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   “Johnston’s debut spotlights romance and familial relationships, including themes like grief and self-sacrifice. It’s an ideal story for readers looking for a deep-rooted YA love story with the emotional ups and downs and poignancy of a Nicholas Sparks contemporary. There’s also a touch of wit and a sigh-worthy hero – a definite on your TBR list.”
– RT Book Reviews

Wish You Were Here

One last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away.

But the past isn’t easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.

When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…

Contemporary YA romance

Published by Kensington Publishing Corp.

Find REWIND TO YOU on Goodreads

"I love a good YA summer romance and for me, this one totally hit the spot!...I loved the journey; I loved the story; I loved the romance; I loved the little surprises and twists; and I loved the ending! Content: no language; mild violence; lots of kissing. Clean!" - Katie's Clean Book Collection

"I loved this book!...It caught my attention from the beginning and didn't let up the entire time." - Mel's Shelves

"This is a really remarkable love for me, to be honest. Definitely worth my 5 stars." - Book Inspections/Silly Readers

"Rewind to You is a fantastic young adult book. It has it all and it does it all so very well. Romance, heartbreak, loss, growth. You really can’t ask for more with a book. Laura Johnston created a little master piece in this otherwise unassuming young adult contemporary. "- Book Briefs

"This is why I LOVE reading YA! Rewind to You is a sweet romance with such awesome lyrical writing that I couldn't help but be swept up in the feelings of the characters." - A Writer's Dream

"I've read a lot of contemporary books the past two years, and I can safely say that Rewind To You is easily one of the best that I have ever read." - Justin's Book Blog

"...This was so much more than a sweet love story, it was a wonderfully done tale of learning how to deal with pain, loss, and moving on while still keeping your heart open to new experiences, new people, an new challenges." - My Guilty Obsession

"The writing is excellent and the story only deepens as the summer draws to a close, leaving the characters with resolution and the reader with a satisfying ending." - Heidi Reads

"5 out of 5...but I think it deserves another star!!! It's AWESOME!...This story was such a sad, and beautiful story all at the same time." - My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

"Laura Johnston has written a beautiful story with wonderful characters that have so much depth to them, I could have sworn they were real." - The Written Adventure

"Laura Johnston's debut novel Rewind to You is a perfect summer read ! A stunning soul touching story about finding love and forgiveness." - Lady A, Literature Junkie Extraordinaire 

"Rewind To You is a beautiful, heart touching romance. Laura Johnston deals with a subject we don't want to think about, the loss of a loved one, but she did it with heartfelt tenderness and a beautiful romance. I recommend Sienna and Austin's love story as a must read." - I Heart YA Books 

"I really enjoyed this book from Laura Johnston. The characters were solid and the story was fast paced and sweet." - Min Reads and Reviews

"This book was soooo good!" - Mylissa's Reviews and Books Thoughts

"I went through every emotion more than once. I can't find enough words to convey just how much I LOVED this book" - Crazy Four Books

ONE WEEK Until BETWEEN NOW & NEVER Releases

Less than ONE WEEK! I cannot wait to share this young adult romance with everyone. If you like clean romance with a bit of suspense and a lot of heart, add BETWEEN NOW & NEVER to your Goodreads TBR list! 

Preorder for print copies and eBook copies is available on Amazon and other online retailers.

5 Star Review on Katie's Clean Book Collection:

"Ms. Johnston has another winner! I quickly became a fan after reading her first novel, Rewind to You. I'm still a huge fan after finishing this one.

Cody is the son of an FBI agent and is repeatedly warned to stay away from drugs. Shortly after a move, he finds himself in a sticky situation and has to rely on his instincts to get out of it. Cody seems like the perfect guy--he has looks, talent on the basketball court, and money. Every girl wants him, yet he doesn't let it go to his head. I really like the way Cody is quick thinking and witty. He is able to put people at ease and gets along with all walks of life. He's very kind and isn't afraid to ask for help. He was injured in a hit-and-run and his future with sports is in jeopardy, but he doesn't let it bring him down.

