A Case for Love

A Case for Love by Kaye Dacus is the third installment of Brides of Bonneterre series. It’s a Christian fiction, but it was written in a way that would not make you feel that this is a Christian-romance fiction. The only thing that distinguish this book with other regular fiction book is that there’s no steamy sex scene and whatnot. Instead, encouragement and the emphasize that God has plan for us all was delicately inserted appropriately throughout the entire story.

I like the story, but the main male character annoyed me a lil bit. Why? Well, the man likes to meddle in other people’s life and business, including his siblings and cousins. What a control freak.

The storyline was good, and was really inspiring. Recommended for people who wants to fight for what they believe but have not the courage for it. Thumbs up for Case for Love. I enjoyed it very much. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

From the back of the book:

TV society reporter Alaine Delacroix feels like David facing Goliath when she takes on the biggest corporation in town to keep them from putting her parents’ garden center out of business. Lawyer Forbes Guidry wants nothing more than to stand up for the endangered local-business owners—but it will mean risking his job and crossing his powerful parents. Can Alaine and Forbes make A Case for Love?

For more information on this book, kindly click here to go to the author’s website.

I received this digital ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any way for writing this review, and I was not required to give a positive review for this book.

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Christmas Stories for Bedtime

I absolutely love this Christmas story for bedtime by Renae Brumbaugh, and illustrated by David Miles. The illustrations is not only captivating, but the stories featured in it are just easy to understand.

This book feature alot of stories about Jesus of Nazareth and his early life. It was told in such a way to encourage children to pause and think about the real meaning of Christmas. I like this book very much, and as the title suggest, it’s perfect for a bedtime story.

If you’re looking for a religious bedtime storybook for your children with not only stories but hymns and prayers in it, this book is for you. This book will definitely make a wonderful keepsake. I rate this book 5 stars.

Book description:

Going a step beyond Bible stories, this colorful book challenges children ages five to eight to stop and think about the meaning the first Christmas. Thirty stories are drawn from the breadth of scripture-from Old Testament promises of the Messiah, to the actual Nativity and all the details that surrounded it-and are brightly illustrated, in full color, for young readers’ pleasure. Christmas Stories for Bedtime is perfect for parents wanting to spend spiritual “quality time” with their kids. It’s an ideal follow up to Barbour’s Bible Devotions for Bedtime, Bible Prayers for Bedtime, and Bible Miracles for Bedtime.

I received this digital ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any way for writing this review, and i was not required to give a positive review for it.

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Winter Wishes

I’ve been putting off from reading this ARC from Netgalley. Why? Well, because the summary for the stories in this book was sinfully delicious and I wanted to find the right time to read it so that I would not be disturbed. I managed to pick up this book last night and boy, was I ecstatic to find that the summary actually did the stories justice. The stories in this book is sinfully delicious to read, literally.

Winter Wishes featured 3 novellas written by 3 different author: Vivi Andrews, Vivian Arend and Moira Rogers. Each and every one of these books are unique and creatively written. They’re all refreshing and romantic, but not exactly in the conventional and tradition way, considering that the settings are paranormal.

Thumbs up for all three books in Winter Wishes, and if you’re looking for an adventurous romance kinda book, you ought to read this one. You won’t be disappointed.

From the back of the book:

Tangled Tinsel
By Vivian Arend
She’s the cat’s meow, and he’s ready to pounce!

Five miles of leather-clad leg is all it takes to lure Kyle Branegan out from his carefully hidden lifestyle as part of the Cougar Corp, a secret branch of the Shifter Enforcer League. He’s hoping for a night of fun and frolic, cat-style, no strings attached. With a sultry swing of her hips, Eloise Scott tangles him up in her ball of tricks, and just when he thinks he’s about to get lucky, she cuffs him-naked-to her bed.

An undercover cop in the human police force, El’s been given a top-secret mission to keep the big cat under her paw until he’s needed to testify in court in the New Year. Her decision to take him home for a quiet Christmas in her sleepy hometown turns out to be far more interesting than she expected. Her parents are suddenly rich, her old boyfriend is sniffing around and all six-feet-plus of sexy cougar male is sleeping in her bed.

And that’s before they announce their fake engagement…

No Angel
By Vivi Andrews
When Sasha’s boyfriend, Jay, is sucked through a fiery vortex to Hell, an angel reveals that Sasha’s been chosen as the Champion of Virtue in the battle for his immortal soul. As a perennial offender on Santa’s naughty list, Sasha can’t believe she’s anyone’s idea of a girl fighting on the side of the angels. But if she doesn’t save Jay, he’ll be stuck in Hell forever!

Jay-aka Jevroth-isn’t surprised to find himself back in Hell. His visa to visit the mortal plane expired three months ago, but to steal more time with Sasha he’s been ignoring his mother’s demands that he come home to spend time with his new stepfather: Lucifer.

