{#WritingsofRosieis3} Giveaway Winners!

Wow! It's been a fantastic couple of weeks, everyone. Thank you all for your continued support!

And now...the time has now come to announce the three winners. 

First prize winner of Susan May Warren's Take a Chance on Me, It Had to Be You, and When I Fall in Love is...

Amy C.!

Second prize winner of Laura Frantz's Love's Reckoning, Love's Awakening, and Love's Fortune is...

Melissa O.!

Third prize winner of Melissa Tagg's Made to Last, Here to Stay, and From the Start is...

Beth C.!

Amy, Melissa, and Beth, you all should receive an email from me Sunday morning. I will need a response by May 9th. 

Thank you to all who entered and spread the word about the giveaway! It was much appreciated!! Until next time, friends! ;-)

...And We Have a Winner!

Hello everyone! Thank you all SO much for entering and sharing the Sabotaged giveaway! It was super fun to read all your comments and excitement for the book. I am pleased to announce that we have a winner!

Photo Credit: m_bartosch // Freedigitalphotos.net

And the winner is...

Melissa O.!

Melissa has been contacted and she has claimed her prize. You all have no idea how much I appreciate you. Expect another giveaway in the near future! Blessings to you all! 

The Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes!!

Hey, everyone! You do NOT want to miss out on this sweet giveaway! Check out my review of the featured book here. 

In SABOTAGED, the fifth and final book of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna experience the high stakes of Iditarod search-and-rescue when Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, goes missing.

Kirra and Reef put aside their differences to search for him, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter Meg has been kidnapped, and Frank must do the kidnapper’s bidding or Meg will die.

Soon Kirra, Reef, and the entire McKenna family are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

To celebrate their epic race, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the HEART OF ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

There are so many fun prizes involved, take a look!

GRAND PRIZE:
LUXURIOUS LODGE GETAWAY
During their cross-country hunt for answers, Kirra and Reef stop to rest at a gorgeous mountain lodge in Denali that holds special memories for Reef. This prize offers you a chance to build your own special memories, with a luxurious lodge getaway for two.

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to Hotels.com, good for reservations at lodges and hotels across the Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous International locations

SECOND PRIZE:
PALS WITH PAWS DONATION

In the Alaskan Courage series, Kirra is the proud owner of Nanook Haven, a rescue shelter for sled dogs. In real life, animals need rescue as well, and this prize will allow you to give a special gift to support an organization like Kirra’s.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 donation in your name, to the animal rescue, shelter, or veterinarian of your choice

THIRD PRIZE:
SWEETHEART SURVIVAL SLED
In SABOTAGED, Kirra and Reef take shelter in a snow cave while hiding from a man determined to put them on ice– permanently! Luckily, Kirra has a survival kit, to help them make it through the sub-zero temperatures.
If you prefer a little more romance and a little less suspense in your survival kit, this is the prize for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: A $100 value sweetheart survival pack. This gift basket includes double chocolate raspberry cake, smoked salmon, brie cheese and crackers, and a wide variety of gourmet snacks

Are you excited yet? I am! Go here to find out how to enter: http://www.danipettrey.com/heart-of-adventure-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 2 – 22, 2015. Winners will be announced on Dani's blog the day after the giveaway closes. What are you still reading this for? Go enter! ;-) Thanks for stopping by!

{Giveaway!! +Book Review:} Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

My Review:
Wow! What an ending to a fantastic series!

I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to read and review Sabotaged, especially as I finish up these last few busy months of college. That said, I am a huge fan of the McKenna family and I am extremely sad to say goodbye. I've enjoyed all five books spent with each McKenna member and I'm thrilled that they each have their own "happily ever after." There is a certain bond that forms through spending a series of books with a fictional family. They grow on you. You learn their quirks, their fears... You become that invisible family member that laughs and cries alongside them.

That all having been said, this installment of the series is a wonderful farewell. From page one you're immediately thrust into the action and mystery. The thrill of the adventure is just where it starts. The tender, growing friendship-turned-romance between Reef and Kirra is sweet and not overdone. Pettrey will keep you on your toes, making you second guess everything until the closing chapters. It's a perfect thriller/mystery for the suspense crowd, yet not so intense to drive away the romance fans. For those who have read the prior books, you won't be disappointed!! And for new fans, I encourage you to read Submerged as soon as possible, whether that means before or after reading Sabotaged.

