Book Review - In Leah's Wake

 

Amazon Kindle

Forgiveness

Family

Life 

Touching

Parenting

Sisters

Relationships

Description

Protecting their children comes naturally for Zoe and Will Tyler--until their daughter Leah decides to actively destroy her own future.

Leah grew up in a privileged upper-middle class world. Her parents spared no expense for her happiness; she had all-but secured an Ivy League scholarship and a future as a star athlete. Then she met Todd.

Leah's parents watch helplessly as their daughter falls into a world of drugs, sex, and wild parties. While Will attempts to control his daughter's every move to prevent her from falling deeper into this dangerous new life, Zoe prefers to give Leah slack in the hope that she may learn from her mistakes. Their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage.

Twelve-year-old Justine observes Leah's rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family. She desperately seeks her big sister's approval and will do whatever it takes to obtain it. Meanwhile she is left to question whether her parents love her and whether God even knows she exists.

What happens when love just isn't enough? Who will pay the consequences of Leah's vagrant lifestyle? Can this broken family survive the destruction left in Leah's wake?

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Book Review - Something Different

Amazon Paperback 

 

Different

Romance

Gay

 Funny

Enjoyable

Entertaining

Adventure

Description

Unhappily married Michael Maguire decides to do something different. Setting out to hire a female prostitute, Michael instead finds blue-eyed, beautiful James Campbell. Tempted in ways he never imagined, Michael embarks on a sexual adventure with a rent boy from London's East End. No form of pleasure is off the table. Not even love...

Book Review - Past Lives (Rachel #1)

 

Amazon Kindle

Intriguing

Time Travel

Passion

 Mystery

Well-written

Relationships

Passion

Description

How many times can you die for love?

For twenty-one years Rachel MacReady has skated along -- pretty and carefree, with wealthy parents and plenty of friends. Fate handed Rachel everything a girl could want.  But one icy night, a car crash unlocks memories from a very different existence. In 1870s England, in a steampunk subculture of Victorian London, Rachel was Cassandra Masters, a powerful telepath sidelined by the males who ran the Order.

Cassandra sparked a rebellion so radical, its effects are still felt in the present day. She also fell for two very different men. Fellow telepath Dominic Belden -- black-haired and handsome as a Greek statue -- and Ted Harrington, the Order's rebellious, hard-drinking Master Telekinetic. Both men loved her. And both have returned in the present day to seek out Rachel. But therein lies the problem. Cassandra Masters died at just twenty-one, the same age as Rachel. And one of those men may have loved her to death.

(First of a 6 book series.)

Author Interview - Perry Martin

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Genre - Drama / Romance

Rating - PG13

More details about the author & the book

View the trailer for this book

Connect with Perry Martin on Twitter & Facebook

Website http://www.prettyflamingothebook.com/

Author Interview with Perry Martin

About the author - In his long and varied career as a musician, songwriter and producer Perry has worked with such people as Lefty Frizzell, Hank Snow Jr. and Sheb Wooley. Over the years as a solo performer or with a band he has also been the supporting act for such show biz luminaries as the Bee Gees, Ambrosia, Little River Band, B.J. Thomas, Hal Ketchum and Lonestar - - to name just a few.

More recently he completed his first novel, "Pretty Flamingo". Based on actual personal experiences the book is essentially a mystery/love story that takes some very unexpected twists and turns. 

What inspired you to want to become a writer? It's something I'd always wanted to do since I was a kid, but as I mentioned before, my life seemed to lead me in the direction of music at first.  Then, when the idea for "Pretty Flamingo" came up I thought I'd give it a shot, just to see if I was any good.  A long-time friend of mine, Sandy Hockenbery who is a movie producer, heard a little about the story I was writing and it piqued her interest.  I sent her the first six chapters I'd written and she was blown away.  It was her enthusiasm and belief in the story and my ability as a writer, that made me believe I could do it.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"? A writer.  Then, I saw all those girls screaming for the Beatles and I changed my mind and became a musician for most of my life and had girls scream for me.  Now they look at me and scream for a different reason - so I decided it was time to go back to my original childhood dream of being a writer.

