Blog Tour: Rite of Rejection by Sarah Negovetich - Guest Post + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a blog tour starring a newly published author who really gives props to the blogging community...and I respect her doubly for it.  (*claps madly*)  She's introducing us to a YA dystopian world where you're pretty much told the type of person you will become...and can be banished for it. (*dun dun dunnnn*)  Ready?  Set?  Let's READ ALL ABOUT IT!  Today's spotlight shines on....

Rite of Rejection
by
Sarah Negovetich

Straight-laced, sixteen-year-old Rebecca can’t wait for her Acceptance. A fancy ball, eligible bachelors, and her debut as an official member of society. Instead, the Machine rejects Rebecca. Labeled as a future criminal, she’s shipped off to a life sentence in a lawless penal colony.

A life behind barbed wire fences with the world’s most dangerous people terrifies Rebecca. She reluctantly joins a band of misfit teens in a risky escape plan, complete with an accidental fiance she’s almost certain she can learn to love.

But freedom comes with a price. To escape a doomed future and prove her innocence Rebecca must embrace the criminal within.

Available now at Amazon, B&N, Kobo & iTunes

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ooh....now I don't know about all of you, but I'M curious.

What is this MACHINE and why would it reject her?  Hmm....perhaps I'd do better asking, who CONTROLS it and what do they have to gain by banishing her?  I do say, I find it funny that the machine pretty much creates the future it sees, sort of a self fulfilling prophecy if you will.  I mean it says so right there....she has to "embrace the criminal within" in order to escape from where they've sent her and the others. Curious indeed!

Now, before we get into the Giveaway portion of our post, let's hear from the mind behind the work, author Sarah Negovetich!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

GUEST POST:  Author Sarah Negovetich
Where the Magic Happens...

When I was a little kid I assumed the people who wrote the books I loved all wrote them at fancy typewriters (this was before computers) in huge libraries filled with heavy tomes and lots of dark, leather furniture. And if I'm being honest, this is still how I imagine some authors working, even though I know the reality of this is far from the truth for most of them.

For me, the writing process happens a bit all over the place. As a homeschooling mom of two, I grab moments of word slinging when I can grab them, but when I get to pick these are the places I do most of my novel crafting.

The bulletin board

I'm a hard core plotter. I wrote my very first novel as a pantser. Not only did it take me 18 months to crank out a first draft, the final polished book is absolute rubbish. It's not an exaggeration to say it has zero plot. After that, I read Save the Cat by Blake Snyder and was converted to the magic of note cards and a 4x10 bulletin board. Before I write a single word, I plot the whole thing out right here.

 

The desk

This is my desk, such as it is. It's more like a set of shelves, really. Wide enough to pull up a chair and write, but not really comfortable. Instead, this is more like a depository for all the "stuff" that writers seem to accumulate. Pens, notecards, folders, etc. This also becomes the dumping ground for random drafts, notebooks and random sticky notes to myself.

The chair

When it's finally "butt-in-chair" time, this is where it happens. It's big enough to have a kiddo siddled in next to me, though this definitely dappens my progress. The side table contains more notebooks and various tools, and the footstool opens up to hold whatever reference book I'm using at the moment. I thought about tidying this spot up a bit before taking the picture and then realized the random shoe and overflowing table are pretty much a constant reality.

My writing spaces are far from perfect, but that's okay. Because it doesn't matter where you do what you do, just so long as you do it. Whether you sit at a desk or your kitchen table, it can take you a couple weeks or a couple years. It doesn't even matter if you never plan to let anyone else see it. If you love to write. Write.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

About the author...

Sarah Negovetich knows you don't know how to pronounce her name and she's okay with that.

Her first love is Young Adult novels, because at seventeen the world is your oyster. Only oysters are slimy and more than a little salty; it's accurate if not exactly motivational. We should come up with a better cliché.

Sarah divides her time between writing YA books that her husband won’t read and working with amazing authors as an agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency. Her life’s goal is to be only a mildly embarrassing mom when her kids hit their teens.

You can learn more about Sarah and her books at www.SarahNegovetich.com or follow her antics on Twitter @SarahNego.

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

Well said Ms. Negovetich!
(How DO you pronounce your name by the way?  ^_^)

So, what say YOU readers?
Any thoughts, comments, or the like you wish to share?
The comments are open; speak your mind!

