Shadows of Angels

I am excited to participant in the Shadows of Angels blog tour. L.G. Rollins is actually one of the gals in a local writers group I belong to. So it was even more fun to read the book, since I had met her a few times before this. Plus it is always exciting to see the talents of others you know.

I was provided with a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the publisher to read and review. However, like ALL reviews I do on this blog I give you my true honest opinion.

I never give spoilers so you can feel safe to read on!

I know I have a lot of book lover readers out there, who enjoy tossing the days stress aside and diving into a great action-packed fantasy novel that allows you to totally escape into another world. For those of you specifically, I think you will find Shadows of Angels an enjoyable read!

Because of a terrible evil called Forest Dwellers, Aerbrin is left to watch her father’s death. In his last dying breaths he places a uniquely magical object and bestows it upon her along with simple instructions, to keep it with her always and never leave it behind. Forced alone into a cruel world she ventures out to discover the truths behind the Forest Dwellers and sets out with plans to seek her own revenge on all they have taken from her.

Hilfawn is flirtatious and a little too trusting and desperate for adventure to seek escape from the life she was born into. Little does she know, the risks she takes for escape could find her falling down a path that may bring her into touch with the real truths and far more danger than she could have ever imagined possible.

Along with a few other fun characters; Timbrick a monster of a man trapped by a magic, who may be far more than he seems. Sir Vita a soldier who may or may not be playing both sides. Lady Teepin a sympathetic sole with more knowledge and kindness than one would think possible from a woman who's been kept away most of mankind for far too long.  Throw in players and Kings who are power hungry and deceitful. Add a few demons and places with some seriously dark magic and few very powerful mysterious Zadd stones and you’ve got Shadows of Angels.

Interlaced with fabulously visually descriptive writing, dangerous magic and some definitely unique settings. L.G. Rollins weaves it all together in a highly action-packed fantasy adventure. 

I really enjoyed this book, at one point it was hard to put down because there was so much going on and I didn't want to stop reading so I could keep up with it all. I also found it to be a fairly quick read, which for those of you who know me, you know I put value into book on how well the writing is, the better the writing, the easier/faster the read. In my opinion.

One other slight difference I found in this novel, than most fantasy’s on the market right now, there isn’t much if any romance. I saw a few hints, which I would guess may come into play later in the trilogy. But in this instance, I found it quite refreshing especially with all the different avenues this author takes us on, it was nice not to have to figure romance into the fold yet...

Another thing I enjoyed, in my opinion there was not just one main character, there are a few and although they all are intertwined. We get to jump around from each ones story and point of view as they take off into their different parts of the adventure. The only bad thing I decided was the fact that now I have to wait for book two to find out what happens next.

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So who will enjoy this book? My recommendation is for those who like to read a fantasy that takes you into an entirely different magical world. It's not easy to compare it to other books.  However, for readers who enjoyed the enchanted settings of the Dorothy Must Die series, I think you will really like this intriguing world within Shadows of Angels. There is a fair share of death and violence, but not overwhelming. However, this is an exceptionally clean read, no profanity or explicit scenes! So if you need a great read, definitely pick up a copy of L.G. Rollins Shadows of Angels.

Also, just a quick heads up.  I am going to be giving away a paperback copy of this fabulous book to a lucky reader.  Check back on my blog, December 21st and enter for your chance to win your own copy.

You can find Shadows of Angels for sale today on Amazon.com

L. G. Rollins grew up in a far off land fighting dragons, stealing talismans, and traveling with dwarfs and elves. She is especially skilled at bribing giants with sweets. Currently, her husband and four kids live in Utah so that is where she spends most of her time. She may, or may not, have a Zaad Stone. To learn more about L. G. Rollins and her books visit LGRollins.com. Shadows of Angels comes out December 8th and is the beginning of the Zaad Stone trilogy.

Vist the Author L.G. Rollins Website or Facebook Page as well as feel free to check out the others blogs on the Shadows of Angels Blog Tour

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So tell me, does this sound like a book you or someone you know would enjoy?
What are your favorite types of books to read?

Favorite Books of 2014 and My Reading Goal

Normally I would have a book review post running.  But since it is nearing the end of the year, I thought I would do something a little different.

