EmpowerMoms

#RunLikeaDiva race recap 2017 part 1 #DivaDC

Posted on January 10, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

As some of you know, I love to take pictures so I usually have to do my race recaps in at least 2 posts 🙂 Back in September I participated in the “Run Like a Diva” 5k race series up in northern VA with a friend of mine.

I have been promoting the race series all year as a race ambassador which means I get a free race entry in exchange for blogging about the race, sharing information, and sharing a race promo code so others can join me at my local race.
http://www.runlikeadiva.com/

The 5k and race packet pickup was on a Friday night so I got out of work early to drive up north 4 hours to get there on time for packet pickup, take pictures, change, eat, and get ready for my race.

Race Day essentials!! Isn’t my diva bag awesome?! I got several compliments at packet pickup.

I also ordered my diva charm bracelet-first year they have offered it. Unfortunately my friend wanted one too but we couldn’t find any at any of the vendor booths.

Arrived in plenty of time! Lots of parking, great directions and signs. Once you enter the hotel, there are always several people willing to help you with questions and point you in the right direction.

Packet pickup-super quick, easy and fast! They are always very organized!
I was disappointed in this years vendor tables though…the previous year they had alot more items and vendors. I loved the chocolate samples though!

Picture time before the race!

As you can see, there was ALOT of people-mostly women! Normally they have alot of shirtless firemen walking around for pictures and this year I literally saw 3. Not enough when you have hundreds of women wanting pictures with them.

End of race jewelry bags which hold the medals and charms!

And we’re off to race!!

Stay tuned for part 2!

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“Heart of the West” by Carolyn Twede Frank book review and giveaway

Posted on January 9, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

“Heart of the West” by Carolyn Twede Frank

I really enjoyed this book! The story line reminded me of Dr. Quinn-medicine woman-loved it!! I loved Kate’s spunk and determination to be a woman doctor in the west during a time when women were not recognized or embraced in such roles. She had such enthusiasm and goodness with helping others, regardless the circumstances.

The story line was good, steady and kept my interest. I liked all the characters in the book and loved the clean romance part of the story as well.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the book
Independent-minded women are considered highly unsuitable in Kate Donahue’s wealthy Long Island society. Yes, Kate would lead a proper life should she marry, but her dream of practicing medicine would surely be thwarted by her domineering fiancé. To follow her dream, she must take dramatic measures. So when she reads a newspaper ad seeking a qualified small-town physician, Kate embarks on a new life in the Wild West. Upon her arrival in the rugged settlement of Craig, Colorado, Kate is disappointed to discover that even in the West, no one wants a woman doctor. As she struggles to establish her practice, she is kept busy fending off the unwanted attentions of a local rancher, a man unnervingly reminiscent of the ex-fiancé she left behind in New York. Romantic entanglements are the last thing on Kate’s mind. That is, until she meets Lucas McCurdy, an Irish immigrant with whom she feels an undeniable connection. But when their relationship inflames a dangerous land battle, Kate and Lucas find themselves defenseless in a lawless town a perilous position that may cost them everything.

Purchase your copy here

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Oath of Honor (Blue Justice) by Lynette Eason book review

Posted on January 3, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

Oath of Honor (Blue Justice) by Lynette Eason

**Updated on 1/10/18 to include book giveaway**

This book was released yesterday and is book 1 to a brand new series called “Blue Justice”. If you haven’t read any books by this author you are definitely missing out!

Oh my gosh, this book was so so good!! Lots of action, suspense, drama and some romance. This story introduces Isabelle’s brothers and sister (6 total kids) which is a perfect way to start off this new series. I also like that it was clean fiction with some christian elements.

I felt this story was very well written and I was on the edge of my seat several times riveted to the story and all of the characters. I wasn’t sure how it was going to end and who the bad guys were since there were several unexpected twists. I can’t wait to read more books in this series!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

***Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this book from me below! USA mailing address only. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery. ***

About the Book
Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she’s never without someone to hang out with–or fight with. And she knows they’ll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy’s investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll–including someone from her own family. With her dead partner’s handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy’s head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she’s had a secret crush on for years won’t leave her side?

With her signature fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action, Lynette Eason invites readers into a captivating new series where justice is a family affair.

Purchase your copy here

About the Author
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, Moving Target, and Chasing Secrets in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

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Stone Cold Sparks (Park City Firefighter Romance: Station 2) by Cami Checketts GIVEAWAY

Posted on January 3, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

Another great book release from author Cami Checketts!!

Doesn’t this look awesome? Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below and read the book description. I can’t wait to read it!

Find Stone Cold Sparks on Amazon, free for KU members.

A stone cold firefighter, lifelong secrets, and the vivacious woman who won’t give up.

Abi Newell is feisty, fun, and beautiful, and has date offers every night of the week, but she gave her heart away to Stone Ryland when they were teenagers and that was the stupidest decision of her life. Though Stone is the perfect fit for her—kind, patient, and steady—he’s also shut himself off to everyone, including her. She’s accomplished best-friend status with her dream man, but winning his heart is a quest she may never win.

Stone has been deemed Stone Cold by his firefighting buddies for good reason—he has the remarkable ability to put his feelings on the shelf while dispassionately dealing with the situation at hand. Too bad Stone’s buddies don’t know the truth. A truth Stone will fight tooth and nail to keep hidden. Abi is his one weakness, but Stone can’t let anyone into his heart or his well-protected secrets will be discovered and run the risk of destroying not only Abi, but his deceased wife’s memory as well.

Can Abi break through the ice surrounding Stone Cold’s heart, or will she be forced to give up on her lifelong love?

I love Cold Stone ice cream and thought it was the perfect tie-in to my Stone Cold hero. Enter below to win a $25 gift card. Happy reading and ice cream eating!

Hugs,

Cami

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Purchase your copy here

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My 2018 Christian suspense, thriller, drama book wish list

Posted on January 2, 2018 by EmpowerMoms

My amazon book wish list keeps growing and growing so I decided why not put some of the books in a blog post to share what books are coming up in 2018! Maybe you will find some new authors and series to try! 🙂

Of course this isn’t my entire wish list, and it only includes suspense/drama type books-but here’s alot of them:

Troubled Waters (Montana Rescue series #4) – January 2, 2018
by Susan May Warren