Blackmoore: Intriguingly Beautiful

Our first day of the Third Annual Half-Birthday Bash will be celebrated with a review and giveaway of Blackmoore, by Julianne Donaldson. 

Blackmoore: A Proper Romance by Julianne Donaldson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


After reading Edenbrooke, I thought there could never be any other novel as perfectly lovely. But I repent the notion. To limit the artistry and glorious writing talents of Julianne Donaldson was an error.

Blackmoore is completely detached from the storyline of Edenbrooke, yet Donaldson captures that element of magical delight present in her first feat of writerly greatness and places it within the heart of every character, scene, and plot advancement found in her new love, Blackmoore. There is everything a reader could want--adventure, intrigue, and romance which unfolds beautifully sans any hint of explicit sensuality.

One of my many favorite quotes comes from the words of Henry to Kate:
"I wonder what you will do with your wings once you have found them. I wonder how far away they will take you..."

Blackmoore will stand on its own as the best romance novel for 2013. Get to reading it, and spread the word.

Related links:
Edenbrooke Review: Part 1
Edenbrooke Review: Part 2



View all my reviews

I cordially invite you to enter for the chance to win a copy of Blackmoore!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Third Annual Half-Birthday Bash

September marks the half-birthday for All Things Purple. I can't tell you how quickly the past 2 1/2 years have flown by. It is astonishing. What is most surprising to me is how far I've been able to take my purple whims and a few words.

In honor of this occasion, I will divulge some funtastic stats for your reading pleasure. Be impressed--or not--I know I am. I never thought I would get as far as I have in so short a time without buying my way in (otherwise known as selling out, in my opinion). In all reality, I know the numbers aren't what most people call impressive, but I want to acknowledge each and every single one because each and every person who supports me in this creative adventure makes me feel like I can keep reaching for more.

Twitter Followers @th_purpl_lady 1329 @purplebyline 278

Facebook Fan Page Likes 683

Pinterest Followers 237

Instagram Followers 172

Google Friend Connect Followers 134

Total Page Views as of publication 76,104

So now to the really excellent part of this half-birthday adventure--the celebratory giveaways!

Day 1: (1) copy of Blackmoore, by Julianne Donaldson
Day 2: (1) copy of The Inventor's Secret, by Chad Morris
Day 3: (1) Amethyst healing crystal, courtesy of a dear friend, Kat
Day 4: (1) dozen gourmet cupcakes, courtesy of Silver Spoon Catering (Northern Utah ONLY)
Day 5: (2) dozen The Best Pumpkin Cookies ever, courtesy of The Luckiest blog (Las Vegas Metropolitan area ONLY)
Day 6: (1) copy of Drawing Out the Dragons, by James A. Owen
Day 7: (1) boxed set of The Janitors series (including the newest addition, Curse of the Broomstaff), by Tyler Whitesides

I feel so blessed to have so many great gifts to send your way. Keep a watch for when the blogs hit the "stands", and enter, comment, share, and most of all, know that I am grateful that you are here in this online community of loving support, with me.


 

sunshine in winter

If only I could have bottled up the sunshine
You gave me so long ago now that the faintness
Of the memory is but a whisper
In the darkness which now crowds in
Joining with the worry
Sick companions in a tangled tango
I will never make a permanent connection
There will be no abiding love for me
The bonds are never strong enough
For anyone to see through
To the heart of me
And recognize the treasure
Which lies within
Always skimming the surface
Unwilling to embrace my effervescence
Looking back on the sunshine
Only for warmth against the cold winter days

musing on rope

Sometimes I think life is never going to change, that I will always be like a tied up, captured animal, but I've been noticing something about myself. Things are changing, even unraveling in a positive way. I'm getting stronger every day. I'm beginning to make it through this tug o' war existence without completely falling apart emotionally when my hands are tied and there's seemingly nothing I can to do break free. I am taking control of the the split ends and mending what I can. The only problem is that there seems to always be a good strong tug back in the wrong direction just when I think everything will begin to be different. Now that I see how things are becoming different despite outside forces, I want to sever the rope for good, and even though it seems to be moving along as with the use of a butter knife, I will succeed.

the ticking of the clock

He talks back for the thousandth time, but it gets ignored (this time) because it's just not worth it right now. The clock's ticking by like it's racing against itself, and next thing he knows, there is no time left. The mad dash for socks and shoes pushes him into impatience and frustration. There is no time left for wasting. Hair, his hair, is a wild mess, and, remembering the day before, he asks for help in a gentlemanly manner to ensure help will happen. Socks! Still can't find socks. Well, he can find some, but not the ones he wants. The long socks are flung at him because the time has passed for leaving.

And then, he's ready. He leaves, walking briskly to the bus as she waves goodbye from the porch. Realizing these days as well as the better ones are numbered, she must treasure even these. Because the clock is ticking, there's no time left for wasting.