Christmas Reads Event on Genuine Jenn!

Hey readers! Get ready for some Christmas fun! I know I am way ahead here but we wanted to share some great reads for the holidays. For the month of December you will see lots of holiday themed books. We will be reviewing as many as we can and the ones we can't are ones that we think will be great reads!

The event started out as a 12 days of Christmas series but we have decided to share more than that throughout the month as we have had a great response and it is so hard not to include all the great titles. I know we are all busy getting ready for the holidays but we need to remember to take some time out for ourselves and relax, curl up by the fireplace or in a favorite chair and get lost in a great book. We will also have a few children's books also.

Keep coming back all month to see our reviews & features on the following books!

Christmas Wishes by Debbie Macomber ~ Promo
The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson ~ Review
The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin ~ Review
My Big Fat Christmas Wedding by Samantha Tonge ~ Promo

Finish Him (The Games of Love #3) by  Deanna Dee ~ Review
The Yule Miracle by Dawn Prough ~ Review
Not Just for Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Mistletoe Mansion by Samantha Tonge ~ Review

Wish Upon a Christmas Cake by Darcie Bolen ~ Promo
A Gingerbread Cafe Christmas by Rebecca Raisin ~ Promo
A Paris Christmas by Cynthia Gail ~ Promo
A Kindle Winter by Rachel L Demeter ~ Review
The Little Book Shop on Seine by Rebecca Raisin ~ Review 
Home is Where the Heart Is by Freda Harper ~ Promo
The Little Christmas Kitchen by Jenny Oliver
Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan
Winter's Fairytale by Maxine Morrey
The Christmas Thief by Ronesa Aveela
Winter Wedding Bells by Kristine Rolofson, Karen Rock, Jennifer Snow
Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh
Holly Berry (Naughty or Nice?) by Emma Jaye
Owen's Day by Helen Yeomans


Short Stories
 
Solo Christmas - Short Story by Chris Keane ~ Read it now!
Christmas Service - Short Story by Chris Keane ~ Read it now!

Occupied Christmas Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 and I heard there is a Part 7 coming up! by Shannon Peel ~ Read it now!


I am sure we will have many more. If you have a Christmas/Holiday themed book that you would like featured please send us an email. Please put Holiday Book Feature in subject line. Thanks!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Kite Day: A bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand

On a windy spring day, what do Bear and Mole decide to do? Why, fly a kite, of course! But first they have to build one. They design, measure, and finally construct their kite. With a zoom, zoom, zoom the kite soars up, up, up in the air. But when a storm rumbles in --SNAP!--the kite string breaks! The chase is on as the two friends tear after their kite and find it in a tree, protecting a nest of baby birds from the rain. This sweet story makes a perfect read-aloud for preschoolers.

Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story can be purchased on amazon, Will's website, chapters indigo, and barnes & noble.

Our review:

An adorable story about a bear and a mole out flying their kite on a windy day. This has become a favorite in my daughter's rotation, and my son enjoys the repetitive words and following the kites whereabouts!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. My children and I were gifted a copy of this book, in exchange for our review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Interview with Nik Krasno

Please Welcome Nik Krasno, author of Mortal Showdown. Hi Nik, we are happy to have you on Genuine Jenn! Let's get started. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why/what inspired you to write? When did you start writing?

I was born in Kiev, Ukraine (then - USSR) in the seventies. At the age of 17, seeing the enormous Soviet Empire crumbling, I immigrated to Israel, where became a lawyer by the age of 23.
Ukraine turned independent in the meantime and offered endless business opportunities as a newly emerged market, so I returned there in the late nineties already as an Israeli citizen and established with partners an international law firm there. As a lawyer I counseled a wide range of multinational sovereign, corporate and individual clients, engaged in diverse areas and industries.

Simultaneously with promoting the law office, I worked for an international business group and took part in different projects primarily in real estate as well as in privatization, defense, medicine and telecommunication in Ukraine and some other countries, such as Moldova, Russia, Poland and Lithuania. As my family stayed in Israel while I worked primarily in former Soviet republics, I had to virtually live on the plane between Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Witnessing the meteoric rise of a small number of individuals from modest Soviet citizens to mighty billionaires, who often neglected any rules or laws, I felt compelled to expose to the world the unique phenomena taking place in that less familiar part of the globe. Although the series is about a totally fictional character, it nonetheless reflects the spirit, some of the known scams, 'lawyers folklore' and pretty realistic business ambience. I also tried to portray some cornerstone events in the history of a newly- independent Ukraine and to share some insight into the glorious and simultaneously tragic events of 2013 uprising resulting in ousting of the president, ensuing Russian aggression in Crimea and tensions and war in the Eastern regions of Ukraine.
I started outlining the first book a long time ago, but it wasn't until my friend and a published non-fiction writer agreed to take part in the project that I did anything serious about it.

My premise was that people are always curious how someone makes countless fortunes. Many followed with interest a bio of Facebook's founder or that of Apple's, adapted into popular movies. Their stories may just look trivial when compared with those of their Eastern peers....
After selling my share in the law office, I currently reside and work as an independent legal practitioner and an author in Israel.