Sasha has until dawn on the twenty-fifth of December to fight the Legions of Hell and rescue Jay, or be trapped there for eternity herself. But now she must decide if the lying son-of-a-demon is even worth saving…

Freeze Line
By Moira Rogers
She can’t survive in his world; he can’t stay sane in hers

A twenty-first century ice age dulls the magic that emanates from the earth. Shane Sullivan is a lone wolf above the freeze line. He has no desire to join the packs that range closer to the border, where feral instincts can turn a man into a monster. Not until the winter solstice, when he stumbles across a dying witch who needs his help to get back to her people-and her magic-in the south.

Nadia is a powerful woman in her own world, but she’s been drained by her escape from captivity in a northern lab. She knows it’s foolhardy to trust a werewolf, but he’s her only chance to survive the vast white wilderness. The farther south they travel, the harder it is for Shane to keep the beast within under control, and as their mutual attraction intensifies, Nadia’s no longer sure she wants him to.

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Her Kind Of Hero

Another case of judging a book by it’s cover. I requested this book, ‘Her Kind of Hero’ by Kathleen Dienne from Netgalley to review because I thought it’s another one of those 2 hours steamy read.

But boy was I wrong. This is not just your regular 2 hour mushy romance kinda book, but it’s somewhat a thriller. The story is rather fascinating and it makes me think a lot. One of the things is that i come to wonder when I read this book is: Is it possible for men and women who had a past together can just remain friends.

Does platonic relationship between two people who knew each other ever since they’re young can just remain platonic or at some point in their lives, they’ll be bind together in a more romantic way? Is it just a matter of time that such things happen? Well, this book explored just that, and it really makes my head spin and my imagination running.

This is a very intriguing read, and I would recommend this book for those who are asking the same questions as well. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information on the book, kindly click here and head over to the author’s website.

From the back of the book:

Kissing him is better than nothing.

Young widow Vanessa Bingham is ready to stop mourning. She misses the intimacy and tenderness of a man’s touch. It’s obvious her old friend Derek Lane wants her, so why does her first attempt at seduction cause him to flee?

Kissing her is a dream come true.

Derek has been in love with Vanessa forever. His feelings have kept him from having a serious relationship-or a casual one-with any other woman. So when she finally turns to him, he doesn’t want to settle for being friends with benefits.

But Vanessa is a hard woman to resist for long…

Someone doesn’t want them kissing at all.
Just as things with Derek begin heating up, disturbing photos start to arrive at Vanessa’s door. Someone is watching her every move: someone she may know. Terrified by the stalker’s very real threats, Vanessa soon realizes that Derek may be just the hero she needs after all.

Cleffairy: Soulmate, but not lovers. Lovers, but not soulmate. Nothing is perfect in this world. You got to just learn to live with that, and control your own fate.

Her Kind of Hero
Her Kind of Hero
Title: Her Kind of Hero
Publisher: Carina Press
Pub Date: 11/22/2010
ISBN: 9781426890789
Author: Dienne, Kathleen
Category: FICTION – ADULT: Romance: Suspense
URLs:
Carina Website : click here
Author Website : click here
Edition Information
eBook Editions:

Media Type: Mobipocket Reader
File Size: 0
Pub Date: 11/22/2010
ISBN: 9781426890789
Price: $3.99
Media Type: Adobe Reader
File Size: 0
Pub Date: 11/22/2010
ISBN: 9781426890789
Price: $3.99
Digital Press Kit

Marketing Copy

Kissing him is better than nothing.

Young widow Vanessa Bingham is ready to stop mourning. She misses the intimacy and tenderness of a man’s touch. It’s obvious her old friend Derek Lane wants her, so why does her first attempt at seduction cause him to flee?

Kissing her is a dream come true.

Derek has been in love with Vanessa forever. His feelings have kept him from having a serious relationship-or a casual one-with any other woman. So when she finally turns to him, he doesn’t want to settle for being friends with benefits.

But Vanessa is a hard woman to resist for long…

Someone doesn’t want them kissing at all.
Just as things with Derek begin heating up, disturbing photos start to arrive at Vanessa’s door. Someone is watching her every move: someone she may know. Terrified by the stalker’s very real threats, Vanessa soon realizes that Derek may be just the hero she needs after all.

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Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer

I’m a freelance writer myself, and therefore, when I saw this ARC of ‘Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer’ by Moira Allen, available for review in Netgalley, I knew I had to have it, by hook or by crook. After all, knowledge and tips on how to start/ expand your career as a freelance writer is not exactly easily available publicly.

Some of the tips in this book is one of those best kept secrets in the writing industry. Not many will want to share such knowledge with others, so personally, I think this book is a real gem.

If you’re looking for tips on how you can fully utilize your talent in writing and start freelancing, this book is a must have.This is a very useful, no-nonsense book. Very good, thumbs up for the in depth coverage in many areas.

