Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 12/23-29/12

Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 12/23-29/12

Wednesday 12/26/12

The Green Ticket by Samantha March

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: The Green Ticket

College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.

While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself – is is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.

Thursday 12/27/12

Trouble Won't Wait by Autumn Piper

In association with Buy The Book Tours

Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Trouble Won't Wait

Good things may come to those who wait, but trouble waits for no one…

Cheating is a dealbreaker...or so Mandy’s always thought. But when she catches her husband getting some “strange,” she realizes how hard it is to cut and run, or even file papers. She agrees to a month of counseling, which will give her time to grieve the loss of her marriage before she has to tell the world—and the kids. 

Then she meets Adam, who gives her a hunky--if mysterious--shoulder to cry on, and that thirty-day waiting period seems like an eternity.

Adam has no problem confessing that he’s watched Mandy from his window for months as she runs by his house. If he told her why, though, she’d freak out for sure. He knows they’ve got a future together, if he can think of a way to explain his past. And he’s sure the rat-bastard who cheated on her is putting the moves on her again, but he won’t be the revenge guy.

The month-long cooling off period she agreed to is lasting forever, and might just be indefinite, if trouble keeps getting in their way.

WARNING: Eccentric old lady pushing salt-of-the-earth advice, bossy big brother, kooky counselor, super-secretive hunk, and perfect justice served amidst adult situations and language.

Saturday 12/29/12

A Leprechaun's Lament by Wayne Zurl

A Jersey Girl Book Reviews Virtual Book Event 

Author Interview / Book Review 

Book Description: A Leprechaun's Lament

A stipulation of the Patriot Act gave Chief Sam Jenkins an easy job; investigate all the civilians working for the Prospect Police Department. But what looked like a routine chore to the gritty ex-New York detective, turned into a nightmare. Preliminary inquiries reveal a middle-aged employee didn't exist prior to 1975. Murray McGuire spent the second half of his life repairing office equipment for the small city of Prospect, Tennessee, but the police can't find a trace of the first half. After uncovering nothing but dead ends during the background investigation and frustrations running at flood level, Jenkins finds his subject lying face down in a Smoky Mountain creek bed-murdered assassination-style. By calling in favors from old friends and new acquaintances, the chief enlists help from a local FBI agent, a deputy director of the CIA, British intelligence services, and the Irish Garda to learn the man's real identity and uncover the trail of an international killer seeking revenge in the Great Smoky Mountains

99 Authors, 99 Books, 99 Cents Virtual Promo Blitz

In association with buymereadme.com, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the 99 Authors, 99 Books, 99 Cents Virtual Book Promo Blitz!

These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

 

The Seven Steps to Closure by Donna Joy Usher (Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes Donna Joy Usher, author of The Seven Steps to Closure!

Author Guest Post

~

Character Interview

An Interview with Tara Babcock –protagonist of The Seven Steps to Closure.

Hi Tara. Thanks for joining us today and congratulations on the success of your story The Seven Steps to Closure.

Thank you. It’s great to be here.

You have three really good friends in Elaine, Dinah and Natalie. Is there ever any jealousy?

No, there’s not. Surprising isn’t it? But I think we each bring something unique to the friendship. It makes it impossible to be jealous because we all need those unique attributes to feel complete as a group. For instance Elaine is the organizer and she’s always the one that asks the difficult questions that the rest of us are too scared to ask. Dinah is always there for you no matter what, no questions asked. And Nat, well she’s so nurturing and giving, she’s our little mother.

What about you. What do you bring to the circle?

Hmmm …. good question. Sadly I suspect that I’m the clumsy one that provides the comedy relief.

When did you realize your marriage to Jake was over?

Gee – if I had to pinpoint the exact moment that I knew with crystal, clear clarity that my marriage was over, it would have to have been when I came home and found my cousin Tash’s G-string in my lingerie draw. I mean I didn’t know it was hers at the time. I just knew it wasn’t mine.

So you’re not a G-string wearer?

No not at all. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to be the sort of woman who comfortably wears G-strings and stilettos all day long, but unfortunately I’m not. I get chaffing – on my feet I mean.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

A perfect day for me is one I get to spend with the people that I love. Of course combine the sun and the beach with that and I’m as happy as a pig in mud, or not in mud – I always get confused. Do pigs like mud or not?

I don’t think they mind a bit of mud. Speaking of animals you seem to have had a lot of bad luck with your pets. How is Bad Bunny going?

I’m pleased to say that BB is alive and kicking, and still humping everything he can get his furry paws on. I’ve started killing pot plants instead. It’s much less distressing, and they’re not so difficult to dispose of. 

Why do you think you found it so hard to find closure on your marriage?

