Showing posts with label Steena Holmes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steena Holmes. Show all posts

2.13.2015

Review: Sweet Memories by Steena Holmes

Sweet Memories [Decadent Events #1] by Steena Holmes
Published: August 20, 2013
Format: free Kindle read
Challenges: 2015 TBR Pile
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis
Happily-ever-after only happens once in a lifetime, right? But what if Prince Charming runs for the hills at the first sign of trouble and leaves you to pick up the pieces? Thinking her marriage was over, Tessa was more than a little shocked to fall into the arms of her husband (literally) at a party she’d planned through her new company, Decadent Events. When he asks her out for coffee, she assumes it’s to sign the divorce papers he’d seen. What’s a girl to do when her heart still goes pitter-patter for a man who ran out on her six months after they made their forever vows but comes back asking for another chance?

My Thoughts
Steena Homes has done it again! I’m a huge fan of her novels and this one is no expectation. In this novella she gives us the story of Tessa who after her husband takes off with no explanation is left to put the pieces of her life back together. She pushes the sadness aside and builds a company which she puts all her focus and energy into then sudden after a year her husband comes back. What is she to do? She still loves him of course but he left with no word and broke her heart. She was finally dealing with the fact that he wasn’t coming back when he came back, however she wants answers. Why did he leave and why didn’t he explain why after the fact. Not everything is black or white and sometimes things can be taken wrong and sometimes we do learn from our mistakes. And yes sometimes love can conquer all but it takes time and real work, sometimes if we are lucky we get that second chance.
I love how Steena Holmes always gives us these complex characters that have such depth yet are so relatable. I love how although this is a novella it reads like a full-fledged read, with rich characters and a storyline that any of us could possibly relate to. This is the first of two books and I for one can’t wait to read the next in the series. I encourage you to read any of her novels and I promise you are bound to find one that will touch your soul, folks they are THAT good!

11.13.2014

Blog Tour: Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes





Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes
Published: November 11, 2014
Format: Copy via Booksparks
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Rating: 4/5
Buy the book: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback

Synopsis
After losing her son in an elementary school shooting that devastates the tight-knit community of Stillwater Bay, Jennifer Crowne finds herself unable to settle back into her role of perfect stay-at-home mom and committee organizer. Meanwhile, her best friend, Mayor Charlotte Stone, struggles to keep the town together, and Charlotte s husband, the school principal, may not be the hero everyone thinks him to be.

As they try to heal from this irrevocable trauma, Jenn and Charlotte find themselves at a crossroads within the town and within their friendship. For Jenn, broken and grieving, there is no going back, and she demands that the school be closed so that she can bury the past. Yet Charlotte is equally desperate to hold the town together, fighting the school closure and helping the shooter’s mother regain her place in the community. Jenn and Charlotte s relationship is put to the ultimate test as each weighs her own interests against the bonds of their friendship.

My Thoughts
Talk about a touching story that will grip your soul! Stillwater Rising is the story of a community trying to recover after a recent school shooting. I love how in this story we get the points of view of the aftermath from different residents and how it affected them all differently. We hear from Jenn who has lost her youngest child and how certain people want her to move on, like her husband as if nothing has happened. There’s Charlotte the mayor who is trying to help and heal her town while trying to deal with her husband the principal of the school all while being pulled into different directions from the citizens, some want closure while others are mad and can’t seem to forgive. Lastly there is the shooters mom whom it seems has taken the most hits from people in town.

This story hits home with all the sadness that has taken place with school shooting around the country. While we always feel sad and heartache from the family victims, we sometimes forget about the shooters family. While what he did was horrible and unforgettable why are these people sometimes forgotten. I’ll be honest I’m one of those people who doesn’t really think of them after the tragedies. Don’t these people grieve just like all others? We tend to blame and look down on the parents when in actuality can we really blame them? No one has control over anyone else; sadly putting the blame on others doesn’t help in what happened.

No matter how you feel about the subject there is no denying that this book will touch you no matter what. The bottom line isn’t blame or hate what I took away is forgiveness and compassion. Although it is easier said than done no hurt is greater than another. I’m a strong believer in forgiving not so much for others but for you.  You will never be able to move on without forgiving. I can’t say enough great things about this book even though it’s a tough subject matter it’s one that’s poignant in the world today.  