From the back of the book:

The second edition is completely revised and updated to cover online writing, newspapers, columns, international markets, copyediting, and teaching. Learn how to:

-        Develop marketable story ideas

-        Write effective queries

-        Set realistic writing goals

-        Make time for writing

-        Hone research and interview techniques

-        Create outlines and first drafts

-        Approach editors on- and off-line

-        Prepare and submit material

-        Understand rights and contracts

-        Manage income, expenses, and taxes

-        Write and market a nonfiction book

With up-to-date information and effective tips, this all-inclusive reference gives writers the competitive advantage they need to break into the freelance writing market. Everyone wanting to make money as a writer, whether full-time or to supplement an existing career, must have this book.

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Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer

I could still remember that sometimes, I hate fairy tales as a child. They lacked action, and the princesses in the stories are always ‘damsel in distress’ sort of girl. And they’re always waiting for their prince or knight in shining armour to rescue them from the tower or something. I did not exactly fancy those sweet and docile fairy tales. It annoys me that the princesses or the heroines always have to depend on men in order to have their ‘happily ever after’. My dad always have to make up his own stories where the heroines are much more dynamic instead of just docile.

After reading Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Ms. Maureen McGowan, I knew I had to have more of these twisted fairy tales where the heroine is full of courage and bravery instead of merely princesses who were dreaming for their true love while being locked away in a tower.

Like Cinderella, Ms. McGowan’s Sleeping Beauty is another dynamic character, and like Cinderella, I adore Ms. McGowan’s version of Sleeping Beauty, and I had a lot of fun making decision on Sleeping Beauty’s behalf as I read along. This is really a fun book, and I would suggest this to every young adult and those young at heart if they’re looking for something different in a fairy tale. Thumbs up for Ms. McGowan’s Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended to those who loves action-packed fairy tales.

I received this ARC from Baker & Taylor Publishing Group (Silver Dolphin Books) via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book, and I was not compensated in any ways for reviewing this book.

Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer will be released on 1st April 2011, and you can pre-order it from Barnes And Noble/Amazon.

More information on the author, please head over to her website HERE.


Cleffairy: I kinda hate stories about meek, submissive women. We’re more than just a damsel in distress, waiting for the knight in shining armour in a locked tower!

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Women of The Bible

Women of The Bible by Carol Smith, Ellyn Sanna, Rachael Phillips is a reference guide on the women whose lives were immortalized in the bible. I have always been fascinated and intrigued by the stories about the women in the bible. But my comprehension on the bible is rather limited, as the bible is not exactly written in a modern, every-day language. Unless I read those bibles that are meant for little children, I don’t exactly understand what the bible is trying to tell me.

This ‘Women of The Bible’ visual guide helps me to understand the ancient women in the bible alot. I used to have difficulties imagining how the life of women in biblical times is like, but this visual guide helped me a lot. This visual guide also points out that even though men are more highlighted in the bible, the women does not exactly serves just as a background.

Women in the bible too played important roles in creating history.Stories of strong women were portrayed very vividly in this visual guide, and I enjoyed this visual guide a lot. It doesn’t feel as if I was reading something related to the bible, but I felt as if I was going though an in depth case study about the women in the bible.

Thumbs up for this book, and if I were to rate it, I’d give it a gleaming 5 stars.

I received this ARC for review from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any way for this review.

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Secrets Volume 28 Sensual Cravings

It’s was a very cold Sunday, and I decided that there’s no better way to warm up than to read adult fiction that is more than hot enough to burn the sheets. Secrets Volume 28 Sensual Cravings is a collection of stories written by four authors. They’re Juliet Burns, Kate St. James, Jennifer Lynne and Kathleen Scott. Each and every one of their stories are unique and very tantalizing. This book is definitely something worth reading, and I assure you that this will make your uneventful Sunday be more… exciting. This book will guarantee you a sensual adventure and not to mention escapism from reality, if you’re actually looking for any. Thumbs up for Secrets Volume 28 Sensual Cravings. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

From the back of the book:

THE PIRATE’S POSSESSION – JULIET BURNS

When Lady Gertrude Fitzpatrick tries to bargain with a fierce pirate for escape across the water to her childhood home, she unwittingly becomes the possession of Merciless MacGowan, a fierce privateer on the run from Cromwell’s army. Ewan MacGowan has been betrayed and mistakenly exacts revenge on this proud noblewoman. He may have stolen the lady’s innocence, but buried beneath her plain exterior lies a hidden treasure he never thought to find: the true woman of his heart.

SEDUCING SERENA – JENNIFER LYNNE

Serena Hewitt has given up on love. Her experience has taught her there’s no such thing as ‘Mister Right’, but when she interviews for a potential partner she’s not prepared for her overpowering sexual attraction to Nicholas Wade, a fun-loving bachelor with bad-boy good looks and a determination to prove her wrong. But Nick’s hiding a secret that might just do the opposite. Can two people afraid of love risk exposing their hearts one last time?


