Friday, August 26, 2011

Book Review: Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Brusenna and her mother live in isolation deep in the forest. Their trips into town are infrequent and often made with the greatest of caution, as they never know what they will encounter when they leave their home. They live without many friends, relying on each other for companionship. They are witches, and have been shunned by most of society.

The Dark Witch has made it her goal to harness all witchcraft for herself and to use it to control all the elements to her bidding. By kidnapping the witches and subjecting them to her will, she can steal their power and make her own even stronger. Brusenna's mother rises up to fight her, but never comes back, and it falls on Brusenna's shoulders ... she is the last free witch.

Using her voice, the tool which calls out her power, she practices the spells her mother left her, feeling insufficient to the task. She finds Joshen, a young man who is sympathetic to the plight of the witches and vows to protect her, and together they begin a journey to the land where the Dark Witch lives. But she has to face the battle alone - as devoted as Joshen is to her, only she has the power to win.

I enjoyed this first novel by Amber Argyle. It blends together many of the traits we've been taught about witches with new ideas and new ways of looking at their role in the earth. The story was unique and fresh, enough romance to satisfy the romantics with enough adventure to satisfy the adventurous, and I highly recommend it for young adults and adults who are looking for a good read.

You can purchase Witch Song here, visit Amber's blog here, and when you're done reading it, you can leave your review here.

FTC: The fact that I was honored and delighted to be one of the few to receive an ARC of this book did not influence my review. Nor was I enchanted by witch song into liking it.



Sunday, August 21, 2011

Book Review: Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

Kennedy Campbell, renowned journalist, just wanted a story. Making her home at an Afghan refugee camp, she immerses herself in the lives of the people, coming to care for them like her own family, doing whatever she can to help them. Sending her camerawoman home with the promise to follow shortly behind, she says her goodbyes, only to get caught in a Taliban attack. She flees with some of her new friends and they nearly make it to safety, but she is captured by a wanted terrorist who decides to use her fame for his own purposes, demanding ransom from the United States government.

Ethan Barak knew he was putting himself in a dangerous situation when he agreed to work with MI-6 to bring down international arms dealers, and he was prepared to face that risk. But when one of his enemies kills his father, Ethan is pushed to the limit. No longer content to quietly gather information and pass it along, he wants to bring down the ringleader, and do it now ... in any way possible, including the man's death.

When Ethan and Kennedy meet up, both entangled in a web of danger, they aren't sure if they can trust each other. They've already been misled by so many people. But soon they realize they are working on the same side and come together as allies, determined to find justice in their situation and get themselves back to safety.

My Thoughts: Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon is a fast, intense read, action-packed to keep you turning pages, but without vulgar language, which I appreciated. It's short enough to read in one sitting, but long enough to provide some good entertainment. The subject matter is timely in today's world political environment, and seems as though it could appear on a headline tomorrow. As I read, I thought that this book would make a good movie as I envisioned the action going from the Malacca Strait in Indonesia to a dark and smoky bar to an elegant home in the capital city and onto a ship headed to open water. Each scene played out vividly for me as I read, and I enjoyed the tense intrigue ... and I have to say, I enjoyed the kissing, too, which was in perfect balance with the suspense, giving us just enough without taking over the story. It was a great way to spend an evening.

You can get Ribbon of Darkness for your Kindle or as a hard copy.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my opinion, was not compensated in any other way, and was not threatened by the Taliban to give a good review.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Write Planner

Earlier this year, I was sent one of these nifty gizmos ...



Except mine is country blue, which, I have to say, is perfect for me. I'm a blue girl.

This planner is specifically designed to help writers stay on track with their writing goals and their daily schedules. It is peppered with quotes from famous authors to inspire and motivate. The spiral binding allows you to flip it open to whatever spot you like, and it has a ribbon bookmark so you can hold your place even when the book is closed. It's just the right size - 5 X 7 - so it can fit in your purse, computer bag, or just sit on your desk without taking up too much room.

I know that some people keep track of their goals and schedules on computer programs, and that's awesome, if that's what works for them. I'm a pen and paper girl. (In addition to being a blue girl.) I like writing things down and seeing them in front of me on paper, so a planner is how I prefer to operate.

