The Keepers: Ethan – Romance, Witches And Action – A Powerful Fantasy Novel With Heart

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Title: The Keepers: Ethan (The Keepers #3)

Author: Rae Rivers

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: April 7th, 2016

Rating: 5/5 Stars

It is no secret that I am a Rae River’s fan. And her latest novel of the Keeper’s series: Ethan, only cemented that fact even further. Filled with action, romance, and emotional turmoil, this well-crafted novel grabbed me from the first page and never let me go. Check out the following blurb, courtesy of Amazon:

“Going to Ameera to find Hazel. Stealing the spell … You think you can pull it off?” he asked.
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
Just as she thought he’d kiss her, he reached for her jacket and said, “Then let’s go.”

A portal to another world has opened, unleashing dangerous creatures on earth. A dark witch is out for revenge. The stakes are high, a war inevitable.

One person can stop the madness. Jenna. She’s a Keeper to a powerful hybrid witch but she harbors a secret and if Jenna steps through the portal – seduced by the whispers of her hidden past – she may never return.

Fortunately, she has company… infamous Bennett brother and fiercely protective Keeper, Ethan. Their whip-cracking banter makes them perfect sparring partners in training, but how will they manage when their lives and everything they were born to defend are on the line?

When the battle lines are drawn, will Jenna and Ethan stand side by side – as friends, protectors, lovers … or as traitors?”

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Not being a fan of the whole vampire story obsession of the last few years, but longing for a good paranormal story, this book (just like every novel in this great series), satisfied my hunger for this genre. Yes, it has plenty of romance, but also plenty of action, with the main female character, Jenna, being as fierce as any Warrior out there. It is an emotional story, that had me all shook up at more than one point, only to be left breathless and with a great sense of relief at the end, for which I am very grateful for to Rae ( you will know what I mean, once you read the book – no spoilers here!) . I just wish the story did not have to  end  because I did not want to leave this world, these characters just yet.

If you love paranormal fiction and romance, with plenty of action that does not just happen in the bedroom, this book, actually this entire series is for you.Thanks to this series, Rae Rivers has become one of my absolute favorite Authors. The Keepers: Ethan is available on Amazon right now.

The Keepers: Ethan is available on Amazon right now.

 

Disclaimer: I was given this book for free via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

A to Z Challenge: Tea Leaf Reading Symbols – Letter K

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Do you know the origin of iced tea?  According to legend, Richard Blechynden, an enterprising English merchant, was put in charge of the tea pavilion during the St. Louis Fair, in 1904 . Unfortunately, in planning for the Fair, he never considered the potential impact of weather. When Mother Nature produced a blistering summer day, cups of hot tea were not a popular item with the fairgoers. Exhausted and desperate to showcase his product, Blechynden tried serving the tea cold in glasses filled with ice. The scheme was an instant success, and iced tea was born.

If you are a fan of iced tea, you should try this variation of the classic iced drink. Enjoy!

Refreshing Citrus Green Iced Tea

2 cups of prepared green tea 

3 tablespoons of honey or your favorite sweetener

500 ml (2 cups) of fresh squeezed Grapefruit juice 

A sprig of fresh lemon balm to garnish – if desired 

Ice cubes 

 

Sweeten the prepared green tea with honey, and allow to cool completely. Add the grapefruit juice to the tea in a large pitcher. Add ice cubes to 4 tall glasses, and fill with tea. Top with a little piece of lemon balm if desired. Serve immediately. A variation of this that works well is using orange juice instead of grapefruit. 

Let’s get back to our Tea Leaf Reading Dictionary! Today’s letter is the letter K!

Letter K:

Kettle: Health problems may be on the horizon. Also a sign of possible other trouble being on the way. Be cautious

Keyhole: You have someone untrustworthy around you. Watch your back

King on a Throne: Steadfastness, security, and overall peace. A sign that there is a potential promotion to a high value position in the works.

Knives: One knife indicates a sign of unpleasantness while multiple knives indicate deeper danger that needs to be watched out for. Not necessarily of the physical kind, this could also indicate a financial disaster or a personal one.

