A Hidden Affair by Pam Jenoff

Jordan Weiss' world fell apart when Jared, her college boyfriend, drowns in the River Cam. Now, ten years later, Jordan is an intelligant officer for the U.S. State Department, and recently asked to be moved to the embassy in London. There, she can help take care of her ailing friend, but Jared's best friend Chris begins questioning Jared's death and soon Jordan receives new information that Jared has faked his death. She quits her job and begins her search - she needs answers. Why did he fake his death? Why did he not contact her and let her know he was alive? She is still grieving for him..

When photographs lead her to a blonde woman called Nicole, Jordan queries about Jared but she denies it. Then when she goes back to try again, Nicole is gone. A Israeli called Aaron is also chasing Nicole, and soon Jordan and Aaron team up to find Nicole and essentially Jared. But along their journey, they begin to have feelings for one another, even though Jordan fights her feelings for Jared. There quest takes them to answers and half way across the world, but also to danger. Is finding the answers to her questions worth her life? Will Jordan survive to decide the winner of her heart?

A Hidden Affair is a thrilling romantic suspense novel that will leave you on the edge-of-your-seat. Author Pam Jenoff's writing draws you into her world of unique and complex characters, with a page-turning plot and a dark and suspenseful mystery. There is many action sequences that will keep you hooked to the pages and the ending is heart-thumping. Definitely recommended reading to any romantic suspense fan!

The Leap of Faith by Michael Frost & Alan Hirsch - Review & Giveaway

We spend our lives developing and maintaining our lives, keeping a tight reign on the path our lives take - or at least we try to. In The Faith of Leap, Frost and Hirsch discuss how to break out of our molds and to leap into the adventure of living our lives - God's adventure.


How to face our fears and find courage and take risks are only the broad basis of the novel, but how to achieve those desires and how they can change your life is also touched upon. Dashed throughout the book are passages from scripture to substantiate their thoughts. I found much of the advice to be inspirational and motivational. This would be a great addition to any class discussions at church or for anyone who wants to put some adventure into your spiritual life.

 
 
 
 

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will win their own copy of Faith of Leap

USA Only

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment, with your email

Contest ends September 9th.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  Prize shipped direct from Minding Spot - courtesy of the sponsor.

Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger

In this newest installment of the Cork O'Connor novels, William Kent Krueger has raised his own bar. It begins with a famil vacation oon the remote Lake in the Woods, but a storm sweeps through. Cork and his daughter Jenny end up on an island, separated from the others they were vacationing with.


On this island, Cork and Jenny stumble upon an old cabin with a murdered young woman within. She wasn't killed by the storm, but has been bound, tortured and shot in the head. Further investigation on the island reveals a baby, hungry and alive.

Cork and Jenny want to find out who killed the girl, who the baby belongs to and find the rest of their separated party. After re-connecting with their family and friends, Cork visits the Chief of the Ojibwe for some help and is directed toward Northwest Angle, an isolated and hidden area where children used to paint during the war. There, the killer and Cork come head to head in an explosive conclusion. A thrilling story of family and secrets, Northwest Angle is a page-turning realistic read that I highly recommend to any mystery/thriller reader. I look forward to the next novel by William Kent Krueger - it will be hard to top this one!

Dael and The Painted People by Allan R. Shickman

Dael has been outcast from his people, so he asks mute Sparrow to accompany him on his new journey. Sparrow's love for Rydall isn't returned, so she agrees to go with Dael, a man who has lost his ability to love and hate.


Dael decides to travel to The Painted People, a clan he knows hardly anything about and hopefully nothing about him. When they arrive, they are greeted amicably and treated like the clan. Sparrow immediately picks up on the clans communication skills - a series of clicks, and becomes a social butterfly. She and Dael begin to take on the customs of the people and are happy.

However, since Sparrow is pregnant, the clanfolk urge them to marry and join their clan. They agree and have the ceremony and Sparrow delivers a baby boy. However, the shaman of the red people isn't pleased with Dael's abilities. He tames wild animals, can start fires, cooks with herbs and has healing powers. He is afraid he will take his prominent position.

Dael, although beginning to feel again, still sees the ghost of an elderly woman he murdered. When Dael attacks the shaman, when the shaman attacks one of Dael's pet crows, their lives in the clan of The Painted People is precarious. Can Dael show the shaman he means no harm and will Dael be able to put his violent past behind him?

