Album Review: Miss Gabby - Care, Share, Groove

Artist: Miss Gabby

Album: Care Share Groove

Reviewer: Andrea Guy

Miss Gabby looks like any kid's idea of the perfect babysitter. Care Share Groove is her debut album, and it is bound to delight both kids and parents.

Her songs are are full of energy and fun. They make you feel good and they will educate the little ones in your life, without them even knowing. All ten songs on Care Share Groove were penned by Miss Gabby. The topics of the songs range from animals to manners to eating habits.  The songs are short and catchy, most clock in right around two minutes.

“Let's Sing a Song” opens the album. It is a delightful pop tune for all ages. The lyrics “Let's sing a song that is easy to sing, with a catchy chorus and a melody,” sum up this song perfect. One listen, and you'll be singing this one all the time.

“Clean Up” is a song about that thing we all hate doing, cleaning up after ourselves. The style of the song is pure 60s guitar pop. The guitar riffs are playful and the chorus is silly and catchy. The song is so fun that it might even make everyone clean up their own messes.

Miss Gabby has a light, youthful voice that is full of sweetness. It is easy to listen to her sing because she doesn't go all cutesy. Her style is folk pop for kids.

The only time she really ventures into the realm of silly is on “Furry Friends” which feels like a song taken straight from a kids TV show. The song is a trip to the zoo, complete with some great sound effects.

Miss Gabby teaches us a thing or two about manners on “Manners.” She makes saying please and thank you, as well as excuse me something that is done with ease and is likely fun.

One of the songs that really stands out is “Grumpy Day.” It is one part pop and one part blues. It pretty much sums up how every child gets, heck, how everyone feels now and then.

Miss Gabby goes calypso on “Down at the Beach” a fun little song that reminds you to put on the sunscreen.

“Love No Matter What, My Friends” is a hippy folk song. This is another song that can step away from the genre of children's music. Its an acoustic ballad, that reminds us to love and accept each other. The message of this song comes across loud and clear.  This short little tune packs a social punch that everyone should hear, and it does it without coming across as preachy, well not all the time.

Touching and coughing and germs, oh my. That's the topic of “Wash My Hands.” This is probably the only time that Miss Gabby comes across as preachy, though all in the name of good health and hygeiene.

“Fruit and Veggies” is a dance-y, silly bit of fun. Most of the lyrics are Miss Gabby singing fruit and veggies, but the arrangement is wild and crazy. It may not make you want to eat your vegetables but it may make you want to sing about them.

Miss Gabby knows her way around a song. She has a playful style that is fun to listen to and though her songs are geared to the younger crowd, she doesn't sing down to her audience. The music is enjoyable and if the kids learn something as a result, that's an added bonus.

Care Share Groove is a great addition to any child's music collection. Miss Gabby mixes music and learning in a way that is fun for all that are listening.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A Little Holiday Magic

If you want to hear something beautiful, I suggest giving Pentatonix's version of Mary, Did You Know a listen.

It isn't often that I can say a song is like a religious experience, but this version of this song is just that.

A full review of their holiday album will be forthcoming

Book Blast and Review: Mistletoe Wedding

Mistletoe Wedding

by Melissa McClone

ONLY 99¢ ON KINDLE DEC. 5 – 9, 2014

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Mistletoe Wedding

Event planner at the Bar V5 Dude Ranch, Meg Redstone is dreaming of a white Christmas with twinkling lights, sparkly decorations and strategically placed mistletoe. She loves making dreams come true for others, whether planning a holiday wedding or giving her young daughter the best Christmas ever.

Ranch foreman Tyler Murphy loves the holidays, but his newest employee has taken over his barn with her over-the-top decorations. He admires Meg’s desire to give her daughter the perfect Christmas while planning a winter wonderland wedding, but he wants to show her that a Montana Christmas is more than glitter and lights.

After raising his younger sister, an instant family is not on Ty's Christmas wish list. But he finds himself falling hard for the single mom and her little girl. Meg, however, is not interested in a romance with a cowboy like Ty, or any man. Getting her under the mistletoe is going to take a Christmas miracle . . . or a little help from Santa.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

Her gaze kept straying back to the man walking next to her.

And she knew with pulse-pounding certainty.

