Tuesday, June 25, 2013

MY OWN MR. DARCY by Karey White--COVER REVEAL







After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth's life changes when Matthew Macfadyen's Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren't Mr. Darcy enough.

Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she's dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she's forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.






Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.




















a Rafflecopter giveaway

AN UNLIKELY MATCH by Sarah M Eden--Book Buzzin'

AN UNLIKELY MATCH by Sarah M Eden. Another great one by Sarah that I'm so excited to read.


It isn't every day an impoverished young gentleman inherits a sizable fortune and an estate. Nickolas Pritchard, not only impoverished and young, but a gentleman as well, felt his luck acutely the day just such a remarkable inheritance fell upon him.
The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed . . . except for the ghost.
For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived — and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.
A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.
But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?
Blurb taken from DesertBook.com

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Happy Belated Father's Day

I am behind on so many things in life at the moment, but I'm working on it. But, when I saw this video, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it and thank all of the men in my life. My dad, my husband, my sons, my grandparents, my in-laws, my friends (those who are fathers, hope to be fathers, or are examples to cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors—I'm pretty sure that covers everyone), and all those who have had an influence in my life. Take the time to watch this short video and be sure to thank someone.


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

LIVING YOUR COVENANTS EVERY DAY by Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt--Interview & Book Buzz

living covenants
When I saw this book tour, I had to join it. I knew Jennifer back at Arizona State University forever ago. I don't know if she'd remember me or not, but I loved her then and I'm excited to read her book. Be sure to take a look at not only her book blurb, but the interview she did for us. :)





Living Your Covenants Every Day The little things we do on a daily basis don’t just matter—they can make all the difference. Intentional daily acts focused on covenant-keeping will bind us to the Savior as we are deliber- ate and determined to follow Him in small and simple ways. Drawing upon the teachings and lives of ancient and modern prophets, author Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt identifies patterns of truth that encourage increased commitment to covenant relationships while diminishing the binding grip of the adversary. Included are chapters on the need to be consistent in covenant- keeping, on recognizing Satan’s tactics and lies, on undoing self-destructive routines, on the role of the Spirit to help us both feel and follow promptings, and on the power of daily scripture study and prayer in establishing habits that reinforce and sup- port our commitment to the Savior.





Jennifer p
 

Author Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt is currently an assistant visiting faculty member at Brigham Young University and a recent addition to Deseret Book’s Time Out for Women events. A former seminary and institute instructor, she earned a PhD from Arizona State University in lifespan developmental psychology, focusing on women and social issues. She is married to Jed Platt, and the couple lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

What made you decide to become a writer?

From the time I was a little girl I loved to write. My mother really nurtured my creativity and encouraged me to write as it helped me to express myself. Overtime I had some really amazing teachers who didn't follow all the rules and just let us write. One high school creative writing teacher turned on his mixed tapes of music and let us write for the entire hour. I still think of him every time I hear Christopher Cross' "Sailing". (Did I just totally date myself!?!) Writing is cathartic for me.

Who inspires you?

David Bednar is one of the most skilled writers and speakers I've ever come across. His capacity to state truth clearly while inspiring and motivating application of what he is teaching is incredible. I've made a serious study of his approach for nearly 10 years now. Not only does he stir me to act on what he is teaching but he always leaves me curious as to how he organized his words to create such profound, individual experiences. His ability to communicate to all levels of learners truly ignites a passion in me. 

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing? 

My hope is that my writing is clear and easy to digest but thought provoking enough that it spurs application.  

Where did this idea come from? 

The pursuit of my doctoratal degree was a profound and life changing experience for me. Few days passed that I wasn't thoroughly intimidated and inadequate. Early on I was drawn to methods and theories that made sense to me so I practiced them in my daily routine. It made all the difference so I decided to write about it with the desire to help others as they face the challenges of life.

Any advice for aspiring authors? 

Write a little bit everyday… make it a part of your daily life and be consistent at it. Ask others to read your work and be humble as you receive their feedback.

What can we expect next from you? 

I'm playing with a couple of ideas about for similar books about obedience, gatherings, or the stewardship of time. I know those are broad topics but what appeals to you? Let me know on my Facebook page…https://www.facebook.com/JenniferBrinkerhoffPlatt?ref=hl

Where can we purchase your book? Deseret Book, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles 

THANKS, JENNIFER!


