Two Tickets To The Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul (Inspirational Christmas Magic Makes This a Must Have)

I have a special place on my book case for Christmas books that I fall in love with, and Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul has a place of honor there.

This is a very charming story of Cora, and her boss Simon, who with a little divine intervention will find there way to a special book store for some special Christmas gifts.  And tucked among their purchases, each later finds a ticket to the Wizard's Christmas Ball.  From that point on, the two who previously knew almost nothing about each other, find themselves meeting at unexpected moments in this wonderfully charming book filled with holiday warmth.

Cora soon learns that Simon is actually a very warm-hearted man, especially when it comes to his family and his very sweet sister Sandy who has Down Syndrome (who is adorable in this book).

The characters are well developed and I love the flow of the story as readers see what the real meaning of Christmas is.  This is a very nice read and will only take a few hours.  I highly recommend it and think it would be a great holiday read for your book club.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novela  
 by Donita K. Paul
WaterBrook Press (Oct. 5, 2010)  ~ 240 pages
 Fiction / Inspirational / Christmas / Fantasy

Edition Reviewed: Hardback - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher via WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
About the Book:

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)

Donita K. Paul is the author of The Dragons of Chiril, Dragons of the Valley, and the bestselling DragonKeeper Chronicles with more than a quarter of a million books in print. She enjoys cooking, beading, stamping, knitting, and her grandsons. Not necessarily in that order. Visit her website at DonitaKPaul.com.

 *Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Book Review: Jesse (The Secret Lives of Cowboys, Book 3) by C.H. Admirand

I have read all three of the books in C.H. Admirand's The Secret Lives of Cowboys series, which includes: Tyler (Book 1), Dylan (Book 2) and now Jesse (Book 3).  I loved them all, but I think my favorite is Jesse, because while the story is focused on the third Garahan brother Jesse, you also get to read about the other two and their significant others as well.

Jesse's story is special.  He has been burned in the recent past by the same woman TWICE.  That is twice his heart was broken, and now he is fiercely loyal to his brothers and the Circle G Ranch.

One afternoon, he stops to help a woman who's car has broken down by the side of the road, little knowing that it will change his life forever.

Danielle's car has overheated and she is SO close to her beloved Uncle's home, where she hopes to be able to pull her life together and start fresh with her little pink cowgirl daughter Lacy, whose father up and left both ladies after he decided that married life wasn't for him and he wanted to focus on his bull-riding career.

It seems that fate has thrown Jesse, Danielle and little Lacy together to see if they can learn to trust and love again.

Readers will fall in love with ALL the characters, including Danielle's Uncle, but especially with little Lacy.  And we get a good peek at the Garahan brother's cousins, which I hope will lead to more books!!

I absolutely love C.H. Admirand's writing style.  She has infused her books with warmth and rugged family values.  You want to meet her characters in real life, and what I wouldn't give to visit the Circle G Ranch and eat at Danielle's Uncle's Diner.

Cowboy Romances aren't my normal reads, and I LOVE these, so even if they aren't YOUR norm, run out and give one a try - I'll bet you'll love these Irish brothers and their gals as much as I do.



Jesse (The Secret Lives of Cowboys, Book 3)  
 by C.H. Admirand  
 Sourcebooks Casablanca (July 3, 2012)  ~ 352 pages
 Fiction / Romance / Western

Edition Reviewed: ARC- Review copy received courtesy of the publisher, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!

About the Book:

Jesse Garahan is the third and youngest Garahan brother, and has all the Irish charm. He’s had his heart broken twice by the same woman, so he no longer believes in love. Until he meets Danielle Brockway and her tiny daughter Lacey, on their way to their new home in Pleasure, Texas.

Danielle’s worthless husband left her high and dry with their little daughter, cleaning out their bank account before she filed for divorce. Now she’s alone, but she knows she can make it in the small town where life is simple… Then she encounters Jesse. She just can’t seem to help herself where long-limbed, swaggering Texas men are concerned. As the passion between them flares, suddenly, life is anything but simple.

About the Author: (from the Publisher)

C.H. Admirand was born in Aiken, South Carolina. She has published 9 bestselling novels for the library market. Her Secret Life of Cowboy trilogy, published by Sourcebooks Casablanca, includes Tyler, Dylan and now, Jesse. She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes’ very best traits, in northern New Jersey, where she is working on a brand new small town romance series, beginning with in the Fall of 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.chadmirand.com/ or follow her on twitter, @chadmirand.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

AstroBrights Papers for All Your Paper Needs #goastrobrights

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't think you realize how important paper is until you go to do a special craft project or work on a project for school, work or home.  THAT is when great paper makes a BIG difference, and where AstroBrights papers comes in.

