May 6, 2015
Bianca’s Vineyard by Teresa Neumann
Bianca’s Vineyard is set in the beautiful Tuscany both in the present and the past.
About Bianca’s Vineyard
Bianca Corrotti’s vineyard is more than a piece of land in Tuscany. It is an inheritance, a storehouse harbouring the secrets of her Uncle Egisto, a world-class sculptor, and his troubled wife – a woman whose life converges with Mussolini’s when World War II overtakes the area. Based on a true story, Bianca’s Vineyard follows a story of the devoted men and women waging an epic battle against a gathering storm intent on destroying their lives.
My Thoughts
It is so hard to begin with this story as it was so beautifully told and woven. Even more so beautiful that it is based on a true story. The characters lived during the most difficult times before and during World War II. Many Italians were leaving their home and family to go abroad to earn money for the family. Their country was ravaged from the war and many were starving.
Bianca’s Vineyard starts off with a trip back in time from the current day, where we are able to meet the Corrotti’s and the extended family. We slowly learn the secrets that the family had left hidden for so many years. Each turn of the page brings a new development in the story and a new twist. Both the men and women in this family complement and drive each other to push further and never give up. It is also gives you a deeper appreciation for all the trials your own family must have gone through during these times. I think of my own Grandparents that left home at a young age in order to support their family back home. Bianca’s Vineyard is a deep, emotional read that has you seeing the good in others, the struggles this generation went through to persevere and their triumphs. This will be a book you will not want to miss!
You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Rating: 5+/5
About the Author
Teresa Neumann and her husband live in Oregon with their three children. As well as being an author and journalist, Teresa loves to fiddle on her violin and live the good life in Italy. You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.
The Giveaway!
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 5, 2015
Fun Times at BConnected #WW with linky
My family and I, were able to spend the last weekend in Ottawa and Quebec for the fabulous BConnected Conference! I couldn’t wait to share some of the photos I was able to take of the events. While in Ottawa, we headed out to Parliament Hill and participated in the Haunted Walk. Here are a few of the highlights from our weekend:
Now that I have shared with you how I have spent my week, make sure you link up below so that I can visit you!
May 5, 2015
Delicious MmmmMother’s Day Fry Date with New York Fries!
Mouth watering, cheese melting, warm gravy, fresh fries….hungry yet?
How many of you love shopping and enjoying a treat with your Mom at the mall? I know I certainly do! My most fondest memories are shopping and eating New York Fries with my Mom after the gym (I know what a mix right, but we earned that poutine working out!).
The New York Fries Fry Society
Are you familiar with the Fry Society? It is New York Fries loyalty program with a list of benefits that includes:
- a free program.
- sign up easily online.
- scan your Fry Society card on your phone when you make a purchase to earn points. Every purchase earns you one point.
- after ten purchases, you are able to choose one free item!
- ability to send friends e-cards.
- Your phone can become your mobile payment device when you pre-load your card with money!
To sign up for the Fry Society just head over to their website and fill out their simple registration.
A Special Promotion for Mother’s Day!
New York Fries wants you to take Mom on a #FryDate and when you send Mom an e-gift card of $25 or more, New York Fries Fry Society members will receive a FREE regular sized poutine! This promotion is only on from May 1st to the 10th.
We want to give you a head start on this promotion and on your Mother’s Day #FryDate.
My Canadian readers can enter to win a $25 e-gift card of their own just in time to treat Mom to a #FryDate! Enter via the Rafflecopter form below – good luck!
Disclosure: I received an e-gift card for hosting this giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.
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.