Tuesday, December 30, 2014

2015 Audiobook Challenge

 

Okay, I've tried to participate in the past two years in a different audiobook challenge hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner. I did pretty well with my audios but I just didn't keep track with the challenge of 2014. I hope it will be different for me this year.



  This will be my first time participating with these ladies' challenge.


Challenge Details:

Teaser Tuesdays #97


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



My Teasers:

Monday, December 29, 2014

Audiobook: Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

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Read by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Orphaned Princess Benevolence ends up under the thumb of the conniving Queen Sophia. Locked in the castle's tower, Ben discovers a mysterious enchanted room. So begins her secret education in the magical arts. But when the castle and the country are threatened, it's up to Ben to save her kingdom from annihilation.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

My Forever: A Triple Treat Romance Boxed Set

I would like to share with you a wonderful box set with three amazing romance books:






MY FOREVER: A TRIPLE TREAT ROMANCE BOX SET
Three Bestselling Authors, Three Romance Novels, One Great Price

 Get it on Amazon

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Review: The Broken Path by Cami Checketts

Here's an exciting story by a wonderful author:

The Broken Path 
by
Cami Checketts


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Can a determined three-year old inspire them to love again?

Injured in a debilitating accident at age six, Ethan Searle believes women eye him with a mixture of pity and disdain. He's tried love before. He won't again. He meets his match in a precocious three-year old who loves him despite his disability, even while her mother seems bothered by everything about Ethan.

Autumn Reader escaped her abusive marriage with her beautiful daughter and a stack of fear. She can't make the mistake of trusting a man again. Autumn's daughter becomes enraptured by Ethan. Despite Autumn's best intentions, she finds herself following her daughter's example. When her ex-husband reappears, threatening everyone she loves if she won't submit to his demands, Autumn has to learn to trust or lose her chance at real love.



Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas 2014!



This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone. ~Taylor Caldwell
The presents are wrapped, the tamales are cooked, and the weather is a cooler than usual in Southern California.


I want to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas! 

 I hope that this holiday is filled with lots of love, joy, good health, and lots of books! Take the time to relax and enjoy your loved ones. 


I'm going to leave you with my favorite children's Christmas book: 

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto



Have a happy holiday!

 Vonnie

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Mini Reviews: More Christmas Stories!!



Christmas Day is fast approaching and I am filling my eve with many Christmas reads. Here are some great ones from three different authors:

I'll Be Home for Christmas,
  A Perfect Christmas ,

Bud's Christmas Wish

Mini Reviews: Children's Christmas Book Series by Dan Jackson



It's Christmas Eve and what better way to spend the morning but reading? Today, I got to read three children's Christmas themed books written by Dan Jackson:

Santa's Sleigh Technology,
 The Lost Christmas Gift,

If Santa's Reindeers Were Cats

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

2015 TBR Pile Reading Challenge!


2015tbr

Okay, I miserably failed 2014's TBR Pile Challenge. I accepted too many review books and life simply happened. I really need to read the books in my TBR pile, so here goes!

This challenge is hosted by the girls at Bookish.


"We all have those books. We buy them, win them, they’re gifted to us. Then we put them up on a bookshelf and there they stay, collecting dust, waiting for the time when we’ll finally decide to pick them up.

Join us on a quest to dust off your TBR Pile and read all the books you’ve been telling yourself you’ll read next time you’ll get a chance. This is your chance!"


Book Blast & Gift Card Giveaway: God Has Spoken


Here's a new Christian Fiction from Urban Books:

God Has Spoken 
by Theresa A. Campbell

There's also a giveaway at the bottom so make sure you enter!

Teaser Tuesdays #96


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Sigh...again...I haven't participated in this meme in who knows when...I need to remedy that.
My Teasers:

Monday, December 22, 2014

Mini Reviews: Christmas Broken & Snowfall



It's the holiday season and it's time for some holiday short stories. Here are two more from Rusty Fischer:

Christmas Broken


Snowfall

Book Blast & Gift Card Giveaway: Unbound Hearts



Welcome to the Book Blast of

Unbound Hearts
by Michelle Lindo-Rice

This is the second book in the Able to Love Series. It is an Interracial Christian Romance. 

Make sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom. There will be two winners!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Bout of Books 12!

Bout of BooksSo excited to be ale to participate in this one since I haven't been able to do so for the last two. Bout of Books #12 will run from January 5th to the 11th. Here's a little info what this read-a-thon is about: 


The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 5th and runs through Sunday, January 11th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 12 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team.