Once you're done with that...be sure to enter the contest below for an awesome prize pack fully in tune with the novel....

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

  #RiteOfRejection Reader Survival Pack

Prize pack includes:

Chapter 17 tissues (because that's when you'll need them), a jumbo sized chocolate bar (a hot commodity inside the PIT), an orange scented candle (courtesy of Rebecca's fondest memory from home), a dandelion pen (as featured on the cover), hand-crafted Molly bag (these are used extensively by the main characters), and a $10 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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

Special thanks to author Sarah Negovetich for the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  Be sure to keep an eye on the blogosphere for the other stops along the way and if you're curious to know more about anyone or anything, just click!  Oh and if you're following the progress on Twitter (or decide to share about the book), use the hashtag #RiteofRejection for the full scoop.

Until next time...happy reading!

Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking things in a different direction.  How so?  Oh how I LOVE how inquisitive you all are!  ^_^  The how is not in the genre, because we're still in the land of Storybooks; the how is in the review style.  Whereas I can be wordy at times, I am essentially hitting the MUTE button on myself today in keeping with the spirit of the book.  You see, it's a holiday tale that shares the joys of reading in a Frosty the Snowman type adventure...but without words.  Yep, so I suppose that makes it a PICTURE BOOK rather than a Storybook but I'll leave that for the stores to sort out for shelving purposes.  Without further ado and words (for a while anyway) from yours truly, I invite you to grab your warm jacket and hat as we are spirited away by today's book of choice...

Snowman's Story

by

Will Hillenbrand

9781477847879

Two Lions

About the book...

One wintry day, a hat lands on the head of a newly made snowman and brings him to life. Hiding inside the hat is a rabbit, who listens to the snowman read a story to some animal friends. When the snowman falls asleep, the rabbit hops away with the book. But the snowman isn't about to let his story—or the mischievous rabbit—get away. The chase is on! 

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

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

Special thanks to Deborah at Amazon Publishing for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this title to all of you.  (THANKS!)  This title is available now via Two Lions in both hardback and ebook editions.

Until next time....happy holidays and happy reading!

Chizi's Tale: The True Story of an Orphaned Black Rhino by Jack Jones

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're jumping back into the magical land of Storybooks but with a special twist.  It's actually a TRUE STORY shared in the most pleasing of forms for all ages to enjoy AND learn from.  How so?  You're about to find out.  Ladies and gents, children of all ages, Grab a spare tissue and get ready to have your eyes opened to the plight of another.  Today's book of choice is....

Chizi's Tale

The True Story of an Orphaned Black Rhino

by

Jack Jones

Illustrated by

Jacqui Taylor

9780692220429

Keras

About the book...

In Zimbabwe during a recent August, two park rangers made a surprising discovery. They found an abandoned baby black rhino, only days old. They called the park manager who, knowing the rhino could not survive alone, did something as surprising as the discovery itself: he took the baby rhino home.

Chizi’s Tale is the true story of that baby rhino. Chizi still lives with the park manager, his wife, and their children until he matures and can be released back into the wild. Written by a young author determined to share Chizi’s story as a way to help save the black rhino, Chizi’s Tale is a remarkable, moving story about an endearing and vulnerable rhino and the brave family helping him.

Black rhinos are critically endangered. Saving Chizi and then helping him to return to his natural habitat is vital to helping his species survive.

AMAZON    |     BARNES & NOBLE    |     INDIEBOUND

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

Chizi is an adorable little black rhino separated from his mother well before his time.  Why?  No one really knows but the most likely answer is poachers.  (*grr*)  You see just like elephants are prized for their ivory tusks, so are rhinos and it's not a part of themselves they can afford to lose and still go on if you catch my meaning.  So these evil poachers go out to take what's not theirs simply to make a profit while extinguishing a species from the planet.  Nice, right?  (<-sarcastic p="">

For as moving as Chizi's tale is and as endeared to your hearts he will be (oh come on, he eats vegetables, loves to lay under the air conditioner, and managed to sneak in to take a shower when the family was out and about...how can you not love him! ^_^), there are THAT many more out there that might not have a happy ending.  Again, that's where this book comes in.  The young man who would be author heard the story, but pen to paper and worked with a fantastic illustrator to SHARE Chizi's story...but that's not all.  Everyone involved wanted to make this about MORE than just themselves or making a profit, so...all the proceeds made from the sale of the book are being donated to TUSK (an organization aiding in protecting endangered species and more).  Kinda warms your heart doesn't it?

