CLP BLOG TOURS presents Brandy Jellum and Giveaway

Elizabeth Lewis was the child of Hollywood’s darling couple, until her father murdered her mother.

Six years later, she has traded her flashy, luxurious lifestyle for one of safe anonymity as a literary agent. With a different name and appearance, Liza Winter is living the life of her dreams—one where she’s known for who she is instead of what her father did. Except her apartment should be condemned, her car only starts when it wants, she hates the romance genre she has been assigned, and the CEO’s deliciously attractive nephew is out to ruin her carefully laid plans.

Reid Harder has never met an obstacle he couldn’t overcome. When his new position in the romance department comes with a benefit his uncle didn’t mention, he decides to wage a war against the intelligent, beautiful Liza to destroy every argument she has for turning him down. Still, the closer he gets to winning the prize, the more he realizes that the woman is keeping secrets that may endanger not just her life but his. 

Will Liza overcome her mistrust of Reid to reveal her secrets before he learns the truth and walks away? Or will a grudge-wielding apparition from her past make her the next deadly Hollywood headline?

Buy Links: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1iB0yYt  Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1fQV7ik  

Bio: 

Brandy’s passion for writing began long before she actually sat down to write. As a child, she has had an obsession with reading, everything from the classic stories by Jane Austen to YA Fiction by Richelle Mead. Finally, in 2012, she decided to create her own stories for people to fall in love with. Brandy bounces back and forth writing both Romance and Young Adult Fiction (which is mainly just for fun).

At the beginning of 2014, Brandy signed a contract with publishing company Booktrope. She is very excited about the next chapter of her life and cannot wait to share her books and passion with readers.

When she isn’t writing, she can be found chasing after her husband, her four children and her black lab, Diesel. Or curled up on her favorite corner of the couch with her newest book.

Social Media Links: 

Website: http://brandyjellumbooks.wordpress.com

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

Twitter: @Brandy_Jellum

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IF I SAY YES by Brandy Jellum

Liza Winter being employed as a literary agent in the Romance department of Harder’s Literary Agent House wants nothing more but to return to her previous station in the Horror and Thriller genre department. When Liza is denied her request to return to the Horror and Thriller department, she learns that her new boss will be Reid Harder Junior whom she detests but cannot stop thinking about his smile. Reid asks Liza out for drinks after work to discuss adjusting to the Romance genre department and refuses the invitation causing Reid to demand Liza have three potential authors ready to sign with Harder’s Literary Agent House by three o’clock or he will speak to his uncle about her departure. Before three o’clock Liza remits her resignation to Reid and he refuses to accept allowing her another opportunity to meet for drinks at the club Gravity to discuss strategy for her position regarding the romance genre department. Liza apprehensively accepts the invitation because of past memories that resurface resulting in her running from the club in tears over a distressing incident six years ago. Meeting Reid at Gravity becomes the nightmare Liza tried to avert from occurring and flees from the club out the rear entrance down the alley to her home without any explanation to Reid. Reid’s sudden appearance everywhere Liza travels has an unnerving emotional impact about the situation when he divulges to Liza the heartfelt affections he has concerning her.

Liza Winter begins receiving threatening emails detailing her every move from an unknown person regarding her past life that she intricately safeguards with an unexpected disappearance changing her name from Elizabeth Lewis and physically changing her hair color since her father murdered her mother six years ago without leaving the city where she lives. The unknown person who knows her secret life as Elizabeth Lewis devises a blackmail plot to reveal her identity and harm to Reid unless she discontinues her rendezvous’ with the Literary Manager immediately. Liza continues her relationship with Reid against the warnings of her stalker regretting the decision after the stalker revealing themselves detains her, Reid, and her best friend Elias in the house where her father murdered her mother.

This romantic suspense novel has a very explosive story line yet it was seemingly difficult to connect emotionally with the main characters, which would have been superior with a slower development of character interactions. This book is well worth the read and I recommend this novel to avid readers of romantic suspense thriller fictional books who want a quick book to read on a lazy day of the weekend.   

