Friday, October 31, 2014

MASQUERADE TOURS presents ANDROMEDA'S FALL by Abigail Owen Cover Reveal



Andromeda's Fall
by Abigail Owen


Designed by: Debbie Taylor (Website)

Series: Shadowcat Nation #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance (18+)

Giveaway: $20 Amazon G.C.


Andromeda Reynolds is being hunted. After witnessing her mother's violent death at the hands of a pack of wolf shifters, Andie has devoted her life to protecting her community of cougar shifters from a similar fate. But now, a greater threat lies within her own pack, and she must run. If she stays, Kyle Carstairs will force their mating, seeking the added political power their union would provide.



Andie would rather chew off her own foot than end up with Kyle. Though, knowing him, she won't live long either way. Andie's only hope of survival is to mate Jaxon Keller, the Alpha of the Keller Dare with which she is seeking asylum. But before she can get to him, Andie must first go through A.J., one of the Alpha's Protectors. What Andie doesn't realize is that A.J. has secrets of his own. All Andie knows is that the incredibly frustrating shifter insists on challenging her story, her skills, her trust…and her heart.



Award-winning author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe. 

Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by obtaining a degree in English Rhetoric/Technical Writing. However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.



Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest



Thursday, October 30, 2014

THE BRICKMAKER'S BRIDE by Judith Miller


Laura Woodfield is very involved along with her mother in the selling of the brickyard that her father owned before his death. The sales contract of the Woodfields and prospective buyers the McKays has hit a snag involving the price paid and the Woodfield Mansion thought to be included in the sale of the brickyard causing tension between both families. The misunderstanding clears and Mrs. Woodfield offers her husband’s connections and workers for the business resulting in the McKay’s nephew, Ewan, travelling with Laura and her mother to meet prospective clients with Ewan and Laura forming an unlikely alliance and friendship.


The Brickmaker’s Bride is set in an historical era with all the trimmings of social correctness and Christian beliefs. The story line is not bad but I had a hard time getting into the feel of book and its characters with its slow start causing me to put the novel down and pick it up again several times. Nonetheless, this novel is definitely for historical romance and Christian themed readers who will enjoy its plot and romantic subject matter.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

THE SECRETS OF THE MONTEBELLIS by Cheryl Colwell

Lisa Richards is in an abusive marriage with psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Richards who controls Lisa and what she does to keep his standing in the community looking good. Lisa is more than a homemaker who cleans and cooks without the knowledge of Thomas who thinks she is only capable of keeping house and napping all day. Lisa is working for a real estate company to rebuild the Tangle Grove community her family of ancestors built through the Dutchman’s mine of fire opals. With this project, Lisa believes it will free her from Thomas and the financial control over her life.

Steven Taylor is a sports writer for USA Cycle Magazine covering the The Summit Challenge Bicycle Ride for his magazine article. He meets Lisa and Thomas by chance while dining with his daughter and asks Thomas for an interview after learning he participated in the bicycle ride and witnessed an accident involving the cyclists. Taylor immediately senses the control Thomas has over Lisa and wonders why she stays in such a relationship. As Taylor learns more about Lisa, he knows the project she is coordinating for the real estate company is not quite what it seems.

The Secrets of the Montebellis is about a woman who goes to great lengths to keep a secret about her family fortune and the Dutchman’s mine of fire opals. I enjoyed the back-stories explaining who the ancestors were and what they did to preserve their control over the family mine. The theme has suspense, romance, and adventure for readers who love dabbling in mystery and ancient stories.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

"I LOVE BOOKS" presents CHERYL COLWELL

JOIN US!

November 1, 2014
3:00 pm (pst) - 6:00 pm (est)



Book Trailer Courtesy of Cheryl Colwell

DANGLED CARAT Hilary Grossman

Hilary wants to be married, she wants to marry Marc who is a self-sufficient bachelor not looking to settle down with anyone, and on New Year’s Eve 2003, the great ultimatum is delivered without warning as Marc has a decision that will either make or break him and Hilary’s relationship.