What was your inspiration for ‘Mortal Showdown'?

Since the first book ends as a cliffhanger, I, myself, wanted to know what happens next -:), so I had to continue the story. I pretty much saw the development in my mind, so I just needed to put it on paper (or computer for that matter), hopefully in an engaging and enjoyable way. 

What three words would you use to best describe 'Mortal Showdown'?

I guess they would be: "Transgressive action thriller"

Can you tell us if you’re working on anything else at the moment?

Yep, I'm working on the third installment that shall conclude (at least for the meantime) the trilogy. I have some fresh ideas which, if it works out, I want to introduce into the third book.

What was your very first book that you wrote?

It was 'Rise of an Oligarch'. It's a thriller and a historical fiction novel, which opens the trilogy, describes the tectonic perturbations in Ukraine and Michael's (the Oligarch) crafty manipulation of the ever-changing surroundings to benefit him and his inner circle.

Other than your own, what are your favourite books?

Oh, there are lots. I could probably give 10-15 examples in 5-6 genres from thrillers through transgressive and to sci-fi and fantasy. To offer just few, I can mention Puzo's Godfather, Welsh' "Glue" or "Porno", Zelazny's "Amber chronicles" and many more.

When you are writing do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

No, I don't, since I can't ignore the words and then the songs distract. As regretfully I don't go out to the night clubs that much anymore-:), my music sessions are mostly confined to when I'm driving. I have an eclectic taste, which depending on an ad hoc mood includes house, trance, hard rock, but also rap and sometimes even Russian chanson. 

Who is your favorite character in your books?

Michael, as the protagonist, is the most complex of them all. He's a sarcastic, cynical, audacious son-of-a-bitch, but on the other hand - a patriot, a true friend with his own sense for fairness and his own principles, often contradictory to those acceptable by the society. There are no real heroes there. The personages are pretty realistic with their individual vices and virtues.

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

I had a co-author, who's also my close friend, so it was fun to work together on different characters from their 'inception' to full development. I don't remember 'borrowing' any particular trait from anyone.  My close family doesn't read books in English, so I'm privileged not to embarrass them with my bizarre ideas, but orphaned from their input -:)

What’s your favorite treat?

In Ukraine - it's probably borsch, in Israel - shwarma or hummus, abroad - bacon

What’s your Favorite place to read/write?

Reading goes well almost anywhere at home from bathroom to living room sofa with only the former providing some solitude -:), while for writing - it's only my study

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I'm pretty satisfied with where I am, although some of our neighbor countries aren't. Other than that, if I needed to choose something else, according to Tripadvisor counter, I've visited around 100 cities in 40 different countries. Out of all those, I'd single out Sydney, as I was really enchanted by both her appearance and vibe.


Thanks Nik for taking the time to chat with us on Genuine Jenn! 

Connect with Nik - Facebook | Amazon | Smashwords | LinkedIn | 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Nugget & Fang by Tammi Sauer

In the deep ocean, tiny Nugget and big, toothy Fang get along swimmingly—until Nugget’s first day of minnow school. There Nugget learns that minnows are supposed to be afraid of sharks! To regain Nugget’s trust, Fang takes desperate (and hilarious) measures. But it’s not until his big sharp teeth save the entire school that minnows learn this shark is no foe. Fantastically stylized artwork adds even more humor to this undersea story of unlikely friendship.

Nugget and Fang can be purchased on amazon, and barnes & noble.

Our review:

My 4 year old really enjoyed this story. It's a great story about acceptance, and judgment. Nugget is told he should be afraid of his friend Fang just because of who he is, so Nugget slightly distances himself from his friend, but his friend Fang doesn't give up trying to be Nuggets friend, and in the end saves the day. We all really enjoyed this one, and my daughter has added it to her nightly rotation.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. My children and I were gifted a copy of this book, in exchange for our review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Wild Sky by Suzanne Brockmann and Melanie Brockmann ~ Book Review ~ Q&A & Excerpt

Title: Wild Sky
Authors: Suzanne and Melanie Brockmann
Release Date: October 6, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal) Book Synopsis:

Skylar is a girl with extraordinary power. A girl with a mission to use her Greater-Than gifts to stop the makers of Destiny from getting people hooked on their deadly drug. But Sky is still mastering her new abilities, and her first mission to destroy a Destiny lab leaves her best friend addicted to the drug. For a few days Cal will be able to walk again – until it kills him. Time is running out for Sky to save the world without sacrificing her friends, to become truly Greater-Than...

Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks |
 
About the Authors:

Suzanne Brockman, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author, has won 2 RITA awards, numerous RT Reviewers’ Choice, and RWA’s #1 Favorite Book of the Year three years running. She has written over 50 books, and is widely recognized as a “superstar of romantic suspense” (USA Today). Suzanne and her daughter, Melanie Brockmann, have been creative partners, on and off, for many years. Their first project was an impromptu musical duet, when then-six-month-old Melanie surprised and delighted Suz by matching her pitch and singing back to her. Suzanne splits her time between Florida and Massachusetts while Mel lives in Sarasota, Florida. NIGHT SKY is Mel’s debut and Suzanne’s 55th book. Visit Suzanne at www.SuzanneBrockmann.com.

Excerpt:

I wish I could say I’d never witnessed a windshield shatter before, but I’d been in a terrible car accident a few years back, so I knew exactly what it looked and sounded like.

There’s a weird silence that happens immediately after something like that, in which everything seemed to occur in slo-mo. I forced my mouth to move.

“Gunshot!” I shouted, because I could see both Cal and Garrett looking wildly around, trying to process exactly what that noise was and what had just happened. “Bullet to car window! Over to the right.”

The broken windshield belonged to a beat-up sedan parked two slots down from us in the Sav’A’Buck lot. Someone had fired a gun, just once, probably from somewhere near the grocery store’s front doors, judging from that broken front window. Shards of glass made tinkling sounds as they careened off the front of the car and onto the pavement.

“Gunman at the store door, get down get down get down!” Calvin shouted, and I stupidly turned to look instead of diving onto the floor of his car, and he grabbed me by the shirt and yanked me down just as the shooter must’ve flipped the switch from one shot to massacre, and the gun began going off, popping bullets through the air.

BOOM BOOM BOOM POP BOOM!

I braced for them to hit Cal’s car, covering my head as I prepared for a rain of glass, but the man with the giant gun must’ve been pointing it in a different direction, because I heard the ping of punctured metal and breaking glass, but it wasn’t from our car.

I could hear someone screaming—high-pitched and frantic—even as Garrett yelled, “Calvin, drive!”

“Don’t,” I told Cal as I closed my eyes and focused on that glimpse I’d seen before he’d pulled me to relative safety.

Single gunman. Carrying…

A big gun. And something else…?

I focused on calling up the image, and yes, he was carrying some- thing under his left arm, some kind of brightly colored sack, with his assault rifle tucked into his right elbow—this tall, broad man, maybe twenty years old, buzz cut, scar above his eyebrow.

That screaming—it had been a child’s voice. She was silent now, but I realized with a flash that I hadn’t seen a colorful bag but instead the cheerfully patterned clothing of a little girl. That man with the gun was abducting a little girl. And I bet I knew why.

“Gimme!” I said and reached back to grab one of the water guns from beside Garrett.

 “Sky!” Cal exclaimed. “Don’t—”

I didn’t wait to hear what he thought I shouldn’t do. I’d yanked my hood up over my head, hiding my red hair and as much of my face as I could, and I was already out of the car and on the asphalt, heading toward the man who was still firing that gun. He was using it not to kill, thank goodness, but to keep the little girl’s family from following him. I could see with just one glance that she was unconscious, as he tossed her none too carefully into the passenger seat of his shiny black Bimmer. He had a nice car. And I was pretty sure I knew how he’d paid for it—by kidnapping little girls like this one, like Sasha, too, and selling them to the Destiny makers.

Mother. Effer.

“Hey! ” I belted out. But my voice was buried beneath the cacophony of his weapon. I had to move fast, or he was going to get into his snazzy car and that little girl would be gone.

I took a deep breath and concentrated. Water versus bullets? Not normally much of a contest there.

But I could do this. Couldn’t I?

Suddenly, I heard Dana’s voice in my head, shouting Fail! Fail! What are you doing, Bubble Gum? You have no backup, you have no plan!

What was I doing? This was insane.

Still thoughts. I closed my eyes and pictured Milo. I breathed him, I felt him, I heard him. Still thoughts, Sky. Just let it go…

And in that moment in which I was specifically not thinking about what I was about to do or what the consequences would be if I failed, I felt and then saw my enormous pile of plastic water pistols—there were sixteen of them total—shoot out from the backseat of Calvin’s car and through the passenger side window that I’d left open. They streamed toward me like metal particles toward a magnet.

Then, just as quickly, all but one—a little green one—swooped in front of me before lining up and hovering in midair.

The little green plastic water gun zoomed over to the man with the real gun and smacked him in the face.

“What the hell…?” He fumbled his weapon as he turned to see me standing there—me and that collection of water guns—and his eyes widened.

“Holy shit, Sky!” With the noise from the assault weapon silenced, I could hear Garrett shouting, and I winced inwardly because he’d used my name.

But whatever he said next was muffled, and Cal’s voice rang out instead. “Hoshitski, look out!”

It was an intentional misdirect, and I tried to stand like a Hoshitski might, no doubt surly from years of being teased. I pitched my voice lower and ordered, “Drop it! Now!”

The gunman’s wide eyes narrowed, and we both knew he wasn’t going to drop his weapon, so before he could turn and kill me, I let loose my TK and blasted him. All of those plastic guns shot water from their barrels with the intensity of sixteen narrow but powerful fire hoses, and it sent the man down onto the ground so hard that I heard his head as it smacked against the pavement.

The gun he’d been holding clattered to the ground.

All of my weapons ceased water-fire and dropped onto the pavement in front of the unconscious shooter.