I received this book free from CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an unbiased review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

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WHAT IS IN A BOOK? -Brandy Jellum Blog Tour Guest Post

What is in a book?

Ever since eReaders have come out, reading is on an all-time high. 

More and more people are filling their days with reading across every genre with their trusty electronic devices. But for the true book lovers, we never stopped reading, and still prefer a paperback to a handheld computer. There’s something about the feeling of a book in your hand, the sound of the pages turning, and smell of fresh printing ink.

For me, my love of books never died and didn’t pick up more when I got my first Nook. I’ve always been an avid reader since before I could ever remember. My grandmother told me that when I was younger, around 5 years old, I had grabbed the same ol’ huge book full of nursery rhymes, climbed on my grandfather’s lap, and was ready for story time. Only this time, I was the one who started to read. I think this is when my love for books really happened.

I love seeing words come to life, like a movie playing in my head, and I never want it to end. Growing up, I got my hands on every book I could from the library. By the time I was 12, I had managed to read every Nancy Drew/Hardy Boy book in print. I loved a good mystery story. Which is probably why I love the suspense element I add to my own writing.

I picked up my first Harry Potter book when I was 12 as well, and that’s when I really loved reading. As I grew older, my love of books remained. My friends made fun of me on nights that I wanted to stay in and read then going out. On the bus to away sporting events, I was always curled up with my latest book. And at night, when I should’ve been sleeping, my light was on and I was absorbed into a book.

But what is in a book? Is the genre? The characters? The story? Or even the author?

I’d like to say it’s all of it. Readers choose books based on the genre they like. Unless, they are like me and will read just about anything. I think a book is a means to an escape. The author provides us with characters and a story we love. One that is consuming and can’t stop until the last word is read.

A book is something that makes you feel every emotion put into it. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat, and it makes you downright angry. It’s the ability to take you to another place, another time, and temporarily live in the characters’ lives. It inspires us to use our imagination. Books take us on an adventure. They gives us hope and they gives us love. That’s what makes a book.

That’s why I love to read. That is why I teach my children to love and cherish books. Not to scribble and destroy them. It’s still a work in progress, but my toddler is getting there. I hope to instil into them what books really are all about. Love. Fear. Hope. Adventure. Inspiration. Imagination.

My love for books will never die.

'I LOVE BOOKS' Special Guest Author: Tara Lee Reed

Special Guest Author:

Tara Lee Reed

DYNAMIC WOMEN OF THE BIBLE by Ruth A. Tucker

Dynamic Women of the Bible shares accounts of familiar women and women with little notoriety with significant roles in the history of Christianity before and during the life Christ Jesus. The women Ruth Tucker shares that are commonly referred to in Sunday sermons are Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary Magdalene while Lot’s Wife Miriam, Deborah, Abigail, Sapphira, Dorcas, and Rhoda are not the main subjects or topics of discussion. The book recounts the personal trials and tribulations of the majority these women and more women who remained nameless whose lives were not always the upstanding citizen in their ancient times but their faith and belief in God made them worth the mention.

After each chapter, there is a ‘concluding observation’ and ‘questions to think about’ lending further debate or analysis to the role-play of each woman’s importance to Christian history and how their individual situations possibly impact women of today’s culture. In the ‘Concluding Observation’ of chapter eight, Rahab, and the Five Daughters of Zelopjejad, Tucker refers to Rahab, “She is essentially a nobody, but she realizes that she has power over their lives. Simply saving herself and her family would be reason enough to include her story in the biblical text--and reason enough to cite hers as a singularly liberating account in ancient history. But that she was singled out by God to be rescued by the Israelite army, per an oath made by nameless spies, is the greatest wonder of all.” In response to this observation of Rahab, not believing or following God, she realized after her encounter with the spies sent by Joshua to spy on the city of Jericho, she chose to acknowledge the existence of God through sheer faith that he would protect her and her family if she helped the spies escape to complete the mission.