Julianna is very resilient. She often wants to do things for herself, yet she always thinks of others and gives, gives, gives. She has a lot of talent, is very smart, and is also pretty much alone. With her mom in prison, her dad trying to earn a living with art, and with a distracted brother, she has to fend for herself more often than not. Her mother's dream has been to be in a beauty pageant and Julianna decides to help fulfill that dream by entering one herself. Julianna just happens to catch Cody's eye early on, but when she runs into him at school, he can't remember who she is. That certainly doesn't stop her from doing what she has to do--tutoring him.

I really enjoyed the way Cody's memory came back in flashes throughout the story. I loved the way the chapters went back and forth between Cody and Julianna's points of view. I felt like the reader was really able to get to know and understand the characters more completely that way. I was completely wrapped up in the storyline, even going so far as dreaming about it. I could visualize the settings and felt that the characters were good friends. I love the way it was all tied up together, but I do wish a few loose ends would have been resolved, since I was left with a few questions. Maybe there will be another book? I LOVED the characters. Of course, my favorite part was the romantic situations. There wasn't an insta-love--it was gradual and natural, even though an insta-attraction was there. I seriously couldn't read it fast enough, yet I also didn't want it to end. I can't wait to see what Ms. Johnston writes next!!

RELEASE DAY and a giveaway! Rewind to You--my debut is here!

The day has arrived--September 15th. Super exciting! REWIND TO YOU is now available in print as well as ebook! Time to celebrate...with a giveaway if FIVE iBook copies of REWIND TO YOU. Thank you to Kensington Publishing for hosting this giveaway (see below to enter)!


5 Stars for REWIND TO YOU by Southern Charm Book Reviews

"Laura Johnston's debut novel Rewind to You is a perfect summer read ! A stunning soul touching story about finding love and forgiveness.

Sienna and Austin are delightful characters . Austin is full of charm, that old world ,stroll down the promenade , deep south kind of charm. He's gorgeous and a total gentleman but he also has some secrets. He's hard not to love. And Sienna , struggling through some serious grief issues , still manages to be a delightful light hearted girl, looking for a way to turn her life around and find some happiness.

Together they find happiness, love and forgiveness. 

An excellent read, worthy of a five star rating."

REWIND TO YOU on Amazon

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4.5 Stars for REWIND TO YOU from RT Book Reviews

It's been too long since I've posted! My second novel, BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER, is completed and scheduled to publish with eKensington in March 2015. It has been one busy summer of writing, moving to another state, and being pregnant with #3! BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER is another contemporary YA that tells the story of seventeen-year-old Julianna Schultz and Cody Rush, the son of the FBI agent who put Julianna's mom in prison. I can't wait for it to come out!

But for now, I had to share this awesome 4.5 star review of REWIND TO YOU from RT Book Reviews!

REWIND TO YOU on Amazon

REWIND TO YOU on Goodreads

Author Interview With Jennette Green, and a GIVEAWAY!

I recently had a 24-hour obsession with a book. Couldn't put it down! The Commander's Desire by Jennette Green totally sucked me in. I started it at 8:00 pm the other night thinking I'd read one chapter and then get on with the night, go to bed early, etc... Well, I was over halfway into the novel before I finally turned out the lights at 1:00 am!

The romantic tension took me by surprise, blew me away. SO good. I appreciated that this novel was a clean romance while also being so gripping. The plot, characters and vivid writing all drew me in and held me there! I finished the book the next day. Captivating!

Today I'm excited to have Jennette here on my blog for an author interview! And don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter GIVEAWAY below to win an eBook copy of The Commander's Desire! 

First of all, let's introduce Jennette and The Commander's Desire:

Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince's battle-scarred Commander-the man who ended King Thor's life with one filthy sword thrust through the back. To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride. Worse, the wedding date will be sooner than expected. Not all is lost, however. Now she has more opportunity to be alone with him-and exact justice. But the deed becomes difficult to carry out. Fighting her innate sense of honor, she begins to see the ironclad integrity of the man behind the scars. And with this knowledge comes doubt. Did he slay her brother? What exactly is the new king's plan? Whom can she trust? Elwytha must decide well, for more than her life is at stake. Soon she must betray either allegiance to her kingdom-or the man who is quickly claiming her heart.

Jennette Green

Jennette's Website

Jennette's Facebook Page

The Commander's Desire on Amazon

The Commander's Desire on Goodreads

Welcome, Jennette! Thank you for taking the time to interview on my blog. What books inspire your writing? Can you share with us your five favorite novels?

I love romance novels by Lisa Kleypas--she writes absolutely fantastic attraction/sexual tension between characters. They can be a bit steamy, however! I prefer to write clean romances that my older teenaged daughter can read. I also love the witty dialogue of Julia Quinn’s books, and the warmth of books by Debbie Macomber and Betty Neels. Five of my very favorite romance novels are:

1. Devil in Winter, by Lisa Kleypas

2. The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheevers, by Julia Quinn

3. Here Comes Trouble, by Debbie Macomber

4. Husband Next Door, by Anne Ha

5. The Silver Thaw, by Betty Neels

I love book recommendations. Thank you! I will add them to my Goodreads. Jennette, your book drew me in and wouldn’t let go! You play with your reader’s emotions very well, keeping them hooked. Can you share your tips on writing captivating romance?

I like to place my characters in an emotionally charged dilemma; one that compels me to write and figure out exactly what will happen, and how they will resolve their difficult situation. I hope if I’m intrigued, then the reader will be, too. Sometimes, the premise for a novel just comes to me, out of the blue. Others, it’s as a result of watching several movies, or television shows. Typically, a few small things in the shows catch my imagination. From there, the ideas gel in my mind and the plot is born.

How did you come up with the premise for The Commander’s Desire? Where did the idea start?

Believe it or not, I think (it’s been about eight years ago now) the main idea for The Commander’s Desire came from a medieval movie I watched. I think it was Tristan and Isolde. One of the characters in that movie just appealed to me on some strange level. I don’t remember his name, but he was a big, hulking guy. His character, combined with aspects of Marke’s (Rufus Sewell), unrequited love for Isolde, somehow mixed together in my mind, and the character of the Commander was born. The premise of the book came at the same time.  

How awesome! I love hearing about how novels took shape. I remember watching the 2006 version of Tristan and Isolde and really enjoyed it. I am intrigued with the historical setting of your novel. I want to see Scotland someday! What kind of research did you have to do while writing this story? What was the hardest part?

I did a ton of research for the book. The hardest part was finding historical data for the time period around 715 A.D., when the book takes place. Very little information could be found, although what I did find was fascinating. King Osred of Northumbria was a debauched young man, and petty kings did fight amongst each other in Galwyddel and in other areas of Scotland at that time. It was all very intriguing!

Are any of the characters in The Commander’s Desire modeled after someone you know?

No, not really, although in some ways, Elwytha is a little like myself--a little too good at protecting her heart. :)

The Commander totally won me over. At first, I wasn’t sure what I’d think about him (like Elwytha!). By the end? Major hunk. Honestly, I can see your book as a movie. If it were to be made into a movie, would you have casting suggestions? Which actor would be your dream choice to play the Commander? Elwytha? The Prince? Elwytha’s brother, Richard? Any others?

Thank you so much for your kind words about the Commander! Over the years, I’ve been surprised and thrilled to discover that he has touched the hearts of quite a few people. A few years ago, he won a “Readers’ Favorite Hero” of the year award, which was awesome.

It’s funny that you ask about a movie, and actors who might play the parts. Back in 2009 two wonderful fans of the book, Miranda Hetherington and Clancy Fraser in Australia made a fan video trailer of the book, by putting together music and movie clips. It can be found here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIW0upII0zM

They chose great actors to play the parts of Elwytha (Keira Knightly), the Commander (Clive Owen), the Prince (Dougrey Scott), and Richard (Rufus Sewell (from a different movie--not Tristan and Isolde)). They did a fantastic job, and I feel forever grateful and blessed that they took the time to make this video trailer. It’s really something special to me.

Clive Owen                          Keira Knightley             Dougrey Scott

Congratulations on the "Readers' Favorite Hero" of the year! I'm not surprised at all. That is fantastic and well deserved. And what a neat video! I just watched it. I can totally picture those actors in those roles. Clive Owen would be perfect as well as the others. I hear you have some exciting news about The Commander’s Desire being made into an audio book. Can you tell us more?

Yes!  Currently Christy Lynn of www.CLVO.net is narrating the book--and, may I add, doing a fabulous job!!! She is really talented. The Commander’s Desire will be available as an audio book at Audible and iTunes in late September/early October 2013. 

That is great news. Thanks for sharing. Last of all, please tell me there is a sequel!

I do have notes and a few scenes for a sequel! However, they have sat on my computer for a number of years now. I’m still waiting for that special idea to gel, and bring the whole storyline together. I love Rex, and I want his story to be something unique and special. One day I do hope to flesh out the manuscript and write the sequel. 

Right now, I don’t have much time to think about that book, though, for I have about nine writing projects going on, concurrently. LOL. Crazy, I know. Most are fully written, although two are in the works. Then there are edits, etc. Now that the kids are back in school, I’m buckling down to get more books out there, which is what readers have been asking for. Currently, I’m writing the long promised sequel to Ice Baron, a science fiction romance. Besides that book, I have a historical romance, several Christian romances, including a new adult romance, and a paranormal series that has been on my heart for many, many years, and which is close to being ready to be published. It seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day. :)

Ditto on not enough hours in the day. Your passion for storytelling is evident in your writing, Jennette. Thank you for providing such a fabulous book to read and for interviewing on my blog today!

Now. GIVEAWAY time! Get as many points as you can by following the directions on Rafflecopter below. The giveaway will end Monday, September 9th, at midnight (Eastern Time). Best of luck!

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Some of Jenette's other books:

                                    Her Reluctant Bodyguard          Ice Baron

TIMESPELL Blog Tour, and a GIVEAWAY!

Guys! Seriously, I'm way excited about this post. I'm lucky to be a part of Diana Paz's blog tour for her novel, TIMESPELL. Isn't the cover GORGEOUS?! And just wait until you read the book. If you are at all tempted to buy this book (and you will be after this post), do it. I have so many great things to say about it.

Rich with conflict and captivating characters, TIMESPELL is a YA novel I won't soon forget. Great pacing. Vivid writing. Distinctive, larger-than-life characters. Humor sprinkled throughout. I loved this fresh take on everything magic. I didn't want to put it down for anything! Oh, and super-cute character Ethan? Diana, please write an entire novel about him. TIMESPELL begs for a sequel. And I will be downloading it onto my Kindle as soon as it comes out.

Magic, romance, time travel and adventure...this novel will sweep you away.

So, let's introduce TIMESPELL and author Diana Paz.

:

In TIMESPELL, the brash and impulsive Julia must team up with her sweet and straight-laced best friend, Angie, and the malicious and power-hungry Kaitlyn in order to keep the witch-like powers of her inheritance. But these powers come at a cost. The girls are bound to serve the Fates, and their first mission sends them back in time to Marie Antoinette’s Paris and eventually, into the chaos and war of the French Revolution.

Julia Corona and her best friend Angie are Daughters of Fate, destined to travel through time to battle the creatures of Mythos. It takes three Daughters to keep the creatures at bay, but when they discover the third Daughter is Kaitlyn, the bullying bad girl who tried to steal Angie’s boyfriend, suddenly a world ruled by demons doesn’t sounds so bad.

Julia is ready to kiss the magic goodbye until she meets Ethan, an intense young man who seems to know Julia better than she knows herself. Before she gets a chance to solve the mystery, the creatures of Mythos strike in Revolutionary France. The Daughters of Fate must set aside their differences and band together with Ethan to travel back in time. They have to stop the creatures, but someone close to them will betray them, making their task nearly impossible. The history books are changing, and it may already be too late.

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Diana Paz writes books about magic, adventure, and romance. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she’s a beach bum. Diana graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a highly sweetened iced coffee.

Diana's Website

Diana's Blog

Diana's Facebook Page
@dianapazwrites

Interview with Author Diana Paz

Welcome, Diana! How did you come up with the idea for Timespell?

The idea came when I thought up a scene about a pair of time-crossed lovers, and the scene wouldn’t leave my thoughts. I wrote it down, and from there everything started falling into place. The idea of two best friends, completely excited about having magic so they could travel through time to fulfill their destiny, only to realize they can only keep their power if they join with the most evil girl in school? That was too much fun not to write.

I just finished the book, Diana, and those time-crossed lovers won't leave my thoughts either! Do any of the characters personalities resemble your own, or people you know?

Even though I created the main characters as their own people, I can’t help but infuse pieces of myself, and the experiences I’ve had, in every character I write. Because of this, I would say that I can relate to each of them.

That's probably why they felt so real, so original and distinctive to me. Your characters blew me away. The main characters in Timespell have the ability to time travel. If you could time travel, would you go into the past or into the future?

Oh, that’s so tough… as much as I adore history, I’m too curious for my own good, and I would choose the future.

Gosh, I've been sitting here at my computer trying to figure out how I would answer that question myself and I still don't know. It is a tough one. Okay, so like I said above, Timespell begs for a sequel. Is Timespell a stand-alone novel or is it planned as part of a series?

Timespell can definitely be read on its own, but I wrote it with the idea of a series in mind. I’m currently working on the next book, in which the girls will be sent on a mission back in time to the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy. I’m thrilled to be joining Julia, Angie, and Kaitlyn in another adventure, especially one involving sword fights and treasure.

Hooray! You've made my day. I will be watching for that sequel. Thank you, Diana, for introducing us to your novel today.

Be sure to check out this excerpt from TIMESPELL and also enter the eBook GIVEAWAY below!

TIMESPELL excerpt

Julia

Julia didn’t know whether she was running from Brian or toward Ethan. Maybe it was both. She couldn’t get her head straight, and slowed to a stop in the dim corridor.

Yellowed wall sconces struggled to give light. The flowery carpet and glossy wood walls seemed to go on forever. How far had she gone? Did it matter? She wanted as much space between her and the ballroom as she could get before Ethan found her. She had no doubt that his protector antennae would send him her way.

The mark on her arm grew warm and she rubbed it. That must be him. Should she try to find him and get this inevitable meeting over with? It wasn’t as if she could wait in this spot forever.

She pushed herself off the wall, wondering which way to go. The long hallway stretched like a mirror image in either direction. She shivered, deciding to go left. This whole ship reminded her a little too much of the Titanic. Her stomach tightened as she headed toward one of the openings that might be stairs or might be a lounge. Or might be where some eighteenth century ghost waits for stupid girls who wander ships alone.

She glanced behind her as she gnawed on her lip, unable to help the tremor of fear in her chest. Everything she had ever heard about the steamship Queen Mary raced through her mind; that it was bigger and faster than the Titanic had been, that it had crossed the Atlantic over a thousand times before retiring... that almost seventy people died onboard. Wasn’t this ship supposed to be haunted? Where is the ballroom? I want to go back!

A figure appeared at the end of the corridor. She tripped backward, banging her head against the wall.

He stepped into the gloomy yellow light and she exhaled in relief. It was only Ethan. His eyes remained darkened by shadows, a mess of black hair falling into them.

She swallowed beneath the intensity of his stare as he moved closer.

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Review of A CHANGE OF PLANS by Donna K. Weaver

I'm back! July was an awesome month filled with trips, family and summer fun. It's nice to be back in the swing of things and blogging again. And what a fun week of posts to come back with! Today I am sharing my thoughts on Donna K. Weaver's novel, A CHANGE OF PLANS, aaaand...announcing that tomorrow Donna will be here on my blog for an author interview. Oh, and she's giving away an eBook copy of her novel. A GIVEAWAY! So be sure to stop on by tomorrow.

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old, Colorado high school teacher wants to do is forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. Lyn plans a vacation diversion; fate provides Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship's make-believe world and temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he's navigating, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn is on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs from Braedon and what he has to offer.

Their confusing relationship is bad enough, but when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions in American Samoa things get worse. Paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped and Lyn's fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.


Okay, so first of all, who can look at this cover without wanting to crack the book open? Praise to everyone involved in the cover design!  It's beautiful. And what a journey Donna K. Weaver took me on!

Lyn's emotional life is in turmoil. She is in major need of a change. And, oh, what a change she gets! Convinced by her best friend, Elle, to go on a cruise with her in the Pacific, Lyn embarks on a trip that will change the course of her life. Enter Braedon, a captivating single man Lyn can't help but notice. But her heart is still shattered and she is reluctant to let herself fall in love again.

Pirates, sharks and shipwreck raise the stakes and take the story to a new level. Honestly, I didn't want to put the book down for anything. At one point toward the end, my husband took one look at my face as I was reading and stated, "It's a great book." He knows my "reading faces" well. Bold, moving, and full of adventure, A CHANGE OF PLANS is a fun read.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for Donna's interview and the eBook Giveaway!

THE LUXE Book Review

THE LUXE by Anna Godbersen (and, wow, only $1.99 right now on Kindle!)

I’ll admit, I read a few pages of the prologue and put this book down. For months. I finally picked it back up and decided to give it another try. And I couldn’t put it down! Intriguing characters, mystery, plot, the historical setting and the romantic element are all to blame. I also didn't notice much swearing which I appreciate. While third person isn’t typically my favorite POV, I was absorbed in each of the POV’s depicted and super impressed by the variation in characters. They felt real, with unique weaknesses, strengths and issues. I only wish I could have seen Will’s POV! I was rooting for Elizabeth and her forbidden love with her gorgeous coachman (that’s Will) the entire way. I sure hope we see more of them in the sequels. I really enjoyed this novel! 

More of THE LUXE (which are on my to-read):

SOS, What Shall I Read Next?

Read any amazing novels recently? Great, please share. I have read some great books in the past couple of weeks and need help choosing my next few to read this summer! 

What a fun, romantic read! Once I got several chapters into the novel, I couldn't put it down! The dialogue was rich, the first person POV perfect, the prose entertaining, the characters relatable. I particularly enjoyed Sir Philip. Reminded me of my husband (what a catch!).

While Edenbrooke is infused with romantic tension, it is clean enough for me to recommend to family and friends of any age. And I do recommend! I look forward to Julianne Donaldson's future novels.

This book made me even more grateful for life and good health! Definitely an emotional read, which I appreciate. The Fault in Our Stars highlights the beauty, unfairness, pain, suffering, and joy life can hold in store. This story hit home for me since my dad passed away from cancer when I was a teen.

As far as content and who I would recommend this novel to...this YA novel has a sex scene (while short and not descriptive) and a weighty premise. Although the two main teen characters don't necessarily act or talk like teenagers--they acted much older--I connected with their personalities and enjoyed reading about their journey.

Have you read anything recently that you LOVED? Here are a few on my to-read list. Which do you think I should read next?

Recent Reads

 It has been awhile since I've posted the books I have read in that past few weeks! With a trip to New York and back (pictures to come), I had some extra time to read on the plane. A few of these are from authors I met at the ANWA conference in February. Others were recommendations from fellow writing friends and literary agents at the conference. So many great books and so little time :)

SING ME TO SLEEP by Angela Morrison

The characters in this book had my heart wrapped around their story. Beth undergoes a major physical transformation in this novel, but it was her internal/emotional transformation by story's end that made it so memorable. Beth discovers an outer beauty, inner beauty and an incredible talent hidden under her own mask of insecurity. And she's not the only one who notices! Enter Derrek and Scott (hotties). Both of whom I was rooting for at different parts throughout the book. I smiled, laughed and cried. Finished the book. And cried again.

SOULFIRE by Betsy Love

 I nearly finished this entire book in one sitting on a flight home from a fun trip. This book was really good.  Zephenia longs to feel God's guidance in her life, and she struggles to find a husband who shares the same desire. It has been awhile since I've read a story set in the Book of Mormon era; it was refreshing!

MAKE IT HAPPEN by Kylee Shields

 I am happily married and yet I still felt very inspired by this book. I particularly enjoyed the chapters "No Fear" and "Make It Happen." Makes me want to conquer fear, set goals and forge ahead to make them happen!

Kylee Sheilds incorporates several great LDS quotes into each element of single life she touches on while also adding her own thoughts. How frank and yet how optimistic she is! MAKE IT HAPPEN supports the importance of family while also encouraging single adults to face the future with optimism and faith, being proactive in worthy pursuits along the way.

TAKEN BY STORM series by Angela Morrison

Michael and Leesie drew me in and wouldn't let go. I read the entire series in no time, and the ending did not disappoint! This third installment of the TAKEN BY STORM series made me realize why I like Michael's character so much. Lessie saves Michael in TAKEN BY STORM. Michael saves Lessie in CAYMAN SUMMER. I loved the change that took place in both of the lead characters by the end of the series.

THE KEEPER'S QUEST by Kelly Nelson

Book 1 of The Keeper's Saga Kindle Edition for $2.99 on Amazon

I loved reading more of Chase Harper's adventures with Ellie and the magic counter that transports him through time! This series is fun, clean and engaging. 

Chase encounters a host of obstacles as he tries to finish out his senior year at Hillsboro High while also fulfilling Master Archidus' wishes as a Keeper of the Protector's counter. To make matters worse, a new beau is after Ellie, and I kinda like him! Ellie now has two great guys vying for her. Poor Chase!

Then Sniffers lead Chase into a trap with bait he can't resist... Lives and love are at stake in this second installment The Keeper's Saga. I can't wait for the third!

HAVE YOU FILLED A BUCKET TODAY? by Carol McCloud

Through sweet, simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heart-warming book encourages positive behavior as children see how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love on a daily basis.

What a sweet book! This is my latest favorite children's book. My children and I love it. My four-year-old daughter keeps paying me compliments and then says, "See Mom, I just filled your bucket!"

Currently Reading:

Have you read any of these? What is on your current to-read list?

The Heart Remembers by Irene Hannon

The Heart Remembers by  Irene Hannon 

Once upon a time, sensible Maggie Fitzgerald was a starry-eyed romantic. She'd loved Jake West from their first trembling teenage kiss, when he'd vowed to make her his wife. And she'd built her future on Jake's broad shoulders, never imagining another ending….

But Jake had left town, and Maggie had made a life for herself and two orphaned nieces without him. Until Jake miraculously happened upon her remote inn, ardent to make amends…and finally claim Maggie as his. Forgiveness came easy, for she'd never forgotten Jake. But did Maggie dare to believe, at long last, in happily-ever-after?

I found this book through Amazon after reading about Harlequin Heartwarming, a new imprint Harlequin is launching that focuses on wholesome contemporary romances, void of vulgar language and other explicit material (how cool is that!). The Heart Remembers is a sweet story of a second chance at love. To be honest, I wasn’t sure Jake West could ever redeem himself after leaving Maggie so selfishly. But he did. The setting was charming, the characters engaging. I enjoyed the message of forgiveness, and I appreciated a clean read.