Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Rapunzel Untangled Giveaway Winners!


Its time to announce the winners of the Rapunzel Untangled Blog Tour prizes.

For the domestic giveaway...

Nook Simple Touch Reader: Lori P.
Eclipse MP3 Music/Video Player: Michelle H. 
2 Autographed Copies of Rapunzel Untangled: Denise B. and Cathy J. 
5 eBook Copies of Rapunzel Untangled:  Kt Amanda, Lisa S., Kerry A., Ashley O. and Candy
Rapunzel Untangled Calendar: Jennifer B. 
Rapunzel Untangled Mouse Pad: Ana A.
Rapunzel Untangled Themed Earrings: Anastasia L. 

For the international giveaway...

Sarah G.
Angela
Pringle G.

They each won an eBook of Rapunzel Untangled.

Congrats to all! 
 
Make sure you pick up your copy of Rapunzel Untangled today! 
 

Amazon Barnes & Noble Deseret Book photo Deseretbook_zps877b35a8.jpg  photo fec81cb2-e6f5-4fd8-bb7e-7f7216f7fc25_zps3f520044.jpg


Monday, March 11, 2013

40 Days with the Savior Tour Stop

Tour Schedule



40 Days with the Savior 
by Connie E. Sokol


Do you desire a more Christ-centered Easter?
You’ll experience a more fulfilling Easter season with this collection of inspirational thoughts on trying to become more like the Savior. For forty days, enjoy a daily scripture and personal insight on a character trait of Jesus Christ. Learn more of who He was and what He taught.
As you read these daily devotionals, you’ll feel a joyful connection to the character of Jesus Christ, understand how much He is involved in your life, and discover how knowing Him better makes your life better, too.



Purchase
~Connie donates 100% of the profits from her books to charity~

Connie Sokol stopped by the blog today with a guest post "Three Tips for the Writer in Progress." I want to thank Connie for her tips!

Three Tips for the Writer-in-Progress

1. Open yourself to feedback. As a writer, this is excruciating. We’re not typing random words, we’re gestating a literary baby. Passing that baby around for people’s cutting comments can be tough to take. When I wrote my first romance novel, Caribbean Crossroads, I received my rough final back with plenty of helpful suggestions. Some of them were painful to read. However, after reading the comments, I saw the light, made the changes, and celebrated when it was nominated for a literary award and hit #1 on one of Amazon’s Bestseller lists. Allowing yourself to “hear” feedback will yield rewards not only now but for future harvests.

2. Trust your gut. You’ll reach a point in writing when you just get it—you understand your voice, style, and ability, and what showcases those or how to improve them. Read, study, and learn from writing books, authors, experts, and more. And, as Rudyard Kipling says, “Trust yourself when all men doubt you; but make allowance for their doubting too.” When in that doubt, go with your gut.

3. Think outside the box. Whether it’s a writing concept or a promotional idea, now is the time to try something new. I saw a YouTube video of an author at a book signing who was singing a humorous song about buying his book. Utterly hilarious. If I had been there, I would have put my money down just to say kudos for his originality. The publishing world is changing rapidly, and as Neil Gaiman said, no one truly knows what it’s going to look like in two years, never mind five. What worked six months ago might seem archaic today. So be yourself, do something authentic, and track what happens. At one book signing I asked the store manager if I could give brief three to five-minute presentations over a microphone while the ladies shopped. I was amazed at how many women literally stopped to listen, then came over to speak with me afterward and purchase a book. As a speaker for over 15 years, this format worked for me, though it may not for you. But the point is, find what does then do it with style.

Give one of these tips a try and let me know what happens.

Praise

"Connie Sokol, the queen of simple yet effective, has done it again. What a great resource for quick, daily things that we can do to draw closer to the Savior. This easily fits into our busy lives, reminding us of what matters most."
~Peggy Urry, President-elect, American Night Writers Association

“I LOVED this book! Connie brings these scriptures home with real, everyday moments. I can savor these bite-size gems throughout my busy day with little ones. The teachings are powerful, and her added insights brought them home for me in a new way."
~Amy Chandler, Founder My Story Matters

“Connie Sokol’s new book, “40 Days with the Savior”, is just the little push I needed to feel the Savior’s presence in my daily life. Using personal stories, scriptural accounts, and meaningful insights, she helps readers draws closer to Jesus Christ and become a more Christ-centered person. I loved her daily nuggets of wisdom, with titles like, “He Did the Right Thing” and “He Gently Corrects”, to prompt a change of behavior. My Easter will be more meaningful this year!”
~Jodi Marie Robinson, Author of “Women of Virtue” and “A Royal Guardian”

