Family by Design

I have read a well-written, and emotional book titled, "Family by Design"  by Heather Justesen,  and I think you might like to read it, also.

This is a story of Rena, a  woman, just over 30 years old, who wants to think she has everything she always dreamed of. She's a great success as an interior decorator. She's single, with no family responsibility though she does have a pleasant boyfriend. It's not that she doesn't care about this boyfriend, but she wouldn't mind if someone would come along and simply sweep her off her feet. Up until now the most exciting thing that has happened in her adult life is helping her best friend, Tucker, redecorate his flip home.

Tucker is a Marine waiting for his next deployment when he receives a call explaining that his brother and sister-in-law were killed in an automobile accident, leaving behind two young children. Tucker finds that his brother's dying wish was to have Tucker raise the children to which he totally agrees. But, he is reminded by the social worker in charge of the children that he could be deployed at any time, leaving the children without a guardian.

Knowing this, Tucker finds himself willing to do anything to keep the children, so he comes up with, what he thinks to be, a brilliant idea. . . one that involves Rena. He tells her about the children then he awkwardly proposes in a less than romantic way.  Rena immediately sees through his proposal, recognizing it to mean marriage of convenience, not of love.

But what happens in the process of  finally falling in love, is a story within itself, so I won't tell you any more   I will only leave you to find out for yourself. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.

Winners

I know I'm a day late getting back to this giveaway. That said, I'm excited to get on with the winners of the the Giveaway. But, first, I want to thank all who participated. I truly appreciate your support. After all re preceding preparations preparations, I decided that it would be fun to give away one of each of my books. Then a question popped into my mind saying: "Oh, but so many liked Journey of the Promise, couldn't you give two of those away?" I sighed and answered, "of course, why not."

 So, after that in-depth explanation the winners are:

   Primarymary is the winner of "Prince Etcheon and The Secret of the Ancient"


KSR Writer is the first winner of the "Journey of the Promise." 
Simply Kayla is the second winner of "Journey of the Promise."


Katie Amanda is the winner of "Miracles for Michael"


Truewinner is the winner of "The Silent Patriots"


Unknown is the winner of "Pages From the Past"

 Once again, thank you all for stopping by my blog. Hope to see you again soon. Have a great day.

Dreaming of Books Giveaway

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This week I'm part of the event; Dreaming of Books Giveaway. I think it would be a great idea to give away a book or two and what I think I'll do is have you read the synopsis of each one of my books then tell me which one you would like to read. Great Idea!!. So here we go:

Callie McAllister Falls in love with the perfect man and moves into the perfect house only to find that all is not perfect. In her search for answers, Callie discovers of the journal of young Antone Bellani. As she reads the experiences of her husband's great-great-grandfather, her live takes on new meaning. Soon she sets out on an incredible journey that leads her through secret rooms and hidden caves to those who have waited hundreds of years for her to fulfill a promise made in another time. Review: In Journey of the Promise, popular author, JoAnn Arnold brings to those who enjoyed her first book, another novel of adventure and intrigue. gI/AAAAAAAAAP4/IMsuK_w5dLI/s1600/Miracles%2Bfor%2BMichael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em">

A terrible accident in a strange town leaves nine-year-old Michael Downing alone and his mother hospitalized in a coma. Social workers place him in the care of wealthy, fifty-year-old, Harley-riding Samantha, and her sister, Hannah, at the request of Samantha when she finds him alone in a park, after running away from yet another foster home. As they care for him, Samantha takes him to visit his mother every day where he sings and reads to her. His voice and his spirit reach out and touch the lives of all who can hear him. When his unloving grandparents try to take custody of young Michael, Samantha and her family fight for him and help to shape his future and the future of his mother.

Etcheon always believed he would live and die in his small village that he moved to with his grandmother, Granna Fela - safe, loved and protected. But with Granna's death comes new information about Etcheon's royal heritage and destiny, which suddenly throws him in the middle of a battle against a wicked king. On the run from hideous beasts sent to kill him, Etcheon is saved by a mysterious girl, a tree with magical powers, and several amazing animals. With his new friends to protect and teach him, Etcheon undertakes a journey that will challenge his abilities and define who he needs to become - a warrior-prince charged to save his people. Yet again, JoAnn Arnold delivers a captivating tale, this time set in a mystical land filled with memorable characters that will make a lasting impact well beyond the story's final pages. Review: JoAnn Arnold has crafted a fresh, intelligent, witty tale about good and evil. Her writing has a sense of cinematic flow. The characters are well defined and delightful. Surprise awaits the reader on nearly every page. - Lyman Dayton, film producer of Where the Red Fern Grows, Against the Crooked Sky, and Seve Alone

After the death of her husband, Betsy struggles to give her own life meaning until one day her mother gives her some advice that begins to turn things around. She begins writing her weekly newspaper column again and, in one illogical moment, buys a Golden Retriever, Dorado. However, through the coming months it proves to be the best decision she ever made. When mystery begins to surround her husband's death, Dorado digs up evidence that leads Betsy and her family on a journey for the truth. Review: This novel is an edge-of-your seat story with high-tech surveillance techniques abounding to bring this story to a climax. I highly recommend this novel to everyone who enjoys science and technology with great info on our Flag mixed in. - Teri Rodeman, Washington.