AstroBrights papers come in 23 different colors, making sure you have the perfect color for your home, school or work project.  Their paper is also great to make brochures, flyers, signs, invitations, announcements and craft projects.  AstroBrights paper helps your projects stand out.  

Right now, courtesy of AstroBrights, you can help your local elementary school by entering the "Give a Brighter Year" where you could win a cash prize and supplies worth $30,000.  The winner will get to choose a local elementary school of their choice to receive the cash and prizes.

You can also participate in Astrobrights' family-friendly "Make Something AstroBright" design challenges where you can use your creativity for a chance to win AstroBrights papers and other prizes.  You are able to share your projects via photographs and video.  If you choose to share your projects and creations via Pinterest or Twitter, please include the hashtag #goastrobrights.

AstroBrights papers will be great for summer crafts projects, garage sale signs, party invitations and SCRAPBOOKING!  I've got a lot of scrapbooking to catch up on.

With school starting dates approaching (I know, you didn't want to face that yet did you?), I'll bet AstroBrights papers will come in handy for a multitude of projects: school crafts, reports, diarama projects, school notices, parent meetings, invitations, etc. 

So now I challenge you - what will you use AstroBrights papers for?  I encourage you to enter both "Give a Brighter Year" and "Make Something AstroBright."

Book Review: The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson - The Ultimate Manual for Being Your Own Boss and Achieving Financial Freedom

Whether you currently have a business, or whether you are just entertaining the early glimmer of an idea that you want to see turned into a profitable business, The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson is a great place to start.

The book contains five parts, comprised of 21 different chapters, but don't let that intimidate you - Carrie writes in a way that is very engaging and supportive, not to mention thorough and very helpful.

Part One: The Myth Busters covers the myths of traditional jobs, retirements and similar issues, and shows you why you should own your own business.  It makes you face the fact that not everyone will support your decision to build your own dreams, and also shows you how to find the support you need.

Part Two: The Three Big Mistakes covers going after the wrong priorities (following someone else's dream, trying to do too much, and simply chasing opportunities that don't fit with your goals and dreams).  I personally think that this section is so important, it is worth re-reading.  Your priorities and the focus of your planned business are so important, and Carrie really provides great insight in helping readers to narrow in on the right things... if you let her!

Part Three: The Methods covers things like changing your mindset to one of success, taking action, finding a mentor, etc.  Carrie shows you the importance of truly believing you can achieve your dreams (but keeping them realistic), and not waiting forever to take action - get going and get the ball rolling.  She encourages you to set a deadline to get yourself motivated, and brings up finding peers to be accountable to while meeting your deadlines.  She also shows the importance of finding a good mentor who can help you learn from their actions and mistakes without having to make those same mistakes yourself.

Part Four: The Models In this section, Carrie covers the different types of businesses (service-based, expertise-based, knowledge-based, goods-based and referral-based), and eventually being able to develop multiple streams of income, once you have reached a strong income level with your main focus.

And Part Five: The Marketplace, this is where Carrie talks about where you find your target-audience (and the importance of understanding them, do they have disposable income, are they online, etc), and how to engage them.  She also discusses how to transform your ideas into income without becoming too overwhelmed.

If I had to choose one word to describe this book it would be "highly."  This is a highly organized book, it is highly positive, Carrie is highly engaging, and the information in it is highly helpful.

Be sure to check out The Barefoot Executive, Carrie Wilkerson will most likely save you frustrations, wasted time and wasted resources by helping you fully develop your ideas and come up with a strong plan to fulfill your dreams.


The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss and Achieving Financial Freedom  
 by Carrie Wilkerson
 Thomas Nelson ~ 256 pages
 Non-Fiction / Self-Help / Work From Home

Edition Reviewed: eBook - Review copy received courtesy of the publisher and Living Your Moment, many thanks to both the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review!

About the Book:

Don’t Think You Have What It Takes to Run a Business? It’s Time to Reconsider.