Hmmm. Well I think it was a combination of a few things. Firstly I was pretty young and naïve when I met Jake, and I traded in my identity to be Mrs Wellington. I think that made it harder for me to move on because not knowing who I was, made it impossible for me to know want I wanted. Secondly I think it was just that I wasn’t ready to give him up. I still loved him, or I loved who I thought he was. I had to get to a point where I was ready to give up the dream of being with him again before I could find closure.

I noticed that you delineated between loving him and who you thought he was. What did you mean by that?

I was still in love with the Jake I fell in love with at the very beginning. That person had never really existed. He was just one facet of Jake’s whole personality and unfortunately the manipulative, selfish part of Jake far outweighed the kind, loving part.

That can’t have been very pleasant.

It was difficult because I think you judge someone by your own standards. It took me a long time to be able to see him for what he really was. And until then I couldn’t help but keep on loving him.

And The Seven Steps to Closure helped you see that?

The Seven Steps to Closure allowed me to rediscover who I was. And once I knew that, it was very easy to see Jake for whom he really is.

So what’s next for you?

Well Matt and I have a lot of travelling planned, and I want to spend more time with my nieces and my godchildren, so I think the next few years are going to be pretty full on.

Thanks so much for joining us, and good luck in the future.

Thanks it was a pleasure.

About The Author

Born in Brisbane, I started my working life as a dentist. After 15 years of drilling and filling I discovered there was more to life, and put pen to paper. Now I drill by day and write by night.

When not doing either of those things I like spending time with my husband and two little dogs, fishing and camping, motorbike riding, traveling, drinking wine on my deck and eating chocolate. Last year I ran my first half marathon and took up paddle boarding.

I have lived in a myriad of places: Melbourne, Perth, England, Rockhampton, Roxby Downs, Sydney, Cairns and am now situated on the New South Wales Central Coast.


AUTHOR WEBSITE
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Donna Joy Usher ~ The Seven Steps to Closure ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Virtual Book Tour Contest Giveaway

Win A $25 Amazon Gift Card

Contest Dates: Dec 3 - 24

Everyone who leaves a comment on Donna Joy Usher ~ The Seven Steps to Closure ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Seven Steps to Closure before December 24th and sends their receipt to Samantha@ChickLitPlus.com, will get five bonus entries.

Book Review

The Seven Steps to Closure by Donna Joy Usher
Publisher: Lush Publications
Publication Date: May 12, 2012
Format: Paperback - 412 pages / Kindle - 514 KB
ISBN: 098732070X
ASIN: B0082S1WPE
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Chick Lit / Women's Fiction


BUY THE BOOK: The Seven Steps to Closure
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.


Book Description:

Tara Babcock awakes the morning after her 30th birthday with a hangover that could kill an elephant - and the knowledge she is still no closer to achieving closure on her marriage breakup. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that, not only is her ex-husband engaged to her cousin - Tash, the woman he left her for - but that Jake is also running for Lord Major of Sydney.

Desperate to leave the destructive relationship behind and with nothing to lose, she decides- with encouragement from her three best friends - to follow the dubious advice from a magazine article, Closure in Seven Easy Steps. The Seven Steps to Closure follows Tara on her sometimes disastrous- always hilarious - path to achieve the seemingly impossible.

A credible and amazingly touching debut novel from Donna Joy Usher, this is a solid, light-hearted and honest read with plenty of laughs.


Book Excerpt:

Matt pulled over a tuk tuk driver and started chatting to him. After a few minutes, he gestured for me to jump in and introduced me.

'This is Fahad. Fahad this is Tara. Tara and I have been married for a couple of years Fahad so I'd appreciate it if you didn't try to hit on her.'

Fahad let out a loud, deep chuckle. He turned around to look at me and I realised he sounded and looked like an Indian version of Fat Albert.

'No worries Mr Matt,' he boomed. 'I look after your wife like she was one of my sisters.' He hit the accelerator pedal and we shot off into the traffic.

'Would you mind telling me what that was all about?' I stage whispered to Matt out of the corner of my mouth.

'Some of these men can be a little frisky with their hands, just making sure.'

'What about the man that drove us around yesterday?

'Well, if you noticed he wasn't very friendly. I could make you my sister next time if you prefer?'

Damn. He had check mated me, and I bet he knew it. I was pretty chuffed at the thought of pretending to be his wife, I certainly didn't want to be downgraded to a sister. But then if I admitted that to him I was pretty much telling him that I fancied him. Let's face it though, I would have to be a deaf, dumb, blind, mute with no sense of smell, and no imagination to not fancy him. But did he know that? Did he realise just how desirable he was? I was guessing the answer to that was no.

All of that flitted through my head at the speed of light and then I found a loophole in his theory. 'Better not make me your sister,' I said quietly, 'then Fahad could still hit on me.'

Matt nodded his head as if considering this seriously, but I could see a smile playing around the corners of his mouth.

'Mr Matt, Mrs Tara,' said Fahad, looking at us in the rear vision mirror, 'where do you want to go first?'

