Stacy Lynn Carroll's Blog
January 23, 2015
Wishing on Baby Dust Review & Tour
Wishing on Baby Dust back cover blurb
genre: LDS Women’s Fiction
Infertility stinks. No one knows that better than Megan. After six years of insanity-inducing hormone drugs and
desperate prayers, all she has to show for her efforts are enough negative pregnancy tests to fill a bassinet. All around her women are accidentally getting pregnant—like her star piano student—while Megan remains hopelessly barren. Megan’s never felt so alone. But she’s not the only one struggling.
Christina has just entered the world of infertility, made worse by the fact her husband isn’t ready to be a father. Their marriage, already hanging in the balance, is being torn apart.
Then there’s Kyra, the mother of a precocious three-year-old. She’s shocked to be struggling with secondary infertility. A baby is priceless, but sometimes Kyra feels like she’s being forced to choose which commandment to keep: stay out of debt, or multiply and replenish the earth.
When Megan and Christina are assigned as Kyra’s visiting teachers, they all realize that what you see isn’t necessarily what’s beneath the surface. Some secrets aren’t worth the cost of keeping them.
My Review:
One of the things I love most about being an author is the incredible opportunity I have to read books before they are released, for review. When I first heard about this book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! And I was not disappointed. I was so sucked into the lives of these women, I couldn’t do anything else until I had finished reading it. After struggling with infertility for many years, I felt an immediate connection to each of these women and their stories. It was an emotional read, from start to finish. Anyone who is struggling with infertility can benefit and gain hope through the strength and daily trials that these three women endure. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who has a friend or family member struggling with infertility. Women who have not experienced the pain of having a body that doesn’t work properly, oftentimes don’t understand what their friends need or want. Seeing these trials through three different pairs of eyes really sheds light on this huge problem in our society. Anyone with a uterus and a heart will gain something from these beautiful women! I have to admit, I was unhappy when the book ended. But to me, that’s the sign of a great writer and memorable characters. I didn’t want their stories to end! I was left wanting more. If you’re looking for a light, fluffy, “happily ever after” book, this is not it. This story is very raw and very real. If you’re looking for a book that will touch your very heart and soul and linger with you forever afterwards, then pick this book up now.
Author Bio
Lydia Winters decided in first grade that she’d grow up to be three things—a mom, a teacher, and a writer. She’s
lucky enough to have accomplished all three tasks. Lydia received her bachelor’s in history education from Utah Valley University. Soon after leaving her teaching career behind, she became a mother to adorable twin boys, who guarantee her life is never dull.
Lydia is married to the most supportive man in the world. He regularly takes care of the twins and cooks dinner so she can escape with her laptop to chase her dream of being a writer. When she has time for hobbies, Lydia is a reality TV junkie, loves to cross-stitch, and sometimes even finds time to play the piano. She eats way too much chocolate and wishes she liked things like running or yoga.
website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads Author Page | Amazon Author Page
November 17, 2014
Massive eBook Sale!
Huge online Ebook Sale.
FOUR DAYS ONLY Great prices from great authors!
My Name is Bryan is on sale this week. Discounted to only $0.99!! Sale ends Thursday, so grab it quick. Or check out many other phenomenal books listed below.
This is the perfect opportunity to stock on some good reading for those
cold winter months. This event only happens twice a year, so stock up on
your favorite books while you can. Click here to go
to the Bookmarked Bargains site.
(Be sure to check out all the genres to
find all those reading gems)
[image error]Then AFTER you shop to your heart’s
content, scroll to the bottom of ANY Bookmarked Bargains Page and fill out the Rafflecopter
to sign up for our monthly Bookmarked Reader’s Newsletter containing new
releases and bargain prices from our beloved authors at Indie Author
Hub. Your information will always remain confidential. All names
collected will be entered to win a Reader’s Party Pack shipped right to
your door.
Reader’s Party Pack: $160 value. Designed for readers. Everything a
reader needs to enjoy a good book–blankets, hot cocoa, and more!
Of course, you don’t need to purchase any of the listed books in order to be eligible to win, but you might as
well because they’re awesome.
There’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy, so let’s get right to it! *Be sure to check the
price of the book before you download so you know you’re getting the sale price.*
Who’s Who and What’s What in Each
Category:
(Use links below or use the tabs above to find your favorite books and authors)
Below are all the genres and participating
authors.