For the person who longs to run their business from home, author and highly successful entrepreneur Carrie Wilkerson says it is possible (she doesn't just say it though, she shows you how). In her new book, The Barefoot Executive, Carrie helps readers of all types understand the necessary ingredients in starting and running a lucrative home-based business. You’ll learn how to reclaim your time, determine your income, and change your lifestyle-all while keeping personal priorities intact.

Successful at running her own seven-figure business from home and being an active speaker on the subject, Carrie demonstrates business models with tables and charts in an easy-to-understand format. Chapters within the book include such subjects as finding a target markets, developing marketing strategies, and brand development. Especially important are the common pitfalls listed to avoid in starting a business from home.

The Barefoot Executive offers the opportunity to live life on your terms with the financial freedom to do it. Want to start your workday with e-mail and coffee on the back patio? Want the flexibility of joining your fourth grader on an all-day field trip? Are you ready to take that vacation you’ve been planning for years? Then you have a choice to make, and The Barefoot Executive will help jumpstart your transition.

You’ll learn:
Your “why.” The most important question. Why do you want to work for yourself?
What type of business best suits your experience and talents.
How to stay focused on your goal and avoid distractions.
Where to find the support that will accelerate your success.
How to link your business to the right market.

Whether it’s a service, a product, or your insight or expertise, you already have the raw materials necessary to transform your life. Carrie will walk you through the process of building the business you need to achieve the life you want. Her guidance is practical. No philosophical silliness, no theoretical abstractions—just concrete action steps alongside insights from fellow entrepreneurs, interactive exercises, and links to Carrie’s online video coaching segments. It’s the next best thing to working one-on-one with her. The Barefoot Executive will have you energized by the possibilities and embracing the extraordinary life that is well within your reach.

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)

From corporate life to teaching high school to sales, to information marketing, consulting, and even virtual service provider, Carrie Wilkerson has been there and done that professionally and personally. As “The Barefoot Executive,” she has quickly become the definitive resource for helping others achieve extra income and career goals while working from home and keeping their priorities intact. She is a mentor/coach/advisor to more than one hundred thousand men and women as The Barefoot Executive through videos, podcasts, masterminding, mentoring, and live speaking. Not only a business expert but also an expert in business, Carrie’s work-at home methods have inspired thousands and have earned many awards, online and off. Her passion is in teaching others to “Fill their Stadium” with fans so that marketing is easy and business is abundant. She lives in Texas, with her family.

*Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate. I get a very small amount for any purchases made when you click through a link from Wendi's Book Corner, which I then save up to buy more books. :)

Review and Giveaway: Pure Pearls Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings (US/CAN, Rafflecopter, 7/31)

Of all the things in my jewelry box, I think hands down my pearls are my favorite, because they are ageless, timeless, and have endless beauty.  When I wear pearls, they make me feel special, and I know they simply glow.

They enhance our beauty, and they give us a sense of pride and confidence...  and they make us feel really, REALLY special.  I believe I've worn pearls for every major life event (as a ballerina, graduations, family pictures, social events and my wedding).

I also believe that pearls are one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry ever.  They can be dressed up or worn with your favorite t-shirt and comfy pair of jeans.  They are great to wear on special occasions, or on a shopping trip.

I've personally got a nice variety of pearl jewelry, from my Grandmother's strand of pearls, to my newer pearl earrings, bracelet and necklace.  I even have a few pieces that were made from the fun Hawaiian oysters you open as a tourist.  I just received my first pair of Freshwater Pearl Dangle Earrings, and I absolutely love them!  The first afternoon I wore them, I had two compliments (one from a friend, one from a complete stranger) within half an hour!

Need a gift for Mother's Day, a birthday, a new ballerina, a new bride, a graduate? Pearls are perfect!  They also make a perfect gift for yourself!

I've found the selection and prices at PurePearls.com to be wonderful, and their quality is amazing.  The site is elegant, easy to navigate, and they have a huge selection of pearl jewelry in all price ranges with free shipping in the US.  They have a large assortment including: Tear Drop Earrings, Freshwater Pearls, Pearl Sets, and even some great pearl jewelry for Men.

I was given the opportunity to review Pure Pearls' White Freshwater Drop Dangle Pearl Earrings in 6.5 - 7.0mm with sterling silver ear wires.  Each set is made to order, and the hand-matched pearls are set on Sterling Silver French hooks.  Each pair also comes with a certified appraisal completed by a GIA graduate and comes beautifully packaged in a black velvet box.