'Well,' said Matt to the mirror, 'we want to go to the Lotus Temple and the Lodi Gardens. Is there somewhere there that is good for lunch?'

'Oh yes,' he continued, in his singsong Fat Albert voice, 'the Garden Restaurant at Lodi. They do very good Indian food there.'

'Sounds good.'

'Yes, very good Sir,' said Fat Fahad. 'We'll go to the Lotus Temple first. It is very beautiful Maam,' he informed me.

I was wishing - just quietly - that he would watch the road a little more, and the rear vision mirror quite a bit less so I didn't respond. I just nodded, hoping he would get the hint and start watching where we were going.

He spent the next 30 minutes practicing his English while driving haphazardly through the streets of Delhi. Finally, he pulled over at the side of the road near some street vendors.

'There,' he said waving his hand, 'the Lotus Temple. I wait here for you.'

Matt handed him a note and told him to get himself a drink. Fat Fahad was happy with that and after helping me out of the tuk tuk, took himself off to the street vendors.

My Book Review:

Have you ever struggled to find closure when a relationship has ended? Have you tried everything to get the ex out of your heart and mind, but to no avail you still want him? Welcome to Tara Babcock's world!

Thirty year old Aussie Tara Babcock has had a terrible year since her six year marriage to Jake ended when he left her for her cousin Tash! And to make things worse, Tara finds out that Jake and Tash are engaged, and the divorce papers haven't been signed yet! Also, Jake has tossed his hat in the political ring and is running for Lord Mayor of Sydney, now Tara has to endure seeing Jake's face on every billboard, newspaper and bus around town! Tara has tried everything to get over Jake: therapists, palm readers, self-help guides ... even a drunken binge on her thirtieth birthday ... but she still fantasizes about Jake!

With the encouragement of her three best friends: Dinah, Natalie and Elaine, Tara is going to follow the dubious advice in an article in Cosmo magazine to find the closure she so desperately needs. Can Tara follow the advice as stated in Closure in Seven Easy Steps to mend her broken heart and get her life back on track?

The Seven Steps to Closure is a sassy humorous story that will definitely tickle your funny bone! Author Donna Joy Usher weaves an entertaining tale written in the first person narrative with Tara Babcock, who takes the reader along on her crazy adventure to find the long overdue closure from her broken marriage. I loved the witty humor that the author weaves into this story, there are so many laugh-out-loud moments interspersed within Tara's journey of self-discovery, that you can't help but really enjoy yourself as you turn the pages.

I absolutely loved the quirky cast of characters in this story. Tara is one hot mess of a woman, but you can't help but feel for her, you just want to hug her one minute then smack her the next. With a wonderful set of best friends in Dinah, Natalie and Elaine, each different in personality and equally fabulous, these wonderful ladies have Tara's best interest in mind and are there to help her move on with her life. I found myself snickering at Tara's Mom's well-meaning intention when she brings Tara shelter pets like Cocky, the foul-mouthed Cockatiel and Princess the psycho cat. The pets' crazy antics are hysterical, I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face. The bird's foul-mouthed antics reminded me of my pet parrot I had years ago, he could cuss like a sailor, that sucker provided hours of entertainment. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Matt, Tara's travelling companion, I loved, loved, loved that man!

I loved following Tara's journey of self-discovery through The Seven Steps to Closure. Here's a quick lowdown on the steps to peak your interest: Step 1: Get A New Hairdo. Step 2: Get A New Wardrobe. Step 3: Get A New Hobby. Step 4: Have Meaningless Sex. Step 5: Travel to an Exotic Destination. Step 6: Have Meaningful Sex. Step 7: Obtain Closure. As you follow along with each step Tara takes, there are so many quirky and endearing scenes that just draw you in, you find yourself enjoying the antics and adventures that await Tara and her entourage. I really enjoyed Tara's choice of India as her exotic destination. The author provides a richly detailed description of the country, you feel like you are transported there with Tara and Matt.

The Seven Steps to Closure is a story that is humorous, sassy, romantic and heartwarming. It is a story that is so much more than just a woman trying to find closure from a relationship that has ended, it is also the story of a woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns to love again. This is a delightful story that any fan of Chick Lit will surely enjoy!


RATING: 4 STARS ****

Sparkle by Cara Alwill Leyba (Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes Cara Alwill Leyba, author of Sparkle!

Author Guest Post

The Business of Books: How To Stay Inspired as a Self-Published Writer

Writing and publishing your own books is not for the faint of heart. In fact, you really need to be as much of a businessperson as you do a creative person in order to deal with the “business of books” if you plan to independently publish your work. So how do you stay inspired if you’re bogged down with things like marketing, sales, and promotions?