The silence that followed was eerie. I felt a little dazed, standing there with a single, silly-looking pink water gun still in my hand, staring at the downed man and his big real gun, and then over at the bullet-riddled storefront of the Sav’A’Buck.

Review: 

I am just getting back into reading YA/Paranormal and I am so glad I started reading this series. I am hooked on the series from book 1 and hope there will be more to come soon! I love the whole concept of the Greater-thans and why they need to look out for each other. Their blood being used for a drug called Destiny. It will make the user younger and have mighty Greater-than powers only to then joker, go crazy and pretty much self-combust or at least kill themselves in a horrible death along with anyone around them. This book I found really revolved around Skylar and her feelings with Milo. She is still young and learning this relationship while learning her new powers. Milo has a dark past and is holding back at the moment from Skylar. I love Cal and Dana, it was fun to see how their relationship played out in book two and how Garret was part of the gang this time around. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I can't wait for another book in the series or I will need to read more from these authors.  

A Message From The Authors Suzanne and Melanie Brockmann:
 
Mel:  Wild Sky is a paranormal story, set in Florida, approximately fifty years in the future. In this world, a small percentage of people, mostly girls and young women, are born with a chemical in their blood that gives them superpowers like telekinesis or extraordinary strength.

Suz: Nicknamed “Greater-Thans” or “G-Ts,” these girls have been targeted for kidnapping by bad guys who harvest their blood and use it to manufacture a drug called “Destiny.” Destiny is extremely expensive, highly addictive, and ultimately fatal, but before the user dies from it, the drug reverses the aging process, heals illness and injury, and gives the addict super powers, too.

Mel:  It’s pretty scary stuff!  Oh, and just an FYI: Although Wild Sky is the sequel to Night Sky, you don’t have to read Night Sky for Wild Sky to make sense!

Suz:  All you really need to know is that in Night Sky sixteen-year-old Skylar Reid discovers that she’s a Greater-Than with some serious superpowers.

Mel: And that Sky and her best friend Calvin--a really upbeat kid who’s spent most of his life in a wheelchair--have some dangerous adventures with another tough-girl G-T named Dana, and Dana’s extremely (ahem) attractive sidekick Milo.

Suz: Sky and Milo really hit it off, so in Wild Sky, they’re a bit of an item.

Mel:  A bit! In Wild Sky, Sky and her friends get into more trouble as they search for Dana’s sister, Lacey, who disappeared years ago and has been presumed dead.

Suz: But now Sky’s got reason to believe Lacey’s being held captive in a Destiny “farm.”  And of course, high jinks ensue, and our beloved character Calvin is put into extreme danger--although throughout most of it, he holds onto his crazy sense of humor!

Mel: We both love Calvin very much!

Suz: And Sky does, too!  When we developed the Night Sky series, we wanted to center it around a main character we could easily relate to. And even though we grew up in very different circumstances –

Mel: Mom has an older sister, I have a younger brother. My dad was a lawyer, my mom a writer. My mom’s parents were both teachers.

Suz: I grew up listening to the Beatles –

Mel: Christina Aguilera.

Suz:  Watching Star Trek.

Mel: Full House.

Suz: Paul Newman!

Mel: Bradley Cooper!

Suz: But despite all of those superficial differences, Mel and I shared experiences far too common to teenage girls. Waves of self-doubt, with occasionally soul-crushing periods of insecurity.

Mel: Yet even at our lowest moments, we knew that there were things we were really good at.

Suz: And that’s where Sky came from. A young woman whose primary goal is to fit in with her peers, but whose G-T status makes that virtually impossible. Or so she believes.

Mel: Of course, her friends recognize Sky for who she really is – a funny, loyal young woman with a huge heart -- whose superpowers only add to her awesomeness.  But for Skylar, nothing comes easy. Everything seems to be on shaky ground – her budding romantic relationship with Milo, her ability to help Dana find Lacey, even her friendship with Calvin.

Suz: It’s that very human mix of vulnerabilities and strengths that make Skylar so special.

Mel: We hope readers see Wild Sky as not just a really exciting, action-packed adventure, but a story about Skylar’s quest – and really every teenage girl’s quest -- to own her awesome.

Suz: Because we truly believe that everyone is born with abilities that – no matter how seemingly small or insignificant -- should be recognized and celebrated! It is our differences that make us Greater-Than. 


 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Happy Halloween, Curious George written by N.T Raymond and Kelly Loughman

Halloween is here, and Curious George is getting ready for the big night. There are so many costumes to try on, treats to share, and games to play! George has so much Halloween fun picking out the perfect pumpkin, decorating his house, and celebrating with his friends that he’s not sure he’s ready for the day to end. Follow the little monkey through his fun-filled day with this book of poems. Happy Halloween, Curious George is a sweet treat to help Curious George fans of all ages get in the Halloween spirit.

Happy Halloween, Curious George can be purchased barnes & noble, and amazon.

Our review:

Curious George is a favorite in our home, so no doubt this book was a hit. With 7 short stories, it's a perfect read for any child. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. My children and I were gifted a copy of this book, in exchange for our review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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More Than Just Comics by Elizabeth Briggs - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

They're best friends online - but can they be more in real life? 