I was so excited to put the earrings on, and I was very grateful that they came with tiny clear anchors to help keep the earrings on.  I've always been nervous wearing French hooks, but they look and feel so nice!  (I've got a 5 year old and a 2 year old, so hair gets pulled and jewelry gets played with when I wear it)

The earrings arrived inside an elegant velvet box, which was nestled inside a white gift box.  The earrings came with a GIA Prepared Appraisal Certificate, and care instructions.  

I had previously reviewed a beautiful Lavender pearl necklace, Lavender Pearl Earrings and a Lavender Pearl Bracelet from Pure Pearls.

Now, courtesy of PurePearls.com, one of my readers will get to feel special too... read on for more...




White Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings, 6.5-7.0mm
  Price $65.00, Worth $325.00
Pure PearlsBuy Pearl Jewelry
Pearl Jewelry, Free Shipping to the US, $17 Internationally

Edition Reviewed: White AAA+ 6.5-7.0mm Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings - Review sample received courtesy of PurePearls.com, many thanks for this wonderful opportunity!

About Pure Pearls: (from the Pure Pearls site)

Welcome to Pure Pearls, where we build lasting client relationships!

Our philosophy is simple! Pure Pearls offers high quality, fine pearl jewelry at exceptional discount prices. Our team of experts bring to you the top 3% of our exclusive harvests. By sourcing pearls straight from the pearl farms, we cut the middleman and bring incredible wholesale prices to our customers without sacrificing quality. Because our customers are so happy with their purchases, we receive a high percentage of repeat customers and incredible advertising by word-of-mouth.

With extensive pearl experience, Pure Pearls' experts can always help you with any questions. Guidance is offered through our pearl buyer's guide and pearl education section. We encourage you to contact our experts by phone or email to help you choose the perfect pearls. At Pure Pearls, we make shopping affordable, safe, and educational. We hope your experience here has been warm and inviting. Our pearls are both breathtaking and inspiring. At Pure Pearls, our philosophy revolves around personalization and remarkable quality. We make sure that each and every one of our customers are taken care of personally. We value the time that you have taken to stop in. Please feel free to browse around or contact us if you have any questions or feedback. We guarantee that our clients's experiences with us will be one-of-a-kind

Your purchase with Pure Pearls is secure whether online or by phone. We have a 90-day Return Policy so you have adequate time to consider your purchase with us.

Giveaway Details:
One lucky Wendi's Book Corner reader will win a pair of Pure Pearls AAA+ Quality 6.5-7.0mm, Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings with Sterling Silver French hooks.

Want to Win One?: Entry will be easy via Rafflecopter!  Give it a few seconds to load.  If you have any problems, leave me a comment and I'll see if I can help!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


~ Wendi

*Disclosure: I was sent White Freshwater Pearl Drop Dangle Earrings from Pure Pearls in exchange for my honest review and the inclusion of a giveaway. The earrings for giveaway will be sent directly from Pure Pearls.

Zookt.com Review: Play Games to Win Unbelievably Low Prices on Great Products

Zookt is a new website (launched in June 2012) offering users the ability to play games to win deals up to 90% off on great products every day.  If you are familiar with the concept of penny auctions, this is similar, except you get to play fun games instead of auction-style bidding, and the winner walks away with a GREAT product at a GREAT price.

To get started, joining is free.  You can browse the site and find products you are interested in, add them to your shopping cart, and choose the game you want to play to compete for the item (currently available games include: Hearts, Zookt Bingo and Random Color, with more games to be added in the future). Zookt will show you the odds, and you pay the entry fee and play your game!!  (You can even practice the games for free against the computer - this way, you can make sure you know how to play the game)

Users can earn free Zooks by referring friends (you will earn 30 Zooks for each friend that signs up, and 2500 if they play within one week), by playing games (you will earn Zooks each time  you play games, whether you win or loose, which can be used for future games), and by providing feedback at the end of each game (30 Zooks).

Some of the great deals I've found while browsing the site:  Brave 3-Disc Collection on DVD and Blu-Ray for $4.76, Cricut Expression II cutting machine for $17.50, and an iPad 2 for $32.32.  I challenge you to find those deals anywhere else!



Zookt.com
Find Featured Deals hereFree to join
Online Shopping/Gaming Experience

What is Zookt? video on YouTube:

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post courtesy of Zookt via Karma Media.  I am providing you information on Zookt and any opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine!