SON OF WAR, DAUGHTER OF CHAOS by Janette Rallison—Book Review/Giveaway

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison. I have loved Janette's books since I was introduced to her and this one is no exception. I found myself wondering which guy she would end up with since both made logical sense, even though I had my personal favorite. I loved the premise of the story and the new take on integrating Egyptian mythology. I would highly recommend this book to any and everyone who loves a great fantasy with some romance. I can't wait for the next one. 

:) :) :) :) :)

Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.  

 

AMAZON

Author Janette Rallison Janette Rallison is old. Don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that. Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of the felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off. Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)

Website * Facebook * Twitter

   
  
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/24/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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SON OF WAR, DAUGHTER OF CHAOS by Janette Rallison—Book Blast

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison.

Stay tuned for my review. I love Janette's books and can't wait for this one!

Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.
 

AMAZON

Author Janette Rallison Janette Rallison is old. Don’t ask how old, because it isn’t polite. Let’s just say she’s older than she’d like to be and leave it at that. Janette lives in Chandler, Arizona with her husband, five children and enough cats to classify her as “an eccentric cat lady.” She did not do this on purpose. (The cats, that is; she had the children on purpose.) Every single one of the felines showed up on its own and refuses to leave. Not even the family’s fearless little Westie dog can drive them off. Since Janette has five children and deadlines to write books, she doesn’t have much time left over for hobbies. But since this is the internet and you can’t actually check up to see if anything on this site is true, let’s just say she enjoys dancing, scuba diving, horse back riding and long talks with Orlando Bloom. (Well, I never said he answers back.)

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/17/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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CHRISTMAS IN JULY GIVEAWAY—Fame, Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List by Janette Rallison

This time you can enter to win a copy of FAME, GLORY, AND OTHER THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST by Janette Rallison. Come back soon!

A PC school principal turns West Side Story into a comedy of errors. Sixteen-year-old Jessica dreams of Hollywood fame, and when Jordan moves into her small town, she dreams of him, too. He’s a movie star’s son, and hey, he’s gorgeous to boot. Jordan has always wanted to get out from the shadow cast by his superstar father, but now that he and his mother have moved so far away from LA, how can he get his divorced parents back together? Jessica convinces Jordan the way to get his father to come for a long visit is to be a part of the school play. And if she’s “discovered” in the process, all the better. Things go wrong when she lets Jordan’s secret identity slip, and grow even more disastrous when the principal tries to change West Side Story into a gang free, violence-free, politically correct production. In the same romantic and sharply witty spirit of Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws, Janette Rallison delivers another comic gem that teen readers are sure to love.

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THE ARCHER'S HOLLOW
THE BIG DEBATE
A NIGHT ON MOONHILL
SAVE THE CHILD
COURAGE TO THRIVE
THE DRIVE TO THRIVE

ROMANCE THROUGH THE AGES for .99 cents—book buzzin'

For anyone who loves clean romance like I do ... Don't miss out on this great deal!

I have read books from several of these authors and have loved them. Be sure to take a look.   

  Romance through the Ages brings you SEVEN NOVELS from 7 bestselling authors (including New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestsellers). Join us for a fabulous collection.   

  *7 Romance Novels, 7 Bestselling Authors, 1 Amazing Price*

99 cent Romance Boxed Set for a limited time only!

Running Barefoot by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Amy Harmon Deeply romantic and poignant, Running Barefoot is the story of a small town girl and a Native American boy, the ties that bind them to their homes and families, and the love that gives them wings.

Masquerade by Janette Rallison, who has sold more than 1 million books It's hard for a woman to keep up the masquerade when her boss is as handsome as Slade Jacobson and the job takes her to Hawaii with him. In between handling his whirlwind four-year-old daughter and dealing with a whole cast of Hollywood personalities, Clarissa has to keep a tight hold on her heart.

