Hubert Selby, Jr., and comedy writing under famed comedian Shelley Berman. I am a past participant of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Summer Writing Workshop.
Raised in the woods of Vermont, I now live in the greater Los Angeles area with my husband and three children. STIR ME UP is my first novel.

Author Links: 

http://www.sabrinaelkins.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7222674.Sabrina_Elkins

https://twitter.com/sabrina_elkins

https://www.facebook.com/elkins.sabrina

This book will definitely stir you up!!! I caught myself smiling ALOT!!! Such a great story! I am a sucker for young love and WOW...this was such a fun and inspiring love story. Cami is a senior in high school and all she wants to do after graduation is become a chef, following in her dads footsteps. Julian is a 20 year old Marine who finds myself living with his aunt after he is seriously wounded in Afghanistan.

 Julian's aunt happens to be Cami's stepmother. At first Julian acted liked he hated Cami but I knew he was going to open up to her! Their chemistry is HOT!!! The way Cami describes kissing Julian...OMG! I was so happy for them!!! They both have to decide what to do with their lives now that high school is over for Cami and the Marine's are over for Julian.

 I was not sure about their plan to keep their future plans a secret from each other and I did not see that ending coming but I LOVED it!!! I would highly recommend this book! I give it 5 stars! 

***GIVEAWAY***

WIN 1 OF 3 STIR ME UP FUN FOODIE GIFT PACKS! COOKBOOKS-CHOCOLATES-MAGNETS

Cami’s Cookbook Pack 

Le Petit Paris: French Finger Food by Nathalie Benezet 

500 Soups by Susannah Blake 

Godiva chocolate bar 

Stir Me Up magnet 

Julian’s Late-Night Pack 

George Noory’s Late-Night Snacks by George Noory 

Dinner and a Movie by Katherine Bebo 

Godiva chocolate bar 

Stir Me Up magnet 

Sweet Desserts Pack 

Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O’Connor 

Cutie Pies by Dani Cone 

Godiva chocolate bar 

Stir Me Up magnet 

RULES AND RESTRICTIONS: 

Contest is void where prohibited. Entrants must be 18 or else have parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner’s name will be selected. Winning entries will be verified for authenticity.

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Fiction Addiction Blog Tour & Review: Lovers At Heart (Melissa Foster)

Handsome, wealthy resort owner Treat Braden is used to getting what he wants. When Max Armstrong walked into his life six months earlier, he saw right through the efficient and capable façade she wore like a shield, to the sweet, sensual woman who lay beneath. She sparked an unfamiliar desire in him for more than a one-night stand, leaving his heart reeling and his blood boiling. But one mistake caused her to turn away, and now, after six months of longing for the one woman he cannot have, he’s going home to try to forget her all together.
Max Armstrong has a successful career, a comfortable lifestyle, and she’s never needed a man to help her find her way—until Treat Braden caught her attention at a wedding in Nassau, causing a surge of emotions too reminiscent of the painful past she’d spent years trying to forget. Max will do anything to avoid reliving that pain—including forgoing her toe-curling, heart-pounding desire for Treat.
When a chance encounter turns into a night of intense passion, Treat realizes that the mistake he made six months earlier may cause him to lose Max completely. He will do everything within his power to win her heart forever—and Max is forced to face her hurtful past head on for the man she cannot help but love.

Purchase from Amazon 

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.
Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe.

Authors Links:

Website Twitter Facebook Pinterest Goodreads

Let me just say, I wish I could find a family like the Braden's! I loved this book! At first I was not sure about Treat Braden but the more I got to know his character, the more I liked him. Max Armstrong reminded me a little of myself so of course I loved her! The way the two meet and left each other with so many things unsaid kept the reader waiting to see what would happen between them. After six months of not seeing each other fate made their paths cross again. This time Treat was not going to let Max go with telling her how he felt. Max could not open up to Treat the way she wanted and needed to until she closed a chapter in her past that was still haunting her. WOW! That part of Max's life was so intriguing. Really makes you think that things are never as they seem. While Max was trying to get closure Treat left town thinking he had been rejected. Will fate bring them together again?! Will Max be able to find Treat and tell him that she loves him?! Put this one on your holiday reading list!! It is a good one:)

 I give it 4.5 stars!!

CBB Promotions Cover Reveal & Review: The Saving of Benjamin Chambers (Anna Bloom)

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We're excited to announce the release of The Saving of Benjamin Chambers, a Uni Files novella by Anna Bloom.  This tells the story of Ben and when he meets Lilah. You can read it before or after reading The Art of Letting Go.

The Uni-Files novels are NA/Adult British romantic comedies that will make you swoon, laugh and sigh.  The first book, The Art of Letting Go is now available.  The Saving of Benjamin Chambers releases December 4th.

The Art of Letting Go is FREE for December 4th only! 

Delilah, Lilah or whatever she is called is, standing over on the far side of the room, her back against the wall wearing a figure-hugging red, floor-length dress. Her dark hair and eyes stand out in contrast. She looks like a Forties movie star, all curves and perfect poise, watching everyone with a critical eye. She hates this place and she hates the people that are here, that is clear to me straight away. 

I want to jump off the stage to get to her. I can’t tear my eyes away, even though Dave has picked up my guitar and shoved it back into my hands, hissing, “play, you idiot.” 

I am walking to the front of the stage still staring when I notice that I am being watched but not by her. 

Some guy who looks like a pretentious arsehole is watching me watch her and then he starts to move across the floor to get to her before I can leave the stage. I am stuck like a rabbit in headlights, rooted to the spot as I watch him clearly move towards her like he is proving he has ownership.

When he gets to her he pulls her in close and winds his hands around her waist. I have to physically restrain myself from leaping off the stage and punching him. That’s what I want to do, a deep urge burning inside me. Jump from the stage, bop him on the nose, hopefully causing significant blood loss, and then throw her over my shoulder and march her off with her someplace. Someplace where I can kiss her and talk to her, in no particular order. Then I may well ask her to marry me because I am pretty sure that I want to.

I don’t though, I don’t move from my spot on the edge of the stage. I start to play my guitar instead but not the song the rest of the band are expecting. Luckily it has a long intro so they are able to catch up.

As I start to sing ‘Wonderwall’ I watch as the banker wanker twirls her onto the dance floor. 

It’s not a song for twirling, what is he doing the bloody arse? 

She has her hands on his shoulders and her back to me but I can clearly see an enormous diamond ring sitting on her left hand from my spot quite a distance away on stage. 

Damn it to hell. 

I nearly stop singing, but I hold it together and as I head into the second verse my choice of song becomes even more appropriate. 

The banker wanker pulls her in even tighter and I get a nasty taste in the back of my mouth. I am just in the middle of the chorus when they take a turn and I catch a glimpse of her face. 

That’s what does it. That very moment gives me something completely different to live for.

Her.

She is biting her lower lip and the beautiful eyes are staring far away in the distance, framed by a frown. She looks like she would rather be anywhere then where she is right now. She looks lost, but on top of that she looks lonely and I feel a bubble of something well up inside me, something like joy. Joy at the fact that this guy holding her, who’s obviously bought her the ring, has no idea what she is feeling. I don’t think he has looked at her face once, not to read it the way that I am. This is good. It means that if I can get to talk to her again then I can make sure my words are the right ones, the ones to make her notice me, the ones to make her want to at least talk to me. And, well, if that fails then I will just crinkle my freckles at her, pick her up and throw her over my shoulder and march off with her hoping for the best.

I know that I will do anything to save her from whatever is causing her sadness and by doing that I have a feeling she will save me.

As if I didn't already love Ben Chambers!!! Now I officially think he is the most romantic guitar player EVER!!! This little book gives the reader Ben's side of the story about how he met Delilah. And what a sweet story it was!!!

 Ben has been in the same band for 10 years and the night of what was suppose to be his last gig he meets the girl of his dreams, Delilah. Ben spends the next 9 months trying to find this girl. He stayed with the band hoping that would help him find her. Fate steps in and all things fall into place when he realizes they have both enrolled together at a University and will be roommates!! Does Delilah feel the same for Ben as he does for her?

 I highly recommend this book and The Art of Letting Go. Loved them both!! I give it 4.5 stars

CBB Book Promotions Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Rook (Monica MacDonald)

Click here for Tour Page and Schedule!!!

Rook by Genre: Fantasy
Age: Young Adult
Published: November 1st
Page Count: Approx. 310Monica MacDonald

Could you be the monster to save who you love?

Two women, separated by generations, must leave what they know to start a new life. Seventeen-year-old Kate's senior year is ruined when she's moved from the only home she's ever known. After an isolating month alone in her apartment, school starts, but neither her classmates nor her teacher are who they seem. Kali, a single mother living in the nineteenth century wilds of Montana, is stalked by a malicious past. She fights to keep her daughter safe while her freedom is threatened by her less than benevolent benefactor. Both find love, and with it hope, but that is quickly ripped away as one woman must learn the lessons of the other -- before it's too late to save either.

Find the book:

 Goodreads | Amazon

Monica is a married graduate student with three boys. Utah is home right now, but the need to wander has extended beyond the fantasy world of writing and into real life. She's lived all around the US and even into the Middle East. The world is really a small place, only made bigger through imagination.

Find the author:

Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter |GoodReads

If you believe in reincarnation and immortals then this book is for you! The reader is lost in the mystery of the connection between Kate and Kali until close to the end of the book. This made for a real page turner! I love how the author went back in forth between current day with Kate and almost 100 years ago with Kali. 

The book begins with a prologue told by Kali. Kali was a young mother with special healing powers. Kali once loved a man named Christian until he used his special powers to murder innocent people. Kali found herself trapped by Christian and started to plan a way for her, her daughter Nelly and their friend Emily to escape from Christian. Did they make it away from him? How is Kate and Kali connected? You should pick up this book and find out! 

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Guest Review: The Promise of Amazing (Robin Constantine)

Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: December 31st 2013 by Balzer + Bray

ARC Provided by Publisher for Review

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.
Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

Robin Constantine is a born and bred Jersey girl who moved down South so she could wear flip-flops year round. She spends her days dreaming up stories where love conquers all, well, eventually but not without a lot of peril, angst and the occasional kissing scene.

Her YA debut, THE PROMISE OF AMAZING, will be released in 2014 by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Twitter * Facebook * Email * Website

Wren Caswell is the "quiet girl". She has her group of friends and family that really know her but other people see her has a push over. 

 One night when Wren was working at her families business she saves the life of a handsome young guy, Grayson. Little does she know how close they will become!! 

 Grayson decides he has to get to know the girl that saved his life. Wren attends the all girls private school and Grayson has been kicked out of the all boys private school. When Wren finds out what he has done can she forgive him? Will she help him change is life for the better? Grayson sure hopes that Wren will see the good in him!! 

 This is a fun and sweet love story! Both Wren and Grayson grow up because of their relationship! I give this book 4 stars!