Welcome to my first Giveaway Hop of 2013! Glad to see you here. I hope you'll find something you like on this stop. I'm posting early as I won't be around when this is supposed to go up.
I
want to give some of my books a new home. Yes, these are from my
bookshelf. This is part of my personal "secret" 2013 resolution...to
give some books new homes as I am seriously running out of space! So I
hope you'll help me and be that person.
Other Choice:
Megabest Jokes - VJ Times
P.S. Covers may not be as shown above. Please click for summaries. Some of the books have yellowed pages or spotting but are still in readable condition.
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a
cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across
the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for
those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t
want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would
rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines
with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire
to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that
love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to
survive.
Enjoy Excerpts from Alaina Claiborne (Excerpts may or may not be in the order in which they appear, and may differ slightly from the final book.) Excerpt One:
Tristan had spent months negotiating with the lord, who decided to
hold out for all he could the moment he realized who was interested in
the property. Apparently, Lord Melbourne had been so deep in debt that
he had no choice but to sell off his ancestral estate. Tristan knew a
desperate man when he saw one and Lord Melbourne had been desperate. He
eventually yielded to Tristan’s way of thinking and settled on a fair
price. Tristan was happy to be rid of the man and even more pleased to
find the daughter of Melbourne’s deceased neighbor in his own backyard.
Tristan studied the object of his thoughts for a moment longer, trying
to catch another glimpse of those revealing eyes. She declined to look
at him, but he wanted a reaction from her—any kind of reaction would
please him.
“It seems we will be neighbors.” He realized he had blundered when
her spine stiffened and she turned toward him. Anger marred her lovely
face, and he guessed she likely suffered from temper when the mood
struck, as it seemed to be doing now.
“You, sir, may now own this property, but I assure you we will be
neighbors in no other way except that we share a border. I see no reason
why we should ever meet again.” With her back stiff and head held high,
she turned to her impressively large stallion and mounted with
surprising ease, her riding habit no hindrance to her. He wondered if
she rode with as much confidence as she showed him right now—he thought
she probably did.
“There is no reason why we can’t be civil to one another, Alaina.
After all, I now own half of your favorite lake.” He couldn’t seem to
stop saying all of the wrong things, but he was enjoying himself. She
stared down at him from her elevated height and looked him over with a
mixture of what he thought to be disgust and perhaps admiration. But
there was only anger behind her next words.
“I have plenty of ponds on my own property.”
“Then why are you here?”
“That, sir, is none of your business.” She turned the horse, spurred
him forward, and once she broke through the trees, she sent the horse
into a suicidal run, one which she surprisingly had complete control
over. Tristan followed her with his eyes until she rode over the hill
and out of sight.
“Interesting,” he murmured. “A most interesting woman.” He turned to
his horse and stroked his muzzle. “What do you think, Admiral?”
The horse whinnied and nodded his head. “I agree, old boy,” he
murmured and his gaze returned to the hill where she had been moments
before. “I agree.” Tristan mounted his horse with equal ease and turned
to continue the inspection of his property.
Excerpt Two:
Across the acres, darkness enveloped Alaina, her surroundings
illuminated by the flickering flame of a lamp. She moved around in the
attic, searching through trunks of the items that had come from her
mother’s cottage in Ireland. It was difficult to see so many memories
reminding her of her parents, but she also found it calmed her. She had
avoided these things since they had been delivered years ago, but now
her fears became secondary. She hoped something from her parents’ past
might shed light on what was happening in the present. Alaina rummaged
through a trunk of some of her mother’s clothes, pulling them out and
smelling them, hoping for a faint whiff of the soft rose scent her
mother used to wear. There was something lingering around the old
clothes, and it took Alaina back to a time when she was a little girl.
Nevertheless, the memory ended there. She paused for a moment, as if the
scent reminded her of something else besides her mother. She
subsequently released the memory when she saw the bottom of the trunk
was not as deep as it should have been. She pulled out the remaining
dress and ran her fingers along the bottom and edges. She next looked on
the outside of the trunk. Nearly six inches of extra space remained
near the bottom on the inside.
Alaina felt along the inside edges and became excited when she
found a gap. Slowly reaching her fingers into the hole, she
simultaneously pushed down on the other edge for leverage and surprised
herself when the bottom tilted to reveal the extra space beneath.
Removing the thin board, she set it aside and gasped when she turned
back to the trunk.
“Oh, Mother. What did you do?”
Book Trailer
Author MK McClintock
MK McClintock is an entrepreneur, baker, photographer, and multi-genre author.
Over the years MK McClintock has traveled the country and abroad,
experiencing the beauty of other lands and cultures. She dreams of a
time when life was simpler, the land rougher, and the journey more
rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always
on adventure, McClintock will always call Montana home.
MK McClintock is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West.
BookBlast $50 Giveaway
Ends 1/22/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com
Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize
being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter
or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by
rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48
hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no
way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity
unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received
determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I
Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the
author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Everyone around her knows. Everyone she trusts has lied. And the one man who held the key to Jessica McCabe’s past is dead.
Welcome to Gracier, Iowa, a well-kept community with even better kept
secrets. Lives are peaceful, streets are quiet, but behind the
tranquility is many a tale to be told. Veterinarian Jessica McCabe has
returned, but it is not the homecoming she had expected. Her
grandfather, Jonas McCabe and Gracier’s longtime vet has died, leaving
behind the practice they had hoped to share.
The reading of Jonas’ will sets off a series of events that bring into
question Jessica’s birthright, the truth surrounding her mother’s
untimely death and her grandfather’s sanity. With her world turned
upside down she is thrown into a partnership with Matthew Cassidy, the
man who chose his family’s wealth over Jessica’s love.
Her determined spirit leads Jessica to stay, continue the veterinarian
practice and return to the life and the community she loves. But a
secret loft and a box filled with a hidden past change the course of her
life once again.
Longtime family friends, Dr. Andrew Harrison and retired Sheriff Chester
Caughlin know the truth. A promise made to a dear old friend to protect
the girl they helped raise is one they intend to keep. But the wheels
of fate have been put in motion. The people entrusted with protecting
Jessica from the past are losing control. The small town of Gracier,
Iowa holds many secrets and those who have kept the truth hidden are
about to discover that not everything has been laid to rest.
Book Trailer
Praise
"Milissa Bailey has set the perfect stage for the next book in the
series with her intriguing characters that are as unpredictable as an
Iowa tornado and as genuine as the county fair. The labyrinth of their
lives makes you want to learn more about the secrets of Gracier". - D.
Bahrenfuss - Editor
"I was pulled in with the depth of this story and couldn't stop myself
from finishing the second half in one sitting. GRACIER is a beautiful
reminder of all that is important in life. Bailey has a wonderful gift
and I hope she will continue to "breathe"!"
--Leisa Anslinger, author of Forming Generous Hearts, Here Comes Everybody
"...think Jennifer Chiaverini or Jan Karon" - Burlington by the Book
“It was one of those books that I stayed up late reading and picked back up the minute I woke up! ” -Mari Kait
"Milissa Bailey's depiction of small town Iowa is both charming and
mysterious--the perfect combination to captivate readers." -C.G.Reader
“Add to that a group of supporting characters you can't help but love. Gracier is a must read.” -Shari
"I couldn't put the book down...can't wait for book #2!!!!" -RJW
Milissa Bailey grew up among the rolling fields of rural Iowa, where she
continues to live with her husband, and three children. In her debut
novel she draws upon her rich knowledge of the Midwest as she welcomes
us to Gracier, Iowa, a well-kept community with even better kept
secrets. Readers are introduced to a cast of characters they will come
to know, love and hate. Vivid descriptions, palatable anguish, forbidden
romance and touches of humor lend itself to the stories weaved in this
idyllic setting. The small town of Gracier holds many secrets and those
who have kept the truth hidden are about to discover that not everything
has been laid to rest.
Milissa, along with her husband, own a marketing firm located in Iowa.
She is currently at work on the second book in the Gracier series.
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com
Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize
being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter
or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by
rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48
hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no
way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity
unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received
determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I
Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the
author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Fate was working against little
Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him
instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute.
Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined
as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino – who everyone knew as Mama.
Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle
fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.
An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love,
and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive,
Goodnight, Brian is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving
up is not an option.
Read an Excerpt from the Book
Enough time had passed for the shock of Brian’s condition to wear
off. Joan had stumbled beyond the grieving process and had given up
negotiating with God. She was now at a place called rage. Mama sat with
her daughter at the kitchen table, trying to help her make sense of it
all. “Maybe Brian’s a test from God?” Mama suggested.“Why would God test a little baby who’s never done a thing wrong? Why would He test an innocent child?” Joan snapped back.Mama shook her head. “I didn’t say God was testing Brian,” she said
evenly. There was a thoughtful pause. “Maybe He’s testing everyone
around Brian?”“I don’t want to hear that!” Joan roared. “My son will never be able to enjoy the life of other people who don’t…”Mama slapped her hand on the Formica table, stopping Joan in
mid-sentence and turning her face into that of a seven-year-old girl’s.
“Not another negative word, do you hear me?”she yelled back, quickly
grabbing her daughter’s hands and holding them tightly. “Positive, Joan –
everything must be positive! Negative calls for negative and positive
brings forth positive. Brian’s already facing some unfair challenges. We
have to be positive, Joan. We just have to be!” Joan wiped her eyes. “But what if the doctor’s right, Ma?” she muttered in a tortured voice. “What if…”Without letting Joan’s hands go, Mama took a deep breath and started
in on her own tirade. “The doctors don’t know what the hell they’re
talking about! I had a grandmother who lived her whole life as a brittle
diabetic, but she ate anything she wanted. She died three days before
her eighty-fifth birthday. Your grandfather supposedly had cirrhosis of
the liver, but lived with his bottle for forty more years until old age
took him. They don’t know beans! Besides, we need to have faith in a
higher source.” She pulled her crucifix away from her neck and kissed
it. “You have to believe, Joan. Before any of the healing can take
place, you have to believe that it will.” She nodded and lowered her
tone. “Only God knows how… and that’s enough.” Joan placed her face in her hands and began to cry. She was now
completely removed from her rage and safely returned to the stage of
grief. “I’m…just… so…scared,” she stuttered, sobbing. Mama stroked her hair. “Don’t you worry, love. They say that children
are raised by a village.” She nodded her gray, curly head. “I think
it’s about time we had a village meeting.”
Early Praise: “Steven Manchester has a gift
for expressing through his writing the complicated and transcendent beauty
of the human experience with poignant clarity.” – Yolanda King, eldest
daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King
“Steven Manchester’s Goodnight, Brian is a poignant, inspiring
story about resilience and faith and one family’s enduring love that should
be a model for us all.” – James S. Hirsch, bestselling author, Willie
Mays: The Life, The Legend
“Steven has once again proven his deep insight into human emotions and
relations and his ability to craft a well written and entertaining story
that also has the power to inspire courage and hope. Goodnight, Brian
is a fine read.” – Bob Price, WPZZ Radio Personality
Author Steven Manchester Steven
Manchester is the published author of the #1 best seller, Twelve Months,
as well as A Christmas Wish (the holiday prequel to Goodnight,
Brian). He is also the Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The
Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under
the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC's Today
Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and
BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of his short stories were selected
"101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
From the mowing of the lawn to the splish-splashing of rain puddles,
Talia Aikens-Nuñez’s bilingual picture book Escucha Means Listen introduces toddlers and babies to the sweet sounds around them.
Take a journey through the world—just listening. Escucha Means Listen
helps children discover sounds around them in English and Spanish.
In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)
A good book for young beginners to reading and also to the Spanish language.
My Thoughts
The book is really easy to go through. It just takes a few minutes, as a good children's book should. Not knowing any Spanish at all, except for what I come across on TV, this was a lovely little way to learn a few words. The book is mostly filled page to page with illustrations and very minimal text, perfect for those impatient toddlers who can't sit still for more than those few given minutes. The illustrations by Dina Ashraf Helmi are pretty well done and very colourful so as to capture those little minds. Everything is big and bright and reminiscent of my own watercolouring day. This book is a great way for parents to bond with their children while teaching them about nature and language.
I was also given the chance to ask Talia a question which was Top Ten Things That Inspire Your Work On A Daily Basis. Authors get inspiration from everything around them so I wanted to know what inspired Talia!
Her lovely answers were:
The first five are more about my broad based inspiration and the
last 5 are more of the nuts and bolts...hope that makes sense. I should
also note that I live in Connecticut and have a Pre-K child. I may be
answering this differently because of that right now:
1. Love because it keeps me moving.
2. Hope because it keeps me dreaming.
3. Smiles because they keep me happy.
4. Laughter because it gives me joy.
5. My family because they give me all of the above.
6. Quiet because it makes me listen.
7. Being with nature because it allows me to understand true beauty.
8. Work because it keeps my mind active.
9. Meetings because they make me feel productive.
10. Completion of tasks because crossing things off my 'To Do' List is so satisfying.
Number 6 was perfect for this book as it was all about listening to nature and the things around you. Loved her answers!
Talia Aikens-Nuñez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be a writer. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising a bilingual child inspired Talia to write lyrical children’s books. These ‘first experience’ books introduce Spanish to children and parents too! Talia’s family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She, her husband and daughter live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter Isabella.
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/21/12
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com
Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize
being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter
or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by
rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48
hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no
way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity
unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received
determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I
Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