In January I mentioned I had a goal this year to read at least 60 books.  At the time I thought it was a crazy goal, and I wasn't sure if I would make it.
Sunday afternoons I set aside for reading.  I try to read 3-4 hours if I can.  I generally read about 100 pages an hour so yes I am a pretty fast reader which means I can usually get through most novels in one afternoon.

So how did I do?  Well thanks to Goodreads and actually tracking my books this year I know exactly how well I have done.  I apparently crushed my goal.  I have read.....

70 Books this year
23,000+ pages read
6 of those books were audio books I listened to.
Only did book reviews on 40 of those books, because unless I really loved a book I don't review it on my blog:)

I might get a couple more read before the end of the year, because I just picked up 2 sequels today that I have been waiting all year to read and I am already 2/3rds done with #71.

You probably think I am a read-a-holic.  I wish I could say I read every day, but that is not true.
I really only get to read Sunday afternoons with few exceptions.  Truthfully, I just read really fast, but I do actually read every word (I promise) I don't skim.
I have also found I really enjoy listening to a good book while I run!

So with all those books, I do have some favorites!
Now to make my favorites list, a book has to be well written. and must keep my interest throughout, and throughout any books in it's series.  Additionally, when I finish that book/series in order to be on my favorite list, it has to be a book that when I am done I literally hug:)
Yes, I am a book hugger haha:)

Here are my 2014 FAVORITES

#1 The Selection Series - The Selection, The Elite & The One by Kiera Cass

#2 The Precious Stone series - Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue & Emerald Green by Kierstin Gier

#3 The Shatter Me series - Shatter Me, Unravel Me, Ignite Me by Tahera Mafi,

#4 Dustland Series Blood Red Road, Rebel Heart, Raging Star by Moira Young

#5 The Hunt Series, The Hunt, The Prey & The Trap by Andrew Fukuda

#6 The Everneath Series, Everneath, Everbound & Evertrue by Brody Ashton

#7 The Fallen Series, Fallen, Torment, Passion & Rapture  by Kate Lauren


(With the exception of The Fallen Series, the rest I read all the books in previous years, except for the final books in the trilogies were read this year.)

Also, on my book review tab at the top of my blog you can find reviews of all of these books!

I would like to note, I am pretty sure The Evolution of Mara Dyer Series will be added to this list above, as I have absolutely loved the first two books and plan on starting the third book (hopefully this weekend:)

So what books have made your top 2014 favorite readings?  Are any of your favorites similar to my own?  Are you a book hugger? If so, what was the last book you hugged?

Best of 2014 Book Giveaway

If you read my blog, especially on Wednesdays then you know I love a great book.  My tastes are wide, but I do have my favorites each year.
Which is why I am excited to be a part of this hop again!

Thank you to Bookhounds & I Am A Reader for hosting this fun year end giveaway hop!

I have read a lot of great books this year, however a few have stood out more than others. Although I am only offering your choice of ONE of the three books listed below.  These three are just a few of the great books I have read this year.  I wish I could choose more than one winner, but right now I can only pick one of you.

THE ONE by Kiera Cass

UNRAVELED by Gennifer Albin

SLEEP NO MORE by Aprilynne Pike

How do you enter on my blog?  Pretty simple, just pick a way to follow me or tell me how you already follow me.  I do have a few extra entries for those who have a little additional time to earn a few additional entries but they are only optional.

That's it, after you have entered since this is a blog hop make sure to continue to work your way down the list and enter as many giveaways as possible!  Lots and lots of chances to win some GREAT books, maybe a early Merry Christmas to you prize or two:)
Note: My giveaway is open internationally, however I can only ship a book to a U.S. Winner.  If you are outside of the U.S. and are the winner, you will instead receive a $10 Amazon gift card.  Winner will be chosen by December 23rd, via Random Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Updates on my Blog

First, if you are interested in a fun way to find new blog followers for your blog, and other social media accounts.  It's not too late, you still have time to join the growing list of bloggers in a large Blog Hopping Giveaway just in time for the holidays.
READ HERE and make sure you understand the rules before signing up with us below.





