Summer in Snow Valley

ABOUT THE BOOK:
#1 Bestselling Amazon Authors of Christmas in Snow Valley, have teamed up again with six wonderful summer novellas that are sure to make your summer sweet and sassy!
Catching Caytie by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland AndersonOn the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle's ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she'll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy--although somewhat grumpy--cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.

Tin Foil Tiaras by Amazon Top Seller Jeanette Lewis
Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa's handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.

A Touch of Love by Amazon Top Seller Cami Checketts
Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she's certain he's too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she's right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn't ready to give her up.

First Love by Amazon Top Seller Taylor Hart
Janet Snow doesn't expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother's wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she'd written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet's not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice--play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.

Romancing Rebecca by Amazon Top Seller and Award-winning Author Kimberley Montpetit
Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austin and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she'd rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there's more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty firemen with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

Love in Light and Shadow by Amazon Top Seller and Award-winning Author Lucy McConnell
Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.

MY THOUGHTS:

Catching Caytie

I loved this novella! I loved how the main characters met and that they ended up spending so much time together when it happens they are going to be living under the same roof. Their story was so sweet and even when they were forced apart they found their way back to each other. It was a great feel good romance much like the first book!

Tin foil tiaras

I can't relate much to the beauty pageant scene because I never did it myself. I know that it is a lot of pressure on girls. I see the same thing with my daughters’ friends that dance. Glad both she and I never did either. I also liked that the Author addressed cutting. It isn't something very widely talked about and I wish it could get out more because I had a niece that had some issues with it. I think if people knew more about it maybe it could be helped or even stopped. All in all I loved this addition to snow valley!

A Touch of Love

This novella was awesome! One of my good friends stutters like Annie.  I am sure that she has had some rough times because of it. We have always had a great time together and it has never bothered me. Annie and Luke's story was so sweet. I like that he was patient from the start, he never saw her as anything but beautiful and perfect for him. It was fun to get a glimpse of Kazlyn and Ty again! Another great book by my favorite Author! Love all of Cami's books!

First Love

This book was so sweet about past loves reuniting. At one point it almost had me crying. I love to see deserving people get their happily ever after and that is how this story goes. Loved it!

Romancing Rebecca

Another great novella. Just when Becca thought her life wasn't going anywhere and she had no inspiration for the novel she wants to write everything in her life changes. I feel it was a great book for self discovery and happiness!

Love in light and shadow

The Count of Monte Cristo is my favorite of the classic books! I loved the references to it! Chet and Mercedes had such a great story. Their playfulness and instant bond and understanding of each other reminded me of my husband and I. It was an excellent finish to a great set of novellas!

 
NOTE: I WAS GIVEN A COPY OF THIS BOOK BY THE AUTHORS IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

A Heart So Broken by: Christene Houston

To learn more about Christene and her books visit her website: http://christenehouston.com/

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When Jenna Tucker arrives on Aunt Lilly's porch, her broken arm is a small reflection of the shattered girl within. The sudden loss of her father during his service in Iraq has conspired to transform her from top of the class track queen to a girl on the run from haunting nightmares. With a trail of burned bridges ablaze behind her and deep resentment for the survivor of the blast that took her father's life Jenna digs in for a miserable summer in small town West Junction. Aunt Lilly is just what she needs: comfort, guidance, and hard truth rolled into a pair of loving arms. Under her tender care, Jenna has a vivid dream that reawakens hope for happiness. Meeting handsome Cooper Turnage at the crossroads brightens the possibilities considerably. The attraction that crackles between them is hard to resist, but Cooper struggles to hide a painful history that could ruin his chances with Jenna forever. The day Jenna discovers Cooper's devastating secret, her still tender heart is crushed all over again. She is confronted with a choice between the comfort of bitterness or a path of forgiveness that will heal at last a heart so broken.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first book of Christene’s I have read. I was very impressed with her style of writing and her attention to the details. I plan to read more of her books in the near future. This book is listed as a YA romance but I didn’t feel that it was geared to an audience so young that I didn’t enjoy it just as much! I lost my own Father 9 years ago yesterday and it was very unexpected. Although I was older than Jenna some I struggled with some of the same emotions and still do. This is one of my favorite parts of the book so you can see what you’ll have to look forward to…. “Cooper, I can’t make you any promises. I know I’m emotional and crazy and so selfish. I know I’m going to disappoint you again because I’m human. But I also know that when we’re together, my heart feels like it’s beating right for the first time. You make me laugh until I cry. You help me be a better person. And I’m willing to fight for us.” I love it when I discover a new Author it’s like Christmas! Christene was a great discovery! I loved this book!

