Another Daughter of La Lune {Giveaway}

The Secret Language of Stones by M.J. Rose
(historical fiction)
Published: July 19, 2016 by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster
Series: The Daughters of La Lune #2
ISBN: 978-1-4767-7809-9
320 pages
Author’s page | Goodreads
I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book to realize it was the next in The Daughters of La Lune series. Not that I would have missed out by not reading the first since each one stands on its own as each is about a different member of the family. But still, it was nice to catch up with Sandrine from The Witch of Painted Sorrows and see how her life turned out.

With this book we're in the midst of WWI in Paris. Opaline is Sandrine's daughter and makes jewelry. Except being a Daughter of La Lune, she has a bit of a magical ability that she's not too sure of. What she does know is that she's able to use her power to help others talk to their dead loved ones after creating pieces of jewelry for them.

This book had all I've come to expect with Rose's books. A bit of eerie magical-ness mixed with historical fiction. There's a few passionate love scenes, and of course it ends with a somewhat surprising ending.

Overall I really enjoyed my time in Paris (with a trip to England actually) with Opaline. Except the book read kind of slow to me. I can't quite put my finger on why though. But maybe it was a good thing, since I got to stay wrapped up in the world a little longer. Either way I know I'll be coming back to Rose's work again, and I especially can't wait to read what she writes about Opaline's future daughter (because you know that has to be what's coming!).

4.5/5

SYNOPSIS

AS WORLD WAR I RAGES AND THE ROMANOV DYNASTY REACHES ITS SUDDEN, BRUTAL END, A YOUNG JEWELRY MAKER DISCOVERS LOVE, PASSION, AND HER OWN HEALING POWERS IN THIS RICH AND ROMANTIC NOVEL BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR M.J. ROSE.

Nestled deep within Paris’s historic Palais Royal, safe inside La Fantasie Russie’s once-bustling workshop, young, ambitious Opaline Duplessi spends her days making trench watches for soldiers at the front and mourning jewelry for the mothers, wives, and lovers of those who have fallen. Opaline has a rare gift, a form of lithomancy that allows her to translate the energy emanating from stones. Certain gemstones enable her to receive messages from beyond. In her mind, she is no mystic, but merely a messenger giving voice to soldiers who died before they were able to properly express themselves to loved ones. Until one day, one of these fallen soldiers communicates a message—directly to her. So begins a dangerous journey that will take Opaline into the darkest corners of wartime Paris and across the English Channel, where the exiled Romanov dowager empress is waiting to discover the fate of her family.

Full of romance, seduction, and a love so powerful it reaches beyond the grave, The Secret Language of Stones is yet another “entrancing read that will long be savored” (Library Journal, starred review).

“Spellbinding.” —Alyson Richman, author of The Lost Wife

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City exploring the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum and the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park —and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed.

She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the co-president and founding board member of International Thriller Writers, and the founder of the first marketing company for authors, AuthorBuzz.com. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Please visit her website, her blog: Museum of Mysteries.
Subscribe to her mailing list and get information about new releases, free book downloads, contests, excerpts and more.
Or send an email to TheFictionofMJRose-subscribe at yahoogroups dot com

To send M.J. a message and/or request a signed bookplate, send an email to mjroseauthor at gmail dot com

Follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Buy the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Books A Million

***

You can enter the global giveaway here or on any other book blogs participating in this tour.
Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook, they are listed in the entry form below.

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Visit each blogger on the tour: tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!
[just follow the directions on the entry-form]

Global giveaway open to US residents only:
9 participants will each win a print copy of this book.

***

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{Giveaway} The Tale of Mary Shelley and her Frankenstein

The Determined Heart by Antoinette May
Pubslished: September 29, 2015 by Lake Union Publishing
I love reading historical fiction books about historical figures. (I almost want to call them biopics, but that doesn't make sense since they aren't movies. So maybe biobooks?) I really enjoy learning new things about historical figures, and I'd rather read it in a fictional tale since I love having a story there as well.