With both Hilary and Marc’s family encouraging and prompting Marc to marry Hilary, Marc insists on taking everything slow and in his time before taking the big plunge into marriage. Hilary on the other hand says she will not be Marc’s ‘girlfriend’ forever and thinks it is time to commit to a more meaningful commitment after years of dating and eventually living together.

Hillary Grossman shares her intimate and personal story of the courtship between her and her husband and the events that led up to their surprise engagement and marriage with the help of loving family and longtime friends. In this day and age of short relationships leading to even shorter marriages, Marc chose to wait because of his fear of failure wanting to make sure his relationship with Hillary would pave the way to a good marriage.

As Hillary Grossman states, “This is a work of creative non-fiction” and shows that outside forces, the inner circle of family and friends, in a relationship sometimes works out for the best of all involved. I was entertained with the story but at times became frustrated with Hillary’s line of thought about being a ‘girlfriend’ for years with no marriage. Sometimes it may be best to wait and learn a person’s ways before jumping into a hurried decision to a commitment for life. I am recommending this novel to chick-lit, romance, and family relationship book lovers alike to learn one person’s point of view on love, friendship, and marriage.

I received this book free from CLP Blog Tours for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

CLP BLOG TOURS presents THE FALL OF OUR SECRETS by Tracy Gardner Beno Excerpt



“I want a divorce.” Nicole carefully opens her door a fraction of an inch to let in more of the conversation. Her parents are sitting at the kitchen table, one on each side, and her mother has just uttered the words Nicole has prayed for years she would say. She can’t see all of her dad, only her mom, and her father’s huge hands flat on the table, flanking his beer bottle. She waits for the explosion, the reaction, but it doesn’t come. Not yet.
John Murdock takes a long pull from the beer and sets it back down on the table. “How long?” His voice sounds quiet, soft, to Nicole. The beer in front of him is deceiving, he’s not drunk, he’s in complete control. It’s an odd question, but she feels she knows exactly what he’s talking about. It’s a nagging feeling, just out of reach….
“How long what, John?” Her mother sits back a bit in her chair and folds her hands in her lap. She’s still wearing her blue pantsuit, the one she wears on Sundays to help out with the coffee and donuts after the church service is over.
“How long have you been screwing around on me?” A chill runs up Nicole’s spine, the words are too calm. She’d somehow feel better if he was yelling. Things are always more predictable then. His hands on the table don’t move.
Her mother fidgets with her wedding rings. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she says evenly.
“Are we really gonna do it this way, Irene?”
“John,” she says, her voice cajoling now, “there’s nobody else. For heaven’s sake, will you just let that go? You know things are bad, John, they haven’t been right in a long time. We’re better off apart.” She tries a different tack. “It will be easier for you. We’re just not good for each other anymore. I won’t even ask for child support.”
Nicole actually hears her mother’s sharp intake of air and sees the nearly imperceptible flinch before the table is overturned, spilling her mother out of her chair to the floor along with it. The muscles in Nicole’s legs jump involuntarily with the urge to run out there and help her. She forces herself to remain still. Her brothers are still quiet in the next room. No one knows she is up.
She watches her father bend over her mother and lift her off the floor by an arm. He rights a chair with his foot and drops her into it. Her mother’s eyes are dry, and for once Nicole doesn’t see fear written on her features. Her face remains blank as she meets her husband’s angry stare. A cold chill snakes its way down Nicole’s spine. It is a mistake not to be afraid of her father.

Monday, October 27, 2014

BEND YOUR BRAIN by The Brain Store

Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles, and more puzzles is what you will find in Bend Your Brain, a mind bending and brain tester book of puzzles and logic. There are 151 puzzles testing your knowledge, memory, and shares facts pertaining to the brain twisters and how new brain cells are generated through focusing your attention to solve the logic problems.

This book of puzzles is not your average logic solving problem book you might find in the local grocery store or newsstand. Bend Your Brain does just that, bend your brain to logically solve picture puzzles, word association, mazes, connect the dots, word scrambles, and challenge your coordination with eye tests, body language test, critical thinking, and an array of other mind boggling themes.