Dael and the Painted People is another remarkable read from Allan Shickman. The details are intricately wrought, bringing this ancient time (cavemen times) to life. The customs, the way of life and the characters are intriguing and memorable. Allan Shickman's books are consistently engaging and surprising and I highly recommend Dael and the Painted People.

Carmex Prize Pack Winner

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Laurie (lmurley2000) - CONFIRMED*

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In My Dreams Nurture Book Tour‏

ABOUT THE BOOK

It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown; dreams that would come true; detailed premonitions of how people would die. This time she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found...dead.

Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she is safe, and as a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he hasn't died.

Lizzy must learn to pull on her inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?

MY THOUGHTS

A debut YA novel, In My Dreams,  is in a word, Wow! Lizzy's world is shattered when she learns of her boyfriend Michael's death. But in her dreams, she can be with him.  From him she learns that she is in danger, and Michael does all he can to keep her safe, but it hard to do when he is dead and only living in that state inbetween.  She learns that Michael was murdered and the killer won't stop until Lizzie is dead too.  The love Lizzy and Michael have is precious and beautiful and the author reveals these emotions poetically and with flair. I found myself wanting them to remain together, even though one is dead. Their love is that grand. A page-turning romantic suspense, I can't wait to see what Cameo has in store for us next!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Cameo Renae Rosete, but as an author, I go by Cameo Renae (It was actually my husbands idea). I am married to my best friend and we have two beautiful children together (teenagers now). They have been my encouragement and constant support through this whole process. Oh...and did I mention critics! In a good way though...

Writing actually relaxes me. When I started In My Dreams, I never thought it would turn out the way it did. I really had no plan and no structure. I just wrote...and it became. I love watching paranormal shows, ghost stories, anything with vampires or angels, and great love stories...I guess that's why In My Dreams came out the way it did.

I am in the process of writing my next book, which is the first in a Paranormal Trilogy. We'll see what the future holds. Whatever it is...I'm up for the challenge.

http://cameorenae.com/

http://cameorenae.blogspot.com/

NEXT TOUR STOP:  Jump over to Juniper Grove to get her thoughts on the book!

Bold & Beautiful Flip Flops Vinyl Decal for Teens Product Review

Aren't these the cutest flipflops? My daughter received this decal and had a hard time deciding on whether to put it on her bedroom mirror, her school locker or her binder.  She ended up putting it on her binder that she carries to every class.  Many of her friends have admired it and asked where to get their own. 

It's very vibrant and colorful and easy to apply.  It simply peels from a backing and adheres to a smooth hard surface.  Once you smooth out the bubbles, you simply lift off the clear top coating.  It looks hip and fun!

MecaBrush offers these flipflops, but also other great decals! You can put them on your car window, as I've seen so many do.  There are a million places to be creative with decals and you can also get them personalized!

Want to try them yourself?

Save $1.00 off any order - Use Code meca1264 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

After the Party by Lisa Jewell

Jem and Ralph are blissfully in love and make the perfect couple. But several years later, it's not going so well. They fell in love at an art gallery so it's bad karma that Ralph feels he has lost his sense of artistry. His paintings just don't look or feel the same and Jem feels like she is Ralph's wife and the children's mother - she's lost who she is.


When Ralph decides to go to California to spend some time with his old friend Smithy, Jem is livid. They have a baby and responsibilities - but she allows him his time to go. But while he is away, she begins a flirtation with a virtual stranger. It puts a bounce back in her step.

When Ralph returns, they have another child and they try to work things out between them, but the sparks are gone. They decide to separate and see how things go. They share the children and Jem's career blossoms as well as her health and a fling with a younger man. Or so it seems. She worries about Ralph, they never talk anymore, but she is finding out who she is not attached to him. Ralph misses Jem but tries to find his muse - he ends up spending time with an old man and having a fling with a young American.

However, when Ralph fails to pick up the kids one week, Jem is frantic. What if something happened? What if there is no second chance? Can they be together without losing themselves in their relationship?

After the Party is a close look at what happens after the sparks dim, when reality sets in. Jem and Ralph are unique and complex characters whose personalities complement one another, even if they take different paths to reach their goals. Jewell's writing is captivating and a breath of fresh air. A wonderful tale about marriage, parenthood and starting over, readers of chicklit will devour this one!

