Cold River Book Review and Giveaway (US)

COLD RIVER by Liz Adair. I've always enjoyed Liz's book and this one was no exception. Mandy is a spunky main character that you fall in love with in the very beginning. I can't say I agree with everything she does throughout the book, but when do we ever agree with everything anyone does. :) The secondary characters were just as fun and helped pull the story forward. My one big beef with this one was how long it took to get to the death threats. Overall, it's a very enjoyable read for anyone. Here's an interview I had with Liz earlier in the year.

:):):)

Mandy Steenburg thinks her doctorate in education has prepared her to run any school district - until she tangles with the moonshine-making, coon-dog-owning denizens of a tiny district in Pacific Northwest timber country. She's determined to make a difference, but the local populace still looks to the former superintendent for leadership. When Mandy lands in the middle of an old feud and someone keeps trying to kill her, instinct tells her to run. And though she has to literally swim through perilous waters, she finds a reason to stay and chance the odds. 

Now for the giveaway:

Liz has graciously donated a copy of COLD RIVER for you to win! What do you need to do? Glad you asked. It's simple.

1) Follow my blog via GFC and/or Networked Blogs. Leave me a message telling me you've done so and a way to contact you if you win.

Optional Entries:

• Follow Liz's blog here. Leave a comment telling me so.
• Follow me on twitter here. Leave a comment.
• Spread the word! Leave a comment telling me so.

It is in your best interest to leave seperate comments for each entry. Random.org will choose the winner on March 23rd. Please enter by midnight on the 22nd. Check out my other giveaways here. And, as always, thanks for stopping by!

Book Buzzin'--Banana Split

Banana Split by Josi S Kilpack. Another great culinary mystery! Take a look.

A tropical paradise seems like the ideal place for amateur detective Sadie Hofmiller to relax and unwind from the panic attacks that have begun to control her life. But when Sadie accepts the offer to stay at a friend’s condo on the island of K’auai, her perfect vacation turns into a nightmare. On a snorkeling trip with the Blue Muumuus, a community group of adventurous older women, Sadie finds herself entangled, quite literally, with the dead body of Noelani Pouha, a local drug addict. The police are convinced they know exactly what happened to Noelani. Reeling from the shock of her own near-drowning, Sadie has no interest in looking for any other possible answers until Noelani’s son appears on her doorstep, presenting her with a reason to gather her inner strength, rally her investigative powers, and use what she’s learned from her past cases to try and find closure . . . for both of them.

A Woman's Power Giveaway (Int), Blog Tour, Book Review and Interview

Welcome to this stop on the A Woman's Power: Threads That Bind Us To God by Fay Klinger. I'm glad you joined us. We have lots going on with a giveaway (2 winners!), review and interview. I hope you enjoy it. First off, here's a blurb about the book taken from Amazon, where you can pre-order the book (release date of March 13).

For any woman who's ever felt like she's hanging on by a single thread, this inspiring book reveals the truth: you're surrounded by threads of strength and power that can bring you safety, peace, and lasting happiness. All you have to do is grab hold of them. Uplifting and empowering, this book offers women everywhere a message of hope.


I enjoyed reading this book. The many stories gave me a different perspective and insights to the trials life can throw at us. It helped me remember that things can always be worse and I should be more grateful for what I have. It also reminded me that I need to depend on the Lord more and look for His hand in everything I do. He will never fail me.


As women, we do have an inner power that we sometimes forget about in the craziness of our lives. This book helped me refocus on what is really important and strength my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs a pick-me-up or who just wants a good, inspirational read.

:):):):)

Now for the giveaway. There will be 2 winners!


Fay has generiously donated a hard copy for US residents and an eBook for International followers. So here's what you need to do.


Mandatory:

• Follow this blog via Networked Blogs and/or GFC. Leave me a comment telling me you've done so and an email to contact you if you win. Also include which version you are going for. Hard copy—US or eBook—International

Optional:

• "Like" Fay's Facebook page, here. Leave a comment telling me you've done so.
• Spread the word. Tell me how in the comment section.

Please enter by midnight on March 16th. The winners will be chosen by random.org and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen. 

