Top Ten Books TBR on My Kindle

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic was all about villains but since I'm not one to really focus on bad guys and I was having too hard of a time putting a list together. So I decided to instead list 10 of the books I have waiting on my kindle that I really want to read!


#1. Montana Fire Series by Susan May Warren

#2. The Gifting by K.E. Ganshert

#3. Miss Match by Erynn Mangum

#4. While You're Awake by Amber Stokes

#5. The Wedding Game by Amy Matayo

#6. Bloodline Trilogy by Jordyn Redwood

#7. Helsinki Sunrise by Marion Ueckermann

#8. When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad

#9. Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander

#10. Accused by Janice Cantore

Top Ten Re-Tellings

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

#1. Melanie Dickerson's books
#2. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
#3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
#4. Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
#5. First Date, Starring Me, & Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee
#6. Bellflower & Fairy Slippers by Amber Stokes
#7. Sixty Acres and A Bride by Regina Jennings
#8. My Fair Godmother & My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison
#9. Entwined by Heather Dixon
#10. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

Bellflower & Fairy Slippers by Amber Stokes

About the Books
BELLFLOWER: Short Story Prequel to Forget Me Not
Spring 1880
Annabelle knows only one way of life. Jacob knows only one way to feel secure. When their paths cross in a Western mining town, can they find a way for love to bloom? Discover the story behind two hurting hearts in this short but sweet retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
FAIRY SLIPPERS: Bonus Short Story Companion to Bleeding Heart
Spring 1888
Margaret is fragile. Zachary is tough. Both are lonely. Will a dance in a redwood lumber town bring them together - or drive them apart forever? Discover the continuing story of the cook from Bleeding Heart in this short but sweet retelling of Cinderella.

My Thoughts
I posted a review for Bellflower awhile ago but the author decided to combine it with another short story and release them together so I'm going to repost my Bellflower review along with my Fairy Slippers one!
Bellflower
This review is going to be rather short, because this is a really short story! But it's being short didn't make it any less awesome! I enjoyed both Annabelle and Jacob's characters and while their relationship was quick and not what you'd call normal it was really sweet! I especially liked some of the things Jacob did and the fact that Annabelle loved to read! All in all a great little prequel!
Fairy Slippers
Amber never fails to write a beautiful story no matter how short it may be! I loved this short story about Zachary and Margaret! Zachary was a great character in Bleeding Heart and I loved watching him find happiness with Margaret. I also really loved the slight references to Cinderella without it being obvious, Amber did a great job of retelling this fairy tale in a very unique way! I highly recommend this!


Meet the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing.

GIVEAWAY

In celebration of Fairy Slippers’ first appearance in a published ebook, Amber is giving away a horse & carriage beaded bookmark from Belle on a Budget—so one lucky reader can enjoy a bit of Cinderella charm! The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and you can enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

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Forget Me Not by Amber Stokes

About the Book
Prequel to Bleeding Heart
Old hurts, new betrayals, and a love that survives them all...
Summer 1885
A startling revelation sends Elizabeth Lawson escaping into a stormy night - and tosses her into the arms of a young mountain man with secrets of his own. When he offers to take her to the Nevada mining town where her long-lost brother lives, she accepts. Suspicions and uncertainties are pushed aside as she struggles to forge a future for herself by meeting her past.
David has been hiding from his painful memories for years. The solitude and wildness of the Rocky Mountains are challenge and comfort enough for him - until Elizabeth's arrival. Fueled by anger and a sense of obligation, he strives to take control of his new situation...only to find control slipping from his grasp with each new emotion Elizabeth evokes in him.
When their journey leads them on unexpected paths, can two lonely hearts find the strength to remember the good amid the heartbreak?
Book Website: http://forgetmenotnovel.blogspot.com/
Series Blog: http://theheartsspringseries.blogspot.com/