Writer Tara McFadden has been best friends with artist and drummer Hector Fernandez for years, long before his band became famous on reality TV – yet they’ve never met in person. They finally have a chance to connect offline when they’re both sent to Comic-Con to promote the graphic novel they collaborated on. 

Hector's secretly been in love with Tara for as long as he can remember, and once they meet, she sees him in a new light. All the years of longing lead to an incredible night of passion after one of his concerts, but neither is sure if their online relationship can translate into a real life romance – or if this will ruin their friendship forever. 

Over four crazy days at Comic-Con, Hector and Tara must decide if they want a future together. But when their story seems to be over, it’s up to Hector’s entire band to make sure he and Tara get their happy ending. 

Purchase a copy from Amazon. 

Learn more about author, Elizabeth Briggs.

Book Review:

Honestly, the thing that drew me to this title was Comic-Con. (I’m letting my nerd show!) Not the romance or book buzz but Comic-Con. Sorry, fellow nerds, but Comic-Con does not hold a major theme in this book. So, if you are looking for nerd love, keep looking. 

However, the plausible, digital premise was also very appealing. Hector and Tara have been working together for years via Internet and video chat. They are finally able to meet face-to-face. (Image meeting your digital best friend, co-creator and go-to-person after three years!) Hector knows that he has fallen in love with Tara very early in this usual relationship, but Tara is completely oblivious to why her stomach has active butterflies during this meeting. See, very plausible.

My problem with book is that with such a great idea, the formula was the same - two predictable  misunderstandings/impediments preventing forward movement of the relationship. <Sad sigh.> Also, beware of four very explicit love scenes between our hero and heroine. Yes, explicit! The first one happening only within a few chapters in the book. I actually had to recheck the genre of the book! 

I hate giving a rating of below a three, but this one is 2.75. That rating doesn’t exist, so I’m saved from officially labeling this one! However, I think that it will be an enjoyable read for those who are prepared. Although I think the story could have used a little more thought, Briggs is a good writer, and the story will thaw Fall’s frost. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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Mistakes Are Proof That You Are Trying: Coloring Book by Samantha Snyder ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

Mistakes Are Proof That You Are Trying shares 50 doodle art images of inspiring sayings, quotes, and words printed on one side of the page for all ages to color. Quotes from famous authors include Aristotle, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Benjamin Franklin, Florence Nightingale, William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, and more. The book also includes sayings and words from Discover and It takes a big heart to shape little minds to Remain Curious and To teach is to touch a life forever. Each doodle art image has been carefully selected to provide plenty of enjoyment, inspiration, and relaxation.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. With nine books to choose from!

About the Illustrator:

 
Samantha Snyder has been doodling her whole life. While teaching elementary school, she often drew up coloring pages and printables for her students and fellow teachers. She decided to start sharing her creations and in 2008, Doodle Art Alley was founded. Doodle Art Alley is dedicated to giving those squiggly lines the proper credit they deserve. Who would have thought that such a small and simple idea could possess so much potential? 

Author Website: Doodle Art Alley  

Review: 
 
I have always loved to doodle and colour but haven't done much in years. I mean I colour with the kids when they were young but nothing for myself. These books are very motivational with their quotes and a lot of fun to colour. My daughter will tell every to be quiet as mommy is meditating. It is very relaxing and a great way to focus all our attention onto one task. I really love all the pages in this book and have had a lot of fun with the few pages I have already completed right after receiving it. 
I don't find any of the colouring pages too intricate like some of the "meditation" ones out there. These are great for all levels, my daughter has now requested one for herself (she is 8) for Christmas. 

These would make the prefect gift idea for all ages especially teens & adults. 

 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Seduced into the Greek's World by Dani Collins ~ Book Review

Book Description:

"I want you, Natalie. Not after five o'clock. Now."

Every woman has a fantasy she only dares dream about in the dead of night. But for single mom Natalie Adams, the reality of an affair in Paris with infamous billionaire Demitri Makricosta surpasses even her wildest dreams!

Demitri is astounded by fiery Natalie. One night isn't enough, so to quench his lust he insists she become his mistress. The closer Natalie gets to emotions Demitri has kept locked away, the more he distracts her with dazzling gifts and luxury holidays to ensure that seduction remains the only thing between them…

Purchase a copy Amazon.

About the Author:


After a brilliant debut in the UK with No Longer Forbidden, a Mills & Boon Modern Book Of The Month in January 2013, Dani Collins saw her first Harlequin Presents, Proof Of Their Sin, win the a Reviewer’s Choice for First Series romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

When her Fantasy Romance, The Healer, was named an Epic eBook Award Finalist it was icing, and much appreciated validation after Dani spent two decades writing and submitting before making her First Sale.

