I Heart Books

Friday, March 23, 2012


Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

About Kim:
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

You can purchase the book here:  http://ow.ly/9uLOD





One "songbird" winner will receive:
  • A Nook Tablet
  • Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!
So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Song of My Heart By: Kim Vogel Sawyer




    Sadie Wagner has moved to Goldtree for prospective employment.  Her Papa, who was in a mining accident and unable to work, cannot support their family of eight.  Sadie being the eldest of her siblings must take on the responsibility of being the sole bread winner for her family.

    Thad McKane was called to Goldtree to serve as a lawman in the tiny town.  But he doesn't plan on being sheriff for long.  Nope.  As soon as he figures out who is behind the illegal bootlegging scheme in Goldtree, Kansas he will use his wages to learn how to become a minister and clear his name of its sour reputation.

    You don't come across to many stories that can suck you in, entirely mind and body, like Song of My Heart.  Kim Vogel Sawyer can only be described as nothing less than talented.  I was transported to Goldtree, Kansas, the year 1895.  My ears ached from the double blast of screeching voices coming from the Baxter twins every time they spoke.  I could literally smell the succulent aromas of comfort food wafting out from Cora's Diner, all the while feeling the grittiness of dust and dirt as it floated in the wind, behind wagons and pedestrians alike, throughout town.

    Song of My Heart is a must read.  It touches your soul.  I give it a solid 9 out of 10 stars.  One point shy of perfect because the beginning had a slow start.  This is the second novel I've read from Mrs. Sawyer and neither were a disappointment!


Jessie D.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Giveaway!!!

Here is a chance for you to win an ipod and much more!
Just click the icon to enter!!!


Save the Date! 2/28!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

What The Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller

A collection of Amish romances.  These stories were previously published in An Amish Christmas, An Amish Gathering, and An Amish Love.



A Miracle For Miriam. Miriam was in eight grade but the huge crush she had on Seth Fisher went back two years. Since the sixth grade, she wished for his attention. Then a terrible act of cruelty committed on the playground left her utterly embarrassed. Five years have passed since then and Miriam has long since forgiven Seth but she is not ready to love him again, or is she?


A Place of His Own. Amanda and Josiah had been best friends during their childhood. Everything was perfect until the Bontrager's just up and left without telling a single soul, without Josiah giving Amanda a single goodbye. Amanda is twenty-four now and all grown up. Josiah suddenly pops back into her life. But he is not the same Josiah she once new. He is withdrawn and sullen. Amanda wants to mend his heart but more importantly can she win it?


What The Heart Sees. Ellie Chupp wasn't born disabled but a horrible accident left her that way. Chris Miller lost his fiancee in the same accident five years ago. Ellie has a secret and Chris is troubled and broken but the attraction between them is unmistakable. Both have vowed to never love again but will each break that vow and give love a fighting chance?

All three stories were beautiful. They resonate so deeply and touch your heart. What the Heart Sees is the second Kathleen Fuller book I have read. And I enjoyed both very much. The glossary is certainly a nice touch. It makes me feel like I'm learning a little German. I recommend this book to everyone! Yes, its romance but nowhere near the cheesy kind. I would say this book would definitely fit in during the holidays. They make you feel nice and cozy and lovable.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Jessie D

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Follow Friday!!




Hello everyone and welcome! It's Follow my Book Blog Friday once again hosted by Parajunkee's View!

This weeks question is

Q. Do you judge a book by it's cover?

Yes and no! LOL If a book has an amazing cover of course it will grab my attention a whole lot quicker than one without a great cover but I usually always read the back or inside flap summary of a book before I decide whether or not I want to read it or even buy it. And if I am undecided, what usually helps me make a decision about a book is whether I've read a review on it or if someone has recommended it to me. But I am not picky about books, if the summary grabs my attention I'm in hook line sinker! Its important for me to remember I will not be staring at the cover the whole time I'm going to be reading between the covers so I try not to worry about it too much!:D


If you are a new follower let me know and I will return the love!! :)



Jessie D

Custom Blog Design Giveaway!

