How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes

The current Book Blast is for How A Star Falls by Amber Stokes.

You may be wondering: How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment, planning for the day he’ll finally break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for now, but it’s far from the goal he had when he got his college degree. Not to mention that his roommate is a jerk and his family won’t stop trying to run his life.

But, then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she’s crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can’t just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

Purchase Your Copy

Amazon

Author Amber Stokes

Amber Stokes works as a writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction which depicts the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she’s always considered home.

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/16/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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The holiday season is a great time for a little extra money to buy gifts for our loved ones!

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Tammie’s Reviews, Giveaways & More, Bridget’s Blog, Sandy Springs Macaroni Kid, Busy Mama Reviews & NYSaving Specials

Sponsor: Mega Bloks & General Mills & Target

Prizes: $50 Target Gift Card, Mega Bloks Collectible Car Kit & General Mills Cereals

Dates: 11/15-11/29

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Return to Chelsey Falls

After his mom died, 14-year-old Wyatt Barnes was sent away to live with his grandparents in Chelsey Falls, Washington. That was a summer filled with new friends and new adventures, but, only until his life was turned upside down for a second time.
Now, almost ten years later, an offer to teach at the high school in Chelsey Falls, brings Wyatt back to the small town. Is he getting a second chance to make amends with Alexa, the young woman that had befriended him?
Meanwhile, Wyatt’s sudden reappearance in town sends Alexa’s life into a tailspin. Alexa can’t help but wonder if Wyatt has finally found the peace he so desperately needed. Although apprehensive about opening old wounds, Alexa knows she can’t avoid Wyatt forever. Could what started out as a crush so long ago become more than that now? Or is it just too late?
Return to Chelsey Falls is a heartwarming story of second chances and forgiveness.

AMAZON

Author Marianne Gowers

Marianne Gowers, born in Seattle, Washington, grew up with nine brothers and sisters. She has dreamed of writing for many years, and has finally made it a reality. She spends her days writing and editing, then editing some more. She loves bringing to life the many characters in her imagination. She enjoys writing LDS Women’s fiction, providing funny and inspiring stories, which she hopes will be appealing even to those outside her faith.

Website

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming if you’re trying to go it alone. Hopefully you have some help this holiday season! I’ve also found that, just like a carpenter or a plumber, having the right tools can make a world of difference. When I worked as a lunch chef, I loved being surrounded by the right restaurant equipment. I know that I cook better and food tastes more delicious when I am not using old or makeshift items, and this applies at home as well. That 2 qt Induction Ready Stainless Steel Saucepan is calling my name!