While Dani’s settings span from glitzy Greek islands to imaginary medieval worlds, she always delivers alpha heroes squaring off with spirited heroines with passion and humor.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

Review:

This is a Harlequin Passion romance and the first one I have read in years. I used to read a lot of the mystery Harlequin back in high school/college. This book starts off a little slow for myself. I find the characters are very young in their ways. Natalie is a single mom working for a huge hotel chain, Demitri is one of the owners. He is a ladies man and hasn't decided to settle down. Natalie has been married and divorced and doesn't want to get married again, or so she tells Demitri. Natalie is in France at the office there when Demitri hits on her and wants to take her out. Natalie went with the idea of having some fun as a single women but wasn't too sure about getting involved with Demitri. They do hook up and it was hard to watch as Demitri was having feelings and Natalie was taking it as a fantasy. Then he finds out she is a mom and just walks out on her. The book is a light read, something you can start and put down and pick up without feeling lost. It flows a lot better at the middle to end. 

I am giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars just because both the characters got on my nerves a lot. In the end I didn't mind them but sometimes throughout the book you just want to yell at one of them to smarten up and open their eyes. Oh well, it was still a good read.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Interview with Hanna Peach

Welcome Hanna Peach to Genuine Jenn! Congratulations on the new release this week! We are so excited to have you here to chat with us about your writing and Girl Wife Prisoner. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why/what inspired you to write? When did you start writing?

I was a voracious reader from the time I could hold a book in my hands. Then I had an English teacher at a young age encourage my writing so the seed was planted there. Since then I was always writing things just for fun, like, at 18-19 years I wrote a serial dark fantasy when I was bored at work (oops) and sent the installments out every day just before work ended. I got serious about writing in my early twenties after working in a few “real” jobs and realizing I didn’t fit and I didn’t want to be there.

What was your inspiration for ‘Girl Wife Prisoner'?

I watched the movie The Godfather and was struck by Michael’s extreme change in character from a good guy to a mafia king. For days I was obsessed with the question, what would make a “good” person do “bad” things? And then a few of my GWP characters were born.

What three words would you use to best describe Girl Wife Prisoner?

Dark, tragic, hope.

Can you tell us if you’re working on anything else at the moment?

I’m always working on something ;)

I’m finishing up final proofreads for Drake’s Novella (from Girl Wife Prisoner) and I am writing a first draft of a psychological thriller/romance called Paper Dolls about a woman who is torn between love and blood when her unstable twin sister tries to turn her against the man she loves.

What was your very first book that you wrote?

lol, I wrote an autobiography of my life when I was 7 entitled ‘Go Suck a Lemon’.

Other than your own, what are your favourite books?

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.

When you are writing do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

Hell no! I’ll just end up singing along if there’s music.

Who is your favorite character in your books?

Drake from Girl Wife Prisoner! He is a complex antihero. Haha, but I’m biased because I just finished writing his novella ;)

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

...I deny everything.

Haha, but seriously... when I write characters with flaws I want them to be understandable and for my reader to be able to relate. I will sometimes study and “borrow” flaws from people I know because I understand and can relate to the people I love. But no one has noticed. Yet.
What they have noticed is when I “borrow” some conversations or great lines from them ;)

What’s your favorite treat?

Chocolate! And Coffee!

What’s your Favorite place to read/write?

I like to write at my dining table because I have an entire wall covered in notes and flow charts for my writing in front of me. But I’ll read in bed.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Aww man. Just one? Of all the places I’ve lived in (I’ve lived in 7 different countries) I loved Edinburgh, Scotland the most. I just can’t stand their winters. I’m a sun chaser. So… I’d live in Edinburgh and Croatia for the European Summer then go back to Australia for their summer.

About the Author: 

Hanna is the bestselling author of the Bound romantic suspense series and the Dark Angel fantasy series. Although she writes in more than one genre she can’t write a book without weaving together a complicated plot and filling it with twists. She writes what she believes: good people can do bad things, ordinary people can do great things, and choose love above everything.

Eternally restless, Hanna has lived in Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Scotland, England, Croatia and Ireland - everything she owns fits into one suitcase. She's planning her next move with her gorgeous (and understanding) partner right now. If not writing, she can be found wandering a dusty market in Marrakesh or trekking a mountain in Peru, often using her travels as settings in her novels.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Twitter |
 

Thank you for taking the take to chat with us! We are super excited for book #2 in the Girl Wife Prisoner series. I am so sorry to say I am all the way #TEAMKEIR! 

If you haven't read the Girl Wife Prisoner novel or the Drake/Keir Stories. Check out our reviews and pick up a copy today. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Keeping our Pets Healthy ~ President’s Choice® Nutrition First food & treats

I talk a lot about how to keep ourselves and our family healthy but we also need to remember to keep our four legged friends fit and healthy also. Besides the obvious of taking our furry pals to the vet for regular check ups we need to remember they need lots of exercise, grooming and delicious healthy food & treats.

Our two beagles can be a huge handful but I have learned through reading and also trying that work for our two that they need a lot of exercise to stay fit and out of trouble, even that last one can be hard as Molly loves to make a mess out of the garbage. This is a huge safety issue as our girl has gotten into some things that she shouldn't have in the last few years. We are now super cautious with what we leave laying around or even in the garbage before leaving the house. I know you are likely thinking, just put a child latch on the cupboard and all will be fine. Not the case with Molly. We have had 3 latches, all different kinds and she still can get into the cupboard. We have now decided that bungee cords are were she is at for the moment. We have to put three on the cupboards and make sure nothing is close to the doors as she can still get it open enough to pull stuff out. 

