Merry Christmas from South Africa with Photos and More!

Merry Christmas from South Africa!

We are spending Christmas at my in-laws' beach house on South Africa's West Coast. Here are a few photos to give you a peek at how we'll be spending the holiday. The girls are showing off their Pandora bracelets, which my mother-in-law adds to almost every Christmas with a new bead each. Wishing you a blessed Christmas with friends and family, if you are celebrating, and stay safe!

Sisters: Jessica, Amanda, and Samantha

*********************

Sugarplums and Mistletoe

by Michelle Pennington

About the Book:

Title: Sugarplums and Mistletoe (Christmas in Willow Falls Book 2)| Author: Michelle Pennington | Pages: 147 | Genre: Clean Christmas Romance

Book Description:

He's her biggest competition. She's his greatest temptation.

Ruth Haynes is excited to start another Christmas season selling cookies from her store, Sugar Lips Cookie Company, on Old Main Street in Willow Falls. Everything is shaping up for her to have another successful year—that is until competition comes to town in the form of Mason Baker, the guy who broke her heart in high school. When he opens a chocolate store next door, her cookie business starts to crumble. Still, she can’t help but notice that he’s even more attractive and charming now, and no doubt he still gets everything he wants in life. Too bad he’s never wanted her.

Mason has come back to his hometown to open his very own business selling chocolate after studying under world-class chocolatiers in Europe. He risked everything he has on this new venture so he can't afford any distractions, especially from Ruth, who is definitely all grown up. Totally distracted by her beauty and talent, he can’t help but try to break down her defenses. Just when she begins to open up, however, his decision to bid against her for the catering job her business depends on threatens to ruin everything.

To find true success, Ruth and Mason must let go of everything they thought they wanted and create a life that’s truly sweet.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Sugarplums and Mistletoe is an uncomplicated romance about a curvy girl who owns a cookie shop and a handsome athlete whom she knew from high school who opens a chocolate shop next door. The competition is on, but the chemistry is too! Ruth was never popular at school, but she still had a crush on popular Mason who once told his friends that he'd never date her. Now that he's back, her confidence is still shaken. It doesn't help that Mason's chocolates will draw more clients than her cookies. Will they be able to embrace the chemistry with the competition?

Related Reviews:

3 Clean Christmas Romances

The Trust of a Billionaire

The Unwanted Suitor

The Lovely Deep

About the Author:

Michelle Pennington

Michelle Pennington spends her days quoting movies with her husband and making messes faster than her four kids. She loves to make magic by stringing words together, but she also creates designer sugar cookies, sings loud in church, and kills too many house plants.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

*********************

My Latest Book Review:

The Lights of Time

Review by Amanda and Me

Large and Small Flowers at the Gardens and a Linky

Most of the smaller flowers were growing wild at the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden this past Spring. Wildflowers are common at springtime in South Africa. Lots of different ones in a variety of colors will bloom in even the hardest ground.

This will be my last blog hop for 2018, but I will continue posting on Amanda's Books and More and 1camera1mom, so please come back for a visit! I especially enjoy reading your comments. If you're travelling this Christmas, please stay safe! Our Christmas will be spent at the beach with my in-laws on South Africa's West Coast. While some of you will be enjoying snow, we'll be enjoying sand. In case you didn't know, it's summertime below the Equator!

***************************

Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

Atlanta - Part 1
Pics from our trip to the States.

*********************

My Latest Book Reviews:


The Lights of Time




3rd Book in the Green Princess Trilogy
and Nyssa Glass's Clockwork Christmas
Both books are by the same author and
feature on the same blog post.

*********************

*** If you want to comment or join the linky, then please make sure this page's permalink loads as http and not https! Also, my blog is hosted by Blogger, which uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. And, it's best viewed in Google Chrome. ***

*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.
Please load page as http and not https.

How to use the linky widget:

First make sure that you load this page as http and not https if you want to see the linky. Type in the name of your blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

The Lights of Time

The Lights of Time

by Paul Ian Cross

About the Book:

Title: The Lights of Time (The Chronicles of Engella Rhys) | Author: Paul Ian Cross | Publisher: Farrow Children's Books | Genre: Time Travel/Science Fiction | Pages: 330 | Recommended Ages: Middle Grade/Young Adult

Book Description:

Would you sacrifice your future to save your past?

Engella Rhys is alone, adrift and on the run. Pursued by a secret agency, known only as the Hunters, she must stay ahead to stay alive.

As she travels through space-time using dangerously experimental technology, she only has one wish: to be reunited with her lost parents. After a close shave with a Hunter on the streets of New Shanghai, Engella escapes to find herself on a deserted beach. When she meets a kind stranger, who offers her food and shelter, Engella feels safe and protected for the first time in years.

But who is this woman? And why did their paths cross at the most convenient of times?

Engella soon discovers their lives are intertwined in more ways than she could ever imagine.

If you're a fan of science fiction action and adventure, The Lights of Time is the book for you.

Purchase on Amazon:
Kindle | Paperback

Our Review:

Amanda and I love The Lights of Time. It's a high adventure, science-fiction, time travel story. This is the first book in The Chronicles of Engella Rhys. The author, Paul Ian Cross, has been working on this series for a while now to make sure that all the events in the future books line up correctly. I'm sure it's a daunting task. For us as readers, it's just a lot of fun!

Engella is a 17-year-old girl who was separated by her parents when she was young while they were fleeing from the Hunters. Her parents were part of a small team that developed the time travel technology that Hunting Corporation stole and wants to control completely. Engella is always on the run from the Hunters. They want the shiftbands that her parents created and she has one of them. Engella just wants to find her parents, but the more she travels, the more she learns, and the more determined she becomes to put things straight.