Know When to Outsource. For me, it was really important to have a dedicated team to help me do the things I either simply couldn’t do, or didn’t have the time to do. For example, I knew that many self-published books are produced without proper editing or amazing covers, so those were two extremely important things for me. Choosing the right designer to do my cover was probably my biggest priority aside from actually writing my book. Hiring a great editor that was affordable and reliable was also extremely crucial to the success of my book. As much as we think we can do it all, sometimes we just can’t. Know when to hire out help when you need to, and shop around – it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Stop Comparing Yourself! This is hands-down the worst thing you can do as a writer. Everyone is going to have a different journey. When we get wrapped up in someone else’s story, we take energy away from our own projects. Keep your eyes on the road and channel your own creativity as much as possible. I also made sure that I wasn’t reading any other books when I wrote mine. I wanted to keep my voice authentic and not be distracted by anyone else.

Breathe. This is one of my favorite pieces of advice in writing, and in life. Don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself. Take time out to enjoy the process. This is supposed to be fun! Be present in the moment, take in the experience, and be kind to yourself. The beauty of self-publishing is that you’re in control. Set timelines that feel attainable, and remember, this isn’t a race!

For more on Cara visit www.LiveCreateSparkle.com

About The Author

Cara Alwill Leyba is a best selling author, and certified life and wellness coach from New York City who empowers women to live their most effervescent lives and celebrate themselves. She encourages women to indulge in the things that make them happy, and swears that every woman can live a "champagne life," no matter how busy she is or how tight her budget.

Her blog, The Champagne Diet, boasts a following of thousands of loyal readers and has been featured in Glamour, Shape, Cafe Mom, Daily Mail UK, MSN Australia, AOL UK Lifestyle, and a host of other publications worldwide. Cara's writing has been featured in The Huffington Post, xJane, Mind Body Green, MTV News, and many other sites.

Cara regularly appears on the “Ask Dr. Fritz” radio show on WWRL New York, where she helps host Dr. Fritz answer questions from callers about love, career, family, relationships and more. She also hosts her own lifestyle and wellness show, "Uncork Your Best Self" on Blog Talk Radio.

Cara's first book, Sparkle, became an immediate #1 bestseller on Amazon in both the Happiness and Self-Esteem categories upon hours of its release. She celebrated the release of her book with a book signing in New York City this past fall.

When she’s not popping bubbly, blogging, or working with her coaching clients, Cara spends her days leading a digital advertising team at MTV Networks. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and dog-child.

Want to learn how to sparkle? Join Cara's "Sparkling Start" workshop next month and kick off 2013 in glittering, shimmering style! http://www.livecreatesparkle.com/group-workshops.html


AUTHOR WEBSITE
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Cara Alwill Leyba ~ Sparkle ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Virtual Book Tour Contest Giveaway

Win A $10 Amazon Gift Card

Contest Dates: Dec 17 - Jan 7

Everyone who leaves a comment on Cara Alwill Leyba ~ Sparkle ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Sparkle before January 7th and sends their receipt to Samantha@ChickLitPlus.com, will get five bonus entries.

Sparkle Trailer

Book Review

Sparkle by Cara Alwill Leyba

Publisher: Passionista Publiching

Publication Date: September 5, 2012

Format: Paperback - 136 pages / Kindle - 385 KB

ISBN: 0615675808

ASIN: B009D55Z2Q

Genre: Self-Help Guide

BUY THE BOOK: Sparkle

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

Book Description:

As women, we have become professional self-critics. We've become so convinced by society that we need to attain a level of perfection that just isn't real. Whether it's trying to get skinnier, look younger, get that promotion, please our parents, get fuller lips or rid ourselves of cellulite -- we're on a never ending mission to change and it always makes us feel like crap.

Instead, why not focus on all the fabulous qualities we already possess? There is so much to celebrate when we look at all of our accomplishments. In this straight-up girlfriend's guide, lifestylist and wellness coach Cara Alwill Leyba encourages women to discover what makes them sparkle so that they can design the lives they desire and deserve. So raise your glass and toast yourself. You're about to start shimmering, shining, and dazzling every day. Because isn't everything better when it sparkles?


Book Excerpt:

Taken from Chapter 2: Uncork Your Best Self

Chasing our passions and figuring out what makes us sparkle is crucial, but we can’t get there if we aren’t confident. And as women, we have mastered the art of being professionally critical of ourselves. From crash diets and plastic surgery to wrinkle creams and colonics, we’ve done it all and then some. We’ve read books on why men like bitches, and strived to be more of a bitch. We’ve read articles on why we should stop eating bread to lose weight, and we’ve stopped eating bread (and, God, wasn't that hard?) We’re constantly being told that we should look younger, be skinnier, have fuller lips, act a certain way to obtain the job we think we should have, and we’ve bought into it all. And frankly, I am over it.

It’s time to start celebrating ourselves! We’ve come a long way, baby. Women are now mothers, wives, girlfriends, professionals, executives, students, politicians, doctors, teachers – the list goes on. We’re beautiful, we’re strong, and we are empowered, and we have carved a pretty unique niche into this world. We’ve proved that we can do it all. Raise the children, run the household, and run the boardroom – sometimes all in the same day. In short, we’re pretty damn amazing.