“Connie Sokol has thoughtfully shared fresh insights to well know scriptural phrases. The simple meditations in 40 Days with the Savior are enlightening and empowering. This is an easy way to draw closer to Jesus Christ throughout the Easter season and during the rest of the year. After reading this book I feel my burdens are lighter.”
~Margaret Turley, Author of Save the Child, Administrator Writers Unite to Fight Cancer



Author Connie Sokol

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a sought after national and local speaker. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL’s "Motherhood Matters" blog. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, and Motherhood Matters as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.


Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 3/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. 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.


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Sunday, March 10, 2013

March Kindle Fire Giveaway





Kindle Fire HD Giveaway!



The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)





Sponsoring Authors

The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton



Blood Oath (Gabby Girls Adventure, #2)Return of the Dragon Riders: Book Two of the Dragon Stone Saga (Dragon Stone Saga, #2)Hidden HeartA Tale of the Other Kind (Therian, #1)AuraPrison NationFamily Magic (Hayle Coven, #1)The Conduit (Gryphon, #1)Shifting PrideFire Within (Guardian Witch #2)Fall of Sky CityReflectionThe Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope (Kailmeyra, #1)Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love #1)Grace DollThe Stone GuardianLegend UnleashedInnovera Yakov: The Journey of A Thousand EyesThe GiftedFor What It's WorthForbidden Temptation of a VampireOwlet (Society of Feathers, #1)Cascade Brides: The Complete SeriesTwenty-Five Years Ago TodayAlexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit


Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends: 3/31/13

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 authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Friday, March 8, 2013

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop


2nd Annual
Lunar Love Giveaway Hop
March 8th to 13th
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Bookworm Lisa
 
 
For the Lunar Love Giveaway Hop I am giving a way a copy of Jericho Solus By Jeffery Moore.

You can read an interview I did with the author a couple of years ago here and read my interview of this book here.
 
Good Luck!

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Find out more about Jericho Solus by clicking here.
 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Max Xylander Book Blast


Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud

Max has anger management issues. But she has a secret, too. She can make things happen. Like magic. She almost killed a loser skate punk and nearly used it on her stuck up older sister. The question is, can she do anything other than blow things up? Can she learn to control it? And is it really possible that an obscure teenage girl is the key to keeping all of humanity safe?

Philip just got his ring back. He got it taken away for messing with his teacher’s mind so he can cheat on a test. Now that he has his ring, he thinks he should be able to use his power to make his life better. A lot better. The problem is that people want him to be responsible. But if you could do magic, wouldn’t you use it to escape work in any way possible?

Aaron wants to be a soldier. He knows there are lots of people who would try to take over, and he’s determined to stop them. The problem is that there’s this new girl. And she might be not be on the right side of things. She’s really talented and pretty, but she might be able to destroy everything he believes in. Whatever the case, he knows he needs to learn to be world class with the magic sword while he figures out what to do.

Brynn never gets out. Her grandfather won’t permit it. Her only access to the outside world are high fashion magazines, so she has an unusual idea what she should wear. She’s dying to get out and travel. And adopt animals. Any kind of animal. Is she a lonely future granny with cats or are her ridiculous clothes actually the next fashion craze? What possible role could she play in the destiny of the world?

Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud is a fast-paced fantasy adventure for all ages (10 and up) and is the first of a planned trilogy. Fans of magic, swordplay, secret agents, and conspiracies set in a modern everyday world will not be able to put the book down. Jon Thomason is a debut author and paints a vivid world of magic right under our noses and delivers rapid-fire action that keeps the pages turning.

Purchase

Praise

"Impressively inventive and enjoyable...vivid storytelling and exceptional characterization...Max's personality is layered and complex...conveyed flawlessly...keeping readers intrigued and engaged...writing style is smooth, and a subtle sense of humor comes through...narrative tension builds at a good pace and easily flows toward a satisfying and exciting conclusion...parents are likely to both approve of the story and enjoy reading it themselves...talented writer...sure to find an appreciative audience that will eagerly anticipate the next book in the series." -- ForeWord Clarion Review

"Thomason shines in his heroine's characterization...magical" --blueink Review



Download a FREE Copy!
Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud is FREE from March 7th to 11th on AMAZON.