All the rationalizations of why romantic feelings didn’t matter and why she was better off alone than in a relationship disappeared like a snowflake being caught on a tongue. They mattered, and she wanted those things badly.

With Ty.

She hadn’t meant to fall for him, but she had. Hard.

A shiver raced down her spine. The realization was unexpected, scary.

He shot her a sideways glance, which she knew because she couldn’t drag her attention off him. “You, okay?”

“Just thinking.” Of course, he would sense something was up. That was part of his appeal. He got her. The way he understood her daughter, too. If there was one man out there who was what she needed and Brooklyn needed, that was Ty Murphy.

Feelings and desires long buried rose to the surface. She was ready to stop saying she didn’t want more, want him.

“Know what you want?” he asked.

Meg swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Excuse me.”

“What chocolates you’re going to get?”

She sighed with relief. She thought he’d read her mind. “Salted caramels for the guys. I’ll have to see what Sage has in the display case before I decide what I want.”

Besides him.

“You can have more than one,” Ty said.

“I might want only one.”

“It’s Christmas. Don’t be so cautious. Live it up.”

If only she knew where he stood . . . Dare she ask?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa McClone worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn’t compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! Since then, she has published over thirty romance novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She’s also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children’s swim practices and other activities. She also sends care packages to deployed service members and fosters cats through a local no-kill animal shelter. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house. They do!

Website: http://www.melissamcclone.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaMcCloneBooks

Twitter: @melissamcclone

Buy links:

Mistletoe Magic

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Magic-Copper-Mountain-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00GUZ195O

Smashwords:

Mistletoe Magic is FREE on Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/380641

Kiss Me, Cowboy

http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Cowboy-Montana-Born-Rodeo-ebook/dp/B00NF0LNFI/

Mistletoe Wedding

http://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Wedding-Montana-Born-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00NPMPNE8/

Review: I'm always a sucker for holiday romances, and this was such a sweet story. Meg and Ty both fight their attraction for different reasons, but that attraction is definitely there. Then there's Meg's daughter, Brooklyn. She's absolutely adorable, and she steals all the scenes that she's in. At times she sounds much older than her 6 years, but she is precious.

I love the ranch setting especially for a holiday romance. Melissa really brings the setting to life. You can picture all the lights on the barns as you read. Any time I read a book like this, I want to be there and this story wasn't any different. Plus I probably could help Meg learn how to cook. Why are so many heroines so inept in the kitchen these days?

Stories like this always make me wish they were a little bit longer. I would have really would have liked to know more about Meg's first husband and how he came to be such a jerk about children and even more so I would have liked to sort out what really happened with Brooklyn at the end of the story.

This was a perfect Christmas story. It was festive, fun and made me long for more.

Rating: 5 stars

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Goddess Fish Book Promotions Book Review: Emma Blooms At Last with guest post

Naomi King is stopping by today to talk about her dream home, and I'm reviewing her latest book Emma Blooms at Last.

Can you describe your dream home?

            I live in it! When we moved to Minnesota a few years ago, we bought a town home that needed a total update, so I had the rare opportunity to have a place stripped down to the bare walls and subflooring and to create the kind of haven where our family antiques look their best and where we enjoy spending our time.

            We did a major makeover in the kitchen: new cherry cabinets, granite countertops, and we replaced a worn-out dishwasher and cooktop. We kept the original Subzero fridge, however, because even though it’s 30 years old, the repair guy thought we could get another 10 or 15 years out of it. The contractor covered its dated beige exterior with a wooden facade that matches the cabinets. He also ditched the corner cabinet lazy susan for full extension drawers that make much better use of that space.

            In the rest of the house, we got rid of all the wallpaper and three entire walls of smoked glass mirrors (one of those was in the hall bathroom. Imagine watching yourself go!). Now most of the walls are shades of adobe and copper pot, with a few deep red accent walls. This past spring our contractor came back and redid the main bathrooms, so we now have ceramic tile partway up the walls, and tile floors that match new tile in the entryway.

            We chose a town home with a yard out the back door for our dog, only 10 minutes from the airport and about 15 minutes from downtown where Neal works. From my office window I can watch the guys who mow our yard, shovel our snow, and blow the leaves. That alone makes our wonderful new home ideal!