Siobian over at The Owl Bookmark Blog is hosting a great giveaway!

The winner will receive one custom basic blog design which includes: Custom header, custom background, link bar with up to 5 buttons, signature, blog button with code, custom rating system for reviews, custom colors to match your new design, and installation. Just click for details! :)

The Owl Bookmark Blog

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry








Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce, crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, and FBI special agent Nicole Hedges make up the self proclaimed Triple Threat Club.

People are not at all what they seem in this third installment of the Triple Threat Novel series by Lis Wiehl. During the investigation of a man named Colton Foley, accused of robbery and murder, The Triple Threat Club's attention is seized by a gorgeous woman named Elizabeth Avery. Not only is she beautiful and flawless but she is also cold blooded, with a heart of ice. She lives to play "the Game" and doesn't care who she has to hurt, steal from, or worse, to get what she wants and win. In a series of seemingly random crimes will the Triple Threat Club be able to connect the dots and find a killer hiding in plain sight?

This is the second Triple Threat Novel by Lis Wiehl that I've read. I will say, I liked it more than "Hand of Fate" (which was the first one I read). I believe Heart of Ice deserves a good, strong four out of five stars. The character Elizabeth was disugsting, and conniving, and therefore I loved her! Loved what she brought to the story! Elizabeth was so creepy, I am now very leery of gym trainers! LOL Knowing who the killer is and not being able to say anything is so frustrating and yet so engaging! It definitely kept me interested!

The two things that kept Heart of Ice from getting five stars were, in my opinion, how fast Elizabeth was able to suck Cassidy and Clark into "the Game" because of their naivete and the ending. The way Cassidy and Clark fell head over heels for Elizabeth wasn't very believable. Also, Elizabeth is such a manipulative and dramatic person I think her fight should've been so much more dramatic to match her sociopathic personality/mentality. With nothing certain taking place, the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. No bueno! :(

However, I think if you are into crime novels give Heart of Ice a go because everything, except for the ending, was pretty good with a little surprise twist thrown in.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255


Jessie D

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Ice Princess By Camilla Lackberg

The droplets of water had turned to ice crystals in her hair. Her lower body was frozen, forever in the bathtub of ice. Her wrists were slashed and her body had turned the bluish color of frozen death. Erica Falck, returns to her hometown of Fjallbacka, Sweden after her parents death only to be thrust into the chaotic drama of the alleged suicide of her childhood best friend Alex. Dark secrets lie beneath the little snow covered town of Fjallbacka and some people will go to great lengths, maybe even as far as murder, to protect their reputation and make sure those secrets stay that way, secret.

Camilla Lackberg is the 7th bestselling novelist in Europe and today March 29, 2011 is the American paperback debut of her crime novel The Ice Princess. The Ice Princess is the first in a three-part series with the follow up, The Preacher, to be published by Pegasus Books on April 27, 2011.


I give the Ice Princess three out of five stars. Sure the action started in chapter one and reeled me in like an unsuspecting fish but the extremely long chapters made me lose interest right away. I kept hoping the end would make for all the irrelevant situations in the book. And I am sad to say it did not. The ending was no where near strong enough for my liking. I also didn't like how police officer, Patrick Hedstrom, couldn't find any rock solid evidence and could almost only go by what his gut told him.

Many times while I was reading, it felt as if Camilla Lackberg was trying to hard to impress me the reader. However, I do not put the entire blame on her. I know much of the original quality got lost in translation and I am sure this book would've been way better if read in its original language, Swedish. To bad I can't read or speak one word of Swedish. So yeah, I wouldn't force any of my friends to read it. The Ice Princess certainly wasn't the worst crime novel I've ever read but definitely not the best either! Like always this is just my opinion, the book could turn out completely different for you if you decide to read it.


I received a copy of this book from Free Press an imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc.

Read Chapter One Here.


Jessie D

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Thrift Store Finds!

For some reason these past two weeks my aunt was visiting some thrift stores in our area and I tagged along! Now I don't know if I'm the only person who buys books from the thrift store LOL but I was proud of my finds and I wanted to share them with you! I hate buying books brand new hardcover, especially a series. The price definitely adds up! I hear many people who find good deals call themselves frugal and I hear other people calling frugal people cheap..... well call me what you will I'm still in love with my thrift store finds! :D So please feel free to let me know what you think about them. I would love to hear about any good finds you might have had too! :)







.99 cents Each
  • No Country For Old Men, Cormac McCarthy, Soft Cover

  • Under The Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes, Soft Cover

  • Percy Jackson & The Olympians The Battle of The Labyrinth, Rick Riordan, Hard Cover

  • The Help, Kathryn Stockett, Hard Cover


.49 cents Each

  • A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'engle, Soft Cover

  • The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson, Soft Cover


2.oo dollars Each

  • Eldest, Christopher Paolini, Hard Cover

  • Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling, Hard Cover

  • Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling, Hard Cover

I also have the Deathly Hallows in hard cover but a friend gave me that one. I want to collect them all because I am a Harry Potter addict! lol But I am trying to see if I can find them all in thrift stores!

All these books that I purchased are in pretty GREAT condition and some even look brand new, no wear and tear on the spines! I am a happy camper....... whatever that means! lol Don't forget to let me know what you think, I love comments!! :)

Jessie D

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Follow my Book Blog Friday!



Hello and Welcome! It's time for the weekly blog hop Follow my Book Blog Friday hosted by parajunkee.com.
If you let me know that you're a new follower I will gladly return the love and follow right back! :)

Question of the week is:
How did you come up with your blog name?

Well this blog started because I wanted to review for
booksneeze.comso I asked a friend to help me think of a blog name since I'm not good with names at all. But when neither one of us could come up with anything I just went with what I do best, reading between the covers of a good book all from the comfort between the covers of my bed! And of course with me being the reader that is how Reader Between The Covers came about! :) Nothing really exciting lol

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Extremely Long Chapters = Extremely Annoying

So I was sitting in the doctors office getting an iron infusion and they told me it was going to take three hours! I figured I might as well let you guys know about the new book I'm currently reading. I had planned on posting this right then and there but once the benadryl kicked in I was out! And that is why this is late! lol

Anywho I am reading Camilla Lackberg's Scandinavian crime novel, The Ice Princess, which is set to debut in paperback in America March 29, 2011.

The Ice Princess introduces us to Erica as she returns to her childhood home in the isolated fishing town of Fjallbacka, after her parents' deaths. She is unprepared for what she finds when she arrives, though- her childhood best friend Alex, dead, her wrists slashed, and her body in a tub of frozen water in her family home.
- Free Press News

I'm really excited for this book, I love crime novels! The action starts off from the very beginning but I don't want to giveaway too much! The only problem I have with this book so far is the extremely loooooooong chapters! It annoys me to the core! I like to read chapters in a book varied in length but I don't know it could just be me having a little OCD moment. I would certainly like to know how do you feel about really long chapters? Annoying or not?

Keep an eye out for my review of The Ice Princess, which I should be posting March 29th.

Jessie D

Monday, March 14, 2011

Grandma Liz

James (my brother), Grandma, and Me



Rest In Peace Grandma
July 2, 1928 - February 14, 2011



Today is the one month anniversary of my grandmothers death. She passed away on Valentine's Day February 14, 2011. This is just a post to honor her memory. She was a beautiful woman. Words cannot even describe how wonderful she was. Once someone got to know her they couldn't help falling in love because she had such a great personality. Always laughing and dancing and encouraging her grandchildren to be the best that they can be. I miss her so much but I know I will see her again, when God decides its time for me to go home. Its still hard to let go though. I remember how every Christmas the only thing I wanted were books and nobody would buy me books except for Grandma. And every birthday she would always be the first one to call me, early in the morning, to tell me happy birthday and sing to me De Colores or Las Mananitas or Que Bonitos Ojos Tienes. These memories bring tears to my eyes because I am going to miss that call so much. The world seems a little less bright now that Grandma is no longer here. She was such a strong beautiful woman who made such a huge impact on my life and is part of who I am today. I love her with all my heart and wrote a little poem for her. If it doesn't make sense to you its ok my grandma understands what I'm trying to say.


