Monday, November 16, 2015

Book Review & Giveaway: Butterfly Ginger by Stephanie Fournet




 About the Book:

Butterfly Ginger is the story of first love getting a second chance. The summer before freshman year, Nate Bradley and Blythe Barnes meet and fall hard. Even with plans to attend college in different cities, they’re convinced that nothing can tear them apart—until everything does. Now, six years later, life in South Louisiana is giving them the chance to put the pieces back together.

BUTTERFLY GINGER: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords 




About The Book:

Stephanie Fournet, author of Fall Semester, Legacy, and Butterfly Ginger, lives in Lafayette, Louisiana—not far from the Saint Streets where her novels are set. She shares her home with her husband John and her daughter Hannah, their needy dogs Gladys and Mabel, and an immortal blue finch named Baby Blue. When she isn’t writing romance novels, she is usually helping students get into college or running. She loves hearing from fans, so look for her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and stephaniefournet.com.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 



Review:  I am a sucker for a good love story and Butterfly Ginger is just that.  It is a actually a great love story.  Knowing how different life was for me from high school in comparison to my early twenties it was great to see how the characters in the book although changed, were still drawn together in a way.  An enjoyable read from start to finish I truly was sad once the book came to an end.  That is one of my least favorite things when ready a good book...the end.  Stephanie's writing was very entertaining and she was able to draw the reader in and keep them  there until the end!  Looking forward to reading additional work of hers in the future.

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Two Children and a Migraine was supplied with a book for review purposes and no compensation was received for this post.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Book Review: This One's for You by Brandy Jellum


  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 2009 KB
  • Print Length: 324 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Booktrope Editions (July 22 2015)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B012ELLGYQ

All alone in a new state, Brennan Daniels has only the memories of her best friend, Reagan, to keep her company as she starts college. 


Reagan is the reason for everything Brennan does—before she died, she made Brennan promise to stay good until she found a man worth keeping. No boys, no dating, and definitely no falling in love—those were the rules for college, and Brennan carved them into the brick walls guarding her heart… 


But there’s a fire burning behind those walls, and when Brennan meets Owen Scott, the (mysterious) new guy across the hall, she can’t deny the pull between them. He is everything she should never want. Everyone warns her to stay away—even Owen himself—but the heart wants what the heart wants, even if it knows that it’s going to get hurt—even if it means throwing old promises to new flames…


Book Excerpt:

“What are you doing?” I asked under my breath.
“Watching you sleep.”
I giggled nervously. It was a strange feeling, knowing that he was staring at me. Before, I would’ve found this weird, maybe a little creepy, but right now I found it incredibly sexy. And utterly embarrassing.
“Did you know that you wrinkle your nose in your sleep?” Owen asked. “It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
My face was on fire now. I groaned, tucking my head into his side. My body vibrated as he chuckled next to me. It was hands down, the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I draped my arm across his stomach and squeezed him.
“What time is it?”
“A little after two,” Owen answered.
I moved my head back and looked into his eyes. “Have you even slept yet?”
“Why sleep when I can spend that time staring at you,” he said softly. He pressed his lips against my eyebrow. “Have I told you how lucky I am?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Well, I am. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Brennan Grace Daniels, but I will do anything to keep you here. Forever in my arms.”
I blushed, hoping he couldn’t see my rosy cheeks in the dark. “I’d like that.”
“Yeah?” he responded. “Me too.”

About the Author: Brandy Jellum
Brandy's passion for writing began long before she actually sat down to write.  As a child, she has had and obsession with reading.  Everything from the classic stories by Jane Austen to YA Fiction by Richelle Mead.  Finally, in 2012, she decided to create her own stories for people to fall in love with. Brandy bounces back and forth writing both Young Adult Fiction and Romance.

When she isn't writing, she can be found chasing after her husband, her four children and her black lab Diesel.

Follow Brandy on Social Media:
http://www.brandyjellumbooks.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BrandyJellum
@Brandy_Jellum



My Review: Wow.  I started this book early in the morning and feigned illness for the day so I could read it to closure.  It has been a very long time since I read a book and became this engrossed in it.  I was feeling deeply exactly as the characters were and was able to go through the same emotions at the same time.  It was so well written that it felt like I was watching a tv series or movie in my head while I was reading.  I can see this easily being on as a mini series or movie....so moving and I don't have any similarities to help me relate to the characters yet I was at times sobbing and laughing with them in the book.  I am sad the book is over but will certainly be keeping track of Brandy's work for more great works of hers!  A 5 out of 5 no question in my mind.  Thank you Brandy!