Take my word for it as a lover of Dell Logic Problems (I used to have a subscription), I urge (challenge) you to take on The Brain Store and the focus-driven brain building puzzles within the covers of Bend Your Brain, The Minds Behind Marbles: The Brain Store  and enjoy as I did. I am recommending to lovers of puzzles, logic problems, and all types of problem solving tests promising hours of enjoyment and definite brain bending. I love it!

I received this book free from Blogging for Books reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

CRISIS OF SERENITY by Denise Moncrief

Sadie’s Pancake Kitchen in Gatlinburg, Tennessee has become a comfortable place for Tess and her niece Joyce as they settle into an everyday routine of work and school. This is not the first town Tess has settled down in or the last she will disappear from because she knows all too well, what it means to pack up and leave in a hurry.

Tess is in the Witness Protection program after testifying against a criminal named Bennie at his trial resulting in years of prison time. In the meantime, someone is looking for Tess and she does not know who it is or how they found her location in Gatlinburg. She contacts her handler’s boss, Jake, who has feelings for Tess when her niece is kidnapped and needs help locating Joyce before she is harmed. The kidnappers have a carefully laid plan that places Tess and Jake in danger and running for their lives.

Crisis of Serenity has a good story line with action and suspense but I could not connect with the main characters Tess and Jake or their romantic involvement. Additionally, there is an excerpt from Stutter Creek by Ann Swann giving a sneak peek into the theme of the novel. Nonetheless, this is a good crime drama with chick-lit romance and worth the read.


I received this book free from the CLP Blog Tour program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

POSTPONED - BLOGGER EPISODE on 'I LOVE BOOKS'

POSTPONED UNTIL NOVEMBER 22, 2014

Today! 

SATURDAY

OCTOBER 25, 2014

3:00 PM (Pacific)

JOIN US!




Friday, October 24, 2014

BULLETS AND FIRE by Joe Lansdale

“We’re gonna drive by, and then when they think it’s over, we’re gonna come back on them.” 
-Headmaster


Tray, who is a loner with no family, wants to get in good with Billy and Juan to join their gang so Tray beats up a girl and takes her wallet to prove he has what it takes to be a gang member. Once Tray passes the test, he must interview with the leader “Headmaster” and pass yet another test, one of bravery and stamina against the other gang members in an initiation brawl. Tray completes the initiation with flying colors and embarks on a killing spree never to be forgotten….

Bullets and Fire is a short story packed with plenty of punch and action in just the right places. Joe Lansdale does not disappoint in this tale of a man who no longer has a loving family fulfilling a long awaited release of frustration and loneliness within himself. Included at the end of this book is an excerpt of The Big Blow historical novella, which is also an enjoyable and fun read. This novella is for book lovers of fast action and drama who loves a good shoot-‘em-up, bang-bang read. 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

LUST, MONEY & MURDER, Books 1, 2 & 3 by Mike Wells

Patrick Brogan, a construction worker, is married to Kate and have a daughter, Elaine. Patrick adores his little angel until at the age of seven, Patrick catches Elaine and her friend smoking. He decides to send her to a boarding school to get her out of their bad neighborhood.

Elaine at the age of 16, while at the boarding school decides she wants to join a modeling agency. After paying over two thousand dollars for modeling courses, she still has not been called for a job. Elaine confronts the owner, Ronald Eskew, and he promptly refunds her money. Elaine unknowingly, gives counterfeit money to her father Patrick, and he deposits it into the bank. After he is arrested for a felony, he commits suicide in jail. Elaine vows revenge on Ronald Eskew for her father’s death.

As part of her plan, Elaine studies to become a Secret Service Agent to catch Ronald Eskew. Not only does she discover information on Eskew, she is assigned to an office in Bulgaria. There she meets Nick LaGrange, her boss, to whom she is attracted. Once they become more than friends, she is contacted by the Washington, D.C. office for a special assignment. They want her skilled detection eyes for a counterfeit bills operation. With this prize assignment thrown in her direction, Elaine’s world is turned upside down when she learns the reason for this offer.
THE END……..of Book 1.   Original review posted March 24, 2014


BOOK 2 - Money


Elaine leaves Nick in Sofia after discovering damaging evidence against him regarding the counterfeit money they are investigating. Accepting an employment offer with the Treasury Department from Gene Lassister, Elaine now works six days and thinks about Nick and his situation with the CIA. Lassister, Elaine’s boss, is intercepting letters arriving from Nick and she has no idea Nick is trying to make much needed contact with her. 

