The Unlikely and Unexpected Gift

The Unlikely Gift of Treasure Blume 
by Lisa Rumsey Harris

Publisher: Sweetwater Books

Publication Date: November 13th 2012

ISBN:   1462110266

Genre:  Feel-good, romance, humor

Book Synopsis:  With her love of sweaters, goofy hair, and awkward manners—not to mention her family curse—Treasure Blume knows love is not in her future. That is, until she matches wits with Dennis Cameron, a divorced chef with a six-year-old daughter. Full of mischief, mayhem, and laugh-out-loud humor, this is an unlikely love story you’ll want to read over and over again!

My Thoughts:  What an amazing book!  This is one that everyone should read, and I mean everyone!!!

If we could all be like Treasure Blume, this world would be such a brighter place to live.  She has such a wonderful gift - one that allows her to look beyond what others see in her so that she can choose to do the right thing - even when others think she is crazy.

Treasure is the type of teacher that I so wish I could be.  She always goes that extra mile for the needs of heer students!  What a breath of fresh air.    Even if the authorities are not sure she is doing what is right, and even if she is not sure it is safe, she takes that extra risk.    Students would be blessed to have her for a teacher.

Beyond that is the romance.  I don't know that I have ever read a more cleanly written romance story.  So sweet and inviting.  I found myself cheering Treasure along - she so deserved to have that special someone in her life, if ever anyone did.

And, what can I say about Grammy Blume.  She is such a fun character.  She is off the wall, so out-there.  Grammy was a wonderful addition to Treasure!

Now, everyone needs to go out there and get the book and read it.  I promise, you will not be disappointed. You will probably read it in one sitting - it is that addictive!!!

About the Author:
Lisa Rumsey Harris is from Downey, Idaho, where she grew up writing stories and riding horses. She graduated magna cum laude from BYU with a degree in English and a minor in Humanities.

She honed her writing skills while working at BYU Development Communications, where she wrote brochures, letters, and conducting notes for President Merrill J. Bateman. She received her Master’s Degree in English in August 2003.

Sparked by the experiences of her own grandmother, Lisa’s thesis explored the dissonance between real ranch women and the representations of ranch women in literature. She presented her findings at the Hawaiian International Conference on the Arts and Humanities.

Lisa’s passion for the American West is rivaled only by her passions for teaching and writing. She began teaching Honors Writing courses in Fall 2003. Her teaching inspiration is her own mother, who as Lisa’s high school Spanish teacher, taught her the importance of finding innovative approaches to encourage active learning.

As a writer, Lisa has won numerous awards for her short stories, essays, and cowboy poetry, including a Sunstone award in the Brookie and D.K Brown Memorial Fiction Contest. Lisa lives in Orem, Utah, with her multi-talented husband, her adorable sunshine daughters, and her ancient Siamese cat.                                                                                               

http://www.treasureblume.com

The Effects of a Storm

We just got electricity & cable (phone, internet, TV) back!!!  It is hard to believe that a snowstorm can be so devastating!!  In my life I have lived through many storms and blizzards, but none quite as messy as this one!!  My driveway was blocked because of fallen trees - this in addition to all the outages.  I sat and listened to snaps and pops of trees breaking for 2 days/nights.  That was extremely scary, as my home is surrounded by trees.  I am just happy that everyone is safe.

Check some of these out - this is the road I drive to go to work each day:

So anyway.  I was supposed to have 3 posts up and ready by now.  Unfortunately, this is where the effects come into play.  With no electricity, I had no way to keep my iPad charged. So, I was only able to read one of said books.  I am in the process of reading the other two.  I am getting ready to post one review today, and the others will follow in the next day or two.  

I love reading my books on my iPad, but I guess there is some good in having a hard copy of a book.  I had all the time in the world to read the past several days, but unfortunately, could not.  Had I had a hard copy, they would have been finished. 

A Touch of Christmas

Saving Savanna by Sara Fitzgerald

Publisher:  Sweetwater Books (Cedar Fort Publishing)

Publication Date: October 9th 2012
ISBN:  1462111009
Genre:  Christmas / Family

Devan can’t help but blame God for his wife’s death, so the last thing he wants to do this holiday season is celebrate. But when his daughter, Savanna, makes a special Christmas wish, their little family will never be the same. Filled with faith and tenderness, this heartwarming story is sure to remind you of the real power behind the magic of Christmas.

Short, but Oh, so sweet!!!  Don't let the short length of this book turn you off, it packs so much into its 16 pages.  So sweet and heart tugging, Sara Fitzgerald knows how to tell a family story.  If you or someone you knows needs a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, this is a must read.  What a perfect read for those of us who are busy at this time of year.

I have put this on my must share list for the holiday season.  This is one that I will pick up and read year after year.  

Sara Fitzgerald was named the 2006 Writer of the Year for the League of Utah Writers. She lives with her husband and daughter in Salt Lake City. She loves the Christmas season. To find out more about Saving Savanna and the author Sara Fitzgerald, visit her website: http://www.sarafitzgerald.com. 

It's Been a While!

Wow!  Has it really been since the end of July since I last posted?  All I can say is - I'm glad to be back!!

I moved to a new job - hired in mid July as a 3rd grade teacher.  I had been an inclusive special education teacher for the past 8 years.  I did not realize just what a change it would be.  It has been very time consuming!  And - I love it!!!  I love my 20 kids too!!!

Anyway, I am looking forward to posting again.  I will be taking part in some wonderful book tours from Cedar Fort.  I have fallen in love with each and every book I have read from this publisher!  They sure know how to pick their authors and books!!! 

The first title I will be reviewing is The Unlikely Gift of Treasure Blume by  Lisa Rumsey Harris.  

Click on the banner to find out more!!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB @Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

"She quickly yanked the ribbon off and flipped the box top off as well.  Inside there was a dozen roses.  They were all dead.  She screamed."

The Twenty-Twenty Players by Jim Lynch

Publication Date:  September 7th 2011

ISBN:  0615504396

Genre:  Political Thriller

Naked - Elephant Trunk - Gossip!!! What do you think??

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a fun weekly meme hosted by Cambria @ CambriaHebert.com.

Each week there will be a new question to answer and share.  This is a great way for bloggers to get to know one another.

This week's questions - something fun: 

 Would you rather go about your normal day naked or fall asleep for a year?

My Answer: I'd hate to miss out on a year, so if push came to shove and I had to pick one, I'd go around naked for a day!  I could deal with it, but I am not sure how everyone else would.  Considering I am a teacher, I'd hope this happened in the summer!!!!  

Would you rather be gossipped about or never talked about at all?

My Answer:  I would prefer to be gossiped about - at least I have done something to get noticed!!  Thinking about the first question, I am sure that would give people something to gossip about for many years to come!!!

Would you rather be born with an elephant trunk or a giraffe neck?

My Answer:  I think it would be better with an elephant trunk.  I want to be able to fit into the traditional houses and buildings, and with a long neck that could be difficult.  Wow!  what would a person do in a car with a giraffe neck?  They'd almost have to drive a convertible wouldn't they?  

These were quite interesting questions to ponder!!!  I'd love to hear everyone else's responses!!!  

Title and Cover Reveal

Several months ago I had the opportunity to read an amazing book written by Robin Waldrop called Ties to the Blood Moon.  Well today, I have the honor to be part of the title and cover reveal to sequel to that book.  Its expected release date is August 10, 2012.

Shadow of the Blood Moon 

by Robin Waldrop

Genevieve Labreck is back with a score to settle. Her mom has been kidnapped by Zane, hybrid and all-around monster.  Rumors fly that Gen’s mom is holed away in Prague, a city recognized by humans for its serene beauty and intense culture, but Gen and Will know something humans don’t. Prague is haunted by dark, evil forces.


Can Gen and Will save her mom, or will they be too late? 


Some will live, others will fall. At what price do you walk away from those you love?