Leila Tualla: Mama, Author, & Advocate
  • HOME
  • about me
  • Blog
  • News & bookshelf
    • Media
    • Books >
      • Letters to Lenora
      • Love, Defined
    • Poetry >
      • PMDD & me (poetry chapbook)
      • Storm of Hope
    • Anthologies >
      • The Sacred Feminine II
      • The Poetry Marathon 2021
      • Remnants of Home
      • Poetica II
  • ADVOCACY
    • RESOURCES for PMDD warriors >
      • IAPMD
    • Community resources for moms >
      • Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
      • 2020 Mom
      • Preeclampsia
      • Momma's Voices
      • Shades of Blue Project
  • Contact

            News & Bookshelf

Tour and Review - Prime: Riftkeepers by Carrie Whitethorne

1/16/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

Picture

Title: Prime

Series: Riftkeepers #1
Author: Carrie Whitethorne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: October 3, 2017
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34517316-prime



Blurb:
One night. One taste. Pure Magic.

Stressed and tired, Charlotte needs a break. Raising twins single-handedly often takes a toll that even a glass of wine can’t cure.

And when Charlotte is reunited with the gorgeous and captivating Callan McAidh— who showed her what true passion and pleasure really were years ago— Charlotte knows her life is about to be turned upside down once again.

But when Callan reveals the truth about himself, and about her past, Charlotte is catapulted into a world of danger and mystique. Now, it’s up to Charlotte to accept her destiny while holding on to the only man she’s ever loved.

Charlotte soon learns that some legends have dark origins; some so dark it is impossible to evade their touch.
Buy Links:
Amazon- http://amzn.to/2CPzL7O
Google- http://bit.ly/2itfa0u
iBooks- http://bit.ly/2ksdxEC
Kobo- http://bit.ly/2zW92oz
Nook- http://bit.ly/2ADaw88

Picture

~My Review~

This was a fun little read! This did have too much sex, definitely not a clean read, for my clean readers. I had to skip a few pages. There is also strong language here. That being said, the bulk of the story was fine and enjoyable - no pun intended. The characters were well written and just when I thought I had them figured out, they surprised me, which was part of why I really liked this book. Can't wait for the second installment. 

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***

Rating: 4/5: Really liked it


About the Author

Carrie is a mum.  An author.  A creator of worlds. A dreamer.  A friend.

At her childhood home in Yorkshire, Carrie was encouraged to utilize her imagination, to see things for what they could be, and to ask the question “what if?”  Her mum introduced her to worlds filled with magic: Barrie, Lewis, Tolkien, Blyton.  That magic evolved and continued to inspire her when she discovered Rowling and Sanderson.  They all asked the question and explored the possibilities, opening doors to new adventures that would forever change generations to come.    

Even as a child, Carrie preferred creative outlets and writing.  But as an adult, Carrie had not yet had that moment of inspiration to begin writing a novel of her own.  That all changed one normal morning, on a normal walk to school, when a small boy slipped from the pavement and on to the road.  There was no accident. No horror.  Just a near miss that later formulated into one question: what if he was able to save himself?  Fueled by this question and Carrie’s love of fantasy, European folklore, and mythological creatures, The Riftkeepers emerged.  This world answered her question.  The series gave birth to characters that took on a life of their own, many telling continued stories in novellas and spinoffs.

When Carrie isn’t writing and annoying her editor with endless typos, she barely sleeps, thinks about her characters, indulges in an unhealthy Facebook addiction, exploring the beauty of the Lake District as her backyard, and contemplating which she loves more: pizza or wine.  Definitely wine. Considered to be one of the most boring people she knows, writing her own biography was a definite weakness. Her first draft was rubbish and was picked apart by friends who insisted she was funnier and far more interesting than she gives herself credit.  She was no longer allowed to write her own biography, so she provided input.

Carrie now resides in West Cumbria with her husband and two children.  They are her inspiration.  Her world.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Whitethornebooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/C_Whitethorne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitethornebooks/
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16044748.Carrie_Whitethorne
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Whitethorne/e/B01N7K0YK7
Website: http://www.carriewhitethorne.co.uk
a Rafflecopter giveaway
0 Comments

Author Spotlight: Stephenia H. McGee

6/3/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Blurb:
Her heart sought shelter. Her soul found home. 

Ella Whitaker rescues a newborn from the dying arms of a woman of ill repute and at long last she has someone to love. In need of a wet nurse, she arrives at Belmont Plantation just as Federal soldiers demand to speak to the owner. Thinking quickly, Ella masquerades as a Yankee officer's widow in order to have a roof over her head and a home for the child.

