The Eclectic Reader: Give-Away

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Happy Release Day for Come Full Circle.

GIVEAWAY:
I'm very excited to offer readers of my blog the chance to win an eBook copy of Come Full Circle.

Just leave a comment to enter and ensure you're easily contactable. International Giveaway ends 19th December.
Winner will be drawn via random.org and announced on my blog.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+2 like Sherryl's Facebook Page and let me know

+2 tweet giveaway and leave a link

AND

To celebrate the launch of Come Full Circle, Sherryl is giving away a Come Full Circle Iceberg Pack. Click on the image or visit Sherryl on Facebook to enter

This includes:

1 autographed paperback.

1 ebook (so you can read on the go or share with a friend).

A $30 iTunes voucher so you can download some of the wonderful Canadian songs that were part of my writing experience.

Plus a bottle of Vodka made from the Greenland icebergs that flow down the coast of Newfoundland. Total value approximately $150.

"Imagine sitting on Rebecca’s verandah in Newfoundland, scanning the horizon for icebergs, reading Come Full Circle, listening to Jane Siberry and sipping vodka. Hopefully this prize pack comes close."

Friday, November 20, 2015

November 9 by Colleen Hoover ~ Review & Giveaway

Title: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 10th November 2015
Pages: 320
Book Source: Atria Books

Synopsis: Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

My Thoughts:

I jumped on the Colleen Hoover bandwagon just last year and 3 books in I'll happily say I'm a CoHo fan. November 9 has that unmistakable Colleen Hoover stamp ...

Maybe Someday had music, Confess had artwork and in November 9 the point of difference is the uniqueness of the story ... Fallon and Ben meet in unusual circumstances and continue to meet up each year on the same date; with absolutely no contact outside of that date.

What a wonderful mix of sweet, angsty, funny, heart-achy messiness. And that twist; did not see that coming. I don't have a problem with tragic pasts in fiction, I'm someone whose real-life past reads like a soap opera ... so November 9 #gotmerightinthefeels

I loved the bookie references, tongue-in-cheek, clever, funny but there were still things that bothered me (that note from Ben's mother was a biggie) and a couple of throw-up-in-my-mouth lines.

"Baby," he says, his lips forming a smile. "You already made this the best sex I've had and I'm not even inside you yet."

November 9 was not issue-free (for me) and yet here I am loving on it ...

Colleen Hoover's writing is just so darn addictive!!

Seriously, how the heck does she do that?

Connect with Colleen Hoover

Purchase November 9

@Amazon

@Barnes & Noble

@iBooks

@Kobo

@Google

@Nook

Giveaway:

Win 1 of 5 prize bundles of one signed copy of NOVEMBER 9 and a pair of #November9 sunglasses! Contest is open until November 30^th.

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Saturday, September 05, 2015

Review: Forever Bound by Deanna Roy + Giveaway

Title: Forever Bound
Author: Deanna Roy
Genre: Romance
Series: Forever Series #4
Publication Date: 28th July 2015
Pages: 300
Book Source: from author for review

Synopsis: Jenny is a girlfriend-for-hire, the platonic kind.

While under contract with her movie director boyfriend, glamour has ruled. Designer gowns. Red-carpet premieres. And, of course, seeing her face in the tabloids.

She loves tabloids.

But her reign has come to an end. Her sugar daddy has fallen in love -- with someone else. Her contract is over and tonight she has to end it publicly by making sure the paparazzi "catches" her with another man.

She just has to find the man.

Chance has been hitchhiking across the US, playing and singing for tips. This is the life he's always imagined, and the farther he gets from his disastrous family in Tennessee, the better he feels.

An unexpected invitation to sing with an indie blues group at a movie premiere party gives him a sweet taste of fame. As a bonus, a beautiful girl with pink dreadlocks only has eyes for him.

But the collision between Jenny and Chance is more emotional and intense than either of them expected. When the scandal hits the news, Chance's family finds him, pushing him to come home and face his demons.

The night has even more consequences for Jenny. She needs to find Chance, but nobody knows anything about him, not even his last name.