Of course, there is a fine line between biography and "biobook", and when you cross over it's hard to fix, something I've experienced in several books lately. I think sometimes there's a need to put in as much fact as possible, that the story gets a little lost, which is the case here. There is so much detail about Mary Shelley's life and everything that happens to her that it feels like the majority of the book takes place over her entire life. Yet instead it's really only 4 or 5 years of her life, if that, which is almost unbelievable considering how much happened.

I realize this hasn't been the most positive way to start this review, which wasn't my intention, because I actually liked this book. I loved seeing the events that shaped Mary's life and lead her to write Frankenstein. I loved hearing pieces of the public's reaction to it. But was only a small piece of the book.

Instead so much of the book was about Mary's relationships, with her husband, sister, step-sister, children, and friends including the poet Lord Byron. Again here, I actually feel like I got to know so many of the characters that made up Mary's life, but there were almost too many and it was a little too much. There were just so many players and so much that was always happening that it was hard to keep up.

I feel somewhat conflicted writing this review. So much of what I enjoying reading historical fiction was here, and yet in some ways it was too much of a good thing. I can at least say that I know far more about Mary Shelley than I ever would have anticipated, and don't see myself forgetting her or this book.

3.5/5

I have one copy of The Determined Heart to giveaway to one lucky reader. (US and Canada only.) Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh The Places You'll Go

Come Away With Me by Karma Brown
Published: August 25, 2015 by Mira
I've never read Eat, Pray, Love before, but I imagine that is quite similar to this book. Except of course that this one is a book of fiction and not a memoir.

In some ways I so want to share the places Tegan traveled after her miscarriage to help herself heal, except that I love how each one was a surprise until you got there. Even more than that I really enjoyed how each location was written. You couldn't help but feel yourself on these adventures with Tegan. Even though I've only been to one of the places in the book, it didn't matter, because you truly did feel like I was a part of the trip.

I wasn't expecting the end to this at all, but really appreciated it. In fact, I was leaning towards classifying this book as one I liked, but after reading how it ended, now it's a love. It's the type of ending that makes you want to reread the book immediately to see what clues you may have missed and how you could have predicted it better.

According to the author's interview in the reader's guide, the next book she's working on (which will only be her second!) is about a family who uses a surrogate to have a baby. While it is normally a topic that would intrigue me, after reading one book by Karma, I can't wait to read another from her and just hope its as good as this one!

5/5

I have one copy of 2 A.M. at Come Away With Me to giveaway to one lucky reader. (US and Canada only.) Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.

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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Everybody Wants to be a Cat

2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino
Published: August 5, 2014 by Crown
I'm not sure what I expected going into this, but I don't think there's anyway I really could have understood what I was getting into. Yes, the book is about a little girl who goes to The Cat's Pajamas, a jazz club in Philadelphia, but yet it's really about so much more than that.

The story is told from several different perspectives, which could get a little confusing, but really seemed to work. The three main ones were that of Madeleine, a 9-year-old who recently lost her mother, Sarina Greene, Madeline's teacher, and Lorca, the owner of The Cat's Pajamas. There's a few other characters who have their moment in the spotlight with a scene or two told from their perspective, but Madeleine, Sarina, and Lorca are the ones you hear from the most. As you might expect, I enjoyed certain characters more than the others, with Lorca's momments being my least favorite. But while I started out enjoying Madeline's sections the most, I soon fell a little in love with Sarina's.

Madeline though is still the heart of the story, and you can't help feeling for her throughout. She puts on such a tough exterior to the world to get through all the hardships life has dealt her. While she isn't the nicest person to many, because we're in her head we can see where she's coming from, and it's a bit heartbreaking. Luckily there are a few others, like Sarina, fighting for her, and when she finally has her moment you can't help but cheer for her.

I don't know that I've ever read a book quite like this one. I do think a lot of it is because it all happens over such a short period of time, only 24 hours, and we hear from so many different characters. But it's more than, really. There's just such a soul to this book that's almost indescribable, but I feel a little blessed to have had the experience of reading it.

4.5/5

I have one copy of 2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas to giveaway to one lucky reader. (US and Canada only.) Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Fair Maid of Kent {Giveaway}

A Triple Knot by Emma Campion
Published: July 8, 2014 by Broadway Books
I've read so many books about English royalty, but I believe this is the first I've read from the 1300s. Although I'm sure it won't be the last since there's several, Katherine by Anya Seton and The First Princess of Wales by Karen Harper specially, that I've been wanting to read for a while now.