So let’s stop obsessing over our flaws and start toasting to the deliciously authentic creatures we are. Let’s get our attitudes in check and start appreciating all the fabulous things we are blessed with. Let’s rock our best ass-ets and forget the rest. Sound good? Good. But first, we’ll need to change our mindset.

My Book Review:

Ladies, 2013 will be here before you know it! Isn't it about time that you put yourself first and start out the new year by letting your inner Sparkle shine?

In Sparkle: The Girl's Guide to Living a Deliciously Dazzling, Wildly Effervescent, Kick-Ass Life, life and wellness coach Cara Alwill Leyba waves her magical wand, uncorks a bottle of sparkling bubbly and shows us how to celebrate every single thing about ourselves, flaws and all!

This inspirational self-help guide book will motivate you to kick-start your new life journey to pursue your passions, live healthy, learn to love and embrace yourself for who you truly are, redefine what happiness means to you, transform your self-esteem and develop self-confidence, and start living life on your own terms!

Written in a real and easy conversational style that resembles a straight-forward conversation between girlfriends, Cara's effervescent and witty humor will guide you down the path to learn how to live your best life, and to embrace and celebrate the amazing woman that is you! With insightful advice and motivational tips on positive thinking, living in the moment, finding your passion, loving and accepting yourself, and learning to be happy, Sparkle is an inspirational guide that every woman should read and refer back to often!


RATING: 4 STARS ****

A Christmas Homecoming by MaryAnn Diorio (Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Litfuse Publicity Blog Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes MaryAnn Diorio, author of A Christmas Homecoming!

About The Author

Dr. MaryAnn Diorio loves God, people, children, and dogs, in that order. She also is passionate about story and its power to transform the human heart. Dr. MaryAnn, as she is affectionately called, writes compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of life. She is Adjunct Online Professor of Fiction Writing for Regent University and coaches writers on their journey to publication. MaryAnn and her husband Dominic are the blessed parents of two wonderful daughters and a fantastic son-in-law.

AUTHOR WEBSITE

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MaryAnn Diorio ~ A Christmas Homecoming ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Litfuse Publicity

Virtual Book Tour Contest Giveaway

Win A Kindle Paperwhite

Contest Dates: Dec 7-22, 2012

Grab a copy of MaryAnn Diorio's "A Christmas Homecoming" for JUST .99! MaryAnn is celebrating by giving away a Paperwhite Kindle! Details below!

One "merry" winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• A Christmas Homecoming by MaryAnn Diorio

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 22nd. Winner will be announced on 12/23/12 at MaryAnn's Blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

A Christmas Homecoming Trailer

Book Review

A Christmas Homecoming by MaryAnn Diorio

Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group - Harbourlight Books

Publication Date: November 1, 2012

Format: eBook - 53 pages / Kindle - 194 KB / Nook - 272 KB

ASIN: B00A0VFNPQ

Genre: Christian Fiction / Women's Fiction

BUY THE BOOK: A Christmas Homecoming

AMAZON

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CHRISTIANBOOK.COM

PELICAN BOOK GROUP / HARBOURLIGHT BOOKS

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Litfuse Publicity.

Book Description:

Seven Christmases have passed since Sonia Pettit last heard from her daughter Jody. Since Jody’s departure, Sonia’s world has been turned upside down. Her husband has died of a broken heart, and her son, bitter over his sister’s destructive actions, has become rebellious.

Her greatest desire is to have her family together at Christmas, but after what Jody has put them all through, can Sonia truly forgive her daughter?

Jody Pettit O’Dair ran away to experience a life of adventure and excitement, but since her departure, her world has been turned upside down. She’s been abandoned by the man she met and married, lost her job, and is unable to care for her two children. With nowhere else to turn, this prodigal daughter begins the long journey home and prays she will be welcomed after walking away so long ago.

Will Jody find forgiveness in the arms of her family as easily as she received it from God?


Book Excerpt:

Sonia Pettit pressed her hand against her chest in a vain attempt to ease the gnawing, endless ache in her heart. In a few short days, she’d mark the seventh Christmas since her daughter’s frightful disappearance. A sudden, unannounced, and, worst of all, voluntary disappearance with no explanation, no sense, and no forwarding address. A disappearance that had incinerated Sonia’s soul and left it a cold heap of ashes.

Outside the living room window, autumn had long since passed, leaving behind bare branches, scrawny bushes, and gray-white skies. A soft snow fell, dusting the yellowed lawn of the 1920s Victorian home she and Rick had purchased as newlyweds twenty-nine years earlier. The home in which they’d raised their children.

But those early happy times had turned into a nightmare.

She leaned her forehead against the windowpane, her eyes searching far into the distance. More times than she could count, she’d riveted her gaze on the sidewalk leading up to the house, hoping against hope her daughter would suddenly appear. But each time, Jody’s imaginary figure would evaporate into nothingness.