Iron House Winner

Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  Thanks to the sponsor for this giveaway!!

abfantom - CONFIRMED

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Sweet Tea and Secrets by Nancy Naigle Review & Giveaway

Jill Clemmons left the small town of Adams Grove a year ago for the big city lights of Savannah. She moved in with her boss Bradley and is very successful at her new job of fundraising. When she finds out her beloved grandmother has passed away, Jill hightails it back home.


Pearl is the only family Jill has left and she is devastated at the loss. Garrett Malloy, Jill's ex-fiance, keeps popping in to help her, although she doesn't need his help. She's envious that Garrett is living the dream that she and he and talked about and planned together for years.

On top of the devastation of losing her grandmother, Jill's boss and live-in boyfriend, Bradley, keeps issuing demands that Jill come home. He wants her by his side for business and doesn't understand her wanting to stay in the small town. Also, there have been several break-ins in the area, where crime is very low and no one locks their doors. But when Jill and her big dog Clyde are locked into the attic, the word spreads like fire through the town and everyone is soon locking their doors.

When Pearl's will is read, Garrett and Jill are shocked. In order to inherit the land and the house, they must live together for thirty days. Pearls is adamant that they belong together even if they are too pig-headed to realize it. But when their lives become endangered, will Jill and Garrett realize their love for one another is worth fighting for?

Sweet Tea and Secrets is a heart-warming romance set in the south with a twist of suspense. Attention to the details really sets the scenes and the quaint town, reminding me of my own small town upbringing, where everyone knows everyone and all of the gossip. Character development is exceptional and the story is adequately paced, keeping this reader entranced in their lives and their struggles. Nancy Naigle has written a beautiful and entertaining novel sure to appeal to romantic suspense fans. I found it delightful and highly enjoyed it!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will win their own copy of Sweet Tea & Secrets!

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment with your email

USA Only.  Contest ends September 6th.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.

The Watchman Of Ephraim by Gerard de Marigny

Christian 'Cris' Stephen De Niro lost his wife in the terrorists attacks on 9/11. Since, he has been raising their boys alone. He's a billionaire and one of the most respected businessmen in the world, so when he called his brother-law Ricci, ex-SEALS, to help him head up an anti-terrorism consulting firm, he knew he wouldn't say no.

De Niro and his newly assembled team work quickly to turn their newly acquired ground zero building into The Watchman for the United States. However, when they begin to investigate a twenty-five million dollar transfer, thought to be a connection between an Iranian businessman and a Mexican drug cartel, things begin to get dicey.

Ricci loves his sister, but she is gone. He consistently points out beautiful women to Cris, urging him to date again - the boys need a mother. But they are also both very good at their jobs and when one of their own goes missing, the stakes heat up.

Across the United States and across the border, De Niro never relents on his driven quest to counteract terrorism. His past is tragic but he doesn't let his personal beliefs affect his work ethics. The character development is insightful and well-rounded, lending credence to the fast-paced story. Gerard has definitely done his homework as it shines through his writing. De Niro is a multi-faceted character that I enjoyed watching develop and unfold and look forward to reading more of. Gripping, determined and fierce characters, a solid plot and stellar writing turn The Watchman of Ephraim into a top-notch thriller. Don't miss the next installment due out in September, Signs of War!

Blog - www.GerarddeMarign.com/


Facebook - www.facebook.com/Gerarddem/

Twitter - @GerarddeMarigny

Gourmet Pretzel Winner

Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.

Renee Grandinetti - CONFIRMED

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Galilee Silks Review & Giveaway

Galilee Silks is located in the northern part of Israel, but they do have distribution centers in the United States. It is a leading silk designer specializing in hand-painted and handmade raw silks.  I recently had the opportunity to review one of their products and I have to say I am very pleased!!

I received this Silk Vest and it is simply gorgeous. I wore it to the office over a nice black tshirt and it was fabulous.  The craftsmanship is superb in assembling this garment, but what I loved the most was the design.  It is hand-painted and no other product is alike. It's stunning - the colors are rich and vibrant. I love it!