ROMANTIC COMEDY
Marie Higgins, Jo Noelle
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION (LDS/ CHRISTIAN)
Stacy Lynn Carroll, Alivia Anderson, Vicki Hunt Budge, Maria Hoagland,
Daniel Coleman
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Donna K Weaver, Rachael Anderson, Rachel Ann Nunes, Rebecca Talley,
Stephanie Fowers, Cami Checketts, LuAnn Staheli, Taylor Hart, Heather
Justesen, Heather Tullis, Shannon Guymon, Lisa Swinton, Heather Moore
NONFICTION
Christy Dorrity, Valerie Steimle,
FANTASY/ SCI FI
Andrea Pearson, Katie Lee O’Guinn, Stephanie Fowers, Susan Tietjen, Theresa
Sneed
GENERAL FICTION
Tara C. Allred
YOUNG ADULT/ YA ROMANCE
J. Loyd Morgan, Cindy M. Hogan, Jo Noelle, Tamara Hart Heiner, Janette
Rallison
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Nichole Van, Joyce DiPastena, Marsha Ward, Marie Higgins, Tina Scott
MIDDLE GRADE
Monique Bucheger
YA FANTASY
J. Lloyd Morgan
Christy Dorrity
Daniel Coleman
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Donna K. Weaver, Cami Checketts, Rachel Ann Nunes, Theresa Sneed, Kathleen
Marks, Christy Barritt, Julie Coulter Bellon, Tanya Parker Mills
CHILDREN
R. K. Hinrichsen
**Be sure to check the price of the book before you download so you know you’re getting the sale price.*
October 28, 2014
October 1, 2014
Biography vs. Fiction
With the recent release of My Name is Bryan a few people have asked why I chose to write the story as Fiction (based on a true story) rather than a Biography. There are many reasons, but first lets look at the difference between the two categories.
Biographies state facts. They contain a list of events that happened in a person’s life. Biographies are usually about famous people and readers buy them to learn more about their favorite actor, president, singer, etc. The general public is not typically interested in learning about the life of an unknown person.
Fiction tells stories. Fiction contains emotions and guides the reader through a story, as if they are living it. Fiction can be read and related to anyone, regardless of their previous knowledge about the character.
Pretend with me for a minute that you are watching the discovery channel. You watch as a stampede of wildebeests trample over a lion, killing him. You think “Wow that sucks. That was kinda gruesome.” Then you change the station, go about your day, and the program is soon forgotten. Now pretend you are sitting in a movie theater watching The Lion King for the first time. You watch in horror as Mufasa claws his way through the stampede to save his only son. Once Simba is finally safe, Mufasa once again gets yanked back into the crowd. He finally leaps onto the cliff edge for rescue and his brother tosses him to his death. If you have a soul, you then bawl as you watch Simba nudge his dad’s lifeless body, whispering his name in agony.
The Discovery Channel is like a Biography. It is very interesting and informative and there is absolutely a place for it. The Lion King is Fiction. It takes you on an emotional journey as you watch Simba’s life unfold.
Biographies give you facts about a person’s life. I don’t just want to tell you about Bryan’s life. I want you to take the journey yourself, witness his obstacles, and feel the emotions behind his joys and his sorrows. I want Bryan’s story to become a part of you. Something to take with you and learn from as you live your own life. I don’t just want to tell a story, I want you to feel it.
September 16, 2014
Port Fare series by Sherry Gammon
Unlovable is now an audiobook!! If you click here you can get the audiobook for free with a 30 day free trial of Audible on Amazon!! You can’t beat free!!
Along with the release of the audiobook, I’ve redesigned the covers of the first two books in the Port Fare series. ( I’m designing covers now. Click here and check them out!) To celebrate the new look, I am giving away paperback copies of the entire series.
Here is the new cover for Unlovable. I didn’t change it too much because I really loved the original one. (Thank you, Paul Beeley), but another author came out with almost the exact same cover, including the coloring :'(
I kept the girl on the swing because she fits Maggie’s story perfectly, though I did add flowers to the swing. The rest has been changed completely. I love the blues and pinks, and I’ve always wanted a moon on the cover. I also added Maggie’s trailer in the background!
Here is the eBook cover:
And this is the Paperback
This is the audio book cover.
This is the new cover for Unbelievable! It’s a real change. I feel this cover fits the story so much better. Lilah feels trapped by her domineering father and his demands. She desperately wants to break free…can’t tell you anymore or I’ll spoil the story I feel this new cover portrays Lilah and what she is going through in a much stronger way, and it seems to fit in better with the other covers. While I loved the old cover, and had a huge say in its design, (Thank you again, Paul) it seemed out of place with book one & three’s covers. This one holds the same “feel,” if you will.
Here is the Ebook cover:
And this is the paperback
Unbearable’s cover didn’t really change, only the back was updated.
So, what do you think??
Purchase links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
iTunes
September 2, 2014
The Watchers by Deirdra Eden
The Watchers Book 1: Knight of Light
In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella (pronounced yurr-ee-ella) flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity.
Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, demons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.
The Watchers Series has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural.
The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include The Dead Sea Scrolls, The Traditional Apocrypha, The Pearl of Great Price, and The Kabbalah.
“The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness.
Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad. Although the mythology is based on these texts, Deirdra Eden’s The Watcher’s Series is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl’s discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions
Amazon Facebook Twitter Goodreads Wattpad Pinterest
About the Author
“My goal in writing is to saturate my books with intrigue, mystery, romance, and plot twists that will keep my readers in suspense. I want to see fingerprints on the front and back covers where readers have gripped the novel with white knuckles!
Aside from writing, I enjoy jousting in arenas, planning invasions, horseback riding through open meadows, swimming in the ocean, hiking up mountains, camping in cool shady woods, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures.”
-Deirdra Eden
Find Deirdra Eden and The Watchers Series online on Amazon, Deirdra’s website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Wattpad, and Pinterest.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Watchers by Deirda Eden
The Watchers Book 1: Knight of Light
In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella (pronounced yurr-ee-ella) flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity.
Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, demons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.
The Watchers Series has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural.
The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include The Dead Sea Scrolls, The Traditional Apocrypha, The Pearl of Great Price, and The Kabbalah.
“The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness.
Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad. Although the mythology is based on these texts, Deirdra Eden’s The Watcher’s Series is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl’s discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions
Amazon Facebook Twitter Goodreads Wattpad Pinterest
About the Author
“My goal in writing is to saturate my books with intrigue, mystery, romance, and plot twists that will keep my readers in suspense. I want to see fingerprints on the front and back covers where readers have gripped the novel with white knuckles!
Aside from writing, I enjoy jousting in arenas, planning invasions, horseback riding through open meadows, swimming in the ocean, hiking up mountains, camping in cool shady woods, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures.”
-Deirdra Eden
Find Deirdra Eden and The Watchers Series online on Amazon, Deirdra’s website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Wattpad, and Pinterest.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 16, 2014
About Time by Maria Hoagland
Thrust into the chaos of her mother-in-law’s hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug. But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a daughter who is distant. As Aly’s own life and relationship with her husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough to keep her family—or herself—from falling apart.
Still Time is a deeply moving story about a woman’s faithful journey into the next phase of her life. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and see yourself in Maria Hoagland’s realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a woman’s struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as she can.
This book was not what I expected; it was so much more! Although my children are still very young, I was still able to relate to Alyssa and her everyday struggles. I loved watching how she and her family grew and developed throughout the story. I was honestly sad when the book ended, because I wanted more. I wanted to know what was next for each character.
The first time the chapter switched point of view, I was admittedly turned off by it. I was comfortable being inside Alyssa’s head. But as soon as I got used to hearing Ruth’s thoughts, it took the book to a whole new level! And now I realize the story would not be nearly as good without it. I thought Hoagland did a phenomenal job describing the confusion and frustration of being a woman with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The chapters told from her mother-in-law’s point of view were so emotional and raw, I truly felt for her! This book was emotional and powerful! A fantastic read for any LDS woman who is struggling with anything in her life. Oh wait, that’s all of us!
You can find out more about Maria, or purchase her book here:
website: http://www.mariahoagland.com/
blog: http://mariahoagland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahoaglandauthor
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Still-Time-Maria-Hoagland-ebook/dp/B00MALUPXE/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/still-time-maria-hoagland/1120032925?ean=2940149667642
Kobo: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/still-time/9781501484209-item.html
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/still-time/id904848048?mt=11
Pinterest: (which has a board specific to this book) http://www.pinterest.com/mariahoagland/still-time-inspiration-board/
July 30, 2014
$175 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!
What would you do with a
$175 Amazon Gift Card?
11 authors have come together
to give you some SUMMER FUN READING
and a $175 AMAZON GIFT CARD!
Click on the image to read a summary of each book
GIVEAWAY ends 8/31/14
No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older and legally able to receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. This giveaway is not associated with Rafflecopter, Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
This giveaway was organized by I Love to Read and Review Books
and sponsored by the participating authors.
A.L. Sowards
Christy Monson
Ashley Lavering
In This Together Media
J. C. Whyte
Debbie Peterson
Rebecca Belliston
Rebecca H Jamison
Rachelle J. Christensen
Alivia Anderson
Julie Coulter Bellon
July 17, 2014
My Name is Bryan
Cover Reveal for my latest project! Isn’t it incredible? My designer did such a phenomenal job! Here is the Blurb:
“If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.”
I’d love to hear what you think!