MIND GAMES – KATHLEEN SCOTT

Damien Storm is a Varti-a psychic who can connect to one special person to communicate with telepathically. For three years he’s tried in vain to get his Vartek partner, Jade, to acknowledge their link, but fear has made her keep him at a distance, even as he’s bared his heart and soul to her in order to gain her trust. He will do anything to know the sweetness of her body and mind in closer proximity, but first he must save her from the forces of the government who wish to see all Varti destroyed.

KISS ME AT MIDNIGHT – KATE ST. JAMES

TV co-hosts Callie Hutchins and Marc Shaw fake an on-air romance to top November sweeps, but before long the battle of the sexes burns up the sheets and the ratings. Callie thinks Marc is a womanizer who should help her snag her dream job…on the other side of the country. As the month progresses, however, she realizes Marc isn’t the handsome playboy he portrays on their show–he’s funny, kind, and too sexy for words, damn it. So…can she give him up when November ends?

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The Complete Visual Bible

I’m a believer. I’m literate, and yet I still have difficulties understanding God’s word through the bible. I don’t really understand what God is trying to say through the bible though now I have no difficulties reading a page or two before I sleep.

It saddens me that I could not understand what He is trying to tell us. And it makes me unhappy that sometimes, I cannot imagine the object or events that has been described by the scriptures.

I have a lot of questions when I read the Holy Book. I’m not sure whether it is normal for a believer to question a lot of thing or not, but I’ve always wondered alot of things when I read the bible. The FAQ that always comes to my mind is:

1. Is God saying that East of Eden is a place on Earth? If He is saying that, where exactly is the Garden of Eden located? Where was it exactly in the ancient times?

2. How does Noah’s Ark looks like? How did Noah fed the animals during the flood?

3. Since human are all but wiped out from existence during Noah’s times… does this mean all human now are descendant of Noah?

4. Were there any discrimination before the Tower of Babel happened? People used to speak the same language before the Tower of Babel happened… and discrimination towards people who speaks different languages or people with different skin colour was unheard of.

5. How does exactly Tower of Babel looks like?

There are loads of questions that came to my mind when I read the Bible. And sometimes… I felt that it contradict one another… perhaps because my knowledge is not enough to understand it fully… that’s why I felt that way? I don’t know, but this ‘Complete Visual Bible’ by Stephen M. Miller helps answer some of my questions…it helps me ‘see’ how objects described in the bible looks like and it certainly helps me understand the socio-politic and the socio-economy during the biblical times.

This bible is helpful for those who wants to understand the bible fully. I highly recommend this for use in the Sunday classes in church. 5 star for this bible. It’s very helpful.

I received this ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for it.

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Advent of A Mystery

Truth be told. I wasn’t exactly interested in this book when I first saw it in for review in Netgalley. The cover does not look attractive enough for me, but I have come to learn to never judge a book from it’s cover, especially if the book in question is offered for free as an ARC.

I’m glad I requested Advent of a Mystery by Marilyn Leach, for it’s really a thrilling mystery to read. The story and the plot was sensational, and somehow, it reminds me of the time when I was still working in the newsroom  as a reporter.

Advent of a Mystery was set in a quaint fictional English Village. The story starts off with Berdie Elliott, a retired investigative reporter, and her retired husband. Her husband is now a parish priest and a respectable member of the society and they’re starting a new life together.

During the annual Christmas party, words seem to fly between some of the parish members which eventually leads to murder. Strange enough, they already have a suspect tried and convicted before they even have them caught. Naturally Berdie being who she is starts investigating right away even though her husband is determined to keep her out of it.

There are alot of  questions that came to my mind when I read this book.They are:

Who did kill Miss Livingstone who is better known as “The Lavender Lady” Was it the new stranger in town or one of the locals or was it someone that Berdie knew?

Could the Advent wreath and candles hold a clue to the murder of the innocent lady? Does the death of a old war hero years ago fit into the picture somehow?

Anyway, this is a thrilling book to read. There’s a lot of element embedded into this fiction, and I enjoyed it very much. This book have a homey feeling, and it’s one book that you would not want to miss, especially on a rainy day.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

From the back of the book:

For lovers of classic Agatha Christie mysteries and Jan Karon village characters, this English set mystery is sure to please. Berdie Elliott, the wife of the new parish priest, thought she left her old life as an investigative reporter behind her, but she soon discovers a village full of secrets when a man dies at a Christmas celebration. Could a clue to his demise be hidden in an advent wreath? Can Berdie curb her natural instincts to get involved in both a mystery and a romance, or will she let the local law handle things?

I received this ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley.


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