I can easily recommend this book for both readability and content to young adults, 17 and older. The fun of reading this book is really increased if you have read the previous novels/adventures but it is not necessary and the novel can stand alone. Happy reading!!

I received an influencer copy of this book from the author, Dani Pettrey, in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thank you!

Back Cover:
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey's search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper's bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

About the Author:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and her latest release,Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Also, I am personally giving away a free copy of Sabotaged! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Action Kids' Club Blog Tour! {Guest Post!}

Hey everyone! About a month ago, Lydia Howe reached out to me about doing a guest post to promote her new book, Action Kids' Club, here on the blog. Of course, I said yes. Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom! Enjoy!! :-)

Action Kids’ Club Back Cover Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Olivia Hall’s dream of a friends' club ends when she finds out her family is moving. Her parents assure her it's a good thing, opening a new world of possibilities for the Halls. But going from ‘miss popular’ to ‘the new girl’ won’t be easy, and Olivia is not convinced.

Soon she begins to realize that although her life has suddenly changed, there's plenty of adventure to keep her on her toes. From making new friends at Forward Focus, to hanging out at the world-renowned Kids Zone, to meeting the curious head chef, she discovers that there's much more to life - and her new surroundings - than she ever imagined. How will she make the most of these new opportunities? Or will she let them slip away?

About the Author:
Lydia Howe (aka Aidyl Ewoh) is a twenty-something adventurous author who enjoys hiking in the mountains of Asia and South America, building life-size models of dinosaurs, taking road trips across Europe and cooking for large crowds.

Lydia grew up in a barn and has always dreamed of living in a tipi. She is trained as a John Maxwell coach and her passions include self-development and Christian apologetics. One of her life-long dreams was realized when her first book, “Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl”, was published by Answers in Genesis in 2013. Her second book, “Action Kids’ Club” was published in November of 2014. Find her online at her Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads and Pinterest.

Here's Lydia!

Wow! We are already on day 5 of the blog tour celebrating the release of the first book in my Action Kids series. Read the post from yesterday here and find out more about Action Kids by clicking here.

The answer to yesterday’s riddle is: Always give people more than they expect to get. -Nelson Boswell

For Today:

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
― Winston S. Churchill

“We often miss opportunity because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work”
― Thomas A. Edison

“I will prepare and some day my chance will come.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Opportunity: “A set of circumstances that make it possible to do something.”

Everyone gets opportunities in life. Some choose to grab onto them, some let them slide on by. I’m learning about grabbing onto them and boy does that make life more exciting! In Action Kids' Club Grandpa Don teaches the kids that they’re never too young to start looking for and working toward opportunities.

Grandpa Don led us into a building and then down a wide hallway, through an outer office to a door that had a sign nailed to it. 

Start Today—Don’t Delay! 

Tilting my head, I read the words.

“What does that mean?” Alex asked, pointing at it.

“That helps me remember to not procrastinate. When I have an opportunity, I need to seize it.” Grandpa Don opened the door, and we all filed in.

“An opportunity for what?” I asked, and then I remembered I was talking to the boss so I added, "Sir."

“For lots of things. An opportunity to start eating healthfully. An opportunity to work on a new project. An opportunity to spend time with my family. So many people waste time each day and eventually end up wasting a lot of their lives because they don’t grab onto opportunities when they have the chance. God created each of us with the ability to do great things, and I want to make sure I don’t waste the talent He’s given me.”

“It doesn’t matter when you’re young though, right?” I asked. Grandpa Don’s office was flooded with sunlight, making the whole room look spectacular. I tried to keep my attention on him though. After all, he was talking to me and he was the president.

“What makes you think that?” Grandpa Don asked.

Huh? I had no clue. It just seemed like since I was a kid, I should get grace or second chances or something like that. “I’m not sure.” I shrugged my shoulders, wishing I had come up with a better answer. (Action Kids’ Club p.12)

Today YOU get an opportunity to enter into a drawing to win your very own signed copy of Action Kids' Club, hot off the press, plus a personalized packet of Action Kids fun-stuff, including an Action Kids pad of paper, Action Kids bookmarks and more!