     About the author
With a passion for storytelling, Steena Holmes took her dream of being a full-time writer and made it a reality, writing her first novel while working as a receptionist. She won the National Indie Excellence Book Award in 2012 for her bestselling novel Finding Emma. Steena currently lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, three daughters, and two dogs. She likes to celebrate completing each new novel with chocolate.

Connect with the author
Facebook / Twitter / Website / Goodreads 

10.08.2014

WoW [92] and SAVE Day: Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes


Waiting on Wednesday [WoW] is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes
Expected Publication: November 11, 2014
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Synopsis...
After losing her son in an elementary school shooting that devastates the tight-knit community of Stillwater Bay, Jennifer Crowne finds herself unable to settle back into her role of perfect stay-at-home mom and committee organizer. Meanwhile, her best friend, Mayor Charlotte Stone, struggles to keep the town together, and Charlotte’s husband, the school principal, may not be the hero everyone thinks him to be.

As they try to heal from this irrevocable trauma, Jenn and Charlotte find themselves at a crossroads—within the town and within their friendship. For Jenn, broken and grieving, there is no going back, and she demands that the school be closed so that she can bury the past. Yet Charlotte is equally desperate to hold the town together, fighting the school closure and helping the shooter’s mother regain her place in the community. Jenn and Charlotte’s relationship is put to the ultimate test as each weighs her own interests against the bonds of their friendship.

Why I Can’t Wait…
Talk about POWERFUL! This sounds so amazing I can’t stand it. It’s a read with a message and to see the aftermath from all views, I can already feel the pulls at my heartstrings.

    About Steena Holmes
 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Steena Holmes comes her fourth major novel with Lake Union Publishing, Stillwater Rising (November 11). Selling over one million books, Steena is a master at taking ripped-from-the-headlines stories and revealing their heart and intimate backstories that are so often overlooked. In the vein of Jodi Picoult, Steena has become a heavy hitter for drama, motherhood, mystery and fiction, creating emotionally packed stories that resonate with readerslong after the last page. Holmes’ novels have become must-reads with discerning women’s fiction and mystery/ suspense fans. 

Be sure to check out Before the Storm: Before the first shots are fired within the walls of Stillwater Elementary School, life went on as normal for five women who were close friends. Their monthly girls' night was coming up and they couldn't wait to get together. They all needed this night to run away and be carefree - from their husbands, their children, their church - with no expectations, no responsibilities, where they weren't mothers or wives. No one expected their lives to be torn apart, their friendships tested in one short minute when their town is rocked by a danger lurking in their tight-knit community. This novella gives you a glimpse into the town of Stillwater Bay and its residents. You will see what their lives were like BEFORE the storm that rocked their little community descended upon them. This is a novella and comes before Stillwater Rising and a portion of proceeds from this novella will be donated to KidsPeace.org to help stop school violence.

5.22.2014

Book Blitz: A Sweet Life Boxed Set

A Sweet Life Boxed Set 
(Fourteen Contemporary Romances by Bestselling Authors to Benefit Diabetes Research)
Publication date: May 1st 2014
Add to Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon / BN / Kobo / iTunes

Synopsis
Have your cake and eat it too–your purchase of A Sweet Life helps fight against diabetes!

Priced at only 2.99 (regular price 7.99), indulge in this stunning limited edition collection of fourteen contemporary romances by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors…

You can make a difference while you read! All proceeds from the sale of A Sweet Life will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute via Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research.

Featuring a foreword by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber.

Get your copy today!

1500 pages/ 675 000 words

I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre (The Sullivans)
The only woman wealthy Irish pub owner Jake McCann wants is the one he can’t have–Sophie Sullivan, his best friend’s off limits sister. But when the beautiful librarian appears on his doorstep as his every fantasy come to life, even though Jake knows loving Sophie isn’t the right thing to do…how can he possibly resist?

On A Night Like This by Barbara Freethy (Callways #1)
From #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes the first book about the Callaways, a big Irish family born to serve and protect, many as San Francisco firefighters.

May Day! By Heather Graham
Members of the Krewe of Hunters team plan a relaxing vacation to jolly old London for the English celebration–they never figured that a May Pole just might be murder.

Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent
When mystery shopper Shannon Jacoby meets billionaire Declan McCormick with her hand down a toilet in the men’s room of one of his stores, it’s love at first flush.

Built to Last by Susan Mallery
The tale of Aaron Cross, a man who doesn’t know he needs saving…until he meets Marissa Spencer, a heroine inspired by the real life founder of the Motheread/ Fatheread Literacy Program.

A Baby of Her Own by Brenda Novak
Delaney is tired of waiting for the right man–all she wants is a baby. After seducing a handsome stranger, she returns to Dundee to find that same man is actually taking up residence on a ranch just outside of town–where he will very likely realize she’s expecting.

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips
In relationships, Ian Dare offers the bare minimum–until one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor changes his perspective. Their affair heats up and love comes into play, but Riley’s secret past just might cost them everything.

Executive Seduction by Jennifer Probst
When Chandler Santell turns to Logan Grant, the most ruthless CEO in the finance industry to save her beloved Yoga and Arts Center, she never intended to have seduction as part of the plan…

In Too Deep by RaeAnne Thayne
Though fiercely drawn to the comfort of Andrea McPhee’s arms, Will Tanner isn’t sure he can find room for a woman like her in a life focused on vengeance–until he discovers she has secrets of her own.

Every Girl Does It by Rachel Van Dyken
Amanda gets a flash from the past when the nerdy kid she rejected in high school suddenly reappears in her life…dead sexy, he’s all man and he wants her.

Homecoming Season by Susan Wiggs
Miranda Sweeney and her family find hope and healing while spending an autumn at Willow Lake after Miranda survives breast cancer.

 FORWARD

A SWEET LIFE

I have no memories of my paternal grandmother.  My best guess is that I was barely four years old when she died.  But, I like to think I inherited my love of knitting from her.  My older cousins tell the story of sitting in a semi-circle in front of her rocking chair and watching her crochet.  Her fingers moved at a frantic speed as she rocked back and forth.  The amazing part is that she was sound asleep and snoring!  
My father, who was the youngest boy, was basically raised by his oldest sister, my aunt Betty, because my grandmother was diabetic.  She was often tired and sickly, spending the majority of her time in bed.  
Another memory my cousins have shared with me is of our grandmother boiling her hypodermic needles because she was insulin dependent.  My father and three of my uncles were also diabetic and, by the end of their lives, insulin-dependent as well.  And now several of my cousins are affected by the disease.  
Like my cousins, for the last twenty-five years I've been a Type 2 diet-controlled diabetic.
Diabetes is a life-changing disease.  It's estimated that 25.8 million children and adults in the United States are diabetic.  That's 8.3% of the population.  My guess is that we all know someone who is diabetic.
When Brenda Novak's youngest son, Thad, was diagnosed, she went on a one-woman mission to do whatever was necessary to fund research for a cure to this horrible disease.  If you've ever met Brenda you know she is passionate about making a difference.  This is her tenth year holding an auction to raise money for this cause and to date her efforts have resulted in more than $2 million dollars toward research for a cure.  
The book you've purchased will go toward making the dream of a world free of diabetes a reality.  Each one of the authors on this long list of contributors has given of their talent and themselves to aid in this mission.  You're about to read some of the biggest names in the field of romance.  
Three of these talented authors, Susan Wiggs, Barbara Freethy and Rachel Van Dyken, have scored #1 placements on the New York Times best seller lists.  Now that's impressive.  The remaining eleven are all well established authors with booming careers.  In other words, you are in for a real treat.
And really, isn't this the best of all worlds?  Not only is this an enjoyable read but at the same time your purchase is contributing to a worthy cause.  You can't ask for a better win/win situation.
It's been my honor to write the forward.  Keep at it, Brenda.  Not only are you one amazing author, you're a woman with passion and heart.  
Now enjoy.
With warmest wishes,
Debbie Macomber