Sonia blinked back the stinging tears. Truth be told, some days worry clawed at her, tearing her heart to shreds. But there were other days, just as wrenching, when rage gripped her to the point she never wanted to see her daughter again. Like a scorching iron, raw pain seared the edges of her memory, leaving only blame to vent the hurt.

After all she’d done for her child. To have Jody leave without warning, without saying good-bye, without so much as an “I’ll be in touch, Mom.” Nothing. Just cold, heartless rejection fueled by arrogance and ingratitude that bordered on the cruel. A vicious slap in the face to a mother who’d given her life for her children.

Sonia turned at the hissing sound coming from the kitchen. She rushed to the stove where her soup had boiled over. She reached the pot just in time to remove a rattling lid from its precarious perch. A small puddle of homemade chicken soup covered the gas burner. She turned off the gas and moved the bubbling mixture to a back burner. Then she took the dishcloth hanging on the faucet and carefully wiped up the mess just as Ben walked into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Ben. I’m making your favorite homemade chicken soup for lunch later.”

“Morning, Mom.” Ben scratched his disheveled head in a valiant attempt to jerk himself to wakefulness. “Got any coffee?”

Sonia pushed down her anger and forced a smile at her lanky twenty-two-year-old son. The second-born of her womb. The son with the tender heart gone awry. “Just made a fresh pot. I’ll pour you some.”

“Thanks.” He yawned. “I’m not awake enough to pour it myself.”

She took a large blue mug from the cupboard and held it in her left hand while she poured coffee into it with her right. She handed the mug of steaming brew to Ben. In a few months, he’d be graduating from college and moving right into a job with a local accounting firm.

His father would have been proud of at least one of their two children.

She squelched the painful memories. Christmas was coming, and she needed to put on a smile for Ben, if not for herself.

“So how’s my favorite son this morning?”

Ben sat down at the kitchen table and stretched out his long legs. “Come on, Mom. You know I’m your only son. So why call me your favorite?”

She sat down in the chair next to him. “Because you are. You don’t have to be my only son to be my favorite one.”

He grinned. “But what if you had another son, would I still be your favorite?”

“Of course, you would. It has nothing to do with numbers. No matter how many children I had, each one would be my favorite—you and Jody hold an equal place in my heart.”

His eyes narrowed. “You can say that after what she did to our family?”

Sonia shifted in her chair, her thumb outlining the handle on her coffee mug. “Yes.” Her breath caught on a snag of hesitation. “Yes, Ben.” She looked him in the eye. “I can still say that.”

He slammed his coffee mug on the table, splattering the hot liquid all over the green vinyl tablecloth. “She ups and leaves without telling anyone where she’s going. Just a stupid note that says, ‘I’ve gone. Don’t come looking for me. I need my space.’ Her space? Sounds more like her own selfish way to me.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Seven years! How many private investigators and how much money have you spent on finding her?” He stood. “You should have listened to Dad. Let her go. Don’t try to find her. He never forgave her, you know.”

“What makes you think Dad didn’t forgive her?”

“How could he? Look at the hole she left in his heart—a hole that devoured him and sent him to an early grave.” He looked beyond her, peering out the window. “A hole that would swallow me up if I let it.” He shook his head. “But I won’t. My anger against her is all I have to keep me from falling in.”

“Withholding forgiveness is never the answer, Ben.”

He towered over her, fire in his eyes. “Who are you to talk? You haven’t forgiven her either. You just pretend you have.”

She lowered her voice, tamping down the anger threatening to spew forth. “Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling.”

Ben’s glare cut deep. “Spiritual platitudes. That’s all you’re handing me. I’ll never forgive her for what she’s done.”

The sword of truth pierced Sonia’s heart as she watched Ben storm out of the room. If she were honest with herself, he was right. She hadn’t truly forgiven Jody either. As much as she loved her daughter, Sonia wanted Jody to suffer as much as she herself had suffered. As much as Rick and Ben had suffered. She wanted Jody to pay for all the pain she’d caused. By walking out on her family, Jody had left a wake of anger, confusion, and shame that had rocked their world, leaving them bruised, shaken, and shattered. Worst of all, Rick had taken his daughter’s disappearance so hard that Sonia was sure it had caused his death. How could she ever forgive Jody for that?

She rose and turned her attention back to the soup pot. She lifted it from the back burner and replaced it on the front one, then turned the gas to low heat. Chicken soup made a good lunch on a cold day.

But on this cold day, she no longer had an appetite.

My Book Review:

A Christmas Homecoming is a poignant novella about God's gift of grace, forgiveness, healing, faith and redemption to a family that has been struggling through unfortunate life circumstances for the past seven years. Written in the third person narrative with alternating perspectives from a mother and a daughter, author MaryAnn Diorio weaves an inspirational tale of the beauty of God's grace and the power of forgiveness that brings a family back together, on the road to healing and becoming whole once again.