Going into this I knew nothing of Joan of Kent or Edward III and while I wouldn't call myself an expert now, I know far more than I would have expected. This book is so detailed, and feels so well researched. It's hard without something to compare it to, but it really did ring true to the period.

But with all that detail sometimes the story gets lost. Yes, I was invested in Joan's life and I couldn't wait to see who'd she'd end up with, but it seemed to take forever to get there. There seemed to be page after page, again full of details, but ones that didn't move the story forward.

Which is why is almost surprising how quickly everything developed in the last 100 pages. It almost seemed a somewhat lengthy version of an epilogue. I still enjoyed the overall story, but I think it would have been better if the first 300 pages or so were shortened and the last 100 lengthened. I just think it would have felt a little more balanced that way.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my visit to the 1300s, and I'm actually anxious to get back. There are so many interesting characters, Edward II's Queen Isabella especially, that I was a bit fascinated by and am hoping to find more books that delve more into their history.

3.5/5

If you're ready to escape to the 1300s, I have a copy of this book for you! US or Canada only. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Before it Was Music City {Giveaway}

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander
Published: March 25, 2014 by Bethany House
Series: Belmont Mansion #2
I don't read very many historical romance books, and I read even less historical Christian romance books. But even so, they're a nice change of pace, as was this one. It's about an "old maid," or a 29-year-old, Eleanor Braddock, who goes to live with her aunt at Belmont Mansion in Nashville after the Civil War. While their she meets Marcus Gottfried, an under gardener working for her aunt, expect Marcus is actually an archduke of Austria trying to escape his life while he still can. And I'm guessing you can figure out where the story goes from there.

As you might expect the whole thing is rather adorable. Yes, there are time you want to pull your hair out because if people would actually say what they're thinking everything would be resolved so much sooner. Except then the book would likely end by page 10 or so. And I did love hearing about the society of Nashville in the 1800s. Although I was a little shocked about how well everyone seemed to be doing, especially when I compare it do the plight of society in my favorite, Gone with the Wind.

But still, it wasn't quite the perfect book. It felt far longer than it really needed to be. I understand keeping characters apart, but halfway through I wondered what else there really was to tell.

Also, I had a few minor complaints with one of the smaller characters Eleanor helps out. She decides to cook a meal for a widow and her won that are Jewish and mentions that she avoids pork because she's not sure if they'll eat it. Instead she cooks them beef with creamed potatoes. While each by itself would be kosher, I find it hard to believe Jews in the 1800s would ignore such a basic kosher rule. Of course I don't know a lot about the history of kashrut and I do realize this is marketed to a Christian audience, but still, it felt a little off to me.

All complaining aside though, I really enjoyed this book and I would love to be able to visit Belmont Mansion in Nashville someday (which is a real place). I'd also be more than willing to read the other books in the series, partly to check in on Eleanor and Marcus, but really because I loved this setting.

4/5

I'm happy to say if you want to travel back in time to Nashville in the 1800s you're about to have your chance! I'm giving away 1 copy of this book to one lucky reader. (US and Canada only.) Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter!
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

In The Land of Men {Giveaway}

The Idea of Him by Holly Peterson
Published: April 1, 2014 by William Morrow Paperbacks
This is the fourth book in a row I've read that deal with failing relationships. Whether its due to infidelity, abuse, neglect, or just the fact that couple isn't right for each other, all of four books had this major theme in common. I don't necessarily mind reading books that don't have a picture perfect, happy, romantic ending, but unfortunately for The Idea of Him, I think for now, I'm a bit over it.

In this book, Allie's husband is portrayed as the bad guy. He may be having an affair or he may be involved in a financial scheme, but I think we're definitely supposed to be feeling bad for Allie. Except she isn't the perfect model wife either. She's still obsessing over her failed high school relationship, and she's considering having an affair herself. You can't necessarily blame her considering the current state of her marriage, but still, it's hard to root for her.