Right now, the planners are on clearance to make room for next year's printing. You can get one for $5.99, regularly $12.99. Click here for all the details.

FTC: Sure enough, I got this planner for free.


Friday, August 19, 2011

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Book Review: Sudden Peril by Frank Richardson

I recently had the opportunity to read Sudden Peril by Frank Richardson, and I have to say, I was very intrigued by the story. Let me share the backliner, and then I'll tell you my thoughts about the novel.

Jamie Madero's summer internship turns out to be anything but ordinary when he discovers the truth about The Freemen Foundation. Now outnumbered and outgunned, Jamie and his fellow Insiders must stay one step ahead of their enemies to survive in this high-stakes novel of intrigue and deception. This perfect adrenaline rush of a book is suspenseful, surprising, and packed with action. You won't be able to put it down.

The main character, as mentioned in this backliner, brings us into the world of The Freemen Foundation. We go with Jamie as he believes he's being offered a job to discovering that he's been recruited into the foundation, and we experience his wonder at the purposes behind the foundation's mission. From there, we leave Jamie and move on to other characters, coming to know them and the reasons for their commitment.

The Freemen Foundation is a group of men and women who have chosen to devote their lives to rooting out modern-day Gadianton robbers operating in huge corporations. They act as spies, going into these corporations, discovering where laws are being broken, and turning the information over to the authorities. This is the way they have chosen to bear the standard of truth and to live up to their beliefs. And from that sentence, you might have already guessed that most of the members of the foundation are LDS.

I enjoyed reading about a group of people who didn't just wring their hands and say, "Oh, isn't that too bad" when faced with the problem of corruption. They decided to do what they could to make the world a better place one step at a time. Many of the corporations they infiltrated were mysteriously doing away with whistle-blowers, and so were not only stealing money and funding things they shouldn't have been funding, but committing murder as well.

One might question, how could Latter-day Saints, in good conscience, deliberately join an organization that operates in secret ... doesn't that make them guilty of belonging to a secret combination? And how could these Latter-day Saints spy, take up arms, and beat people up, all without losing their Church membership?

These questions did pop into my head as I read, but I just as quickly dismissed them. Men of God have always been called upon to fight for the sake of righteousness. Whether it be to protect their families, or their lands ... think about Captain Moroni, and Teancum. Think about all the soldiers who go out to war to fight for our freedoms. Being a soldier does not make you any less a man of God.

Let's talk about secret combinations for a moment. As near as I can tell from the research I've done, a secret combination takes place when evil men take upon themselves an oath to serve Satan. We see the earliest example of this in Cain's murder of Abel. These men then murder all those who stand in the way of achieving their goals, which are money, power, and domination.

If this is the definition of a secret combination, then we can't place that label on just any old group that operates in secret. Think for a minute about the CIA and the FBI. They are called upon to go undercover and pretend to be things they are not, but they operate for the ultimate good of protecting us and bringing criminals to justice. Would we call them secret combinations? Well, I know some people who don't like these organizations and might call them all sorts of names, but that's not what I'm after. The point I'm making is that you can most certainly operate in secret without desiring to serve the devil, and I believe it's not too far of a stretch for the author to invent a group of righteous men and women who work surreptitiously to bring down evil.

Anyway, off my analysis and on to my closing thoughts ...

The story is tense and gritty, but never gratuitously violent. I appreciated the author's ability to convey the high stakes in a scene without resorting to foul language. It's the perfect combination of suspense and action without gore and guts. I liked the imagination, the speculation, and the way this novel asked me, "What would I do to protect my family, my home, my religion, from evil men in these latter days?" I think it's a question we all should ask ourselves from time to time.

FTC: I received this novel free of charge in exchange for my review. My vehemence and conjecture were thrown in as icing on the cake and were neither solicited by, or expected by, the author or his publisher.

Monday, August 15, 2011

On My Nightstand ...

