Love Endures, Phoenix (Love Endures #1) by Michelle Stevens

Blurb:

Find out what happens to Beth after the flames…

This first novelette of Phoenix's 'Love Endures' series explores Beth’s courage as she faces a new season in her life. Despite the obstacles that lie ahead, she is determined to embrace life supported by Scott’s love - a love that endures. Her journey is marked by healing, intrigue and forgiveness. However, her best friend Angie hides a terrible truth and Glenn, Scott’s longtime friend, holds challenging secrets of his own.

Extended Description:

In this continuation of the Phoenix series, Beth finds herself in new territory. Angie’s secret and Glenn’s past will test the bonds of both friendships. In the midst of rebuilding a new life with her son, Beth finds she must confront her greatest fear - facing the man who shattered her spirit. She is fated to meet this challenge with courage.

For you see, a Phoenix is destined to rise from the ashes…

Jo-Anna's Review:

I was blessed and lucky enough to beta read this book and I am so very thankful that I did. I just love these books. Definitely on my top 10 favorites of all time. They're enlightening, heart breaking, uplifting, spiritual...I just absolutely love them. Now for my review:

I'm very happy that we get to see more of Beth and her journey through life as a new mother and in her spiritual journey as well after her husband died in that tragic accident.

The major part of this book is about forgiveness. What would you do if a loved one was killed in a car accident because the other driver was distracted? Would you be able to forgive them? Would you willingly go to their house and make amends? Well Beth does. She asks God for strength and courage and the fact that she was able to face the driver that took Scott away from her was inspirational all in itself. I know for me, I would need all the prayers, the strength, the courage that I could get if someone took my husband from me. Especially if the accident could have been prevented. I hold so much respect for Beth for facing the man that took Scott away from her and left her a widow and a single mother.

Now, another thing. Glenn. Love him but I have a feeling that things aren't going to go well for them. Besides the fact that he was Scott's best friend...Glenn and Beth have different views on the subject of God. That's all I'm saying. I know Red/Michelle will do her characters justice and won't leave us hanging for long. I trust her and look forward to reading the rest of Beth's journey. Red could keep releasing books on Beth forever and I would not complain. 

About the author:

Michelle lives by the beautiful Rockies with her husband and children. She grew up in the 80's and still has fondness for that era. She was a schoolteacher for many years, but always dreamed of writing.

"Enjoy life by embracing the sadness as well as the happiness. It's all a part of being on this earth."
~ Mrs. Pinkerton

Feel free to email me at: michellestevensauthor@hotmail.com

Year in a Review by Jo-Anna Walker

This year has been such a fantastic ride for every Twinsie. One of us had a baby, one of us became an author and our Twinsie family grew and grew. When Angie SJ and Angie WE asked me to join their review blog, I instantly jumped on the chance to be a part of it and then we got so big, we needed 3 more reviewers. How amazing is that? Because of all of you, we're where we are today. So for that, thank you! To each and every one of you. You all rock our socks!

Back in May of this year, I was lucky enough to meet Angie SJ and Melinda in PERSON! It was like we hung out every constantly.

I talk to these girls every single day. I love our little tightnip family and because of them, I am where I am today as a person and as an author. Thank you my Twinsie sisters!! xx

***

Here are my top 10 favorite books for the last half of 2013! Do you know how hard it was to just choose 10? So here it goes.

1. I have to say that my favorite serial novel of all time is the Phoenix series by Michelle Stevens/Red Phoenix. They are just heartfelt, uplifting, heartbreaking...amazing stories all around.




2. Now number 2. This is a given since this series has my #1 book boyfriend in it. Gideon Cross. Swoon. Even the name gives me shivers. Entwined with You by Sylvia Day is one of the hottest books I have ever read!




3. Walking Disaster cause hello? It has Travis Maddox in it! #2 book boyfriend on my list of many BBF's!




4. I added these two books to my list back in the earlier months but I have to add them again. Desert Rice and Desert Flower brought me into a world I had never experienced before. It made me feel things while reading I've never felt and it made me message the author and rant and rave about how much I absolutely loved these books!!




5. Hers by Dawn Roberston. I read the blurb and was blown away! I read the book and fell in love! If you like hot, dirty, raw, real type books then this one is for you.





6. This book by far is the funniest I have ever read. I laughed so hard, I cried. Read this one for naughty dirty humor. Every time I think of it, I bust out laughing. So not cool when you're by yourself in public.




7. Okay so Angie J and Melinda and I'm not sure if any of the other twinsie's read this book but love the books by Kendall Grey. So I finally dove in and bought Strings in paperback signed and ebook. Strings by Kendall Grey is probably the dirtiest, most raw, gritty, in your face book I have ever read and I love it.




8. I've read almost 90 books this year but now that I have to choose my top ten, I can't seem to remember what I've read. Bullet was recommended to me by Angie J and I fell instantly in love. It's a long one but it's filled with so much stuff, it couldn't be written any shorter. I loved it.