Sequel to Pages From the Past Two years ago, her husband died. And Betsy's life changed forever. John's death drew her into a world she didn't know existed - a world of secret organizations where good and evil are constantly at war over the freedom of the American people. A world that constantly challenges her integrity, her loyalty to her country, and her willingness to sacrifice for what she knows is right. Now, she has been called upon to help expose a group of men who have created something so evil that they could take away the freedom of every person in the United States without a single shot being fired - without anyone even knowing there had ever been a war. Clues to the puzzle come together as Betsy and her family uncover mysterious deaths, hidden research centers, and technology so advanced that it has the power to change the world. Now, it is up to Betsy, her family, her friends, and her faithful dog, Dorado, to unveil the truth before it is too late. Review: Smashing Hi-tech thril">">ler!!!! This smashing sequel to JoAnn's Pages From the Past, left me wanting more. With bodies appearing and disappearing, you don't know what's going to happen next. I liked the adept way JoAnn weaves this hi-tech thriller with her rag-tag intellectuals using only their skills in hi-tech surveillance to thwart the bad guys. Dorado was again his ever-loving self, being a super hero with his fantastic abilities in aiding the team. JoAnn also brings in little known facts about our Constitution and Declaration of Independence. You can't go wrong with this suspense thriller with a climax that will surprise you. I couldn't put it down!!!! JoAnn is a very gifted writer and I will be reading more from her shortly. I give this a top 5 stars - Teri Rodeman, Benton City, Washington Loved every book I have read of yours!! I can't wait for the next one to come out!! Thanks!! - Amy Flake, Snowflake, Arizona 555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555 Yes, 5 books to choose from. I know this blog seems rather lengthy but it's really not. And, after you choose your book with the hope of winning, you can go to the next blog and enter there, as well. Isn't this fun!!!

Fractured Light - Author Rachel McClellan

Hi, Today I'm review a new book written by a new Author, Rachel McClellan. Though this book is a YA Paranormal, even adults will find themselves taken in because the book is so well written. It literally captures you right from the beginning and keeps you spellbound to the end. I found myself intrigued by the characters, visualizing the twists and turns of danger that enveloped them--the battles between the those of Light and the forces of darkness. Let me give you a taste of this story--hopefully just enough to cause your curiosity to compel you to read it. The main character, a teenage girl named Llona, is blessed with a special gift given to her by her mother--the gift of light. With this powerful gift she finds it difficult to blend in with those around her--to be a normal teenager. She finds herself destined to be an Aura, like her mother. Quickly, Llona learns that where there are Auras, their enemy, the Vykins, are not far behind determined to destroy all Auras. Through the dark shadows of fear, Llona learns to use this light, not only for her own protection but for the protection of others, as well. There is a romantic side to this story that blends in so perfectly. once again I have to say that this intense, amazing story will come alive for you, the reader. Don't miss out.

Best of 2011 Giveaway

Good Morning, I want to thank all of you for entering my giveaway. Isn't this fun!! There will be more giveaways to come to keep entering here. For today the winners are: (I say the winners are instead of the winner is, because I decided to select two instead of one. My reasoning is this, Devony was the first to enter and so I said to myself, "I think I'll award her for being so prompt." Next: I would like to announce that Kystal Larson is our 'pull the name out of the hat' winner. Please give these two a round of applause. Thank you. Devony and Krystal, if you will send me your addresses I'll will have your book in the mail today. Thank all of you, once again, and have a Very Happy New Year.

Best of 2011 Giveaway

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas.

I have read some excellent books this year, but the one that touched my heart was "Conversations with a Moonflower." Written by Christine Hall.

Chris's life is anything but peaceful when she returns to Cattaraugus County to clean out her deceased grandmother's home. But her life changes forever when an Amish woman invites her to watch a moonflower open. Chris never would have believed that a simple plant could lead her on such a remarkable journey--a journey that would remind her of truths she had long forgotten.

The synopsis begins your journey into a beautifully written story. Life's most profound lessons are often learned from the most unexpected sources.

I will be giving away a copy of "Conversation with a Moonflower" Hope you can come along on this giveaway

Giveaway winner

THANK YOU to all who entered my giveaway.

I find myself wanting to give away two book instead of one, so I think I will

The winners are: Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

and: Sophia Rose


Again, thank you for entering this giveaway and have a very Merry Christmas.

JoAnn