Emma Blooms at Last

by Naomi King

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Romance is in the air during the fall wedding season in the Amish community of Cedar Creek. But while one loving couple prepares to tie the knot, Amanda and Wyman Brubaker’s large family faces a threat from outside their happy circle…and must learn to pull together.

Recently wed Amanda and Wyman Brubaker are thrilled that their children from previous marriages have blended together to form a strong family. But when the construction of Wyman’s new grain elevator is delayed, making the project more expensive than anticipated, Amanda’s determination to rally the kids into taking on work to improve the family’s finances comes into conflict with Wyman’s sense of responsibility as head of the household….

Meanwhile, as James Graber and Abby Lambright prepare for their long-awaited nuptials, folks gather from far and wide. Amanda’s nephew Jerome has long been smitten with James’s sister Emma and wants to seize this chance to woo her. But Emma’s been burned once and is twice shy of trusting the fun-loving, never-serious Jerome. As Emma and Jerome struggle to understand each other, and find the courage to make a leap of faith, the Brubakers face a bigger challenge than they first anticipated and begin to discover just what it means to fight…the Amish way.

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Excerpt:

“It’s been way too long since I hitched up a sleigh,” Jerome said as he lightly clapped the reins on Sparky’s back. “I don’t think this one’s seen the snow since Uncle Atlee passed, and that’s a shame. Are you warm enough?”

           

Emma burrowed deeper beneath the quilts Jerome had draped over them. Now that she was settled on the plush old seat, leaning into Jerome as the sleigh tilted slightly on the downhill lane, she felt happier than she had in a long time. The full moon was beaming down from a blue velvet sky dotted with diamond stars, making the snow-blanketed pastures glimmer all around them.

           

“I’m cozy. And I’m having a really gut time,” Emma replied with a contented sigh. “Night rides are the prettiest, especially now that the wind has died down.”

           

“Jah, it’s a perfect evening,” Jerome replied softly. “I’ve been hoping for more time alone with you, well—since the day we went shopping, Emma.”

           

As she thought back to that day she’d spent trying to escape Jerome’s attentions, Emma let herself relax . . . allowed the breeze from the accelerating sleigh blow away her former objections to the handsome man who was driving it. The clip-clop of Sparky’s hooves on the snow-packed road settled her heartbeat into its rhythm while the warmth they shared beneath the quilts soothed her after a day of surprising guests and revelations. “Denki for giving me another chance, Jerome,” she murmured. “You were right at the wedding. I’ve missed out on a lot of opportunities to go out and have fun.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Naomi King writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her Home at Cedar Creek/One Big Happy Family series. Like her series heroine, Abby Lambright, Naomi considers it her personal mission to be a listener—to heal broken hearts and wounded souls—and to share her hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and frugality are hallmarks of her lifestyle: like Abby, she made her wedding dress and the one her mom wore, too! She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, Naomi loves to travel, try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Naomi, whose real name is Charlotte Hubbard, now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie, Ramona.

www.NaomiKingAuthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/NaomiC.King

One Big Happy Family, Book 2

NAL Trade (November 4, 2014)

ISBN-13: 9780451417886 •• ISBN-10: 0451417887

Buy Links:

The Book Depository •• http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780451417886

Amazon ••http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0451417887/

Barnes & Noble •• http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780451417886

B-A-M ••http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780451417886

Chapters •• http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/a/9780451417886-item.html

IndieBound •• http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780451417886

Powell’s •• http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9780451417886

Ebook

Kindle •• http://www.amazon.com/Emma-Blooms-At-Last-Family-ebook/dp/B00INIJJA8/

Nook •• http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emma-blooms-at-last-naomi-king/1118739023?ean=9781101608432

Kobo ••http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/emma-blooms-at-last

iBooks •• https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/emma-blooms-at-last/id828761041?mt=11

 Review: First, let me say I love Amish fiction and Amish romance even more. This is the second book in the One Big Happy Family series. It is part of a series, but not to worry, this book can be read as a stand alone novel.

I have to say that Naomi is now one of my favorite writers in this genre. She brings the many characters to life in such a way that you feel you are watching through the window.

Its a novel of family, big family, and the hardships they face as well as their faith.  Amanda and Wyatt face some financial hardships, while Emma's family are dealing with a heartbreaking loss, while she is discovering love for the first time.