The story also has a lot going on, to the point where it was hard to keep everything straight. In some ways I think that's the point because there is a bit of a mystery throughout, except when it finally wraps up in the final chapters, I still felt like I was missing a critical part.

I do think this book is a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't necessarily think it's a bad book, just not necessarily what I wanted to be reading at the time. I have to say I'm now craving a sweet and sugary romance, and hopefully am able to find that perfect book soon!

3.5/5

To learn more about this book check out the following!
The Idea of Him on Amazon
Holly Peterson's website
Holly Peterson's Facebook page
Holly Peterson on Twitter

I'm excited to share that I have a copy of this book available to one lucky reader! Hopefully you're in a better mood than I while reading it, and to help you get there, you'll also win this candle from Andrea Schroder. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.

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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Vive La France {Giveaway}

Over the past year I've had the pleasure of hosting a few book reviews for France Book Tours. If you're curious, those books are...
Paris was the Place by Susan Conley
The Consoltations of the Forest by Syvain Tesson
Marie Antoinette's Head by Will BashorThese have been books I likely wouldn't have discovered otherwise, and ones I've been pleasantly surprised by. I've definitely enjoyed my time with France Book Tours which is why I'm so excited to be sharing a giveaway with you all in honor of its first anniversary!

France Book Tours is celebrating
its first anniversary
on April 18!

 
France Book Tours has been thrilled to present amazing books related to France for a year.

To thank the authors who submitted their books and the bloggers who read and reviewed them, France Book Tours organizes a mega giveaway from April 18-25!

Depending on the number of entries in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this page, they may give away up to 10 books, so spread the word!
The winners will be chosen on April 26.

Here are all the books available to win! Click on each cover to know more about it.

Please note what format the book is available in.
Note also that some books are only available for US/Canada residents.
If nothing is specified, it means you can receive the ebook or the print copy where ever you live.

Historical fiction

Spirit of Angels = print + ecopy
Wolfsangel = print + ecopy
Becoming Josephine = print for US/Canada only

Unravelled = print
The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte = print for US/Canada only

Mystery

The Paris Lawyer = print for US/Canada only + ecopy
The Mona Lisa Speaks = print for US/Canada only + ecopy

Fiction

I See London I See France = print for US/Canada only
Paris, Rue Des Martyrs = ecopy

Romance

The Paris Game = ebook
Moonlight & Love Songs = ebook
City of Jasmine = signed print copy for US/Canada only

The Promise of Provence = ecopy

Nonfiction - memoir

Confessions of a Paris Party Girl = ecopy

AND THERE WILL BE 4 EXTRA BOOKS OFFERED
DURING OUR TWITTER PARTY!

April 23 at 5pm Central Time
#franceBT

Spread the word!

AND NOW PLEASE ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
BY CLICKING ON THE RAFFLECOPTER LINK:

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A Search for Life After Redundancy {Giveaway}

Round the Bend by Alistar McGuinness
Published: November 26, 2013 by Matador
I've been lucky to I've been able to do quite a bit of traveling. I've been to France, Israel, Japan, and quite a few others. But I've never made it to South America, Africa, or Australia. Knowing the this book is the author's travels to all three continents is one reason why I was so excited for this book.

Except while I'd love to visit each place someday, I'm not quite sure I want to replicate McGuinness adventures. The entire memoir reads like a bad episode of Amazing Race, a comedy of errors. Over and over he winds up cheated by locals. He always seems to be always suffering from some type of food poisoning. And unfortunately seems to be a bit miserable throughout most of the journey.

The book started out with him and his wife in South America, but overall I wasn't a huge fan of this section. I did find myself enjoying the book more once they made it to Africa, and especially when they climbed Kilimanjaro. I may not have wanted to be with them on a lot of their adventures, but would have loved to by at Kilimanjaro, and if there was ever a part I felt transported to another country, that was it.

The book also includes gorgeous maps depicting the couple's travels and destinations. I get the feeling they were originally done in color, and while I would have loved to see them unaltered, I still looked forward to each one.

This book wound up as quite the an interesting journey. I don't know that I've ever read a travel memoir quite like it, and it definitely was a ride throughout.

