YzhaBella's BookShelf

Sensational Series Spotlight: Changeling Dream

SSS Post #3 - Please leave a meaningful comment about this review or a question for other readers to gain entry into the Sensational Series Spotlight GIVEAWAY! Use Rafflecopter Form in this post, below.

Don't forget to come back to the BookShelf tomorrow for my review of Changeling Dawn and more chances to enter!

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Oh James! Such a lost and tortured soul! Running from the past, head-on into a future he has never imagined! After losing his wife (and almost himself) to murder, James has forsaken his human self to run with the wolves. For decades, he has confined himself to a world of intellectual simplicity and a total lack of human emotion. So deeply immersed in the wild, it’s uncertain whether those of his family will ever see James in his human skin again.

Fresh out of college, all alone, broke and desperately seeking the future she’s been dreaming about, Jillian Deshcarme figures she’s got nothing to lose when she agrees to move half way across the country to Northern Alberta. Little did Jillian know, she’s just set out on the adventure of a lifetime; headed on a straight path into the unexpected and about to learn so much more about herself, and the world around her, than she has ever imagined possible. Though broken and still on the mend from a tragic event, Jillian’s soul is not yet shattered. A sheer determination to move beyond her misfortune leaves her with an extraordinary strength of will and character that many could only dream of achieving. Oh, she still has the scars, both physical and emotional, but Jillian also has a selflessness, compassion, and intense work ethic that makes her the perfect fit to help those who need it at Dunvegan’s Veterinary Clinic. Even the stray that so unexpectedly turns up…

Readers will adore the people of Dunvegan and root for James and Jillian at every turn. In my recent review of Changeling Moon (found here), I commented on Harper’s writing abilities and with this second installment in the Changeling Series, Dani does not disappoint. Once again, readers will encounter a realistic and endearing cast of characters from within a super exciting reading adventure that will leave you fully satisfied.

While Changeling Dream differs in that the romance between the protagonists is not the center piece but rather a significant contribution, the romantic encounters are just as hot and exciting and the emotions will still set your heart to fluttering, just the same. To further explain, while Changeling Moon was mostly focused on the development of a relationship between Zoey and Connor, I feel the centerpiece of Changeling Dream was James’ difficult and emotional journey and his developing relationship with Jillian, a significant and powerful contribution to the whole.

Harper’s talent will keep readers intrigued, excited and content while her passion for the paranormal and an impressively vivid imagination will keep readers coming back for more. It’s time to make some space and clear the dust because I guarantee many will find the Changeling Series worthy of the highly coveted real estate on the “keeper” shelf!

(This review has been "re-posted" from my original publishing for use in this event.)

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Changelin Dream, Book 2 of the Changeling Series
by Dani Harper
June 28, 2011
Brava (Kensington)
ISBN-10: 0758265166
ISBN-13: 978-0758265166

From the Publisher
In times of stress Jillian Descharme has always found calm in her dream of a great white wolf with haunting blue eyes. But she is startled when the visions return and this time seem so real. Late at night he comes to her, speaks to her, touches her. It's almost as if he's alive...

Thirty years ago James Macleod lost his wife and unborn child to a killer bent on destroying the Changelings. Though he longed for death, his animal instinct fought for survival and James has been a wolf ever since. Yet now a woman has reawakened the man in him, taming wild instincts but arousing still wilder needs. With his ancient enemy hunting the legendary white wolf, James must fight for new life, new hope, new love.

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Dani Harper, author of Changeling Moon, writes paranormal romance, blogs about the paranormal, watches paranormal TV and movies, and reads paranormal books of almost any kind. So it's only natural that werewolves, faeries, ghosts and other supernatural creatures populate her stories. She lives on an island in Southeast Alaska with her fisherman husband. Her stories get written on land or at sea with the help of her executive secretary, Fiona the Pug. (Bio info courtesy of FBS Media. For a more detailed biography, please visit Dani's "Author" page at her website.)

Find Dani on the Web

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12/28/11

Sensational Series Spotlight: Changeling Moon

SSS Post #2 - Please leave a meaningful comment about this review or a question for other readers to gain entry into the Sensational Series Spotlight GIVEAWAY! Use Rafflecopter Form in this post, below.
Don't forget to come back to the BookShelf tomorrow for my review of Changeling Dream (repost) and more chances to enter!

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In Dani Harper's Changeling series, "readers will encounter a realistic and endearing cast of characters from within a super exciting reading adventure that will leave you fully satisfied".

What a thoroughly enjoyable read!