Letters arriving from Nick are being intercepted by Lassister, Elaine’s boss, and she has no idea Nick is trying to make much needed contact with her.


Elaine’s job takes her to Russia delivering new updated software for detection of counterfeit bills where she is set up for stealing from the Treasury Department placing her life in danger. How can Elaine get out of this situation clearing her name and integrity……THE END…….of Book 2.




BOOK 3 - Murder




Escaping to Italy, Elaine is convinced by a man named Cattoretti that he can protect her from being captured by the Treasury Department, Lassister, and anyone else seeking her location. Cattoretti’s offer of employment to Elaine is accepted after careful deliberation on Elaine’s part. 

Cattoretti’s life has not always been so sweet and rosy as he grew up in the School of Hard Knocks, even serving time in prison.  As Cattoretti woos Elaine with lavish gifts of clothing and jewelry, she remembers his warning that any betrayal on her part could prove to be detrimental. 

Everything is running smoothly until…………







Mike Wells has written a three-part series with a female heroine main character that is smart, knowledgeable, and no push over with an exciting story line moving fast that is both enjoyable and easy to read.  Book lovers of crime drama, romance, action, and adventure will love breezing through this series on a nice comfy weekend.


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

STOLEN by Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD with Cecil Murphey

“Mom tried so hard to help me but I sank down deeper and deeper into the life of a troubled teen…
It was only a matter of time before another trafficker picked me up.”

Katriina (Kat) Rosenblatt share her personal story as a sex trafficking victim that begins with physical and verbal abuse by her father and babysitter. At age thirteen, Kat is befriended by nineteen-year- old Mary whom introduces her to sex trafficking and drugs that eventually leading Kat to teen clubs and gang life by age sixteen of her own volition. Further explained is how she came to know and accept Jesus Christ as the Savior who led her out of the troubled life that had a stronghold in her mind and body.

Stolen is a true story that Katriina Rosenblatt as she recounts steps leading to her involvement with sex trafficking but somehow I felt as though the words belonged to someone else with the events that take place seeming a bit out of order and jumbled. I could not connect any personal feelings with the book but reading how young people are lured into the business is worth the read for everyone.


I received this book free from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

FIVE MINUTES ALONE by Paul Cleave

“Then he turns the gun towards Achilles and shoots him in the head too. 
He’s seen too many horror movies to bother about thinking twice.”
 –Quoted from FIVE MINUTES ALONE


Kelly Summers brutally attacked by intruder Dwight Smith has constant nightmares about the traumatic event leading to psychiatric treatment sessions. Dwight is released from jail years later and found dead on railroad tracks which police believe it to be suicide but soon turns to a murder investigation with Kelly as one of the suspects.

Detectives Theo Tate and Rebecca Kent are assigned the case when more dead bodies pop up and they come to a conclusion through investigating that they are related. Tate is working overtime and dealing with his wife Bridget who is slowly losing her mind because of the murder of their daughter a few years ago. Bridget slips away to the time their daughter was alive and comes back to the present prompting a call to Tate’s colleague Schroder revealing a secret from the past not realizing Schroder has one himself. Is there a possibility that the secrets Bridget and Schroder harbor cause complications for Tate’s murder case?

Five Minutes Alone is an interesting mystery and tale of vigilante revenge that engages the reader until the last page. There is plenty of intrigue and suspense for the mystery-suspense genre reader to enjoy over a weekend sitting. The book is written in a mostly narrative-style that might have been edited just a little bit more making this a five-star review.