And here’s your quote puzzle for today. Figure it out and leave the answer in the comments section and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a great prize! And, find out about the $50 gift card giveaway that I’m hosting over at my blog.
(Answer Key)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A B C

(Riddle)

Surfudvwlqdwlrq lv rssruwxqlwbv dvvdvvlq. -Victor Kiam

Make sure you check out this blog tomorrow for the answer to the riddle and the next stop on the blog tour. Thanks for stopping by!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Saturday!! {Winner!}

Hey all! Summer is in full swing and I can't believe Fall is already on the horizon. Unfortunately, college has kept this girl pretty busy and that won't change until my Graduation next spring. Bear with me, friends. Starting in October, I simply will not have time anymore to read and review books. This saddens me a great deal as I will miss the blog, the books, and most importantly, the people, a whole lot. The positive side to this is that I know when I'll be back. If all goes well, I shall be back from my seven-month hiatus May 2015. Thankfully, October is still two an a half months away! ;-D

Now that we're past that little update let's uncover who won my INSPY giveaway!

*drumroll*

Jillian H.!

I have already been in contact with Jillian and will be mailing her book to her within a week or so. Thanks to all who entered and promoted the giveaway! Have a blessed weekend!

Mini-Reviews {INSPYs}

Hey, everyone!

As you probably noticed, this past weekend the winners of the INSPY awards were announced! I was very blessed to be a part of the General Fiction judging panel this year and I'm already looking forward to next year! ;-D Anyway, now that the winners have been announced I thought I would write up some quick mini-reviews of the five nominated books, including the winner. Stick around, there's a surprise at the bottom!

I'm going to start off with the other books and save the winner for last. Sound good? Great, here we go.

Iscariot by Tosca Lee

Personally, I LOVED Iscariot! It shows that Ms. Lee did her research on Jewish customs and traditions. She doesn't give us too much information and keeps the balance right. Having done some study on Jewish feasts, this book was fascinating for me. However, I recommend this book with caution. I suggest readers to be sixteen-seventeen or older due to some minor content in the novel.

Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green

Widow of Gettysburg was probably my favorite novel out of the five. I connected with Liberty off the bat. I also really enjoyed the historical setting/fresh look at the war and those impacted. I studied the Civil War in depth for school last year and it was nice to see such accuracy and care taken. I highly recommend this novel to historical fiction lovers out there. 

To Know You by Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel

I struggled with To Know You. While the theme and underlying message were great, I didn't connect with the characters easily. This book is written for an age group above me, and this contributed to my struggle. It also took me time to adjust to the head-jumping/many points of view. Nonetheless, I believe that women anywhere from their early-to-mid-twenties and up will enjoy this book and get a lot out of it. 

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

Unfortunately, I have not read the first in this series. If I had, reading this book might have been easier on me. Cantrell's characters are well formed and the story is well developed but overall, the book fell short due to some confusion at the start. That being said, I plan on going back and reading the first book to hopefully get a better grasp on Millie and her past. I recommend this novel to those who enjoy reading historical fiction, particularly the late 1930s and early 1940s. 

Last, but not least, the INSPY winner! 

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes

Wings of Glass is written as the main character telling a story. Ms. Holmes truly made Penny and her friends come alive off the page. It probably wasn't easy penning a story about spousal abuse. For me, this book was hard to read at times, due to some of Penny's idiotic decisions. However, I'm sure that any woman under Penny's circumstances might have done the same thing. I do not recommend this book lightly, the topic is a hard one to swallow at times but if you're up for it then by all means read it! 

To celebrate Wings of Glass receiving the INSPY award, I'm giving away a copy of the book! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I received all the books for the INSPYs from their publishers, thanks!

And the Winner is...

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you're enjoying Spring as much as I am. :-) Well, today's the day! Are you ready to find out who won a copy of Silenced by Dani Pettrey? Thought so. Before I reveal the winner's name, I want to remind you all that there's still time to enter her Rugged Romance Giveaway!

All right, it's time for the big reveal. Drum roll, please! 

Lydia M.

Congrats, Lydia!! I've already sent an email to the email address you provided for Rafflecopter. You have until Monday evening to get back to me. If I haven't heard from you, I'll pick another winner Tuesday. 

Thank you all so much for participating!! Perhaps they'll be another giveaway soon. ;-D Have a great weekend!

Until That Distant Day by Jill Stengl {Blog Tour + Giveaway!}

Hey everyone! I have another fun post for you all! Not to mention another giveaway. ;-D

Book Blurb:

Colette and her brother Pascoe are two sides of the same coin, dependent upon one another in the tumultuous world of the new Republic. Together they labor with other leaders of the sans-culottes to ensure freedom for all the downtrodden men and women of France.

