Monday, March 10, 2014

Book Review Monday: Echoes of Mercy

Hi everyone!

This weekend I finished reading Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Here's a little about the book:
"Sometimes a secret must be kept for the truth to be revealed.
When a suspicious accident occurs at the famous Dinsmore Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event and how the factory treats its youngest employees—the child workers. Caroline’s fervent faith, her difficult childhood, and compassionate heart drove her to her job as an investigator for the Labor Commission and she is compelled to see children freed from such heavy adult responsibilities, to allow them to pursue an education.
Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as “Ollie Moore,” he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father. Caroline and Oliver become fast friends, but tension mounts when the two find themselves at odds about the roles of child workers. Hiding their identities becomes even more difficult when fate brings them together over three children in desperate need. When all is revealed, will the truth destroy the love starting to grow between them?"

My Thoughts:
The Idea:
Loved the general concept of this story! It was kind of like detective-agent meets Undercover Boss and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, and the plot was good. My only complaint is that I wished there was a little more romance, but overall, I enjoyed it and would read it again.
The Characters:
Carrie is a good character! I admired her and her decisions throughout the book. I loved how she took in three kids who she had no connection to. She was a very good person.
I really loved Ollie. He was awesome! I was very intrigued by his position in the chocolate factory as a janitor, as he "spied" on the goings-on for his father. I enjoyed the characters' interaction.
The Plot:
It kept me reading! At some parts, I was very scared for the characters. I was invested in them and didn't want them to get hurt!
The Setting:
Awesome! What better place to set a book than a chocolate factory? Except, it did make me a little hungry...
Overall:
This was a good read and I would recommend it to my friends!
About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author with more than one million copies of her books currently in print. Awards include the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Sawyer lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Author Hometown: Kansas

- See more at: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/press-room-author.php?id=162648#sthash.jMGKGs1Z.dpuf

Friday, March 7, 2014

Writing Friday: New Reviews

Happy Friday, everyone!

I am very excited for the weekend. I'll be attending a local writer's group and my playwright roundtable.

Plus, I have some news!

This week, Swept to Sea got a few new reviews! Here's what some people are saying:


"Swept to Sea is a very impressive debut by my friend and teen author, Heather Manning. Swept to Sea is an action-packed, high seas, romantic adventure...I hope to see Swept to Sea in paperback one day, because it would have a permanent spot on my bookshelf. I recommend Swept to Sea for any pirate loving, action fan, romance junkie reader." Read the full review on the Literary & Lace blog. 

"I told this to Heather and I'll say it here: reading "Swept to Sea," to me, felt like I was reading a Disney Pixar/Disney Princess movie. That was a good thing!...I liked how the book was written, what with its accurate period-references and jargon and descriptions. You felt like you were in 17th century London/Caribbean." Read the full review on the Get it Write Tonight blog.

"Did not want to put it down at night. Excellent job!!" Read the full review on Amazon.


These are just three among many! Swept to Sea has 23 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon.

Plus, you can still get Swept to Sea from Smashwords for 50% off using the code: REW50
Please tell everyone you know!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Music Thursday: Let it Go

Did you watch the Oscars? Then you may heave heard John Travolta butcher fabulous singer Idina Menzel's name. Now, I have heard some rumors going around that he is dyslexic, but nonetheless, it would have been nice to learn her name. :)

Anyway, according to this widget, my "Travolta-fied" name is Hector Morzgan. What's yours?

After you discover your new name, listen to this stunning performance of "Let it Go" performed by Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon, and The Roots (featuring classroom instruments.)


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Bible Verse Wednesday: Riches of His Glory

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Broadway Tuesday: Unworthy of Your Love

Hey everyone!
I really love this song...I've been enjoying it the last few days! This a really cool musical that I want to see live someday.
Here is "Unworthy of Your Love" from Sondheim's musical "Assassins."


Recognize them? 
That's Ruthie Henshall, from the 10th Anniversary Concert of Les Mis.....


And John Barrowman from Miss Saigon!

Pretty cool, huh?

Monday, March 3, 2014

Swept to Sea News

Hey everyone!

I have some fun news for you today!

First of all, you can purchase Swept to Sea for 50% off THIS WEEK ONLY on Smashwords using the code: REW50
Please spread the word to your friends and family!

Second, I wanted to tell you that Swept to Sea is on the Amazon Bestseller list again!

Today it is spending its 50th day on that list!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me get there. I appreciate all of you!