We get out for a lot of walks with Molly and Buddy to keep them healthy and fit. They love to head out to the trails for a nice sniff or to see what other animals are out and about that they can meet. We also let them chase each other around the house in bad weather and pull out the dog toys. The kids love playing with the dogs and their toys. This helps wear them out and keep them healthy.

If you don't know beagle LOVE their food! Some are super bad, Buddy may be in that category! We have to keep him away from the cat food. Molly is pretty good she will eat til full and move on. Buddy would just keep eating if you let him. We always look for healthy and natural dog foods to feed out beagles and President’s Choice® Nutrition First has been a great change for our two. In addition to their food we like to feed them healthy fruit & veggies and treats here and there.

President’s Choice® Nutrition First offers a wide variety of dog foods and treats for all breeds and sizes. One of their favorite foods is the Lamb & Brown Rice, this is a delicious combination of real lamb and brown rice. It is a dry dog food is made with specially selected ingredients for complete and balanced nutrition. What I like is that it includes omega-3 fatty acids to promote strong immunity along with a healthy skin and coat, including added vitamins and minerals for a healthy heart and healthy eyes.

We have tried a few of the treats and their favorite by far is the Nutrition First Chicken Strips. I was actually pleasantly surprised with this bag of treats. They are made from REAL chicken and dried for our dogs. These treats are formulated with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help promote healthy joints and cartilage, this is big for beagles as they usually suffer hip issues later on down the road. There are no artificial preservatives added and no colours or artificial flavours. Also no corn, wheat, or soy. They are rich in protein low in fat and have no glycerine added. You should have seen the drool all over the floor after Buddy is done one of these treats.

Remember that our four legged friends are a big part of the family and need us to help them with staying healthy and fit. Check out President’s Choice® Nutrition First food & treats on their Website and find them in PC stores near you.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. This is a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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I Will Survive! tips and hints to help you survive in this zombie infested world by Dana Burkey ~ Audio Book Review

Book Synopsis: 

If you are reading this, congrats! You are still alive, and doing a great job. But why just be alive, when you can really survive? That’s right. I’m talking about really living it up,despite those annoying zombies that are roaming the streets. My name is Addison, and I want to give you some tips on how to make living in this crazy world more than just a run for your life. Usually I would post this on my blog, but since the internet is no longer an option I hope this stack of mostly clean pages will be a good guidebook for you. Feel free to read it and take it with you, or leave it for the next person hiding out in wherever you are. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for future guidebooks on subjects near and dear to my heart. Things like “Doing your makeup without a mirror or flashlight,” “Best beaches without dead bodies,” and my favorite “Great places to rest during a run for your life.” 

For now, without further ado, here are my tips and hints to help you survive in this zombie infested world!

Purchase a copy of the book on Amazon or Audible. 

About the Author: 

Dana Burkey ~ I graduated college from Youngstown State University in 2009 with a degree in theater and a minor in creative writing. I am currently living in Washington State in a little cabin in the woods with my cat Cato. I work full time at a kids camp, and spend my free time doing community theater and adventuring in nature! I am an avid geocacher, and love watching reality TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance, Project Runway, and Big Brother! I am currently working on my next project that includes a few YA romances and a YA dystopian series!

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook |

Review: 

This audio book was super fun to listen to and quick. I believe it was just over an hour long, prefect for my commute to work. It has lots of great tips for when the Zombies take over the world. After listening to it, I am sure I will survive the Zombie infested world!

There were some tips I didn't even think of but they really are a good idea. If you are planning on surviving the Zombie apocalypse then you will want to grab a copy of this Audio or ebook and learn from Addison what you will need to know to get through it. It is super quick but full of ideas on how to stay alive. I look forward to reading about Dana's Zombie series.

I give this audio book a 4 out of 5. The narrator did a great job and I found it easy to listen to.
 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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A Bundle of Trouble by Olivia Hardin ~ Book Promo

Get the first THREE Lynlee Lincoln Series books, PLUS a bonus holiday prequel all in ONE Bundle. Inside you’ll find: 

The Trouble with Holidays (A Lynlee Lincoln Series Prequel) Falling for a human who doesn't believe in magic was the last thing Lynlee Lincoln needed. Beck Hale was a young architect and she was a Neutralizer-in-training--they were drawn together, but worlds apart. When Beck's apartment gets flooded, she invites him to her home for Christmas. Lynlee tries to ignore the pull of the mistletoe, but after all, 'tis the season.

Trolling for Trouble (The Lynlee Lincoln Series Book 1) The Lynlee Lincoln Series One: Magical and undead creatures can get into plenty of sticky situations. Lynlee Lincoln loves her job as a neutralizer, but she needs a break from the supernatural chaos after an ultra-busy Halloween night. Coming home, she's ready to collapse into her bed and forget the day... until she discovers two children scavenging through her refrigerator. One look at the pair and she feels a tug on her heartstrings, then she learns their father is the man she spent years trying to forget. When Beck pleads with her to help save his daughter, Lynlee gets thrust into a heap of trouble.  

