Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 218

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hard to believe that another year has gone by and 2015 is right around the corner. I'll be spending the holiday with my family and friends. Hope you'll do the same!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!


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The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

 
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.  

 
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

 
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;




He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"
 

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Interview with Martin Roy Hill, EDEN (A Sci-Fi Novella)

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series? My latest book is called Eden: A Sci-Fi Novella. Being science fiction, it's something of a departure for me. All of my other books – Duty, The Killing Depths, and Empty Places – are in the mystery, suspense, and thriller genres. But I love science fiction, and in the last year or two, I’ve published a couple short stories in that genre.

Eden involves a group of American soldiers in Iraq who are sent out to investigate a set of ancient ruins uncovered by a large sandstorm. As they approach the ruins, they are attacked by insurgents and take refuge behind the ancient walls. There they become trapped not only by the insurgents but also by another even larger sandstorm. When the detonation of an enemy mortar opens a hole leading to a buried chamber, the GIs take shelter inside. Inside the chamber, they discover a long buried secret about the origins of Mankind that threatens to destroy civilization as we know it.
The book gets its name from the fact that Iraq is believed to be the location of the Biblical Eden.
  Amazon buy link:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O5HYIQG
  Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?Yes, with the first book I wrote. That was my book Empty Places, even though I ended up publishing The Killing Depths first. I actually signed with two different literary agencies. After a year with the first one, I found out the agent hadn't been trying to sell my manuscript at all because – as she explained – she was working on her own novel. The second agency simply went out of business before it could find a publisher for my book. Not happy experiences, either one of them.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?The two experiences I just mentioned had a great deal to do with it. I had to take a nearly ten year hiatus from writing. Just before the Iraq war started I switched careers, leaving behind a 20-some year career in journalism to become a research analyst for the U.S. Navy. With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our op tempo was very high and I just didn't have time to write. As the Iraq conflict began to wind down, I started to write again, first articles for magazines and web sites, then short stories. Then I learned about independent publishing and I was intrigued. It seemed to me to be the logical progression of the arts. Back in the 1970s or 1980s, movie producers and directors started making independent films. Songwriters and bands started putting out independently produced records and CDs not long afterward. Authors are just the latest artists to strike out on their own.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?So far, I've designed all of my own covers. As a journalist, I learned a great deal about graphic design and I enjoy doing my own covers. But I can see sometime in the future contracting that design work out.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?Between my day job, family commitments, and military reserve unit commitments, I don't have a lot of free time. I write anywhere I can find a few minutes to write. I carry a Kindle Fire tablet and Bluetooth keyboard everywhere I go and when I get some time, I pull them out. I also use an app on my iPhone that allows me to work on my writing anywhere I am. Having worked in busy newspaper newsrooms, I'm used to writing with a lot of noise. But I can't listen to music as I write. I get too much into the music. I'm likely to start singing or dancing rather than write.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?I do a great deal of outlining and plotting. It gives me confidence that there's actually a story to tell. But when I actually start writing a book, the characters and the plot seem to take on a life of their own. I always say it's like planning a road trip. You look at the road map and decide where you're going and which roads to take to get there. But when you're actually driving, you start taking little detours because some road sign caught your interest.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?I'm lucky to be married to the best editor I know. My wife, Winke, grew up in the publishing business. Her father, Robert Wade, was a well-known mystery author who wrote some thirty or forty novels under pen names like Wade Miller and Whit Masterson. Her step-father, Ed Self, was a well-known magazine publisher who created the city magazine genre. So she has more than twenty years of editing experience – as well as being a voracious reader – which she brings to the table. If I didn’t have her then, yes, I would definitely hire a professional editor.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?I utilize all the social media platforms – Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, LinkedIn – and I have a web site with a blog. I find Twitter very useful. According to my analytics, I get a lot of click-throughs to my buy sites from Twitter. I also will occasionally buy advertising on a web site, and I have pay-per-click campaigns running on Goodreads and Google.