Author Jon Thomason


Jon Thomason lives with his family in San Diego, after many years living in the beautiful Seattle area. He has a successful career in high tech where he's been fortunate enough to participate in many big-name industry releases.

Storytelling permeates everything he does. In the moments when Jon is not helping build the story of the tech world, he can almost always be found working on a project: writing, photography, videography, graphics design, or 3D art.

And he's always careful to conceal his jinni magic abilities, though perhaps might slip one day and be discovered...



Links



Tour Schedule




Book Blast Giveaway
$75 Amazon.com Gift Card or Paypal Cash (International)
Apple EarPods (US only)






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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Faith and Fate of David Ghent



In the Lucen city dwell the descendants of Righteous and Fallen angels. Kept hidden from the rest of Earth and governed directly by Heaven, each descendant is given a chance to prove themself loyal to Heaven, and obtain salvation. For most, the task is encouraging and fair, but for David, it’s devastating.

David Ghent has waited twenty-one years to fulfill a prophecy foretelling the destruction of Lucifer’s power on Earth and Heaven, saving himself and the entire world from Hell’s power. His training is complete, the city prepared. As the battle commences, the city’s most beloved daughter, Layla, suddenly appears at the Hellgate. David is then faced with an impossible choice: fulfill the prophecy, or save her life. The consequences David faces after choosing Layla force him to question his entire life, and his loyalty to Heaven. As the aftermath of failure unfolds, David discovers that the real battle against Lucifer has just begun.

Buy the book at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords


My review

Disclaimer: As co-owner of Prose by Design, this book is one we published. However, we wouldn't have taken it on if we didn't like it and believe in it, so my review is an honest one.

This book is different than anything I've read before. David Ghent, the hero, is angry - and with good reason. The fate of the world rests upon his shoulders, and is dependent on his faith which is suffering at best. He's not someone you'd want to spend time hanging out with  . . . at first.

Layla is everything David is not: sweet, kind, full of faith, and sure of herself. David completely hates her because of it. But whether he likes it or not, their fates are intertwined. Without her he can't succeed in his task to face Lucifer at Hellgate.

The Faith and Fate of David Ghent is David's story of coming to accept himself for what he is, learning to accept Layla for what she is, and finding the faith needed to overcome the battle that is prophesied to doom his soul to hell. You'll learn to love David as I did, and you'll find yourself rooting for him to succeed, no matter what the prophets say. Maren has written a really great, interesting, unique book.



Maren grew up in Rochester, NY, which is why much of her work is set in the East. She moved to Provo, UT to attend Brigham Young University in 2004. Meanwhile, she received a license in cosmetology in 2006, and graduated with a B.S. in Home and Family Living-Clothing and Textiles in 2009. After graduation, Maren worked as a cosmetologist/barber, while her husband finished his own degree in Special Education. After he graduated, they settled in Spanish Fork, UT, where they plan on staying for a long time.

Now Maren is a stay-at-home mom, part-time piano teacher, cosmetologist, and writer. Amidst the buisiness of being a housewife, she loves reading, writing and playing music, vacationing, going on dates with her hubby and friends, throwing dinner parties, and sewing. She enjoys collecting books, and hopes someday to have a library big enough to fit all of them. Currently, her two pretty-enough-to-be-displayed-bookshelves are overflowing, and she's got books stashed all around her house. Open a random drawer, you'll probably find one.

Maren's previous work includes a short comedy, "A Tale of Two Cemeteries," and a middle-grade reader, The Treehouse. The Faith and Fate of David Ghent is her first published novel. Find out more about Maren at www.marendille.com, or on Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon.
 
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Monday, March 4, 2013

No Strings Attached Giveaway

No Strings Attached Giveaway

This is hop for all the people who hate jumping through hoops to enter giveaways. 

This is a no strings attached, no requirements to enter hop.
For this Giveaway I am giving a way a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card.
Good Luck!
 

 

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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Girls Camp Blog Tour


 


Few callings strike fear into a woman’s heart like that of being a Girls Camp leader. Whether you’re a new camper or a seasoned leader, Stephanie Worlton is here to help.
 

Here is a brief description of the book:


Make your Girls Camp an experience to remember with Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp. Filled with helpful tips on everything from holding your first meeting to dealing with unhappy campers, this essential guide takes the stress out of planning to make your camp a success!

Click here to learn more. 