Tangled Up in Trouble (The Lynlee Lincoln Series Book 2) Lynlee Lincoln isn't just a witch, she's also a Neutralizer. Her job is a juggling act to keep magical and undead clients out of trouble. But getting back together with her old flame throws one more ball into the mix and romance with a guy who has two kids can get complicated. When her old mentor asks her to investigate the goings-on of a dark witch, things turn messy. The witch is stalking supernatural creatures to collect ingredients for a potion that Lynlee can't seem to figure out. To keep those closest to her from becoming the next victims, she may have to confront the demons within herself.  

This Spells Trouble ((The Lynlee Lincoln Series Book 3) It took some work, but Lynlee Lincoln has finally found balance between her life as a witch and her relationship with Beck Hale. A human boyfriend with two kids wasn’t something she ever planned, but their new arrangement lets her have her cake and eat it, too. Just when she’s getting comfortable, puzzling visions of impending danger at home begin to haunt her dreams. And if personal issues aren’t troubling enough, Lynlee and the entire organization of Neutralizers go on alert when a phantom creature begins staging magical episodes on live television. If they can’t put a stop to the sensational events, all hell will break loose in the human world. Can Lynlee keep both her new family and the world safe without getting swallowed up in the process?

Buy on Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo

About the author:

When Olivia Hardin started having movie-like dreams in her teens, she had no choice but to begin putting them to paper. Before long, the writing bug had bitten her, and she knew she wanted to be a published author. Several rejections plus a little bit of life later, she was temporarily "cured" of the urge to write. That is, until she met a group of talented and fabulous writers who gave her the direction and encouragement she needed to get lost in the words again. Olivia has attended three different universities over the years and toyed with majors in Computer Technology, English, History and Geology. Then one day she heard the term "road scholar,"' and she knew that was what she wanted to be. Now she "studies" anything and everything just for the joy of learning. She's also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and she's sometimes accused of being artistic. A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband, Danny and their puppy, Bonnie.

Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Instagram | Literary Addicts | Goodreads

 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Drake/Keir A Girl Wife Prisoner retold by Hanna Peach ~ New Book Release & Review

Book Synopsis: 

Drake

I am Drake Blackwell. Some call me a monster, a wicked husband, a terrible son. It’s so easy to

vilify me, isn’t it?

But I’m not the cheater. I’m not the wife stealer.

Noriko was mine. She was my wife. I could have made her happy if it just wasn’t for him. That

gardener boy will have his chance to tell you his side of the story. 

Here’s the truth.

Keir

What if…

Noriko and I. 

You already know our story. So you know how it ends. I’m sorry. Some things are irreversible.

But others things, things like dreams for example, are not. Dreams are fluid as water, as 

changeable as the memory of the dreamer. Perhaps, then, I may be given license to re-tell 

our story the way I dreamed it. The way it should have been…

This is Girl Wife Prisoner told from Keir and Drake’s alternative perspectives.

Please finish reading Girl Wife Prisoner before reading as it contains spoilers. 

WARNING: This is not your typical romance. For ages 18+. There are scenes in 

this novel that infer or allude to physical violence.

Purchase a copy on Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Smashwords | 

Add to your Goodreads shelf today!

About the Author: 

Hanna is the bestselling author of the Bound romantic suspense series and the Dark Angel fantasy series. Although she writes in more than one genre she can’t write a book without weaving together a complicated plot and filling it with twists. She writes what she believes: good people can do bad things, ordinary people can do great things, and choose love above everything.

Eternally restless, Hanna has lived in Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Scotland, England, Croatia and Ireland - everything she owns fits into one suitcase. She's planning her next move with her gorgeous (and understanding) partner right now. If not writing, she can be found wandering a dusty market in Marrakesh or trekking a mountain in Peru, often using her travels as settings in her novels.


To WIN a copy of her next release join her VIP Readers Group

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Twitter |  

Review: 

After reading Girl Wife Prisoner I was totally HOOKED! I fell in love with the story and the characters and felt really said when the book was done. It was one of those stories where you really want to keep reading but you also don't want to because when it is done you are now without your characters. I am a Team Keir and just absolutely love the gardener boy. I love the relationship Noriko and Keir have. I love everything about him. He is sweet, hard working, sexy and just wants to love Noriko and he would do anything for her. I was so happy when I heard that Hanna Peach was writing the story retold by Keir. I just wanted to get into his head and feel his emotions from his point of view. This is exactly what the author does with this story. We also get the chance to hear Drake's side of the story. He is a dark, sexy man that is super troubled and didn't have a great upbringing. For most of his story I almost turned to a team Drake also but there is still something there that I can't. I really can't look past the hurt he causes throughout the story. I do feel for him and would have love to see him figure out his temper and past making something of himself. To me I will also love Keir.

A fabulous job done with this story retold. I think it was a great idea so that the readers can really see how each of the men dealt with their emotions throughout it. Again I want to give this a 6 out of 5 stars. I am dying for book #2!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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