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?I love all animals, but I have a special affinity for cats. I've had cats nearly my entire life. My current BFFFs (best furry friends forever) are twin orange tabby boys named Harry Potter Maximillan and Alexander Theodore. The names are bigger than the cats! As for the others—chocolate, coffee, and text. And I am definitely an early morning person, which is very strange because my wife and son are both very much night people.

What’s next for you?I'm currently writing military mystery thriller featuring NCIS Special Agent Linus Schag, from The Killing Depths. The sequel is called The Butcher's Billand involves a NCIS agent and close friend of Schag's who goes rogue. I’m also researching and plotting another military mystery thriller tentatively titled Polar Melt, which features a U.S. Coast Guard team investigating the disappearance of research ship in the Arctic Ocean.
Buy site link for Eden: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O5HYIQGAmazon Author’s Page: http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Roy-Hill/e/B009FMHAR0Author’s Website: http://www.martinroyhill.comAuthor’s Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/MartinRoyHillAuthor’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/Martin.Roy.Hill
About the AuthorMartin Roy Hill is the author of the military mystery thriller, "The Killing Depths," the award-winning short story collection, "DUTY: Suspense and Mystery Stories from the Cold War and Beyond," and the mystery thriller, "Empty Places." Martin spent more than 20 years as a staff reporter and editor for newspapers and magazines, before becoming a military analyst specializing in battlefield medical operations for the Navy.
His freelance credits include Reader's Digest, LIFE, Newsweek, Omni, American History, Coast Guard Magazine, Retired Officer Magazine, the Los Angeles Times Sunday Opinion Section, and many more. Much of Martin's freelance work involves historical topics, especially military history. He was a lead contributor to the 1995 WWII anthology, "From Pearl Harbor to Nagasaki: America at War," published by the Retired Officer Association (now called the Military Officer Association. He was also a contributor to the 2013 Civil War anthology, "Gettysburg: Three Days that Saved the United States."
Martin's short stories have appeared in such publications as Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Alt Hist: The Magazine of Historical Fiction and Alternate History, Plan B Mystery Anthology, San Diego Magazine, and San Diego Writer's Monthly. His first book, "DUTY," was named the Best Short Story Anthology/Collection during the 2013 San Diego Book Awards (SDBA). "The Killing Depths" was also named a finalist for the SDBA Sisters In Crime Mystery Award.



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New #Supernatural Thriller Release: SUSPICION by Alexandra Monir

Alexandra Monir has captivated legions of fans with her YA time travel romances, Timeless and Timekeeper; critics have praised the books as “fun read[s] filled with romantic suspense and mystery” (USA Today), “music for your heart” (Justine), and a “perfect blend of quality content, romance and heart-pounding adventure” (Savvy).

Now, Monir offers a modern-day, young adult twist on the classic gothic novel, Rebecca, with SUSPICION, an enthralling supernatural thriller to be published by Delacorte Press in hardcover on December 9, 2014. 
Rockford Manor is a sprawling English country estate of nearly two hundred rooms, grand columns and towers, and acres of manicured gardens. For seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford, it’s her family’s summer home since the 18th century – and the site of her childhood’s greatest pain: her parents’ death by a mysterious fire in the maze garden.  After the tragedy, she was whisked away to New York by her guardians and in sorrow turned her back on her older cousin Lucia and her neighbor and childhood crush Sebastian Stanhope.  But she’s haunted by her father’s last words: that there’s something important hidden in the Maze, and she’ll know when the time comes to find it.  Then a letter arrives that forces Imogen to return to the manor and face both her aristocratic roots and a stirring supernatural power she can’t control.  She soon discovers that dark and long-buried secrets lurk behind Rockford’s stunningly beautiful facade. Imogen herself is caught at the center of them—as is her cousin Lucia, and Sebastian, the boy she never stopped loving.

Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Suspicion-Alexandra-Monir-ebook/dp/B00JCS7COI/ref=twoen-20
Inspired by Monir’s longtime passion for the gothic suspense novels of Daphne du Maurier, the psychological thriller films of Alfred Hitchcock, and the upstairs-downstairs world of Downton Abbey, SUSPICION offers romantic suspense, sinister intrigue, and a shocking twist no one will see coming. And at the same time, it’s a universal story of a young girl in the midst of all the changes that come with growing up, who is trying to find her place in the world and navigate loss, love and redemption. 
“Intensely dramatic, fast-paced, and twisty, Monir’s mystery ticks every gothic suspense box. The combination of paranormal elements with a star-crossed romance between almost-royals should keep readers rapt.” – Booklist
“A terrific read that will keep you looking out for Imogen as she goes through her trials and tribulations. And the ending…WOW! The ending is a huge surprise that no reader should miss.” – Suspense magazine
“Take The Princess Diaries and add magic, murder and mystery, and you've got Suspicion. A delightful read!” –Amy Plum, author of the international bestselling Die for Me series
"If Alfred Hitchcock had directed Downton Abbey, the result would have been this book. Alexandra Monir takes us on a gripping, nonstop thrill ride with just the right amount of supernatural and an ending that you definitely won’t suspect. I devoured it in one sitting."–Jessica Brody, bestselling author of the Unremembered trilogy


ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alexandra Monir is an author and recording artist. Suspicionis her third novel published by Random House. Her debut was the popular time-travel romance, Timeless, followed by the 2013 sequel, Timekeeper. Alexandra currently resides in Los Angeles, where she is at work on her next novel, while also blogging for The Huffington Post and composing an original musical. Her music can be found on iTunes. 
Visit her website at www.alexandramonir.com and follow @TimelessAlex on Twitter. [image error]

#Review & Excerpt: FORGOTTON NO MORE by Christina McKnight

3 of 5 stars


Excerpt:

London, England
January 1816

             
            Ruby took a deep breath before trying the final drawer that could hold all the answers to her past, her true heritage. Her lungs expanded; she held the air inside. She didn’t exhale until it burned. With trembling fingers, she reached for the last drawer and pulled.

            Her nicely trimmed nails nearly snapped when her grasp on the handle slipped from the force of her tug. The drawer hadn’t budged.

            Locked!

            “Oh, poppy cocks!” she hissed. Moving her hands to the folds of her evening gown, Ruby procured a small pouch tucked neatly into a hidden pocket. Setting it on the desk, she pulled out her array of lock-picking devices, really only hairpins and small wires she’d collected since her first night—and her first failed attempt at breaking into a desk—to help her disengage the drawer.

            She had to know what secrets this lord held. Would she find an envelope inside labelled ‘Abandoned Daughter,’ or a report from the Bow Street Runners with details about herself—her hair color, the particular green shade of her eyes, places she’d been, perhaps the details of her activities over the course of her life?

Nothing worth finding was that simply ascertained.

No man, married or not, would leave record of their nefarious past. It was more likely her father had not spared her, or her mother, a second thought after throwing his pregnant mistress from his townhouse in the middle of the night with no coat and no means to get home.

            Ruby was anything but a fool, but she found herself continuing to search regardless. She didn’t need a signed confession—she just needed that letter opener.

            Picks in hand, she knelt before the locked drawer and eyed the keyhole, blowing a wayward strand of hair that had fallen across her face. She’d been unsuccessful more often than not when attempting to open locked drawers. But luck may have been on her side this evening. She’d entered the ball with little fuss, shortly after the host and hostess had quit the receiving line. It was surprising how similar the layout of most London townhouses were. Ruby had navigated the halls of the second floor and found the room she sought fairly quickly, encountering not a soul.

            The pins slipped into the lock and her tongue darted out of her mouth to lick her lips as she concentrated on moving them exactly right to click the lock over. She fought to keep her hands steady when sweat broke out across her forehead. She was running out of time.

            Ruby applied a bit too much pressure and the pin snapped, falling uselessly into the locked drawer. “Damn you to hell, mother!” she cursed and sat back, wiping her slick brow.

            She’d always viewed herself as a sensible girl, a dutiful daughter, and an honest friend. She could only imagine the horror on Vi’s face if she saw her now. A common thief. A midnight prowler. A defiler of privacy.

            Although, it could not be helped.

            She sought answers and at the moment all she had was an endless list of questions.
            Gaining her feet once more, she bundled her kit and slipped it back into her pocket. She turned her attention to the long table against the wall behind the desk. Leaning over, she ran her hand along the underside of the ornately carved piece, feeling for hidden compartments or—if her luck returned—a forgotten folder of papers.

            “Sherry, Miss Ruby?” an oddly familiar voice asked behind her.

Amazon buy link:
 http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-More-Lady-Forsaken-Book-ebook/dp/B00NG1E5CO/ref=twoen-20

Short Links:
Amazon US - http://amzn.to/1Ey852b
Amazon Print - http://amzn.to/1ujssNu
Amazon CA - http://amzn.to/11eX3kn
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1tDvaYZ
B&N - http://bit.ly/1EBFyZL
Kobo - http://bit.ly/113cnQw
Apple - http://bit.ly/1GPxGWq
Smashwords - http://bit.ly/11eXqvt
Createspace - http://bit.ly/1v0yzZ6





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#Review: CHANDREA by Marlene Wynn

  3 of 5 stars
CHANDREA is an ambitious fantasy about a long-lost avatar queen. A queen who will reunite the land and defeat the evil Queen Leilah, but twenty-three-year-old Chandrea has no idea the fate that awaits her. While preparing for job interviews, Chandrea is whisked through a magical portal to an alien land where she is supposed to fulfill a grand prophesy of saving the people of Lyrunia. Problem is, Chandrea has no idea who these people are or what she is supposed to do. She's angry and disoriented and what's nothing more than to just go home.

The author does a very good job of describing the different lands as Chandrea and a small band of trusted friends travel to RiMore so she can learn to control the magic within her. I did find that as I got further into the book, I cared less about all the descriptions of the landscape and animals that inhibited it and more about getting back to the action. I skipped through lots of exposition. As with so many fantasy books I've read lately, this book has no conclusion, just a big cliff hanger. I would have at least like to see one of the major problems solved, but unfortunately, this book didn't solve any of them. It's certainly not a bad book, but I don't think I'll be reading any more in the series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 
***
Book & Author details:Chandrea – The Return of the Avatar Queen by Marlene Wynn
Publication date: September 22nd 2014
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult
Synopsis:Chandrea Averill thinks she’s just like any other normal young woman. But, on the day of her 23rd birthday, her life changes forever.
Surrounded by magical creatures, dangerous sorcery, and insidious political intrigue, Chandrea desperately wants to return to Earth and the only life she’s ever known. But, the longer she stays, the more she realizes that she may be the only one with the power – both magical and political – to save the people of Lyrunia. Will she find the courage to remain and fight for her home world?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22605642-chandrea---the-return-of-the-avatar-queen?ac=1
Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/147911569X/ref=twoen-20
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chandrea-the-return-of-the-avatar-queen-marlene-wynn/1119974196?ean=2940045646550

AUTHOR BIOMarlene Wynn is a Utah native – fondly referred to as “Utonian” by a friend.  She transplanted herself in 1992 from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the beachy shores of sunny Virginia Beach, Virginia and has been there ever since.  Though she has worked in the Benefits field for several years, she finally worked up the courage to chase her dream as an author.
Author links:http://www.marlenewynn.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8343236.Marlene_Wynnhttps://www.facebook.com/MarleneWynn.Authorhttps://twitter.com/MWynnAuthor
Giveaway:Tour-wide giveaway (US and Canada) - Image attachedA print copy of Chandrea – The Return of the Avatar Queen, A handmade fairy, A set of character trading cards.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 


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Interview with Melanie Karsak, LADY MACBETH