Every so often, I see bloggers post pictures of their TBR piles (to be read) and thought it would be fun to share what I've got going on these days. Each of these books will be reviewed on this blog, although the order in which they are stacked isn't necessarily the order in which the reviews will appear - I had to put them just right so the stack wouldn't fall over. :)

So stay tuned ... lots of reading and lots of reviews coming your way!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Winners and Party Time!!

The winner of the novels by Betty Briggs and Carole Thayne Warburton is ...

Stacy!!

And the winner of the three-book set of Secret Sisters Mysteries ...

Carolyn!!

Congratulations!! Ladies, if you are able to make it to the launch, I will hand your books right over. If not, I will ship them off in Monday's mail.

Now, what are you sitting there reading my blog for?  We've got a party to throw!

When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Prizes, games, Dutch oven cobbler (first come, first served)
I will be joined by authors Nichole Giles, Heather Justesen,
Cindy Hogan, and J. Lloyd Morgan

Friday, August 12, 2011

Hang 'Em High Hoedown Day #10: The Grand Prize!!

I'm as tickled as I can be that so many of you have joined me for this countdown to my book launch party. I'm also tickled that it's now just one day until then ... I'm ready to party hearty!!

When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Bring the entire family!

I love sharing these fun moments with all of you and appreciate the support you've shown me as I've worked hard to build up my career. Without good friends, it's just not possible.

The winner of Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch is ...

ABBY!!!

If you would like to enter to win yesterday's prize of Depth of Deceit by Betty Briggs and Sun Tunnels and Secrets by Carole Thayne Warburton, click here for details - you can enter until midnight Friday night, MST.

And now, it's time to talk about ...

THE GRAND PRIZE


You will receive a set of three books, one each of the first three in the Secret Sisters Mysteries. Book #1, Secret Sisters, is a hardback. Book #2, Dearly Departed, is a paperback, as is Book #3, Hang 'Em High. If you are the winner and you attend the book launch party, I'll hand them over right then and there. If you're unable to attend, I will mail them out to you.

There's something different about this drawing - before, you've had until midnight on the second day to enter. With this drawing, you have until ten a.m. on Saturday, August 13th. I'm drawing early so I can give the prize right to the winner if they come to the launch that afternoon.

Now, what must you do to enter this drawing? There's a little bit of a list here, and you can choose which four things you'll do, as I realize not everyone is involved in all the social networks. Choose the four that work best for you, and then tell me what you did in the comment trail.

#1. Become a follower of this blog by clicking in the "People Who Think I'm Cool" box to your left. If you are already a follower, skip this step.

#2. Become a friend of mine on Facebook by clicking here. If you are already a friend, skip this step.

#3. "Like" my author page by clicking here. If you have already "liked" it, skip this step.

#4. Post this invitation on your blog:



When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Prizes, games, Dutch oven cobbler (first come, first served)
Authors Tristi Pinkston, Nichole Giles, Heather Justesen,
Cindy Hogan, and J. Lloyd Morgan

#5. Send an e-mail to a friend who likes to read and who lives near Orem.

#6. Tweet about the book launch and copy me in: @TristiPinkston

#7. Call a Utah friend on the phone and tell them about the launch.

#8. Go to GoodReads and add Hang 'Em High to your "to-read" list.

#9. Go to this Amazon link and click "like."

#10. Tell one friend about the book launch face-to-face.

Now, let me explain the scoring system:

Choose four things, and do them. That is your first entry. Tell me about it in the comment trail. If you do four things, and then do something else too, that is two entries. Four entries, plus two more, is three entries. Four entries, plus three more, is four entries, and so forth, all the way up to doing all ten, which counts for seven entries. You decide how much you want to do, how many entries you get.

Again, I must receive your entries by 10 a.m. MST on Saturday, August 13th.

This is more excitinger by the second ... thanks for making this so much fun by participating!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Hang 'Em High Hoedown Day #9: Depth of Deceit by Betty Briggs and Sun Tunnels and Secrets by Carole Thayne Warburton

I'm excited for Saturday's book launch for a number of reasons.

First, I'm so happy to be bringing out another novel. I love my characters, I love sharing their stories with others, and I love the feedback I'm getting. It's unbelievable to me that this is my eighth book, and I get to spend my time doing something I love so much ... writing.