How did you know you should become an author? I've lived such a colorful life I figured it was time to start inventing stories around my experiences.  Most people don't believe most of the stuff I tell them happened to me so I may as well make it "fiction".

Who are your favorite authors of all time? Stephen King, Robert Heinlein, James Michener, Elmore Leonard, Ray Bradbury, Robert Ludlum, Jack London, Graham Greene, James Clavel, Eric Von Lustbader, Ernest Hemingway, Nicholas Sparks. 

Which authors have influenced you most how? Probably Stephen King and Nicholas Sparks.  They are not in any way alike, I know, but there are separate elements of their writing that have influenced me.  Stephen King always made his characters seem so real; he gave them inner dialogue that made you privy to their thoughts. I really like that. Plus he writes such interesting and unique stories.  Nicholas Sparks manages to reach people emotionally with his often heartbreaking romance/dramas; he's made me cry more than once.  I wanted to try and combine those elements into what I wrote.  So far, from the reader reviews and comments I've seen, it looks like I've succeeded with "Pretty Flamingo".

What do you do in your free time? Lately I don't have much.  I used to play tennis, go to the movies and check out local bands.  I still find time to read books, though.  I think it's important for writers to read other writers.  I try to read books by other self-published and Indie authors; to support them as well as to see what my competition is like.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? Stranger Than Fiction. 

Give us a glimpse into a typical day in your day starting when you wake up till you lie down again. I get up around 7 am.  Do stretches and an ab work out.  Then all my e-mails, Twitter, Facebook stuff.   Work my day job all day (I'm a self-employed house painter) then come home and do a little work out in the gym.  Shower. Eat dinner.  Practice on my Fender Telecaster for about an hour - - or until my fingers bleed.  Do the e-mails,  Twitter, Facebook thing again and then work on my next novel until my head hits the keyboard.  At which time I brush my teeth - - and floss - - hop into bed and read whatever novel by one of my self-published peers I happen to be reading until the Kindle falls out of my hand and I fall asleep.  Weekends are a little more exciting - - but only a little.  There'll be time for excitement when I hit the bestseller list. Right now I live vicariously through the characters I write about.

What's your favorite season/weather? Autumn.

 

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with? Nicholas Sparks. He'd have to let me write a happy ending, though.  

Thank you taking the time to stop by and share some random thoughts with us. Good luck with your books! 

Follower Love Giveaway Hop

My giveaway is a $5 Amazon.com gift card.

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*Random winner will be picked and announced on 17th February 2012

*This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Rachael Renee Anderson

Book Review - Pretty Flamingo

Amazon Kindle 

Romance

Love

Life
Fascinating

Change

Discovery

Inspirational

Description

You’ll be taken on an emotional journey with David Perry, the central character, as he unlocks the mystery of a part of his past he never knew existed—a past that’s been hidden from him for thirty-five years. As the lost memories unfold David discovers a love so powerful it transcended the purely physical; a loss so devastating that it changed his whole life. And a promise that, if he can keep it, will return to him all that he cared most about in the whole world.

Valentine's Day

Love
Couple
Marriage
Breakfast
Red
Flowers
Passion

Something Different

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Genre - Adult Romance & Gay Fiction
Rating - R 
More details about the author 
View the trailer for this book


Connect with Stephanie Abbott on Twitter
Blog http://stephanieabbott.blogspot.com/

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Author Interview with Stephanie Abbott

About the author - Stephanie Abbott is the face behind the popular pseudonym, S.A. Reid. Well-known for her “real and likeable characters”, she also writes  paranormal fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi. Additionally, she also pens cozy mysteries as Emma Jameson.

What inspired you to want to become a writer? Reading, I suppose.  I loved to read from an early age and by 8 I tried to write my first novel – something about a blind girl who could transform herself into a sighted alley cat.  If there was more to the story, I don’t recall.  Then when I was 11, I met my best friend, Maryam, a much more advanced writer, and had to improve to keep up!  So I’ll chalk it up to reading and friends.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. Easy – having readers!  The first time I got a message from a fan, I was over the moon.  

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be? Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series.  Beautiful green pastoral planet, telepathic dragons, adventure and excitement.  