3.5/5

If you're also looking to travel throughout the world with McGuinness I'm happy to say, you have the chance! I'm giving away one copy of Round the Bend. The winner is able to choose a print copy or an ebook and the giveaway is open internationally. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.

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The Stolen Bride {Giveaway}

The Highlander's Reward by Eliza Knight
Published: July 19, 2012 by Eliza Knight
Series: Stolen Bride #1
Everyone once in a while you can't help but crave junk food. You know exactly what to expect with it, and while it may not be worthy of any awards, it's perfect because it meets your needs. The Highlander's Reward is exactly that type of book.

Lady Arebella is traveling to Scotland to marry the English lord decided on by the King of England. Laird Magnus is fighting the English alongside William Wallace. As unlikely a pair as they may be, this is a historical romance and part of a the Stolen Bride Series, so you know exactly how things will go.

They may have been aspects I wasn't a huge fan of, from the way to the Scottish brogue was written to what felt like historical inaccuracies (I can't imagine there were many vegetarians in the 1200s), and I may have wished to be a little more transported to the Scottish highlands, but it's hard to complain knowing what you were getting it.

And actually, I really enjoyed myself with this book. I read it in only a day or two since it was a book I didn't want to stop reading. There are a few steamy scenes which I think is a lot of the fun reading a book like this. While again it may not be the truest representation of history, I still loved this historical backdrop. There are currently seven books in the series, and after reading this one I'd love to get my hands on each one!

4.5/5

If you'd also like to get your hands on this series, I'm giving you all a chance to "steal" a copy! Winners have the choice of a print copy (US Only) or an eBook (International). To enter please use the rafflecopter form below.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Other People in Norman Rockell's America {Giveaway}

Hidden in Plain Sight by Jane Allen Petrick
Published: July 26, 2013 by Informed Decisions International
Going into this I knew little of Norman Rockwell. I obviously have seen his Thanksgiving painting and those for Coca-Cola, but knew little about who he actually was. Considering that this isn't actually a biography of him, it's interesting how much I learned reading this. Instead the book highlights the minorities in Norman Rockwell's work, the ones that are present, but often unnoticed.

One item I learned is that Rockwell painted from photographs, which means he'd take pictures of a given person and sketch from the photos. I never really thought about how he would have drawn his pieces, but it does make sense. After all, a photo freezes time so you don't have to worry about the model moving on you. This book is about those models and their stories.

Except it isn't really a biography of them either. Instead it tells the story of how Norman Rockwell, living in a predominately white town in Vermont, was able to find his diverse models. We then hear each one's recollections of modeling and see where they are today.

If I have any complaint about this book, it's the lack of pictures. Each time a piece of artwork was described I wanted to see it, hated that most times there wasn't an image. Of course I understand copyright issues, and I was able to easily search for one online, but think it a perfect world, those pieces should all be in here.

It is interesting how Norman Rockwell's one goal in life seemed to be to do something important, and that he felt he had failed. It really puts things in perspective hearing that someone who made such a difference and was able to capture the essence of America in his work, had no idea the impact he had. It also makes you think how many lives you may be making a difference to, without having any idea.

4/5

If you're curious to know more about Norman Rockwell and his work, then I have the perfect opportunity for you since I'm co-hosting a giveaway for 3 ebooks! Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through Virtual Author Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Also, I'm currently a finalist for The Bookish Babe, for Best Book Blog, at My So-Called Chaos! If you enjoy reading my book reviews I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to vote for me.

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

The Royal Hairdresser, The Queen, and the Revolution {Giveaway}

Marie Antoinette's Head by Will Bashor
Published: October 16, 2013 by Lyons Press
I think when anyone, myself included, pictures Marie Antoinette you think of her over-the-top hairstyles. Except, I never really thought about how they happened. Was she the one who wanted it done? Was she following the trend? No, it turns out her personal hairdresser, Léonard Autié, was the man responsible and this book is his story.