My Thoughts

Such a great sophomore novel! After thoroughly enjoying Bleeding Heart last year I couldn't wait to read book one and jumped at the chance to review it! Having read the second book first I had a general idea of how this book was going to end but that in no way made it any less enjoyable, and there were still some surprises thrown in! I loved all of the characters especially David and Elizabeth, and even though their journey had some bumps I enjoyed watching them fall in love. It was great to see the end to Jacob and Annabelle's story, which started in Bellflower, and it made me happy. I felt bad for Joe, but since he is a main character in BH I did already know what happened to him. Myghal was once again awesome and I really can't wait to read his story in Morning Glory! I'm going to leave it at that so that I don't accidentally spoil anything, but to suffice it to say I loved this book and it made me want to go reread Bleeding Heart!

Meet the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Bellflower by Amber Stokes

About the Book
Short Story Companion to Forget Me Not
Spring 1880
Annabelle knows only one way of life. Jacob knows only one way to feel secure. When their paths cross in a Western mining town, can they find a way for love to bloom?

Discover the story behind two hurting hearts in this short but sweet retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

My Thoughts
This review is going to be rather short, because this is a really short story! But it's being short didn't make it any less awesome! I enjoyed both Annabelle and Jacob's characters and while their relationship was quick and not what you'd call normal it was really sweet! I especially liked some of the things Jacob did and the fact that Annabelle loved to read! All in all a great little prequel!
*Currently this is only available to those who sign-up for the author's newsletter and request it!


Meet the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing.

Top Ten New-to-Me Authors Read in 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I found quite a few new authors this year and several became favorites so here are my top ten!

#1. Melissa Tagg-I absolutely adored this author's debut novel, Made to Last, and I can't wait to read Here to Stay!
#2. Sarah Sundin-I have been wanting to read this author's books for awhile and I finally read them all this year and loved them so much!
#3. Roseanna M. White-I am loving this author's Circle of Spies series and can't wait for the next installments!
#4. Melissa Jagears-Another debut author whose book I loved so very much!
#5. Sarah Ladd-Yet another debut author who wrote an excellent book!
#6. Erynn Mangum-I have been hearing about this author for awhile and finally read the first two books in her newest series which I loved!
#7. Katherine Reay-This debut author's book was incredibly unique and very well done!
#8. Stephanie Morrill-My sister read this author's first series and I was interested so when I won her two Ellie Sweet books I was excited! I enjoyed the first one and I'm in the middle of book 2!
#9. Amber Stokes-A debut author and a friend whose book I loved!
#10. Serena B. Miller-Loved this author's A Promise to Love and look forward to seeing what else she has!

Cover Reveal: Forget Me Not

I am super excited to participate in this awesome cover reveal for my friend Amber Stokes' second book! I loved Bleeding Heart (my review) and so I cannot wait to read this prequel! The little bit of the story that we got in BH definitely piqued my interest! I loved Bleeding Heart's cover but I think I may like this one even more! It is so beautiful!

About the Book

Prequel to Bleeding Heart

Old hurts, new betrayals, and a love that survives them all...

Summer 1885

A startling revelation sends Elizabeth Lawson escaping into a stormy night - and tosses her into the arms of a young mountain man with secrets of his own. When he offers to take her to the Nevada mining town where her long-lost brother lives, she accepts. Suspicions and uncertainties are pushed aside as she struggles to forge a future for herself by meeting her past. 

David has been hiding from his painful memories for years. The solitude and wildness of the Rocky Mountains are challenge and comfort enough for him - until Elizabeth's arrival. Fueled by anger and a sense of obligation, he strives to take control of his new situation...only to find control slipping from his grasp with each new emotion Elizabeth evokes in him.

When their journey leads them on unexpected paths, can two lonely hearts find the strength to remember the good amid the heartbreak?

Inspirational Historical Romance

The Book’s Blog
You can find all the latest news about Forget Me Not, along with book extras, at the Forget Me Not blog.

About the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing. You can connect with Amber on her blog, Seasons of Humility.

About the Cover Designer
Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Giveaway!

In conjunction with the cover reveal Amber is doing a giveaway! Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win forget-me-not note cards (set of three) from Carol Sapp Watercolors! Giveaway limited to U.S. residents only. 

I am not hosting this giveaway and therefore you will not receive notification from me or on this blog if you are the winner.

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Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes with Blog Tour Giveaway

About the Book
Five bleeding hearts. One profound journey.
Summer 1886
Sally Clay's livelihood has been snatched away, but in its place arises an opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California, waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years before.
But the road to revenge is far from smooth. Sally soon learns that the jagged pieces of a broken heart can far too easily wound the hearts of others - and hers isn't the only heart that's broken. Tragedy and fear dog her steps as she flees from the redwood forests to the high desert and back again. Will her bleeding heart ever find a way and a place to heal?
A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her.
All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves.

My Thoughts
I have been awaiting this book for awhile now! It started with discovering that my friend Amber was writing a book and was going to publish it, which made me happy to begin with, then I saw the cover (Gorgeous, right?!) and read the synopsis and an excerpt which got me really excited! So as I finally got to read it I had pretty high expectations and Amber met them!
The writing style was beautiful, and the story...let me just say that Amber knows how to play with your emotions keep you guessing! I never knew what awaited me as I turned each page and I was literally shocked on a few occasions! It was amazing how she packed such a great story into what was actually a rather short book! I highly recommend this book and eagerly await what Amber will write next!

About the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from
blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing her debut novel, Bleeding Heart.
I received an ebook ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Blog Tour Giveaway

The Bleeding Heart paperback is not pictured since it's not available yet, but the winner will be sent a signed copy as soon as it is. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

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Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes Cover Reveal & Giveaway

I am super excited about this cover reveal! Partially because Amber is a blogging friend of mine so I'm ecstatic that she's publishing her book, but also because I adore this cover. Honestly it is purely gorgeous! And those two things, plus the small excerpt Amber included, have me chomping at the bit to read this book! So without further ado, the cover for Bleeding Heart!!!!

 ISN'T IT STUNNING?!?!?!?!

About the Book
Five bleeding hearts. One profound journey. 
Summer 1886
Sally Clay’s livelihood has been snatched away, but in its place arises an opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California, waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years before.
But the road to revenge is far from smooth. Sally soon learns that the jagged pieces of a broken heart can far too easily wound the hearts of others – and hers isn’t the only heart that’s broken. Tragedy and fear dog her steps as she flees from the redwood forests to the high desert and back again. Will her bleeding heart ever find a way and a place to heal?
A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her.
All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves.
Inspirational Historical Romance

The Book’s Blog
In conjunction with the cover reveal, Amber’s doing a “blog reveal,” as well! You can find all the latest news about Bleeding Heart, along with book extras, at the Bleeding Heart blog.

About the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from and self-publishing her debut novel, Bleeding Heart. You can connect with Amber on her blog, Seasons of Humility.
freelance editing
blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via

About the Cover Designer
Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Teaser from Bleeding Heart
Prologue
Breaking hearts should be considered a crime. That would make Elizabeth Lawson an outlaw and Joe Clifton the victim. And that wasn’t a far stretch in Joe’s mind. She had rounded up his heart, branded her name across it when it should never have belonged to her, and then left him high and dry. Still, he was getting sick of hanging around the scene of the crime. He just didn’t know where else to go.
Lake Tahoe had once been his favorite get-away destination, a place where he could go to just sit back and enjoy the view of water as clear as a shined-up mirror. Now those crystal depths and the unmoving boulders along the water’s edge taunted him, bringing back memories of a happy proposal and a less-than-happy scene where his heart was handed back to him on a silver platter – bruised, broken, and bleeding.
He didn’t want to make any more memories like that. So he made a promise to himself: He would never let anyone break his heart again.

GIVEAWAY
In conjunction with this cover reveal Amber is doing a themed giveaway! One lucky winner will win these beautiful items purchased from Cindy Lindgren and Belle on a Budget!

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