I received this book free from Atria Books through the Net Galley reviewer program in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Monday, October 20, 2014

THE PROMISE by Beth Wiseman

Mallory Hammond is determined to save a life since her cousin died and Mallory wanted to give the kidney needed but per parents fervently opposed her decision. Working in a doctor’s office, her boss Ismail has a cousin who needs a kidney to live and through psychological coaxing, tries to persuade Mallory to travel to Peshawar and marry his cousin’s father Abdul. Marrying Abdul would give his daughter, Majida, a chance to come with an American to the United States receiving proper medical treatment and care to save her life.

Mallory and boyfriend Tate have a good relationship and Tate hopes it will continue in that manner when he informs Mallory of his offer to teach at a prestigious university in Chicago, far from their home state of Texas. Mallory decides on travelling to Peshawar against the advice of Ismail’s fiancé, Soraya, who does not know of Ismail’s influence in Mallory’s decision and without the knowledge of her parents and Tate. Mallory’s sister Vicky contacts Tate about Mallory’s travels hoping he will be able to convince Mallory not to proceed with her plans but Mallory ignores his pleas and boards the plane to the foreign country. Mallory has second thoughts regarding her decision going to Peshawar helping Majida changing her mind believing she has made the right choice. Will Mallory make it back to the United States, or will she become a lost American in Peshawar never to be heard from again?

The Promise is (from the back cover) inspired by actual events asking, how far will we go for love? I am not sure how I feel about this story and the quest for love leading to a dangerous foreign country. I felt that the main character Mallory was too naïve about everything: rebelling against her parents and boyfriend, headstrong regarding advice against travelling to Peshawar, and believing in someone she met over the internet.

Beth Wiseman does not disappoint in this unforgettable story of a young girl’s passionate desire to save a life and at what length she goes to complete that dream. I would love to read the real life story behind this inspired novel from actual events to judge a little better. With that said the novel is an easy read and has the reader wishing this young girl will go with her instincts and return home to her loving family and friends.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity reviewer program for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.




About the book: 

Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal---and danger.
Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal---to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.
Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.
Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CP8sr 

About the author: 

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.

Find Beth online: websiteFacebookTwitter




CLP BLOG TOURS presents THE FALL OF OUR SECRETS by Tracy Gardener Beno






Laura and Nicole, childhood friends separated by mysterious circumstances, meet again quite by accident and renew their friendship. 

Laura is a devoted single mom. She's stuck in a going nowhere relationship, but doesn't realize it until she meets Adam, her newly dubbed Airport Hottie, on the flight home after spending a whirlwind weekend with Nicole. 

Nicole is now married to the man of her dreams, but she carries deep wounds from a childhood filled with secrets, constantly afraid to trust any true happiness she encounters. 

Together these two best friends work toward uncovering the long buried secrets of Nicole's horrific past, ultimately freeing her to believe in and embrace the new life she's worked so hard to create. The friendship nurtures both women and Laura finds her own self confidence and the revelation that what she needs is within reach, hers for the taking. 

THE FALL OF OUR SECRETS takes the reader on a hopeful journey of love and discovery.






Author Bio

Tracy Gardner Beno is a Metro Detroit native who has lived in and around small, rural communities like those described in The Fall of Our Secrets. Her stories draw readers in with recognizable characters and real emotion, seasoned with intrigue and a dash of humor. She loves spending time with her husband and two children, reading, writing, and catching her favorite bands in concert as often as possible. She works as a Registered Nurse in her day job and when she's not writing novels she contributes short stories and articles to Verite Magazine where she's a staff writer.














Sunday, October 19, 2014

365 POCKET PRAYERS FOR MOTHERS by Amie Carlson, Karen Hodge, Erin Keeley Marshall

Being a mother is a task in itself with learning how to parent from the time your little ones are born through adulthood. Parenting does not stop there once your child becomes of age into adulthood because your guidance is just as significant as they go into the world and need your advice, asked for or not (smile). To continue the guidance they need, a mother needs her strength, wisdom, and wits intact to give that motherly advice.

Carlson, Hodge, and Marshall have compiled 365 daily prayers that give encouragement to mothers to pray every day and prompts adding personalization to each prayer with a bible verse that can be used with a bible. The prayers cover numerous topics including helplessness, finances, rest, strength, and endurance with a topical index to search for a prayer pertaining to specific situations.