One of the ‘Questions to Think About’ section in this chapter asks, “Do we too easily look down on individuals because of their immorality or scandalous reputation?” is a question some or maybe even most people would answer yes which leads to judging and condemning someone without full knowledge of the situation in which it came about. For the most part, this book takes an in-depth perspective on the situations women of the Bible confront and the speculative viewpoint of what might have been their underlying principle or reasoning for their action. I recommend reading this interpretive analysis of Bible stories along with your personal Bible and answer a few of the ending chapter questions to sharpen your knowledge of these great women and compare the situations to the culture of today.

I received this book free from the Net Galley Reviewer Program in exchange for an unbiased opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.

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THE GOOD LIFE by Trip Lee

Everyone wants to live the ‘good life’ complete with love, nice home, nice car living happily ever after which most have grown up learning this is the ideal American dream to strive toward. Trip Lee discusses living the ‘good life’ in an entirely different manner and approach than the mainstream media enforced visions we observe on a daily basis. Whether we observe these visions on a billboard or view the messages on a television set or study the photographs of super thin models in a fashion magazine or read the ‘top ten’ reasons to want material items, it all conveys a message to want ‘all that glitters’ as a substitute for real happiness.

Trip Lee clarifies living the good life is not found in earthly materialistic possessions but found in God’s Word in the Bible and the directional teachings of Christ Jesus. He further shares not to believe the hype to “walk up to the front and start to receive your blessings” as an effortless avenue to start receiving blessings in an uncomplicated carefree manner. I agree during some church invitations to walk closer with God are purposely engineered to leading a person to believe this is all that must be done to receive blessings when in fact this will be the hardest walk of their entire life. One must understand that living the good life in God’s way is the complete opposite of living the good life in a worldly view, which is additionally compounded with the pressure of peers to fit suitably into the proper social circles.

Trip Lee’s book is full of examples that he once believed was the correct path to the ultimate goal of living the good life until he began his walk with God receiving the knowledge of truth and the proper approach to live the good life through scripture.

I recommend this book to teenagers and young adults wanting an honest view of what being a Christian is and how your walk with God is an everyday battle against evil.

I received this book from Moody Publishers Newsroom in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion though not necessarily positive review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

GUEST POST: The Truth About Reading by Jamie Lapeyrolerie of Books and Beverages

Every time I see a fabulous quote about books and reading 

not only do I repin immediately, 

but I feel completely validated in my love/obsession of reading. 

I thought it would be fun to share a few 

and the reasons why they are spot on!

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.

– Author Unknown

Let’s stop and ponder how the world would be without Narnia or Middle Earth. And can you imagine a life without knowing Austen’s colorful characters or Francine’s swoon worthy men? Or what about those characters that leave you thinking about them weeks after you turn the last page? I personally don’t want to imagine such a world. How terribly dreadful that would be!

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, 

to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him. 

- Maya Angelou

I had to include this because, well, TRUE STATEMENT. Toss the video games out the window. Grab a book, jump on a hammock or blanket out in the open and give young kids the most amazing gift ever.

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it. 

- Edward P. Morgan

I don’t think much more needs to be added. Get that brain working.

If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all. 

- Oscar Wilde

I don’t agree with Mr. Wilde on many things, but I do say he was spot on with this one. How many times have you read your favorite books? I’m easily in double-digits. There’s almost nothing quite like opening the pages you know hold your friends and all of their adventures!

All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was. 

- Ernest Hemingway

Is he right or is he right?! That’s why it’s so great having books clubs and book blogging friends! You know you have someone to discuss this with. If you need a friend, I’m here for you, whether on twitter, Facebook or the blog :).

A good book has no ending. 

- R.D. Cumming

I bet you don’t even have to think about those books that changed your life right? That’s because they never ever leave us.

I know there are hundreds of others, but what are some of your favorites? 

I’d love to read them in the comments!