Second, I'm really looking forward to hanging out with all my friends from Facebook, Twitter, my blog readers - anyone who is able to come. I love putting faces with names. I'm also eager to see neighbors, family, and everyone else who will be there.

Third, there will be balloons, face painting, games ... it's going to be an afternoon of fun, wholesome family fun out in the gorgeous Utah summer weather.

And fourth ... I get to share the event with some of my very best friends. I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to them, and then we'll get on with the prizes. (I promise.)

Keith Fisher. Now, I've mentioned that we're serving Dutch oven cobbler, but I want to make sure that you all "get" the magnitude of what I'm saying. I didn't just go buy a random Dutch oven and throw a bakery cake in there and decide to call it good. No, siree. Keith is literally a world-champion Dutch oven cook, having taken the title in 2005. His food is like songbirds descending from lofty climbs to sit on your shoulder while you eat. He also happens to be a very good friend of mine - I hang out with him every week for critique group and appreciate his giving soul and his ability to see the big picture. He's a talented author and writes thought-provoking women's fiction.

Nichole Giles. Nichole is a beautiful, spunky lady with color and pizazz. She has a fresh, unique writer's voice and every project she does shines with her personality. She's so supportive of her fellow writers and goes out of her way to cheer them on and offer words of encouragement. At the book launch, she will be featuring her two published novels, The Sharp Edge of a Knife and Mormon Mishaps and Mischief. As awesome as these two books are, I really can't wait for her to start publishing her young adult fantasy - we're talking, jaw-droppingly good. She's also a member of my critique group.

Heather Justesen. Heather is the kind of person who just draws you in with her genuineness. There's no pretense with her - she's open and down-to-earth, caring, and totally unselfish. She drives up to Utah Valley from Fillmore to present her author friends with cakes she has made and decorated to celebrate their new books. She also happens to write really awesome kissing scenes ... awesome, but clean. She will be bringing her three published novels - Blank Slate, The Ball's in Her Court, and Rebound. And ... yes, she's a member of my critique group. What can I say? I'm really, really blessed.

Cindy Hogan. I've known Cindy for years as we've bumped into each other at various writers conferences. The thing that struck me first, and continues to strike me, is her attitude. She just radiates positive vibes wherever she goes. She's fun to be around, she's always smiling and including people, and I really appreciate her outgoing, uplifting personality. She will bring her new young adult suspense novel, Watched.

J. Lloyd Morgan. I met Jason (that's his real name - that whole J. Lloyd thing is just to confuse people) when he hired me to do a virtual book tour for him. He lives clear across the country from me, so we've never met, but we just clicked as we e-mailed back and forth and we became instant friends. He then hired me to do an edit on his book, and he took everything I said with such a good attitude and really was excellent and professional to work with - he's just a heck of a nice guy. He's now releasing that novel with my same publisher, and he's launching it into the world on Saturday - and he and I will be meeting for the first time on that day as well. He's promised to squeal like a girl and jump up and down when he sees me, but I think we'll have to wait and see if he delivers. His book is a young adult medieval novel called The Hidden Sun.

So you see, I have so many reasons to be excited, to feel blessed, and to look forward to Saturday with all kinds of anticipation. I hope you can join us and increase my overall happiness.

When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

All right then! Thanks for humoring me in my rhapsodizing. Your patience shall now be rewarded.

The winner of my novel Season of Sacrifice is ...

ANNA MARIA!!!

If you would like to enter to win Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch, you may do so until tomorrow night, Thursday, at midnight MST. Click here for details.

And now, let's talk about today's prizes. Two, two, two prizes in one!

First ...


How does an intelligent woman find herself mired in a web of deception, abuse, and danger? In Depth of Deceit, author Betty Briggs pulls her readers into the life of Stephanie Saunders, a lovely young attorney with a big heart, keen mind, and a trust in others that nearly proves disastrous. Her handsome and wealthy boyfriend strikes her as perfect, but is he too good to be true? Her boss hovers around her like a protector and friend, but is he? Stephanie’s work focuses on defending the indigent, and one client earns her trust and friendship, but why is he showing up at the oddest places? It seems that she can trust only the horses she trains and loves, magnificent beasts who remind her of life’s purposes and meaning. In a dramatic turn of events, Stephanie must make a decision that will affect her life forever.




