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My little baby turned one today. I promised I would post pictures so here they are
Reminder: Book giveaway here
Here is Hubby with the birthday girl.
Isn't she cute!!!!!
Me and my little baby girl.
They grow up way too quickly.
I also have been meaning to post these pics as well. About a month ago my family went to the Magic Kingdom for the day (except the baby she stayed with my parents) and we had a blast. With the exception of the the Stitch ride, NOT kid friendly ride. Anyway here are some pics we took.
When we got pictures with the princesses, the girls especially Medium charmed the photographers into inviting us to stay for a shoot with all three princesses together. Normally it is one princess at a time, but she turned on the charm and had them wrapped around her finger.
A friend from church gave me these to read and pass on. The sequel was written by the first author's daughter after her death. These are inspirational romance so language is PG in nature but there are still some mature subjects addressed so Iwould not let anyone under mid-teen read them. I enjoyed them. I was told to pass these along after I was done so I will pick a commenter from this post Monday night (July 13th) and announce on Tuesday. If you know someone who might like these books please send them over. My first giveaway, I need to do more of these...
PS. My baby turns 1 this Friday!!!!! I will make sure I post pics of her.
PPS. I have a guest review of Animal Attraction by Charlene Teglia up over at Book Binge 
The Women of Catawba by Hilda Stahl
From the author of the White Pines Chronicles comes an exciting tale of five courageous women and their fight to build a plantation home in the raw wilderness of South Carolina. Set in post-Revolutionary War days, Women of Catawba is an inspiring story of men and women whose faith, strength, and capacity to love are tested to the limit.
The story starts Taylor and her baby daughter getting ready to sail to America. But she is being coerced into going. She is a new widow and is in debt to her husband's cousin who has told her that she is going with him or to debtor's prison. before they set sail she uncovers a plot of his and sneaks aboard another ship with her slave, Cammie. So now she is on another ship bound for America with a runaway slave. On the ship she meets Maida who is traveling as a companion to her aunt and uncle. And she meets widower Yates Marston and his children, Laurel, Kendra and Reid who are moving to America and meeting up with Yates's brother, Ward. They are the main characters for the series. Things happen that force them together and they all end up at the Catawba Plantation. When they get there it is not exactly what Yates and his family were expecting. Especially Laurel who at 17 and very snobby, was expecting a large plantation home and is faced with a small log cabins and a lack of servants. Some things and people happen to test their relationships and faith. Don't want to say anymore and give away everything.
Good story. It was a nice change of pace from my usual books. Taylor and Maida were the main characters in this part of the series. They become friends but have different outlooks on life. Taylor has known love but Maida thinks it is a fairy tale, she wants it but is to scared to hope for it. I enjoyed reading about them and their trials that they went through, it was a very well told story.
The Winds of Catawba (Sequel to The Women of Catawba) by Laurie Stahl
Kendra longs to tell the world of her love for Court, but he has sworn her to secrecy till he is a free man. Can she keep her true feelings hidden--or will impatience destroy her chance of happiness? Set in post-Revolutionary war days, this sequel to the Women of Catawba continues the saga of the men and women whose faith and strength tamed the American Wilderness.
This installment concentrates mostly on the kids, Laurel and Kendra. It has been 2 years since the first book and the plantation house is built and they are all prospering. Now Laurel is ready to settle down but has always wanted to marry a "proper Englishman" and is ecstatic to find that Joshua Douglas, is coming to visit from England with his sister. But there is a new man in the area that sets her heart pounding and he is definitely not a refined Englishman. Meanwhile Kendra is still waiting for Court to finish his indenture but when he tells her not to wait what will she do? The characters from the previous book are also all involved and are working on saving abused slaves and continue to grow in their faith. Cammie also is looking for a husband, but has her eyes set on a very stubborn and hurting man.
Good ending to the two book series. I wish she would have done a little more with Cammie in this book, we did not see her all that often. But I liked the rest of the story lines. She wrapped up all the loose ends well from the other book.
Normally I would like to write more about each book but I have run out of time for June reads and am on to July reads but wanted to post what I read. I pretty much liked them all. My favorite of the month was either Blue Diablo or 21st Century Courtesan. My least favorite was probably Demon Mistress. Lots of series this month.