You wouldn't expect there to be a lot known about a hairdresser, and it seems that's actually the case. However Léonard did publish his own memoirs based on his journals which is where a lot of the information comes from. It is interesting reading a biography that includes quoted conversations between people, but the author clearly indicates that this comes from the memoir, and before that diary entries. Except when you write in your diary, and include quotes, how clearly do those quotes reflect actuality? That is a potential issue with this book, but it is one that the author is very upfront about.

Not too surprisingly there wasn't much about Léonard's early life. Although that was fine with me, because I thought it really picked up once he got to the court of Versailles. I thought it was fascination hearing why and how all of Marie Antoinette's hairstyles evolved. And I loved the intimate look and conversations we were able to hear of Marie Antoinette's from Léonard's perspective.

There is still quite a bit of story after the Queen's death, and while there is a lot here, I wasn't a huge fan of it. I did still enjoy parts, but overall there was so much going on, and so much politics with it all, that I couldn't quite keep up.

This isn't the first non-fiction book I've read about Marie Antoinette, but it is the first in a long time. There were definitely details I felt as if I was learning for the first time, or others that came back to me once I read them. For these reasons I do think that even if you aren't that knowledgeable about Marie Antoinette's time as queen you'll enjoy this. But if you are, you should still enjoy this since it's a from such different and somewhat unexpected perspective.

4/5

I'm excited to announce I'm giving away a copy of Marie Antoinette's Head to one lucky reader! (Giveaway is limited to the US and Canada.) Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
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SYNOPSIS
Marie Antoinette has remained atop the popular cultural landscape for centuries for the daring in style and fashion that she brought to 18th century France. For the better part of the queen’s reign, one man was entrusted with the sole responsibility of ensuring that her coiffure was at its most ostentatious best. Who was this minister of fashion who wielded such tremendous influence over the queen’s affairs? Marie Antoinette’s Head: The Royal Hairdresser, The Queen, and the Revolution charts the rise of Leonard Autié from humble origins as a country barber in the south of France to the inventor of the Pouf and premier hairdresser to Queen Marie-Antoinette.

By unearthing a variety of sources from the 18th and 19th centuries, including memoirs (including Léonard’s own), court documents, and archived periodicals the author, Professor Will Bashor, tells Autié’s mostly unknown story. He chronicles Leonard’s story, the role he played in the life of his most famous client, and the chaotic and history-making world in which he rose to prominence. Besides his proximity to the queen, Leonard also had a most fascinating life filled with sex (he was the only man in a female dominated court), seduction, intrigue, espionage, theft, exile, treason, and possibly, execution. The French press reported that Léonard was convicted of treason and executed in Paris in 1793. However, it was also recorded that Léonard, after receiving a pension from the new King Louis XVIII, died in Paris in March 1820. Granted, Leonard was known as the magician of Marie-Antoinette’s court, but how was it possible that he managed to die twice?

Author Bio
Will Bashor has a doctorate in International Relations from the American Graduate School in Paris, and he teaches at Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio. His interests have ranged over many fields, among them the study of international law and business, linguistics, cultural anthropology, and European history.

As a member of the Society for French Historical Studies, he attended its annual meeting sponsored by Harvard University in Cambridge in 2013.

Disclosure: I was provided this book through France Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Down By the River Banks {Giveaway}

At The River's Edge by Mariah Stewart
Published: January 28, 2014 by Ballantine Books
Series: The Chesapeake Diaries #7
If you go back and read my reviews of the other books in the series, you'll find them all eerily similar. But that's a good thing because you know exactly what to expect this these. Girl with cute girly profession (wanting to open a restaurant) meets a guy with a strong masculine profession (owner of a landscape company) and falls in love. Then there's the question of who is the one moving and starting over in a small town; this time it's actually both of them.

Now that this is my third book in the series I'm loving that I'm able to recognize certain characters. It's so fun to be able to peek back into their lives and see what's changed. Although this shouldn't be a deter if you haven't read earlier books. I actually started this series with #6, then read #1, and only now am reading #7. But as a warning if you pick up this book, you will want to read more to find out all the other back stories.

If I have any major complaint with this it's the cover. Which is funny because I actually really like how dreamy and romantic it is. I just hate that it doesn't match the rest of the books in the series. Even more the title doesn't match the others either. I realize it's a silly thing to complain about, but still, it obviously bothered me more than I should have.