On a trip to the Sun Tunnels in the Utah desert, Norma and her sisters find a body on the side of the road. But this awful discovery turns out to be the least of their problems. Norma's husband just passed on, and she learns he kept a secret from her for sixty years. LaRue is keeping a secret from Norma. The sisters' young friend Tony is keeping a secret about his famous father, and Tony's mother is keeping a secret of her own. Tony is secretly in love with his friend Kelli, who recently escaped from a polygamist cult. And who is the mysterious young car thief with whom Norma feels a special connection? Everything converges in Grouse Creek at the Fourth of July celebration. Will secrets prove everyone's undoing?

One lucky person will win both of these novels. Here's what you need to do:

1. Become a follower of this blog by clicking on the box on the left titled "People Who Think I'm Cool." If you are already a follower, you obviously can skip this step.

2. Visit Carole's blog and become a follower - halfway down her left sidebar.

3. Visit Betty's blog and leave a comment.

4. Come back here and leave me a comment - tell me you're following Carole, you left a note for Betty, and then tell me why you'd like to win these two books. In order to enter the contest, you need to do all three things.

5. Special opportunity - if you would like more than one entry, tell your Facebook friends about the Hang 'Em High Hoedown, and link to my blog. This will give you an additional entry. Be sure to tell me in your comments that you have done this.

6. If you would like another entry, grab the code for the Hang 'Em High button on my sidebar and put it on your blog. Send me the URL where it appears so I can come see it blinking pretty at me.

You can enter to win these two prizes until midnight Friday night, MST.

And, as a heads up ... Friday's prize drawing is for the grand prize - all three Secret Sisters books!! So be sure to stop by. The drawing for that prize will take place on Saturday before the launch, so act quickly so you can get in it on time.


Hang 'Em High Hoedown Day #8: Novel by Donna Hatch


Welcome back! I hope you're having as much fun with the Hang 'Em High Hoedown as I am!

What's been equally as fun is preparing for the book launch, which is getting closer every single second!

When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Prizes, games, Dutch oven cobbler (first come, first served)
I will be joined by authors Nichole Giles, Heather Justesen,
Cindy Hogan, and J. Lloyd Morgan

I really hope you're able to attend - we're planning a scad of ton stuff to make it well worth your time.

Okay, let's talk prizes!

The winner of Counting the Cost by Liz Adair is ...

RACHELLE!!

You still have a chance to enter to win yesterday's featured prize, a copy of my novel, Season of Sacrifice.  Click here for details.


And today's prize ...


Rumors of war hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telpathic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen of Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

And, yes, in keeping with the theme, there are horses in this book.  :)

If you would like to win this novel, here's what to do:

1. Become a follower of this blog by clicking on the box on the left titled "People Who Think I'm Cool." If you are already a follower, you obviously can skip this step.

2. Visit Donna's blog and become a follower.

3. Come back here and leave a comment on this post. Tell me that you're following me, you're following Donna, and tell me why you'd like to win her book.

4. Special opportunity - if you would like more than one entry, tell your Facebook friends about the Hang 'Em High Hoedown, and link to my blog. This will give you an additional entry. Be sure to tell me in your comments that you have done this.

5. If you would like another entry, grab the code for the Hang 'Em High button on my sidebar and put it on your blog. Send me the URL where it appears so I can come see it blinking pretty at me.

You have until Thursday night, August 11th, at midnight MST to enter. All entries will be uploaded to Random.org, and the winner will be notified via e-mail. If your e-mail is not visible on your Blogger profile, please include it in your comment so I can find you if you are the winner.
 
Thanks again for participating!

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Hang 'Em High Hoedown Day #7: Season of Sacrifice by Tristi Pinkston

Hi there!  Welcome back to the Hang 'Em High Hoedown, where we are counting down the days to my book launch!  We're now four days away (woohoo!!!!!) from this:

When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Prizes, games, Dutch oven cobbler (first come, first served)
I will be joined by authors Nichole Giles, Heather Justesen,
Cindy Hogan, and J. Lloyd Morgan

I hope you're enjoying yourself as we celebrate the release of my eighth book!