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson, Amazon Bestseller Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town's charity event, Shelter’s Bachelorette, Taycee Emerson is in for the ride of her life. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers—not her—to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Pride and Precipitation by Heather Horrocks, Amazon Bestseller Breezy Jones is crazy about the weather, rain or shine, which makes her job as the local television station’s meteorologist perfect. That’s before she meets the attractive new general manager, Noah Drake, who is determined to repackage everything—including Breezy’s down-home delivery.

My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White, Amazon Bestseller Lizzie falls hard for Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy character and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. When she meets two men, Chad—a science teacher, and Matt Dawson—who looks and acts like Mr. Darcy, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

She Owns the Knight by Diane Darcy, Amazon Bestseller Why does Gillian Corbett have to travel seven hundred years through time to find a decent guy?... Why can't Sir Kellen Marshall find a lady who is obedient, submissive... or at least not trying to kill him?

Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore, Amazon Bestseller!— A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . . What more could Eliza Robinson want? Except for maybe her life. When Eliza discovers that Jonathan Porter’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.

Grab your copy for just .99 cents!

ERASING TIME by CJ Hill--Book Review

ERASING TIME by CJ Hill a.k.a Janette Rallison. I loved this book. The word play that happened kept me on my toes and smiling through the whole thing. I loved the characters and got completely lost in the society of the future. There was a twist that I didn't see coming and I love it when that happens. I can recommend this book for just about everyone. There is a bit of violence that might not be appropriate for younger audience.

:) :) :) :) :)

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The mob-like Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

ECHO IN TIME by CJ Hill--Book Buzzin'

ECHO IN TIME by CJ Hill a.k.a Janette Rallison. Just finished the first book in this series and I can't wait for this one to come out in December. Take a look at my review of ERASING TIME on Thursday!

After being pulled 400 years into the future, twins Taylor and Sheridan have found some refuge from the government of Traventon, which used the dangerous Time Strainer to yank the girls from the past. Yet the threat of the dangerous technology still looms. Taylor and an ally, Joseph, are selected to go on a mission to destroy the time machine and weapon. But their actions before they do may have major consequences for the future and the past.

SLAYERS: FRIENDS AND TRAITORS by C J Hill--Book Buzzin'

SLAYERS: FRIENDS AND TRAITORS by CJ Hill. I'm so excited about this book that was released last week. Check out my review of book 1 and be sure to take a look at this one!

In C.J. Hill's action-packed sequel to Slayers, the group of teens known as Slayers have been betrayed—but they won’t give up without a fight.

Tori’s got a problem. She thought she’d have one more summer to train as a dragon Slayer, but time has run out. When Tori hears the horrifying sound of dragon eggs hatching, she knows the Slayers are in trouble. In less than a year, the dragons will be fully grown and completely lethal. The Slayers are well-prepared, but their group is still not complete, and Tori is determined to track down Ryker—the mysterious missing Slayer.

What Tori doesn’t bargain for, however, is the surprising truth about her powers. She isn’t just a Slayer, she’s part Dragon Lord, too. How can Tori fight to save her friends when half of her is programmed to protect dragons? And with a possible traitor in their midst, the Slayers will be divided in more ways than they ever imagined.

*Cover taken from author website. Back cover blurb from Barnes and Noble's website.

Slayers by C.J. Hill aka Janette Rallison--Book Review

SLAYERS by Janette Rallison. Janette's books always make me smile, and this one is no exception. I loved all the dragonlore that was presented, and how much fun the characters were. They were all easy to relate to and I found myself wondering if my predictions were right. The pace was wonderful and I'm hoping there will be another book along these lines. This fun, entertaining read I can recommend to anyone.

:) :) :) :) :)

Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it – these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.

The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

Erasing Time by Janette Rallison--Book Buzzin'

ERASING TIME by Janette Rallison. I LOVE Janette's books and I can't wait to read this one.

In this high-action and romantic futuristic adventure, there is no escape from the future for two contemporary girls pulled out of their own time.