I'm definitely happy to have had the chance to read this book, and I think it's the perfect escape. You can't help but feel transported to a little beach town in the spring which is exactly where you want to be this cold winter. Yes, you know what going to happen, but you're still not going to want to put it down till you see exactly how it will all play out.

4/5

If this book piques your interest, it's your lucky day because I have one copy to giveaway! (In the US only.) Please enter using the rafflecopter form below.
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Post Holiday Blues {Giveaway}

I feel a little bit like things are starting to settle down and get back to normal, but I'm not quite sure I'd like it. Part of me wishes I could hit rewind and start over from my birthday reliving all of October, November, and December. Unfortunately, that isn't quite possible, but I do have something that will hopefully help you transition back to reality. I'm happy to let you know I'm participating in Dara's January giveaway at Not in Jersey, and hopefully a few prizes will have you ready to take on January!

Myself, and her other sponsors, have come together to giveaway to offer a range of prizes including a $30 gift card to Target or Starbucks (your choice!).

You could also win a canvas from Easy Canvas Print, a company I'm obviously found of since I ordered my wedding canvas from them.
In addition, you could win an LED Teeth Whitening System from Smile Brilliant and copies of Is God Real or Pretend? by Jennifer Horsman and Brady Needs a Nightlight by Brian Barlics. To enter please use the rafflecopter form below, and good luck!
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Let's Celebrate {Giveaway}

Saturday was my 5 year blogoversary! Don't be fooled by the fact that my archives show posts back in 2007, because on December 21, 2008 I wrote this post where I decided I wanted to start blogging regularly. That's also the point where I decided to change my blog name from the catchy Shoshanah's Blog, to what you now know as From L.A. to LA.

In celebration of the fact that I'm still here blogging 5 years later, I got together with some of my favorite bloggers for a giveaway. One lucky blogger will win the following:

$35 Starbucks Gift Cardcourtesy of
From L.A. to LA
Finding My Virginity
Not in Jersey

60 Days of Ad space
at From L.A. to LA
(200x200 sidebar spot)

2 Months of Ad space
at Beyond the Aisle
(200x200 sidebar spot)

6 Months of Ad space
at Crazy Shenanigans
(200x200 sidebar spot)

30 Days of Ad space
at Organized Chaos
(600x100 "You're a Star" in-post spot)
Thanks to everyone for reading and your continued support. Good luck to all who enter. And finally, here's to the next 5 years of blogging! Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.

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Tales of a 4th Grade Alien {Giveaway}

Mission One of Auggie the Alien by Leah Spiegel and Megan Summers
Published: June 6, 2013 by Createspace
Augustov Litlickie is a young alien sent on a secret mission to earth. He's supposed to learn if earth is worthy of his species to inhabit with humans since their planet is dying. His mission is to fit in among humans for graders with goals of achieving the sleep over, the social outing, and the birthday party.

You can't help but fall in love with Auggie and this entire book. It's full of high jinks since while he studied humans, he hasn't quite grasped sarcasm or tact. So while Auggie always thinks he's doing what people ask, it's a little off. For instance he cheers his classmates for missing a basket in a game of basketball because he's told that he needs to be a good sport and cheer for both teams.

I think if I was a kid I would think this book was hilarious, and constantly be laughing out loud. Even know as an adult I found myself amused, but couldn't believe how unprepared Auggie was for his mission, especially since his mother was human. (And yes, he is the product of an alien abduction.) But I think you could agree as to how much of a say his mother had in his upbringing. Or more likely, that I'm analyzing this children's book far to much.

I loved my time with Auggie, and felt almost proud of him by the end of the book. I'm only hoping there's a second mission published because I'd be more than happy to travel along.

4.5/5

If you think this book is one you'd enjoy, or would want to give as a holiday present, then today is your lucky day, because I'm giving away a copy! U.S. and Canada readers may choose a print copy or an electronic copy. International winners will receive an electronic copy. Please enter using the rafflecopter form below.

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Disclosure: I was provided this book through Virtual Author Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

La Résistance

Gracianna by Trini Amador
Published: July 23, 2013 by Greenleaf Book Group Press
I'm a little conflicted about this book. There were parts of it I really loved, but also parts that didn't quite click for. Overall though, I did enjoy my time with it.