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher

-Forth Worth, Texas 1885

Discussing his broken an engagement with fiancée Elizabeth Princeton because he and the townspeople believe she is too outspoken and not tame enough to be a minister’s wife Reverend Gregory Miller learns around the campfire that opposites do attract and often marry from his fellow clergy associates. Reverends Alden, Lynch, Dawson, and Fields are overflowing with excitement to share campfire stories of couples who seem mix matches for marriage but actually are perfect mates for each other with Reverend Miller.

Spitfire Sweetheart – Mary Connealy

Saurita, New Mexico 1879- Reverend Alden shares the story of Maizy MacGregor who is a young woman living on a farm with her father and dresses in britches carrying a six-gun instead of wearing a dress, as a young woman should. Rylan Cortens is the man whom Maizy is curious about and he warns her father for Maizy to stay off his ranch because of the dangerous cattle and occasional bear sightings. Mary disobeys the warnings barely escaping attack by a huge grizzly bear, which Rylan rescues her from causing him bodily injury and confined to a bed. Maizy’s punishment is apologizing to Rylan for the trouble she created and must wear a dress while nursing Rylan’s injury and performing his chores on a daily basis during recovery. Spending an enormous amount of time together Rylan and Maizy realize not communicating true feelings towards one another may be the wrong path taken.

A Love Letter to the Editor – Robin Lee Hatcher

Killdeer, Wyoming 1879- Reverend Lynch shares his story of Molly Everton who is a featured newspaper columnist for the Killdeer Sentinel in Killdeer, Wyoming owned by her father. When Molly learns her father hires an editor named Jack Ludgrove for the Killdeer Sentinel, she makes plans to force Mr. Ludgrove away from Killdeer and the editor’s position she wants for herself. After Molly and Jack are introduced an immediate attraction between the sassy tongued columnist and the cool natured new editor is unsettling for Molly because of her dislike of the situation regarding the editor position at the newspaper. Jack made it clear to Mr. Everton he will not stay in Killdeer more than two years at most but his feelings for Molly are giving him second thoughts to stay.

A Cowboy for Katie –Debra Clopton

Midway, Texas 1871- Katie Pearl is known as Crazy Katie by the townspeople in her hometown because she has not been the same after being trapped for several days with her grandpa who died in the storm under the rubble of the ranch house due to a horrific tornado that hit the town.  The single men of Midway offer to marry Katie in order to take control of the property left to her by grandpa but Katie chases them yielding and shooting her gun. Katie hires a ranch hand named Treb who recently drifted into town looking to make money for his planned travels to other states to assist in rebuilding her home. As Treb works the ranch rebuilding the house, he discovers the basis for Katie being aloof around other people and justification behind her constant apprehension of entering buildings.

Courting Trouble – Margaret Brownley

Lone Pine, Colorado 1882- Brock Daniels is a lawyer in Lone Pine who is taken aback by a young boy named Jesse Morris wanting to retain his services to defend his mother currently in jail awaiting trial for the murder of her husband Billy-Joe. Jesse explains her current legal counsel representing several defendants in the past hanged and does not believe current counsel is the best choice. Brock accepts the criminal case of Grace Davenport and Jesse offers to work as his assistant for the courtroom juried trial. Three days of testimony from several witnesses convinces the jury to deliver a not guilty verdict for the murder charges brought against Grace Davenport by the town sheriff. The citizens of Lone Pine are relentless in believing that Grace murdered Billy-Joe and should pay for her crime but Brock and Jesse discover a witness perjured himself during his testimony regarding the final moments of the victim’s last night.

The Reverends conclude the campfire discussions and storytelling leaving Reverend Gregory Miller to make an assessment concerning the broken relationship with his fiancée and evaluate the collective advice shared with him by his clerical colleagues.

Four Weddings and a Kiss is a collection of four short stories of seemingly complete mismatched couples at first sight. These short stories are conveyed with such tenderness and grace that instills heartwarming emotions for the main characters involved in beginning relationships. I recommend reading this novel for avid readers of historical western romance who want an easy read for a lazy or rainy Sunday afternoon.

I received this novel free in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion from the Litfuse Publicity reviewer program.