What is your dream cast for your book? That’s tough to answer.  Michael Maguire would need to be convincing repressed in the beginning, then blossom as the story develops.  James Campbell would start out cheeky and carefree, then gradual reveal more depth.  There are probably dozens of young British actors who would be wonderful in those roles.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? The Once and Future King, by T.H. White.  And you know what?  It still is.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? Look at Amanda Hocking’s example.  Putting aside whether you love her books or hate them, she is the perfect model for a young writer because her entire focus was writing.  Like most of us, she had to work a day job.  She worried about bills and all the other real world concerns.  But her free time revolved around writing, putting herself out there, accepting feedback and writing more.  That kind of single-minded dedication to her passion make her a millionaire twice over.  More importantly, it gave her the things she wanted most: readers and national exposure as an author.

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why? For every decade of my life you’d get a different answer.  But for now, the answer is – now.  This time, this place.

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why? Athena.  Because The Who sang a song about her.  (Kidding!)

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? On the white sands of north Florida, looking out at viridian (green) water every day.

What is your favorite Quote? To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable. – Oscar Wilde

Thank you taking the time to stop by and share some random thoughts with us. Good luck with your books! 

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

My giveaway is a $5 Amazon.com gift card.

Follow me on my Blog, Twitter or GoodReads

Leave me a comment so I'll know who you are.

*Random winner will be picked and 
announced on 7th February 2012 



*This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Down the Rabbit Hole

My book giveaways are  (click on book cover to redeem)

   

Having Fun While Saving Money

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Genre - Non-Fiction
Rating - G


Connect with Janiera Eldridge on Twitter & Facebook
Blog http://www.janieraeldridge.blogspot.com/

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A book packed with ways for you to have fun with your family, friends or by yourself without spending a lot of money. It even gives you ways to have fun and make some money. There are no get rich quick schemes, just ways to have fun and earn rewards while doing it! You also will keep plenty of money in your wallet along the way!

Nate Rocks the World

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Genre - Middle Grade Fiction
Rating - PG


Connect with Karen Pokras Toz on Twitter & Facebook
Website http://www.karentoz.com/

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed. 

Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things. Follow the quirky and imaginative adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons come to life.

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

My giveaway is a $5 Amazon.com gift card.

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*Random winner will be picked and announced on 23rd January 2012 (Winner is Janet)

*This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Martha's Bookshelf

The Counterfeit

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Genre - Historical Romantic Suspense
Rating - PG13 / R


Connect with Tammie Clarke Gibbs on Twitter & Facebook
Website http://www.tammieclarkegibbs.com/

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Sometimes the Road to Justice is filled with Compromise… 

Jeremy Loud is good at what he does. 

As a Secret Service Operative he’s quick on his feet and a master of his emotions. 

Then, he wakes up naked, disoriented and in physical pain to find a mysterious woman busy at his stove. His first mistake is assuming she’s a barmaid. His biggest mistake is underestimating her ability to get into trouble. Soon he realizes his assignment to infiltrate and bring to justice the infamous Quincy Davenport and his band of counterfeiters might be easier than keeping one strong-willed and beautiful redhead out of trouble. 

Magen MacGuire is determined to find the man responsible for her father’s death and make him pay. 

Then, her plans go awry and a case of mistaken identity leads her to the last thing she expects; a mysterious stranger she could easily fall in love with. She makes a choice to right a wrong, but in her case doing the right thing isn’t viewed as proper and gets them both into even more trouble. 

The odds are against them, but can they find the love of a lifetime before their secrets are exposed and if they do can they overcome the lies? 

The Dark Age

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Genre - Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
Rating - PG

Connect with Jeff Horton on Twitter & Facebook

Website http://hortonlibrary.com/

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Suppose you learned that an ancient prophecy about an artifact, said to be powerful enough to dramatically change the world, was true. Would you risk everything to find it?

It has been five-hundred years since the Pulse caused the Great Collapse, ending the Golden Age, and civilization on planet Earth. Humanity has waited ever since for a long-anticipated sign from God, which has finally appeared in the night sky. The time has come for Ferrell Young, the Warrior Clan, and the Church to risk everything in an effort to restore civilization, and bring hope to a world full of despair.

