A Royal Elf of Abalon

A Novel by Anna del C. Dye

Publisher's Notes: The deep relationship between Amaria, the princess of Abalon and Marken, the chancellor’s son, comes to a halting stop after their kingdom is almost annihilated. However, death isn’t the only thing this battle brings. Elfs come to their rescue and, as a souvenir, take the princess home with them.

Blinded by fury, the overprotecting queen orders the extermination of the mighty elfs. Her captains know they can never win, so they are pleased when Amaria intervenes so desperately that she loses her mother. The unprepared princess is left to care for a kingdom that will demand her true love.

A Royal Elf of Abalon is the stand-alone continuation of Anna’s Elf series. Once again she has crafted an exciting new tale full of jealousy, betrayals, and death. A Royal Elf of Abalon is a masterpiece created in the genre of Tolkien that you’ll love to the end.

Mandi's Review: From the moment I had the chance to meet Author Anna del C. Dye I have been intrigued with her stories. I'm not usually one who enjoys elves and fantasy, but when asked to review A Royal Elf of Abalon I didn't hesitate, and I'm glad I didn't. A Royal Elf of Abalon follows a young princess, Amaria. Raised by a cruel and jealous queen, Amaria leads a sheltered life, but when enemies attack the kingdom, Amaria is sent away. Soon, the young princess discovers all is not right in her kingdom. Her mother's cruelty goes beyond anything Amaria believed, and after she meet Kurzan, an elf who has come to the kingdom's rescue, the story really takes off. The author does a fantastic job keeping readers engaged. The plot twists and turns, and Dye has developed strong, unique characters that will leave a lasting impression.This story is filled with high adventure, intrigue, and a secret, forbidden love. If you loved Lord of The Rings, Dye's books are sure to keep you reading late into the night.

Welcome to the LDS Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Today I am giving away a signed copy of my book "The Alias", a Romantic Suspense.

Publisher's Note: After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey is sure the worst is over. But when the FBI reveals some disturbing information about her ex-husband, she is forced into hiding to protect herself and her son. In the process, she risks losing her identity, her future, and her heart. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.----This book is available on Amazon Kindle today for only $3.99.


Check out The Alias Book Trailer:

To win all you have to do is follow the simple rules posted below:

1) Follow this blog (mandatory)
****That's It***

Thanks for entering!

Welcome to the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Today I am giving away a signed copy of my book "The Alias", a Romantic Suspense.

Publisher's Note: After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey is sure the worst is over. But when the FBI reveals some disturbing information about her ex-husband, she is forced into hiding to protect herself and her son. In the process, she risks losing her identity, her future, and her heart. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.----This book is available on Amazon Kindle today for only $3.99.

To win all you have to do is follow the simple rules posted below:

1) Follow this blog (mandatory)
2) Follow me on FaceBook (+ 2)
3) Add "The Alias" to GoodReads (+1)
4) Visit my WEBSITE and answer this question: Which book will be published in 2013? (+3)
5) Leave a comment below letting me know which steps you have completed. Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Happy Spring!!

The Duke's Undoing

A Regency Romance by G.G. Vandagriff

Publisher's Notes: Meet the Duke of Ruisdell, the unlikely hero of my new Regency Romance.

The duke has just returned from the Napoleonic wars on the Iberian Peninsula with a wound in his shin, where a musket ball was lodged. He is weary, cynical, and very bored. Known as the worst rake in England, he finds he has no interest in upholding that distinction, when his friend, the Marquis of Somerset, proposes a bet: “Five thousand guineas says that seducing Miss Elise Edwards will cure your ennui.” Because his friend has just lost a packet to him, he agrees that the bet be posted in White’s famous Betting Book.

The following day, he has a most unsettling experience. Walking in Green Park, he spies a mysterious young woman, veiled, and obviously grieving. A disembodied voice, sounding strangely like that of his late adjutant, informs him, “The jig is up. That is the girl you are going to marry!” He scoffs, but is nevertheless intrigued by something about the slight figure. He even sketches her and asks if he can be of assistance to her. She declines his offer kindly.

At the opera that evening, he is again intrigued by a beauty across the Opera Hall. He hears the same voice, saying the same thing. The marquis informs him that the woman in question is Miss Elise Edwards. When he meets her, he recognizes her voice as that of the woman in the park. Now she is surrounded by a surfeit of ex-fiance’s, one of them dangerously unbalanced. Ruisdell discovers an actual bond between them which makes him honor bound to protect her.
Thus begins a train of unstoppable events–dangerous, humorous, devilish, and amorous–that carry his life along at such a pace that the duke soon knows not whether he is on his head or his heels. And then there is that bet . . 

