The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody (#Giveaway)



This story is perfect for winter, with it set on New Year's Eve with characters stuck in an airport waiting out a snow storm. If you haven't seen this one yet, check out all the info below...

The Chaos of Standing Still
by Jessica Brody
YA Contemporary
Hardcover & ebook, 320 Pages
November 28th 2017 by Simon Pulse

Summary

Over the course of one chaotic night stranded at the Denver airport, Ryn confronts her shattered past thanks to the charm of romance, the uniqueness of strangers, and the magic of ordinary places in this stunning novel from the author of Boys of Summer.

Ryn has one unread text message on her phone. And it’s been there for almost a year.

She hasn’t tried to read it. She can’t. She won’t. Because that one message is the last thing her best friend ever said to her before she died.

But as Ryn finds herself trapped in the Denver International Airport on New Year’s Eve thanks to a never-ending blizzard on the one-year anniversary of her best friend’s death, fate literally runs into her.

And his name is Xander.

When the two accidentally swap phones, Ryn and Xander are thrust into the chaos of an unforgettable all-night adventure, filled with charming and mysterious strangers, a secret New Year’s Eve bash, and a possible Illuminati conspiracy hidden within the Denver airport. But as the bizarre night continues, all Ryn can think about is that one unread text message. It follows her wherever she goes, because Ryn can’t get her brialliantly wild and free-spirited best friend out of her head.

Ryn can’t move on.

But tonight, for the first time ever, she’s trying. And maybe that’s a start.

As moving as it is funny, The Chaos of Standing Still is a heartwarming story about the earth-shattering challenges life throws at us—and the unexpected strangers who help us along the way.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

About the Author


Jessica Brody knew from a young age that she wanted to be a writer. She started self “publishing” her own books when she was seven years old, binding the pages together with cardboard, wallpaper samples, and electrical tape.

After graduating from Smith College in 2001 where she double majored in Economics and French and minored in Japanese, Jessica later went on to work for MGM Studios as a Manager of Acquisitions and Business Development. In May of 2005, Jessica quit her job to follow her dream of becoming a published author.

Since then, Jessica has sold over twelve novels for teens, tweens, and adults including 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, The Karma Club, My Life Undecided, and the three books in the Unremembered trilogy, the first of which is currently in development as a major motion picture by the producers of The Vampire Academy, Zero Dark Thirty, Life of Pi, and Slumdog Millionaire. In 2016, she will release two new contemporary novels, A Week of Mondays (August) and Boys of Summer (April), and in 2017, her debut middle grade novel entitled, Addie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up, will hit bookstore shelves.

Jessica also writes books for the Descendants: “School of Secrets” series, based on the hit Disney Channel Original movie, Descendants!

Jessica’s books are published and translated in over twenty foreign countries. (Click here for a full list of foreign sales and publishers.) She currently splits her time between California and Colorado.


Tour Schedule

Tour-Wide Giveaway

1 copy of THE CHAOS OF STANDING STILL by Jessica Brody
Ends December 7th

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Have you read this one or will you be?

Kicking off 12 Days of Fantasy for Christmas! (Fire Tablet & ebook #Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

12 Days of Fantasy for Christmas

We're excited to share books from 12 fantasy authors with you this holiday season! Come back here or check out one of the participating blogs each day for a different author. There is also a fabulous Fire Tablet and ebook giveaway! If you love fantasy, you don't want to miss this!

Tour Schedule

December 1st: Sarra Cannon

December 2nd: W.R. Gingell

December 3rd: Nikki Jefford

December 4th: K. D. Jones

December 5th: M. L. LeGette

December 6th: Belle Malory

December 7th: Melissa McShane

December 8th: Sara C. Roethle

December 9th: R.K. Ryals

December 10th: Jennifer Silverwood

December 11th: Melissa Wright

December 13th: Grand Finale

Books on the Tour


Tour-Wide Giveaway


1 winner will win a FIRE HD 8 TABLET from Amazon along with the following ebooks:
- TRITON'S CURSE by Sarra Cannon
- MASQUE by W.R. Gingell
- AURORA SKY: VAMPIRE HUNTER by Nikki Jefford
- A WHITE SO RED by K.D. Jones
- THE TALE OF MALLY BIDDLE by M.L. LeGette
- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
- SERVANT OF THE CROWN by Melissa McShane
- THE XOE MEYERS TRILOGY by Sara C. Roethle
- TEMPEST by R.K. Ryals
- CRAVING BEAUTY be Jennifer Silverwood
- THE DESCENDANTS SERIES by Melissa Wright
- REAWAKENED by Morgan Wylie