I was really drawn to the characters, all of them! I especially loved Emma's father Merle. He was a sweetie and he made me think of my own father quite a bit.

Jerome was lovable too and his courtship with Emma was sweet and heartwarming. (And not at all easy)

Through the two families, you see growth through change. Jerome and Emma brought out good things in each other and Amanda and Wyatt's family proved that a family that can work together can pull through just about anything.

This is the type of book that you curl up with on a lazy afternoon and you don't move until the last page is turned.

Rating: 5 stars

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f386/" 

Album Review: Tom Levin - Them Buffalo

Artist: Tom Levin

Album: Them Buffalo

Review by Andrea Guy

Tom Levin returns with his sixth album Them Buffalo.   His deep, rich voice is the first thing you notice, then you notice the music. It is impossible to pinpoint the style of Tom's music. There's a touch of the 80s in several of his songs, while the lyrics have a Dylan-equse vibe. The combination of the two make for a very unique listening experience.

The first single from Them Buffalo is “More Than A Song.” This is pure pop bliss that will take you back to the 80s. The guitar riff is reminiscent of Big Country, with some U2 thrown in for good measure. The chorus is sing-a-long catchy.

Tom's voice is an acquired taste. It is by no means beautiful, but the same can be said for artists like Nick Cave, Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello. You can draw comparisons to any of these artists and Tom, as well. The mane thing they share in common, is songwriting.

The album's opening track “Thunder On” is the song that ties in with the album's title.  The lyrics“Thunder on young buffalo” will probably still have a few heads shaking, but the guitar riff will keep you from dwelling on a song about buffalo.

The trippy “Mind's Eye” can only be described as psychedelic. The arrangement is hypnotic and mystical.

The most playful song is “Everyday.” This song shows a lighter side to Tom Levin.  It is a lively fun, feel good song, complete with a few whistles and quirky lyrics. “Little things show me the way, everyday.” and “Like Junior's with his new Crayola's drawing squiggles on the wall.”

The vocals are full of passion and energy. This is one song that will stick with you long after you've finished listening.

Tom does a 360 with “History, Beliefs and Bearded Men.” This is a song that must be listened to and not just heard.  This is song is spiritual in nature. The lyrics are simple “Beyond history, beliefs and bearded me, you'll find your own Jerusalem.”

“Different Drum” is an acoustic masterpiece. It comes with hand claps and a laid back vocal that seems to glide into your ears. The song has a simple arrangement.  The acoustic guitar is the most prominent instrument here, until the end when the saxophone takes over.

“Girl From Nova Scotia” has the poetic angst that can often be associated with Elvis Costello's lyrics. It leaves you wondering how you can “hate you in a beautiful way.”

“Schizo” is the album's shining star. Tom sings about having many personalities while not being schizophrenic. There's a jab at Kanye West here too, that might leave you chuckling. Tom's voice is perfect here, singing in the low registers.

“Summered” returns to a more laid back melody that borders on the unusual. The backing vocals seem slightly off in a slightly creepy way, that tells you that's how they were meant to sound.

The album closes with “Margaret's House” which sees Tom sharing the spotlight with Aimee Bobruk, who co-wrote the song with Tom as well as Thunder On and Everyday. Once again, you get to see a different side of Tom. His voice is deep and romantic here and it blends beautifully with Aimee's. The song is atmospheric, slow and bittersweet.

Tom Levin is an artist that has grown consistently with each album. His songwriting gets better and better. If he has an album out in any given year, it is bound to be one of that year's best, and Them Buffalo is no exception.

Don't let 2014 go by without giving this album a listen.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Super Book Blast: Curve My Song

Curve My Song

by Sarah Gai

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Follow the amazing plus size trio, The Curvies, as they find love, drama, tears, laughs and a song to match every situation. Bree Carson loves her life, friends and little town, but something is missing. Taylor Cole returns home after ten years and old flames reignite. Can he break through Bree’s walls? This book is the first in a three novella set following the lives of three curvy best friends: Bree, Elise and Skyla. The first book follows Bree and her life as she fumbles her way through letting down walls and letting love in. This novella has a lot of laughs and a little drama and introduces the readers to the rest of the characters leading into the second book, which builds up suspense for the third and final installment. These novellas will appeal to plus size or curvy women everywhere, especially those who enjoy books in the BBW (big, beautiful women), chicklit and women’s fiction genres. It’s just one of those reads that busy women of today can enjoy while they relate to the curvy ladies who aren’t super models but representative of your average everyday beauty.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

“Chapter One ~ Bree

“Okay, okay,” I grumble, reaching my arm out, blindly trying to locate my phone, my head still nestled beneath the covers, with no intention of surfacing any time soon.