Blue Diablo (Corine Solomon Book 1) by Ann Aguirre
Skin Trade (Anita Blake Book 17) by LKH
Lover Avenged (Brotherhood book 7) by JR Ward
Dead and Gone (Sookie Stackhouse book 9) by Charlaine Harris
Sexy Beast IV anthology
If You Deceive (MacCarrick trilogy Book 3) by Kresley Cole
Bound by Honor by Colette Gale
Murder Game (GhostWalker Book 7) by Christine Feehan
21st century Courtesan by Eden Bradley
Demon Mistress (Sisters of the Moon book 6) by yasmin galenorn
Celta Heart Mate series by Robin D. Owens 7 books posted here
Total 17 books
Well, I had a long post about a bunch of books that I read and wrote a review before I left for camp and it got lost some where on the internet. Then I went to camp for a week and had very spotty internet so did not do any posts, but I got a lot of reading done. I got into a major romantic fantasy mode and wanted to re-read Robin D. Owens' Celta series. So I started with Heart Mate and am just finished up the latest book, Heart Fate. The next book Heart Change comes out in November.
The characters are memorable, and the world building is great. The storylines are not cookie cutter at all so each one is very interesting to read. My favorite of the series is probably Heart Fate because the characters had both been through so much and were so damaged that it was nice to see them heal and bond. I would definitely suggest reading them in order or you miss some of the storylines. But they can be read alone if that is what you have.
Great series, I love them and they will definitely remain on my keeper shelves. If you have not read these and enjoy fantasy romance you have to try these out.
Heart Mate (Celta Heart Mates Book 1) by Robin D. Owens
T'Ash survived the slums then avenged his family's death. He knows Danith is the future of his clan. Danith knows T'Ash is noble, powerful and dangerous. Not for her. The prophecy: A woman surrounded by peril... 
The story of a man without psi powers on a world where they're prized. An outcast, Ruis Elder must overcome all society to survive, pursue his passion for restoring ancient Earth technology, and win his love -- Judge Ailim D'SilverFir
Heart Duel (Celta Heart Mates Book 3) by Robin D. Owens
Holm Holly’s a fighter; Lark Hawthorn a Healer, their Families are at war. Holm knows one thing bone deep. Nothing will prevent him from claiming Lark. Not the feud. Not his Family’s condemnation. Not his own flaws. And not Lark herself. 
Heart Choice (Celta Heart Mates Book 4) by Robin D. Owens
Straif Blackthorn is back. To claim his title, restore his home, love his woman (Mitchella Clover). And to fight the enemy who wants all three.
Heart Quest (Celta Heart Mates Book 5) by Robin D. Owens
Trif Clover is searching for her HeartMate. But Guardsman Ilex Winterberry has already found her. He has reasons of his own -- and for her own good -- to keep to the shadows of her life. But there's a killer on the loose, stalking those with unstable psi power like Trif's. Facing his most difficult task yet, Ilex must reveal the truth of their destiny or leave Trif vulnerable to a vicious murderer.
Heart Dance (Celta Heart Mates Book 6) by Robin D. Owens
Dufleur Thyme is a scholar determined to master time itself – and clear her father's name as a mad scientist. Neglected-boy turned nobleman Saille Willow has other ideas. He wants to claim Dufleur as his own, but he has tougher family problems than he thinks. Both must reveal their secrets.
Heart Fate (Celta Heart Mates Book 7) by Robin D. Owens
With Lahsin D'Yew's husband giving chase after she runs from an abusive marriage, she finds sanctuary in a secret garden, where she meets Tinne Holly. Though he is her HeartMate, he cannot tell her, and her troubled past prevents her from trusting any man. Pretending to find her by chance, Tinne helps her through her Second Passage. But when the truth is revealed, can she forgive his deception, and learn to trust in her destiny?
Sorry I was out for so long. May was insane at school. Between all the various showers and just end of the year stuff it was crazy. Then we had to pack up our classrooms because over the summer we are getting a new air conditioning unit for the school and there will be no air for over 2 months so anything that can be damaged by heat or humidity had to be brought home.
My sister graduated High school last week, that was exciting. I am so proud of her but cannot believe she is old enough to graduate yet. My mom is not sure what she will do now that she does not have to go to any more open houses or school performances. When I started college my sister entered Kindergarten so she literally started all over again and has been going to school functions for 26 years now.
The kids are doing great, the baby is 11 months old now. She is crawling everywhere and walking with assistance, but does not walk on her own yet, she figures it is faster to crawl. She is such a happy baby, we are very blessed. Oldest is out for the summer and is as active as ever. Medium (that is what she calls herself) is content to sit and watch tv all day so I am constantly exiling them to the backyard.
My summer is filled with various projects that I am determined to get done now that I am not prego (severely limited my projects last summer). We are headed to camp in a couple of weeks. Hubby is very involved with camp and runs a week every year. Oldest's week of camp happens to fall the same week on the other side of the camp so she will be there too and my parents are taking hte baby so I do not have to deal with her demanding schedule and carting her around everywhere. So that means i also get some quality time with Medium. Lots of fun, can't wait :)
Hubby and I went to see Star Trek last week, LOVED it. We knew we had too because since the first Generations movie we have seen them all in the theater. Star Trek Generations was our first date (yes, we are such nerds) so we try to continue the tradition of seeing all the Star Trek movies in the theater. I never see movies twice in the theater but I might have to make an exception for this one. Hubby hates when they go back and try to do movies/shows before the original because inevitably they mess something up to contradict the original movie. But he loved this one too. If you have not seen it yet, you are missing out.