But then the popular uprisings turn bloody and the rhetoric proves false. Suddenly, Colette finds herself at odds with Pascoe and struggling to unite her fractured family against the lure of violence. Charged with protecting an innocent young woman and desperately afraid of losing one of her beloved brothers, Colette doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust as the bloodshed creeps ever closer to home.

Until that distant day when peace returns to France, can she find the strength to defend her loved ones . . . even from one another?


About the Author:
Jill Stengl is the author of numerous romance novels including Inspirational Reader's Choice Award- and Carol Award-winning Faithful Traitor, and the bestselling novella, Fresh Highland Heir. She lives with her husband in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, where she enjoys her three cats, teaching a high school English Lit. class, playing keyboard for her church family, and sipping coffee on the deck as she brainstorms for her next novel.

She blogs at Books, Cats, and Whimsy. Do stop by and follow her to keep up with all her writing and reading-related activities!

I was offered the opportunity to ask Jill a question about her new story. So I asked her, "What do you want readers to take away from Until that Distant Day?" Below is her answer. :-) 

I've been thinking a bit about this question—thank you for asking, Rosie.

The main thing I hope readers will take away from Until That Distant Day is that indefinable blend of euphoria and sorrow I feel after reading my very favorite books. I hope my characters will remain in a reader’s thoughts as if they were real people, along with their desire for purpose, hope, and a future. I hope the scenes and setting will remain like memories of personal experience in a reader’s mind. I hope these characters and their relationships will not blend in with those of a dozen or a hundred other books.

In short, I hope readers will remember my story and wish to read it again. Isn't this every author’s desire?

A lovely answer. Thanks, Jill! 

As part of the launch tour, Jill is offering her new book, Until that Distant Day, on Kindle for only 99 cents through May 12th! Get your ebook copy here!! 

Now to the part you have all been waiting for, the special giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lastly, don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

Until That Distant Day
Launch Tour Schedule

May 5

Tales of Goldstone Wood

Edgy Inspirational Romance

Fullness of Joy

The Inkpen Authoress

Covers and Ink

May 6

Blooming with Books

Quoth the Girl

The Wonderings of One Person

May 7

The Writer’s Window

Jill Eileen Smith

The Writer of Dream Things

May 8

Letters from Annie Douglas Lima

Rina’s Reading

To Find a Castle

May 9

JLMbewe.com

To Be a Person

Writings of Rosie

May 10

Seasons of Humility

Notes by Oywen

The Overweight Bookshelf

May 11

Too Read or Not Too Read

Fictionally

Bluerose’s Heart

May 12

Mel’s Shelves

Labor Not in Vain

Creative Madness Mama

May 13 – Giveaway Winner Announced

Tales of Goldstone Wood

Silenced by Dani Pettrey {+Rugged Romance Sweepstakes!}

Hello, all! I have some fun, exciting things for you today! We'll start off with my review of Pettrey's awesome new release, Silenced.

My Thoughts:
WOW!

With each new release, I fall more and more in love with the McKenna family. After reading Stranded last fall, I was eager to read Kayden and Jake's story and I was not disappointed! The suspense combined with many unanswered questions pulsed the story onward at a fast clip. In the few times I had to put the book down, it left me feeling like I was going to miss something, as if the story would go on without me.

I try not to pick favorites, but Kayden has intrigued me from the first book, Submerged. I wondered what she guarded under her tough, stubborn exterior. Her character is simply intriguing. Jake equally so, once his past was revealed in the previous book. The reason, I think, that Jake and Kayden work well together, both as romantic interests and lead characters, is that they battle inner demons. They're realistic. They aren't perfect. They don't have it all figured out. They struggle just like the rest of us.

The mystery and suspense was well paced and the road to the end was twisty and full of sharp curves. I never felt bored. I will say I had figured out the murderer, but I never anticipated... Oh. You'll have to get your hands on your own copy. ;-)

I really, really, enjoyed this time spent with Kayden and Jake. We also spent some considerable time with Reef and Kirra, which I loved, given their story is next and the last in the Alaskan Courage series (something I have yet to fully admit to myself). Oh, and the best part about Silenced? We get to witness Cole and Bailey's wedding AND Landon and Piper's!! Gah! So much cuteness. I loved Silenced and now I eagerly await the unannounced title for the conclusion in Pettrey's brilliant series. Things to know: There's talk of murder. There are two or three accidents- neither of which are described great detail. Two characters dislocate their thumbs to escape handcuffs and then relocate them.... OUCH. I recommend to readers who don't mind a bit of minor "violence."

I received a complimentary review copy from the author, Dani Pettrey, through Bethany House, in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thank you!! 


Book Summary:
In SILENCED, Book 4 of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, a relaxing day of rock climbing takes a dark turn when Kayden McKenna’s route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Was the climber’s death a terrible accident or something more sinister?

When the case is handed to Yancey’s overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With the truth of Jake’s past now revealed, Jake agrees to use his investigation skills for this one case–but nothing could prepare him for where the case will take him.

As Kayden and Jake work together to uncover the truth, will they also find a refuge in each other? Or will the deadly plans of a killer destroy their chance at love?

To celebrate the novel, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the RUGGED ROMANCE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story. This giveaway starts May 1, 2014 and ends May 21, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Friday, May 23, 2014, and announced at DaniPettrey.com. You can view the prizes and enter the sweepstakes by going here.

One more thing before you go! I've arranged a giveaway of Silenced! You can enter via the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open to US residents 18 and older, the winner will be announced Saturday the 17th here on the blog, and everything else you need it know is on the widget. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Book Review:} Stranded by Dani Pettrey (Giveaway!!)

My Review:
A fantastic new release from Pettrey!

It seems like it was yesterday I was giddy over the release of Shattered, and now here we are with the release of Stranded, the third in the Alaskan Courage series. Is it just me, or do Dani's books get better with each release? I mean, I really enjoyed Submerged and Shattered was even better, but I think Stranded takes the cake...for the time being, that is. We still have two more books after all. ;-)

Darcy St. James is awesome, and not only because of her name. She takes her faith seriously when it comes to her journalism by setting boundaries she refuses to cross. I loved how unwilling she was to compromise her values for undercover work. While Bailey still holds my number one favorite heroine spot, Darcy did come so close to topping her. After the brief glimpses we got with Kayden and Jake, I have a strong suspicion Kayden will try fight her way to the top of my favorites too.

Ever since Submerged, I've been curious to get to know Gage. In short, he is a hurting man running from God. Nothing about his healing felt forced or rushed. In fact, the pace read right. Though at first his faith is lacking, he makes up for it with good character. I adore his relationship with his family and the seriousness with which he takes his job. I look forward to seeing more of he and Darcy in Dani's future books.

To finish up, this is a wonderful novel! I was constantly guessing, and though I had some things right in the end, I had others wrong. The heightened suspense in the final hundred pages, glued me to the story until the end. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for this amazing family. I'm eagerly looking forward to Silenced! I recommend Stranded to ages 16 and up for mention of sex trafficking.

I received an influencer copy of this novel from the author in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks, Dani!

Back Cover:
When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances. 

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

But wait! That isn't all I have to share with you. Dani is hosting a MEGA giveaway!
In Stranded, Book 3 in author Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series, reporter Darcy St. James knows something is wrong when her friend vanishes from her job on a cruise ship. Everyone else believes Abby simply left of her own accord, but something isn’t lining up, and Darcy knows the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.
Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock in Alaska for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy onboard one of the ships, working undercover as a reporter.
Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more they realize they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.
To celebrate the story, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the ALASKAN ADVENTURES Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes connected with the story!

 

With $600 dollars in prizes, you don't want to miss this sweepstakes! Click on the image and follow the instructions on the page to be entered. The contest has already started and will end Sept. 19th 11:59pm, so enter today!

Captives by Jill Williamson {TNT Blog Tour + Giveaway!}

My Review:
This Christian Dystopian novel is one you won't want to miss!

Captives introduces us to a whole new world in 2088. The Safe Lands practically pop out of the page and take you in. Jill did such a wonderful job making it believable and realistic with amazing detail. Speaking of The Safe Lands, as "safe" as it sounds, it really isn't. The place is actually rather quite terrifying the more you learn about it. I don't blame the Elders who said no to The Safe Lands.

The primary characters we focus on in the novel are Mason, Omar, Levi, and Shaylinn. Truthfully, I hadn't anticipated the many points of view, but it worked really well! It opened the door for me to look at what was going on through different pairs of eyes, who all had unique ways of looking at their circumstances.

Confession time. I am very partial to Levi's and Shaylinn's points of view. I found Levi likable primarily for his loyalty to his family and friends. His determination to put his own life on the line to get them back. His quoting Westley from The Princess Bride... *cough* Anyway, overall he earned his spot as one of my favorite characters. ;-)

As a result of The Safe Lands ungodly lifestyle there is many instances revolving around a character, whose name I shall not disclose. No instances are explicit, in fact, Jill handles all of it really well in a way with few details. Nonetheless, be advised.

My personal conclusion? This book is fantastic! And the ending has left me eager for the sequel!

I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thank you!

Back Cover:
One choice could destroy them all.

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem–taken captive. Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.

Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Land has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.

Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only his people, but also find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone inside the Safe Lands.

Can Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Land’s façade before it’s too late?

You can purchase your copy here!

You can connect with Jill Williamson at any of the following sites:
Her personal website (also linked above): http://www.jillwilliamson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jwilliamsonwrites?fref=ts
Also- the Safe Lands has their own Website! Check it out: http://thesafelands.com/

Jill and Zondervan are graciously giving away a paperback copy of Captives! US entries only, sorry! Please use the Rafflecopter below. ;-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other stops on the tour:
ADD Librarian • Blooming with Books • Bookworm Reading • Chris Kolmorgen • Christian Book Review Blog • Christian Bookshelf Reviews • CTF Devourer • Emily Rachelle Writes • Heavenward Reviews • Jessica Laurie • Labor Not in Vain • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Maniacal Bookworm • Mrs. Southern Bride • Oh, Restless Bird • Pages from My Journal • The Pen and Parchment • Rachelle Rea • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of Hearts • Shadow Writer World • A Simple Life, Really?! • Surrendering All of Me • Terri Harr • Verbosity Book Reviews • Who YA Reading? • Worthy2Read • The Writings of Rosie

 

Winners!!

Hey all! Forgive me for taking so long to get this up, I was trying to wait until I heard back from my winners before I announced them. So without further ado here are the winners of the Shattered giveaway!

Congrats to Karen K. and Leah B.! They have both responded to my email and I will get their books out later this week. ;-) Thank you all for participating! I cannot wait to do something like this again.

Now, a drumroll for the winner of the Go Teen Writer's book...

Summer A! I have sent you an email to the email address you gave rafflecopter and I am still awaiting your reply. Please get back to me by the end of the week or I will pick another winner. Thanks!

Writing Mondays: {Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft Into a Published Book}

Hey everyone! Today I want to share with you a resource that has truly helped me in the past couple weeks of using it. What resource, you ask? None other than the Go Teen Writer's book by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson! ;-D Here's the book cover and book blurb.

The question we hear most from new writers is, “How do I get published?”

And the answer is: Respect your dream

Every writer’s journey is different, yet as we’ve reflected on our experiences and those of the writers around us, we've seen time and time again that those who are successful are the ones who had the patience and endurance to stick with this writing thing. They didn't look for shortcuts (at least, not for long), nor did they quit after five, ten, or one hundred rejections.

We can’t make the process easy for you, but it’s our hope that this book will be a tool you can turn to time and time again when you’re thinking, “Okay … what’s next?”

Includes tips for:
-Getting published
-Finding the right agent
-Book surgery
-Thicker plots
-Deeper characters
-Richer settings
-Weaving in theme
-Dealing with people who don't get your writing

I wanted to have finished it before this post got up but alas, that did not happen. I can say with authority, however, that I love everything I've read so far and it has helped tremendously. Already the book has pointed out where some of my WIP's major flaws are and how to fix them. This book is simply invaluable!

If you're a teen writer and you've never heard of the large-and-growing group known as Go Teen Writers, you should check it out today. You won't regret it!  And now, to the best part of the post. Stephanie and Jill are giving away an ebook copy of their book! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Dani Pettrey! {Giveaway!}

Hey everyone! I am very happy to bring to you this lovely interview with Dani! Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom, kay? ;)

Welcome, Dani, to Writings of Rosie! Could you give us a little bio please?
I’m a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. I feel blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things I love--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of my characters' faith, and plenty of romance. My husband and I reside in Maryland with our two daughters.