Whoever is trying to call me better have a damn good reason for doing so. I’m enjoying my sleep in, knowing I don’t have to start work until seven o’clock tonight. The phone ringing is beginning to drive me insane.

‘Ah ha!’ I finally find it hidden amongst last night’s clothes haphazardly thrown on the floor. Pulling my hand back under the covers, I answer the phone. “What?” I grumble.

“Bree, tell me you’re not still in bed?”

“Of course I’m still in bed, it’s still morning,” I snap at Elise. I’m not a morning person, never have been. It takes at least two cups of coffee to get me going and, of all people, Elise should know that. Especially if she wants me to be a little nicer right now.

“No, honey, it’s one o’clock, and would you like me to remind you that it’s Friday?”

“Of course I know it’s Friday, I’m singing at Skyla’s tonight. Now, let me get back to sleep.” She’s still on the other end of the phone, but there’s only silence, and I know she’s waiting for something. But what?

Then it hits me.”

Excerpt From: Sarah Gai. “Curve My Song.” iBooks. https://itun.es/au/WSUw0.lExcerpt From: Sarah Gai. “Curve My Song.” iBooks. https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=878373680

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sarah Gai is the author of The Curvies series. Living in Victoria Australia. As a devoted wife and mother of three, when Sarah is not writing she will be found reading in a quiet corner somewhere or out for coffee with her own real life Curvies. Being a busy mum she was always trying to find a quick and fun read to squeeze in and that is when the idea for the three novella set sparked into her mind. Wanting to write for all the women out there who want a good short read about strong friendships, romance and body positive, love the skin you're in kind of fiction.

website- http://www.sarahgai.com

facebook- http://www.facebook.com/sarahgaiauthor

twitter- http://www.twitter.com/sarahgaicurvy

goodreads -https://www.goodreads.com/Sarahgai

buy links- The ebook is free on all of these sites!!! So grab your copy today!!!

amazon-http://amzn.com/B00KB1DF3M

smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/437632

itunes-https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/curve-my-song/id878373680?mt=11

barnes and noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/curve-my-song-sarah-gai/1119467867?ean=9780992504625

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Goddess Fish Promotions Cover Reveal: Heart Of Steel

Welcome to the cover reveal of HEART OF STEEL by Elizabeth Einspanier, a Science Fiction Romance available February 17, 2015. Elizabeth is giving away a $20 gift certificate to Steampunk Emporium. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

When reclusive cyborg Alistair Mechanus meets his captive, ER doctor Julia Parker, it is love at first sight--for him. While he eagerly drops his plans for World Conquest to woo her, ten years of solitude have left his social skills badly rusted. When his misguided act of kindness spirals out of control, however, Julia is forced to trust the mad genius with her life, and she discovers the vulnerable side under his armored plating. She has the skills he needs to unlock his forgotten past, but learning who he used to be may come at the cost of his remaining sanity.

Enjoy an excerpt:

She advanced cautiously, trying to get a look at the subject of his study in the next room. Before she could, however, the tall man in the hall with her spoke.

“Greetings, Julia,” he said in the baritone she’d heard from the speaker. She turned, and saw to her shock that a significant portion of the left half of his face, now revealed to her, was crafted of overlapping segments of unpolished metal, apparently riveted through the flesh and into the skull and jaw. His left eye was a mechanical lens that turned and focused in perfect coordination with its biological counterpart as he regarded her, its iris dilating as he offered her a welcoming smile. “I am, as you have probably guessed, Dr. Mechanus. I welcome you to my humble lair.” He sketched a bow to her, and she either heard or imagined the sound of countless motors whirring within him.