My goals for Bout of Books #12

Mini Reviews: Sleepless in Snowflake & Make Way for Mrs. Claus



It's the holiday season and it's time for some holiday short stories. Here are two from Rusty Fischer:

Sleepless in Snowflake

Make Way for Mrs. Claus 

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Spotlight: Rules for Riders by Natalie Scott

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(Image courtesy from Natalie Scott's Website)

Presenting a Young Adult Romance novel by Natalie Scott:

Rules for Riders

It's a coming of age story that is fast paced and it is set in the competitive world of equestrian riding. 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Spotlight: Witchcraft Couture by Katarina West

I would like to present a debut novel from Katarina West:

Witchcraft Couture

It is a Fantasy/Psychological Drama with a mixture of literature fiction and magical realism,
set in the fashion world.

 So far, it's available as an ebook but it will soon come out into print!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Book Tour Review: Winged by April Kelly


Welcome to my tour stop for this wonderful Fiction book. 

 Here you will find my review on 
Winged by April Kelly 
as well as a synopsis and excerpt on it.
I hope you enjoy!


 2014 FIRST PLACE WINNER for GENERAL FICTION - KINDLE BOOK PROMO / LUCKYCINDA INTERNATIONAL BOOK CONTEST

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: Owned by B.L. Wilde and Jo Matthews (18+)

The following book is meant for an audience of 18 years or older.


*Please be advice that this book has strong language and very explicit scenes.*

This is an erotic novella written by two talented ladies, B.L. Wilde and Jo Matthews. Check out the review and excerpt on this book, as well as check out the giveaway at the bottom. 


~ A Novella ~



Owned
By
B.L. Wilde
Jo Matthews

Monday, December 8, 2014

Fracture by D.D. Chant Tour: Review

Fracture - Tour Banner  

Hello everyone!

For this tour, I am reviewing a Dystopian book that is the first book of The Chronicles of Discord. There's also a giveaway towards the bottom, so don't forget to check that out!

   
Fracture - Book CoverIn a world torn apart by war, three nations stand divided.
 
The Free Nation
Senator Burton and his son Ben arrive in the Tula strongholds for peace talks, but find that a treaty between the two nations has a price. Confronted by a world of sedate tranquility the two men are appalled to learn that the Tula Council rules with an iron rod of fear and repression. The Council removes anyone who dares to stand in the way of their reforms and Ben uncovers a secret that puts his life in danger.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day



Did you know Saturday, December 6 is Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day?

That's right.

Author Jenny Milchman from Random House/Ballantine Mystery/Thriller established the first Saturday in December as Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day.


Please help me welcome Jenny Milchman! 

She has written a wonderful post about the meaning of this day:



Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day
A.K.A
How to Build Literacy, Support Community, & Make Magic Happen
All in One Day

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Bird of Paradise Spotlight and Giveaway


Hello Readers!

Here's a new book for all of you. It's an Adult Romance with a gorgeous cover. Make sure you check out the synopsis and excerpt on this book. 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom!


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Rorschet Salavreech was raised to believe he was unworthy of beauty until he met his student and soul mate Tangora Desjardins, a six-year-old girl who has stolen his bruised heart and brought him to his knees.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Review: A Portrait for Toni by Annette Lyon


Here's a wonderful tale from a talented author:

A Portrait for Toni
by 
Annette Lyon


http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1378495122l/18461878.jpgToni has no idea what she’d do without her best friend, Carter. Who else would she be able to vent to about her parents, her job at the dance studio, or her latest relationship woes? When Toni’s father lands in the hospital, Carter, as always, is there for her.

That is, until he starts questioning Toni, saying he thinks she has an eating disorder. Then she starts dating Clint, the hot new guy at the studio, and somehow that puts a deeper wedge between her and Carter. When she’s hospitalized after an on-stage collapse, and Carter stupidly starts in with advice about food and weight, she sends him away—then instantly regrets it.

Power-Packed Litfic Blitz & Giveaway




Here's the Promo Blitz for 
Literary Fiction Anthology 
hosted by 
Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours


This anthology is comprised of three stories by three different authors. These books sound very interesting and I hope you guys will be interested in checking them out. There's also a giveaway at the bottom, so make sure you enter.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Audiobook: The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrible Children of Ashton Place) by Maryrose Wood


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Read by Katherine Kellgren

Of especially naughty children, it is sometimes said, "They must have been raised by wolves." The Incorrigible children actually were.

Thanks to the efforts of Miss Penelope Lumley, their plucky governess, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia are much more like children than wolf pups now. They are accustomed to wearing clothes. They hardly ever howl at the moon. And for the most part, they resist the urge to chase squirrels up trees.

Despite Penelope's civilizing influence, the Incorrigibles still managed to ruin Lady Constance's Christmas ball, nearly destroying the grand house. So while Ashton Place is being restored, Penelope, the Ashtons, and the children take up residence in London. Penelope is thrilled, as London offers so many opportunities to further the education of her unique students.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Children's Book: Leo Superhero, A Sunday Morning Adventure by The Brothers

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November 28, 2013
3 - 11

A great adventure children's ebook : Leo’s Sunday Adventure begins early one Sunday morning when everybody is asleep. His cat, Milkshake, wakes him up and leads him to the kitchen where he finds something special. This is the beginning of Leo and Milkshake’s short adventure in the house and the back yard. This is a wonderful story for children.

