Giveaway: Wisdom to Know

Today, I'm giving away a copy of Wisdom to Know by Elizabeth Maddrey. To enter to win, leave a comment with some words of wisdom you've received over the years.

Once when I was trying to lose weight, my dad said, "Get your mind right, and everything else falls into place." He was right.
He used to also say that whoever did the paying did the saying. I use both of those often.

I'll pick a winner next week.
I can only ship to the US.

 

 

 

Never Say Never: A Review

 

When senior citizen Donetta's cruise is threatened by a sudden shift in a hurricane's course, she is thrown together with twenty-something Kai, who is also trying to escape the storm's arrival. What happens next is two women's journey from survival to healing.

 

I love Lisa Wingate's books, especially the small town flair and character. Being a Texan, some of the dialect seems a bit exaggerated, but that's what makes it fun. Never Say Never reunites readers with the characters they already know and love in Daily, Texas. Wingate does such a great job creating characters who are real---flaws included. I also love that the story is told from two women's point of view. Their differences in age and experience didn't matter as much as their similar desire to belong and to be loved.

 

It took me a little bit to get into the plot although I liked the characters from the beginning, but after the backstory was finished, the storm was enough to carry the novel to a fantastic finish.

 

Fans of Lisa Wingate will enjoy this book, and those who like Christian fiction with strong characters will want to pick up this series too.

 

 

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Come Visit Me!

 

Come visit me at Stitches Thru Time where I'm talking about 10,000 hours.

http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2013/10/10000-hours_25.html

 

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Giveaway: Unspoken

 

Congrats to Cindi for winning Need You Now. Today, I'm giving away Unspoken by Dee.

To enter to win, "speak" a comment about something new/exciting going on in your life.

Tonight, I started the book study for Made to Crave with other ladies at my church. I'm really excited about it, and I'll probably blog about it. Have you read it?

Be sure to leave your email address.
I can only ship to the US.

 

 

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Rebellious Heart: A Review

 

Susanna Smith grew up with everything she could ever want except an education. Ben Ross grew up with nothing and has only his Harvard education. When they meet, sparks fly, and they must work together to stand for justice.

Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite for historical fiction. She has a way of making the characters real and the circumstances come alive. However, I didn't really like Susanna and Ben much at first. They were well-written; I just didn't love them from the get-go. However, about halfway through, they had grown on me, and I read the second half much quicker than the first.

The action starts with the very first page, and there are plenty of turns along the way to the happy ending. I also liked that the author tackled topics of slavery, punishment for crime (even when innocent), and even rape and murder. While not giving too much detail, the author gave a more realistic view of the time than the romanticized version we often read.

The author's note at the end intrigued me as much as the story. I'm going to check out some books on Abigail and John Adams.

Fans of Jody Hedlund will enjoy her latest book. Fans of historical fiction will also enjoy this. A Noble Groom is still my favorite by Jody though. :)

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

 

 

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United We Spy: A Review

 

 

 

I didn't want to start reading this book because I knew it was going to be the last new Gallagher Girl book. This is one of the best series I have ever read. Ally Carter is an amazing writer, weaving small little details perfectly to create an adventure for the characters and the readers.

 

The young, naïve girl we met in book one is all grown up. She's about to graduate, but high school is the least of her concerns. Instead, she's chasing The Circle instead of letting them chase her. The last mission proves to be the most important. Lives hang in the balance, and Cammie and her friends finally learn what it is truly means to be a Gallagher Girl.

 

Although this isn't my favorite book in the series, it's still a great book and a solid conclusion to a terrific series.

 

I recommend this book for fans of YA featuring strong females, adventure, and a whole lot of spying.

 

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Giveaway: Need You Now

 

 

 

Congrats to Michelle for winning Rebellious Heart. Today, I'm giving away Need You Now. I enjoyed this book.

 

To enter to win, leave a comment about something you need. It can be fun or serious. I'd love to pray for you if it's a serious need....or a fun one too because God cares about even the tiniest of details in our lives, which is a fact I can't even understand.

 

I need self discipline. I've always joked that I think better under pressure as if that excused me doing what I wanted and rushing at the last minute to get things done. I don't want to waste the precious time God has given me any more. A fun need---I really need (want) to go on vacation to somewhere cold with a pretty view.

 

I can only ship to the US.

Be sure to leave an email address.

I'll pick a winner next week.

 

Have a great week! I don't have to work tomorrow, so I'm excited about getting some writing time in.....if I don't procrastinate.

 

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Like Pens?

 

 

Do you love pens? I have some for you then!

I may end up making some cute bookmarks, but I decided that a lot of people don't use bookmarks. I use them sometimes, but I often use whatever's nearby---scraps of paper, envelopes, pictures, etc. So, I thought pens would be a fun way to promote my website and upcoming book.

 

If you would like some to pass out to people you know, let me know.

Email me at laurajacksonwrites(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know where/how you'd pass them out and your address. If you've won a book recently from me, you'll get one with your book. :)

 

I'll compile a list and then mail them out closer to the release of Worth the Wait (February 4, 2014).

 

Happy writing!

 

 

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Stranded: A Review

 

Gage McKenna won't let himself admit that Darcy St. James got under his skin when she helped clear his brother's name. When he agrees to lead activities for a cruise ship, she's the last person he expects to see. Darcy is on the ship, determined to find out what happened to her friend, who disappeared from the ship while undercover for a story.

 

I love this series. I love the characters and the strong family ties. I love the adventure with twists and turns. I love the suspense. Dani Pettrey is fantastic. I really can't say enough about these books. So, I'll just leave it with this: if you're a fan of Christian romantic suspense, you MUST read this series (in order).

 

 

 

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Giveaway: Rebellious Heart

 

Congrats to Cindi for winning Never Say Never. I have to warn you that I haven't read it yet---planned to do that this week but had a busy week. Anyway, I know you have won before and know I'll eventually send it.

I'm reading Rebellious Heart right now. I love it. It starts off with a bang. The characters are good so far. In fact, I need to turn off this Texans game and go read. (The Texans have a ton of talent but are NOT doing well this year. SO Frustrating!) In fact, I can't even think of a topic for comments since I'm so annoyed with Matt Schaub throwing pick-sixes!

I guess you could leave a comment about sports. Or a joke to make me feel better. I had a great day--church, lunch with family, good workout, and Bible study. So, I'm not going to let a football team get me down. :)

Make sure you leave an email address.
I can only ship to the US.

Have a great week. It's finally cooler than 90 degrees here, which is fantastic!

 

 

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