Cherished by Belinda Boring - Tour with #Giveaway

Welcome to Day 12 of Belinda Boring's "Cherished" Blog Tour. Belinda has written two exciting novellas that you won't want to miss! She is also giving away an ebook copy of "Cherished" to one lucky reader, so make sure you enter! (see below)

Cherished:
A Mystic Wolves Novella (#2)
Author: Belinda Boring

Where To Purchase:
 
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
SMASHWORDS 


About the Book:  

 For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn’t happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she’s lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can’t find her, and most of all, where she’ll never have to see the look of blame in Mason’s eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved.

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy’s thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he’s ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is… Cherished?

My Thoughts:

This is book 2 of the Mystic Wolves series and really cannot be read as a stand-alone. The first book, "Without Mercy" is full of action that sets up the stage for "Cherished". Without that beginning, you are going to be quite lost. While book one was action filled, "Cherished" is emotional and passionate. This book concentrates on Darcy and her relationship with Mason and how the impact of the guilt she has is affecting their relationship.

Barbie Sleeping Bag Pattern (knit)

I had sent this pattern to the KnitList years ago as a gift. Since then, it has been removed. However, it is still being requested, so I thought I'd post the pattern here for those that may still want it. My daughter loved her Barbie Sleeping Bag and wore it out. She used it for both her Barbie and Ken dolls as well as her Beanie Babies.

Materials:
US size 9 Needles
Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Red Heart Confetti 2.5 oz with leftover)

Gauge: 4 1/2 sts = 1"

Pattern:
Beginning of bag:
Cast on 20 sts.
Work 4 rows Garter Stitch.
Work stockinette stitch for 20 1/2" ending with RS. This will end your bag and mark the beginning of your pillow.

Pillow:
Knit next 2 rows.
Then work st st for 6". You will now see your purls on the RS and knits on the WS.
Bind off.

You now have a very long strip of knitting. The pillow will be folded over 3" so that the binding edge will come down to the pillow beginning. Stitch sides with RS together (RS is the knit side). Do not stitch bottom of pillow yet.

Then fold up beginning of bag (4 rows of garter stitch) until it meets beginning of pillow. Sew side seams with RS together.

Turn bag and pillow right side out. Lightly stuff pillow with fiberfill and sew to first P row on back of sleeping bag.

This fits both Barbie and Ken.

Pattern copyright 2001 Theresa Dunlap

Tour: "Renovation Bootcamp: Kitchen" by Robin Siegerman

Today we welcome Robin Siegerman, Award Winning Interior Designer and author of "Renovation Bootcamp: Kitchen". For those thinking about renovating their kitchens, this is a great resource to have on hand.  Robin is offering a special tour offer for our readers so make sure you check out the special offer below.

Renovation Bootcamp: Kitchen
Author: Robin Siegerman
Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing (June 15, 2011)
Paperback with 172 pages
ISBN: 9780881445022


Book Synopsis:

Shopping trips to discover trends, cabinet styles, counter top materials, appliances and plumbing fixtures are only the opening skirmishes when planning a kitchen renovation battle plan. Renovation Bootcamp: Kitchen is the ultimate step-by-step, behind-the-scenes manual to remodel a kitchen. This must-have manifesto is loaded with "before" and "after" photos, drawings, questionnaires, lists, and "Tales from the Trenches" from the author's own jobsites. Packed with practical, no-nonsense advice, checklists and proven recommendations, the book will help the novice and seasoned renovator alike plot a logical course of action before jumping into the fray.

Learn how to:
• determine how long it should take
• de-code the design process
• establish a budget
• hire a contractor
• ask the right questions when shopping for cabinetry, appliances and materials and so much more.

Armed with this renovation road map, homeowners can plan their strategy so they won't just survive, they'll save time, money, sanity and win the renovation war!
 

This book is not meant to be a DIY guide. The author does not advocate DIY kitchen projects since it is the most dangerous room in the house to renovate.

 

You can buy the BOOK at:

Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts:

As someone who really wants to renovate our kitchen, this book is just the help that we could use. It has given us a realistic look at what can and can't be done with our budget as well as with our experience. It covers a LOT of good information and gives one a lot to think about and consider. I do like the workbook pages, as they really cover things I hadn't considered. Lighting, how I want my appliances, waste bins, etc. The little things I'm sure I would have forgotten.

This book is not a DIY book, but instead, one that will help you figure out what you want and how you want it, and  keep it within the budget you have to work with. It is necessary to contact a contractor and know what you want before you talk to him. Walking in unprepared will just get you a kitchen you spent a lot of money on and are still not satisfied with. The kitchen is one of the most expensive upgrades to your house, so why wouldn't you want to go in educated and prepared? This book will help you do that!

About the Author:

Robin Siegerman is a Registered Interior Designer and international, award-winning, Certified Kitchen Designer. With almost 20 years experience designing and managing home renovations, owner and principal designer of Sieguzi Kitchen & Home Inc., she sets a new standard for the kitchen renovation guide with Renovation Bootcamp™: Kitchen. 

Her columns, articles and projects have been featured in newspapers, magazines and coffee table books, she is a regularly featured designer on various TV and radio shows and is a popular speaker at trade and home shows.

Where you can find and follow Robin Siegerman:

Author Website
Author Blog
Twitter
Facebook Page
Facebook Profile
LinkedIn Profile

EXCITING NEWS!!! 

A special page has been created for this tour so that when you purchase a copy of "Renovation Bootcamp: Kitchen" on October 18th from Amazon.com or .ca, you can enter your receipt number on this special page and claim dozens of bonuses and free gifts! For more information, please visit:
http://www.renovationbootcamp.net/BonusPromo/

I received an e-copy of "Renovation Bootcamp: Kitchen" to read and honestly review for this tour.