At the age of eighteen, Jody Pettit O'Dair runs away from her home in Falls Church, Virginia, to experience a life of adventure and excitement in Sydney, Australia. She left her family without even saying goodbye, leaving just an impersonal note telling them not to look for her. Now seven years later at the age of twenty-five, Jody realizes that her life of adventure and freedom has instead brought only heartache and trouble. Divorced and left penniless with three year old twins Micah and Greta, she is laid off from a job she hated but desperately needed. With nowhere else to turn to, can Jody go back home to her family in Virginia? Will they forgive her for her selfish actions and the pain that she has put them through? Will they welcome her back into their family?

For seven Christmases, Sonia Pettit has prayed for the safety and return of her daughter Jody. Jody's unexplained disappearance has turned Sonia and her family's world upside down. After twenty-nine years of marriage to her husband Rick, he took Jody's disappearance so hard, he developed a heart condition and withdrew from the world as bitter man whose heart gave out, only to die from a broken heart. And their son Ben, who was fifteen years old at the time of Jody's disappearance, is now an angry, bitter and rebellious twenty-two year old. With everything that Jody has put the family through, can Sonia open her heart and forgive her daughter, and welcome her back into the family?

My favorite quote in the story is one that sends a powerful message for everyone to follow: Sonia tells her son Ben that "forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling." No truer words could have been written!

A Christmas Homecoming is a beautifully written and heartwarming story that will stir your soul. This is an emotional story that provides a wonderful message that will resonate with the reader for a long time, especially during the Christmas holiday season.

RATING: 4 STARS ****

Keeper by Surprise by Laurie Larsen (Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Goddess Fish Promotions, Jersey Girl Book Reviews welcomes Laurie Larsen, author of Keeper by Surprise!

Author Guest Post

Ten Things That Readers Don't Know About Me

By: Laurie Larsen

Hey Jersey Girl, thanks so much for hosting me today on my blog tour for my latest contemporary romance, Keeper by Surprise. The topic (Ten Things Readers Don’t Know About Me) is appropriate for promoting this book, because I’m sure my hero, Keith Hanson wished he knew ten more things about his heroine, Lisa Carle. At least he’d be going into their romance with his eyes wide open. But, as they say, all’s well that ends well, and of course, Keith and Lisa ultimately got their Happily Ever After.

So, without further delay, here are ten things that readers might not know about me … and I’ll say I struggled to find ten ‘interesting’ things about myself, but here goes:

TEN: I’m musical. When I was a kid I played five musical instruments: flute, piccolo, bassoon, baritone saxophone and guitar. Often I’d learn a new instrument just because a certain band or ensemble lacked one. I also wrote a few songs which was great fun.

NINE: Now, however, I spend all my musical talents on singing. I sing in the church choir, often do solos and have done more weddings than I can count. I started an exercise to see how many couples I sang for are still married, but they weren’t faring well, so I quit counting.

EIGHT: As a child, I rode horses. I competed for five years and rode English hunt seat, and yes, even did stadium jumping. Steeplechase jumping scared me half to death.

SEVEN: I spent a semester in Mexico City as a college student. I was an English major and Spanish minor. There was a time when I could hold my own speaking Spanish pretty fluently. Now, I only get the chance on the odd Mexican vacation. I can still form my own sentences but have trouble translating when native Spanish speakers talk to me.

SIX: I am the granddaughter of one of the inventors of the solar battery: Gerald Pearson, my mom’s dad. He worked for Bell Labs at the time and the invention was made on a team with several other brilliant scientists. My mom a few years ago accepted my grandfather’s induction into the American Inventor’s Hall of Fame. Unfortunately I did NOT inherit his brilliant scientific mind.

FIVE: I’ve worked for the same Fortune 50 company for 28 years!! I’ve enjoyed (almost) every job I’ve ever held there and I’ve always been proud of the accomplishments of the company. But I have to admit that I also love to dream about an early retirement so I can spend my time doing other things besides sitting in an office all day long.

FOUR: I’m an E! network junkie. When I’m channel surfing I go automatically to E! and if any of the following shows are on, I usually stay there: E! News, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Sex and the City reruns, The Soup. If none of those shows are on, I’ll flip to TBS for old sit coms in syndication, CMT for country music videos or History Channel for episodes of Pawn Stars.

THREE: I have one brother, and I’ve lost one brother. My parents adopted my little brother when I was twelve and he was seven, and he was murdered when I was 24 and he was 19.

TWO: I’ve known my husband now for half my life. I met him when I was 25, married him when I was 27, and I’m now 50.

ONE: I consider myself one of the luckiest and blessed people in the world, thanks to God.