Anyone have anything special they are doing this summer?
This looks really good and a great deal as well. Check it out.
DRAGON'S HEIR
by Sierra Dafoe
The Dragon's Daughter, Dragon's Heir, Dragon's Desire, Dravidian,
The Dragon Prince, and Double Dragon all in one e-collection for only $8.99!
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1048
![[image]](http://www.sierradafoe.com/covers/dhcover_sm.jpg)
Book One: The Dragon's Daughter
2006 CAPA Nominee! Best Fantasy Erotic Romance
Reviewer's Choice award from Road to Romance!
5 Blue Ribbons! "A magical-fantasy tale that is outstanding from beginning to end!" -- Romance Junkies
5 Hearts! "...[A]n exciting paranormal with engaging characters, a great plot and spiced up with some very sensual, sizzling sex scenes." -- Love Romances & More
5 Angels! "Sierra Dafoe has done a tremendous job creating fire-worthy passion." -- Fallen Angel Reviews
For decades, the two most powerful dragon clans have been at each other's throats over one very important question: who will get to marry the Dragon Queen's daughter? Determined to end their feuding, Melgara sends the two young princes to Earth where her daughter, Elara, has grown up in hiding, ignorant of who she is and safe from the bickering that besets the dragon kingdom. The one that wins Elara's heart will be heir to the throne -- while the other will be banished forever.
But when the two princes find her and start vying for her affections, Elara finds herself in a wholly unexpected predicament. On the one hand there's Darrek Hausther, dangerous and dominant and darkly handsome. On the other, there's Rand Aurorea, who is strong and sweet-tempered and red-haired to boot.
How oh how is a girl ever supposed to choose?
Twenty-odd years of wrangling, and it all came down to the same question -- who would to get to marry her daughter?
Sighing, Melgara sat back and rubbed at her temples. Below, at the foot of the dais, the lords Hausther and Aurorea glared up at her, while their sons glared only at each other.
"Allow the challenge, your Highness!" Darmon Hausther demanded, his black eyes blazing. He was lean, hawk-faced, with a high, arrogant forehead and one striking streak of silver in his jet-black hair. Behind him, his son Darrek was coiled like a cat, seeming ready to spring into battle the instant Melgara so much as nodded.
Typical.
The northern Hausther clan was eternally belligerent; the first, always, to leap to arms, and the last to accept an accord. Well, Darmon Hausther would accept one today, by the Winds. Him and that darkly handsome offspring of his -- whether they liked it or not.
On the other side, Thrand Aurorea stood with arms crossed over his huge barrel chest, his son Rand towering beside like a mountain. Thick, orange-red hair cascaded over the youth's broad shoulders -- the very sign and mark of the Aurorean clan. Where Darrek was lean and fast, Rand was built like a young bull; stolid, massive, and enduring. Looking at him, one would never suspect the lively intellect that lurked beneath that fiery head of hair.
A battle between the two young scions would be more than deadly; it could well be disastrous.
The four clans of her realm were held together by only two things -- the balance of power between them, and the queen's law. Her law. Let these two hotbloods at each other's throats, and within weeks the entire realm would be wracked by war. Gerdain in the west would side with Hausther in the north, and the southlands would ally inevitably with Thrand.
At times, she felt it was like trying to control the Winds themselves. And yet, if she didn't, they would rip the very fabric of their world to shreds. The constant sparring between the two clans had been bad enough, as they'd each tried to gain an advantage in their bid for her daughter's hand. She didn't dare allow it to come to open warfare.
Knowing this day would inevitably come, Melgara Southerlin had watched, and waited, and planned. "No." Her tone was final.
Even Thrand looked surprised. "But, your Highness…"
"I said no, Thrand."
"Then choose, your Highness!" Darmon snapped. "Choose a consort for that daughter who is so precious no one may even see her!"
Melgara let just the tiniest trickle of smoke escape her nostrils and Darmon Hausther stepped back quickly, knowing he had gone too far.
"Or let her choose." The words were spoken softly, and Melgara looked up. Yes, young Rand. She was not surprised, though Darrek's head jerked in shock as if such an idea was almost unthinkable.
That one, she chuckled sourly, has a lot to learn.