 

Vitamins (via Grapefruit juice)  are not only a good addition to teas, it is also a great addition to skin care. If you are looking for an effective eye gel containing Vitamin E, that is suitable for sensitive skin, check out Insta Natural Youth Express Eye Gel. While it is not an instant miracle product, it reduces puffiness around the eyes, after about 2 weeks of daily applications. It did not irritate my sensitive skin, and it is a cruelty-free product. I highly recommend Insta Natural’s Youth Express Eye Gel with Vitamin E, Plant Stem Cells and Jojoba Oils. Available on Amazon today!

Disclaimer: The Insta Natural Youth Express Eye Gel was given to me for free in return for an honest review.

 

Tea Leaf Reading Dictionary: F – An A to Z Challenge Blog Post

 

Welcome back! Nice to have you here on my blog. Today, I want to talk to you about sweets and tea. Yes, those delightful little treats that make tea time even more interesting. I have found a book for you, that combines both the love for tea, and love for sweet treats. It is called Tea and Cookies: Enjoy the Perfect Cup of Tea – With Dozens of Delectable Recipes of Teatime Treats by Rick Rodgers. If you like making your own treats and want to create them to fit with your new love, tea – or offer these during a tea leaf reading – you should check it out here.

 

 

 

My personal favorite sweets  with tea, when I do not have the time to bake are these delightful French chocolate madeleines, which are delicate and sweet, and fit perfect with any cup of tea. What are your favorite treats to eat with tea?

Now that we are all hungry, we can get back to our Tea Leaf Reading Symbol Dictionary. Today’s letter is “F”. Enjoy!

 

Letter F:

Falcon: be warned, you have an enemy you might not be aware of. Pay attention!

Feathers: depends on the size of the feather: Large feathers symbolize prosperity and success, if you are an author that means literary success, small feathers means that you need to meet your fears with courage

Fence: You are very close to making to success, once you overcome this one last hurdle

Finger: a symbol that asks you to pay extra close attention to the other symbols in the current reading

Flags: warns you of danger ahead – potential unrest in the country you are in, or about to travel to

Foot: the beginning of a journey

Fork: be warned, those who flatter you on a consistent basis have alternative motives that are not in your favor

Fox: you have an unexpected enemy

Frog: time to change your residence! Also, could mean that there is a change in job in order.

Fruit: generally speaking fruit is a positive sign that shows prosperity and furthering in your goals

Disclosure: The above post contained affiliate links. See Disclosure page for details. 

The Billionaire’s Touch by J.S. Scott – A Book Review

Book Title: The Billionaire’s Touch (The Sinclairs Book 3)
Author: J.S. Scott
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 22nd, 2016
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Premise: 

After a troubling childhood, wealthy Evan Sinclair likes his life orderly and controlled. He rarely gives in to spontaneous urges—until he begins a chance correspondence with a mystery woman who sounds like his complete opposite. She intrigues and amuses him, and the interest seems mutual…which is more than he can say for his current obsession, Miranda Tyler, the tough-as-nails, sexy schoolteacher who’s made it clear she’s not impressed—or interested.

Miranda finally has it all: a good job, friends, and the security of living in the quaint coastal town of Amesport, Maine. She even has an anonymous pen pal—a man she’s never met yet has bonded with almost effortlessly. The only thing unsettling her life is Evan Sinclair. The handsome billionaire is arrogant, pompous, and far too used to getting his way. Miranda tries her best to avoid him, until Evan’s steamy kiss turns her world upside down.

Soon their red-hot desire is scorching the sheets and has them both spinning out of control. But when secrets are revealed, will their insatiable attraction keep them together or force them apart? In J.S. Scott’s The Billionaire’s Touch, the eldest Sinclair just might have met his match.