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

Take a look at the book trailer here.

Internal Thought

I've been going through conference notes to refresh my brain as to what classes I have and have not taken. That's quite an interesting journey if you've never done it before. Fond and not so fond memories have been dusted off, and I've found new ways to use some of the things talked about. Here are my notes on a class I took about using internal thought to create characterization by Janette Rallison.

Using Internal Thought to Create Characterization

Janette Rallison

Reasons to use internal thought correctly

1. reveals characterization

2. reveals motivation

3. increases tension and stakes

4. is very often what editors and agents are referring to when they talk about “voice”

• your writing will suffer and be weaker if you don’t use it

What internal thought is . . . and why it makes or breaks your book. 

What is internal thought?—The moment by moment thoughts your character thinks

1. Internal thought reveals characterization

exercise

• write down 10 character traits your main character has

quick thinking, loyal, courageous, slow to trust, lonely, smart,

• How internal thought defines motivation

can use it to reveal the subtle things

Exercise

• your main character is planning on stealing something. Get into their mind, and write some internal thought about why he or she feels justified in stealing the thing.

dialogue

Action

description

internal thought

Happy Writing!

My Unfair Godmother Book Review

My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison. I loved this book. I thought Janette wouldn't be able to top My fair Godmother but she did. No question about it. Everything about it kept me engaged until the very end. The characters, plot, setting, absolutely everything. I can recommend this for anyone-guys, girls, adults, teens-everyone will love it. Here's a blurb and Janette's blog. Let me know what you think.

:):):):):)

Tansy Miller has always felt that her divorced father has never had enough time for her. But mistakenly getting caught on the wrong side of the law wasn' texactly how she wanted to get his attention. Enter Chrysanthemum "Chrissy" Everstar, Tansy's fairy in shining, er, high heels. Chrissy is only a fair godmother, of course, so Tansy's three wishes don't exactly go according to plan. And if bringing Robin Hood to the twenty-first century isn't bad enough for Tansy, being transported back to the Middle Ages to deal with Rumpelstiltskin certainly is. She'll need the help of her blended family, her wits, and especially the cute police chief 's son to stop the gold-spinning story from spinning wildly out of control. Janette Rallison pulls out all the stops in this fresh, fun-filled follow-up to the popular My Fair Godmother. 

Book Review--Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws

Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws by Janette Rallison. I love Janette's books. I have yet to read one that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed and this one is no exception. The characters were so lovable and I could relate to them. I laughed so hard I cried. This is a great read for any and everyone of all ages. It sure takes you back to those days. Here's a blurb and a link to her blog. Let me know what you think.

:):):):):)

Going head-to-head with your best friend is never easy, on the court or off. Josie loves hottie Ethan Lancaster, the captain of the basketball team, but she never can do or say the right thing in front of him. So how can it be fair that Ethan is only interested in her best friend, Cami, when Cami isn’t even trying for his affection? Or is she? Cami dreams of winning her basketball team’s coveted MVP award, and earning the chance to take the court during a special halftime demonstration with WNBA star Rebecca Lobo, but her best friend, Josie, is a better player. So how can it be fair that Josie is a shoo-in for the honor if she is barely interested in basketball in the first place and isn’t even trying to be the best? Or is she? Told from two points of view, this novel of freshman life, love, and the pursuit of free throws displays the same delightful humor as Playing the Field and All’s Fair in Love, War, and High School. As sports become a more integral part of girls’ lives, it’s important to see this experience reflected in teen fiction. Following on the heels of the success of All’s Fair in Love, War, and High School, and accompanied by the paperback release of Playing the Field, Janette Rallison hits the mark again with a third wry, witty, romantic comedy. The climax of the story features a cameo appearance by real-life WNBA superstar Rebecca Lobo. 

Book Review--How To Take the Ex out of Ex-boyfriend

How To Take The Ex Out Of Ex-boyfriend by Janette Rallison. This book is for anyone who has ever had a rough relationship or has broken up with someone over a small issue. The characters are wonderful and easy to relate to. It's a good, clean, fun read that just takes you away from life for a moment. Any and everyone will love it. Here's Janette's blog and a blurb about the book.

:):):):):)

Giovanna's boyfriend Jesse may have the last two down, but he's seriously lacking in the loyalty department. When her twin brother, Dante, runs for student body president, Jesse campaigns for the opponent. In the heat of the moment, Giovanna dumps Jesse and becomes Dante's campaign manager. But she almost immediately regrets her decision. Beating the mayor's son at school politics and winning her boyfriend back are going to take a lot more risk than Giovanna ever dreamed she'd take.

Book Review Thursday

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison is a fantastic book for anyone. I loved the lessons learned. The conflict was real and I'm sure many people have been through what Annika had to deal with. I firmly believe in the power of positive thinking. One never knows what will and can happen with it. Here's a blurb about it. Let me know what you think! Take a look at Janette's website and blog too.

Annika wants to help her cancer-stricken little brother believe he can survive surgery. But her plan to convince Jeremy that a genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his TV idol would visit him.Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman will do anything to fulfill her little brother’s only wish before his frightening cancer surgery. The trouble is, he wants a certain superstar actor to pay him a visit. Annika has only a few days to drive to California and convince the celebrity to come home with her. On a seemingly impossible adventure that includes paparazzi, bows and arrows, and one enormous snake, Annika learns a few lessons about family, love, and having her own wishes granted.

Book Catch Up and Stuff

Alright people, I'm a slacker. I admit it and that's the first step, right? I planned on catching up last weekend when I went to the Tour de Safford with my husband. (Whoever thinks it's fun to ride a bike for 104 miles, I question their sanity but a couple hundred people did it that day! More power to them.) Well, instead of catching up I was asked to help with registration which took up my entire free day. Oh well, such is life. The race went well and it was nice to get away.

Then this weekend I had my sister's baby shower and a Pre-Thanksgiving dinner since I've cancelled Thanksgiving this year (hoping I'll be in the hospital having a baby). Needless to say, I

haven't had much time in between.

So here's the plan. There's a great book I know just came out that I'm going to buzz about, then I'm picking a couple of books to do a review on. If I don't get to all my reviews this year, I

'm not going to stress. You can always take a look at the books I've read on my books read page. Then, depending on the length of this post, I might put my Mary Kay sale in this one or the next tomorrow. We'll see.

Anyway L. C. Lewis' fourth book Oh, Say Can You Can You See? I believe is out and going. Here's

the backliner blurb.

Although the British raids

have left Washington a devastated, blackened city, the battered Constitution has held and the presidency has survived!

But the struggling government has no home. The British saw to that. Gone is the Capitol and her magnificent library, the chambers of the Supreme Court, the President’s House, and every relic and document not secreted out of the city.

Next on the list of British prizes—the rebellious port city of Baltimore! A victory here would assure the Americans’ defeat, but a loss would dilute the importance of the destruction of Washington.

But has the raid on Washington stiffened the backs of the Americans? This is the question gnawing at the leaders on both sides.

The Willows women are mourning their absent men—gone to war, or wounded, or captured—as they await the birth of a blessed child.

Mere miles away, attorney Francis Scott Key embarks on a diplomatic mission that will leave an everlasting mark on America. Proving that a pen can be more powerful than a sword, Key records his fears and hopes—the fears and hopes of his embattled people—as he watches the bombardment of Baltimore while detained in the midst of the British fleet.

What changed in this noble man’s pacifist heart, empowering him to pen the powerful anthem, known today as “The Star Spangled Banner,” an epic poem that rallied a shattered nation to rise from its knees to claim the dream of “one nation under God?”

Experience the personal sacrifice of five families placed in the firestorm of the War of 1812, citizen

heirs of the sacrifice of the Founding Fathers.

It sounds like a wonderful book. I've had several family members read it and absolutely love the series. It is definitely on my list of books to read. Take a look and let me know what you think! Here's the book trailer.

Now to book reviews.

I've read three by Janette Rallison, Trial of the Heart, Deep Blue Eyes and Other Lies, and Masquerade. Trial of the Heart is a darling love story that

was a fun read that I just enjoyed. It is clean and just good fun about a cleaning gal who gets left a multi-million dollar vineyard. She then gets stuck with the family that hates her because she is talking about the vineyard into something else, believing she is fulfilling the wishes of the person who left her the vineyard. Just delightful.

Deep Blue Eyes and Other Lies threw me back into high school. I forget sometimes how cheesy high school was, however I loved how Rallison portrayed the real consequences of people's actions and how sometimes you can't solve everyone's problems. Good lessons learned in this book.

Masquerade is written under the name Sierra St. James. It's another fun romance. I loved the interaction of the characters with the two young children in the story. It was very realistic and made it for a good read that is also clean.

And now I'm amazed at how quickly my energy level depletes. So I'll do more later. Life shouldn't be as busy now. Ha, ha, ha. I think I've said that before.

Book Reviews, Kudos and Stuff . . . part 2

So I finished some books this week and realized there was one from awhile ago I haven't reviewed. I'll get to it this time!

Janette Rallison's My Fair Godmother is a wonderful story all ages. It is definitely in the high school era, but what fun. I loved how the different fairy tales were wound into it, the mishaps the Fair Godmother made and the lessons learned by everyone involved. I think we would all be a little more careful what we wished for if we had a Fair Godmother would interpreted things just a little bit differently than we expected. :) I really enjoyed this book. Take a look and let me know what you think!

The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale I thought was a delightful book about friendship, however I can see how some people would not enjoy it as much as I did. There is a fine line for friendship when one is married and this book explores that line as well as life itself. All of the characters grew in many different ways. I truly believe people come into our lives for a reason, and Becky gets to discover why Felix has walked into her life and how to have him fit with her family. I loved the humor, the love, the life lessons and the challenges the characters are faced with and would recommend it for those who love a good story with twists.

Those of you who have read The Christmas Jars, this one's for you. The Christmas Jars Reunion by Jason Wright is absolutely delightful. It is a continuation of The Christmas Jars and what everyone is up to many years later. It's easy to forget the meaning of something that began for one reason or another. This book reminds us of how we can get distracted and how we need to remember the real meaning of what we do. It's wonderful for those of all ages.

Kudos & Events

I just have to send a shout out to all those players in the Chandler Gilbert Community Orchestra, including the ringers that volunteered to help us out. What a great concert we had. Everyone worked well together and the performance was wonderful. I hope to see everyone back next semester and many more! Thanks for a great year. :)

Also, I heard about what sounds like a really fun event. Take a look:

Thursday, May 13th at 7:00 pm.

Changing Hands Book Store
6428 S McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283
(480) 730-0205

Find out what it takes to be a starlet at our red carpet release party for Janette Rallison and her latest, My Double Life. All her life, Alexia Garcia has been told she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia's photo filters through the Internet, she’s offered a job to be Kari's double. Soon, Alexia makes a startling discovery. Rallison’s superstar fans will experience the paparazzi on the red carpet, pose for pictures taken in front a backdrop of her new book, enter raffles to have your name immortalized in a future book, win a school visit, and more!

Janette Rallison

"Fame, Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List" IRA Young Adults' Choices List 2007
"It's a Mall World After All" IRA Young Adults' Choices List 2008
"How to Take the Ex out of Ex Boyfriend" IRA Young Adults' Choices List 2009
JanetteRallison.com
janette-rallison.blogspot.com

So dress on up and head over for what sounds like a really fun night!