What made you decide to become a writer?

I pretty much answer that question on my website (www.fayklingler.com). My creative writing teacher in junior high school should have received a “teacher-of-the-year” award! At least that’s the answer for the creative-writer-me. The technical-writer-me became a writer to help provide for my family when I was a single mom. There is good pay in that field, but sometimes very difficult deadlines!

Who inspires you?

Oh, my goodness, that’s a hard question. Only because there are so many people who inspire me. I’m inspired by good writers, including those who wrote the scriptures. I’m inspired by friends and family, not just by what they say, but also by what they do. I’ve always been inspired by my marvelous parents. I have to say my mother has been my best friend through my entire life . . . My answer to this question is not complete without mentioning my husband. He is patient with me and helps me see a different perspective. He inspires me with ideas and solutions . . .

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

I would like my readers to feel personally inspired to move forward with their lives. I have felt a great desire to share solutions that I’ve learned, and I hope those published solutions benefit others. There is a special spirit that accompanies my latest book, A Woman’s Power, that I believe will soften the reader’s heart and change her life in a positive way.

Where did this idea come from?

Actually, I sincerely believe this idea came from my Heavenly Father. I have over the years of writing become quite discouraged with the lack of ethics on the part of some publishers. For that reason, I chose to quite writing after my book Shattered. But then, I felt truly driven and compelled to write A Woman’s Power. I’m grateful Cedar Fort gave me a contract and such a wonderful group of people to work with. I hope A Woman’s Power will benefit many.

Who was your favorite character to develop?

I didn’t really “develop” any of the characters in this book because it’s a non-fiction, true-to-life book. But I truly enjoyed working with all of the individuals who shared their stories in A Woman’s Power. I love to bake bread so I was really touched by the story about the bread in a white cloth.  The man who shared that story with me also helped with a clip for the book trailer. My son and I had a wonderful experience working with the gentleman’s family members in filming that clip. The book trailer can be viewed by the first of March on my website (www.fayklingler.com) or facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FayKlingler).

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Write for the enjoyment. Write to share. You don’t have to be a highly-paid author to be successful. My grandmother Ida Romney Alldredge was a writer of poetry. She wrote to express her love of life, family, and events. Although she was successfully published, when alive, she wished she could have seen more success in publishing. What she didn’t know then was that her published and non-published works would impact millions of people for all time. Sometimes it’s not what a writer writes that impacts others. Sometimes it’s just that the writer had the courage to share her thoughts, inspiring and blessing others to make goals and follow through with them.

What can we expect next from you?

With a co-author I have written a children’s book that was promised a publishing contract. The publisher did not follow through. We are hoping to find another publisher that will produce the book. It is a marvelous, family book that encourages people of all ages to write and journal.

Where can we purchase your book?

A Woman’s Power, a beautifully designed hardbound book, is a marvelous gift for women of all ages—young and not-so-young. After the release date (March 13), the book can be purchased at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, and other LDS retailers. Or prior to that date, the book can be preordered online from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. A Woman’s Power will also be made available for e-readers.

Check out the other blogs on the blog tour. 

February 28^th, Tuesday—“Great Minds Think Aloud”www.greatmindsliterarycommunity.com

I will have a personal guest post at this blog stop that day.

February 28^th, Tuesday—“Connections with Christy” http://christymonson.blogspot.com

Book review

February 29^th, Wednesday—“I Am a Reader, Not a Writer”http://www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/

Author interview and book giveaway

March 1^st, Thursday—“Bonnie Gets a Say” www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com

Author interview, book review, and book giveaway

March 2^nd, Friday—“Why not? Because I said so!”http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

Book review

March 2^nd, Friday—“LDS Women’s Book Review”http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/

Book review

March 3^rd, Saturday—“Babs Book Bistro” www.babsbookbistro.net/blog

Book review

March 5^th, Monday—“Renae’s Writespot” http://renaeswritespot.blogspot.com

Book review

March 5^th, Monday—“Thrilled by the Thought” www.thrilledbythethought.com

Book review

March 6^th, Tuesday—“Writer in the Pines” http://marshaward.blogspot.com

Book review

March 7^th, Wednesday—“Weaving a Tale or Two” http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com