365 Pocket Prayers for Mothers is a good resource for aiding your prayer life and designed beautifully with a lilac leather bound cover that fits comfortably inside a purse, tote bag, or briefcase. I highly recommend for all women who are mothers needing that extra lift during the day and definitely as a gifting opportunity to others.


I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing reviewers program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.  

Friday, October 17, 2014

THE WOMAN CODE by Sophia A. Nelson

If you are looking for motivation on how to build your confidence, build your “front row,” and learn what your value is this may be the book you are looking for to start you on that journey.

The Woman Code has twenty codes that shares information to prompt thought provoking questions regarding how to live a more fulfilled life with a code created for women only. A few topics include Knowing Your Value, Peace with Your Past, and Separating from Frenemies. Another topic, Know Your Front Row, discusses who is in your inner circle that gives sound advice, celebrates you, how to spot frenemies, and how to remove wrong people from your front row. Each code chapter ends with Living the Code Points or Questions and Key Words related to that code to instill and emphasize what you have read. Additionally, the book contains The Spiritual Codes that covers gossip, apologizing, choosing your words wisely, and The Professional Codes covering leadership and the workplace.

The Woman Code is for women who have not yet reached that position in their lives where they are not questioning self-worth, have not let go of the past, have not quite let go of frenemies and surrounded themselves with positive women who encourage and uplift one another instead of criticize. Knowing my value and worth, letting go of the past and frenemies, I did it all by reading God’s Word, prayer, and with the support of my “front row” (inner circle) which consists of four women. The Woman Code did not quite live up to the hype “Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life” because I regard these pointers as living and learning every day you wake up and face the world with the Lord by your side.


Concurrently or after reading The Woman Code, use your bible with a good concordance to learn and know what His Word says regarding each section and topic for further understanding. This book is recommended for women who have not reached the next peaceful plateau in life of self-assuredness and confident faith.

I received this book free from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

THE MASON JAR by James Russell Lingerfelt

 You might believe that you must stop loving Eden, but that’s not true. 
We can love even when we know that love will never be returned. 
We are allowed to love someone even if that person is gone. 
What we miss is their presence, but that doesn’t mean we must stop loving them.” 
–Grandpa

Eden Valmont is now thirty years old when a friend from college calls to inform her that Clayton (Finn) Fincannon who is an ex-flame from their college years wrote a book about their time together. Surprised, overwhelmed, and flabbergasted Eden downloads the novel to her Kindle and begins reading. The story Finn writes pertains to his years in college, the love he has for Eden, the missionary work he performed in Africa, and letters written between him and his grandfather that they place in a mason jar.

Finn is pining for Eden over several years after she leaves him with no reason or goodbye seems a little far-fetched from reality. Firstly, Eden leaves giving no explanation or contacting Finn for at least five years and secondly, Finn continues his unrelenting love for Eden all this time not considering other relationships with someone else. The sentiment is there, the one-sided love is there, Finn and Eden’s selfless compassion for other people is there, but somehow the storyline does not quite gel and seems as if something is missing. I liked the way the author delivered the story line as a novel within a novel with Grandpa as my favorite character sharing his wisdom. This novel is for the sentimental who love reading about undying love with fairy-tale endings.


I received this book free through the Litfuse Publicity reviewer program from William and Keat Publishing in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.


The Mason Jar James Russell Lingerfelt

About the book: 

What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she's ever read? "But," she said, "it's about you." The author is your college ex.
In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk---letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark debutante from Colorado. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.
Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.
A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her, and a reunion they never imagined.
Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational romance that brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending that encourages us to love again and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jar interweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common toDances with WolvesA River Runs Through It, and Legends of the Fall


About the author: 

James Russell Lingerfelt is the author of The Mason Jar and writes articles for The Huffington Post. James connects with readers at his blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective, and divides his time between Southern California and his family's ranch in Alabama.

Find James online: websiteFacebookTwitter