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?My new novel is Lady Macbeth: Daughter of Ravens. It is Book I in the Saga for Lady Macbeth series. The saga is a historical fantasy saga, dark fantasy actually, that follows the life of Gruoch, the “real” Lady Macbeth. While many of the details of her life are based on history, I also added many elements of Shakespeare’s play . . . like the inclusion of Banquo (as a love interest!) and the three witches (as practitioners of old Celtic beliefs).
Link: http://amzn.com/B00NK6B60O
Do you have a favorite character?Of course I love the protagonist, Gruoch, but I really love her close friend, Sid. Gruoch meets Sid at a secret coven of women who still worship the old religion of Celtic Scotland. But Sid is different. Sid can see and talk to fairies and travels to the fairy world. But her behavior, talking to fairies others cannot see, makes her seem crazy to everyone except Gruoch. They develop a close bond. I love that these two friends see and love each other for who they truly are!
Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?Not with this series, but that did happen in my dark fantasy/zombie series, The Harvesting Series. I have intended a short parallel story that incorporated a girl names Cricket, a carnie girl who survives the zpoc, in The Harvesting but it didn’t work out that way. I ended up with a full novella, Midway, just about Cricket and she will be a major character in the second novel in the series!
Midway: http://amzn.com/B00OX2KY7U
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?Liliana Sanches (seen on Deviantart as Princess of Shadows) is the designer for both The Harvesting Series and The Saga of Lady Macbeth novels. Liliana is wonderful to work with. I basically told her what I was going for, the feel of the novel, and comps for the novel. She showed me drafts as she created all my covers and we tweaked from there. She did an amazing job getting important symbolism and vibe going with the covers.Princess of Shadows: http://princess-of-shadows.deviantart.com/
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?I belong to the Blazing Indie Collective, a facebook group of amazing writers from across genres. Our group’s purpose is to support each other, provide positive encouragement, and cross-promote our works. We also work collectively. We are currently planning a mermaid collection that will release next summer, The Falling in Deep Collection. This is a great group and I love working with them!
The Falling in Deep Collection:  https://www.facebook.com/fallingindeepcollection
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?I work with two different editors, and sometimes a proofreader, for my novels. I have dyslexia so I have to have someone read for me. It’s very easy for me to miss errors. My novels The Harvesting (dark fantasy/zombie) and Chasing the Star Garden (steampunk) have both been awarded Indie BRAG Medallions for excellence in writing so it seems like my team is doing something right!
Becky Stephens Editing: www.beckystephensediting.com/
What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?That I don’t have to wait for permission, that’s the first and biggest lesson I had to learn. I can let readers, not publishers and agents, decide if they like my work. I was still stuck in the old mindset that I needed a stamp of approval. I don’t. I’ve also learned that being authentic, kind, and patient are very important qualities as I continue this journey. I am excited to see my peers succeed; I think it’s great we all have a chance. I am not big on drama or aggressive competition. I try to take bad reviews gracefully and celebrate the good ones. It’s important for writers to enjoy every small success and ignore negativity!
What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?I am active on facebook, have a busy blog, and am growing my newsletter. I do have twitter and tumblr but am much less comfortable on those platforms. Right now, I am really enjoying writing my newsletter and figuring out what people might like to hear and read. My facebook is more where I meet people than market, but I do share new release and sales info there at times too. And I’m also a Pinterest junkie, but just because I love to look at the pretty pictures (it’s my stress-management go-to, lol!).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsakBlog: http://melaniekarsak.blogspot.com/Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/OSPDHPinterest: www.pinterest.com/melaniekarsak
How about some fun facts-which do you prefer? Dogs or cats, coffee or tea, vanilla or chocolate, morning or night?Dogs! I’ve had to clean one to many litter boxes. Sorry, cats!Coffee! Lots and lots of coffee!Chocolate. That wasn’t really a question, was it?Night! I would love to get up in the morning and head to my desk, but I have 2 little people and a job that need looking after. Until I hit the publishing lottery, I’ll be sticking with the night shift.
What’s next for you?My next two projects are the second novel in my dark fantasy/zombie series, The Shadow Aspect, and my mermaid novella, Ink.