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Book Review: Lotus by Kay W. Smith



  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 523 KB
  • Print Length: 180 pages
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B013L7HDJO
Newlywed Lotus Price has everything that she should have ever wanted: a great husband and a dream job as an executive of a prominent Chicago philanthropic foundation. Her life is going exactly as she planned—until she discovers she is pregnant and then unexpectedly encounters her first love. Despite his offer to be friends, Lotus wants to keep the past where it belongs. As the pregnancy begins to interrupt the dream that Lotus envisioned for her marriage, she is forced to rethink everything she thought she knew about her path to this point, including the single day that led her to her husband and away from the man she saw herself spending forever with. Now, as long-buried scars resurface, only time will tell what direction Lotus will take in the future—and who will be willing to give up what they have in order to get what they have always desired?


About the Author: Kay W. Smith
Kay W. Smith is a writer and blogger living in Chicago, Illinois with her husband and two sons.  She worked in public policy for several years before pursuing her passion to write full-time.  She is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

My Review: I wasn't certain about this book.  The description of Lotus from the back of the book showcased a woman/girl who was confused and seemingly unhappy with her perfect life.  I was wary and went into the book with this preset idea.  I soon realized that there was a lot more to the story and the complexity of emotions involved.  Kay W. Smith was able to capture a story that seemed so real in the intricacies that it was like looking through a glass window into this woman's life.  I took notes while reading this book and one specific one resonated with me: "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere.  You, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."  This line sums up my core belief in loving oneself and I really liked how it was in this book.  Lotus' character had some difficult decisions to make and in the end of the book I was truly surprised.  I give this book a 3 out of 5.


Two Children and a Migraine was supplied a book for review purposes only.  No compensation was received for this post.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Book Review: Geli Voyante's HOT or NOT by Elle Field


Release date: October 15 2013
Amazon.ca Sales Rank: 71,667
ASIN: B00FY12QUM

'I think I will always be known as the Hot or Not girl, defined by it for the rest of my career. Even my tombstone will read: Angelica “Geli” Voyante, beloved trendsetter. Death? Not Hot.



Yet, it doesn’t sound right. Why won’t anyone realise that there is more to me than this fickle persona I have inadvertently become?'

Geli Voyante is bored of being the Hot or Not girl, even if it has the perk of sitting next to Theo, the newspaper's very Hot political columnist. She's also getting a little lonely being single.

When her arch-nemesis Tiggy Boodles gets engaged, and other loved ones start to settle down, it's time for Geli to convince Theo that she’s not as shallow as her column suggests and, more importantly, she’s the one for him. Geli should remember though that there are always two sides to every story, and that applies to people too...


About the Author: Elle Field


Elle Field lives in London with her boyfriend and their cat. She enjoys exploring new places, watching musicals on the West End, and eating her way around London's culinary delights.

My Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Geli Voyante's Hot or Not.  Elle Field was able to capture a fulfilling and entertaining storyline from start to finish.    The twists in plot were captivating and it was a nice relaxing summer read.  The character of Angelica (Geli) Voyante was very well developed and I can easily believe this was based on a real person as she has normal responses and quirks as all humans in real life do.  I also like the developments of Tiggy and Theo throughout the story.  If your looking for a light fun read that'll keep you enthralled this book is a great read for you.  I give this book a 4 out of 5.


Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.



Thursday, October 8, 2015

Book Excerpt Blitz and Giveaway for Butterfly Ginger by Stephanie Fournet

ButterflyGingerBanner_Excerpt
Guess who gets to share an excerpt from Stephanie Fournet's upcoming novel, BUTTERFLY GINGER! Make sure that you take some time and check out the book below, read the excerpt, and be sure to enter the amazing giveaway!While your at it why not share it with you fellow book lovers!
Butterfly Ginger by Stephanie Fournet
Sometimes first love deserves a second chance.
The summer before freshman year, Nate Bradley and Blythe Barnes meet and fall hard. Blythe has the bluest eyes Nate’s ever seen; she smells like butterfly ginger blossoms, and she makes him feel at home in his own skin.
For Blythe, meeting Nate is like finding her best friend—one she wants to climb on top of and kiss forever. Even with plans to attend college in different cities, they’re convinced that nothing can tear them apart—until everything does.
Now, six years later, life in South Louisiana is giving them the chance to put the pieces back together.
Butterfly Ginger, Stephanie Fournet’s third novel, is a romance for anyone who believes that true love is made to last.
Goodreads | Smashwords Pre-Order | Available at your favorite retailer soon!

Excerpt from Butterfly Ginger



Parked in front of his house, Nate sat in the driver’s seat of his truck and gripped the steering wheel.
Why did I think this was a good idea? He watched Lila chop onions in silhouette through the kitchen windows.
“What’s the matter?” Blythe asked beside him. “Are you losing your nerve?”
Nate shrugged.
“Maybe.”
Of course, she laughed. He’d made her laugh every day for two weeks straight, and he couldn’t get enough of it. The sound energized him every time he heard it. Clear water, sunlight, and Blythe’s laugh must have been made of the same elements.
“Too bad,” she teased, poking him in the ribs and making him flinch. “It wouldn’t be fair to bail. You’ve already met Seth and Calvin — and my dad!”
“Don’t forget Phoebe the Flatulent.” Nate made a grab to tickle her waist, but she jumped back and swatted his hand away.
“Hey! Don’t make fun of my dog!” she protested, trying to disguise her laughter as outrage. “It’s not her fault Seth fed her Brussel sprouts.”
“Your brothers are a trip,” Nate said, shaking his head. Blythe rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, it was great fun when they showed you that picture from eighth grade. Braces and headgear? I’ll never forgive them.”
Nate shrugged.
“Well, the braces worked.” He reached for her again, and this time she let him catch her. “You have a killer smile.”
“Ugh. Really? That’s the best you’ve got?” Blythe arched a brow at his pathetic attempts at flirting.
“No,” he whispered. “Come here.”
Nate pulled her into his arms, and she tilted her chin up to meet his kiss, like she did every time. Her lips were so soft, and when he reached up to cradle her face, she opened her mouth to him. It seemed impossible that she wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted to kiss her, yet she was just as eager, just as hungry, and it drove him crazy. He could kiss her all day. It had become his new religion.
“Nate?” she whispered against his lips. “Can your mom see us?”
“No…” he murmured, moving his mouth to her neck, inhaling the scent of butterfly ginger in her hair.  “You smell so good…”
Blythe stilled against him.
“I think she can see us.” Blythe pushed herself away and sat bolt upright. “Oh my God.”
Indeed, Lila had moved to the sink just in front of the windows. She wasn’t looking at the truck, but he knew that meant nothing.
“Um… Yeah, she can see us,” Nate admitted, shrugging awkwardly. “But she won’t care. She’s not like that.”
Blythe shot him an exasperated look, and he realized that he’d screwed up.
I care, Nate! I don’t want her to think I’m some slut!”
The word was like a blow.
“No… No,” he said, silently cursing himself. “She’d never think that. And neither would Richland.”
Nate took a deep breath and decided to level with her.
“Blythe, I’ve never brought a girl home,” he admitted.
He watched her eyes widen just a little.
“Never?” she whispered.
Nate shook his head.          
“Never. Sometimes… sometimes people are uncomfortable around Lila. I was always afraid it would be too weird.” He gave a weak laugh. “Hell, I’m still afraid, but with you, I want to try.”
Blythe’s blue eyes glinted with her smile.
“You’re different,” Nate said, shrugging. “I’ve never met a girl like you. Someone who made me so comfortable. And Lila and Richland know that. They know you’re special. They’d never think you were a… a slut.”
Nate shook the word from his mouth. He hated even saying it around her. The thought of someone calling her that made him angry.
“Thank you,” she said, grabbing both his hands and weaving her fingers through his. “Thank you for inviting me. Yeah, I’m nervous about meeting your mom, too, but not because of her disability. Because she’s your mom.”
This was why he’d thought it was a good idea to bring her home. Blythe was amazing. She would accept Lila for who she was, which was more than most of his friends from high school had managed.
“Then let’s go,” he said, opening the door of his truck. Blythe hopped down from her side before he could do the gentlemanly thing and get her door for her, but he clasped her by the hand and squeezed it as they climbed the front steps.
Butterfly Ginger by Stephanie Fournet Credit: Tammie Simon Credit: Tammie Simon

About the Author

Stephanie Fournet, author of Fall Semester, Legacy, and Butterfly Ginger, lives in Lafayette, Louisiana—not far from the Saint Streets where her novels are set. She shares her home with her husband John and her daughter Hannah, their needy dogs Gladys and Mabel, and an immortal blue finch named Baby Blue. When she isn’t writing romance novels, she is usually helping students get into college or running. She loves hearing from fans, so look for her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and stephaniefournet.com.

Giveaway

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No compensation was received for this post.