  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/27/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway

living covenants tour





 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Summer of a Million Gifts

Check this out!





Deseret Book Kicks-off a Summer of a Million Gifts

Prizes include an 8-day cruise, a missionary wardrobe, a wedding reception, and daily gifts


Deseret Book is looking to give back this summer with its Summer of a Million Gifts. The store’s customers can anticipate random daily in-store gifts and an opportunity to win one of three grand prizes.

In June, one lucky customer will win an 8-day Caribbean Cruise with Alex Boye, British-born LDS singer and songwriter, courtesy of Morris Murdock Travel. In July, another will win a missionary wardrobe courtesy of Mr. Mac. And in August, one couple will win a wedding reception courtesy of Temple Square Hospitality. 

The giving will take place online and in person at every store throughout the summer months. Each day on Deseret Book’s official Facebook page and in Deseret Book stores, an associate will give a gift to at least one customer a free pass to Lagoon theme park, double Platinum points, a free book at check-out, an act of service, or some other free prize. 

More information about the Summer of a Million Gifts can be found online at DeseretBook.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/deseretbook, or in any of Deseret Book’s retail locations.


There's also a $50 rafflecoptor giveaway too.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pretty incredible if you ask me. Be sure to participate. I know I will. (June 13-30)

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I, SPY by Jordan McCollum--Book Buzz/Tour

We're celebrating the launch of I, Spy! Read on to find out more about the book, get a cool spy tip for your daily life and download a free gift! Then find I, Spy on A mazon, Kobo, and JordanMcCollum.com!

About the Book


Canada is probably the last place you'd expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa
has its deadly secrets—and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation. It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy? She can make this work, too—until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn't the only thing suffering. Now to save her secrets and her country, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves. More about I, Spy | Add I, Spy to your Goodreads to-read list!

Advance praise

The edge-of-my-seat undercover operations kept me turning pages, and just when I thought the story would go one way, plot twists sent it down another path. Thrilling, adventurous, and romantic, this book has it all for an Alias fan.
Jami Gold, award-winning author
Jordan McCollum’s debut novel is a delightful combination of mystery, action, and romance. Talia’s CIA training and almost OCD caution feed her quirky humor while exposing her very human fears and insecurities. Add in her boyfriend Danny, and it's enough to twist your heart.
Donna K. Weaver, author of A Change of Plans
Clever, suspenseful, and charged with political intrigue and romance, I, Spy is the perfect combination for a fun and captivating read!
Michelle Davidson Argyle, author of Monarch

About the author

An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don’t want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most—she’s a mom. Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