So, in the end, do I recommend this book?  Well, if not for the sheer cuteness of Chizi himself there would be nothing....oh, who am I kidding, I loved it!  As sad as it was to learn about his plight, it was wonderful to see how people stepped in to assist and though he may look like a permanent house guest, he'll actually be released back into the wild one day to live on his own as all black rhinos do.  So, yes, I absolutely, positively recommend it....for one and all!  In fact, it's not too late to get a few copies as gifts for those special readers in your life for the upcoming holiday.  *hint hint*  Just saying....  ^_^

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

About the author....

Jack Jones is a senior in high school at Brunswick School in Connecticut, where he is on the football, wrestling, and tennis teams. Every summer since he was a child, he has traveled to Africa where he has learned the importance of preserving and protecting nature. He is the youngest of four children, and he likes surfing, writing, and New York Giants football. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

About the illustrator...

Jacqui Taylor lives in Zimbabwe. She wrote and illustrated A Hong Kong ABC, An African ABC, A Baobab is Big, and The Queen of Green.

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

Special thanks to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, LLC for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this title to all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the story, the author, the illustrator, Chizi himself or his family, feel free to connect with them online at the book's official site, Facebook page or Twitter feed.  This title was released this September, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  REMEMBER, ALL THE PROCEEDS FROM THE BOOK SALES WILL BE DONATED TO TUSK, a UK and US registered charity, that works to help protect endangered species and habitats among other noble things.  Feel free to click on over to their site to learn more.

Until next time...happy reading!

Fairy Tale Murders by Kelly Money

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're jumping off the holiday train for a moment to give those of you about to go nutcracker on the next someone that wishes you a holly jolly anything, a wee bit of a break.  Trust me though, after this pick, you'll be wishing for the winter wonderland walk because the star of today's pick is nuttier than your grandmother's fruitcake.  No, REALLY!  Oh and to make it extra creepy for all the booklover's out there, fairy tales are a big theme....just not so much on the happily ever after front.  *ahem*  Anywho, let's plunge ahead, shall we?  Today's book of choice is....

Fairy Tale Murders

by

Kelly Money

9781491085783

Fideli Publishing, Inc

From the back cover...

Women are disappearing in Topeka and with each disappearance there comes another "special delivery" from a man who calls himself the Fairy Tale Murderer.  Detective Kate Kingsley searches for her missing best friend, Kristen, while hot on the trail of an emerging serial killer.  Is Kristen one of the killers "princesses" or is she simply the bait to lure Kate to her own Fairy Tale ending?

AMAZON    |    BARNES & NOBLE    |     iBOOKS

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

Let me put it simply....Stan is one messed up cookie.

There.  I said it.

*dusts hands off*

Oh, wait, you wanted MORE didn't you?

Well, since I wouldn't be one to say no to a young Oliver Twist either, I suppose I can oblige. 

Stan is one sick puppy, as is the way he treats one in the book (~shudders~) but that's a whole other story.  He fully exposes himself as the bad guy du jour from the very beginning.  I mean really, what else can one assume when he watches the man who raised him die before his eyes...or almost die, and then finishes the job.  Grant it, he was a beast in and of himself thus assisting in the creation of Stan, but still...it was brutal even though it lacked his future bloodlust.  Oh yes....there will be blood.  (-insert SAW giggle here-) 

Once Stan is unleashed, there is no end to his insatiable need and while a few good things come of his new found freedom (he grows up, finds his voice, takes care of his appearance), the negatives win in a battle of weights (killing innocents, playing in their blood, dragging storybooks into the whole mess).  Is there no end to the damage he can inflict?  Is he THAT GOOD that he can't be caught?  Not if Kate Kingsley has anything to say about it...and a say she does have.  Kate is Stan's polar opposite.  She's a hard worker (detective), loving friend, and genuine caring person...who is also persistent and ready to fight the good fight anytime anywhere.  Good thing too as she's gonna need all her wits about her with what's coming down the line...

Story wise...the fairy tale tie in was interesting, though twisted.  It definitely added another level to Stan's creep factor when he kept referring to the girl's dead mother as Sleeping Beauty.  It made the way he found his victims less random and while confusing them to no end when confronted with their "new identities", proved to provide one to Stan himself in the end.  In the end, the story holds merit and the idea is creative but to me it was too long with too much attention on Stan's growing need to feed the beast.  I mean, we get it...he wasn't shown enough attention nor respect growing up and thus didn't learn the proper outlets for relieving the stress that life can inflict, but I feel that there was an over emphasis on his darker, sexual tendencies.  Could it be my own personal reading preferences interfering?  Most likely, but that's what you asked for....my opinion; consider it given with an invitation to come to one of your own.

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

About the author....

Born in Topeka, Kansas, Kelly Money quickly learned that life in Kansas wasn't just tornadoes and yellow brick roads. Although the tornadoes were real, her excitement came from using her imagination, writing stories and poetry. Inspired by the ominous and eerie mortuary next to her aunt’s home, a love for mysteries and suspense began at the age of 7. This passion led her to Bethany College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and enjoyed playing Basketball. She has resided in Glendale, Arizona as a Realtor for over 20 years and is the Mother of 3 boys.

SITE    |    FACEBOOK    |    GOOGLE+    |    TWITTER

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

Review copy received courtesy of Carol, publishing consultant.  (THANKS!) This title is available now via Fideli Publishing, Inc in both paperback and ebook formats, so be on the lookout for it at a retailer of your choosing.  ALSO, if you embark on this adventure and wonder if there will be more (starring whom I shan't say as it would spoil the ending!), there is another book in the works.  Keep an eye on the author's site for details as they emerge.

Until next time...happy reading!

Just can't get enough of....Harlequin Books!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...and thanks for making us a part of your bookish day.

It's December.  The final month of 2014 (whoa *-*) and the last month of the official "can't get enough of" promotion from Harlequin Books!  (I say official because really, one can celebrate reading and books ANYTIME!)  Time to check those lists twice, ready the stockings for the stuffers you've been putting away throughout the year (you have, haven't you? *raises eyebrow*), hang those lights strands that without fail seem to get more tangled no matter how you put them away, and finally....RELAX and enjoy all the warmth of the season.  Funny the coldest time of year should also be the warmest.  Something to ponder there.  Anywho, we're stepping into the last phase of the "Just can't get enough of..." promotion from Harlequin with a focus on a few new titles, whilst giving you a chance to whittle down the selections to the desirable additions to your reading list (or not, the more the merrier, right?)  Ready?  Set?  Let's go! 

There's a theme for every month of the year and as mentioned there will be different titles featured throughout the coming months....some of which I'll even be reading and reviewing RIGHT HERE on the site.  Sound good?  I thought you might like it.  Now, let's see what December's "can't get enough of" theme is...

...SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS!

Aww, my heart is warming at merely the thought of what's in store.

Again, there are three titles in the spotlight this time around.
Which one peaks YOUR interest most?

The Christmas Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne

Home for the Holidays: Hope Nichols has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, except her hometown of Pine Gulch. So, when she hears that her family's property, Christmas Ranch, is set to be shut down forever, a determined Hope heads home. She refuses to let the Grinch steal her holiday; this will be the most memorable ranch Christmas ever! And, thanks to hunky former navy SEAL Rafe Santiago and his adorable nephew, she might just pull off that miracle.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Lone Star Christmas by Cathy Gillen Thacker

A Texas Christmas: Just the sight of the beautiful widow who bought the sprawling spread east of his puts Nash in the yuletide spirit. Callie and the toddler in the tyke-size cowboy hat fill his head with visions of the three of them together under one roof. That is, if Callie can let go of her past and picture a future with her one and only Lone Star cowboy!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James

Big Sky Centennial: A small town rich in history…and love: It's time for mistletoe and merriment— for everyone except Robin Frazier. As  Jasper Gulch's centennial celebrations reach their festive conclusion, her guilt is only mounting. The shy historian is hiding something—something that will affect everyone in town. And the more time she spends with pastor Ethan Johnson, creating an old-fashioned Christmas for his church, the more she realizes what this secret is costing her. He's just the kind of man her heart longs for, and his kind brown eyes seem to say he might feel the same. Can she take a chance this Christmas and reveal who she really is—and what her heart is longing to say? 

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

Curious to see which title has you donning your gay apparel and picking out the perfect tree...

Special thanks to Lisa over at Harlequin for the heads up on this promotion!  For more information on this feature as well as the title mentioned, be sure to stop by their official site.

And now....for YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Just enter below using the trusty old Rafflecopter form and TADA!  Entering couldn't be any easier.  Entries accepted through midnight 12/24/14.  Open to US residents only; no P.O. Boxes please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In the mean time...I wish you HAPPY HOLIDAYS and as always, HAPPY READING!

HOLIDAY BOOK BLITZ: Cozy Christmas Capers

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're bringing you a special post highlighting a title that will only be here as long as the holidays...in other words more time than the relatives but less than a fruitcake (~shudders~).  It has a little something for everyone and with the seasonal twist to it all, makes a great addition to your reading list or perhaps a gift to a fellow reader!  Ready to make its acquaintance?  Today's spotlight shines on....

Cozy Christmas Capers

This book will only be available December 1 – January 31, 2015!

Enjoy these 19 holiday short stories by 19 New York Times, USA Today and award winning authors!  There are tales of mystery, romance, and laughter amid the backdrop of pine trees, gingerbread men, and Santas galore!  The perfect short bites for cozying up by the fire with a cup of cocoa…or waiting in line at gift wrapping!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Stories include:

Rosolio Red (Franki Amato Mysteries) by Traci Andrighetti
Chasing Tinsel (Miranda Vaughn Mysteries ) by Ellie Ashe
Death of a Christmas Witch (A Crewel to be Kind Mini Mystery) by Diane Bator
Queenie Baby: Pass the Eggnog (Queenie Baby Mysteries) by Christina A. Burke
The Holiday Inside Job by Mary Jo Burke
Hard to Catch a Christmas Thief (Hard Targets) by Wendy Byrne
A Christmas Ghost & Zero Regrets (Dead by the Numbers Mysteries) by Jennifer Fischetto
Christmas Canapés & Sabotage (Culinary Competition Mysteries) by Janel Gradowski
Christmas in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday
Christmas Al Dente (Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries) by Jennifer L. Hart
Santa Claus, Lies, and Murder (Amber Fox Mysteries) by Sibel Hodge
A (Gingerbread) Diorama of Death (Helen Binney Mysteries) by Gin Jones
Mini Pie the Christmas Spy! (Mini Pie Mysteries) by Libby LaManna
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (Greatest Hits Mysteries) by Leslie Langtry Ornamental Danger (Working Stiff Mysteries) by Kerri Nelson
Motion for Mistletoe (Jamie Winters Mysteries) by Kelly Rey
Christmas in Venice by Maria Grazia Swan
Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Tahoe Tessie Mysteries) by T. Sue VerSteeg
Santa’s Little Mistake by Stacey Wiedower

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

So...what are you waiting for?  Click on over before you miss your chance to grab this little holiday beauty to call your own.  Need help with a link?  Your wish is granted!

GEMMA HALLIDAY PUBLISHING

AMAZON   |   BARNES & NOBLE   |    iBOOKS    |    KOBO    |    SMASHWORDS

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

Special thanks to Lori at Escape with Dollycas into a Good Book for the chance to bring this spotlight to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the title, the blitz, or those forthcoming, be sure to click through the links provided above.  REMEMBER!  This title is only available through January 31st, so don't be wishy washy...go grab your copy today!

Until next time...happy holidays...and happy reading!

Happy Holidays from Harlequin Books! - GIVEAWAY

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Here's hoping your December is starting off merry and bright.  It's amazing how fast the year is counting down, but before we get to the inevitable new year, let's frolic in all that winter and the holiday season have to offer.  From festive celebrations and frosty window panes, to sharing hot chocolate and good cheer with one and all; it never fails to bring a smile to my heart.  Even if I'm having a hard time realizing all the blessings we've been granted, this season always manages to remind me in the best ways possible.  

In keeping with the theme of spreading joy and cheer, today I bring to you, courtesy of Harlequin Books (Thanks Lisa!), a chance to win a very special prize pack!  You may have noticed the monthly features and contests running round the blogosphere (my own site included) supporting the "can't get enough of" celebration (don't worry, that's coming later this week...hehe), well this one is a little something extra.

This time around the prize pack has grown in both total book count and joy!

Let's take a peek inside, shall we?

ONE LUCKY READER WILL RECEIVE...

One mass market paperback of each of:

Christmas with the Billionaire

Maybe this Christmas by Sarah Morgan

Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne

The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak

The Lodge on Holly Road by Sheila Roberts

One copy of Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey in the digital format of your choice

One package of ornament charms

One box of Harlequin-themed gift tags

...that's one lucky little reader, wouldn't you say?

Being that this is a contest for the holidays, the time frame for entry will require you to put a little jingle in your step.  Entries are accepted TODAY through midnight, December 12th, 2014...and the winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email with their full name and mailing address to be submitted to Harlequin Books for prize send out.  (Open to NORTH AMERICAN mailing addresses only; no PO Boxes please.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So, spread the word and get your entries in now as we celebrate the season that's not about the getting (although in this case it is) but about the giving.  Oh and in the mean time, don't forget to check out Harlequin Books Holiday Hub for free reads and extras this holiday season!

Until next time...GOOD LUCK...happy holidays....and HAPPY READING!

Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

Happy holidays, everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're ushering in the month of December (OMG!  Can you believe it's DECEMBER already?!?) with the book review spotlight shining directly on a holiday enhanced addition to a fan favorite series.  Oh and I DO count myself among those fans!  Pack your bags and get ready to be snowed in!  Today's book of choice is....

Christmas on 4th Street

A Fool's Gold Romance

by

Susan Mallery

9780373778997

Harlequin

About the book....

Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of it. That's why she's opening her own store in Fool's Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that's magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush. 

Gabriel's memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugarplums, thanks to his drill sergeant father. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from an injury sounds as appetizing as last year's eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can't stop sharing. 

Gabriel didn't think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse….

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

This was another wonderful visit to the town of Fool's Gold and to tell you that truth, if I could move there, I SO WOULD!  Beyond it's picturesque beauty and well situated location, it's endearing small town qualities really take the cake.  Everyone may know everything about everybody, but they also look out for one another.  You can feel the love that surrounds, whether it be in the simple undertaking of finding the PERFECT Christmas tree (okay, not really so simple and with SURPRISING results), the plotting and planning of a secret wedding or three (so sweet!), or supporting the broken heart of a friend WITH friends, distractions, and margaritas.  Whether you're conventional (Isabel), independent (Noelle), or nontraditionally charming (Felicia), there's a place for you within this town and apparantly, a person as well.  *wink wink*  Now, how easy it is to connect with that potential person is another story altogether, but that's part of the fun...

In regards to the characters featured in this particular book, I must say....they are some of my favorites.  Gabriel with his misunderstood, war weary soul on display for the world...well, maybe just Noelle...to see.  Try as he might, he can't hide all that is eating him up inside but with the right touch, healing is within reach.  Now, Noelle is fairly opposite this gent with her firm believe in living life to its fullest, experiencing as much love as possible, and of course her ability to faint at the sight of blood (a funny coincidence considering her past).  As shares her love of life and Christmas with all of Fool's Gold from the threshold of The Christmas Attic (her awesomely adorable store), we learn that there is more to this great friend, and wonderful woman than meets the eye...as does Gabriel.  Sparks fly but will they catch fire?  Not likely with their differences of opinion but then again, Fool's Gold is the Land of Happy Endings....

So, if you're into Contemporary Romance or just seeking a convenient reason to travel back to the town of Fool's Gold, this is the perfect book to add to your Christmas reads or wish list.  Author Susan Mallery really knows how to build a sense of community (fictional or not!) that's both inviting, complicated, and filled with love stories in their many forms.  Trust me, you won't be left high and dry in this one....nor will you be wanting for story.

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

About the author...

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publishers Weekly calls Susan's prose "luscious and provocative," and Booklist says, "Novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling." While Susan appreciates the critical praise, she is most honored by the enthusiastic readers who write to tell her that her books made them laugh, made them cry, and made the world a happier place to live. Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. She's there for the coffee, not the weather.

SITE    |    FOOL'S GOLD

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

Special thanks to Lisa at Harlequin for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this title to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this release as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, pin your favorite covers over on Pinterest, or connect with them on Twitter.  This title celebrated its paperback release just last month with a special novella (Yours for Christmas) at book's end!  Be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time....happy reading!