Her journey takes her across the country and into the disaster Chance is running from. But she can't give up on him, because what neither of them realized is that sometimes a single night can be the beginning of forever.

It is a standalone HEA that does not require reading any other parts of the Forever series.

Karen's Thoughts:

Well at 20% on my kindle I'm already in need of a cold shower …

And at 80% I had to force myself to close my kindle and get some sleep … if I hadn’t I would have devoured this book in one sitting.

Jenny’s contracted relationship with Frankie, her sugar daddy movie director, has come to an end. They’ve agreed that she will set up some scandalous snaps for the paparazzi ... media hype for Frankie, just in time for his upcoming movie release.

Chance is a loner and a drifter musician hitchhiking his way around the US, avoiding emotional family issues in his hometown of Chattanooga, Texas. It was really easy to fall a little bit in love with Chance when we meet him in the beginning of the story.

Jenny and Chance end up at the same Hollywood after party, Jenny on Frankie’s arm and Chance jamming with the band hired for the party. Chance immediately catches Jenny’s eye as the perfect guy for the paparazzi snaps and Chance’s attention is immediately caught by the girl with the pink dreadlocks.

I was surprised I felt such chemistry between Jenny and Chance early on considering Jenny’s reasons for seeking Chance out. The scenario didn't really scream hotness for me, more like tackiness but I instantly felt the connection and it worked in the overall story.

I seriously thought I was reading a novella I flew through this book so quickly, but when I checked the details on Goodreads Forever Bound is actually a little longer than the first book Forever Innocent. My only complaint is that I could have easily read more.

It was lovely that Corabelle and Tina were present in this novel, but Forever Bound is a standalone. I'd still recommend reading the series ... why miss out on Deanna’s other wonderful and touching novels.

Once again, Deanna’s novel offers an emotional and real life situation that families often go through. Whilst this novel isn't about infant loss, it's still about the loss of a loved one.

I highly recommend picking up a Deanna Roy novel, you won’t regret it. Just make sure the tissue box is within reach.

Guest review by Karen

Connect with Deanna Roy

Purchase Forever Bound

@Amazon

@iBooks

@Kobo

@B&N

Giveaway:

I'm thrilled to offer readers the chance to win the eBook Forever boxed set, which includes the three full-length novels leading up to Forever Bound. Just leave a comment and ensure you're easily contactable.

Extra Entries:

+ 2 tweet giveaway and leave a link

Giveaway ends 19th September and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Racing the Sun by Karina Halle - Review & Giveaway

Title: Racing the Sun
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: NA Romance
Publication Date: 28th July 2015
Pages: 384
Book Source: Atria Books/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: When I’m traveling, I feel like the secret to my life, to myself, to really becoming, is one step ahead. It’s in the next destination, the next town I get lost in, the next stranger I talk to. It’s always next but never here . . .

After six months of backpacking and soul-searching across the world, Amber MacLean is flat broke. There are worse places for a twentysomething to be stuck than the Amalfi Coast, but the only way she can earn enough money for a plane ticket home to California is to teach English to two of the brattiest children she has ever met.

It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, the young master of the crumbling villa tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.

When her position turns into a full-time nanny gig, Amber grows dangerously closer to the enigmatic recluse. But can she give up the certainty of home for someone whose closely guarded heart feels a world apart from her own?

My Thoughts:

Not just right book, right time but the perfect feel-good read for one of those not-feeling-so-good days. Which is kind of weird because this isn't a fluffy romance or even just a hot romantic romp, although it is hot. This romance has issues and I love issues.

And I read it in one sitting, which if you've been reading my blog lately you'll know how not-like-me that is ... Racing the Sun kicked my snail's pace to the curb. It was heat and heart and I loved it.

I suddenly remember where I am. Sad lemon house. Capri. New job. Traumatized twins. Hot mysterious Italian boss.

Sums it up well.

The breeze wafts in from the sea and carries the scent of fresh herbs and bracing salt and lemons, the way I imagine sunshine should smell.

When July slides into August like a hot greasy egg sliding off a frying pan, Capri becomes its most unbearable.