Mandi's Review: To be quite honest, I don't believe I've read many Regency Romance novels, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, GG Vandagriff did not disappoint. This novel is filled with intrique, turmoil, a bit of comedy, and a LOT heart-fluttering romance. I loved the characters, especially those of Elise Edwards and the complex duke of Ruisdell. Elise is the perfect heroine. She is intelligent, snarky yet sweet, and passionate about life. In my mind, the duke is as handsome as ever, and exhibits just the right amount of dark brooding mixed with heart-warming sincerity.  Vandagriff weaves romantic tension between these two characters in a way that will leave your heart thrilling. The plot, though a little slow at first, picks right up and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. This story is definitely one that you will want to read over and over again. I can't wait to read more by G.G. Vandagriff.  

The Duke's Undoing is available on Amazon Kindle today for only $2.99 !!! Definitely check it out! You won't be disappointed. 

Showers of Books Giveaway

Welcome to the Showers of Books Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Today I am giving away a signed copy of my book "The Alias", a Romantic Suspense.

Publisher's Note: After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey is sure the worst is over. But when the FBI reveals some disturbing information about her ex-husband, she is forced into hiding to protect herself and her son. In the process, she risks losing her identity, her future, and her heart. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.----This book is available on Amazon Kindle today for only $3.99.

To win all you have to do is follow the simple rules posted below:

1) Follow this blog (mandatory)
2) Follow me on FaceBook (+ 2)
3) Add "The Alias" to GoodReads (+1)
4) Visit my WEBSITE and answer this question: Which book will be published in 2013? (+3)
5) Leave a comment below letting me know which steps you have completed. Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Happy Spring!!

Dutch Oven Almond Poppy Seed Whole Wheat Bread

I Don't Look Like This When I Cook

Baking bread has never been one of my strong points. Normally when baking, I mix up ingredients, my dough doesn't rise, and I'm left with a lump of bread that resembles and tastes like a rock. That's why I was so excited to discover a nearly fool-proof recipe, and I've had a ball trying to find all sorts of new add-ins to make this bread unique. This isn't your typical, fluffy bread, rather it is coarse and dense, but it fills your belly and tastes WonDeRfuL. Today, I'm featuring my Almond Poppy Seed Whole Wheat Bread.








Ingredients:

3 cups Whole Wheat flour
1 1/4 tsp. Salt
1 TBS Sugar
2 tsp Yeast
2 C. Warm Water
1/4 C. Rolled Oats
2 TBS. Poppy Seeds
1/4 C. Slivered Almonds

Directions: In a large PLASTIC bowl (glass and metal seem to hinder the rising time) mix together flour, salt, sugar, rolled oats, poppy seeds, and almonds. Stir well. In a separate bowl dissolve yeast in warm water. Once yeast is dissolved combine with flour mixture. Stir well. Dough will be sticky....this is not a problem....form a ball and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let rise for 12 to 18 hours.

Place dutch oven or deep baking dish in oven and pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. While oven and dish heats, dump sticky dough onto a heavily floured surface. Coat both sides of bread and let sit...DO NOT KNEAD...when oven reaches 450 degrees, carefully place dough into hot dish and bake for 35 minutes. Remove and let cool on baking rack.

And My Bread Doesn't Look THIS Good, but It's Still Yummy

Motherhood Matters

Publisher's Notes: In these hectic days where life's demands can quickly become a heavy burden, Motherhood Matters helps you find more memorable moments and take the stress out of the to-do lists. Written with clarity, concision, and wit, this short, yet indispensable handbook is better than flowers, more guilt-free than chocolate, and gives back to the woman who sacrifices so much of herself every single day.


My Review: Just in time for Mother's Day, Connie Sokol's new book Motherhood Matters is just the sort of book I needed to read. Her words were a reminder of the divine calling of motherhood.Yet this book is also filled with poignant reminders that perfection is not a requirement.


"Part of  divine parenting includes stressful day-to-day mothering. No matter how patient and loving a mother is, there will be those times in her life when she has had it."

The author brings to light the rewards, challenges, realities, and joys of being a mother in a way that will leave you smiling and uplifted.

 My very favorite quote is, "Many women come from an active and accomplished single life and walk through the new mysterious portals of motherhood only to find that their biggest accomplishment is finding a matched pair of socks before the bus comes."

Isn't that the truth? Yet we are reminded that in the end, nothing from our pre-motherhood days are wasted. As a special education teacher (pre-children) I am able to use those skills I learned in the classroom and apply them in the most important classroom of all....my home. Filled with fun stories, quotes, and inspiration from LDS prophets and apostles, this book is a must-read for any mother, young or old.

To purchase a copy of Motherhood Matters by Connie Sokol visit Amazon today!
To learn more about author Connie Sokol you can visit her website at www.8basics.com