The story teaches children the importance of patience and love of others (they will meet a cat that does not always chase mice) and they will learn how Leo improvises, creatively using objects that he has learnt about. 



Children's Short Story: Walking on Daddy's Feet by Jason Sandberg


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvGBy6K0ZIRamY-w4dDX8rqXPwmATzGYTh1nXlJ6pkvNLy5-XhJBz1bEupuHTjM10c4Xm-_-I3-dmEJenf4-KvsXMAKuE0PPo2oabPr6YAnEtS9BrQwvFU3LdJ9-iNh94mD7gOWfbZzVq/s1600/cover.99cents.jpgTitle: Walking on Daddy's Feet (99cents Short Story)

October 7, 2014 
3 - 8 

 "99 Cents" showcases the exclusive short story “Walking on Daddy’s Feet,” a lovingly illustrated rhyming picture book. "99 Cents" is also an introduction to the pet dinosaurs, pixie wings, and resourceful heroines that populate Jason Sandberg's eBooks.
  

Friday, November 28, 2014

Blog Tour w/ Top 10: Black is the Colour by Nicole Hurley-Moore

Black Is The Colour - Banner


Hello readers!
Here's an exciting book for you!

Black is the Colour 
by
Nicole Hurley-Moore

Genre: Romance, Medieval Fantasy 

Make sure to enter in the giveaway at the bottom.
 :)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Holiday Gift List Giveaway!!!

 Hi everyone!

I'm so excited to share with you a special giveaway. I was contacted by Ms. Lien from JKSCommunications- Literary Publicity who was looking to giveaway some awesome children's books. Just in time for the holidays!!!

 And guess what? There will be two winners!!!

 The first winner will receive the following:

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Sunday, November 23, 2014

Ciao! Italy 2014: Day 2 in Rome

Hi everyone!

Here's the last post that I will be sharing with you guys about Italy. I will be talking about my second trip into Rome.

There was so much to see in Rome that I wanted to go back. My friend and I decided to give it another try before we left for Palermo the following day.

Again, we were stunned at the beauty of the Piazza del Popolo when we arrived. We also noticed that there was a Leonardo da Vinci museum right there in the plaza. We wanted to go in but we decided to leave it after we visited the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Unfortunately, things didn't planned out the way we hoped.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger

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Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

Cover Reveal: Before Time by Xunaira J.

Cover Reveal Tour Banner   

Hello readers!

I am delighted to share with you the cover reveal of a new book:

Before Time by Xunaira J

This is a New Adult/Tragic Romance book. The thought that this book is "tragic" intrigues me very much because I am curious to find out as to what makes it so devastatingly sad.

Here's what the book is about:

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Ciao! Italy 2014: Day 1 in Rome



Ciao tutti! I was hoping to post this sooner but I got caught up with work. This post will be about my first trip into Rome! 

We were supposed to have traveled into Rome on the second day we arrived in Italy, but we were unable to because of the strikes. Apparently, Rome is famous for having strikes. They happen often and always at random. When a strike happens, no one works and I mean no one. All public transportation ceases and if you are in Rome, you are stuck there until the strikes are over. We were told not to go there in fear that we will not be able to get back.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Cover Reveal: My Wife's Li'l Secret by Eve Rabi

My Wifes Lil Secret - Reveal Banner  

 

Here's a new book in the Women's Fiction genre whose cover has just been revealed. 

 

What is the book about?

 

She called me the miracle in her life, I called her my Li’l treasure.

Sounds corny, I know, but I really believed I was the luckiest bastard on earth. I had the loving and supportive wife, a nurturing mother to our two precious girls, a thriving business and the future looked rosy. I was a contented man.

But overnight everything changed. My wife withdrew from me, ignored our children, and made it clear she was no longer interested in playing the role of wife and mother.

We had two children under five, they needed her. I needed her.

When her dressing began to change and she disappeared for hours, I suspected I was not enough for her. Thinking she was having an affair, I placed my wife of five years under surveillance.

What my surveillance revealed shook my world, broke my heart and exposed a web of lies and deceit.


Saturday, November 15, 2014

Audiobook: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

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Read by Susan Eriksen


Synopsis:  Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, where she endures loneliness and cruelty, and at a charity school with a harsh regime. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane's natural independence and spirit - which prove necessary when she finds a position as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre dazzled and shocked readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Ciao! Italy 2014: Workshops



Hello again, readers!

Here's another post about my adventures in Italy. This time I will be discussing about my experiences on taking the workshops with two amazing people: Ahmed Hussien and Maria Strova.