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Best Kind of Love by:Rebecca Talley

 Best Kind of Love by:Rebecca Talley

To learn more about Rebecca and her books visit her website at: http://rebeccatalley.com/
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Brynn Sawyer is a successful project manager in Houston. When her best friend from high school convinces Brynn to attend their ten-year reunion, Brynn hopes she’ll have the chance to reconnect with Troy Richards, the guy who stole her heart back in middle school.

Craig Dawson, an attorney in San Diego, is in a relationship that’s going nowhere and wonders why he can’t seem to commit. When he sees Brynn at their reunion, he thinks he might finally understand why. The only problem—she’s still infatuated with Troy what’s-his-name.

Will Brynn find the love she seeks with Troy, or will she realize the best kind of love has always been right in front of her?

MY THOUGHTS:

For some reason the ebook had a glitch and at first I was missing a chapter. Luckily I found it because it really needed it to make this book great! Another great feel good romance. It is always a good reminder to take a look at what we already have. The life you are living just might be better than the one you have been dreaming of. Such a cute story and I am glad that things worked out in the end! I love these short feel good novellas that can be read quickly when you need a break from reality!!

 

Grounded for Love by: Rebecca Talley

Grounded for Love by: Rebecca Talley

To learn more about Rebecca and her books visit her website at: http://rebeccatalley.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK:
After being burned by her college boyfriend, Graham, book editor Serena Johnson believes the only dependable men are the ones found between the pages of a book. Her life in San Francisco is thrown into chaos when her father suffers a heart attack, and she books a flight to her small hometown in Colorado.

Graham McAllister, now a civil engineer in Phoenix, is dating a woman who has it all—except his heart. As the best man for his brother’s wedding, Graham must fly back to Grand Junction in time for all the festivities.

When a massive snowstorm grounds all the planes in Denver, both Serena and Graham are stranded overnight. Will this storm lead to love or will it simply prove that there are no second chances?

MY THOUGHTS:

When Serena's Dad has a heart attack the last person she expects to see at the airport is her ex boyfriend. This is such a great novella! Serena learns that sometimes you have to let your heart lead the way! When she finally thinks she is ready to give it a chance she finds that things aren't always as easy as they seem. I love a great feel good clean romance. That is exactly what you get here!  This is a great afternoon read, perfect for today's rainy day!

 

ALL FALL DOWN FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME

http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Down-Hostage-Negotiation-Team-ebook/dp/B009AJYX78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432666187&sr=8-1&keywords=all+fall+down+julie+bellon

ALL FALL DOWN by Julie Coulter Bellon

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes we all fall down . . .

That simple rhyme turns negotiator Claire Michaels’ current hostage situation into an international incident. Claire just wants to help get everyone out safely, but as the crisis escalates she realizes she’s dealing with an al-Qaeda operative who has the means to become another bin Laden---with the potential to attack America. Claire has her own personal reasons for wanting to stop al-Qaeda, but time is slipping away as negotiations break down. Can she overcome her scars of the past in order to get the hostage out alive and possibly stop an assault on U.S. national security?

Navy SEAL Rafe Kelly is on leave to recover from a knee injury he suffered during his tour in Afghanistan and he doesn’t expect to be fighting terrorists on his home turf. But when he is taken hostage and his brother is kidnapped, Rafe teams up with a hostage negotiator in order to stay alive and get his brother back. The terrorist is always one step ahead of them, however, and the situation quickly turns from desperate to deadly. Will Rafe be able to save himself and his country without anyone he loves getting caught in the crossfire?

