June 19, 2012

Blog Tour: Dancing Naked in Dixie {Review, Top10 & Give@way}

Title: Dancing Naked In Dixie

Author: Lauren Clark

Source: ebook from Author for blog tour


goodreads...
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?
My take...
Julia has just gotten home from Italy for a job assignment, hasn't seen her boyfriend yet, and has to go meet the new editor AND meet her deadline. After nearly breaking her toe on a stack of books, she rushes to her meeting and gets a shock of a lifetime. Who she finds behind the doors of the editor's office not only sends her reeling...but sends her packing...to Eufaula, Alabama that is! What she finds there in the quaint little town changes Julia forever; the people, the homes, and the lifestyle. Yep, this is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of New York. But who she finds there is even more spectacular. And he changes her more than anything else, and it scares Julia. Will spending time in Eufaula become a dream come true or will it turn into a nightmare that sends her running back to New York?
Dancing Naked in Dixie was a cute read that ended before I knew it. I got so immersed in the story I didn't even realize I was coming up on the ending. And I will admit that at first I got a little scared the author was going to go into a 'Lets Bash the Southern Rednecks' rant; making fun of everything us Southerners do. But it was nothing like that at all. It's actually kinda funny. But come on...who doesn't love sweet tea?
Characters were really well written and I loved how they all grew on me. Especially Julia ...'bless her heart'...the girl is one big accident waiting to happen. What could go wrong on that trip did go wrong. The romance was sweet...but not overly abundant. In fact, it's not until the end that you really get any. Yeah a few sparks here and there, but the author saves the best for last. I did love the suspense of the storyline; letting me play detective right along with Julia, seeking out all the players to the mystery.
Man it’s crazy how much I am drifting towards Chick Lit lately…and this one was just icing on the cake! So thank you Lauren for asking me to review your book and participate on your tour. I love your writing style and look forward to more of your work in the future.

Top 10 Interview the Author...






1. guilty pleasure? TV Night. My husband and I get hooked on a series and DVR all of the episodes. Right now, it's "Game of Thrones" and "The Good Wife." Last year, we watched every episode of "Friday Night Lights" (love Kyle Chandler). Before that, it was "24" ... total adrenaline rush!!

 
2. 1 book you could read over and over? I have several, actually. "My Sister's Keeper" is a masterful look at dysfunction in family. Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible" is also one of my favorites -- it's the story of a well-meaning family ill-prepared for missionary life in the Congo. My copy of "The Secret Life of Bees" is well-worn. It's a great coming-of-age story that celebrates women.

 
3. fictional character you would love to spend the day with? I'd love to spend the day with Becky Bloomwood, but I don't know if my credit limit could keep up with hers!

 
4. one thing you cannot leave the house without? My cute little backpack that doubles as a purse -- it contains my calendar, my notebook, my keys, my MAC lipgloss, my wallet, my kindle, cell phone, and a picture of my two boys.

5. fav song/singer? I have a big crush on Adam Levine -- "Harder to Breathe" is on my playlist Also adore Rob Thomas (If Adam's busy ...) and "3 AM" as well as "Streetcorner Symphony."

6. hobby? Other than reading, yoga, and Pure Barre, I'm a full-time Mom (which expert Lego builder, chalk drawing creator, board game player, field trip driver, story teller, cook, baker, and boo-boo kisser).

7. fave movie/actor and/or actress? Favorite Movie - Love, Actually. The film is hilarious, touching and everything that I love in a story. As far as a favorite actress, I think that Charlize Theron is fantastic and talented. I do have this ridiculous crush on Mark Wahlberg, and I am loving Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man. My boys and I went to see "The Avengers" for Mother's Day!

 
8. one place you would love to visit? Santorini in Greece.

9. fav food? Raspberries. Blueberries are a close second!
         10. pet peeve? Mean people suck.

2 Giveaways!!!!! One with me and one Grand Prize giveaway with Lauren.
Each blog is giving away an ebook (Int) and a signed print copy with bookmarks (US) of either Dancing Naked in Dixie or Stay Tuned.
My giveaway is of Dancing Naked in Dixie.
All you have to do is comment below & leave an email address to get in touch with you!!
 Easy Peasy!!
I will pick a winner June 25th!


here is the form for the grand prize... 
http://www.rafflecopter.com">a Rafflecopter giveaway



Click the button above to visit the tour schedule

Get in touch with Lauren here...
goodreads   twitter   blog

Links to get Dancing Naked in Dixie...
Links to get Stay Tuned...

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous19 June, 2012

    Thank you Mandy ! I am touched by your sweet review and sooo thrilled that you enjoyed Dancing Naked in Dixie!!! YAY!!!

    I really love Eufaula (real place) and wanted to represent the town and the people who live there in a true light -- it's a lovely, welcoming community and a gorgeous setting for a book!

    Thank you so much for being a part of the Book Tour and for hosting the giveaways!! xx, Lauren

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great giveaway! Looks like a fun read! ashley.gonzales10@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm dying to read this book!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
    shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved his book would like autographed copy. Not my usual genre but I was converted. Stylnunicorn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This would be a refreshing read from vampires.

    ems.art.rocks@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. It sounds really cute. Love the title! Thanks!
    delivery.RN at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete