Friday, March 9, 2012

Book Feature: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris




Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Publish Date: February 28, 2012
Paperback, 420 pages



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About the Book:

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.


About the Author:

KRISTINA MCMORRIS is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents' wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman's Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader's Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland's "40 Under 40" by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.

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FTC Information: I received this book from author for review.  



Book Tour and Review: More Beauty Less Beast by Debora M Coty

More Beauty Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre by Debora M. Coty 
Publisher: Barbour Publisher
Publish Date: March 1, 2012
Paperback, 224 Pages
ISBN: 9781616263478



buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery

My Review:
More Beauty, Less Beast is an enjoyable little book full of great little vignettes to read each day or devotionals if you want to call them that.  Ms. Coty writes witty and down-to-earth stories that have to do with issues that affect us all as women.  Some examples of the topics that really spoke to me were stress, achieving goals, improving self esteem, gentleness, joy and prayer.  These are really just a sampling.  There are so many more and there is so much to learn from this book.

I love that it's organized into little sections for each topic.  Ms. Coty tells a story that really leads into the topic, maybe it's about her or a friend or something in general.  She usually employs a Bible verse or example and ends with questions and things to think about through the day.  I see some great journaling opportunities if you like to journal.  I know she really got me to thinking on each topic.

More Beauty, Less Beast is an easy read.  I could read a section in 5 minutes or less and even sit and pray and think about it during that time.  I also liked that usually the thoughts she gave me stuck with me for the rest of the day.  That really helped to drive each idea further home.  I think the book is well put together and the topics Ms. Coty chose are very relevant to women today.  I really enjoyed what I have read of the book so far and will continue to enjoy the rest of the book in devotional style through a few more weeks.  Goodness knows I definitely have some inner ogre to transform! ;-)

About the book:

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner beast that unexpectedly pounces, roaring and shredding, as it threatens to destroy the divinely beautiful princess hidden within. In More Beauty, Less Beast, women will find simple, practical techniques for embracing the true beauty rightfully theirs as cherished daughters of the King. Whether jaded by emotional wounds, unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, this laugh-out-loud, girlfriend-to-girlfriend encouragement will help women transform their destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant to be.  
About Debora Coty: 

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living." 



Visit www.deboracoty.com for more about Debora and her books.

Transform Your Inner Ogre with a $150 Visa Cash Card from @DeboraCoty!

 Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor, Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in More Beauty, Less Beast. Celebrate with Debora by entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!

One "beautiful" winner will receive:

  • A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
  • A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
  • Chocolate (Every good things begins with chocolate!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party on  3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)


So grab your copy of More Beauty, Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!



***I received this book through Litfuse for an honest review. ***