Book & Author details:Lady Macbeth by Melanie Karsak
(Daughter of Ravens #1)
Publication date: December 3rd 2014
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Synopsis:Something wicked this way comes . . .
Gruoch is born to rule, but long before she becomes Macbeth’s queen, ancient forces claim her soul.Marked from birth by the old gods, Gruoch is initiated into the ancient religion of her ancestors and begins learning the mysteries of the Goddess Cerridwen. But not everything is as it seems. Soon the Battle Goddess Morrigu imposes her will, and Gruoch finds herself at the mercy of the Wyrd Sisters.With King Malcolm plotting, the Wyrd Sisters schooling her in arcane craft, and haunted by dreams of a raven-haired man she’s never met, Gruoch feels her fate is not her own. That is, until she meets a druid named Banquo. Gruoch’s heart is swept away when Banquo awakens something in her more powerful than duty, magic, or destiny: love.
This retelling of Shakespeare’s classic work leads readers through an unforgettable saga of one woman struggling to escape her fate without blood on her hands.
Begin the Lady Mabeth Saga with Lady Macbeth: Daughter of Ravens.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22850019-lady-macbeth?ac=1
Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NK6B60O/ref=cm_sw_su_dp


AUTHOR BIO Melanie Karsak is the author of the Amazon best-selling steampunk series The Airship Racing Chronicles (Chasing the Star Garden and Chasing the  Green Fairy) and the award-wining horror/dark fantasy Harvesting Series. She grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and earned a Master’s degree in English from Gannon University. A steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and zombie whisperer, the author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children. 

She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.
Author links:http://melaniekarsak.blogspot.ca/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539577.Melanie_Karsakhttps://twitter.com/melaniekarsakhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsak





Giveaway:Tour-wide giveaway (INTL) Storiarts Alice in Wonderland Scarf (image attached)







a Rafflecopter giveaway
 



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Book Tour Blast: FUSION by 9 Best-Selling Authors

“ELEMENTALLY PRICELESS” an EXCLUSIVE Novella by SHANNON MAYER (International Bestselling Author)
Urban Fantasy, Heat Rating: 2
“My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker.”
A missing child, a deadly prophecy, and a world of unusual supernaturals slam together in this EXCLUSIVE novella from Shannon Mayer. Meet Rylee, a Tracker of missing children, and Lark, an Earth Elemental as they tackle a case neither could crack on their own dodging the world of the supernatural and FBI alike. Separate, they are deadly, strong, and determined. Together, they are unstoppable. Or so they think.

“ETHEREAL (Celestra Series, Book 1)” by ADDISON MOORE (NY Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author)
YA Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 2
The Celestra Series has been optioned for film by 20th CENTURY FOX
Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. With her life in upheaval, she finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds and has knowledge she desires. If only he would share. Skyla’s bloodlines to angelic beings may not be able to save her from those who want her dead, but Skyla is nowhere near done living — and she’s not going down without a fight.

“HERE (On the Otherside Series, Book 1)” by DENISE GROVER SWANK (NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author)
YA Science Fiction, Heat Rating: 2
Sixteen year old Julia Phillips buries herself in guilt after killing her best friend in a car accident. But guilt can’t explain how she can suddenly draw, has false memories of the accident and how a bracelet engraved with her name ended at the scene. Suddenly, Evan Whittaker is interested in her and her life. Why he was missing for two days and returns wearing a pendant she’s been drawing for months leads the two on a journey to find out how Monica is still alive and just where Even is really from.

“INESCAPABLE (The Premonition Series, Book 1)” by AMY BARTOL (International Bestselling Author)
YA Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 2
I’m Evie and this was to be the making of me-my first year of college. I’d hoped that once I’d arrived at Crestwood, the nightmare that I’ve been having would go away. It hasn’t. At 17, I may be inexperienced, but I’m sane. When Reed is near, however, nothing makes any sense. He’s not what he seems to be…and neither am I. I’m afraid that the nightmare my dream is foretelling is…inescapable.

“THE CURE” by STEPHANIE ERICKSON (Bestselling Author)
YA Dystopian, Heat Rating: 1
“One life will make the difference.” Macey Holsinger has heard that phrase her whole life, in the name of fighting a disease that has claimed so many lives. How much will she be willing to sacrifice in the name of the cure?