About The Author

Laurie Larsen is the EPIC Award-winning author of Preacher Man, Best Spiritual Romance of 2010. To date, she has published seven books in the romance and women’s fiction genres, including one Young Adult romance. Keeper by Surprise is her latest release. She lives in the Midwest with a strenuous day job, a husband of more than two decades, two amazing sons and Gracie the Wonder Dog.


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Laurie Larsen ~ Keeper by Surprise ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Goddess Fish Promotions

Virtual Book Tour Contest Giveaway

Win Promotional Items

or

A Basic Nook or Kindle

Contest Dates: 11/12/12 to 2/4/13

Laurie will be awarding promo items to random commenters at every stop, and the choice of a basic Nook or Kindle to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US/CANADA ONLY).

To enter the contest, follow the tour and comment on each blog stop! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Tour Dates:  Laurie Larsen's Keeper by Surprise ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Goddess Fish Promotions

Book Review

Keeper by Surprise by Laurie Larsen

Publisher: Random Moon Books

Publication Date: September 8, 2012

Format: Paperback - 352 pages / Kindle - 435 KB / Nook - 744 KB

ISBN: 1479244600

ASIN: B00988HXOG

Genre: Contemporary Romance

BUY THE BOOK: Keeper by Surprise

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Book Description:

Guardianship doesn’t come with an owner’s manual.

Life changes forever for Keith Hanson when his parents’ will declares him guardian over his three younger siblings. His new responsibilities are challenging, but he’s even less prepared to fall in love with Lisa Carle, a social worker with a devastating secret.

College student Keith Hanson’s priorities are like any other 20-year old guy’s: grades and girls, not necessarily in that order. But when his parents are killed in a tragic car accident on their way home from visiting him at school, life changes drastically. He’s stunned to find that his father’s will calls for him to become guardian to his siblings, fifteen year-old Dana and twin seven year olds, Leo and Linda.

The new keeper comes to the attention of Family Services when Dana’s rebellious ways prove more than he can handle. She disappears and Keith finds her in her boyfriend’s driveway inside a foggy-windowed car. Social worker Lisa Carle is assigned to the Hanson case to help with the adjustment and is floored by her unexpected feelings for Keith. But neither Keith nor Lisa are fully aware that they have unwittingly become pawns in a plot led by Lisa’s boss, that will ultimately lead to their destruction or their own happy ending.


Book Excerpt:

From Chapter One:

Keith pulled up in front of the Alpha Chi Omega house and parked. He tugged at the torturous bowtie and started up the sidewalk, then trotted up the steps to the massive front door. Once inside the sorority house, he gazed around the extravagant foyer. The walls were lined with scarlet velvet and the plush carpet was olive green. A huge vase of red carnations sat on the circular table occupying the center of the foyer. The house had always seemed to him like a metaphor for the girls who lived inside. Beautiful, classy, and just a tad out of his reach.

A movement at the top of the stairway captured his attention. Carly. He turned and his breath caught in his throat. He knew he was gawking at her as she began to descend the stairs. He couldn’t help it. She was gorgeous. She stepped gracefully onto the massive staircase and paused to giggle at his reaction.

My God, that dress. It was absolutely perfect on her. The emerald color gave her a regal look and it was form-fitting in all the right places. Like her breasts. And her tiny waist. Her auburn hair fell in graceful curls around her shoulders. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she turned away from him to brush the floor-length skirt and he caught a glimpse of the back of the dress. His heart quickened when he saw how low-cut it was. Her entire back was exposed in a V pattern, leaving absolutely no doubt in his mind there was no barrier between her skin and that fabric.

“Your mouth is hanging open, you know.”

My Book Review:

How would you feel if your world suddenly turned upside down when tragedy strikes and you go from being a carefree college kid to the guardian of your younger siblings?

For Keith Hanson, a fatal car accident that took his parents lives will change his life forever when he finds out that their will has made him the guardian over his fifteen year old sister Dana and seven year old twins Leo and Linda. How does one go from being a college student to being a parent of three? Is Keith up for the challenge, or will this daunting responsibility prove to be too much for him?

Keeper by Surprise is a poignant story of one young man's challenge to become a parent to his three younger siblings after a tragic car accident takes the lives of his parents. Written in the third person narrative, author Laurie Larsen weaves a poignant tale of heartbreak, reality, growth, responsibility and resilience that will simply pull at your heart strings. The daunting challenges that Keith faces in his journey to provide a stable family dynamic for his siblings provides enough twists and turns that engages the reader's emotions. And with young social worker, Lisa Carle, Keith finds a new romance that blossoms along the way, until a deeply held secret by Lisa threatens to destroy them.

Keeper by Surprise is a warmhearted story written with thoughtfulness and a dose of reality. Author Laurie Larsen does a wonderful job of weaving a tale of love of family with a tender romance in the mix. This coming of age and ready made family story demonstrates the resilience of love to overcome life's challenges, and that love really does conquer all.


RATING: 5 STARS *****