1. Pink Chocolate – By the time 4pm dinner comes around, you’re going to wish you were wearing something more stylish than the crumped cook’s apron you picked up 5 years ago at the hardware store. You may not want to take this pink and brown number off to eat! Also available in brown and blue, and brown and lime green. Buy it here.
2. Butcher’s Twine – Trussing your turkey is a great way to keep it moist. Get it here.
3. 2-Qt Induction Ready Stainless Steel Saucepan – You might think you have enough. But what if you are simultaneously boiling water for potatoes, cooking peas, reheating gravy, and making stock from your turkey innards? What then? No worries. Restaurant supplies to the rescue. Buy now, use for years.
4. 7-Inch Stainless Steel Potato Masher – Never, ever, ever try to mash your potatoes in a mixer or food processor. That said, using a fork will dampen holiday spirits in no time flat. This masher has an ergonomic handle, and lots of mashing surface to make quick work of your potatoes. Get your masher here.
5. Taylor Roast Meat Thermometer – Don’t even mess with wing wiggling. Insert this meat thermometer into the thigh of your bird. You’re done when temperature reaches 165 degrees. Find it here.
6. Rosie Spiral Whisk – That gravy you’re responsible for? Afraid of lumps? You will want to whisk as you add liquid, and if you make gravy in your roasting pan – which is really the best method – a flat whisk like this can mix in every last bit of pan dropping goodness much better than the vertical whisk you probably already have. Check it out here.
7. Silicone/Cotton Pot Holder and Trivet – In case you’ve taken off the mitts, because we all do, and you need to grab a pot handle, or set something hot down on a surface that needs protection. Buy it here.
8. 15 inch Stainless Roasting Pan– Stainless steel is far better than aluminum for roasting pans, and, contrary to popular opinion, non-stick is the wrong choice. You won’t get a good base for gravy-making unless your drippings stick and caramelize. Make sure you choose a pan that will fit your turkey, with enough room for air circulation, but not so much space that the juices spread out and burn in the pan. Check it out here.
9. Ultra Flex Kitchen Oven Mitts – Thanksgiving is prime burn time. Go all out on protection when you’re reaching into that hot oven, and across that hot stove. Don’t get burned!
10. Pie Cutter – Cut at the table, with a bit of hey presto! and this one-touch pie slicer. Get it here.
11. Laguiole Carving Set – The knives of French kings and queens, found in all the best restaurants, now playing at your Thanksgiving table. Beautiful wood handles, stainless blades, and a box for storing them safely until next year’s Thanksgiving. Get the carving set here.
12. M’heritage Roaster w/ Cast Iron Handles & Rack – If you want the spectacular option, go for copper cladding and never look back. You can buy it here.
13. Gravy Boat – Gravy is as important to the holiday as the turkey it blankets. And gravy boats, on a plate, are hands down the least messy, most attractive way to serve it. Buy it here.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network . The opinions are all mine.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it’s a time of gratitude and camaraderie. As we come together to enjoy our blessings, we also get to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Sometimes I wonder why we don’t have this meal more often, but, having it on Thanksgiving just makes it that much more special! We also get to exercise our creativity by putting together a beautiful table with fall colors and textures. Here are some easy ways to create the perfect ambiance. What is your favorite? I’m a bit in love with that Pumpkin Dutch Oven!

1. Hot Skwash Pumpkins – Rich, velvety pumpkins in warm hues with real pumpkin stems. Handcrafted in Oregon. Centerpiece on the table, the buffet or adornment over the mantle. See them here.
2. Branch iron candelabra – A rustic but elegant and certainly dramatic candelabra that holds 17 candles. Buy it here.
3. Dripless pillar candles – A set of 12 dripless candles in a color to suit your decor. Save your furniture and table linens from dripping wax! Get them here.
4. Leaf appetizer dishes – These glazed leaf dishes are the perfect size for each guest to use as appetizers or for the hostess to serve sauces, dips, olives… See them here.
5. Pumpkin Dutch Oven – A perfect Oven-to-Table piece, and certainly one that is an ode to the season. By Staub. You’ll have it forever. Buy it here.
6. Swirled tangerine glasses –  These goblets boast of seasonal colors and style. See them here.
7. Root wood bowl – This one-of-a-kind wooden bowl is crafted from reclaimed fir wood. It is food-safe and perfect to serve dry foods such as breads. Check it out.
8. Footed leaf tray – Highlight your hors d’oeuvres and desserts on this elegant pedestal tray. Get it here.
9. Live Thankfully napkins – A set of 6 natural cotton napkins that are very à propos with the “Live Thankfully” inscription. Buy these napkins here.
10. Wine carafe – Stylish wine serving is to be had with this hand-blown wine carafe with an oak wood stopper. Or use it for water or juice. See it here.
11. Wood candle holders – A set of 5 wooden candle holders, each with a different distressed finish. Love them for the Thanksgiving table and anywhere in the house for the rest of the year. Get the set here.
12. Flicker LED candles – Perfect for the wooden candle holders and you won’t have to worry about them. The natural flicker will make you forget these candles are battery operated. Oh, and remote control is pretty cool. Get them here.
13. Autumn floral basket – Preserved sunflowers, myrtle in orange and green, flax and natural wheat make up this decorative harvest basket. Put it anywhere in your home to announce Thanksgiving. Buy it here.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network.

The Earthkeepers by Shawn Underhill

From the author of The Great North Woods Pack series comes a new adventure for you!

Lots of people talk to animals every day. If you’re someone who does, there’s nothing really unusual about you. But, on the other hand, what if animals spoke to you in return? What if you could understand them clearly, while the people around you could not?  That indeed would be very unusual, incredibly interesting, and would likely be tremendously fun!
For nine-year-old Ethan Dewfield, talking with his dog is an everyday occurrence. Add to this the fact that he lives not in a regular house but in a sprawling hilltop inn, and what you’ll find is a highly unusual boy with a unique tale to tell. In this personally narrated account he discovers the depths of his abilities, makes new friends, goes for a long walk in the snow, meets a special pack of wolves known as Earthkeepers, uncovers a nasty scheme devised by his even nastier uncle, eats a stack of pancakes, and does all he can to save his beautiful home from the greedy men plotting to destroy it.

*If you’re someone who likes a wide assortment of animals, with funny names and contrasting views of the world, and you like Christmas decorations, happy endings, and you’re open to the possibility of liking boys named Ethan, there’s a good chance you might enjoy this story.

*If you’re someone who admires deceitful, scheming, selfish people who manipulate others, who dislike animals, kids, beautiful buildings, and beautiful scenery, you might enjoy a long career in politics, but will probably not like this story in the least.
*If you’re someone searching for an epic, unrealistic romance between two people resembling Ken and Barbie, you are looking in the wrong place. You are now terribly lost. I’m shocked you’ve read this far. You should probably hit the back arrow now. There’s no telling what could happen if you don’t.

*If you’re someone shopping for affordable health insurance, you might try a different website.

Amazon

Author Shawn Underhill

The actually true story of Shawn Underhill may never be fully realized to the world at large. Theories and rumors abound, ranging from the fantastic to the absurd, but none can be entirely trusted.

Most scholars agree that he is certainly a devoted admirer of Jack London, while less credible claims suggest that he is loosely related to the novelist, merely adopting the false name Underhill as a means to anonymity. The most bizarre of all rumors state that Mr. Underhill actually is Jack London reincarnate, that in his spare time he pilots experimental aircraft on dangerous test missions, and is slated to appear on DWTS.

Attempts by this biographer to uncover solid evidence have proven frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. Establishing contact with Mr. Underhill’s family in the slim hope of acquiring trustworthy information has been, for the most part, an exercise in futility.

The most viable explanation came by a series of mysterious phone calls leading to a secret meeting with an individual claiming to be Shawn’s second cousin. This unnamed source (who only spoke with me under cover of darkness behind a Dunkin Donuts off highway 93 in rural New Hampshire) states that the author was last known to be located within his secret writing cave–a high mountain fortress, heavily defended by steep ledges and rushing waterfalls. The grounds near the secret trail leading to the hidden entrance are said to be patrolled day and night by wolves, watchdogs and bears.

In an interesting side note, UFO’s and Bigfoot sightings have been reported in the general area of Mr. Underhill’s alleged stronghold, but none have been officially confirmed by any reputable organizations.

The author’s Facebook page, Shawn Underhill (Author) is the only known source of contact he has with the outside world.

Facebook * Twitter

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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It’s one of the hardest conversations you could have and yet it’s so important. As our parents and loved ones age, we often become caretakers for the ones who nurtured us for so many years. I remember when my Mom first started having heart issues. It was unexpected and frightening. She found that she had atrial fibrillation and had to get a pacemaker.

We were worried and she was worried, but, sitting down and having some very down-to-earth conversations planning for long-term care proved to bring us closer and made us feel more calm. This planning can be a complex process. Care Conversations recommends getting certain documents in place to make the process easier. For example, Advance Directives ensure your loved ones have a say in their future care. I was glad to know my Mom’s views on these matters and, as it’s such a personal decision, I was really glad to have her wishes known way in advance of a medical emergency.

My sister and I sat down with Mom, shared some laughter, some tea and some tears. Ultimately, knowing that we would be respecting her choices made my sister and I feel better about everything.  Care Conversations is truly a wonderful resource to help plan and prepare for the future.

This video on Care planning is also very helpful.

Early planning goes a long way towards future peace of mind and heart.  And, spending quality time with those you truly love is more precious than anything.

Join @ResourcefulMom on Wednesday, November 12 at 8pm EST to chat about these important conversations and get some tips on making the best decisions for your loved ones. RSVP for the #CareConvo Twitter party here.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Global Influence. All opinions are my own.