Blog Tour: Review and giveaway Finding Katie by John J. Smith

Giveaway details:

 The author has kindly offered 1 copy of his book, Finding Katie, for one lucky winner.  The giveaway is for one copy of the book.  It is available for giveaway in print for Canadian and U.S. Winners or in ebook for Canadian, U.S., and international winners.  Just leave a comment with a valid address.  This will be open until March 25, 2012.  Good luck!

Author:John J. Smith

Publisher: Createspace

Date of Publication:

The very wealthy and very sheltered Preston Meadows lives his life protected from even the hint of harm. His world is safe and secure until someone kidnaps his sister, Katie. Against his parents’ wishes, Preston sets out on his own to find her. Preston works hard to blend in with the “regular” people roaming the streets of Dallas – but the real world is zany, insane, full of danger and ruthless criminals. Preston soon begins to learn more about himself and finds he has a knack for foiling certain crimes. In his adventures, during his search for his sister, he makes friends with some of the strangest people he could ever imagine. Along the way, Preston falls in love, comes face-to-face with a self-described Drug Lord, and discovers a side of himself he never knew existed, especially after the Drug Lord kidnaps his girlfriend. 

Finding Katie is a unique and well written book.  Preston has lived an extremely sheltered and privileged life.  He is a pretty much a loner with no real friends, except his sister Katie.  When he finds out that his sister has been kidnapped, he decides to leave his safe world and try to find her.  His journey takes him to a world that is completely foreign to him.  For a guy who is a virgin both literally and in the ways of the "real" world, he does pretty well for himself.  

I liked Preston.  He is courageous and really smart. I think the thing about this story that appealed to me the most is what Preston discovers about himself.  By his having to go search for his sister, he finds his true self along the way.  He also finds out that sometimes true family isn't the one that you are born into.  Finding Katie is filled with many interesting and colorful characters. There are also some real laugh out loud moments. I definitely recommend taking this journey along with Preston.  

About the author:

John writes under two names John J. Smith and pen name Jonathan Black. Why does he do this?  He has been told when a reader sees his work they have an expectation, hence the two names. He has won several awards under each name.He has been called a prolific Fiction writer. He enjoys writing romance and mainstream as John and paranormal and paranormal romance as Jonathan.Several of his novels have been converted or rewritten into screenplays; for which he has also have won several awards.John J. Smith resides in Plano, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.  John's website 

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway of Delayed Flight by John J. Smith

Giveaway Details:
Mr. Smith has generously offered 1 copy of Delayed Flighted for us to giveaway.  This is open internationally. (US winner gets a PB copy or international get e-book). Just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address below.  This will run until 12/26. Good Luck!!

Author:John J. Smith
Publisher: Dark Red Press
Date of Publication: January 2011

Veronica, a widow from an abusive marriage, is looking forward to having a wonderful visit with her daughter, Jeri. It had been a year since Jeri moved away to college and Veronica cannot think of anywhere else she would rather be than spend a peaceful Christmas with Jeri.

Jared thought his day had already gone badly when his hiring proposal for consultants was put on hold. Now he finds himself stranded in a blizzard and discovers his rental car has a flat.To add insult upon injury, the keys are locked in the trunk!

When Veronica sees Jared walk into the airport terminal and takes a seat across from her, she can feel her emotions run amok bouncing somewhere between loathing and love. He was the man, whom she had loved and yet he had walked out on her. Jared on the other hand wants to do everything in his power to heal her wounds. In the deepest region of his heart, he wants to start over.

On icy roads, and deep in thought, Jeri is suddenly involved in a serious accident, and as Veronica rushes through the halls of the hospital, in search to find answers, she stumbles upon Jared. It is then Veronica realizes at that their present has brought them together shrouded in the events of their past while the doctors feverishly work to save her daughter’s life.

Delayed Flight is a very sweet story. I have to admit that when I started the book, I wasn't sure I was going to like it.  The beginning was a bit slow for me, but after the second chapter, I found that I couldn't put it down.  I devoured this book.  I loved the characters, especially Jared.  He is just such a nice guy that you can't help but root for him.  Imagine carrying a torch for one woman for so long.  I was hoping he would get his HEA! 


While Delayed Flight is a love story, it is so much more. This book is about the past and forgiveness. It's about finding the strength to allow yourself to move beyond past hurts and mistakes and move toward a brighter future.  There are a few twists in the story that I thought made it so much more enjoyable. While the end was a little predictable, I still ate it up.  If you don't walk away from this book with a smile, I will be surprised.  

Mr. Smith is a talented writer and I look forward to his next book!

About the author:

John writes under two names John J. Smith and pen name Jonathan Black. Why does he do this?  He has been told when a reader sees his work they have an expectation, hence the two names. He has won several awards under each name.

He has been called a prolific Fiction writer. He enjoys writing romance and mainstream as John and paranormal and paranormal romance as Jonathan.

Several of his novels have been converted or rewritten into screenplays; for which he has also have won several awards.

John J. Smith resides in Plano, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.  John's website