At first her thoughts were consumed by a single horrified thought—what the hell what the hell what the hell—repeated over and over again until her mind filled with what the hell from top to bottom and side to side. She felt light-headed, and braced herself against the edge of the observation window to avoid falling, but some persistently reasonable corner of her mind gently informed her that now simply was not a good time for her to faint or throw up.

Stay frosty, Julia, the voice advised her, in a familiar-sounding voice that Julia couldn’t immediately identify. Think of this like your first car crash in the ER. Sure, it looks horrible, but you can get through this. Just breathe. Get through this, and find out what’s happened to Jim. You’re okay.</ i>

About the Author:

Elizabeth Einspanier is the self-published author of the Weird Western novella Sheep’s Clothing and

the upcoming sci-fi romance novel Heart of Steel. Her short stories have been published in Down in the Dirt and Dark Fire Fiction. She is a member of the St. Louis Writer’s Guild and an associate member of the Horror Writers of America. She lives in St. Louis, but frequently spends extended periods in worlds of her own creation.

Website: http://elizabetheinspanier.com
Blog: http://calliopeskiss.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeekGirlWriter
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/ +ElizabethEinspanier/
Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/ author/elizabetheinspanier

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Goddess Fish Promotions: An Amish Christmas Quilt

An Amish Christmas Quilt

by Charlotte Hubbard, Kelly Long, Jennifer Beckstrand

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant

Seth Brenneman didn’t expect his holiday would include rescuing pregnant young Mary Kaffman and her two children…or having unexpected feelings for the still-grieving widow. But when they must play the leads in an impromptu live Nativity pageant to help his Amish community, will their roles reveal their hearts—and work a miracle for a lifetime?

A Perfect Amish Christmas

Anna and Felty Helmuth’s grandson, Gideon, plans to spend Christmas on a beach in sunny Mexico. But Anna is quite sure he’d rather be with them, snowshoeing, ice fishing—falling in love. And she knows the perfect girl. Not only is Dottie Schrock an excellent quilter and baker, she’s having a party. There’s just one complication—Gideon is not invited. Dottie has her reasons, but Anna trusts that the spirit of Christmas—and true love-will change her mind, and her future …

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant

Seth Brenneman propped open the door to his wood shop, allowing fresh air inside now that the final coat of varnish on his walnut table had dried. This dining room set—one of many orders he’d already received for pre-Christmas delivery—was complete, with its china hutch, ten chairs, and leaves for the table. He smiled as the natural light shimmered richly on the tabletop. It was only September 28, months ahead of Christmas, but already the holiday season promised to be the most profitable ever for the woodworking and construction business he and his two brothers ran. When Micah and Aaron returned from an installation, they would deliver this set to its new owners in Bloomingdale, so Seth began piling furniture pads near the door.

Loud, strident barking made him stick his head outside. The racket came from a black and white border collie—and when it caught sight of Seth, it bounded toward him, barking even more insistently. Nobody around Willow Ridge owned a dog like this; he wondered if someone had dumped it on the roadside. The last thing he needed was a noisy, bothersome dog to feed, so he removed the chunk of wood from beneath the door to close it—

But the dog shot toward him, fixing him with an intense brown- eyed gaze that refused to be ignored. It charged at him, nipping his pant leg, still barking frantically as it pivoted to dash back toward the road. When the dog saw that Seth wasn’t following, it came at him again, barking even louder and faster as it circled him.

“Hey! What’re you—don’t nip me, you ornery—” As Seth dodged the dog’s next attack, he noticed a surrey on the road with a small horse trailer behind it. At first sight he thought nothing of it, because in Willow Ridge, Missouri, double-sized buggies were an everyday thing. But when the border collie headed in that direction again, barking at him over its shoulder, Seth noticed the surrey wasn’t moving. As he loped toward the road, he heard a little girl crying her heart out. Then another young voice rose over the caterwauling.

“Wake up! You’d better not die and leave us here—not like our real mamm did!”

Review:

I have only 3 words to say about An Amish Christmas Quilt.  I loved it! This book is a collection of holiday themed stories.

My favorite of the three was the first, A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant. The live nativity just brought tears to my eyes. It was lovely.

A Perfect Amish Christmas has a little bit of matchmaking. That's always fun in Amish romance, and it hits the mark here too. 

This collection is a wonderful edition to anyone's collection of Amish fiction/romance. It was a wonderful way to pass an afternoon, especially when you want to get into the holiday spirit, the right way.

Rating: 5 stars 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jennifer Beckstrand

Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series and the Forever After in Apple Lake series, set in two Amish communities in beautiful Wisconsin. She has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth, the two scheming Amish grandparents who try to help their grandchildren find suitable mates in Huckleberry Hill. Who would ever suspect two elderly Amish folks of mischief?

Jennifer has a degree in mathematics, which comes in handy when one of her six children needs help with algebra. After twenty-five years of being a chauffeur, cook, maid, and nurse, she embarked on a writing career. Jennifer is a member of Romance Writers of America and is represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and two adorable grandsons, whom she spoils rotten.

You can find out more about Jennifer and her books by going to her website: jenniferbeckstrand.com or visiting her Facebook page: Jennifer Beckstrand Fans.

http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans

Twitter: @JenniferBeckst1

Charlotte Hubbard

Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while I was still a school librarian—I sold my first story to True Story magazine. This launched me into writing about seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and I’ve been a slave to my overactive imagination ever since. My stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way I’ve proposed them: I love it when unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, because they keep me guessing right along with my readers!

I love touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with my border collie Ramona—although it’s humbling, having a dog smarter than I am! I’m an ordained Presbyterian deacon, and I devote a lot of time to singing in my church choir and to practicing/performing with our percussion ensemble. I’m celebrating more than thirty-five years with my husband, who—bless him—has never once suggested I get a real job!

www.CharlotteHubbard.com

https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.hubbard1

Buy Links:

Kensington Books: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/30305

The Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781617735547

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=161773554X/

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9781617735547

B-A-M: http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781617735547

Chapters: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/a/9781617735547-item.html

IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781617735547

Powell’s: http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9781617735547

Ebook:

Kensington Books: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/30377

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Christmas-Quilt-Charlotte-Hubbard-ebook/dp/B00JVW6H5U/

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-amish-christmas-quilt-charlotte-hubbard/1118482472?ean=9781617735554

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/an-amish-christmas-quilt/id868217805?mt=11

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Goddess Fish Promotions: A Curvy Girls Guide To Love

Curvy Girl’s Guide to Love Trilogy:

Countess Curvy: A Curvy Girl's Earl, and Boss Likes Curves: A Curvy Girl's Billionaire, and Curvy's Cad: A Curvy Girl's Mistake?

by Kristabel Reed

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Countess Curvy: A Curvy Girl's Earl

Audrey Mills is in London to organize a charity fashion event, where she meets Duncan Collins, the Earl of Thronhill. Confident in her curves, Audrey doesn't expect Duncan to want more than a holiday fling. But when things begin to heat up, will she panic and run?

Boss Likes Curves: A Curvy Girl's Billionaire

VP of Development, Sabrina McKenna, has worked hard to get where she is with Gideon Hotels. When Gideon Marquez asks her to attend several important business functions, Sabrina agrees. It's only after 2 months of these functions that she realizes they've been dating. And she's fallen hard for her boss. Can Gideon convince her what he feels for her is forever? Or will Sabrina's insecurities make her flee?

Curvy's Cad: A Curvy Girl's Mistake?

Eliza Lyons isn't interested in Craig Grant's attentions beyond the platonic. He's a playboy and boy does she know better. They lunch, they gossip, he tells her things about her current dates she doesn't want to hear and she thinks he'll never outgrow his playboy ways. Then Craig lays down the gauntlet and informs her he intends to show her what a real seduction is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Countess Curvy: A Curvy Girl’s Earl:

“That was cruel, Ms. Mills,” Thornhill stated. His eyes twinkled with amusement, and a slow smile spread over his lips. “You’d curse me to an evening of inane conversation, followed by inappropriate groping?”

“You don’t strike me as a man to shun inappropriate groping,” Audrey added with a smile of her own.

“Well…not from the right woman.” He pushed off the wall, all coiled grace and sex.

Audrey studied him for a long moment. Suddenly their conversation had turned from a game of fun flirting to more. Much more. She came to the astonishing conclusion that this shockingly handsome tall drink of deliciousness was actually into her. She could feel her eyes widen as she looked up at him.

“Come now, Ms. Mills.” Thornhill took a step closer, his gaze steady on hers. “I can’t believe you aren’t pursued every waking moment.”

“I must admit while I’m used to the delivery man or the odd photographer appreciating my curvaceous figure,” Audrey was surprised her voice held steady. “You are my very first…earl.”

“It’s good to be first.” His smile was slow and suggestive, and it took Audrey more than one moment to look away from his lips. What would they feel like against hers? What did he taste like? She licked her own lips at the thought, and then regretted it when his eyes followed the move.

Maybe not regret, not if the rush of heat through her was any indication. No definitely not regret.

“So, what do you say?” Thornhill asked, his voice low, a caress over her bare skin. “Will you rescind your rejection and accompany me to dinner tonight?”

A million things went through Audrey’s mind—everything from Is he joking? to Can I really do this? It would be such a fantasy to enjoy this man, to joke with him, to kiss him. To have him. Audrey had never really fallen headlong into the self-esteem chubby girl trap, but she still knew full well that this type of pairing never happened. Never.

She tore her gaze from his mouth, a small, thin voice telling her that wondering what he tasted like was the last damn thing she should be wondering. “Between two evils, I always pick the one I’ve never tried before.” The Mae West quote raced through her mind, and she heard herself saying, “I suppose it would nice to experience London with a native.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kristabel Reed lives on the East Coast and loves to explore the steamier side of historical romance. Historical ménages in particular-they add an element of danger and discovery to make them all the hotter. Contemporary ménages are a world unto themselves, and her upcoming Havenbrook Ménages Series will tell the tale of a small California town.

She loves reading, watching old movies, and anything Cary Grant. And is always interested in talking about erotic romance. Because...yum!

Join in the conversation! Wickedly Wanton Tales Blog and to join my mailing list. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristabelReed

Blog: kristabelreed.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristabelreed

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kristabelreed/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristabelreed

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/109697144540899236651/posts

Countess Curvy: A Curvy Girl's Earl

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Countess-Curvy-Girls-Earl-Guide-ebook/dp/B00KTG61EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402082838&sr=8-1&keywords=countess+curvy

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Countess-Curvy-Girls-Earl-Guide-ebook/dp/B00KTG61EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402150184&sr=8-1&keywords=countess+curvy

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/Countess-Curvy-Girls-Earl-Guide-ebook/dp/B00KTG61EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402150054&sr=8-1&keywords=countess+curvy

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-countesscurvyacurvygirl039searl-1510774-149.html?referrer=509d2456aeffd

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/countess-curvy-kristabel-reed/1119692927?ean=2940149474851

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/countess-curvy

Boss Likes Curves: A Curvy Girl's Billionaire

Buy Links:

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bosslikescurvesacurvygirl039sbillionaire-1556746-149.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boss-Likes-Curves-Curvy-Billionaire-ebook/dp/B00LKS60FU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404727808&sr=8-2&keywords=boss+likes+curves

Amazon UK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boss-Likes-Curves-Curvy-Billionaire-ebook/dp/B00LKS60FU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404727909&sr=8-1&keywords=boss+likes+curves

Amazon CA : http://www.amazon.ca/Boss-Likes-Curves-Curvy-Billionaire-ebook/dp/B00LKS60FU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404727933&sr=8-1&keywords=boss+likes+curves

Barnes and Noble :http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/boss-likes-curves-kristabel-reed/1119916302?ean=2940149703692

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/boss-likes-curves

Curvy's Cad: A Curvy Girl's Mistake?

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Curvys-Cad-Curvy-Girls-Mistake-ebook/dp/B00MH9Y9FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407409150&sr=8-1&keywords=curvy%27s+cad

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Curvys-Cad-Curvy-Girls-Mistake-ebook/dp/B00MH9Y9FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407409272&sr=8-1&keywords=curvy%27s+cad

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/Curvys-Cad-Curvy-Girls-Mistake-ebook/dp/B00MH9Y9FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407409311&sr=8-1&keywords=curvy%27s+cad

All Romance : https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-curvy039scadacurvygirl039smistake-1571106-149.html?=refer509d2456aeffd

Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1120066078?ean=2940149627899

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/curvy-s-cad-a-curvy-girl-s-mistake

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