9. Now I'd have to say that if you love Red Phoenix's Brie series, then you'll love the A Week with my Romanian series by Steffie Dawn. Meeting My Master (A week with my Romanian #1) has made my top ten list because it allowed me to meet a wonderful person, a wonderful author and a wonderful friend. The books are hot!




10. Epilogue by CJ Roberts...look at the cover. Need I say more?





So those are my top ten for 2013. Each book has affected me in someway or another. I can't wait for 2014 and for the awesomeness that these authors will bring us. Thank you all for your hard work and keep up the writing!! xx

Phoenix Soars (Phoenix, #3) by Michelle Stevens

Phoenix Soars (Book 3 of 4)

Blurb:

Before the world of Facebook, Chat Rooms and Blogs, there were online communities called Bulletin Boards…

Beth Lynn is totally in love with The Keeper, AKA Scott Reiner, who runs the computer BBS The Lighthouse. Unfortunately, obstacles stand in the way of true love. Changes are ahead for the young teacher—some that will bring Beth to her knees. A job is lost, a friend is taken, and her BFF is changing right before her eyes. It is within the test of the flames that Beth finds a way to trust and realizes her deepest desires.

* The third part of Beth’s journey tests her resolve. From jealousy, trials, and outrageous BBS parties, Beth is about to face it all. The Phoenix Series chronicles the love story of Beth and Scott, two computer BBSers who meet in the 1980's. Obstacles lie ahead for the young couple and a tragic event stands at the end that will deeply impact Beth’s life.

For you see, she is a Phoenix ~ her future requires the flame.

Jo-Anna's Review:

I don't want these stories to end!! Like at all!! I am truly uplifted and inspired by the work of Red and I don't think I have enough words to tell her even though I tell her that as much as I can. She's simply an amazing person and I'm not just saying that. Message her. Find out for yourself because she truly is a wonderful REAL human being. 

Now for my review (probably the longest review I've ever written):  

As a reviewer, I love any and all books. I love romance, I love smut and I love angst. But sometimes, those can be tiring and you just need a change. Something that grips your heart and tugs at your inner self. A book that gets you thinking. A story that makes you fall in love with the characters and storyline. A book that although has lots of chemistry and passion, friendship and love is also spiritual and inspiring. This is one of those stories where you don't need the sex. The longing and desire that Beth and Scott have for each other are enough to melt the words right off the page. I love how they take things slow. Sharing small touches and kisses here and there.

I was nervous about reading this part due to the titles of each chapter. I know this story is about love, learning about your inner self and spiritual growth but I'm just waiting for the ball to drop and for something major to happen.

I know this isn't what you're used to or what you expect from Red so that's why she wrote it under pen name Michelle Stevens. I for one, am a huge fan. This is one story that I will promote forever and always just like I promote everything else that I love. This story holds a special place in my heart as I go through my own personal spiritual struggles. Thank you Red/Michelle for putting it out there and exposing a part of yourself that keeps us guessing, wondering which parts of this book is true or not but either way, as a whole, I love it and again I say that you truly and honestly inspire me.

I love the whole BBS thing. Reminds me of an older version of Facebook and I totally agree with Beth. I have met some amazing people online and am more close with a lot of them then people I know or met first in real life.

Okay, I really love Beth! I find as I read more and more of this story, we have so much in common. She loves people watching too!!! Kind of sounds creepy but it's also a favorite pastime of mine as well. LOL!!

I also enjoyed the little trick Glenn and Scott played on Beth. It was sweet and innocent and I find myself wanting to find out more about Glenn and his charm. 

I loved how Scott challenges Beth to grow, spiritually and as a person. This part is definitely my favorite of the story and I can't wait for the next one!!!!

Author Information:

Michelle lives by the beautiful Rockies with her husband and children. She grew up in the 80's and still has fondness for that era. She was a schoolteacher for many years, but always dreamed of writing.

"Enjoy life by embracing the sadness as well as the happiness. It's all a part of being on this earth."
~ Mrs. Pinkerton

Feel free to email me at: michellestevensauthor@hotmail.com

Phoenix Takes Flight (Phoenix #2) by Michelle Stevens

Phoenix Takes Flight (Book 2 of 4)

Blurb:

Before the world of Facebook, Chat Rooms and Blogs, there were online communities called Bulletin Boards…

Beth Lynn is falling in love with The Keeper, also known as Scott Reiner. But he is about to reveal something that will tear the new couple apart. Forced on her own again, Beth is determined to make the most of her life. In the process, she encounters new friends and makes a discovery that changes everything.

* The second part of Beth’s journey expands her horizons. From romance to spiritual awakening, she will never be the same. The Phoenix Series chronicles the love story of Beth and Scott, two computer BBSers who meet in the 1980's. Obstacles lie ahead for the young couple and a tragic event stands at the end that will deeply impact Beth’s life.

For you see, she is a Phoenix ~ her future requires the flame.

Jo-Anna's Review:

I am a huge fan of Red Phoenix's work and I love these little stories.