Major Westley Remington has dedicated his life to serving his country. The Civil War has divided his family, torn his thoughts of glory, and left him with a wound that may never heal. Westley returns home on medical furlough to settle his father’s estate at Belmont Plantation, only to find his home is being run by a fiery and independent woman—one many believe to be his wife. Now he is faced with a conflict he’s never been trained to fight, and one she has yet to conquer.

Buy Links: 
In His Eyes
http://amzn.to/2ptw3wi
 
Links of other books by Stephenia H. McGee:
The Whistle Walk http://amzn.to/2pCPYr8
Heir of Hope: http://amzn.to/2qBA4g1
Leveraging Lincoln: http://amzn.to/2ptELuw
Losing Lincoln: http://amzn.to/2p5Vstq
 Labeling Lincoln: http://amzn.to/2p65pH
Picture

Editorial reviews

"The character development is impressive and the plot kept me riveted. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Major Remington and Ella--and once you begin reading this book, you won't want to put it down either." ~Andrea Boeshaar, Author "A Thousand Shall Fall" and "Too Deep for Words"

"With dynamic, realistic characters and colorful descriptions, I was more than just reading a story on a page, I felt like I was participating in the story. I laughed, I cried, and loved every moment. I hated to see it come to an end...I loved how this story seamlessly included the gentle reminders of God's love for us and the importance of our reliance upon Him, without coming across pushy or like you are reading a sermon. It's was ever so soft, just like a whisper." Joy of Reading Blog
 
"In the post-Civil War South, we have a Union officer who is physically wounded from battle, emotionally wounded from the loss of his parents, and spiritually wounded by his lost relationship with his God.  Into his world steps a spunky, spirited red-headed southern belle. Let the sparks ignite!" Dennis E. Hensley author, Pseudony

About the Author

Picture
Winner of the 2012 RONE Best Inspirational Book of the year (2012) and author of six Historical novels, Stephenia H. McGee has a fascination with hoop skirts and ball gowns, Greek revival homes and horse-drawn carriages, quirky Southern sayings, and home-grown recipes. She currently lives in Mississippi with her husband and two boys, (accompanied by their two spoiled dogs and mischievous cat) where she writes stories of faith, redemption, and stories steeped in the South. 

Picture
​Social Media Links: 
Visit her website at www.StepheniaMcGee.com and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get sneak peeks, behind the scenes fun, the occasional recipe, and special offers.
FaceBook: Stephenia H. McGee, Christian Fiction Author
Twitter: @StepheniaHMcGee
Pinterest: Stephenia H. McGee

0 Comments

Review: True to you by Becky Wade

5/31/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
It's the exciting start of a brand-new series by a contemporary romance fan favorite!
After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.
Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.
The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

~ My Review ~

You know that line in "The fault in our stars," by John Green, where Hazel says, "I fell in love how you fall asleep. Slowly at first, then all at once?" I get that. I LOVE that line. (Sidenote, read the book or watch the movie, it's wonderful and well...heartbreaking). And I felt like this book was the same for me.....and how  John Lawson fell for Nora. 
The pacing moved a little slowly for me in beginning but somehow, without noticing, I was soon sucked into the world of Nora Bradford, her sisters, and John. Without knowing the exact moment of when, where, and how, I fell in love. I wanted to know more about the Bradford sisters. I wanted to simultaneously guard John's heart from his diagnosis, and will him to own up to his past and present, and a future he can't envision. 
Becky Wade has a way with her words and I loved her descriptions of the scenery, the way her characters stood, their thoughts, their prayers, and always, their faith. This story about a man and woman has been told so many times over, but I absolutely love the part that both characters pushed and pulled God into their hearts. After all, isn't that the greatest love story ever told?  It took a little while for these two to get their "happy ever after," but I appreciate the story about God's grace, and how no matter what our past was, who and what we were born into, our identity - the one that matters, the most - is that of being a Child of God. We all have faults and imperfections, but to stay grounded in faith through it all, despite what may......that's how we become true to ourselves, and for our partners, it's how we become True to You.

***
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***

​About the author

Picture
Becky Wade is a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She's the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.
​
Social Media links:
Website: http://beckywade.combeckywade.com/home/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckywadewriter​
​
Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/beckywadewriter/
​
Pinterest: ​https://www.pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/

Becky Wade's 'True to You' Prize Pack and $100 Giveaway
True to You Becky Wade
Picture
0 Comments

Author Spotlight: Naomi Rawlings

5/27/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
Blurb: 
Journey back to a time when neighbors knew each other's names, and a handshake meant a person's honor. The bestselling Eagle Harbor Series continues with Book 5, Love’s Winter Hope.