Gracianna takes place in France during World War II. Except for the first part of the book the setting seemed a little off. I realize this is because it takes place in a small village in the mountains in Basque Country, and that within a small town time seems to stand still. So often I had to keep reminding myself that the story was taking place in the 1940s instead of the 1840s.

But then in second half of the book Gracianna, our main character as well as the book title, is in Paris and the pace picks up significantly. She gets involved in the French Resistance and I found that part fascinating. I actually had a Hebrew school teacher who was also part of the French Resistance, and while I've never knew the details of her story, I've always been a little curious. I can't imagine her story was that similar to the book, but I guess you never know.

The book is actually written by the great-grandson of the real Gracianna and inspired by true events. Except I can't help but wonder how much was embellished for the story. I just wish that there was a more detailed author's note that gave a better understanding on which events actually happened.

While I don't think this book was perfect (although that can be hard to find), I definitely am glad to have experienced it. And I do think it's well worth reading if you enjoy WWII set fiction, but especially if your looking to hear it from a lesser known point of view.

3.5/5

If this book piques your interest, then today is your lucky day! I have one copy to giveaway (in the US only). Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good Luck!
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (52)

Every month Mailbox Monday moves to a new host. Which means since tomorrow is the last Monday of October, for the last time this month, we're linking up at Book Dragon's Lair to share the books we've picked up recently.
Borrowed from a Friend
Triangles by Ellen Hopkins
I believe the exact words of the friend who lent this to me were, "I can't decide if I love it or hate it." Definitely a summary that piques your interest right? It's written in verse which is always fun, and I have heard that it's less risque than the cover makes it out to be. So we'll see if I'm less conflicted with this.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And what's the last book you read where you really weren't sure how you felt about it?

Also, I'm currently participating in Dara's giveaway! I'm giving away ad space as well as my ARC of The Apple Orchard. Plus there's several other items you'd win from the other bloggers! Please use the rafflecopter giveaway below to enter, and be sure to comment on this post for that extra entry.
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Time is Running Out {Giveaway}

The Hourglass by Sharon Struth
Published: July 19, 2013 by Etopia Press
I feel like I've been in such a reading rut lately, where I'm just not enjoying the books I've picked up. Thankfully this was just the book I needed to escape! Part romance novel, part mystery, it's the type of book you start reading and while feels like only minutes later you're already halfway through.

Parts of it remind me of The Pilot's Wife or The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D., where after a person's death you wonder how well you really knew them. But unlike those two where that was the main point of the book, here that story line is only part of what you're reading.

This may not be the type of book that has you thinking about it after you're finished, but it is one where you'll really enjoy the experience. You want the couple to be successful, and you want to know the end of the mystery, and those two together make it hard to put down.

4/5

Hopefully this has you intrigued and you want your own copy. And if so, it's your lucky day because I have a copy of giveaway!

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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own

Make it or Break it {Giveaway}

Tinseltown Riff by Shelly Frome
Published: March 23, 2013 by Sunbury Press Inc
First Published: September 1, 2000
In Hollywood people will do whatever it takes to finally make it. From Ben, the screenwriter living at his Aunt's house who is out of time, to Angelique the gorgeous blonde who wants to revamp her image to get people to start taking her seriously, to a full cast of other quirky characters.

At least I think that's what this book is about, because I didn't quite get it. There is so much that happens in this book, so many characters, and a lot of mystery, that left me more confused than anything else. I couldn't seem to get into the story, and since it was hard for me to really pay attention I just got more and more confused the more I read.

Unfortunately, this book didn't quite work me. Although I did like the Hollywood landmarks I was able to place and recognize, but overall it didn't work for me. That isn't to say it's not for everyone though, and I think if you're able to follow this better than I, you'd probably enjoy it more.

2/5

But don't take my word for it! Here's your chance to form your own opinion! I'm giving away one copy of this book. US winners have the option of a print or electronic copy. If you're outside the US, you can win an electronic copy.

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Disclosure: I was provided this book through Virtual Author Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.