It’s not often that I find myself completely content at the conclusion of a reading adventure but with Changeling Moon, book 1 of Harper’s Changeling series, that is exactly the best way to describe how I felt! No questions were left unanswered, no endearments left unsaid. And, to top it all off, Connor and Zoey make such a perfect pair! Woot Woot! This match up is the stuff dreams are made of!

Zoey thought she left all the violence and drama of the big city behind. Never did she think her telepathic talents would be put to the test in a little “no where, nothing special” town like Dunvegan ….Yeah, right! Hunted by a rouge werewolf, unknowingly protected by the pack and smack dab in the middle of a whirlwind romance in the making, Zoey is one hell of a gutsy gal! But, can she overcome her frustrations at a dreadfully unreliable and lack-luster ability she’d rather have left in the past? Can she come to terms with the inevitable paranormal discovery of not only Connor’s true identity but her own, as well?

In Changeling Moon, Harper treats readers to a well rounded, full bodied reading adventure which flows with a seemingly effortless consistency just as refreshing and continuous as the Peace River, a setting which later plays a prominent part in this journey. Just like the river, (and contrary to the peace and stability that she came here looking for), the Village of Dunvegan and it’s very own veterinarian extraordinaire, Connor Macleod brings to Zoey’s life a myriad of tumultuous emotions and events. Stress inducing, mind boggling, nail bitting, temperature rising emotions and encounters which she bravely faces and overcomes with such determination and grace that readers can’t help but like and admire her.

Dani introduces a great cast of characters so real, so believable that the desire to hear “the rest of the story” becomes almost tangible. What’s Jessi and Bill’s story? Will future installments of the series teach us more about the Macleod? Don’t forget, Connor has a couple ‘o brothers just as HOT as he is! Do we get to read Devlin and Culley’s “romantical” adventures? And, let’s not forget about James! He’s probably one hell of a story too! (Psst…check out Changeling Dream!)

Dani Harper has a passion for the paranormal which totally shines through with this amazing new series!

(This review has been "re-posted" from my original publishing for use in this event.)

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Changeling Moon
By Dani Harper
June 1, 2011
Brava (Kensington)
ISBN-10: 075826514X
ISBN-13: 978-0758265142

From the Publisher
He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything—until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf’s vicious attack.

“I would love to read more of the Macleod clan!” —Fallen Angel Reviews

As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Connor can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw…and ultimate evil.

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Find Dani on the Web

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12/27/11

Sensational Series Spotlight: Interview with Dani Harper

SSS Post #1 - Please leave a meaningful comment about this interview, or a question for Dani to gain entry into the Sensational Series Spotlight GIVEAWAY! Use Rafflecopter Form in this post, below.

Don't forget to come back to the BookShelf tomorrow for my review of Changeling Moon (repost) and more chances to enter!

“Welcome” to the “BookShelf, Dani! Thanks so much for sharing with us today!

Who is Dani Harper?

Most of the time, I’m Dani Harper, Paranormal Author. I’m married to an amazing man who inspires me daily, and I’m mom to four grown daughters and all their friends, plus two opinionated pugs. I’m incredibly fortunate that the entire bunch enthusiastically supports what I do and understands my need for coffee, chocolate and some solitude. I’m also lucky that they pull me out of my writing cave regularly and force me to participate in normal human activities.

What prompted you to write a novel?

I actually wanted to write from a very early age. I adored books, but I always knew I wanted to be the person on the other side of the paper, the one who made up the stories. I did a lot of creative writing as a teenager and filled up a lot of notebooks. As an adult, however, I spent most of my career in journalism and technical writing. It was my discovery of the paranormal romance genre that finally inspired me to begin writing fiction. I found a copy of an anthology containing Christine Feehan’s Dark Dream. Wow – I was soooo completely hooked by this new-to-me genre! I read every PNR I could get my hands on after that, and finally I just HAD to write my own.

Is Changeling Moon your first published novel/story?

I’ve had some stories brought out by small ebook companies, but Changeling Moon is my first novel with a major publisher (and I’m still pinching myself!)

Can you fill us in on the basic premise of the Changeling Series?

The Peace River region of northern Canada is a unique place where raw wilderness exists side by side with farmers’ fields. And in the quiet rural community of Dunvegan, human beings unknowingly exist side by side with those who are something more than human. They call themselves Changelings, and they have the ability to become wolves at will.

Changelings live as humans – they have jobs and pay bills and go to school and mow the grass and do all the things that humans do. They view their wolfen side as a wonderful gift, but it also complicates their lives, sometimes dangerously so. Especially when it comes to relationships.

Why Dunvegan, Alberta?