The descriptions of the Amalfi coast, Positano, Naples, Capri and the Villa dei Limoni Tristi had me dying for my own slice of Italy ... I settled for pizza. At least it was real Italian pizza :)

I loved Amber, she's adventurous and brave and she tells it like it is.

Somehow, and I don't know how, because that banana hammock is just begging for people to stare, I manage to tear my eyes away from him just as he looks up.

I turn around, about to ask Derio and his penis whether this is the place to go in the water, but he strides to the edge of the water and does a perfect swan dive off.

HA banana hammock :) Guys in Australia mostly wear boardies. Speedos (budgie smugglers) are so not cool. Unless you're a surf life saver or Derio.

The only thing I didn't love ... Amber's disparaging comments about her body. I hang there like a fat orangatan ... sheesh really? luckily when things heat up with Derio, she gets over herself quick enough.

"Did you feel anything?"

"No," he murmurs. "I felt everything."

Racing the Sun will have you fang-ing for Italian food. Hey, if you're not single, putting it out there that you want your very own hot Italian guy is just not on. So. Food it is.

Ciao. My bags are packed, I'm ready for Italy.

... Ok I'm off to plan my pinterest holiday.

Alrighty ... I'm heading to the Italian restaurant at the end of our street.

Connect with Karina Halle

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Purchase Racing the Sun

Amazon's Kindle

Barnes & Noble

Google ebookstore

iBooks

Kobo

Giveaway:

Check this out for a giveaway ... woohoo!

Grand prize of a $50 AMEX Gift Card + 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN and 1 copy of WHERE SEA MEETS SKY….PLUS: 6 x Runner Up Prizes of 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN.

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Thursday, July 23, 2015

Heart of the Country by Tricia Stringer ~ Review & Giveaway

Title: Heart of the Country
Author: Tricia Stringer
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: 1st May 2015
Pages: 512
Book Source: Harlequin Mira

Synopsis: Heart of the Country is the first book in an epic historical saga of three Australian families. Spanning several generations, this epic tells the story of the Baker, Smith and Wiltshire families forging their paths in a land both beautiful and unforgiving.

Lives are intertwined by love and community then ripped apart by hate and greed but remain always bound to the land they love…

1846. Newly arrived from England, Thomas Baker is young, penniless and alone. Eager to make his mark on this strange new place called South Australia, he accepts work as an overseer on a distant sheep property, believing this will be the opportunity he seeks. But when Thomas’s path crosses that of ex-convict, Septimus Wiltshire — a grasping con man hell bent on making a new life for himself and his family at any price — trouble is on the horizon.

But Thomas is made of stern stuff and his fortunes take a turn for the better when he meets spirited farmer’s daughter Lizzie Smith, and soon he envisages their future together.

But this land is like no other he has encountered: both harsh and lovely, it breaks all but the strongest. When his nemesis intervenes once more and drought comes, Thomas finds himself tested almost beyond endurance with the risk of losing everything he and Lizzie have worked for… even their lives.

My Thoughts:

My first time reading Australian author Tricia Stringer and Heart of the Country appears to be her first foray into adult historical fiction. Historical fiction being one of my favourite genres to read and me being a self-confessed-fussy-cow I gotta say, Tricia Stringer nails it!

Heart of the Country is set in the mid 1800's during pastoral settlement of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. We follow young Thomas Baker as he strikes out for 'Penakie' and a new life.

There's a wide cast of characters to love and loathe but I particularly adored Thomas and Lizzie, Gulda and Daisy and Lizzie's brothers Zac and Jacob. I laughed and cried along with them as life and the land dished out joys and hardships. I giggled at Thomas's embarrassment getting a boil lanced on his backside, sighed at the sheer vastness and beauty of our country and wished a 'bad' end on a few vile characters HA.

Stringer captures the wild beauty and ruggedness of our country, the harsh conditions and isolation, the scorching heat, drought that brings the country to its knees, the loss of livestock, the very human toll but also the camaraderie between (most) properties despite the distance. I loved the respect shown to the culture of original land owners but I also appreciated that Stringer didn't gloss over the often negative and shameful encounters between white settlers and indigenous Australians.

Heart of the Country is authentic, vibrant and colourful, full of tension, and tender moments. 500 pages flew by. No hardship reading this one ... I loved it!

I loved that Heart of the Country had a satisfying ending, no cliffhanger to torture me for a year and I can't wait to see what awaits the next generation.

Maybe a little Tricia Stringer rural romance while I wait for the 2nd installment?

Connect with Tricia Stringer

Giveaway:

I'm excited ... up for grabs 3 copies of Heart of the Country for readers of my blog. Just leave a comment telling me how Heart of the Country calls out to you?

2 x print copies - Australia

1 x eBook copy - international (Amazon gift)

Extra Entries:

+ 2 tweet giveaway and leave a link

Giveaway ends 2nd August and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Winds of Change - Blog Tour Guest Post & Giveaway with author Helene Young

Winds of Change

I’ve always pursued a career. It’s been immensely rewarding, paid the bills and given purpose to my day but, as I’m fast discovering, it’s also shaped my identity to the point where change is difficult.

I started flying in 1989 and have been gainfully employed as a pilot ever since. I worked my way through Flying Instructor ratings until I could teach all levels, including other instructors. In 1997 I joined QantasLink in Cairns and became a First Office, then a Captain. Three years on I became a Training Captain, then progressed to be a Check and Training Captain.

I loved my job and enjoyed not only flying the aircraft, but also training pilots. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the understanding dawn when the pieces fall into place. I also enjoyed being able to mentor other women in what is still very much a male dominated industry, although in QantasLink 20 percent of pilots are women – a remarkable achievement against an industry standard of 5 percent.

Two years ago I was grounded because I experienced episodes of vertigo – no one wants a dizzy pilot on a flight deck…

My manager convinced me to come to Brisbane for the role of Qld Regional Flying Manager. By then we were living aboard Roobinesque, our twelve-metre catamaran, so moving was logistically easy. My mum was living independently in Brisbane, but becoming frailer so it was a simple choice to leave somewhere I loved, and our friends, to head south and look after her.

Two years on and it’s time for another change. The pain of turning up to work every day knowing I can’t fly an aircraft hasn't really lessened with time. I know it’s just a grieving process, but I miss flying and the challenges it presents.

I’ve had to acknowledge that a 26 year career in aviation means I see myself as a pilot and that’s about to stop. I’ll be a retired pilot (although I’m technically too young for that!) who used to have the best view in the world.

Luckily I’ve been building a career as an author and we always had plans to do some extended cruising. Come July this year those plans are going to become reality.

In three days time I hang up my wings and test whether writing can be my next career - it will be a little easier to let go of aviation knowing that I’m heading to something else. Whereas Capt G is very happy to be retired, (and he’s a bit young for that too…) I know that I need to have a purpose in my life. I hope that writing will give me that focus.

We’ll sail out of Brisbane and be ‘of no fixed abode.’ It’s daunting, exciting, challenging and will hopefully pay some bills (fingers crossed!) I figure since I produced a book a year for the last six years while still working full time I may be more disciplined than I think. I’d like to produce 2 books a year, one non-fiction, one fiction, but we’ll see.

I know there’s still grieving to be done. Mum’s only just slipped away and I miss her. Leaving Brisbane brings its own sorrow, but I’ll be happy to be on the water and heading north.

There’s lots of adjusting to be done for Capt G and me. No doubt there will be some negotiating required to find our space on the boat 24/7. Settling into a new rhythm that doesn’t involved putting on a uniform or going to an office sounds like a whole lot of fun, but then I may just miss the wonderful team of people I work with. 260 pilots manage to provide many laughs, even my troublesome 1 percent...

I’ll be blogging and sharing photographs on social media as we journey so I hope you’ll join Capt G, Zeus the Salty Seadog, and me as we point Roobinesque to the horizon and see where the winds of change take us. Wish us luck!

Have you had to cope with a big change in your career or in life? How did you do it? Was it hard or an easy transition? I’d love to hear your stories.

Helene

Connect with Helene Young