Hone your spy skills

What happens when an asset turns to you for relationship advice? You all get a surprise: and here's an exclusive I, Spy Extra: a bonus scene inspired by Bonnie's suggestion!
I commit the intel to memory, but I can’t take my eyes off my asset’s bouncing knee. Sitting in this cheap motel room chair, Nikita has practically danced his way across the room over the course of the last half hour. (Yeah, it’s actually a man’s name.)
I appreciate him keeping a respectful distance, but something isn’t right. It seems like Nikita’s just about done spilling his guts for today, but his body language has been off all night.
And that could be really bad news — especially for me.
His last little morsel of information limps to its conclusion, and he starts making noise, flicking his fingernails off one another.
“Are you feeling okay about this?" I ask. Not that I want to give him the chance to back out, but it’s not too late.
“Yes, yes," he rushes to reassure me. Too quickly?
My paranoia meter redlines. Yep, really, really bad news. It could be anything from nerves about going back to Russia to do this whole spying thing for real to guilt over betraying his country — to guilt over setting me up. Laying a trap.
I practically have to bolt myself to the edge of the rock hard bed to keep from checking the windows.
No. No. I throw the proverbial wet blanket over the panic embers smoldering in my brain. I’m going to stay in control of the situation by staying in control of myself.
I hope.
I’ve been through this before. I do know how to handle it — I can address my worries by addressing his.
“Ready to meet with your contact in Perm?" I try. “He’s a good guy." (Yeah, never met him.)
Nikita waves a hand. “Of course, yes."
“I think you’ll do fine. I’m sure of it." Tactic/topic two.
He shrugs with his lips. “I expect no trouble."
Well, that makes one of us. “You seem a little worried."
Now his gaze drifts away. Evasive. Crap, crap, crap.
“Can I ask you question?" His eyes snap back to mine.
I decide to spare him the correction and the second-grade smart-aleck answer, settling for a nod.
“You are a woman, yes?"
“Last I checked."
Nikita knits his eyebrows together. Should’ve spared him the smart-aleck answer to that one, too, I guess. “Why do you ask?"
He stands, and my muscles jump to attention, ready to spring up if he comes at me. Not that I don’t trust the guy but . . . okay, I don’t trust the guy.
After two rounds of pacing, my stomach winding tighter with his every turn, Nikita stops and drops onto the bed, sitting next to me.
I’ll give him three seconds to see what he does before I run.
He leans closer. “I need to ask you something."
I just stare at him.
“About a relationship."
“Uh . . ."
“As a woman."
I leap to my feet, practically halfway to the door before I manage to say, “Whoa." My Russian is better than his English, so I switch. “This is not why we’re meeting, Nikita. It’s not allowed."
He furrows his brow again.
“There are rules about these things."
Nikita’s eyes narrow a millimeter, like he can’t possibly fathom that idea.
“I mean, we can’t — you and I can’t — especially I can’t — " I can’t make my brain and my mouth get along. “Aren’t you married?" I finally blurt out.
“Yes, Tara." (My cover name. Super good disguise for Talia, I know.) “I mean a question about my relationship with my wife."
I stand there, dumbfounded, for way too long. “Oh. Oh." I look like an idiot. “Oh." And now I sound like one.
Trying to recover some tiny shred of dignity (and appearance of sanity), I settle into the chair Nikita just left. “I’m not sure I’ll be much help."
Especially since my usual advice about relationships is Don’t.
“My wife . . . it would be hard for her to know I’m doing this."
“Then don’t tell her." Duh.
Nikita’s eyebrow storm turns from worry to consternation. “She would like that even less."
I glue my lips together. I will not say what I’m thinking. Even though it would totally be the thing to do in Russia. Or the US.
I will not tell him to divorce her.
Nikita’s gaze falls to his hands, tapping his fingernails against one another again. “I wouldn’t want to lose her."
My heart drifts downward, like a helium balloon with a slow leak. Yeah, it’s pretty darn cute he cares that much about his wife — enough to say it to me, even, machismo and all. But at the same time, I can’t ignore that little pinprick of Why couldn’t my parents have felt that way?
It’s been almost twenty years, and I hate that I’m not over it.
But right now, Nikita’s waiting for an answer.
I got nothing. I mean, literally. I’ve been in one relationship over the last five years, and it was a horri
I commit the intel to memory, but I can’t take my eyes off my asset’s bouncing knee. Sitting in this cheap motel room chair, Nikita has practically danced his way across the room over the course of the last half hour. (Yeah, it’s actually a man’s name.)
I appreciate him keeping a respectful distance, but something isn’t right. It seems like Nikita’s just about done spilling his guts for today, but his body language has been off all night.
And that could be really bad news — especially for me.
His last little morsel of information limps to its conclusion, and he starts making noise, flicking his fingernails off one another.
“Are you feeling okay about this?" I ask. Not that I want to give him the chance to back out, but it’s not too late.
“Yes, yes," he rushes to reassure me. Too quickly?
