A Change of Plans

Congratulations to my friend and fellow author Donna K. Weaver! Her new novel, A Change of Plans, is all shiny and new and out now.

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old, Colorado high school teacher wants to do is forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. Lyn plans a vacation diversion; fate provides Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he's navigating, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn is on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs from Braedon and what he has to offer.

Their confusing relationship is bad enough, but when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions in American Samoa things get worse. Paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped and Lyn's fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

 AMAZON | GOODREADS

And here's the cool book trailer:

Author Bio:

I'm a Navy brat who joined the Army and has lived in Asia and Europe. Because I sailed the Pacific three times as a child, I love cruising and wish I could accrue enough vacation time to do more of it with my husband. We have six children. Our eight grandchildren live all over the world. At fifty, I decided to study karate and earned my black belt in Shorei Kempo.

After doing city council minutes for twenty years, I decided to write something a little longer and with a lot more emotion--and kissing.

Read more from Donna at Weaving a Tale or Two. 

The Reviews are In!

Congratulations to Michelle Craig! She won the Shannon Hale giveaway pack!

Now, head on over to InkSplasher to read the first official book blog review of A Blind Eye.

For any of you locals, I'll be having a book signing and launch party at Seagull Book in American Fork Saturday, February 16, from 1-3 PM.

I have some awesome door prizes I'll be giving away--including a few T-shirts all the way from LONDON!

Coming up on the blog tour:
February 18: LDSWBR
February 20: I'm a Reader, Not a Writer
February 20: Peggy Eddleman: Will Write for Cookies

And check out this bit of awesomeness:

Since my book has hit the shelves, I've been overwhelmed by the excitement, support, kindness, and generosity of nearly everyone I know. I've had established authors recommending me for speaking and panel positions, friends and family buying more books than I can count--and reading it and LOVING it! And the list goes on forever. THANK YOU everyone! 

I can't wait to show you the super fantastic book trailer of awesomesauce that's coming up in March. Just you wait and keep your pants on, or it's going to rock them off!

SHADOWED by Stephanie Black

2012 Covenant Communications, Inc

I'm excited today to offer my review of Stephanie Black's latest novel, Shadowed. Stephanie is a four time winner of the Whitney Award, and it's easy to see why.

From the back cover (condensed):

Gifted musician Catherine Clayton was born into a life of wealth and privilege. Now, she’s using the family money to establish a music school and offer free lessons to the underprivileged. Catherine selects Riley, New York, as the perfect location for her new school.

Two years ago, Riley was rocked by the brutal murder of elementary school secretary Olivia Perry. Her murder remains unsolved. Catherine receives ominous warnings that Adam Becket is responsible for her death. Unimpressed by the lack of evidence against him, Catherine is drawn to the shy but endearing Adam. When death threats prove the killer is back--and mark Catherine as the next target--Catherine wonders if Adam could really have been involved in Olivia’s murder. 

My take:

Shadowed is loaded with great characters, suspense, and just the right amount of romance. Stephanie Black is a master of keeping the reader guessing right up to the very end. Her characters have depth and believability, and her writing style is clear and easy to read. You get drawn into the story and it's hard to put the book down until you reach the exciting conclusion.

The protagonist, Catherine, is strong and smart, but because of her privileged life she's also a little naive. Her personal struggles and flaws bring a nice realness to her character. Adam brings a starkly different element to the story as the man accused of murdering Olivia. I loved the way he dealt with those accusations. The setting of Riley, New York really took on a personality of its own.

I have so many favorite parts and plot twists I want to mention, but I can't because it would be a spoiler. You'll just have to stop by Amazon or Deseret Book and get yourself a copy. Then, let's talk!

Anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel along the lines of the Mary Stewart classics will love Shadowed.

On a completely unrelated note:
I can't let November 5th pass without saying Happy Guy Fawkes Day! Did you know that some people believe Shakespeare was also involved in the Gunpowder Plot?

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
the Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot.

Protected by Cindy M. Hogan

I'm pleased to host author Cindy Hogan's latest release as part of her blog tour.

Protected is book two in the "Watched" series.

Paperback, 350 pages
Published March 24th 2012 by O'neal Publishing

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

She has the guy. The terrorists have been taken care of and she's got a shot at being popular. Until they find her. Now she must run and leave behind everything she knows, including herself.

Change. She longs for it. A murder. She will never be the same.

It takes more than a trip to Washington, D.C. to change Christy's life. It takes murder. A witness to the brutal slaying of a senator's aide, Christy finds herself watched not only by the killers and the FBI, but also by two hot boy. She discovers that if she can't help the FBI, who want to protect her, it will cost her and her new friends their lives.

This book was fast-paced, suspenseful, and the writing style smooth and easy to read. It's always nice to find a worthwhile novel for young adults that is clean and easy to enjoy. Thanks Cindy!

Paperback, 348 pages

Published April 28th 2011 by Createspace

It takes more than a school trip to Washington, D.C. to change fifteen-year-old Christy's life. It takes murder.

A witness to the brutal slaying of a Senator's aide, Christy finds herself watched not only by the killers and the FBI, but also by two hot boys.

She discovers that if she can't help the FBI, who want to protect her, it will cost her and her new friends their lives.

Cindy M. Hogan graduated with a secondary education teaching degree and enjoys spending time with unpredictable teenagers. More than anything she loves the time she has with her own teenage daughters and wishes she could freeze them at this fun age. If she's not reading or writing, you'll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a great movie or planning their next party. She loves to bake, garden and be outdoors doing a myriad of activities.


To see Protected's previous blog hop review, click here.http://celestarimington.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-tour-for-protected-by-cindy-hogan.html