Amanda (age 10) loves that Engella can go back to her past self and also Annys's. She likes that they can travel into different times and in the future there are bots. She was really happy that Engella could clone a pet. She's really excited to find out what will happen in the next book and if some of the Hunters are still alive or not.

Disclosure: We purchased this book on Amazon Kindle. This is our honest review.

Picture Books by Paul Ian Cross:

Praxx and the Ringing Robot

Planet Scrabbage and the Vegerons

About the Author:

Paul Ian Cross

PAUL IAN CROSS is an award-winning children’s author and scientist from London, UK.

Paul works in clinical research (developing new medicines) and he’s also involved in science communication – presenting science to non-scientists. Paul enjoys his science career but he also has a real passion for writing stories! He enjoys introducing children to the wonders of science, especially reluctant readers. By introducing science creatively, he aims to spark their interest, allowing them to gain confidence with their reading. As a previous reluctant reader himself, he understands how hard it can be. But it’s all about making reading fun and interesting!

In his spare time, Paul loves visiting new and exciting places where he’s always looking for his next story. One of his favourite places is Scotland, especially the Isle of Skye. His latest adventures include a trip to Japan as well as two months travelling around the South Pacific – including Los Angeles, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia and the Cook Islands.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

3rd Book in The Green Princess Trilogy and More with a Linky

The Green Princess Trilogy:

Flourish (Book 3)

About the Book:

Title: The Green Princess Trilogy: Flourish (Book 3) | Author: H.L. Burke | Pages: 283 | Genre: Fantasy | Recommended Ages: Young Adult and up

Book Description:

Bryce and Kitrin defied kings and magic to be together.

On the eve of happiness, an act of dark magic creates a barrier between them. One too strong even for love to overcome.

A sprung trap separates Bryce from his friends and beloved Kit. Assumed dead by his allies in the flora magi rebellion, he finds himself at the mercy of his closest relative—and greatest enemy—Fire King Langstyn. With foul powers, the heartless king turns Bryce into a weapon against Kit.

Pregnant, alone, and believing her beloved lost forever, vengeance burns within Kit's heart. Langstyn stole the only man she'll ever love. Kit won't rest until he's paid for his crimes.

When the truth of Bryce's captivity reaches her, Kit's torn between standing with the rebel army and sacrificing everything to save her beloved. The flora magi need her as their leader. Her unborn child needs her care. But Bryce is her heart.What good is victory if it means heartbreak?

Purchase on Amazon:

Kindle | Paperback

My Review:

Flourish, the final book in The Green Princess Trilogy, is intense! Bryce gets ripped away from Kit at a time when she needs him most. She's pregnant with their first child when she hears the most devastating news that Bryce is dead. But there are some things worse than death as both Kit and Bryce are both about to find out.

Wynna, who we meet in Book 2, plays a key role in Book 3. I knew that I wanted to see more of her and so I was glad when that was the case. Regyn is just as awesome as usual. He gets a lot of good lines in this book and Wynna too. Sprout, the plant dragon, plays a very minor role this time. I would have liked to have seen the plant dragons being utilized in at least one battle. This book has a powerful final chapter with the epilogue being the icing on the cake!

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Nyssa Glass's Clockwork Christmas

A Christmas Novelette by H.L. Burke

My Review:

Nyssa Glass's Clockwork Christmas is a stand-alone novelette reminiscent of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi." I've always loved that story and this one won't disappoint. H.L. Burke's rendition is full of steampunk references with a few surprises and plenty of interesting characters.

Nyssa and Ellis are both good at tinkering and creating new inventions. They also have each other's backs. This will be their first Christmas together and they both want to find each other the perfect gift. Things don't always go as planned and things go downhill before they go up.

I recommend that you read at least one other book in the series first to understand the main characters better, but it's not completely necessary. Some of the back story is scantily explained to help the reader follow along, which is a good thing, because too much recapping can get tedious. This is an awesome steampunk Christmas story and I highly recommend it!

Purchase on Amazon

Check out my blog post,

Meeting Author H.L. Burke!

Heidi Burke and Christina Morley

Check out my recent
author interview of H.L. Burke!

Want to See More H.L. Burke Books?
Check Out My Other Reviews:

Green Princess Trilogy - Book 1

Green Princess Trilogy - Book 2

Spice Bringer

Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon

Cora and the Nurse Dragon

A Tale in Two Parts

Dragon's Curse - Book 1

Dragon's Debt - Book 2

Dragon's Rival - Book 3

Dragon's Bride - Book 4

Beggar Magic

Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

Lands of Ash

About the Author:

H.L. Burke

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

For information about H. L. Burke's latest novels, author news and events, or to contact the writer, go to the H.L. Burke author website.

*********************

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #295

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center><a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.co.za/" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

Weekend Linky

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

Flowers at the Botanical Garden and a Linky

These photos are of the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden's spring flowers, which are no longer in bloom. We thankfully visited at the tail end of it and I got these pics. Amanda loves running along the paths, especially the little maze. Now we're having summer. Amanda will be playing in the sand over Christmas at her grandparents' beach house instead of the snow. She still wants to experience snow though.

***************************

Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

Kansas City Country Club Plaza and Fountains
Pics from our trip to the States.

*********************

My Latest Book Reviews:


3 Clean Christmas Romances




The Magic of Friendship Snow

*********************

*** If you want to comment or join the linky, then please make sure this page's permalink loads as http and not https! Also, my blog is hosted by Blogger, which uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. And, it's best viewed in Google Chrome. ***

*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.
Please load page as http and not https.

How to use the linky widget:

First make sure that you load this page as http and not https if you want to see the linky. Type in the name of your blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.