When Jessalyn Dowrick’s husband left her and their three daughters to head west five years earlier, she had no choice but to pick up the pieces of her broken life and continue without him, eventually supporting herself as Eagle Harbor’s seamstress, and secretly hoping her husband would return. But days soon slipped into months, and months into years, all without word of Thomas or a cent of the money he’d promised to send.

While working day and night to build a new life that his wife would be proud of, Thomas wrote Jessalyn every week, asking her to come to South Dakota. But she never arrived. In fact, she never answered a single one of his letters. When he returns to Eagle Harbor in search of answers, he finds a woman who thought him dead . . . and soon regrets he didn’t come after her earlier.

As winter closes in and storms trap Thomas in town until the harbor opens in the spring, will he be able to convince his wife he’s worth a second chance?
 
Love's Winter Hope
Amazon http://geni.us/hMnm
Apple http://geni.us/EHappl
Google Play http://geni.us/EHGP5
Nook http://geni.us/EHnook5
Kobo http://geni.us/EHkobo

Come visit the historical town that readers can't get enough of.

Eagle Harbor Series--Where Love Finds Its Anchor 
Book 1: Love's Unfading Light (Mac and Tressa) 
Book 2: Love's Every Whisper (Elijah and Victoria) 
Book 3: Love's Sure Dawn (Gilbert and Rebekah) 
Book 4: Love's Eternal Breath (Seth and Lindy) 
Book 5: Love's Winter Hope (Thomas and Jessalyn) 
Book 6: Love's Bright Tomorrow (Isaac and Aileen--winter 2018)
Prequel Novella: Love's Violet Sunrise (Hiram and Mabel)
Short Story: Love's Beginning (Elijah and Victoria)
 
Buy Links:
Love's Unfading Light:
Amazon http://geni.us/aWuz7d0
Apple  http://geni.us/Appl1   
Google Play http://geni.us/EHGP1
Nook http://geni.us/EHnook1
Kobo http://geni.us/EHkobo1
 
Love's Every Whisper: 
Amazon http://geni.us/o2WQ.
Apple http://geni.us/appl2
Google Play http://geni.us/EHGP2
Nook http://geni.us/EHnook2
Kobo http://geni.us/EHkobo2
 
Love's Sure Dawn: 
Amazon http://geni.us/5hbq
Apple http://geni.us/appl3
Google Play http://geni.us/EHGP3
Nook http://geni.us/EHnook3
Kobo http://geni.us/EHkobo3
 
Love's Eternal Breath:
Amazon  http://geni.us/dSxzxAD
Apple http://geni.us/appl4
Google Play http://geni.us/EHGP4
Nook http://geni.us/EHnook4
Kobo http://geni.us/EHkobo

Picture
​“Step over here, where there’s some room.”
                He glanced around the cluttered shop, then raised his eyebrows.
                Well, there would be room just as soon as she moved the stack of shirts. She bent and gathered them in her arms, then placed them on the table between the socks and mackinaw coats, which of course sent half the pile of socks plopping to the floor, but at least they took up less space than the shirts.
                She measured his arms first, from wrist to wrist, never mind that his reach spread wider than the table where she’d just stacked the clothes. Then she did the length of his torso, from his shoulder seam down to his waist, ignoring the hard muscles beneath his shirt as she stretched the tape down him—or at least trying to. But when she wrapped the tape around his chest, much as she did when measuring one of their daughters, her breath hitched, and she stilled. Of course her left hand didn’t reach the tape she’d stretched behind him with her right. She’d known her hands couldn’t touch. So why had she measured him this way? Habit?
                He looked down at her, not moving, barely even breathing. His face loomed over her own, her head tilted back to see the blue of his eyes. She needed to step back, put distance between her and this big, burly man who owned too many of her memories.
                If only that big, burly man didn’t have the power to trap her beneath his gaze until she forgot how to move.
                 “Do you do this with the other men that order shirts from you?” he rasped.

About the Author

Picture
Naomi Rawlings is the author of multiple historical Christian novels, including the Amazon bestselling Eagle Harbor Series. While she'd love to claim she spends her days huddled in front of her computer vigorously typing, in reality, she spends her time homeschooling, cleaning, picking up, and pretending like her house isn't in a constant state of chaos. She lives with her husband and three children in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake Superior where they get 200 inches of snow every year, and where people still grow their own vegetables and cut down their own firewood--just like in the historical novels she writes.

Author Links:
www.naomirawlings.com
https://www.facebook.com/author.naomirawlings/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5339357.

