Friday, June 30, 2017

Review: The Girl Who Could See by Kara Swanson

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Click here to purchase.






My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Book title: The Girl Who could See
Author: Kara Swanson
Release date: June 1, 2017
Genre: Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy/Young Adult

All her life Fern has been told she is blind to reality—but, what if she is the only one who can truly see?

Fern Johnson is crazy. At least, that’s what the doctors have claimed since her childhood. Now nineteen, and one step away from a psych ward, Fern struggles to survive in bustling Los Angeles. Desperate to appear normal, she represses the young man flickering at the edge of her awareness—a blond warrior only she can see.

Tristan was Fern’s childhood imaginary hero, saving her from monsters under her bed and outside her walls. As she grew up and his secret world continued to bleed into hers, however, it only caused catastrophe. But, when the city is rocked by the unexplainable, Fern is forced to consider the possibility that this young man is not a hallucination after all—and that the creature who decimated his world may be coming for hers.



First off, let me just say that the cover of this book is what drew me to it first!  It's stunning! :)  And then, of course, the synopsis intrigued me also.

I really enjoyed this YA Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy story about a young woman who has been labeled crazy by doctors.  Because, after all, who still sees their imaginary friend from childhood?  But Fern's friend is more than just a friend, he's a  warrior and her hero.  So is Tristan more than just imaginary and is he trying to get Fern to realize that her world is in danger?  And that what happened to his world may be about to happen to hers?

This is a gripping, suspenseful story with characters that are vivid and engaging.  I liked how real Fern's struggle was and how she overcomes her fears and finds the courage to do what she can to save her world.  I liked Tristan's  strength and selfless determination to help Fern in spite of what it might mean for him.  I got totally pulled into this novella and was engaged enough to get emotional at several points in the story.

With enough action, suspense, and danger to keep your pulse pounding, I have no doubt that you'll enjoy this story.   It's a quick read but with enough depth that I didn't realize it was a novella until after I'd read it.  :D

*Thanks to CelebrateLit for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

View all my reviews




As the daughter of missionaries, KARA SWANSON spent sixteen years of her young life in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped suddenly into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the speculative genre and was soon penning stories herself. At seventeen, she independently published her debut fantasy novel, Pearl of Merlydia. Her short story is included in Kathy Ide’s 21 Days of Joy: Stories that Celebrate Mom. She has published many articles, including one in the Encounter magazine, and she received the Mount Hermon Most Promising Teen Writer award in 2015.


Guest Post from Kara Swanson

Did you have an imaginary friend growing up? I did. And I think most of us probably understood what it was like to use our childhood imaginations to create friends and take us places.

The Girl Who Could See follows Fern Johnson, a young woman who’s imaginary friend, Tristan, first appeared in her life when she was eight years old—and has never left. Now nineteen, Fern still sees Tristan, only he is no longer her friend. Now he is her curse. The source of her insanity. The reason Fern cannot keep a job and has been passed from one psychologist to another. The reason she is one step away from a psych ward. However, Tristan disagrees. He says that he’s not a figment of Fern’s imagination and is determined to prove it. But, if his existence is real, it has dangerous implications not only for Fern, but for her world. Because the creature that decimated Tristan’s planet is coming for Earth—and only the girl everyone says is crazy can stop it.

I wrote the novella as a way to explore the idea of what would happen if someone had an imaginary friend who never left. What would the psychological and daily implications be? And what if that imaginary friend wasn’t imaginary? The story that grew from those sparks of ideas became an adventure that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I did. 🙂



To celebrate her tour, Kara is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b7f6






June 29: Genesis 5020
July 1: remembrancy
July 4: Book by Book
July 6: Baker Kella
July 9: A path of joy
July 10: Henry Happens







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Friday, June 9, 2017

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Amish Brides by Molly Jebber

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Author: Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard
Genre: Amish
Release Date: May 30, 2017

JOSHUA’S BRIDE
Molly Jebber

Madeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?



Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Book Spotlight & Cover Reveal: Shadows Over England series by Roseanna White


Let me just start by saying - I LOVE Roseanna's books! She's an awesome writer and I'm really looking forward to this new series. The first book in the series, A Name Unknown, releases on July 7, 2017. Today we have the cover reveal for the second book in the series, A Song Unheard, which is set to release in January 2018. So much excitement! :) :) 
So, let's start with some information on the first book (which I will be reviewing soon!).



A Name Unknown
Shadows Over England, 1
She’s Out to Steal His Name.
Will He Steal Her Heart Instead?
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets—now they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary’s challenge of a lifetime comes when she’s assigned to determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. How does one steal a family’s history, their very name?
Rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can’t help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the crown—so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstop pretending to be a well- credentialed historian, Peter believes she’s the right person to help him dig through his family’s past. 
Anger and danger continue to mount, though, and both realize they’re in a race against time to discover the truth—about Peter’s past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

Title: A Name Unknown | Series: Shadows Over England, Book 1 | Author: Roseanna White
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers | Release Date: July 7, 2017 |Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction



And now for the COVER REVEAL!

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Swagbucks: June Buddy Bonus


Swagbucks: Father's Day Sale




Happy Release Day & Author Q&A: With You Always by Jody Hedlund

~Check out the author's giveaway below!~







With You Always
by Jody Hedlund



A Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody Hedlund

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.



Friday, June 2, 2017

Review: The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes the Timeless Romance Singles line.

THE MATCHMAKING GAME: A brand new historical romance novella from bestselling author Donna Hatch.

Rowena’s childhood friend, Evan, has returned home from war a handsome, but mysterious stranger. In an effort to bring happiness to her father, not to mention uncover the Evan she remembers from their youth, Rowena seeks to unite their parents. Who better to match a lonely widow and widower together than their adoring children? Her matchmaking game could help their parents find happiness and draw out her childhood friend buried beneath Evan’s new reserve … or it could break more than one heart.

More Timeless Romance Singles:
FROM CAIRO, WITH LOVE by Nancy Campbell Allen (my review)
SOPHIA'S LEAP-YEAR COURTSHIP by Kristin Holt (my review)
STARTING OVER AT STEEPLE RIDGE by Liz Issacson (my review)



Thursday, June 1, 2017

Blog Hop Tour: Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAYS below!!~
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Genre: Christian, Historical
Publisher: Barbour
Publication date: June 1, 2017
Number of pages: 448

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
When a British dime novel enthusiast finds himself flat broke in Kansas, he discovers what western life and true love are all about. Barden Granville IV grew up at Cheatham Hall, Kent, England, devouring cowboy stories and dreaming of the day he, with no prospects of inheriting estate nor title, could escape to the American frontier. Educated and ordained an Anglican priest, his trip to America is his “last hurrah” before accepting a vicarage in a small town far from his aristocratic family’s estate. When a series of misadventures leaves him without money and stranded, he must take up employment immediately.
​After her father dies, widow Caroline Kane becomes the owner and proprietor of a restaurant and inn. She also assumes responsibility for her five teenaged siblings. Caroline’s busybody married sister insists that an Englishman who purports to answer an ad for help, is the perfect candidate for Caroline’s next husband. While she’s relieved to have help, Caroline finds Barden’s primary asset to be his silver tongue. When his efforts finally bring fruit, Barden receives word from England that could leave Caroline worse off than before, for her heart will leave with him. Will Barden answer his heart and God’s call in Kansas, or will his family responsibilities compel him to leave his dreams behind?
GOODREADS | AMAZON | B&N | CBD | TARGET 
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