In my comment trail the other day, Marcy asked how I was choosing the books to feature for this contest. Great question!  Because Hang 'Em High takes place on a dude ranch, I wanted all the prizes to in some way tie in to that theme.  I sent a letter out to my author friends asking them who had written books with a western theme or that included horses, and who would be interested in sponsoring my contest.  That's how I came up with this great list.  Let's give a round of applause to my sponsors, who have donated their time as well as a book to help us celebrate.

All righty then!!  I bet you all are wondering who won Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker.  I shall answer you right now . . .

ANNA MARIA!!!

If you would still like to enter to win Counting the Cost by Liz Adair, you can do that until midnight tonight, Tuesday, MST.  Click here for details. 

Now let's talk about today's prize.  You might have noticed that my own name is in the header for this post ... that's right!  I'm today's sponsor. 


Sarah Williams is a young Welsh immigrant, coming to Utah to join her sister Mary Ann Perkins and her young family. When the Perkins' are asked to join the San Juan mission to pioneer a trail through Southern Utah, they take Sarah along to help care for the children. But a six-week journey turns into six agonizing months of hard work and toil as the Saints blast their way through a cliff to bring their wagons through what would become the famous Utah landmark "Hole in the Rock." This LDS historical fiction novel is based on the life of the author's great-great-grandfather and accurately depicts the experiences of these intrepid pioneers as they sought to be obedient to a higher call.

This book is near and dear to my heart.  It's the true story of my great-great-grandparents and their amazing courage and faith, taken largely from their life stories and journals, but written in novel form.  I've stated, and I still believe, that this book is why God made me a writer.  If I never wrote another thing, I would feel as though I did what I came here to do, having preserved this history.

And how to enter this contest, you ask?

1. Become a follower of this blog by clicking on the box on the left titled "People Who Think I'm Cool." If you are already a follower, you obviously can skip this step.

2.  Tweet, Facebook, blog, e-mail or call your friends and tell them about this contest and about the book launch on Saturday (information at the top of this post).  For every form of communication you utilize, you will get another point.  If you Tweet, Facebook, and call your mom, that counts as three additional entries.  No, I won't be calling your mother to verify - I'll leave you at your word on honor on that one.

You have until Wednesday night, August 10, at midnight MST to enter. All entries will be uploaded to Random.org, and the winner will be notified via e-mail. If your e-mail is not visible on your Blogger profile, please include it in your comment so I can find you if you are the winner.

We have four more sponsors appearing over the next couple of days.  That's right - we'll have two prizes on  Thursday, and then on Friday is the contest for the grand prize:

The full set of The Secret Sisters Mysteries, not including the two that haven't been
published yet, because it's really hard to give away something that hasn't been published yet.
You can read all about Ida Mae, Tansy, and Arlette, three darling little old ladies
who take on the world - and their visiting teaching - through the means of espionage.

If the winner of the grand prize is present at the book launch party, they will receive the books right
then and there.  Otherwise, the books will be shipped.

So be sure to come back around frequently for the rest of the week - we're ramping up the excitement! 

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Hang 'Em High Hoedown Day #6: Counting the Cost by Liz Adair




Welcome back, everyone! I hope you had a restful weekend. I attended a family wedding at the American West Heritage Center in northern Utah. What makes me chuckle is that the book we're launching this week is set at a dude ranch that I based on the Heritage Center, and the bride and groom were married with a windmill in the background. See the cover of my book? See the windmill? How cool is that? Talk about life imitating art!

Okay, let's see here. We've got ourselves some business to take care of.

First of all, the winner of Mark of Royalty is ...

RACHELLE!!

Second, if you'd still like a chance to win Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker, that prize is available until midnight tonight, MST. Click here for details.

And what is the prize for today, you ask? And I answer.



For handsome, hard-riding cowhand, Heck Benham, life is as solid as the New Mexico countryside he loves, as predictable as the annual spring roundup. Yet, that all changes when Mrs. Ruth Reynolds moves from back east into his homeland and into his heart.