For those who have read my previous dance posts, the name Ahmed Hussien is familiar to you guys since he is our dance coach. He comes to visit us here in L.A. a few times a year and I've attended his dance camp in Kansas during the summer. So it was very exciting to be able to travel with him and especially learn from him in Italy. 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Blog Tour Review: King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court by Kim Iverson Headlee

King Arthur - Tour Banner

 

Here's a book for those who are fans of King Arthur:

King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court 

by Kim Iverson Headlee


In this post, you will find my thoughts on the book, an excerpt, as well as a giveaway at the bottom from the author. I hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Ciao, Italy! 2014: Fiano Romano

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Hey readers!

In this post, I am going to talk about the small town where I stayed at, Fiano Romano. This town is in the province of Rome and it's about 20 miles north of the city.

Vonnie exploring the town. Yes, that's a castle behind me. :)

Sunday, November 9, 2014

I'm Back from Italy!!!




Ciao, tutti!! Come va?

I returned from Italy last weekend but it took me a whole week to get back to the swing of things. Jet lag kicked my butt! Plus, I pulled my back while lugging my luggage on my way back home, thus I've been going through massage appointments to get better.

Though I am still recuperating, I brought back home many wonderful memories. I also got to grow more as a person and as a dancer. My experience was a complete blessing that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

So where did I go exactly in Italy? Well, I stayed in Fiano Romano, a small town outside of Rome, at a Bread & Breakfast. 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Jane Eyre Chapters 15-28

JANE EYRE READ-ALONG BUTTON 1


This read-along is being hosted by  


I am back!!!! As much as I loved being in Italy, it's so good to be back and talk about books! 

Since I've missed a few discussions for Jane Eyre, I figured that I will ask two questions from each week that I missed while I was gone:

Chapters 15-19

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Ciao!!! Off to Italy!



Hey everyone,

I haven't been as active lately here due to many things that are going on in my life. Dance is a big part of it and it's currently leading me to Italy. That's right, ITALY!!!

This will be my first time going out of the country (other than Mexico) and I'm super thrilled to be going to Italy, my dream country! I have been blessed to be around people who are making my dream come to reality, and the best part about it is...I get to dance!


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Not only will I be touring some incredible cities, but I get to train with two amazing people: Maria Strova and Ahmed Hussien. I am highly looking forward to it!

I will not be posting anything for the next two-in-a-half weeks, but when I do...do expect lots of posts on my trip. :)

In the meantime, ciao tutti!

Vonnie

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Blog Tour Spotlight + Excerpt: Cafe in the Park by Elodie Parkes (18+)

Cafe in the Park - Tour Banner  

Here's another book for you guys!

Café in the Park by  Elodie Parkes is a Contemporary Erotic Paranormal. So yes, this is only for an 18+ audience.


Cafe in the Park - Book Cover   

When Emily joins a dating agency, she never expects to meet someone like Chris. Everything she ever hoped for in a man, he’s special in more ways than one. Their intense attraction to each other is fueled by their shared loneliness. Will Emily find out his shocking secret when someone from his past comes back to haunt him?

Friday, October 17, 2014

Book Tour Review: Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack






After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light-two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.

Children of the Republic, Helena and Jason were inseparable in their youth, until fate sent them down different paths. Grief and duty sidetracked Helena's plans, and Jason came to detest the hollowness of his ambitions.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Book Tag: 7 Deadly Sins


I was tagged by Christina at Booksane to participate in this book tag.


How it works:

There's seven questions, each representing a 'sin' and I have to answer each 'sin' with a book(s). 


Okay, here goes...

1. Greed - What is your most inexpensive book?  What is your most expensive?

Does free count? lol
My most inexpensive book would have to be 10 cents. My library has these book sales where you pay $3.00 for a paper bag and you can fill it up with as many books as you can. I think I once walked out with 22 books. 

Monday, October 13, 2014

Jane Eyre Read-Along: Week 4

JANE EYRE READ-ALONG BUTTON 1


This read-along is being hosted by  


I was not able to participate during Week 3's discussion since I was preparing for a show. But here I am for Week 4!

1.) Jane meets her pupil, Adele Varens, in Chapter 11, and we learn more about her in subsequent chapters. How is this little girl contrasted with Jane herself, when she was a child? 

Friday, October 10, 2014

Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: Dead in a Dumpster by B.L. Blair







“I found the body on December 1st. It was a horrible way to end an already terrible day.”

When Leah Norwood finds the body of Isabel Meeks in the dumpster behind her store, she never imagined the police would consider her a suspect. Sure, she didn’t liked Isabel, but then again, neither did anyone else. Isabel had a condescending attitude and a bad reputation. As manager of the antique store, Patina, she had made a lot of enemies.