Galilee Silks offers more than just clothing though.  They also have jewelry, Jewish tablecloths, handbags and more!! A wide variety to select from and you can enjoy knowing that no other person will have the same product as you - they are all individually crafted and painted. Need a unique gift? Try a silk wine bottle cover! 

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will received a $50 Gift Certificate to Galilee Silks!!

MANDATORY ENTRY

Tweet: Check out these great hand made fashions http://www.galileesilks.com/ and join the giveaway http://bit.ly/prAQdW @mindingspot
(You can also just tweet this post)
Leave Link and Email

BONUS ENTRY

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Contest ends September 3rd.  Winner has 48 hours to reply to email or a new winner will be selected.  Prize shipped direct from sponsor.  I received a product sample to facilitate this review but all thoughts and opinions are expressly my own.

The Winter's in Bloom by Lisa Tucker

David and Kyra Winter are blissfully happy.  However, they are very protective parents.  They consistently are looking at their home and surroundings to make sure the environment is safe for their son Michael.   Michael doesn't have any friends; he is homeschooled and not allowed out to play often.

However, on one sunny afternoon, blessed with a few moments of outside play, Michael disappears.  He has been kidnapped and David and Kyra are sure it is someone from their pasts.

This ensues a trip into the past for both - we learn about David's first marriage and death of his young son.  He is adamant that his ex-wife has kidnapped Michael.  We learn about Kyra's past with her sister Amy and her rocky lifestyle which leads to the sisters parting ways.

Each character is developed and unique and all mesh together to the current storyline - where is Michael? A parent's nightmare to have their child stolen from them, Tucker brings the heartbreak, drama, and the questions to the forefront of the readers mind and she does it eloquently.  A beautifully written novel that is hard to put down.  Don't miss this one when it is released in September.  The story and characters will stay with you for days after you've finished it - high marks for any writer!

Redrawn Winner: Raise Armpit Stain Remover

There was no response for the winner of the RAISE Armpit stain remover, so I have redrawn via randomizer.org.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected. Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

Jammie - CONFIRMED*

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Mugabe and the White African Blog Tour

MY THOUGHTS
MUGABE AND THE WHITE AFRICAN by Ben Freeth Ben Freeth and his father-in-law, Mike Campbell lived and farmed in Zimbabe for years, until Mugabe began his land seizure program. Mugabe wanted all whites out of his country and used whatever he could to achieve his desires.

He is an evil, evil man and this is Ben's story of how he and his family took a stand against Mugabe. The despair the family went through, the court trials, the  beatings they took from Mugabe's goons and more are discussed. One gets a closer look at President Mugabe, his
people, the land and the Tribulation.

There are pictures included that really bring this memoir home. There is also a map and the letter that Ben wrote Mugabe A well-written memoir that is compelling, emotional, engaging and distressing. This is a great companion to the award winning documentary, MUGABE AND THE WHITE AFRICAN.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Ben Freeth has an extraordinary story to tell. Like that of many white farmers, his family's land was "reclaimed" for redistribution by Mugabe's government.

But Ben's family fought back. Appealing to international law, they instigated a suit against Mugabe's government in the SADC, the Southern African equivalent of NATO. The case was deferred time and again while Mugabe's men pulled strings. But after Freeth and his parents-in-law were abducted and beaten within inches of death in 2008, the SADC deemed any further delay to be an obstruction of justice. The case was heard, and was successful on all counts.

But the story doesn't end there. In 2009 the family farm was burned to the ground. The fight for justice in Zimbabwe is far from over--this book is for anyone who wants to see into the heart of one of today's hardest places and how human dignity flourishes even in the most adverse circumstances.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ben Freeth, MBE, is a British-born Zimbabwean farmer. He has lived in Zimbabwe most of his life and is raising his three young children there, together with his wife Laura. Ben's story has already been the subject of an award-winning documentary which won Best Documentary 2009 (British Independent Film Awards), was nominated for the BAFTA Outstanding Debut Film 2010, and shortlisted for an Oscar in 2010.

Read the press release for more: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs019/1101807863309/archive/1106690411054.html/

The PBS debut of Mugabe and the White African, the award-winning documentary of the same name, was on July 26. Watch now at PBS: http://www.pbs.org/pov/mugabe/ .

Buy the Book!

NEXT TOUR STOP: My Scrappy Life

PEACE BE WITH YOU by David Carlson

9/11 is tragic and it still makes us catch our breath today. Peace Be With You is the way that monastic culture (monks, nuns, recreants) reacted to this terroristic attack and other attacks as well. It is filled with over thirty interviews with nuns, abbots, monks and others for their take on spiritualism against terrorism.


Easy to read, inspirational and insightful, Peace Be With You is about finding genuine peace. The interviews were a testament to how powerful religion is around the world, no matter what faith you follows. I found the words, "We're more at war than peace" resounding and truthful. A first-look at how the monastic culture views the terrorists and how we can find peace within, and the wisdom they deliver is profound. A very captivating and inspiring read!

The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson Audiobook Review & Giveaway

Matthew Brown brings The Fox Inheritance to life through this delightful and thought-provoking audiobook. Told through the viewpoint of Locke, his voice timbre and pitch lend believability to the character of Locke, but also expresses the other characters in a likable and easy to listen to fashion.

Jenna Fox, Kara and Locke are three friends whose lives are irrevocably changed one evening with a tragic car crash. Jenna's father, a renowned scientist, uses futuristic technology to save Jenna's life, but there is too much to fix to save Kara and Locke. He downloads their minds to a small black box and forgets about it. 

Centuries later, a scientist finds those boxes and brings Kara and Locke back to life, in different bodies. Everything has changed - it's been two hundred and sixty years. However, Jenna Fox is still alive and they will do what they can to get to her. Locke wants to rekindle their friendship, but Kara wants her to pay for losing all those centuries of her life. How is it fair she got to live and they didn't?

Fast-paced, unique world-building, fantastic characters and a solid plot weave together into this thrilling sequel of The Adoration of Jenna Fox. Fans will appreciate re-visiting the characters and learning more about their background. This riveting audiobook is hours of thought-provoking entertainment. Whether you read the book or listen to the audiobook, both are an excellent addition to the young adult genre.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will win the audibook of The Fox Inheritance!

MANDATORY ENTRY

Leave a comment with your email

BONUS ENTRY

Tweet, Facebook or Blog about this contest.  Leave link with email.  Do one or all three.  Each one is an entry!

USA Only.  Contest ends August 30.  Prize shipped direct from sponsor.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.

Don't Mess With Texas by Christie Craig

Nikki Hunt was abandoned by her parents to her nana when she was only six years old. Her mother always told her that crying made her weak, and she has never forgotten it. However, she sure feels like crying. She's flat broke and is upset that she doesn't have the money to pay for her nana's cable. So when her ex-husband Jack calls her, wanting to get back together, Nikki figures she has nothing to lose, and her wallet could use the help.

Dallas O'Connor, along with his partners, Tyler and Austin, were sent to prison for a crime they didn't commit. They are free now and want to help others in the same situation. They operate DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS Private Investigations. The work trickles in and while they are not hot on a case, they work on trying to locate the drug lord who helped frame them. Dallas' brother, Tony, is a cop and doesn't like Dallas scoping out his crime scenes.

However, Dallas is having dinner with Tony when he is called to a homicide. Dallas just wants to stay out of the way, but the blonde runs into him and vomits. There is something about her that lures Dallas, so he follows her to the hospital. She's being accused of killing her ex-husband and stuffing him in the trunk. Nikki is beyond grief and to make matters worse, her best friend Ellen is attacked at her art gallery while she is in the hospital.

Dallas wants to help Nikki, he believes she is innocent. While he helps investigate her case to prove it, he begins to fall for her. Nikki is scared of commitment, but Dallas isn't looking for forever. But when the smoke settles, will they be happy with only today?

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS is a delightful suspense-filled mystery with a sparkling cast of characters. The romance is spicy, the dialogue entertaining and there are some hilarious moments. Alongside the blossoming romance of Dallas and Nicki is Tony and LeAnn. They had a tragedy a year ago and separated. Tony tries valiantly to woo her back,  and it is heart-warming and wrenching how he does so. I highly recommend DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS! I couldn't put it down,  and I'm sure you won't either! It's absolutely charming!

Winner: Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent

A huge shout out of thanks to Tropical Traditions for sponsoring this contest! Winner has 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be selected.  Prize shipped direct from sponsor.

kygirl - CONFIRMED*

Congratulations!!