The stark contrast in their lives is played out in a territory that is, itself, coming into its own. As Ruth and Heck face a trail of pivotal, life-changing decisions, their love is challenged at every turn. What will it cost them before they find what is most important in life?

With strong characters, true-to-life emotion, gentle humor, meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, Liz Adair paints a passionate tale of love and learning, of romance and redemption.

This novel won the Whitney Award for Best Romance in 2010.

If you would like to win this novel by Liz Adair, here's whatcha must do:

1. Become a follower of this blog by clicking on the box on the left titled "People Who Think I'm Cool." If you are already a follower, you obviously can skip this step.

2. Visit Liz's blog and become a follower.

3. Come back here and leave a comment on this post. Tell me that you're following me, you're following Liz, and tell me why you'd like to win her book.

4. Special opportunity - if you would like more than one entry, tell your Facebook friends about the Hang 'Em High Hoedown, and link to my blog. This will give you an additional entry. Be sure to tell me in your comments that you have done this.

5. If you would like another entry, grab the code for the Hang 'Em High button on my sidebar and put it on your blog. Send me the URL where it appears so I can come see it blinking pretty at me.

You have until Tuesday night, August 9th, at midnight MST to enter. All entries will be uploaded to Random.org, and the winner will be notified via e-mail. If your e-mail is not visible on your Blogger profile, please include it in your comment so I can find you if you are the winner.

And don't forget what all this is leading up to ...

The launch of Hang 'Em High!
It's an August Authorama!
When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Prizes, games, Dutch oven cobbler (first come, first served)
I will be joined by authors
Nichole Giles, Heather Justesen,
Cindy Hogan, and J. Lloyd Morgan

How Can I Find Happiness?

Friday, August 05, 2011

Hang 'Em High Hoedown Day #5: Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker

Hi there!


Welcome to the Hang 'Em High Hoedown, where we are counting down the days to my book launch with fun prizes!

When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Prizes, games, Dutch oven cobbler (first come, first served)
I will be joined by authors 
Nichole GilesHeather Justesen,
Cindy Hogan, and J. Lloyd Morgan

Today's contest post is going to start out with an apology.  I should have had this prize listed at 12:01 this morning, but I am a terrible slacker.  Actually, that's not the case.  I was at LDSBA yesterday, which is the trade show where all the vendors of LDS products display their wares to the stores, and the stores place their orders for the following shopping season.  It's a huge, awesome conference, and I'll post more pictures from it after this contest is over, but I do want to share one very important one right here:


That's right - I got to see Hang 'Em High for the very first time yesterday.  I signed 40 copies for book stores and had fun telling everyone about it.  Then I had a pile of work waiting for me when I got home, so I stayed up all night to finish it, and then fell flat on my face, and that is why I'm so terribly off schedule.  It's a sad, sad thing to be sure ...


But, to make up for it, we're going to keep this prize up through Monday, so there's enough exposure for it.  I don't want any sponsor to feel shorted on how much time they were given.


First of all, the winner of Harbor's End by Claudia Culmone is ...


PAM!!!!!

Secondly, you have until midnight MST tonight, Friday, to win Mark of Royalty by Jennifer Clark and Stephonie Williams.  Click here for details on how to win. 

Today's prize is Bubba Goes National by Jennifer Walker. 



When Leslie Clark found a purebred Arabian horse at the local livestock auction, she never dreamed he would soon take her to the National Championships.
Thirteen-year-old Leslie Clark has loved horses for as long as she can remember and has been riding since she was six. Although her widowed father cannot afford to give her everything she desires, she works hard to get what she wants. When what she wants, a great horse to show, is taken right out from under her by her rival, Kate Wellesley, Leslie thinks her whole world has been turned upside down–until she finds Lucky (nicknamed Bubba by her father, who thinks he is funny). Then, everything changes.
Readers of Bubba Goes National will be touched by an inspiring story, but they will also learn about the care and showing of horses while they read about Leslie’s adventures. Sandwiched in is a lesson that if one is willing to work hard, they can make their dreams come true. Bubba Goes National is the first of the Riders of Green Meadow  series, which will showcase horses that are unwanted by one person but are another’s dream come true.