I lived in that area of northern Alberta, in the Peace River region, for over two decades. I had a little farm for a while too, and my first experience with wolves took place there. Dunvegan is an area on the river that was named for a similar-looking landscape in northern Scotland, which just happens to be where the Macleod family originated both in my books and in reality. I’m looking forward to exploring more of this unique history as the series progresses.

Despite the size of the Dunvegan pack, so far this series has featured the hunky men, Connor and James, of the Macleod family. Is there a specific reason for this?

The series really belongs to the Macleod family. There are six siblings and six books. However, many of the secondary characters have become very popular in their own right, so who knows what other stories may evolve?

Will readers learn more about pack mates outside the clan Macleod?

Definitely. I couldn’t keep these characters quiet if I tried!

Who has been the most difficult character to bring to life?

It’s always the one I’m working with at the moment and right now the culprit is Culley Macleod. He’s been a fun and easy supporting character in the past but right now he’s exasperating me. He’s the hero of my WIP and he’s not cooperating one bit! No wonder his siblings are always wanting to strangle him! I have my fingers crossed that the heroine will give him a kick in the butt for me.

Who is your most favorite character from the series, thus far?

I think I like Birkie Peterson the most. She’s the queen of down-to-earth, like a wise and unflappable mentor and everybody’s favorite aunt rolled into one. Birkie returns in Changeling Dawn (Book 3) which will be available for December 27, 2011.

What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?

The best feeling in the world – and the one that makes all the hours worth it – comes from a reader who really connects with something you’ve written. It’s like the two of you suddenly become co-creators, because you’ve worked together to bring a character to life.

The biggest challenge of writing for me is sitting still for long periods of time! I do like my laptop but I’d love to find a way to write where I can be more physically active. I have a pocket tape recorder that’s always with me, and I’ve been ogling treadmill desks! For now, I just try to make it to the local swimming pool for an hour each day.

How do you keep track of your world building?

That’s getting harder as my world gets bigger, LOL. I have a bulletin board, a notebook that acts as my character “bible”, copious paper and computer files. Yet I still find myself having to search back through my previous books for specific details.

You have an obvious passion for the paranormal, how did that happen?

I think my parents are still wondering that. Mutated gene perhaps? I’ve had a lifelong love affair with the Netherworld and an insatiable appetite for ghostly events and darksome creatures since I was little. I always liked Halloween more than Christmas, and the candy was just a side benefit. To me, it was a holiday all about possibilities. Still is.

Interestingly, I managed to turn out four daughters who have the same obsession with the supernatural as their mom. I can just picture scientists discovering a strange new orange and black genome and dubbing it The Halloween Gene.

Who’s your favorite author? Do you have a favorite novel?

So many books, so many authors, so little time….. I admire Stephen King for his uncanny talent to take you inside a character’s head. For instance, by the time I finished Duma Key, I was certain everything had happened to ME! I have two must-buy PNR authors: Karen Chance and Patricia Briggs. Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance and River Marked by Patricia Briggs are the most recent additions to my keeper shelf. JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is on that shelf too.

Please share with us what can we expect from you next?

Book 3, Changeling Dawn, is Kenzie Macleod’s story and it’ll be released for December 27, 2011. I already spilled that Culley’s story will be Book 4, and I’m writing it as quickly as that prankster character will allow me to. Books 5 and 6 are in the works (and yes, that wolf medallion on the covers will finally be revealed!)

Do you have any upcoming appearances? If so where can our readers find you?

Living on an island in Alaska makes it a bit tough to make personal appearances, but thanks to the internet, I can make plenty of virtual ones! I post a schedule of my interviews, guest blogs, giveaways and other events on my website at www.daniharper.com .

Thanks again for participating in this event, Dani! I love the Changeling Series and very much appreciate the opportunity to host this interview and help spread the word!

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In Dani Harper's Changeling series, "readers will encounter a realistic and endearing cast of characters from within a super exciting reading adventure that will leave you fully satisfied". (See my review here)

Changeling Moon, Changeling #1
by Dani Harper
Brava
May 31, 2011
ISBN-10: 075826514X
ISBN-13: 978-075826514

Blurb
He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything -- until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf's vicious attack.

As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Connor can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw ... and ultimate evil.

Changeling Dream, Changeling #2
by Dani Harper
Brava
June 28, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0758265166
ISBN-13: 978-0758265166

Blurb
In times of stress Jillian Descharme has always found calm in her dream of a great white wolf with haunting blue eyes. But she is startled when the visions return and this time seem so real. Late at night he comes to her, speaks to her, touches her. It's almost as if he's alive...