MY THOUGHTS:

WOW! That is my first reaction after reading this book. It grabs you from the first page. You will never think of the song Ring Around the Rosie the same again! This book was full of action and excitement. I could not put it down. I’m not sure if there really are Female hostage negotiators out there but Claire definitely fits the part! I really do believe that a bond and friendship like the one Claire and Rafe had would be formed in a situation like this. I loved this book! I just bought the next 2 in the series I can’t wait to read them!

Christmas in Snow Valley ON SALE

Christmas in Snow Valley ON SALE for only .99 cents for a limited time. This is in preparation for Summer in Snow Valley next week. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Valley-Cindy-Roland-Anderson-ebook/dp/B00NRC5ZT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432664847&sr=8-1&keywords=Christmas+in+Snow+Valley

I was lucky enough to be able to read both of these already and trust me they are worth it. I love these books and love the town of Snow Valley, MT! Here is a repost of my review of the first one in November. I will post my review of Summer in Snow Valley next week when it is out!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
#1 Bestselling Christmas Fiction, Christmas in Snow Valley is packed with six wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring romance into your holiday season.
Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there's something for every wonder-filled child--and every couple who's in love--or about to be.

An Unexpected Kiss by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland Anderson
Lucy Phillips doesn't want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she's been seeking all along.

Full Court Devotion by Amazon Top Seller Cami Checketts
Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn't pursue him or even seem interested. Ty's career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.

The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
Molly O'Hare gets the utterly ridiculous prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve. But when she returns to Snow Valley and comes face to face with Kevin Snow, suddenly the kiss thing seems...a lot less ridiculous. Too bad the reason she left still has the power to make her deny her real feelings. Now Molly is left with a choice--forget the home town and the boy that she never quit loving or let Christmas work out a miracle all on its own.

Risking it all for Love by Award-Winning author, Kimberley Montpetit
Succumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend's death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael's grave, she's surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John's nephew, who's studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica's finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica's world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell:

As head of Snow Valley hospital's fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn't have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She's been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading this set of Christmas Novellas I want to spend every Christmas in the tiny town of Snow Valley, Montana. I would love to be in a place filled with so much Christmas Spirit. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Each novella had something different to offer and I couldn’t put the book down!This whole Christmas set is AWESOME. It is the kind of book you sit under a big soft blanket with and read with some cocoa during a snow storm. It is a clean romance with feel good stories that will leave you feeling wonderful and in the Christmas spirit! This is defiantly a book you need to own trust me, I own 2 copies already!!!!

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
Sometimes I wish that I had the courage or the boldness that Lucy has. To be able to walk up to a stranger and ask for a kiss to avoid someone you aren’t happy about seeing it one thing but then have to face him again later is another. I love this story and how Lucy makes a new friend is this mystery guy from the airport and wants to show him the true meaning of Christmas. Their story is so sweet and their friendship blossoms.

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
April is a farm girl at heart and even though she moved away from farm life for a while she will always be a farm girl. So when she brings her city slicker fiancé home for Christmas they were both bound to get some surprises they didn’t count on. Everyone has a past love from their hometown. Most people don’t plan to rekindle what where there before so when April finds herself stuck between loving 2 different men there is bound to be drama! I loved reading along as she tried to figure out which path her heart would take.

Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
Kazlyn is too busy with school to worry about boys but when she runs into (literally) the star on the basketball team Tyrese Hamilton  she doesn’t know what to think. He is even more shocked when she won’t even give him the time of day. Tyrese decides that she is a challenge he would like to take on so he kind of follows her around and wait for her outside her classes. As they start to form a friendship they both realize their might just be something else there. What at first seems like an unlikely match turns out to be a very heartwarming story where they are able to save each other! And to top it off there is basketball and romance! Two of my favorite things!