Alex Montgomery is an archaeologist who has spent many years looking for a mysterious book on behalf of the Holy Christian Church. The book is said to contain the location of the Great Oracle which, according to legend, can endow the one who finds it with great power and wealth. Of much greater importance to the Clan and the Church however, is the fact that it may also enable the world to emerge from five centuries of darkness and suffering. 

When a powerful, intelligent, but sadistic barbarian leader named Kraken learns of the Oracle, he plans to destroy the Warrior Clan and the Church, take the Oracle for himself, and enslave the rest of humanity. 

Join Ferrell and his companions as they set out on a desperate journey to find the Great Oracle, and rescue humanity from The Dark Age.

Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop

My giveaway is The Soul Garden

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*This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer
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100 Unfortunate Days

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Genre - Dark Memoir
Rating - R


Connect with Penelope Crowe on Twitter & Facebook
Blog http://www.penelopecrowe.blogspot.com/

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100 Unfortunate Days is the diary of woman either on the verge of a breakdown or a breakthrough.  She writes about her feelings, fears, her loathing of motherhood and terrible marriage.  She tells us about spells she has used to try and improve her life, and opinions she has that most people would never admit.  There are some entries that are beautiful stories, and some as bad as nightmares.  No plot involved—you will wonder whose diary you are reading…and hope the owner is okay.  

Day 2

If you wear an apron while you’re cooking, the food will almost surely turn out better than if you didn’t wear one. And if the apron has happy faces on it or pretty flowers with uplifting sayings like ‘God Loves You’, whatever you cook will be delicious. You can put out a beautiful tablecloth, use your best china and light some candles and everyone will be enchanted by the glowing light and the special feelings, and your husband will make lots of money and your children will go to Harvard.

On the other hand—if you hate to cook but you still have to do it because your family is waiting for their meals, and you get ridiculed for your mediocre cooking skills, bad things start to happen. Like the activation of the soft, wispy poison found in all of us from being told how terrible we are. And then we become even more terrible. 

If you look at your face in the mirror when there is just the teeny tiniest bit of light, sometime in the middle of the night when something you can’t figure out wakes you up, you can see what you really look like. Sometimes we can’t even tell it is still us and we have to put our hands over our mouths because if we scream everyone in the house will wake up and remind us how terrible and mediocre we are. So we stir the soup and carve the meat and give the miasma the chance to leave us and spread around. 

We think we would never do this on purpose—but if we think really hard about our true selves—the selves that no one knows about without needing very strong medication for the rest of our lives, we all know what we would do.

Day 17
A man with silver-blue eyes asked me if I needed a ride back to my car while I was getting coffee in town. He was thin and tall and beautiful. He smelled like ice. He was drinking water and he told me that he never eats. I did need a ride.

I Wish I Would've

 

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Genre - Contemporary Women
Rating - R (Sexual Abuse)


Connect with Aynoit Ashor on Twitter & Facebook
Blog http://aynoitashor.blogspot.com/

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Warning: This novella contains explicit scenes of human trafficking, sexual abuse and child abuse.

This short novel (novella) follows a daughter on her quest for the truth and a mother who wants to keep her safe by any means necessary. Who is right? Who is wrong? Who will say, I wish I would've?

She only has loving memories of her beloved G-Pa and can't understand why her mom calls him "devil". On her eighteenth birthday she goes on a quest for the truth, without her mom's knowledge. While visiting her G-Pa she discovers her dark family secrets.

Best of 2011 Giveaway Hop

My giveaway is a $5 Amazon.com gift card.

Follow me on my Blog, Twitter or GoodReads

Leave me a comment so I'll know who you are.

*Random winner will be picked and announced on 7 January 2012 (Winner is Lorraine)

*This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer

Shadows of Pain

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Genre - Christian Romantic Suspense
Rating - PG


Connect with Ashley Dawn on Twitter & Facebook
Blog http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com/

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Revenge is sweet…unless you are on the receiving end of it.

“Do you know of anyone who would want…you dead?”

Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he wasn’t sure there were any rules…

“…I need you.”

Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light.

As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom?

Only God can save them from this unknown killer…