Open to US residents or those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area (those who are not, can receive cash value through PayPal)

Ends December 17th

His Baby Dilemma by Catherine Lanigan (Excerpt & #Giveaway)


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

I love this line of books and Catherine is an author I have loved getting to know as I've
worked with her. Check out her newest, along with an exclusive excerpt and giveaway, below...

His Baby Dilemma
(Shores of Indian Lake #9)
by Catherine Lanigan
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Summary

Must they always be continents apart?

Nobody expects Paris fashion designer Grace Railton to settle down in her Indiana town, least of all Mica Barzonni. Fifteen months ago, he turned to her for comfort and compassion following a farming accident that left him permanently injured. Then she returned to France and went silent on him.

Until, suddenly, Grace shows up on his doorstep with life-altering news. Mica, a father? He’s barely learned to navigate his postaccident life. But this could be his chance to become the man he’s always wanted to be—the husband and father Grace and their baby son need. Now Mica just has to convince her to stay.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

Excerpt

THE WALLS OF Mica’s apartment were closing in on him. His heart was racing as if he’d just lifted the John Deere tractor off its tires with both hands. He couldn’t catch his breath.

A son?

When Grace had pulled up, he’d been caught between elation and shock. For a brief moment, he’d actually thought she’d come to back to see him. That she was back in town to stay. Back in his life.

He’d been a fool.

A baby. How had he missed that? He’d known something was wrong when Grace hadn’t answered his texts and emails, though he’d chalked it up to her busy career. And when she’d continued to ignore him, his hurt had turned inward. He should have seen her silence as the red flag it was. Should have pressed her, tried to find out what was going on.

But ultimately, she was the one who should have reached out.

Told him the truth.

And to think only this morning he’d considered her an honest person.

She was about as honest as a cat burglar.

That’s exactly what she is. She swoops into town, takes what she wants from me and leaves. Then, when that doesn’t work out for her, she flies in again and deposits her unwanted “mistake” on my doorstep.

She was a piece of work.

Mica rubbed the back of his neck. Grace had betrayed him in the worst way. As contradictory as his emotions were, he mourned the loss of those precious days in Jules’s life that he’d never get back. How had Mica spent those days? He’d been here, brooding, while his son was learning to smile, to roll over, experiencing so many things for the first time. Despite all he’d lost in the accident, Mica had held on to the dream of one day becoming a father. It had been his one remaining beacon of light.

At the same time, Mica was in no position to take care of a baby. Not yet. As the youngest of four, he’d never changed a diaper. Sure, he played with his nephew, Zeke, but when he got cranky or hungry, Mica handed the baby back to Gabe or Liz.

He raked his fingers through his thick hair, hoping to hold down the top of his head so he wouldn’t explode. Grace had to be out of her mind. None of this was logical. Was it?

He paced the room. His mother was right. Jules was one cute baby. And Grace had him dressed in a little navy jacket with a matching hat. Like he was a doll. Mica would have to find baby cowboy boots. They did make them for babies, didn’t they?

A baby. My son.

Suddenly, his anger deflated and the liquid steel that had been running through his veins dissipated. He collapsed into his recliner chair. “My baby.”

A few moments later, the door swung open. Grace stood in the doorway, hands on her hips and fire in her blue eyes. Her blond hair spread over her shoulders like a veil of gold. She was stunning. He was glad he was sitting down. The pain of her betrayal crept back onto his shoulders like an iron monkey.



Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of forty published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile, as well as over half a dozen anthologies, including “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living your Dream”, “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul”, and more. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into dozens of languages including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese. Ms. Lanigan’s novels are also available in E-books on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Store, Mobi and Kobo. Several of her titles have been chosen for The Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Clubs. Her Vietnam war-based novel, The Christmas Star, won the Gold Medal Award Top Pick from Romantic Times Magazine and has also won Book of the Year Romance Gold Award from ForeWord Magazine as well as Book of the Year Romance from Reader’s Preference.