The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
Molly O'Hare can’t seem to find love and then when her roommate predicts that she will get kiss on Christmas Eve she thinks she is crazy. When she returns home for unexpectantly and comes face to face with Kevin Snow, suddenly things change. She doesn’t know if she wants to face her past and the things she has been running from and trying to forget or to embrace them and see if the love she dreamed of as a girl can come back as real as ever. I know what it is like to run from things you fear to face again something they aren’t even as you remembered. I am glad that this story worked out so well for Molly!

Risking it all for Love by Award-Winning author, Kimberley Montpetit
Going thru a heart break and loss of someone you love like Jessica did is unimaginable, especially so young. It would be hard to pull out of such a tragedy let alone have to face the town again and the people. Sometimes just the memories are hard enough to bare. This story had a lot of tough times as Jessica tries to work thru her issues but the story is so sweet as she tries to find happiness again. Even though she wasn’t there for friendship, romance or religion she ends up finding all 3 and even though it was a tough path she is able to both thru for the better and I loved that!

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell:
Paisley seems to have it all together and she is in charge of some many of the holiday festivities that she doesn’t have time to fall in love. Then she meets up with an old friend from the past. Clay comes to town and she remembers him a lot differently than they way he is now. The only problem is he doesn’t live in town and she has been burned by people visiting before. She doesn’t want to start another relationship with someone who is going to leave but the more she is around Clay and sees how different and yet familiar this life is she can’t help but fall in love.

here is the link to pre-order the second one!
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Snow-Valley-Romance-Anthologies-ebook/dp/B00X67KDUG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432666684&sr=8-1&keywords=summer+in+snow+valley

How I became a book reviewer....

I get asked all the time, "How I got into book reviewing and do I get paid?" I decided I should probably write a post about it.....

If you have read my About Me section on this blog you will know that I LOVE reading. From 1st grade on I remember always reading something. When I was a teen I would spend my money on books all the time. When I became a Mom I had to take a few years break from reading because I just didn't have time. As the kids got older I figured out I could sneak it a few minutes here and there and everything would still be fine. I also discovered it was a great break from reality :) That is how it all began....

When I discover a new Author a few years ago I read everything of hers I could get my hands on. Then she did a series of books with some other Authors and so I started reading them too. When I was beginning to run out of books to read by these Authors I figured I would do some research to see if I could find similar Authors. I googled their websites as well as followed them on facebook.

In all honesty I can't remember how it all came about exactly. But I do know that every Author becomes more popular by word of mouth. All of them appreciate hearing positive feedback about their books. They also sell more books by positive reviews.  I believe that most of the time, they appreciate nice criticism in their books if there was something that you didn't enjoy. Keep in mind they are putting themselves out there raw and up close and personal. Their sole purpose is to entertain you with their talents. They are people with feelings and families and they are choosing to share themselves with us.

First off I don't get paid AT ALL. I do get 'free' books quite often, though most I end up buying as well because I would never loan out a book I was given to review. I have won a few gift card prizes for reviews I have given but that was just a perk. I enjoy reading and getting a free book (or even a heads up on a good book sale) is perk enough for me. I also enjoying doing service for all these Authors by getting the word out about their books!

Keep in mind I am not an Author. I do not have a special 'IN' with any Author. I do consider them all friends and I 'talk' to quite a few of them on a regular basis. That doesn't mean I will be able to get you a spot reviewing as well. With that being said....if you are interested in possibly reviewing books these are some of the steps I took:
1. Google your favorite Author. See if they have their own website if they do follow it or check it often.
2. Search for them on social media and follow them there (facebook, pinterest, twitter etc)
3. Ask them if they are looking for reviewers and/or volunteer to do it.
4. When you read a book review it! EVERY TIME (I always review every book on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble and my blog)
5. If you are really serious about it start a book reviewing blog like this one.
6. Send a message personally to the Author and have them look you up if they are interested.

That's about all I can suggest. I hope you have some luck! I feel like I have been very blessed for all the opportunists that have fallen in my lap and for the friends I have made. I hope that if you love reading as much as I do you will get the same chances. Thanks again for checking out my blog and please give some of these Authors a chance!