 

My Thoughts:

 

After having read a few books which included billionaires in their plot, I thought way too many Authors trying to copy the success of 50 Shades Of Grey, by copying the style – which is not a good idea, because, in my humble opinion, the book was one of the worst once I have ever read, and I have read a lot of romance novels over the years. This book, on the other hand, was refreshingly not trying to be what should not have been, even though it had plenty of sex scenes hidden within. Nothing wrong with lovemaking and even though, I thought they could have used a few less scenes of the horizontal kind in this book, I was still smitten with the well-developed character and interesting, warm, and sometimes truly charming plot. I felt deeply for the scars that Evan had to bear, due to his cruel father, and even more so after what was revealed

I felt deeply for the scars that Evan had to bear, due to his cruel father, and even more so after what was revealed toward the last third of the book. J.S. Scott managed to make her male lead noble, without being unbelievable, his self-sacrifice a reason for his personality, and his  need for control, which gave him depth, likeability, and make for an interesting, emotional read.  Like I said earlier, the only thing that could have done better was the fact that there were almost too much sex too soon. Yet, it did not diminish my enjoyment of the overall story. Because this was my introduction to the Sinclair series, I am looking now forward to reading all of the other books about the brothers and extended family.

Because this was my introduction to the Sinclair series, I am looking now forward to reading all of the other books about the brothers and extended family.

 

 

The Billionaire’s Touch is available on Amazon now.

The above post contains affiliate links. I have received this book free via Kindle Unlimited, an Amazon service.

 

 

Book Review: Got Luck by Michael Darling

 

Disclaimer: I was given this book for free in return for a honest review. This blog post contains affiliate links, see disclosure page for details

Title: Got Luck
Author: Michael Darling
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Crime
Publisher: Future House Publishing
Rating: 2/5 Stars

The Premise:

Police-officer-turned-private-investigator Goethe “Got” Luck is known for rolling with the punches and never taking anything too seriously. When he picks up a seemingly dead-end murder case, his life begins to take a crazy turn. Shot at, chased by people he has never met, and attacked by an invisible liondog, Got quickly learns that there is more to this world than meets the eye.

He discovers the Fae. The Eternals. They who dwell in the Behindbeyond. Once, they ruled over ancient realms, but over the centuries, their power dwindled. Now someone wants to restore their rule and subjugate humankind. All it will cost is thousands of human lives.

The clock is ticking. Getting the world out of this one will take a couple friends, more than a few well-placed insults, and a whole lot of Luck.

I became interested in this book, because the above blurb sounded like a pretty cool premise, promising a fast pasted, interesting story with a  twist that is not your standard fair for a fantasy/crime novel. But sadly,  I was disappointed. To be honest, I really do not like 1st person narratives. It is rare that books written in this particular  form are something I can lose myself in, so I had a bias from the moment I actually received the copy. For a first person narrative to be great, I have to connect deeply with the main character, and that connection has to happen rather quickly, in order for me to see the story through their eyes and enjoy the view. That rarely happens.

But, because I have been proven wrong before, I stuck with it and read the book to the end. I was not proven wrong. The plot itself seems a bit confusing at first, not finding much flow until the second half of the book, by which time, I would have already stopped reading, would I not have made the commitment to finish reading the book. While the second half was a little bit more entertaining, it still took me longer than usual to get through, simply because I had to drag myself back to the story, rather than being pulled in. With the immense amount of competition of great indie fantasy Authors now available on Amazon, a novel has to be special to stand out of the crowd, and I am sorry to say that this will be lost in the shuffle. Not my cup of tea.

The Most Detailed Book On The Subject, I Have Read: Elevator Speeches That Get Results

Disclaimer: I have received this book for free from the publisher in return for an honest review. The following post contains affiliate links, see Disclosure page for details. Don’t miss their special coupon and discount deals below!

