The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry

Thanks to my friend Jolene Perry for stopping by today to show us her new release, The Summer I Found You. I haven't gotten a chance to read this yet, but it's high on my TBR list. Diabetic teen girls happen to be near and dear to my heart since I'm the mom of one! Plus, it just sounds awesome, and Jolene's books are the best.

All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction.

Kate had the perfect boyfriend - until he dumped her. It couldn't have come at a worse time; ever since she found out she has diabetes, she's been trying to cope. She just wants to feel normal again.

Aidan planned on being a lifer in the Army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's the guy with one arm and nothing is the same as it was before. He wishes he could forget.

When Kate and Aidan meet, things couldn't be more awkward. Neither wants to get too attached, and they both could use some fun. But what if they need each other more than they realize?

Guest post and snippet from Jolene Perry:

THANK YOU CINDY FOR LETTING ME TAKE OVER FOR A DAY!!!

Writing a girl with Type 1 Diabetes was not easy. I did LOADS of research and sent the MS to two good friends who both have Type 1 Diabetes. I learned more than ever made it into the book, but it did make for some fun scenes... 

Kate doesn't handle her new diagnosis well..

This is Kate (my MC) with her EX-boyfriend at school when she has an issue w/ her health...

   Shelton’s familiar arm is around me, and I lean into him. Not as much because I like him, but because my world’s swimming right now, and I need to remember what I ate, and know what my blood sugar is so I know how much insulin to take.

   Why didn’t I do this right at lunch when I’m supposed to? It would have been so much easier. Now there’s another thing Shelton can add to the list he probably keeps of why Kate is crazy.

   “You should have done this during lunch hour, Kate.”

   I really hate it when people point out the obvious—especially when I’ve already figured it out.

   “Okay, almost there. You’re quiet, which kind of scares me.” His voice is the same warm, soft voice that used to tell me he loved me. Talked to me until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Read my homework to me while I spent a few days in the hospital getting adjusted to my new life.

   “I’m okay. Sorry, and thank you.” Because at least I’m smart enough to know that being as petty as I’d like to be right now, won’t earn me anything.

   He keeps his arm firmly on my side and pulls open the nurse’s door, leading me to one of the horrible vinyl beds.

   “So you mind?” He goes to the high cupboard that’s supposed to be locked, but never is. My stuff ’s in there.      Shelton knows this. He knows so much. Did we turn into friends?

   Guess it doesn’t matter because we’re not together, and he did not handle our breakup well. Okay, so neither did I. But still. Neither did he.

   Shelton pulls a hard, plastic chair up to the bed. I sit back and lean against the cool wall. He hands me my small tester. I stick my finger in and wait for the prick. 

   “Kate!” Shelley rushes to my side. And yes, I’m on a first name basis with the school nurse. Just another perk. 

   “She’ll be okay.” Shelton chuckles. “I’ve seen her a lot worse. She’s only a little high.” He checks my reader. “Or way high. You’re above three hundred, Kate.”

   I cringe. Mom’s going to be pissed. My lows come on a lot faster and feel a lot worse, but I guess it’s the highs that do real damage. I don’t like to think about that much, so I don’t.

   Shelley clutches her hands together, and looks at me with her teeny little frowny face.

   “Want me to do your shot?” Shelton asks.

   I’m an idiot. I nod. I hate doing it, and Shelton was always the best. Better than Mom. Better than Dad. It’s like he could take me out of the equation.

   “Thank you.” I lie down. My ex-boyfriend is about to pull a pinch of fat from my stomach to give me my shot. This is just... well there aren’t words.

   “Let’s find the fattiest part of Kate,” he teases...

And to read about Kate's NEW guy - a nineteen year old war veteran, you'll have to pick up the book ;-)

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR HAVING ME!!

~ Jolene

www.jolenebperry.com

AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/The-Summer-I-Found-You/dp/0807583693/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1392835288&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-summer-i-found-you-jolene-b-perry/1116819617?ean=9780807583692

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own. Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.



  Author Rachael Anderson USA Today bestselling author Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

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$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Open Internationally

Ends 3/31/14

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 Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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A is for Abinadi by Heidi Poelman and Jason Pruett

Okay, I know, most of the followers and readers of my blog are a little too old for children's books. But I was asked by the author to read and review the book, and since I'd seen some parts of it that I thought were really cute, I agreed. So, without further ado, here's info about the book, and my thoughts on it.

Blurb: A is for apple but also for Abinadi! Teach your children about some of the greatest heroes in the scriptures with this beautifully illustrated alphabet book. They will love searching for items that represent each letter while they get to know heroes like Captain Moroni and Esther. Along with learning their ABCs, your children will learn to recognize and love these great Book of Mormon and Bible examples.

My Thoughts: This is a really cute book, with bright, colorful illustrations that will definitely hold a child's interest. The short description on each page with each letter naming a prophet are just short enough to keep a child's attention, while being filled with enough information to know who the prophet is. For example, this is the page for "N":

While all of the drawings are adorable, and most of them are appropriate, there were a few that were maybe just a bit lighthearted for the particular subject of the page. (The page for Hannah was heartbreaking for anyone who's ever dealt with infertility.) But that's a personal opinion, and probably wouldn't even register for most people--definitely not with the target audience for this book who will find them all delightful. Overall, I recommend this book as a tool for teaching the little ones about some of the prophets.

Pick up your copy today:

A is for Abinadi: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes

About the Authors:

Heidi Poelman has always loved learning about inspiring people. In A is for Abinadi, she found a way to write about many of her favorites. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). She lives in Utah with her husband and three children.

Jason Pruett has always loved making people smile. Jason has degrees in art from BYU (BFA) and the Academy of Art University (MFA). He lives in Los Angeles with his wife where he creates drawings that make people smile.

Cover Reveal: A Souls Kiss by Debra Chapoton

Coming March 15, 2014 from Creative Prose Publishing, the newest novel from international author Debra Chapoton:

When a tragic accident leaves Jessica comatose, her spirit  escapes her body. Navigating a supernatural realm is tough, but being half dead has its advantages.

      

Like getting into people’s thoughts.

Like taking over someone’s body.

Like experiencing romance on a whole new plane - literally.

Jessica learns an amazing truth as she struggles to return to her body before the doctors pull the plug, only she can’t do it alone. Now the only two people willing to help Jessica’s splintered soul are the two she’s hurt the most. They must find a way to guide her soul back to her body ... before it’s too late.

Sign up for the new release newsletter to be informed of the release of Debra's book at Creative Prose Publishing. You can find CPP at their blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Interested in reviewing the book? Email CPP at admin@creativeprosepublishing.com with a link to your blog or site to receive a PDF for review.

Debra Chapoton is an internationally published author who holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English. She resides at Big Pine Lodge with her husband, Paul, where she enjoys the company of friends and family. Find Debra at her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.