This part is a continuation of Beth and Scott's relationship. Things take a turn for the worse in an uncomfortable situation between the both of them when Scott mentions God. He's such a good guy that he doesn't pressure Beth or judge her in any way when she tells him that she doesn't believe.

One thing I love about this story is that it's spiritually uplifting. It's way different then the other books I've read by Red and I love that. Red can move from each genre flawlessly. Although the Brie books are just downright sexy and hot, the Phoenix books are sexy in a whole different way. On a deeper level if that makes any sense at all. If it doesn't, you'll just have to read these stories to find out exactly what I mean.

Beth ends up vollunteering her time at an old age home and meets the wonderful Mrs. Pinkerton. I would love to meet an older woman like her. She's inspiring and lives life to the fullest.

“It's useless to waste your energies on things you cannot change."

Mrs. Pinkerton is correct and I feel inspired by her and Red because that's what my daddy tells me all of the time. As I know and Beth surely knows, that's easier said then done.

And can I just tell you that I do not like Jim in the least. To tell Beth that she is a horrible person just because she broke up with him for him being a douche is downright rude. Ugh. *growl* My hackles are risen for her and I would totally punch him in the nose for Beth.

I may be biased but I'm totally smitten with Scott but I think that's because he reminds me so much of my hubby.

"You're hot. Hubba, hubba." - LOL!! Definitely reminds me of my hubby. You need to read this book to find out more about Scott and Beth. I just love them both and the connection they have because of a higher being is simply beautiful and inspiring. Yes, this book has a spiritual and a religious value. It's about Beth finding herself, facing hardships from her friends and family about her new conversion and how it brings her and Scott closer together.

Several people question Beth's newfound faith and it's heartbreaking. On one hand, it's understandable but on the other, they should be supportive and encourage her.

Scott is just swoon worthy and the way he is with Beth, tugs at my heart strings and makes me go *sigh* each and every time his name is mentioned. Which I'm sure Beth feels the same way.

Carrie, Scott's ex date/girlfriend shoves some unwelcome thoughts into Beth's head that makes it difficult for her to trust him. FYI, I'm not a fan of Carrie.

Love love loved the way this part ended!! So sweet and fulfilling, heart warming and inspiring. I just loved it!!

Author information:

Michelle lives by the beautiful Rockies with her husband and children. She grew up in the 80's and still has fondness for that era. She was a schoolteacher for many years, but always dreamed of writing.

"Enjoy life by embracing the sadness as well as the happiness. It's all a part of being on this earth."
~ Mrs. Pinkerton

Feel free to email me at: michellestevensauthor@hotmail.com

Phoenix Rising (Phoenix #1) by Michelle Stevens

Phoenix Rising (Book 1 of 4)

Blurb:

Before the world of Facebook, Chat Rooms and Blogs, there were online communities called Bulletin Boards…

Beth Lynn, devoted teacher and animal lover, has terrible luck with men. That is until Scott Reiner, also known as The Keeper, enters her life through the most unlikely of places – her computer. Scott saves her from a humiliating moment and begins his pursuit of her. There’s only one problem, Beth has an admirer who isn’t willing to let her go.

* The first part of Beth’s journey begins with the two lovers finding each other in the 1980's. Obstacles lie ahead for the young couple and a tragic event stands at the end that will change the course of Beth’s life forever. For you see, she is a Phoenix ~ her future requires the flame.

Jo-Anna's Review:

This story is written under Red Phoenix's pen name, Michelle Stevens. I'm a huge fan of Red and NEED to devour every single thing she writes so I'm reading this story and can I tell you that I am now a HUGE fan of Michelle Stevens!!

This first part is set in the 80's and I love it. We meet Beth who is celebrating her 24th birthday and is dating Jim. After going through some bad relationships, Jim is good for her. He ends up buying her a computer am being a bit of a nerd and growing up around computers, I can totally see everything Beth is describing. The banter between Jim and Beth while he's teaching her the ways of a computer is simply adorable and then...the Phoenix has risen!!!! You'll have to read the story to find out what that means. ;)

So as I'm reading, I am typing up this review and let me tell you, Jim? Weirdo! And The Keeper?? Just his chat name sounds hot! Lol!

So we meet Scott who is The Keeper and already I am smitten.

Scott saves the day when Beth has a little too much to drink thanks to that idiot, Jim. And to be honest? I think I now have a crush on Scott. Beth's savior. *sigh*

Scott is just sweet, romantic and I just love him! He reminds me of my hubby so that could be a reason I love him even more. Lol!

Can not wait to read the rest of this novel! I know something is going to happen to make me either cry, throw my reader or curl up in a ball and sob. But I'm trudging on!!

Great job Michelle (Red) and you have a huge fan, right here!!

Author information:

Michelle lives by the beautiful Rockies with her husband and children. She grew up in the 80's and still has fondness for that era. She was a schoolteacher for many years, but always dreamed of writing.

"Enjoy life by embracing the sadness as well as the happiness. It's all a part of being on this earth."
~ Mrs. Pinkerton

Feel free to email me at: michellestevensauthor@hotmail.com