Forever In My Heart


Grandma I never thought you’d go
You were our rock
So loving, caring, and nurturing
What will we do without you
The pain today hurts just as much
As the day I saw you take your last breath
I jumped out of my seat
And ran to your side
It wasn’t real
It couldn’t be real
The Lord called you home
I knew you were ready
But I wasn’t
Crying was the only thing I could do
I knew my tears could not bring you back
Screams and sleepless nights will not either
My heart aches and I remind myself
No more pain
No more worries
No more suffering
So I can’t be selfish
You’re in heaven now
Eternal life with God
Reunited with Grandpa
My guardian angels
So now I wait
For the day when I get to see you again!



When I was little she used to make me sing to her Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You". She later told me that she loved the way my eyes looked when I would sing it.







I love you grandma and you will forever be in my heart!




Jessie D

Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Giveaway Definitely Worth The Effort!!



A giveaway so awesome I had to share with you!

All 5 books. All hardback copies. All signed.
Click Here for your chance to win signed copies of them all!

Jessie D

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Rush of Wings By Kristen Heitzmann


Noelle St. Claire is running away. From what? She doesn't know; her life has always been a wealthy sheltered one. But the fear she feels is so strong she knows its real and she has to get away. Winding up in the small town of Juniper Falls, Colorado feels like time travel to Noelle. A stark contrast to New York. Can she escape her unknown torment by hiding out at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch with common folk?

I think the idea Kristen had for this book was good but the execution poor. The time and relationships Noelle shared with Rick and Morgan do not seem real. I did, however, enjoy the details of the snowy scenery during Christmas time, at the Spencer house. Beautiful. The mystery of Noelle's memory loss didn't capture my attention the way it could've. And, the time Noelle spent at the horse ranch was dull and dragged on. I would give A Rush of Wings 2 out of 5 stars just for its attempt at entertaining me.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.


Jessie D

Friday, March 4, 2011

Follow My Book Blog Friday




What embarrassing thing have you done on cold medicine?

I don't really think I've done anything embarrassing on cold medicine. If I'm sick and on meds I usually stay home so not much opportunity for embarrassment there... lol

Jessie D

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Tandem By Tracey Bateman


Brutal murders consumed the quiet little town of Abbey Hills six months ago. Shaking the community to its core. After a fire allegedly claimed the life of the murderer the killings stopped and things slowly began to return to normal once again. Today Abbey Hills is almost completely healed except for the memories.
Lauryn McBride is in charge of auctioning off Mark Chisom's, one of the victims, estate. With her father under the debilitating clamp of Alzheimer's, Lauryn must sort through the mysterious old house alone. She soon realizes an evil still threatens her small town and she might just be in over her head.
Amede Dastillion had just about given up searching for her long lost sister. That is until she received an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, giving her a new lead.

I didn't completely fall in love with Tandem but it definitely wasn't the worst book I've ever read. The romantic part wasn't the most unique idea anyone has ever come up with. Just another guy certain of his faith in God, falling for the girl who has none. Can he help her find God? I was, however, pleasantly surprised at the combination of the Christian theme and vampire characters. Believe me I know how that sounds but Tracey Bateman made it work. So I say, if you're lookin for a vampire novel with a little more substance than Twilight's sparkly ones give Tandem a try you won't be disappointed.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Jessie D





Please rank my review here

Hatteras Girl By Alice J. Wisler


Living in a small coastal town Jackie Donovan is content with life. She only has two major goals: to find a good man to marry and to open up The Bailey House Bed and Breakfast. From the looks of things, however, Jackie isn't anywhere near achieving neither one of her goals. Unable to find a realtor with the Bailey House listings and another failed blind date set up by her well meaning family, Jackie is just about ready to give up. That is until she meets gorgeous Davis Erickson, who seems to be the answer to all her prayers. But is he?