Second, I am really exited to tell you about some changes you'll be soon noticing on my blog.
Even though I have had a blog for years, I used to only blog once or twice a month and I would only blog about a marathon I had just run.  However, this year (thanks to my injury) it opened me up to other idea's and I started exploring the fitness world of blogging, and realized I could do so much more. (Thanks to all the fun I've had reading many of your blogs this year:)
Little by little this year, I have tried out different things, to see what works and what doesn't and what all of you as my blog viewers and visitors like and don't care for:)

The new changes I am making are gradually happening you may have already noticed a few.  But I will say I am really excited about several of them!
One of which is, I have a graphics designer gal working on a new blog header for me, she has some great idea's and I am really excited about how it will turn out.

As for the rest of my blog, you'll notice a few changes in my posting schedule.

Monday's, used to be Motivational Monday's and I had a link up.  But other bloggers also do this, so I decided I needed something new and different for my blog.  So soon you'll be seeing "All About ME Monday's" this will be a post that I will share more details about me, and what has been going on in my life, things I am doing, trying, goals I am working on, my successes and my failures, the good, the bad, and the funny (even if I am the only one who does find it funny:) 
Additionally there will be a Monday link up for any of you who blog, who write posts about your own life and going on's and have things you'd like to share....  You will be allowed to link up any post, as long as it is content that any audience can view.  Additionally, anyone who links up will have my guarantee that I'll visit your blog and leave a comment on the post you link up.

Tuesday's, will remain Travel Tuesdays.  I might be adding a few differences to how I do them, but so far it seems like many of you enjoy viewing these posts.  Occasionally instead of focusing on a specific destination, I may write posts on other travel related tips and suggestions to help people out, with the focus always on if your a runner and you travel.  

Wednesday's, I will continue to do Wedding Pics or Book Reviews.  Because weddings are what I do for a living and on occasion I love showing off my work:)  I am also a book addict, I pretty much make sure I read at least one or two novels a week, and I only share the ones I actually like (because I don't think bad books deserve any extra advertisement:)  so you can always count on seeing great books to choose from, and since I have a wide taste in books from YA, Adult Fiction, Romance - Historical, Suspense, Thriller etc..  There can be something for everyone!

Thursday's will continue to be Spotlight Thursdays.  Previously they have only been Runners Spotlights.  However, with a twist, I am also going to start a "nominate a spotlightee"..  As a way for a people who have a family member or friend who is an incredible person/runner/athlete of any sport and they would like to surprise them with a day they are spotlighted.  I'd like to do at least one of these surprise spotlights a month.  So if you know someone, a family member, friend or co-worker let me know and I'll get you details on how I plan to do these and what will be needed of you.

Friday's, I really enjoy linking up with others who already do Fitness Friday link ups.  So now that I am getting over this injury I plan on using these days to go over my progress as I continue to heal and get back to running all while sharing the ups and downs of my journey.
But also a few of you have asked for my advice and opinion on various running topics.  So additionally, I will start sharing some of my knowledge and experience on different aspects of running.  In time (late spring, lets just hope I can start sharing some marathon race reports with ya all too:)

For now Saturday and Sunday's will not have a specific topic and quite often may not even post on those days.  However, I may start Giveaways or Product Reviews on these particular days.  Or occasionally, you may see me spotlight some of my favorite bloggers and why I enjoy reading their blogs.  I am leaving these days open for any content and whatever my brain comes up with:)

I blog a little different than most, which is why I like to give you a schedule of what to expect.  A book lover may love reviews, but not much care for listening to me talking about my running.
A traveler may enjoy reading travel posts, but not care too much about my daily life.  Others may have a wide taste palette and enjoy a bit of everything.  Regardless, this is how I enjoy planning my blog posts.

FUTURE BLOG HOP LINK UP GIVEAWAYS

Also, depending on the success and how those who sign up to be apart of my giveaway hop feedback goes.  These might be something that will be continued in the future.  I have no plans to do them monthly, but if it works out well.  I'll likely be hosting one in January to bring in the New Year, and another in Spring, Summer and so on.  Although this is all to be determined, if the plan goes into effect you'll see a tab on my blog that will take you to all the giveaways I am planning to host and you can sign up well in advance for any you choose to.  Additionally, I will be looking for co-hosts for this.  Mainly the job of the co-host blog will be to help me get the word out so bloggers can sign up if their interested.  If your interested in co-hosting a giveaway hop with me, reach out to me!