Oh, me too. Nail-biting suspense is my favorite to read. How hard was it writing Piper and Landon’s story? Did you have everything planned out from the beginning?
Each story is unique and different in approach, but I’m not a plotter. I typically begin with an idea of who my characters are, what crime has been committed and an overarching idea or premise for the story. Then I sit down and start writing. I really enjoy seeing the characters come to life in the first draft. In Piper and Landon’s case I already knew quite a bit about them since they were both secondary characters in my debut novel, Submerged. It was a lot of fun getting to spend time with them again.

I'm sure it was! :-) Is there anything unique or quirky that you do while you write? I always write out my first drafts long hand. I know it takes extra time having to then go back and type the entire draft in, but it’s the only way the words flow at the beginning of a story. Put me in front of a blank screen and I freeze.

Wow, I applaud you for that. My hand cramps if I write by hand for too long. Do you have a favorite place to write? I’ve turned the sunroom off my kitchen into my office. I love it because it’s in the center of our home and the entire back wall is made of windows. I’ve got a great view of the trees and neighborhood pond. And, I’m really close to the coffee pot and espresso machine. :)

Sounds gorgeous! How did you decide Alaska would be your main setting for the series? Once I knew the McKenna family owned and operated an adventure outfit company, I searched for the perfect location. I wanted someplace that offered a wide variety of adventures along with an inherent element of risk. I think Alaska fits perfectly. It’s a gorgeous state!

Can you share anything about Gage and Darcy’s story Stranded?
When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

Eek! I'm so excited for it to come out! Lastly, where can readers find you on the Internet?
 On my website www.danipettrey.com, Facebook Page www.facebook.com/danipettrey, and Twitter www.twitter.com/danipettrey

Thank you so much for stopping by, Dani! I’ve loved interviewing you.
Thank you so much for having me, Rosie. It was a pleasure.

All right, readers, here's your chance to win a copy of Shattered! And, because this week is all about celebrating Writings of Rosie's first birthday I'm not giving away one copy, but two! :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway not open internationally, sorry!!  

And the Winners Are...

Thank you all for entering! This has been really fun, I can't wait to do it again. ;-D OK, now to the part you all are itching to get to!

And the winner of Vanished is... 

Merry! 

Congrats! Keep a sharp eye on your email inbox, I'll be sending you an email shortly.

And now for the winner of The Fairest Beauty!

Rissi! 

Congrats, girl! I'll be popping you an email in a bit, kay?

Big thank you to everyone who tweeted, blogged, and entered!

Vanished by Irene Hannon (Revell Blog Tour) {Giveaway!}

Back Cover (From Revell):

A tenacious reporter. A skeptical PI. And a secret that will shatter lives.

Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes-but it’s too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road.

A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can’t forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can’t get anyone to believe her story-except maybe a handsome ex–homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case.

As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn’t want this mystery solved-and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.

 

My Review:
Words cannot fully express my excitement to read Vanished!

After a tear-ridden goodbye to the Taylor family, I felt ready to embrace the new characters Irene introduces us to. In Vanished, we now take a look at Private Investigators. Specifically, Phoenix Inc. and the three men who work there: Cal, Dev, and Connor.

Moira Harrison comes to them with a case she's convinced needs attention, though the police disagree. I really liked Moira. She's a woman scorned once and has learned from said mistake. She has spunk and humor and a faith akin to Cal's. That makes her, in my eyes, a great heroine.

Cal, who is at center stage in Vanished, is man still aching from a loss long ago. His heart has hardened with bitterness and hate. He continually asks God the wrong questions and soon finds himself falling for the redheaded beauty. Can he overcome his anger and seek forgiveness?

Overall, this book was fantastic. While I really, really, enjoyed it, it didn't have the same feel to it as the Guardians of Justice or even the Heroes of Quantico did. Despite that, Irene doesn't fail to keep you reading until everything is set right. I can't wait to see who will be the star of the next installment of this series!

I'd recommend this book to older teens and adults. :-)

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions. Thanks!

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About Irene:
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 40 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri. For more information about her and her books, visit her web site at www.irenehannon.com and follow her on Twitter at @IreneHannon.

Now for the giveaway! (Giveaway is only open to US residents, sorry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Melanie Dickerson! {Giveaway!}

Today I have a special treat! An interview with Melanie Dickerson! :-D If you recall, I reviewed her latest The Fairest Beauty a few weeks ago. Enjoy the interview, because I have another surprise at the end!

Welcome, Melanie, to Writings of Rosie! Tell us about yourself, for those who don’t know. :-)
Hi, Rosie! Thanks so much for having me on your blog! I am a mom, wife, and writer living in north Alabama. I love chocolate and hanging out with my family. I was once a special education teacher with a degree in special ed. of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama. I have taught in Georgia and Tennessee, as well as Ukraine and Germany. Now I make paper beads and necklaces with said beads in my spare time, when I’m not writing. And my husband and two daughters keep me grounded and busy.

 
How were you inspired for The Fairest Beauty?
I knew I wanted to write a Snow White story, and I started coming up with the idea about 4 or 5 years ago. While I was working out the plot details a couple of years ago, I would listen to Taylor Swift’s songs, “Love Story” and “Enchanted,” which inspired me a lot.

Will we get to see Duke Wilhelm’s family again?
Yes! You will see Duke Wilhelm and Rose and their children in The Fairest Beauty and in my next book, a Cinderella story called The Captive Maiden. Their second son, Gabe, is the hero in The Fairest Beauty, and their oldest son, Valten, gets his own story when he rescues Cinderella. :)

What movie/TV actors or actresses would you choose to play Sophie and Gabe, if there were to be a movie?
The person who looks the most like Gabe, and of whom I am a big fan, is Dez Duron, who was on the most recent season of The Voice. Dez would be a perfect Gabe! As for Sophie, I really couldn’t find anyone who fit her perfectly, but I guess the closest is Zooey Deschanel.

Gabe (via)

Is there anything unique or quirky that you do while you write?
When I write, I like to listen to Andrea Bocelli. His songs and his voice sound so romantic, and he sings in Italian, so it doesn’t distract me.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I like to write on my couch at home, but when I’m having a hard time getting the words down, I like to go to a public place like a restaurant or coffee house (even though I don’t drink coffee, only hot tea). For some reason, going to a public place with my laptop forces me to get the words down.


And lastly, where can readers find you on the web?
You can keep up with all my book news on my facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/MelanieDickersonBooks and on my website, www.MelanieDickerson.com
 

Sophie (via)

Thank you so much for stopping by, Melanie! I’ve loved interviewing you.
Thanks so much for having me on your blog! :)

And now for the second big surprise! I am giving away a copy of The Fairest Beauty! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway  
*   Copy is provided by DJC Communications, thanks!

And we have a winner!!! :-D

Congratulations to Patty! She has won Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund. Thank you all so much for participating! This giveaway was so much fun, I just might do another in the near future!

Book Review + Giveaway! Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Hey everyone! I have another giveaway for you all! Told you I had great things in store. ;-) But before we get to that, let's start off with my book review and etc.

Back Cover (from Bethany House):

Michigan, 1883
In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer's assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan--and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell's help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what's right cost them both everything?

My Review: 
Unending Devotion is a perfect title for this book.

I eagerly opened up the book and dove into the pages. This is the first book I’ve read from Jody Hedlund and I really enjoyed her writing style. In Unending Devotion, she shows us what a lumbering business looked like and she tackled the troubling topic of prostitution in 1883. This is a side of the late 1800s I haven’t seen before, and I liked how Miss Hedlund handled it.

Our headstrong, save-the-world, heroine is named Lily. Orphaned at a young age, all she’s wanted is to keep her and her sister together, to have a family. When circumstances force Lily to leave her sister with a family, she could never have known the consequences. Lily is hired on to help take care of sick woman. When the woman passes from her ailments, Lily receives a letter from Daisy, her younger sister, saying she’s run away. Lily begins the search of a lifetime trying to find her.

Our number-crunching and noble hero is Connell. He runs three lumber camps in Harrison and is a member of a very wealthy family. He ignores the blatant drinking and prostitution because it keeps his men from leaving. When Lily arrives in Harrison he never realized he’d fall in love with a woman so headstrong.

From the very start this book tugged at my curiosity and wouldn’t let go. There were some moments I was disgusted at Lily’s foolishness and other moments I was grinning ear to ear at the romance between her and Connell. I loved how real and flawed Miss Hedlund’s characters were. I also loved how you never really knew what was going to happen next, it’s something I really appreciate in books. :)

About the Author:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor's Lady and The Preacher's Bride. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at JodyHedlund.com.



Book Trailer:

Now for the fun part, the giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do to the sad realities of the cost to ship internationally, U.S. entries only. Sorry!

I had not received this book from Bethany House at the time of this review.