Usually if a book doesn't catch my attention within the first few sentences I put it right back down and refuse to read it. So I have to admit, this was definitely the case with Hatteras Girl. The first chapter didn't lure me in and keep me up into the deep hours of the night in a one man race to try and finish it but I couldn't just throw it aside and never look at it again. Bethany House Publishers sent it to me in exchange for an honest review. So I was obligated to finish it in order to hold up my end of the deal since Bethany House did a lovely job on their end. I pushed past the uncomfortably boring beginning and forced myself to keep reading. Here's the funny thing, I ended up actually enjoying Hatteras Girl. It might have started off rocky but it grew on me and I had a good time reading it. Jackie Donovan was so naive, I found myself many times wishing I could yell at her! LOL And don't even get me started on Davis Erickson! Even his name screams pompous jerk. The love in Jackie's close knit community is heart warming. The story line and characters are so realistic in my minds eye. It felt like I was watching a movie. Come to think of it I know some people with the same personality traits as Jackie, Davis, and Buck. I would recommend this book to my girlfriends, with four out of five stars, for a day when the weather is ugly, keeping you trapped indoors and all you want to do is escape to the beach.


I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review, without the expectation of a positive one.


Jessie D

Friday, February 25, 2011

Follow my Book Blog Friday





Follow Friday Blog Hop hosted by Parajunkee.com


Q. Share your current fav television show! Tell us a bit about it...


My current favorite TV show hands down is GLEE!! But I also love Raising Hope and Modern Family because they are so funny, they lift my spirits when I need a good laugh and for when I'm looking for some drama I love The Real Housewives of New York City, New Jersey, DC, and Beverly Hills! lol and sometimes Jersey Shore

Thursday, February 10, 2011

One Lovely Blog Award

I had the honor of receiving this award:




In accordance with accepting this award I would like to thank:

Kate from Reads, Reviews, and Recommends

For giving me this award. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

And Now, Here is what to do when receiving this award:


1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.

3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

15 Lucky Bloggers




Book Belle
http://www.bookbelle0819.blogspot.com



Kero's Book Blog
http://kerosbookblog.blogspot.com


Traci Bell's Blog
http://tracibell.blogspot.com



Praise, Prayers and Observations
http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com



Hands and Home
http://handsandhome.blogspot.com



SemiCrazed
http://book-crazed.blogspot.com


Moirae (the fates) book reviews
http://moiraethefatesbookreviews.blogspot.com


Book Reviews By Ashley
http://bookreviewsbyashley-ashley.blogspot.com


The Radar Report
http://jenndiggy.blogspot.com



From the ♥ of a Bookworm
http://heartofabookworm.blogspot.com



My Awake Journey
http://myawakejourney.blogspot.com



Nikki's Notes
http://nikk-knak-notes.blogspot.com


Redeemed Reader
http://redeemedreader.blogspot.com



The Architect and The Artist
http://unafamiliaalaskena.blogspot.com



Tyra's Book Addiction
http://tyrasbookaddiction.blogspot.com





Congratulations to the 15 lucky bloggers receiving this award from me Reader Between The Covers! When passing this award along please send to 15 other bloggers not on this list.

Thanks again!
Jessie D





Monday, February 7, 2011

Giveaways!!!

The Girl From the Ghetto is having a lot of giveaways during the month of February here is the link to one of her giveaways on her blog check it out:
http://bit.ly/eeVNV3 (just copy and paste)

Jessie D