Book Title: Elevator Speeches That Get Results

Author: Dorothy Tannahill-Moran

Publisher: Introvert Whisperer

Genre: Non-Fiction/Business/Self-help

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Written in a delightful conversational tone, Elevator Speeches That Get Results, is a very detailed an informative book on the art of creating effective elevator speeches. This is not a book for someone who is looking to master the short sales pitch, rather a book that allows the reader to learn how to introduce themselves and their brand effectively and quickly, making a great conversation starter, as well as getting people’s interest in your expertise/niche. It is longer than most books in this price range, which surprised me positively.
With the Author’s straightforward style, there is little fluff in the book, so you do not have to navigate through a ton of personal anecdotes that take away from the actual subject matter.
Overall a great book on elevator speeches.

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Book Review: Delicious DIY Coffee Recipes That Will Impress

(Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links, see Disclosure page for details)
Book Review: Delicious DIY Coffee Recipes That Will Impress and Bring Out the Home Barista In Everyone: The Home Barista Series: Volume 1 (Delicious DIY Coffee Recipes … In Everyone:The Home Barista Series)

Author: Cut To The Chase Media

Genre: Cooking, Beverages

Rating: 4/5 Stars

The unusual recipes absolutely sparked by attention, especially with ingredients like Nutella and KitKat, which – for a chocolate lover and coffee addict like me, is like a dream come true.
At 22 recipes, this book is way too short, though. From a cookbook, I expect a few more recipes. Also, while some people might like the fact that it has no fluff, it does not even contain any information about the Author, and barely an introduction.

Overall the concept and the recipes are great, and well thought through, but because it was so short, I was somewhat disappointed.

You also may like:

B130 DeskPro Coffee Maker
 my personal favorite machine, when I want a quick cup of coffee.

Combine Power Posing With Belief Altering Activities

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So you are interesting in creating a better future for yourself, utilizing the principles of Law of Attraction and co-creation. Then you are already aware of the fact that you need to change some of your beliefs that are limiting you, and are indicated via a negative feeling, in order to manifest your desired result.
Yet, seems harder than it sounds after actually trying to implement these new beliefs, and make them stick. Old behaviors and patterns tend to return after a few days of practice, even though your intent was to make a lasting change.

How can we change that from happening?

One example is to combine the practice of intentional power posing with the life-affirming actions of thought control via affirmations and mantras.

 

This means in practice, that throughout a practice session, which ideally should happen three times a day for about 10 minutes, but at a minimum during your morning routine for 10 minutes, one assumes a power pose. You can use any powerful stance you like, as long as you stand up straight, with your chin high and your eyes forward, shoulders rolled back, and not slouched. For more information on power poses, you can watch Amy Cuddy’s video here, I especially like the pose she calls “Wonder Woman Pose”. After holding this position for two minutes, sit comfortably but again in a powerful position, meaning straight, with your feet on the ground, and in an upright, not slouched position, and repeat your chosen affirmations, or mantras, as you would usually.

At this time, you are now integrating this new belief, while being the physical and chemical state of powerfulness. The most instantly noticeable change is, that your feelings will be of a more positive nature, than if you just practiced from a standard position. In the long-run you will feel overall more powerful, and open to your new beliefs with a more lasting, effect. A powerful place from which to become an effective co-creator.

 

Have a wonderful day!

Claudia

Reading And Taking Action

Many of us have a to-read list for the months ahead. But you merely read or do you implement?

To me, reading lists and book implementation lists are two different things. A reading list is a book list of stories I read to entertain me. They do not necessarily have to be fiction to do so but are more likely to be. Those are the books that I approach with a different mindset than those on my implementation list.

Now, what is an implementation list, and what are these books?

Those books are volumes that I read with the intent not only to learn from them but with the direct intent to take at least one of the points presented and to actively try them out. I seek out these books because I want to learn something, but learning is not enough, it is doing that creates the results. And because I am living in a growth mindset (more on that another time), I am approaching these books with the up-most intend to take an active part from the lessons held within.

For a long time, I was like many people I know – I read, a lot (okay more than the average person), but I never truly followed through on the lessons presented before me. It was easy to say how interesting a particular chapter was but was it enough to change what I was doing, or add a new active perspective into my life? Not really. The truth is, that I meant to take these action, but never followed through.