Thirty years ago James Macleod lost his wife and unborn child to a killer bent on destroying the Changelings. Though he longed for death, his animal instinct fought for survival and James has been a wolf ever since. Yet now a woman has reawakened the man in him, taming wild instincts but arousing still wilder needs. With his ancient enemy hunting the legendary white wolf, James must fight for new life, new hope, new love.

Changeling Dawn, Changeling #3
by Dani Harper
Brava
December 27, 2011
ISBN-10: 0758265182
ISBN-13: 978-0758265180

Blurb

Run

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet, the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster—those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

Hunt

Mate

Find Dani on the Web

Click here for a Printable Listing of other titles by Raeanne

Bookworm Secret Santa Reveal!

My Bookworm Secret Santa Recipient was Angela S. from Arkansas. I sent over a book and an extra treat:

Bloody Valentine
Blue Bloods series #5.5
by Melissa de la Cruz
December 28th 2010
Hyperion Book CH
ISBN: 1423142640
ISBN13: 9781423142645
Blurb

Vampires have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shapeshift and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even the strikingly beautiful and outrageously wealthy Blue Bloods, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz offers readers a new story about the love lives of their favorite vamps - the passion and heartache, the hope and devastation, the lust and longing. Combined with all the glitz, glamour, and mystery fans have come to expect, this is sure to be another huge hit in the Blue Bloods series

Angel Design Bookmark
One of Christianity's true icons, this little angel is ready and able to share in the spirit of your day! Sold only by Fashioncraft, each angel bookmark measures 3 ¼" x 1 3/8" and features a dramatic pewter colored poly resin angel with inlaid white enamel, enhanced with carved detail and multiple glistening rhinestones. The angel charm is perched on top of a sturdy silver metal page clip. An elegant addition to any occasion, each comes in a decorative clear topped box with a two tone silver base with a diamond pattern and angel design, tied with a white organza ribbon and an attached matching design "For You" tag.

From my Secret Santa ( I think) I received a copy of:

Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3)
by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
October 18, 2011
Little, Brown Books for Your Readers (Hatchette)
ISBN-10: 0316123528
ISBN-13: 978-0316123525

Blurb
Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

12/22/11

A Cold Creek Secret - Miniview

A nice and easy read, perfect as a stress reliever from the holiday hustle and bustle. Unfortunately, nothing extraordinary or memorable. But, RaeAnne is a master of the genre, producing a very well written and genuine tale.

A Cold Creek Secret
The Cowboys of Cold Creek
by RaeAnne Thayne
Silhouette
February 1, 2010
ISBN-10: 037365507X
ISBN-13: 978-0373655076

Blurb
Just back from a tour of duty, all Major Brant Western wanted was a hot meal and a warm bed. What he didn't need was the stunning socialite in disguise who'd just shown up at his family's Cold Creek ranch. Scandal trailed bad girl Mimi Van Hoyt—aka "Maura"—everywhere she went. But once Brant discovered her secret, how could he turn her away?

Being stranded in the middle of nowhere in a blizzard was not Mimi's idea of a fun time in the Tetons. Then why was she starting to think this sexy soldier could be more than her shelter from the storm? And the more determined Brant was to protect her and her unborn child, the more she believed that this honorable, irresistible military man was the only man for her.

Find RaeAnne on the Web

12/20/11

Sensational Series Spotlight & Giveaway Coming Soon!

Watch the BookShelf this month for a

Sensational Series Spotlight.

What: Multiple post series feature with Interview, Reviews and a GIVEAWAY!
When: Series to start December 27, 2011 (Release day for Changeling Dawn!)
Win: Changeling Dream by Dani Harper! 2 Copies up for grabs! (US/Canada)

Help Out & Get Advanced Entries!!

Rsvp here with your intent (subject your availability, of course) and gain one(1) entry.
Refer a Friend to Rsvp, (make sure they mention who sent them!), and gain an additional one(1) entry.
Share this notice/post on Twitter, FaceBook, Google+, leave a link and gain an additional one(1) entry.

Please post a separate comment for each advance entry.

*It might be a good idea to total your entries here. They will be asked for later.
** 2 Copies of Changeling Dream generously provide by Dani Harper.
*** Winners will receive their copy via general mail delivery, please expect 4-6 weeks before receipt.
**** Postage is the responsibility of ME. Should I conclude that awarding via BookDepository is more economical, that is what I will do.
*****The Rafflecopter form on each separate Feature post will the THE SAME FORM. You will be able to gain additional entries each day.

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Changeling Dawn, Changeling #3
by Dani Harper
Brava
December 27, 2011
ISBN-10: 0758265182
ISBN-13: 978-0758265180

Blurb

Run

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet, the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster—those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

Hunt

Mate

Find Dani on the Web