Sunday 10 January 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas, Mistletoe and You by Maggie Anderson

Christmas, Mistletoe and You

Author: Maggie Anderson

Genre: Holiday Romance Novella

Publication Date: 29th November 2017

Book Description:

Casey Munroe is certain Peter Taylor has no Christmas spirit... With Christmas right around the corner, Casey is in search of that special tree and just when she thinks she's found it, a very handsome man buys it right out from under her nose and drives away with it on the roof of his sleek, black BMW. ONE YEAR LATER On the way home to spend the holidays with her family, Casey is forced to make an unexpected detour and runs into the same man who stole her Christmas tree the year before. After spending time together, Casey realizes he has stolen her heart as well. But nothing is ever smooth sailing when it comes to love.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

A very quick and simple story about fate with a little twinkle of Christmas joy. Although the book didn’t have me jumping out of my seat, I did find it to be an enjoyable read with likeable characters.

Peter and Casey are two singletons whose fate keep intertwining ever since they ran into each other while shopping for the perfect Christmas Tree, but something just keeps getting in the way of them getting together. Where romance is involved, Peter has let a bad breakup get in the way of him meeting other people, but that hasn’t stopped him from constantly thinking about Casey, who thinks Peter is out of her league and isn’t sure he feels the same way about her as she does about him. The problem is that both Peter and Casey are afraid to take the leap in fear of having their hearts broken.

I hadn't expected the book to end the way it did due to the numerous missed opportunities of getting these characters together, but I did like how it ended. I did feel as though Casey was portrayed a little younger than she is. Sometimes, she came across as a teenager in her mannerism when she and Peter would interact. It wasn't a problem, it was just something that was very noticeable to me.

It was a good holiday romance novel with a simple storyline.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: Own copy

BOOK REVIEW - B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings by

B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings

Author: Melissa Boyd

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 28th February 2019

Book Description:

From the letter A to the letter Z, B is for Breathe celebrates the many ways children can express their feelings and develop coping skills at an early age. Fun, cute, and exciting illustrations, this colorful book teaches kids simple ways to cope with fussy and frustrating emotions. This book will inspire kids to discuss their feelings, show positive behaviors, and practice calm down strategies.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

A simple ABC book garnered at teaching children how to express their feelings through the use of the alphabet. I loved the colourful illustrations. The book didn't captivate my attention as much as I would have liked, which made me wonder how well it would be received by those with a short attention span, especially as I found the delivery of the message was somewhat passive as it didn't have much explanation for anything. I did like the diversity in the illustrations even though we don't engage with any of the characters on a personal level.

It was a good read.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: Own copy

BOOK REVIEW: Share A Little Kindness by Colleen Brunetti

Share A Little Kindness

Author: Colleen Brunetti

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 9th July 2020

Book Description:

If you could teach your child to be anything in this world, what would it be?

Brave? Bold? Kind? Compassionate? Full of imagination? This book sets the stage, and begins...

Share a little kindness, Love. Be the good that others see.

Look inside and you will find everything that you can be.

This book is a wish. A wish for every child. A wish for the world.

Using gentle poetry and charming illustrations, snuggle up and bring your child through these choices with soft guidance, and sweet words to live by.

Children will delight in the whimsical and colorful animal pictures. Parents will appreciate the solid life lessons woven throughout. With themes such as tolerance, diversity, active listening, and owning your own truth woven in, this is truly a book of life lessons and empowerment for children of all ages... and adults too!

Special features include illustrated animals from each continent, and a final page of diverse and multi-cultural children. Perfect for classrooms, teachers, curriculum development around building character.

THEMES COVERED:

Kindness

Generosity

Perseverence

Mending friendships after a fight

Apologizing

Forgivenness

Spending time in nature

Using your imagination

Getting lost in a great book

Listening to others

Standing up for yourself

Finding the light in dark times

Using your voice to make a difference

This book will be a favorite for boys and girls, teachers, librarians, and parents. Perfect for all children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and up. Most suitable for Pre-K, grade 1, grade, 2, grade 3, and parents and teachers who appreciate a well written and beautifully illustrated book to enhance a child's world.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This was a cute book with many different themes surrounding kindness, forgiveness and many other messages. It was a good read but for some reason the words didn't incite much inspiration and didn't paint any mental images to help build a connection to the messages expressed throughout.

The illustrations were just okay for me. I was expecting a little more in the way of the book evoking emotions, but I felt disconnected from the story, which was a shame as I liked the themes. Nonetheless, it was still a good read.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: Own copy

Saturday 9 January 2021

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Witch Unexpected by Debbie Cassidy

Witch Unexpected

(The Thirteenth Sign #1)
Author: Debbie Cassidy
Publication Date: December 29th, 2020
Genre: Adult Romance / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

An ancient war, a tenuous truce, a delicate balance.

Sounds ominous right?

It is.

The tri-pack collective has existed for centuries—three dire wolf packs bound to the most powerful coven in the world through a single witch born under the thirteenth sign of the zodiac.

Through this covenant they keep an ancient threat unlike any other at bay.

At the next blood moon, I’ll be that witch—bound to the three leaders of the dire wolf packs. Responsible for keeping the peace.

That is If I make it to the blood moon alive, because someone is trying to kill me.

Now the hot-headed wolves are going to have to work together to make sure our inventive little murderer doesn’t succeed.

And me?

Well, I don’t take kindly to being targeted, so whoever’s gunning for me better watch out, because they just became the hunted.

An Urban Fantasy Romance filled with witches, shifters, warlocks, Gargoyles, Ghosts and Vampires.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

January Group Promo - FREE & Discounted eBooks

Happy New Year!

Congrats to the winner of the Deceber eBook of Choice Giveaway:
Jodi C.

The Christmas Giveaway and the January Giveaway, both offering the prize of a $10 Amazon Gift Card is ongoing, so pop over to my contests page or head straight over to CBY Book Club and enter for a chance to win.

Check out all the free and discounted ebooks and giveaways on offer below. Sharing is caring. I truly appreciate your support. Have a great weekend!

Happy Reading!

FREE YA & NA BOOKS

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FREE & DISCOUNTED EBOOKS

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WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING

ONGOING GIVEAWAY

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Book Blast & Giveaway - Wild Open Faces by Jennifer G. Edelson (Book 2 in the Wild and Ruin Trilogy)

Wild Open Faces

Author: Jennifer G. Edelson

Publisher : Bad Apple Books (December 17, 2020)

Language: English

Paperback: 351 pages

ISBN-10: 1733514015

ISBN-13: 978-1733514019

Book Description:

Surfaces are deceiving . . .

After falling for Ezra and discovering a gateway to the Otherworld, it’s a truism Ruby knows to take to heart. But La Luna finally feels like home, and with graduation just weeks away and a cushy internship on a nearby archeological dig in her pocket, it’s easy to downplay the strange new events taking place in the Glorieta Pass. Even when Angel’s deadbeat father reappears after twenty years, stirring up questions about Angel, the ruin, and Ruby’s mother.

Uncertainty is bad enough, but when Ruby starts having inexplicable visions, and the archeological dig unearths mysterious artifacts connected to both a fabled Aztec city and the Pecos Pueblo, Ruby faces more than an uncertain future — she’s forced to accept the role of True of Heart. Will Ezra and her friends stand by her as she confronts the Otherworld? Love is enigmatic, especially in the heart of New Mexico, but the Otherworld may be the biggest mystery of them all.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal - Black Water Magic by Leslie Scott

Black Water Magic

Author: Leslie Scott

Publication Date: January 12th, 2021
Genre: Adult Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:
Teagan Blackwater’s biggest problem used to be hiding her relationship with a demi-demon from her grandmother, Nola, the most powerful witch in all of Florida.

When Nola is murdered, Teagan learns how insignificant her secret really was. And how rare it is she only had the one. Firewater Springs is a small town, and every one of its residents seems to have secrets of their own. Including the friendly cop Teagan had a crush on in high school and the Demi-demon she’s been sleeping with.

But the person with the most secrets was Nola herself, and Teagan needs to unravel them to break a curse and solve Nola’s murder. It’s no secret Teagan doesn’t feel up to the task, but she is the new Swamp Witch of Firewater Springs, so what choice does she have? Everyone is counting on her.
No pressure.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

About the Author

Award nominated author of Two Hearts, One Stone and the Arkadia Fast Series, Leslie Scott has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. The happier the ending, the better. Currently, she lives and writes amidst her own happily ever after with her soul mate, son, and domestic zoo. http://lesliescottromance.com/

Author Links:

Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram

Cover Reveal Organised by:

Monday 4 January 2021

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin

The Ultimate Betrayal

(Maximum Security #3)

Author: Kat Martin

Publication Date: December 29th, 2020

Genre: Adult Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

To prove her father’s innocence, she’ll have to turn a killer’s sights on herself

When her father is accused of espionage and treason, journalist Jessie Kegan has no doubt the man she looked up to her entire life is innocent. Worse yet, before Colonel Kegan can stand trial, he’s found dead of a heart attack…but Jessie knows it was murder. Forcing aside her grief, she’s determined to use her investigative resources to clear her father’s name. But going after the truth means Jessie soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who wants that truth to stay buried with her father.

Protecting Jessie Kegan is a job bodyguard Brandon Garrett can’t refuse. Jessie isn’t just a client at Maximum Security—she’s the sister of his best friend, Danny, who was killed in Afghanistan. With dangerous enemies gunning for Jessie from every angle, keeping her safe will mean keeping her close, and Bran finds their mutual attraction growing, though being Danny’s sister puts Jessie out of bounds.

With their backs against the wall, Jessie and Bran will have to risk everything to expose her father’s killer—before his legacy dies with his daughter.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

January Giveaway - Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

January Giveaway

January 1st - January 25th

To celebrate the start of a new year and as part of the promotion for my YA Fantasy series Arcadia, I'm giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to a lucky winner, and as a thank you for your continued support and loyalty over the past few years, I will be hosting a giveaway every month.

Here's to wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Open to entrants 13+ worldwide

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My Top 10 Most Anticipated Books and Movies of 2021

Happy New Year To You All!

Well, 2020 was a hell of a year - literally! Here's to hoping that 2021 is a more uplifting and prosperous year. To kick off this year, check out my most anticipated books and movies for 2021.

WHICH BOOKS AND MOVIES ARE ON YOUR WISH LIST THIS YEAR?

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Books
Of 2021 Are: