Author: cvegnad

May 4, 2015

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

A gifted rider in a world where women do not race, To Win Her Favor follows the story of a girl and her horse and their road to racing.

About To Win Her Favor

Maggie Linden is determined her horse will be a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thorough bred racing.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He has come to Nashville for a new start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while staying away from racing. But starting over proves harder than he thought when Maggie’s Father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept but can’t refuse.

Maggie is certain her mare can win the race, she only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance, her Father makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny detail – Maggie must marry a man she has never met and a man she would never have chosen for herself.

My Thoughts

I have to start off by saying how much I love Tamera Alexander’s writing style. She draws you deep into the story, creating an emotional attachment to the characters while providing you with moral lessons. This novel was no different.

Tamera covers a time period in the South that was full of racism and states trying to recover from the war that shook them just prior to this event. To witness some of the racism that was directed towards the characters in this book was heartbreaking. You become so emotionally invested in this novel and I found myself crying along with this novel. I literally could not put this novel down I was so attached to the story.

The ending was perfect and uplifting – the perfect combination for this book.

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page here. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, her and her husband now live in Nashville along with their two children. You can connect with her on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

May 4, 2015

Aoléon Part Five: The Martian Girl

Aoléon the Martian Girl is back in the fifth part of this popular novel series by Brent LeVasseur.

About Aoléon The Martian Girl Part Five

Aoléon, Gilbert, Bizwat, Helios and Zoot make it to their final destination where Aoléon’s parents are being held captive. They infiltrate the base only to be confronted by a small army of bots.

Bizwat lends Aoléon and Gilbert some of his advanced skills via a brain dump. But will this be enough to save them?

They finally meet Pax, the martian who send them out on the mission to discover the truth about the Luminon and his plans to invade Earth. But Pax doesn’t appear to be who he says he is. Through a series of events they uncover the true power behind what is happening on Mars. But will they be able to save her parents and Earth?

My Thoughts

By now, I am sure you are aware of how much I love this popular children’s series! This last book in this collection is no exception. You would think it would be hard to beat the other books but this one goes up and beyond.

This novel is full of fun and exciting adventure. The book contains lots of laser fighting and Gilbert comes through as a strong warrior like character in this novel. It was so incredible to watch how brave he has become throughout this series. This novel was full of incredible life quotes as well teaching us about the good in each other and that every small action makes a difference. Here is my favourite quote from the book:

A wise old Martian once said that the smallest actions can send ripples across the bubbleverse.

This was the perfect ending for this well-built up and written series of books for children, young adults and adults alike!

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Brent LeVasseur enjoys crafting stories on loveable characters designed to translate well into multiple media formats including games, books, movies and toys. Brent lives in New York. He enjoys writing, 3D animation, musical composition and space travel! Connect with Brent on his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Check out this trailer:

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

May 4, 2015

Going Against the Grain – Italian Style!

I love my Italian food but with having a sensitivity to gluten I have had to give up all the foods I love. Going Against the Grain Italian Style teaches us we don’t have to give up our favourite foods!

About Going Against the Grain Italian Style

This two-part book is an essential guide to read for any individuals who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease. The first part of the book covers early diagnosis, learn how to identify symptoms and the consequences of leaving it untreated. This guide will help you to read labels and how to manage the shared kitchen environment.

The second part of the book guides us through Sicilian born Nuccia Ardagna favourite gluten free recipes. When she was first diagnosed, Nuccia thought she would have to give up everything she loved but that could not be further from the truth. Nuccia breaks down recipes from simple appetizers, chicken, sides and desserts. You can learn to eat healthy, gluten free without sacrificing taste!

My Thoughts

Growing up Italian, gluten was a natural part of our lives. Everything seemed to centre around food and gluten was always in there. When I was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity, I had a hard time adjusting my eating habits as well as not wanting to let go of the food that I had grown to love. The first section of the book was incredibly helpful for me in order to re-focus my gluten free goals, bad habits and how to adjust to the shared kitchen space. Living gluten free isn’t always easy but Nuccia shares her tricks to help make it simpler.

I tried several of her recipes, including bringing them to our family Easter dinner where my family fell in love with them and they never even realized it was gluten free – awesome right?! They were such a hit that they have even requested them for every family holiday (talk about making me feel special!). Here a few pictures from our meal:

And for dessert, Amaretti:

The recipes were simple and easy to follow which is a bonus. The majority of the recipes call for ingredients that you would normally have around the kitchen which is perfect for everyday cooking. It was so nice to find my favourite childhood recipes already modified for me to adjust for my gluten free diet. The recipes are easy to prepare, I was able to freeze them in order to use them for lunches all week. My favourite recipe was the brocoli soup which she offers up cauliflower as a replacement as well.

This is a fantastic resource for any individual on the gluten free diet who love good, wholesome recipes with helpful tips. Gorgeous photos, simple to follow recipes this will make for the perfect recipe book for all to keep in their kitchen!

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 5+/5

About the Author

Nuccia loves to travel especially to the places of her roots – Sicily! She grew up learning the tricks of the trade of cooking Italian. When diagnosed with celiac disease she had to learn new habits and after some trial and error she is ready to share what she has learned with you!

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter or Facebook.

Giveaway Time!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

May 4, 2015

Shelf Life and Climax by Christina George Blog Tour

Christina George is back with her steamy novels, Shelf Live and Climax and they are as incredible as the first in The Publicist Book series!

About Shelf Life

Out of control egos, unrealistic expectations and unfulfilled promises. This is the publishing world and Kate’s world but maybe not for too long.

When one of Kate’s number one stars is carted off in handcuffs, it is only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate looks to anything to hold on to but finds happy endings are just works of fiction. With her career and love affair over Kate sets off on a new adventure.

Starting over in California is easy but leaving her past life behind isn’t. Nick is eager to help her forget but two things still hold her heart: finding the next great American novel and MacDermott Ellis.

As Kate tries to re-build her life, she finds a surprising gift that helps reboot her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name is attached to one of the biggest novels publishing has seen in a long time. But success comes with a price as the ghosts of her past come back.

My Thoughts

Love this series and this part had me on the edge of my seat guessing – a bit anxious at times, angry at others and happy at others. Kate becomes this best friend that you just want the best for (she has such a sweet heart!) but she is constantly torn and pulled in opposite directions.

She gets this brilliantly chance to re-start her life and is doing a wonderful job at it when the ghosts of her life come back. These ghosts continue to alter her decisions and change the course of her future. While I was a tad bit angry with her decisions (only because I love her character so much and want the best for her!) it was an incredible read that made me keep guessing her next decision.

You can purchase a copy on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About Climax

Kate has never forgiven herself for breaking Nick’s heart. Now he is back and over her, which is affecting her more than she would have thought.

Kate now has it all: her own publishing company, an engagement to the sexy MacDermott and she is about to sign one of the best new authors of the year. Then everything begins to slowly fall apart.

Somehow in a city of eight million people, she runs into Nick. Nick who is as gorgeous and charming as ever. He is also the brother of the author she so desperately wants to sign. MacDermott is thrown a life changing blow that forces Kate to question every decision she has ever made.

My Thoughts

Aww the final book in a series. Always the hardest as you never want to let go of these characters that you have grown to love! Especially Kate who is just your girl next door that you just love. I finished off book two sad for Kate and the decisions she made but this book makes those decisions come right again. Kate struggles the worst in this book and is torn apart. But through this she is reborn again a stronger woman ready to love and trust again. I love the ending in this book and it made it feel correct and that I could finish this series with happiness (although I would love another book in this series – hint, hint!).

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years. Here is what the book isn’t: a slam against publishing nor at authors. This is not an autobiography although some of these stories are true! Christina continues to work in publishing helping authors because at the end of the day she loves books, publishing and authors. You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of these books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

April 29, 2015

Raincoast Mother’s Day Book Collection and Giveaway

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and why not spoil Mom with a collection of books all about her? Raincoast books has put together a collection of books to celebrate those selfless women in our lives. These titles include: Drops of Awesome, Icebox Cakes, O’s Little Book of Happiness, The Quotable Mom, Motherhood Realized and Perfume Notes.

Motherhood Realized

The power of Moms! The belief that family life is beautiful and that motherhood is a privilege. We also believe it is often hard to see all that beauty in the midst of mothering. Too often we feel like we are spreading ourselves far too thin. Our hearts want to do more than our hands can manage. As we cycle through household duties, discipline, errands, conversations, teaching and hundreds of unexpected, we are often left tired, worried and in need of encouragement. Power of Moms is an online community that has been providing Mothers since 2007 with a community to gather, learn and grow together.

I fell in love with this book. Too often as Mothers, especially in our fast paced lives, we forget how special being a Mother is. We don’t always stop, listen (really listen) and appreciate the little moments even when those little moments are full of stress. I could find myself relating to the chapter Will It Be You by Taunie Reynolds. Motherhood Realized reads like a collection of stories you would share with your girlfriends broken down in four stages: Becoming Our Best Selves, Getting Through the Hard Times, Shifting Our Perspectives and Savouring the Moments. You can read each story and come back to them in your moment of need to connect with another woman who has also been there and dealt with the same situation.

O’s Little Book of Happiness

Insightful inspiration, practical advice and an abundance of stories by great writers, O’s Little Book of Happiness features some of the best work ever featured in O, The Oprah Magazine. Again this is a book designed to be read at your leisure, taking your time to savour each story or even to turn to in times of need. The chapters are broken down into: Simple Pleasures, Bliss in Action, The Joy of Discovery, Awed and Amazed, Oh What a Thrill!, Sharing Delight and Come On Get Happy.

My favourite quote from this book is featured right at the front by Oprah Winfrey: “You can never be happy living someone else’s dream. Live your own. And you will for sure know the meaning of happiness.”

Drops of Awesome

If you are not rooting for yourself – who will? Drops of Awesome is about the unique discovery and celebrating you! Based on the viral blog, Drops of Awesome, this book helps you to become your biggest cheerleader and tells your inner critic to put a sock in it.

As you work through Drops of Awesome, you will start to see how much goodness you contribute to the world and as you feel that success, you will find that you can accomplish anything!

Icebox Cakes

Icebox Cakes features crisp wafers and whipped cream layered together and chilled overnight, where they transform into heavenly delight! This cook book is perfect for all skill levels who want to make more traditional icebox cakes to more modern versions.

The Quotable Mom

It is said that God could not be everywhere so he made Mothers. With more than 200 unique quotes, The Quotable Mom shares thoughts, ideas, humour and advice. This is the place where Mothers are celebrated not compared.

Perfume Notes

Shaped like real perfume bottles, these die-cut notecards evoke the glamour and femininity of the world’s most loved perfumes. Four distinct designs are repeated for a total of sixteen cards. Perfect for every lover of stationary!

Raincoast Books wants one of my readers to win their own prize bundle for Mother’s Day featuring all of the above mentioned books!

My Canadian readers can enter via the Rafflecopter form below – Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received Motherhood Realized and O’s Little Book of Happiness free of charge in exchange for my reviews and post. All opinions expressed are my own.