Lanigan is the author of a trilogy of non- fiction books regarding angelic intervention in human life: Angel Watch, Divine Nudges and Angel Tales published by HCI and Cedar Fort. Skyhorse published Lanigan’s “how-to” book on writing: Writing the Great American Romance Novel. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid Foundation to write a non-fiction book addressing teen addictions. Ms. Lanigan’s first Young Adult adventure novel, The Adventures of Lillie and Zane: The Golden Flute, was published by Cedar Fort.

Currently, she has published eight novels in the Shores of Indian Lake series for Harlequin Heartwarming: Love ShadowsHeart’s DesireA Fine Year for LoveKatia’s Promise, Fear of Falling, Sophie’s Path and Protecting the Single Mom. Family of His Own pubs July, 2016. She has recently contracted for one more in the series: His Baby Dilemma.

As a cancer survivor, Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. (THE EVOLVING WOMAN). She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs.


Tour-Wide Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a Prize Pack that includes: autographed copies of Family of His Own and Katia's Promise, a gold edged Paris latte mug, and hand soap in a pretty pump bottle (prize pack to US only, if international winner then gift card only)
- 1 winner will receive an ebook of  Family of His Own (open internationally)
- Ends December 13th

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Have you read any of Catherine's books? Any thoughts on this one or the excerpt?

Children of Refuge by Margaret Peterson Haddix (#Giveaway)


Children of Refuge
(Children of Exile #2)
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
YA Dystopian, SciFi, Thriller
Hardcover & ebook, 272 Pages
September 12th 2017 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Summary

After Edwy is smuggled off to Refuge City to stay with his brother and sister, Rosi, Bobo, and Cana are stuck alone—and in danger—in Cursed Town in the thrilling follow-up to Children of Exile from New York Times bestselling author, Margaret Peterson Haddix.

It’s been barely a day since Edwy left Fredtown to be with his parents and, already, he is being sent away. He’s smuggled off to boarding school in Refuge City, where he will be with his brother and sister, who don’t even like him very much. The boarding school is nothing like the school that he knew, there’s no one around looking up to him now, and he’s still not allowed to ask questions!

Alone and confused, Edwy seeks out other children brought back from Fredtown and soon discovers that Rosi and the others—still stuck in the Cursed Town—might be in danger. Can Edwy find his way back to his friends before it’s too late?

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

Praise for the Book

This is a topical thriller that brings heart and thought to the sci-fi genre. ―Kirkus Reviews

The plot twists are multiple, exciting, and completely logical… An excellent dystopian adventure for tweens. ―Booklist

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Photo Content from Margaret Peterson Haddix

Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.

She has since written more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Double Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under Their Skin duology; and The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages.

Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio. They are the parents of two grown kids.


Tour-Wide Giveaway


- 15 Winners will receive a Copy of CHILDREN OF REFUGE by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends December 22nd 2017

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I'm totally curious about this one! Have any of you read the first book?

I can't wait for... Stormcaster by Cinda Williams Chima (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)


Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

I just love this author and this series' setting! Can't wait to dive in!! It's my pick this week...

Stormcaster
(Shattered Realms #3)
by Cinda Williams Chima
YA Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 544 Pages
April 3rd 2018 by HarperTeen

Summary

From New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima comes the third gripping adventure in the Shattered Realms series, where intricately interwoven storylines converge as the warring Seven Realms struggle to unite against a horrific tyrant.

Vagabond seafarer Evan Strangward can move wind, waves, and weather, but his magical abilities can’t protect him forever from the brutal Empress Celestine. As Celestine’s relentless bloodsworn armies grow, Evan travels to the Fells to warn the queendom that an invasion is imminent.

If he can’t convince the Gray Wolf queen to take a stand, he knows that the Seven Realms will fall, and his last sanctuary will be destroyed. Among the dead will be the one person Evan can’t stand to lose.

Meanwhile, the queen’s formidable daughter, Princess Alyssa ana’Raisa, is already a prisoner aboard the empress’s ship, sailing east. Lyss may be the last remaining hope of bringing down the empress from within her own tightly controlled stronghold.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)


Will you be reading this one?

More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel (Review & #Giveaway)



I've enjoyed this author's book and those in the Timeless Romance
collections. Read my thoughts on this one and enter the giveaway below...