Book review

March 8^th, Thursday—“J. Lloyd Morgan” www.jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com

Book review

March 9^th, Friday—“Queen of the Clan” www.queenoftheclan.com

Book review and book PDF giveaway

March 9^th, Friday—“The Character Connection”www.thecharacterconnection.blogspot.com

Personal guest post

March 10^th, Saturday—“Cheryl’s Book Nook” http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com

Book review

March 12, Monday—“A Writer’s Ramblings” http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com

Book review

March 12, Monday—“Star Crossed” www.starcrossedbookreviews.blogspot.com

Book review

March 13, Tuesday—“Bookworm Lisa” http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

Book review

March 13, Tuesday—“Mormon Moms” http://mormonmomswhoblog.blogspot.com/

Book review

March 14, Wednesday—“Good Family Reads” www.familyreads.blogspot.com

Personal guest post and book review

March 14, Wednesday—“Inklings” www.margothovley.com

Book review

March 15^th, Thursday—“families.com” http://lds.families.com/blog/

Book review

March 16^th, Friday—“BooksRUs”  www.booksrusonline.com

Book review

March 16^th, Friday—“A Writer’s Reality” http://melissajcunningham.blogspot.com

Book review

Book Buzzin'--Overprotected

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens. Here's another one that sounds interesting! Here's the book trailer.

Ashlyn:A lonely society princess living in NewYork City.
Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong.

A kidnapping leaves a father fanatical about his only child's safety. A story of obsessive love and the quest for independence.

How do I begin . . .

By Bonnie Harris

Let me start out and say that the ANWA Conference has been incredible this far. I have enjoyed every class I've taken and have learned so much from everyone around. Thank you to all who have worked so hard to put it together.

Since I'm still in the middle of it, I'm having trouble figuring out what exactly to share. (Imagine Pooh Bear sitting on his log, tapping his head saying, "Think. Think. Think." That's what I'm doing right now.)

OK. Lisa Mangum gave a class on starting your story with a bang. We all want to do that. We've all been told how vitally important the first line of our book is. Here's what she had to say . . .

The Harsh Truth

• Editors care so much about the first line of a manuscript, they will make the decision to buy or pass on a project based solely on that single first line
• Therefore, your first sentence ought to be the single greatest thing you ever write in your entire life.

Are you sweating yet? Do you feel the pressure? Are you scared?

Good.

It's all a lie!

There are so many other things that editors look at. (I admit, my breath stopped in my throat as she went on with this and then you could hear a collective sigh when she said it was a lie.) This is what she said you do need.

1. Start with a prologue if your story needs it

2. Showcase something special on the first page

3. Review your first page after you've written your last page

4. Look at your whole book

5. Pay attention to everything on your first page

The big thing Lisa hit on was to give yourself permission to move onto the second sentence and the third and so on.

There. You now have permission to move past the first sentence. Now, get writing!

And the winners are . . .

I have to apologize this is late. I've been caught up at a writer's conference. Thank you for everyone who stopped by and I hope to see you again in March. I have two winners to announce this time. Random.org has chosen BuddyT as the winner of the Random Acts of Kindness Blog Hop and Heather as the winner of the DIES IRAE giveaway! Congrats to you both!

Book Review--Medusa Plot

Cahills vs Vespers: Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman. This new series in the 39 Clues is so much fun. It puts Amy, Dan and the rest of their cousins in a very new, very different situation. Instead of chasing clues and worrying which cousin will try to kill them next, Amy and Dan are now having to work with their cousins in order to save those who have been kidnapped by the mysterious Vespers. It's a wonderful, fun read that takes you to new areas of the world and gets your mind thinking. It is great for any and everyone.

:):):):):)

Just when Amy and Dan Cahill think their family is safe, disaster strikes – seven Cahills are kidnapped by a shadowy group known only as the Vespers. Amy and Dan have only days to fulfill a bizarre ransom request or the captured seven will start dying. But even as the race to save the hostages begins, a sinister question looms: What are the Vespers really after?