Stephanie Connelley Worlton's Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp is an invaluable resource for both new camp directors, and those of us who've been attending camp for years. I learned things and read tips that would have improved my—and therefore my girls’—camp experiences vastly. She has great ideas for who you need on your committee, what you can pass of before camp for certification and what needs to wait, ideas for games and crafts, excellent ideas for making sure your priesthood is covered in a way that makes it easy for them to say yes, and how to plan an effective and affordable menu. The checklists, recipes, and camp songs (so you know what you're in for) are something to be copied and used over and over each year you attend camp. Stephanie's book is written in an entertaining and amusing way which makes it much more fun to read that a dry, boring how-to. This is basically a step-by-step, hold your hand manual. Whether you've ever been to camp as a leader or not, I highly recommend this book. 


Get a Copy Today...


 



Enter to Win:

As part of the blog tour, Stephanie will be giving away two great prizes. Visit her Kreating Krazy author blog to enter for your chance to win a "Camp Leader Survival Kit" or a signed copy of the book. OR go to:



Meet the Author:

Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and appreciate God’s magnificent creations. She is a seasoned Camp Director, an avid Scouter, and a devoted youth leader. Aside from the busy schedule she keeps as a wife and mother of four, Stephanie enjoys organizing, interior design, gardening, carpentry, painting, and being involved with the youth of our rising generation.  To learn more about Stephanie or her book, visit her “Kreating Krazy” blog:  www.stephanieworlton.blogspot.com

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Confessions of a Cereal Mother Blog Tour‏

 



In this humorous memoir you’ll discover several mind-saving rules, which include:

- Don’t throw your pregnancy test away before the full three minutes is up.

- Unless there is a rush on the grocery store pending a zombie-virus outbreak, never take your kids shopping.

- If your toddler is going to chew on a Band-Aid, hope it’s one found inside the community swimming pools chlorinated pool and not one found in their locker room.

- Never throw up in a cookie sheet.

- Things can always get worse. You could discover your child playing with a used tampon applicator. It’s not a whistle, sweetie.

- And most importantly, the moment one of your children is seriously ill, forget about everything else. You have the greatest honor in the world – being a Mom.


My Review of Confessions of a Cereal Mother:

I don’t think I’ve ever both laughed and cringed my way through an entire book—simultaneously. Seriously. Anyone who’s a “mommy” can so entirely relate to Rachel McClellan’s Confessions of a Cereal Mother. 

McClellan sheds light on the side of motherhood that we all pretend we’re not experiencing, as if it’s somehow shameful to admit that we all have days when we look around us and wonder where in the world all these little people came from. Or that we’re not the perfect mom who rises before her children to make a nice, hot breakfast and send them out into the world well-fed and prepared rather than in a frenzied, chaotic haste. McClellan shows us that we are all completely normal when we feel overwhelmed by life, and that we’re not alone. Then you’ll hit the last chapter (no spoilers, I promise) and your heart will thud with McClellan as you remember exactly why it is that you did become a mommy—and how grateful you are for being one. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s had a child, not matter how old that child now is—whether a baby whose name you can’t remember or an adult who sometimes feels like a complete stranger that resembles a child you once had. You’ll laugh, cry (sometimes absolutely sobbing that finally someone understands), and nod when you recognize yourself in the amazing pages that McClellan has gifted to us.
  
What others are saying:

"A realistic and humorous take on motherhood. Are you in my house?" --Robin O'Bryant, author of Indie Best-seller, "Ketchup is a Vegetable and Other lies Moms Tell Themselves."

"Delightfully humorous with factual truths about motherhood and womanhood. You’ll immediately be hooked with her fun story-telling and hilarious hooks. A truly fantastic read that will not only lift your motherly spirit, but remind you what motherhood is truly all about… and it’s all worth it." --Karie Elordi, author of the popular blog "The Dating Divas"

Author Bio:

Once upon a time, in a wonderful and carefree world, Rachel McClellan fell asleep in a warm and spacious bed, her long hair in great locks around her, and not a single blemish upon her face. Outside her window, bluebirds sang and the cloudless blue sky was full of promise.

However, when she awoke she discovered gum in her now ratted hair, a tiny, chocolate fingerprint smeared across her forehead, and four very wiggly children crowding her bed. There were no bluebirds singing outside her window (or perhaps she couldn’t hear them anymore), only a tornado, pulsing with thunder and lightening. Her world was in chaos, a raging storm on all fronts.

But what a perfect storm it was…


Find Rachel

Facebook  |   Blog   |   Website   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads 

Purchase Confessions of a Cereal Mother



Want to know about Rachel’s young adult books? Go HERE.

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