More Trouble in Loveland
(A Timeless Romance Single)
by Jennifer Peel
Adult Contemporary Romance, Novella, Christmas
ebook, 110 Pages
November 29th 2017 by Mirror Press 

Summary

Another Timeless Single Romance! Join Jennifer Peel for MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND. 

Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she’s looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that’s what she thinks.

First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad’s wedding. And if that isn’t bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she's suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for.

Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?

Other Timeless Romance Singles:
From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen
Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship by Kristin Holt
Starting Over at Steeple Ridge by Liz Isaacson
The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch
The Heart Only Grows by Michele Paige Holmes

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

My Review

MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND is a story with a crazy situation thrown at newlyweds whose first Christmas turns out to be memorable, but not in the way they thought. If you enjoy a good mix of humor, mayhem, and sweet romance all wrapped in a small package, then give this one a try.

I really loved these characters from the start, and thank goodness because there are some crazy characters and a few twists that shake up this story quite a bit. It was good to have characters I liked to fall back on. I did feel that Charlee and Ryan were a little bit too much of pushovers with things, making it feel a little overdone in places. The romance was super sweet with quite a bit of chemistry. Ryan is just adorable in how he treats his wife. I had to laugh at Charlee's reactions to quite a few things and the surprise she finds. I would have liked maybe a little more explanation or discussion between the two of them, but it was mostly all fun.

I do wish I'd read the first book, Trouble in Loveland, previous to this one. I think it would have made this more enjoyable. However, it still was an enjoyable read.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed this short and sweet story. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept it lively, although some of it was a little too much.

Content: Some references to a married couple, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.


Tour Schedule

Nov. 27 - Heidi Reads / KJ’s Book Nook
Nov. 28 - Wishful Endings / Joy in the Moments / Empower Moms
Nov. 29 - Getting Your Read On / Bubble Bath Books
Nov. 30 - Why Not! Because I Said So / My Book a Day / Bookworm Lisa
Dec. 1 - Katie’s Clean Book Collection


Tour-Wide Giveaway

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Have you read any of this author's other books? I've read and enjoyed quite a few, but still need to read the first book that this novella is based on.

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan (Review)

Deadly Proof
(Atlanta Justic #1)
by Rachel Dylan
Christian Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 320 Pages
September 5th 2017 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

Riveting new series offers legal suspense with a romantic twist 

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits. 

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer. 

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything-even murder-to keep the case from going to trial.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

My Review

DEADLY PROOF is a legal suspense with romance and inspirational discussions weaved throughout. Those who are fans of the genre and of this author's books will enjoy this one.

I really liked these characters. Kate is very dedicated to her job and representing those who have been hurt, such as in this case with a huge pharmaceutical company that released a drug with side effects that harmed and killed. She's very strong in her faith, but deals with her own issues. Good thing she has a few good friends to get her out once in a while. Landon took a little longer to get to know, but he's also dedicated to his job and steps up when Kate needs protection.

Their relationship felt more on the friend side as I just didn't feel the chemistry, but it was still a sweet part of the story. The religious aspect is fairly strong as conversation moves to that subject fairly early on. The suspense intensifies as the story proceeds, which is what you'd expect. I would have liked more breadcrumbs and the suspense to have been stronger. Some parts of the legal case were interesting, but also not quite authentic and I wanted that part to be stronger. There could have been better streamlining of the story. I didn't need an epilogue with Ethan and I didn't need everyone to be peachy—it's okay to have a few things not end happily.

I am curious where the author will take the series. I'm thinking it will be one of Kate's girlfriends next, which I'd be good with. Hopefully with the suspense a little more intense and some chemistry I can get into a little more.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, I enjoyed this. The characters were likable and the story was sweet, but I also did want more development in some areas.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

About the Author


Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. In addition, Rachel writes the Danger in the Deep South including "Lethal Action" and "Devoted Defender," which appeals to fans of edge of your seat romantic suspense. Rachel also writes the Windy Ridge series including "Trial & Tribulations" and "Fatal Accusation." These legal thrillers with elements of spiritual warfare are great for fans who enjoy books by Peretti or Dekker. "Trial & Tribulations" was a Selah finalist in 2016. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids-two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers.

Find out more about Rachel at http://www.racheldylan.com.



Have you read any of this author's other books? Do you read inspirational suspense?