Well that's probably a long enough post for now:)  I have really enjoyed getting to know you all, and reading your blogs.  I appreciate each and every one of you who take time out of your day to come and visit my blog and see what I am up to:)

The Best Book Ever Giveaway Hop

The Best Book Ever Giveaway Hop

Hosted by The Best Books Ever 

C0-Hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer

June 4th to 10th

There are so many books that fit into this category, I am really excited to participate in this giveaway hop!

I am going to open my giveaway to both US and INTERNATIONAL Entries.

The only stipulation is, if the winner is US, they will get a copy of the book!  If the winner is INTERNATIONAL they will receive a $10 Gift Card to Amazon.com.

Additionally, because there is a prize being mailed, I am requiring that entrants be 18 years or older to enter.

On my blog you can win your choice of 1 of these

*WINNER ANNOUNCED BELOW*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AN INSPIRING READ "UNSTOPPABLE" BY NICK VUJICIC

I finished a compelling novel that I really enjoyed and feel others should take the opportunity to read and be inspired as well.

Unstoppable, The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujicic. Many of you may have heard about Nick. He was born without arms or legs and before the age of eighteen made the decision not to allow his disability to stop him from creating a life-long mission to serve and help others. Nick wrote it best in his book, “to simply say “I believe” in something is not enough. If you want to have an impact in this world, you must put your beliefs and your faith into action.” (Page 7)

 In Unstoppable, the reader will join Nick on a journey of his successes and failures. He shares his own stories of being made fun of, feelings of complete despair and of being humbled. Nick also shares the romantic love story of how he met his wife Kanae, the woman who was willing to overlook his disabilities and see him for the incredible man he is inside.

 Nick found his passion by discovering his own talents and using them to create a life of purpose, happiness and positive impacts on others. He has chosen to live a life without regrets by using his faith and his disability as a miracle in others eyes. I found many of Nick’s experiences quite uplifting and you will too! Reading his book I realized it’s never too late to make a difference in the lives of others.

Additionally, Nick tells inspiring stories of others around the world that have experienced everything from bullying, persecution, disability, career obstacles, addictions and cruelty beyond what most of us can comprehend. He shares his experience in meeting a young boy named Daniel, who like him was also born without limbs. In each of these stories, you’ll be uplifted and inspired as people find the faith they need to overcome their trials and start over again with a new purpose.

Personally I loved reading Unstoppable! Nick asked this question in his book. “You may ask, “what can I do?” or “What do I have to give?” the answer is, “yourself.” You and your God-given talents are the greatest gifts you can give.” (Page 201) I recommend this book for ages 12 and up, who like inspirational stories. Or for those who might benefit from the inspiring testimony of a man who refused to believe that a person with no limbs couldn’t make a difference.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
AUTHORS WEBSITE

My Recent Reads - An Amish Series

        I just finished a series of books that have been on the market for years.  Probably most who love to read, have already read them.  But since I can be a bit behind on a good read at times, I am happy to say better late than never.

Beverly Lewis, The Shunning, The Confession & The Reckoning.

       I have to be honest I actually read all 3 of them in about 2 days, sometimes I have a tendency to get caught up in a good book and if it is a series I just want to read through to see how it all ends.  Lucky for me these were all easy fast reads.

If you are looking for a great series I highly recommend these, I know she has several other Amish series out and I look forward to tracking them down and reading them as well.  I enjoyed not only the story line but learning about the Amish.  It not only sparked my reading interest it also sparked a desire to go and visit Pennsylvania, Lancaster and venture out into the Amish area's and do a little shopping around their stores.

Lucky for me I am planning on a race near there in a few weeks, so I have decided to extend my trip and arrive a little early so I can go out and visit the area before heading to Philly for the race.

       If you haven't already guessed with my previous state race blogs.  This is one of my favorite things to do along with running a Marathon in each state.  Finding new and interesting things to do and see while I am in each state.  I am so glad I took a friends advise to read these books when I did.  Because if I had read them after the Pennsylvania trip I would have regrets of not venturing out to see the Lancaster area as well.

(I just hope the recent weather they have been receiving changes back from snow to nice regular fall temps by the time I get there.)