"She shall." Immediately, at her words, much of the tension seemed to ease from the room. Melgara held up a hand. "Be warned, however. The one she does not choose shall be banished forever from the four corners of my realm." Rand's blue eyes went wide at this pronouncement, while Darrek's grew darker, till they glinted like obsidian amid the sharp planes and angles of his face. Melgara noted their reactions from the corner of her eyes even as she kept her attention on their fathers. "Do you want the throne so badly now, my lords?"
"Rand, no." Thrand stepped forward. "I cannot allow this."
Rand looked down at his father with a gentleness Melgara observed closely. "If you command, Lord, I will of course obey. But it would grieve me greatly to not be given my chance. And I think," he added, almost offhandedly, "that the lady deserves more of a choice than Darrek."
At that, Thrand gave an approving bark of laughter, while both Darmon and Darrek tensed in fury. Then Thrand pulled Rand close into a hug that cracked the younger man's spine.
What passed between Darrek and his father was silent, no more than an exchange of glances. When Darmon nodded, Darrek drew himself up and met Melgara's gaze haughtily. "Bring her forth, then, and let her choose."
Insolent whelp! Melgara stared at him, raising one regal eyebrow, until finally Darrek flushed and dropped his gaze.
Yet it had been the fire and ferocity of the Hausther clan which had saved them all, in the Zendarian wars. And someday they might well need that ferocity again. Melgara kept her tone mild as she replied, "She's not here."
"What?" Both the older lords started forward in consternation.
Melgara glared at them. " Darmon Hausther. Thrand Aurorea. For over twenty years the two of you have been at each other's throats. Should I have let my daughter grow up surrounded by your petty brawling? Should I have let her become jaded and cynical from being used as a pawn in your power games? Will you dare tell me that you would not have done so?"
Abashed, the two older men stepped back, Thrand's shaggy head drooping. She eyed them coldly. "One way or another, my lords, your feud ends here."
Dismissing them from her mind, she turned to their sons. "You are both resolved?" The youths nodded. "So be it."
She clapped her hands, and immediately an enormous wind sprang up, howling through the confines of the long, vaulted hall. It wrapped itself around the two young men and threw open the massive doors at the end of the hall with a bang. Outside, the world seemed to tumble away from the high perch of Wind Castle, spreading out far below into a tapestry of green, gold and blue. In the distance, the peaks of lesser mountains glinted in the sunlight.
Under the wind's rough hand, Rand's hair tangled into thick, fiery curls, while Darrek's streamed back, long and smooth and black as pitch. They both leaned into the wind like hounds eager to the scent.
Melgara raised her voice over the wind's keening. "It will carry you to the land where Elara has been hidden all these years -- a land that, I warn you, will seem very strange to you. You are forbidden to offer each other any violence," she continued. Both of them glowered rebelliously, and she eyed them sternly. "Do not doubt that I will know. And if you do…" She left the threat hanging. "You may, however, help each other, if you choose."
From the rolling of their eyes, it was clear the two lordlings found that possibility unlikely. Privately, Melgara sighed.
"You shall each have an equal chance to woo and win my daughter. But first -- " She smiled evilly, allowing herself to enjoy this moment. How she had waited and planned for this day!
"First, you will have to find her."
She clapped her hands again, and the wind redoubled, whipping through the vast audience hall with a hungry ferocity. Under its buffeting, the two young lords seemed to shred, their outlines blurring, stretching, spreading until, with a last muscular shudder, two dragons, one deep-chested and red as flame, the other lean, black, and wickedly taloned, unfurled their wings and sprang from the castle into the rushing wind.
Oh, my daughter, Melgara prayed as they rose, flitting through the cool, clean air, all my hopes rest on you. May you find joy enough now to make up for all your years of exile!
The hall seemed preternaturally quiet after the fury of the wind. Below her, Darmon Hausther shifted, already impatient.
"What now, your Highness?"
"Now?" She settled back, enjoying his discomfiture, and smiled coldly. "Now, my Lord Hausther, we wait."
The Dragon's Heir collection -- get your copy today!
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1048
Sierra Dafoe -- Feed the Fantasy
http://www.sierradafoe.com Labels: book promo
I won a contest from Caitlyn Willows/Catherine Snodgrass and got a box of goodies today.
It contained:
- A slew of author promos (cards, bookmarks, pens, magnets, etc.)
- A very unique (to me) promo to promote the Ellora's Cave book, Love Cuffs, a set of "love cuffs" (handcuffs covered in soft red material)
- A RT bag (saw everyone with one at the convention and felt very left out, now I have one, yay!)
- and a bunch of books
- Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta
- In the Highlander's Bed by Cathy Maxwell
- A 21st Century Courtesan by Eden Bradley
- Sexy Beast IV anthology
- The Wild Road by Marjorie Liu
- Traveler by Melanie Jackson
- Moon Fever anthology
- Rogue by Cheryl Brooks
- Immortals: the Redeeming by Jennifer Ashley
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