2 Comments

Review: Mary Poser by Angel A

3/2/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Growing up in the Bible belt, I can attest that there are people like Mrs. Poser: the critical mama, sassy Southern Baptist 'bless-your-heart' walking stereotype. In case you're not southern, 'bless your heart,' is a nice way of saying, 'oh, you must be some kind of stupid.' 

And there are people like Mary: the dutiful one; "perfect" daughter. Also member of the 'bless your heart' club. She is her mother's daughter, at least, she tries, and pretends to be. We all know what happens when we try to fit into the boxes someone created for us. 

When Simha Das, an Indian film director, begins to take Mary out of these boxes that she obediently put herself in, she starts to question and examine family loyalty, expectations, happiness, love, and faith. 

This book was a blend in Southern hospitality that I'm familiar with, and a culture, and religion that I was not. I appreciate Angel A taking the time to reflect the differences between Hindu and Christianity. And bridging the gap of two seemingly different - and yet with some commonality - in a romantic love story wasn't lost on me. 

This was a beautiful, if not irritating coupling. I was a bit frustrated in some of Mary's choices, but I understand that you have to wade and muddle your way through the waters. 

This was a fun read! It takes an eloquent, exotic, and sexy director to turn a faithful country bumpkin into a mariposa. 
Picture
The recipe for a warm and humorous story…

In a modest bowl of Nashville, gently place a girl who is Country music, Bible belt, and a Steakhouse foodie.
Then add a surprise portion of exotic and handsome Anglo Indian, who is a passionate Bollywood director, vegetarian and Hindu.
Stir vigorously on a bed of intense attraction. 
At first, the ingredients will seem to clash and separate.
Keep stirring…
Include a dollop of jealous boyfriend and a meddling mother.
Splash in a serve of fun and mischievous friends.
Keep stirring…
Add a dash of crazy aunt and a minister father to keep the flavors working together.
Sprinkle in even more complicated family members to taste.
Cook on high emotions.
The secret ingredient that cuts through the sweetness is a final layer of shocking revelation that adds a surprising depth of flavor.
Finish with a twist of ‘Oh My God! Is she really going to do that?'.
Serve as tasty bite-size chapters in a novel dish of mayhem and madness with a side of Country music and Bollywood dancing.

Website: www.maryposer.com ​
www.facebook.com/maryposermovie
Twitter: @Angel_A_Author
0 Comments

    Book Pick:


    Picture

     I use Goodread's rating scale

    1 star – didn’t like it
     2 stars – it was OK
     3 stars – liked it
     4 stars – really liked it
     5 stars – it was so amazing, it's on my reread pile!

    Categories

    All
    #abouttheauthor
    #actionadventure
    #adult
    #authorspotlight
    #blogtour
    #booknews #poetry
    #bookreviews
    #children
    #christian
    #christianparenting
    #christianromance
    #cleanromance
    #contemporary
    #contemporaryromance
    #coverreveal
    #crimenoir
    #fantasy
    #historicalfiction
    #horror
    #inspirational
    #lgbt
    #memoir
    #mg/ya
    #nativeamerican
    #newadult
    #news
    #paranormal
    #parenting
    #poetry
    #romance
    #romcom
    #scifi
    Scifi/dystopian
    #selfhelp
    #shortstories
    #shortstory
    #suspense
    #thriller
    #urbanfantasy
    #western
    #womensfiction
    #ya
    #YA/NA


    Picture

    Archives

    December 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    August 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015

Hi there! Here's a quick bio

Picture

Leila Tualla is a Filipino-American poet and author based in Houston, Tx. Leila’s books include a YA contemporary romance called Letters to Lenora and a memoir/poetry collection called Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me. Her poetry is featured in several mental health anthologies and she is currently working on a poetry collection based on Asian American stereotypes and identifies. Her chapbook “pmdd & me,” will be out this Spring 2022. ​

Contact Me

    Subscribe Today!

Submit
  • HOME
  • about me
  • Blog
  • News & bookshelf
    • Media
    • Books >
      • Letters to Lenora
      • Love, Defined
    • Poetry >
      • PMDD & me (poetry chapbook)
      • Storm of Hope
    • Anthologies >
      • The Sacred Feminine II
      • The Poetry Marathon 2021
      • Remnants of Home
      • Poetica II
  • ADVOCACY
    • RESOURCES for PMDD warriors >
      • IAPMD
    • Community resources for moms >
      • Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
      • 2020 Mom
      • Preeclampsia
      • Momma's Voices
      • Shades of Blue Project
  • Contact