“Always strive to be better than you were yesterday.” – Tom Bilyeu

But I made a promise to myself that this is no longer an option. If I read a book that has repeatable actions within them, and that I chose to learn something from – may it be because I read a review, found them on a list of a person whom I admire (like this list by Quest Founder Tom Bilyeu), or because its premise leads me to believe that there was value within the covers, I will take at least one of those actions and practice them. Now, I am not expecting to do that if I find myself in the middle of the book and it does not resonate with me at all, of course, but I will do this more often than not, and because I am already picky about what I add on my reading list, which is ever growing, that should not be a problem. Which brings me to my questions for you:

Which book have you read in the last year, and actually implemented something from it – may it be in your personal life, or in your business adventures? What made you take these actions, and why did you pick up this book in the first place?

As we are approaching the middle of January, I am in the middle of implementing some of the goals I have set for the year. I have been lucky to have been encouraged to create some more motivational designs over the last few weeks, and I am especially happy about my notebook collection that ranges from themes of courage to sharing your thoughts with those you love. So check out my truly unique custom notebook collection here. Absolutely, a reason to be grateful. 

It is my pleasure to serve you, so if you have any suggestions about notebooks and journals you want to see in the future, please let me know. I also accept custom orders – and can combine my art with specific messages for you. Simply drop me a line at claudiablanton@live.com or leave me a comment below.

Do It. Motivational Notebooks

I will not be stopped – Notebook

Mom, I want to thank you… Notebook

Meditation Journal

Soulmates – Romantic Notebook

 

 

Have a wonderful week!

Claudia

 

This post is a part of the following blog hops

Thankful Thursday at Pepis Smart Dog

Thankful Thursday Link Up 

No Rules Blog Party 

Reasons To Be Cheerful

Be Inspired

Appreciation, Flu, And “Winter” Blues

Over the last few days I have been MIA from this blog – out of two legit reasons: 1. because my kids and I have been battling the flu, and 2 because this part time job, helping out someone with building a business has been resembling more a full-time job that hope that by the end of next week, all of this will be settled, and I can resume at least a more passing schedule.

But there are also many things to appreciate today. I woke up to the most wonderful notes from my children, wishing me a Happy Birthday, which was so sweet, and then I got to open many emails and social media messages filled with well-wishes and greetings. Every one of those put a smile on my face.

I feel gratitude for the fact that the sun came out to greet me as well, which suits me well, considering the last few days have been dreary, reminding me more of those days when Winter Blues set in, in Germany, and the days were one big sea of continuous grey. Not exactly the best sight. The morning sun, as I walked the dogs, felt like a balm to my soul, exactly when I needed it.

I enjoyed this afternoon’s crumb coffee cake in all of its sweet glory – on top of that, I enjoyed that I did not have to bake it, my family did instead – I am usually the one backing all of the goodies, so that was a nice change in pace.

I am enjoying the fact that I let go of some anxiety that came back this week, with not being able to accomplish as much as I usually would like to, by employing the power of no. I will write about the benefits of this wonderful little tool tomorrow. Let me just tell you now, that it is a sanity-saving tool everyone should apply.

I am  thankful, that my dogs seem to be having no problems with the colder weather, actually I am surprised how much my shorter haired Athena is enjoying it. Still, I am looking for sweater for her – which is harder for big dogs like her, especially for when it gets even colder  than it already is.

A Floral Heart Keepsake Box by Claudia H. Blanton

I am also in appreciation that I was able to design a tiny bit. One of these examples is the heart design I started you just saw. When I create something, at least a little bit of something, I feel a little more productive on a personal level. And that feels good.

So what have you been accomplishing this week? Was your week as crazy as mine, or did you have a chance to relax a little more? I hope you, and all of your loved ones are healthy, and I am looking forward to hearing from you all!.

Check out the following blog hops, that this post is a part of and give the other participants some love!

Thankful Thursdays

Pet-Centric Thankful Thursday

Creative Inspiration’s Linky Party

No Rules Blog Party

Reasons To Be Cheerful