“UPRISING (A Collide Novel, Book 2)” by SHELLY CRANE (NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author)
YA Science Fiction, Heat Rating: 2
Sherry and Merrick come face to face with old friends and new enemies in this sequel to Collide. When a little girl is found, things change for everyone and loyalties will be tested. New romances, drama and rivalries may upset the delicate balance they established while transformations on both sides of good and evil will arise as the series continues.

“ARCADIA’S GIFT (Arcadia Series, Book 1)” by JESI LEA RYAN (Bestselling Author)
YA Paranormal, Heat Rating: 2
When teenager Arcadia Day wakes in a hospital after what can only be described as a psychic episode, she finds her family in tatters. As her home life crumbles and her emotional control slips away, she begins to suspect that her first psychic experience was just the beginning.

“BIRTH (Allie’s War, Early Years)” by J.C. Andrijeski (Bestselling Author)
Contemporary Fantasy, Heat Rating: 4
High in mountain caves, surrounded by kind-hearted monks, the shadow of the Rooks hangs over Revik’s head, a constant reminder of the dark warrior he used to be. When strange, militant Seers appear, asking for his help, his first impulse is to say no…until he learns it is Kali who needs saving… the one person he cannot refuse.

“WICKEDEST WITCH” by EVE LANGLAIS (New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author)
Paranormal Romance, Heat Rating: 4
Evangeline is not a very nice witch, and she’s not afraid to show it. She lands a job where she is forced to work with a rude, cocky and totally unsuitable shifter. Despite it all, she can’t help craving his touch. When Ryker is partnered with the witch, he does everything he can to fight her allure. And fails. Vampires, a wedding from hell, and a cackling boss make this an action packed and humorous romance to remember.

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#Excerpt: THE GREEN ROSE by Stephanie Burkhart

BLURB:On the continent of Gaia, evil is brewing. Turncoat wizard, Balthyser, kidnaps the kings of Dahaka and Tapin. He wants the green rose, a source of powerful magic.
Princess Sonia of Tapin is forced to hunt down the rose in exchange for her father's life. It's the ultimate betrayal of Gaia's peace, but she has no choice if she wants to save her father.
Prince Ivánstan of Dahaka accompanies her on the journey. Both face challenges and obstacles that test their strength of character during the hunt for the rose. Dare Sonia put her trust and faith in a man she hardly knows to secure Gaia's peace or will the continent's harmony be shattered forever?


Excerpt:
His lips brushed against her ear, sending a warm pulse of physical awareness through her. Ivánstan was all male. Slowly, she turned around in his arms to gaze into his eyes. They were soft now, the orange reminding her of the sun; his pupils, while still slitted, were narrow.
He said nothing, but held her firmly. Her heart pounded an erratic rhythm. What was he doing to her? Was the magic in their blood at work between them? Why did being in his arms bring her a sense of comfort? Protection? Desire? Could she even trust these feelings?
He leaned forward, opening his lips, his mouth skirting hers, teasing, tempting, before he gently covered her. He kissed her slowly, heightening the pleasure that spiked in her body as her breasts tingled against the fabric of her clothes. One of his hands rested at the base of her spine, supporting her. The other hand he brought up to her face and brushed his fingers against her cheek as they kissed.
By Nyla, she could barely stand, so lost was she in the pleasure of his lips. Fear quickened through her. No man had ever kissed her like this before -- so tenderly, so reverently. She placed her hands over his chest and pushed him away gently, placing distance between them.
Ivánstan cupped her cheek as confusion splayed across his handsome features. "What's wrong?"
"Why did you kiss me?"
Amusement filled his eyes. "Truth be told, I find you attractive."***
AUTHOR Bio and Links:Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  She served 11 years in the US Army and currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.
FIND ME:
WEBSITE:http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor
GOOD READS:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-blast-green-rose-by-stephanie.html
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WHAT INSPIRES ME TO WRITE MIGHT FREAK YOU OUT by Bonnie Paulson