You can win this fun pre-teen novel by doing the following:


1. Become a follower of this blog by clicking on the box on the left titled "People Who Think I'm Cool." If you are already a follower, you obviously can skip this step.

2. Visit Jennifer Walker's blog and subscribe by scrolling almost to the bottom on the left-hand sidebar and clicking on the subscribe button.  

3. Come back here and leave a comment on this post. Tell me that you're following me, you're following Jennifer, and tell me why you'd like to win her book.

4.  Special opportunity - if you would like more than one entry, tell your Facebook friends about the Hang 'Em High Hoedown, and link to my blog.  This will give you an additional entry.  Be sure to tell me in your comments that you have done this.

5.  If you would like another entry, grab the code for the Hang 'Em High button on my sidebar and put it on your blog.  Send me the URL where it appears so I can come see it blinking pretty at me.

You have until Monday night, August 8th, at midnight MST to enter. All entries will be uploaded to Random.org, and the winner will be notified via e-mail. If your e-mail is not visible on your Blogger profile, please include it in your comment so I can find you if you are the winner.

And don't forget to come back around on Monday ... that's right! There's a whole 'nother week of prizes coming up, so don't miss out!

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Hang 'Em High Hoedown Day #4: Mark of Royalty by Jennifer Clark and Stephonie Williams

Welcome to Day #4 of the Hang 'Em High Hoedown! I hope you're having a lot of fun as we count down the days to my book launch!

When: Saturday, August 13th, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem
Prizes, games, Dutch oven cobbler (first come, first served)
I will be joined by authors Nichole Giles, Heather Justesen,
Cindy Hogan, and J. Lloyd Morgan


Let's kick today off by catching you up-to-date on prizes to be won. First off, you have until midnight tonight, Thursday the 4th, MST, to enter to win Harbor's End by Claudia Culmone. Click here for details on how to win this prize.

In case you're curious, Megan did contact me to claim her prize (phew) so she will receive an Annette Lyon novel, as offered on Day #1.

And ... the winner for Day #2, receiving Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys by Janet Kay Jensen, is . . .

MARCY!!!

All righty. Let's talk about today's prize. I feel a little special in regards to this prize because I got to provide an endorsement for the book - that was way fun.



Mark of Royalty is a novel of self discovery set in renaissance Europe. Physically branded at birth with the mark of the firstborn, Princess Sarah's royal haritage can not be disputed, but minutes later when her mother unexpectedly gives birth to her twin brother, politics and prophecies take over. In a hasty decision, her brother is also branded as the firstborn and Sarah is taken and hidden away from her family and country.
     Raised by a loving adopted mother, Miranda sets out to restore Sarah to her royal birthright in a new country, but Sarah knows nothing about her mysterious past or the strange mark on her shoulder that must be kept hidden. When tragedy strikes, Sarah is left to discover the secrets of her past by herself. Determined to follow the path laid out for her, she suddenly finds herself between two men, hiding secrets of their own, and their fight for the crown, Sarah must figure out what Miranda really intended for her by discovering her true nature and determining what path is truly right for her.
    Mark of Royalty is a fairytale type story with sinister political plots, intriguing war strategies, and a little romance all thrown into the mix.

If you would like to win Mark of Royalty, here's how to enter:

1. Become a follower of this blog by clicking on the box on the left titled "People Who Think I'm Cool." If you are already a follower, you obviously can skip this step.

2. Visit Jennifer Clark's blog and Stephonie Williams' blog and become followers of both. 

3. Come back here and leave a comment on this post. Tell me that you're following me, you're following Jennifer and Stephonie, and tell me why you'd like to win their book.

You have until tomorrow night, August 5th, at midnight MST to enter. All entries will be uploaded to Random.org, and the winner will be notified via e-mail. If your e-mail is not visible on your Blogger profile, please include it in your comment so I can find you if you are the winner.

And don't forget to come back around tomorrow ... that's right! There's another prize appearing tomorrow, so don't miss out!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...