Thawed Out & Fed Up by Ryan Brown - Review

Thawed Out & Fed Up
Author: Ryan Brown
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (October 4, 2011)
Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN: 9781439171561
Also available in eBook format

About the Book:

Sam Bonham—bad husband, deadbeat dad, and possible criminal on the run from the law—wanders out of modern-day East Texas into an ersatz Wild West boomtown created for a movie that never happened.  And when Sam strikes a blow against the gangsters who’ve been terrorizing the town, the locals look to him to save them. He’s no hero, but he’s stumbled upon someone who is: John Wayne. But the John Wayne of this story is not the stalwart lawman of Hollywood films—he’s a seventy-two-year-old man who had himself cryogenically frozen.  He’s weak, bald, frail…and unrecognizable to everyone but Sam.

In The Duke’s “defrosted” state, he’s not entirely himself.  In fact, he believes he’s actually Ethan Edwards, the character he played in The Searchers, one of Wayne’s most beloved films. Ethan or Duke or Marion Morrison, at his side Sam learns how to be a man, and a hero—and a pretty good shot! As he takes on the Old West gang of thugs, he finds that he might have become a family man at last. But back in the real world, someone has his eye on Sam’s wife, and if Sam doesn’t get back soon, the results could be devastating. 

My Thoughts:

Ryan Brown knows how to entertain his audience. He writes with a style that is both fun as well as humorous, and that, to me, is what makes his books a great read.

In "Thawed Out & Fed Up", the main character, Sam Bonham is pathetic - a drunk and a total loser. He's a character you just like to dislike, but at the same time, you can't help but feel just a bit sorry for him. As time goes on, your dislike changes... discovering Sam isn't so bad after all - he's just flawed, and you know flawed heroes make the best ones.

Sam's sidekick and mentor, appears on the scene, just like he fell out of the sky. Oh wait... He did! That mentor adds a little fantasy that gives the story a fun twist. With "The Duke" teaching Sam a thing or two, this tale of redemption has a lesson to learn: putting the needs of others before your own. A lesson we could all use at one time or another.

This book will appeal to both the male and female reader. I does contain some adult language and situations that might not be suitable for the younger audience, however, it would be a great read for the older teen through adult.

About Ryan Brown:


Following his graduation from the University of Oklahoma, with a degree in film studies, he moved to New York, where he went on to study theatre at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Within months of arriving in New York, he was cast in the role of Bill Lewis on the CBS Daytime Drama, Guiding Light - a role he would play for the next three years.

Ryan relocated to Los Angeles and landed the role of Billy Abbott on CBS's The Young and the Restless.

Following his tenure on The Young and the Restless, he returned to New York and continued working as an actor, appearing on Law and Order: SVU, and starring in two feature films for Lifetime Television.

It was also during this time that he decided to try his hand at fiction writing. It wasn't long before he was writing full-time. Within two years, he completed the manuscript for PLAY DEAD, his first published title.

If you would like to learn more about Ryan or his work, you can visit him at: http://ryanbrownauthor.com On his website you will find a more in-depth biography, videos, photos, etc.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read and honestly review.

"HILL 170" by Michael Barclay Tour & Review #Giveaway

It is a true honor to be able to participate in today's tour. I had previewed this book a few months ago and knew I HAD to read it. When I discovered that Mr. Barclay and his amazing book were on tour, I jumped at the chance to host him! This military thriller is a book you must add to your TBR list and one lucky reader will be able to do just that. Mr. Barclay is generously giving away one eBook of "HILL 170" so make sure you enter today. (See details below)

HILL 170
By Michael Barclay

China, North Korea, South Korea and the United States - the major forces in the world’s most dangerous stand off.

Sergeant Dodge Bryce and the small team of USAF intelligence ops on Hill 170 keep the region safe. But who will keep them safe when a shocking incident costs the group fully one third of their number - overnight?

Now gravely short handed, the Hill faces its ultimate worst case scenario - a PRC spy in their midst. And Bryce - his remarkable string of intel discoveries having cost the PRC too much - is now the #1 target of China’s master assassin.

It’s a race against the clock as East and West square off in a chillingly authentic story of defections, betrayals and clandestine intelligence operations that you will never forget.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy military thrillers, and some of the best ones are written by those that lived and experienced military life first hand. Such is the case with Michael Barclay's "HILL 170". This novel is based on a real incident but Michael kicked it up a notch and created a fantastic thriller full of on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense and espionage.

Winners of "Betrayed" and "The Traitor's Wife" Announced

Congratulations to the following:

The winner of  both "The Traitor's Wife" and "The Heretic's Daughter" is:

Anita Yancey

The winners of "The Traitors Wife" are

Mary Preston

Carol Luciano 

The winner of "Betrayed" is

Mandie Stevens   

 

I have emailed you. Again, congratulations and thank you for entering. Enjoy your new reads!

#Giveaway & Guest Post "Her Dear and Loving Husband" Tour with Review

I am thrilled to be able to participate in this tour. "Her Dear & Loving Husband" is a book that is perfect for this time of the year! Meredith not only shares a great guest post with us, but is also giving away one eBook of "Her Dear & Loving Husband" to one lucky reader! Thank you, Meredith!! (see below for details)

Her Dear and Loving Husband
By Meredith Allard
Published by Copperfield Press
Release Date: April 11, 2011
Genre: Vampire Romance  

Book Description: 

How long would you wait for the one you loved? James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. Soon James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?  

Her Dear & Loving Husband is part historical fiction, part romance, and part paranormal fantasy. With elements of Twilight and The Crucible, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.