 We all have that voice inside us that prompts action. You know, the one that says eat that donut when we really “want” to go for a job? The one that says another slice of pizza won’t hurt your hips. Knit – don’t clean! Play with puppies. Build a house of cards. Review that book. Squirrel! Then there’s a voice that only talks at night – long after bedtime and your head has hit the pillow, the alarm will go off in four, three, two hours. The voice pumps you full of ideas but steals them away again in the morning.Say your passion is writing – like mine is *wink* - and you get your best ideas when you’re standing in the shower, where there’s no bloody pen or paper. If you don’t get the idea out, it festers, growing, building, surmounting the current work-in-progress and overall driving you slowly insane. That’s how it is for me. Keeping my sanity at a manageable level drives me – keeps me going. I know, it’s not something beautiful or inspired like the good of mankind or peace on earth, but imagine if I lost my sanity. Considering the things that I write (hint: NOT cuddly!), good of mankind and peace on earth might be in more jeopardy than we thought, if I lose itBonnie R. Paulson is all about survival. Do you have what it takes to turn the page? Sign up for Bonnie’s Survival Newsletter and become a Survivor with sneak peeks at upcoming releases and other fun stuff.
Find Bonnie atTwitter: @bonnierpaulsonFacebook: http://facebook.com/bonpaulsonwww.bonnierpaulson.netbonnierpaulson@bonnierpaulson.net
A Date to Die for: 1-4 $2.99Release Day - A Date to Die for: 5, 6, & 7: Dirty Twist, Check Mate, & Last Chance On Sale $.99!! Date to Die for: Series #1 When dating ends in deaths and threats, Molly might be better off staying single. During one of Molly’s weekly meet-ups with her girls at their regular bar, Molly succumbs to the duress of her two best friends and begins the aggressive dating they sign her up for online where the pairings are questionable... and dangerous. They’ve entered her in an evening of speed dating. But at the end of the evening she finds an item from her past that raises questions, grief... and danger. When the number of deaths surpass Molly’s goodnight kisses, her past pushes into the present and Molly loses much more than she gains. A stalker has focused on Molly and refuses to let anyone else date her. But she refuses to be single for the rest of her life. Is Molly doomed to a life of singledom wrapped in fear - or will the stalker turn on her.    

#2, Oh No, He Didn’t! Molly is ready to meet up with her first date – Crisco Ethan. But first she has to survive threats at work and fear at home. Will Brad-the-bartender make a move or flirt from afar? The stalker is closing in and Molly has a terrible feeling she won’t stay untouched for long. Can she lean on Brad or is her heart pushing her toward danger?    

#3 Dinner for Two Getting ready to message her next date, Molly comes across an email from the stalker that might tear her apart. The aftereffects swallow her sanity and she struggles to stay in the everyday while battling the knowledge that he can find her anywhere. Nowhere is safe. Is Brad as involved as circumstances suggest? Or is a man out there that wants nothing more than to keep her all to himself – dead or alive?    

#4 Don’t Look Back! At work, a special delivery slams home the seriousness of the situation. How many more lives will be affected by the man’s obsession with Molly? Molly’s stalker attacks close to home. Can she find safety? Can anyone?

 #5 Dirty Twist The stakes are high and Molly has learned how desperate her stalker has made her. Tormented with more kidnappings and deaths, Molly searches for answers in all the wrong places. Will she find what she’s looking for? Or will her fear continue to paralyze her, leaving her open for the ultimate end?

 #6 Check Mate What precautions can a single girl take to protect herself from a sociopath? Why, move in with the crush and bring his ass in to play the game, of course. Even with all the bravado, Molly still learns she has a lot more to lose. Can she come back from the turmoil? Or is she doomed to misery for the rest of her short life?

 #7 Last Chance In a desperate attempt to save someone she cares about, Molly faces her would-be killer. But who it is devastates her. If the killer has their way, Molly will die at their side. Can Molly escape or will she finally be on a Date to Die for?

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