My paranoia meter redlines. Yep, really, really bad news. It could be anything from nerves about going back to Russia to do this whole spying thing for real to guilt over betraying his country — to guilt over setting me up. Laying a trap.
I practically have to bolt myself to the edge of the rock hard bed to keep from checking the windows.
No. No. I throw the proverbial wet blanket over the panic embers smoldering in my brain. I’m going to stay in control of the situation by staying in control of myself.
I hope.
I’ve been through this before. I do know how to handle it — I can address my worries by addressing his.
“Ready to meet with your contact in Perm?" I try. “He’s a good guy." (Yeah, never met him.)
Nikita waves a hand. “Of course, yes."
“I think you’ll do fine. I’m sure of it." Tactic/topic two.
He shrugs with his lips. “I expect no trouble."
Well, that makes one of us. “You seem a little worried."
Now his gaze drifts away. Evasive. Crap, crap, crap.
“Can I ask you question?" His eyes snap back to mine.
I decide to spare him the correction and the second-grade smart-aleck answer, settling for a nod.
“You are a woman, yes?"
“Last I checked."
Nikita knits his eyebrows together. Should’ve spared him the smart-aleck answer to that one, too, I guess. “Why do you ask?"
He stands, and my muscles jump to attention, ready to spring up if he comes at me. Not that I don’t trust the guy but . . . okay, I don’t trust the guy.
After two rounds of pacing, my stomach winding tighter with his every turn, Nikita stops and drops onto the bed, sitting next to me.
I’ll give him three seconds to see what he does before I run.
He leans closer. “I need to ask you something."
I just stare at him.
“About a relationship."
“Uh . . ."
“As a woman."
I leap to my feet, practically halfway to the door before I manage to say, “Whoa." My Russian is better than his English, so I switch. “This is not why we’re meeting, Nikita. It’s not allowed."
He furrows his brow again.
“There are rules about these things."
Nikita’s eyes narrow a millimeter, like he can’t possibly fathom that idea.
“I mean, we can’t — you and I can’t — especially I can’t — " I can’t make my brain and my mouth get along. “Aren’t you married?" I finally blurt out.
“Yes, Tara." (My cover name. Super good disguise for Talia, I know.) “I mean a question about my relationship with my wife."
I stand there, dumbfounded, for way too long. “Oh. Oh." I look like an idiot. “Oh." And now I sound like one.
Trying to recover some tiny shred of dignity (and appearance of sanity), I settle into the chair Nikita just left. “I’m not sure I’ll be much help."
Especially since my usual advice about relationships is Don’t.
“My wife . . . it would be hard for her to know I’m doing this."
“Then don’t tell her." Duh.
Nikita’s eyebrow storm turns from worry to consternation. “She would like that even less."
I glue my lips together. I will not say what I’m thinking. Even though it would totally be the thing to do in Russia. Or the US.
I will not tell him to divorce her.
Nikita’s gaze falls to his hands, tapping his fingernails against one another again. “I wouldn’t want to lose her."
My heart drifts downward, like a helium balloon with a slow leak. Yeah, it’s pretty darn cute he cares that much about his wife — enough to say it to me, even, machismo and all. But at the same time, I can’t ignore that little pinprick of Why couldn’t my parents have felt that way?
It’s been almost twenty years, and I hate that I’m not over it.
But right now, Nikita’s waiting for an answer.
I got nothing. I mean, literally. I’ve been in one relationship over the last five years, and it was a horrific, scarred-for-life experience (as if I wasn’t already scarred enough).
And then my stupid, stupid brain digs up another face. A newer face. A chance to move past the past?
“Is there anything I can do?" Nikita asks.
When an asset needs your help, you play whatever role that requires, from psychoanalyst to bank teller, from philosopher to Dr. Phil. I give the best advice I have: “Have her meet your case officer — just as a new friend. That way she’ll know who you’re out with, and she won’t be suspicious."
Nikita slowly smiles, then nods. Yep, I’m a genius.
Maybe one of these days I’ll figure out my own relationship problems.
Right.
fic, scarred-for-life experience (as if I wasn’t already scarredh enough).
And then my stupid, stupid brain digs up another face. A newer face. A chance to move past the past?
“Is there anything I can do?" Nikita asks.
When an asset needs your help, you play whatever role that requires, from psychoanalyst to bank teller, from philosopher to Dr. Phil. I give the best advice I have: “Have her meet your case officer — just as a new friend. That way she’ll know who you’re out with, and she won’t be suspicious."
Nikita slowly smiles, then nods. Yep, I’m a genius.
Maybe one of these days I’ll figure out my own relationship problems.
Right.

The clue!

As part of the debut of I, Spy, Jordan is hosting a contest to figure out the song that inspired the story. Collect clues at each blog stop and use your spy skills to piece together the clues to win a $25 Amazon gift card! How to enter The clue for this stop is:
The singer-songwriter duo behind the I, Spy song later recorded and toured with two members of the Monkees.

The freebie!

Thanks for participating in this launch tour! As a free gift this week, Jordan is giving out free copies of Mr. Nice Spy, an I, Spy prequel novella. Simply to go http://JordanMcCollum.com/store/<;/a>. You can also get 40% off I, Spy!