Donna Ball's Blog, page 4
July 1, 2012
And the Winner Is...
Thanks to all my advance readers for the months of May and June! Without you it would be impossible to get the word out about new releases, and because of you I am able to stay abreast of what readers want (and don't want!) in my books. You are the reason I continue to write.
To show my appreciation, everyone who volunteered to read and review one of my books in May or June was entered in a drawing for a basket of books. The top three winners were chosen by Random.com (a random-number generator) and they are:
First Place: Vern
Second Place: Melane
Third Place: Rose
The first place winner receives : a complete autographed set of the Raine Stockton Dog mysteries, plus Renegade, Keys to the Castle and Ten Things Your Puppy Needs to Know; a set of notecards featuring original dog art, a silver pawprint bookmark, and-- most importantly-- a treat for the canine member of the family!
Second and third place winners will each receive an autographed copy of Keys to the Castle and a set of note cards.
Thank you once again to all my loyal readers!
To show my appreciation, everyone who volunteered to read and review one of my books in May or June was entered in a drawing for a basket of books. The top three winners were chosen by Random.com (a random-number generator) and they are:
First Place: Vern
Second Place: Melane
Third Place: Rose
The first place winner receives : a complete autographed set of the Raine Stockton Dog mysteries, plus Renegade, Keys to the Castle and Ten Things Your Puppy Needs to Know; a set of notecards featuring original dog art, a silver pawprint bookmark, and-- most importantly-- a treat for the canine member of the family!
Second and third place winners will each receive an autographed copy of Keys to the Castle and a set of note cards.
Thank you once again to all my loyal readers!
May 28, 2012
Raine and Cisco Return!
The Dead Season: A Raine Stockton Dog Mystery (Volume 6)
Raine Stockton and her search-and-rescue dog, Cisco, return in their most intense adventure yet with The Dead Season.
January is known as the dead season in the small Smoky mountain community of Hanover County, North Carolina. For dog trainer and wilderness expert Raine Stockton, who hasn't had a client in six months, this season has been deader than most. When the New Day Wilderness Program for Troubled Teens offers her a job leading a group of students on a winter camping expedition as part of their rehabilitation program, Raine jumps at the chance-- particularly since it means she will be able to take her golden retriever, Cisco, with her. But something is not right at New Day, and Raine and Cisco soon find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, suspicion and sabotage. As the group moves deeper into the wilderness beneath steadily worsening weather, Raine begins to fear she and Cisco may soon find themselves trapped on the mountainside... with a killer.The Dead Season is not your typical dog mystery, and the ending already has readers talking. When you have finished reading, you can add your opinion on what really happened on that mountain (SPOILER ALERT) by going to the Raine Stockton Dog Mystery page , or click "Dog Mysteries" above.
April 23, 2012
New Suspense Book!
Buy at Amazon.comA missing teenage girl... a desperate mother... a frantic call in the night... is this a cruel hoax, or the work of a maniacal serial killer?
The peaceful resort town of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea on Florida's Forgotten Coast is known for its low crime rate, pristine beaches, and great fishing. But tragedy can come even to Paradise, as Carol Dennison found out two and a half years ago when her fourteen-year-old daughter, Kelly, disappeared on her way to a Tallahassee concert. Now, just as Carol as beginning to rebuild the pieces of her shattered life, she receives a midnight call from someone who calls her "mama" and begs for help. Is this a cruel prank designed to terrorize and punish Kelly's father for the role he played in bringing a recently paroled criminal to justice? Or is it possible that Kelly is still alive?
A grim investigation uncovers a connection between Kelly and other girls who have gone missing along the Gulf Coast in the past few years. When the body of one of those missing girls washes up on the shores of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea, the police are forced to admit they may have a serial killer in their midst. And with over three thousand college students poised to descend on the tiny community for spring break, their only hope for stopping him before he strikes again is the frightened voice of a teenage girl on the telephone... and the desperate determination of the parents who love her.
Shattered is not a book for the faint of heart. It even scared me, and I knew the ending! Mothers, beware. Hold your children close while reading this one.
For a limited time, anyone who is interested in writing a review for Amazon.com can receive a free digital copy of SHATTERED just by contacting me through this web site. As a bonus, all of my reviewers through the end of May will be entered in a drawing to receive a gift basket filled with books and other really cool stuff. More details to come!
New Suspense Book
A missing teenage girl... a desperate mother... a frantic call in the night... is this a cruel hoax, or the work of a maniacal serial killer?
The peaceful resort town of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea on Florida's Forgotten Coast is known for its low crime rate, pristine beaches, and great fishing. But tragedy can come even to Paradise, as Carol Dennison found out two and a half years ago when her fourteen-year-old daughter, Kelly, disappeared on her way to a Tallahassee concert. Now, just as Carol as beginning to rebuild the pieces of her shattered life, she receives a midnight call from someone who calls her "mama" and begs for help. Is this a cruel prank designed to terrorize and punish Kelly's father for the role he played in bringing a recently paroled criminal to justice? Or is it possible that Kelly is still alive?
A grim investigation uncovers a connection between Kelly and other girls who have gone missing along the Gulf Coast in the past few years. When the body of one of those missing girls washes up on the shores of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea, the police are forced to admit they may have a serial killer in their midst. And with over three thousand college students poised to descend on the tiny community for spring break, their only hope for stopping him before he strikes again is the frightened voice of a teenage girl on the telephone... and the desperate determination of the parents who love her.
Shattered is not a book for the faint of heart. It even scared me, and I knew the ending! Mothers, beware. Hold your children close while reading this one.
You can buy SHATTERED here:
http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-ebook...
For a limited time, anyone who is interested in writing a review for Amazon.com can receive a free digital copy of SHATTERED just by contacting me at www.donnaball.net. As a bonus, all of my reviewers through the end of May will be entered in a drawing to receive a gift basket filled with books and other really cool stuff. More details to come!
The peaceful resort town of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea on Florida's Forgotten Coast is known for its low crime rate, pristine beaches, and great fishing. But tragedy can come even to Paradise, as Carol Dennison found out two and a half years ago when her fourteen-year-old daughter, Kelly, disappeared on her way to a Tallahassee concert. Now, just as Carol as beginning to rebuild the pieces of her shattered life, she receives a midnight call from someone who calls her "mama" and begs for help. Is this a cruel prank designed to terrorize and punish Kelly's father for the role he played in bringing a recently paroled criminal to justice? Or is it possible that Kelly is still alive?
A grim investigation uncovers a connection between Kelly and other girls who have gone missing along the Gulf Coast in the past few years. When the body of one of those missing girls washes up on the shores of St. Teresa-by-the-Sea, the police are forced to admit they may have a serial killer in their midst. And with over three thousand college students poised to descend on the tiny community for spring break, their only hope for stopping him before he strikes again is the frightened voice of a teenage girl on the telephone... and the desperate determination of the parents who love her.
Shattered is not a book for the faint of heart. It even scared me, and I knew the ending! Mothers, beware. Hold your children close while reading this one.
You can buy SHATTERED here:
http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-ebook...
For a limited time, anyone who is interested in writing a review for Amazon.com can receive a free digital copy of SHATTERED just by contacting me at www.donnaball.net. As a bonus, all of my reviewers through the end of May will be entered in a drawing to receive a gift basket filled with books and other really cool stuff. More details to come!
December 26, 2011
Happy Holidays!
I am worse than a kid in a candy shop with my new Kindle Fire! I just can't stop downloading books, movies and magazines-- in full color, no less. Someone stop me please:) If Santa was similarly good to you, here is a little something extra for your stocking: The following Kindle Books are FREE through December 28:
RENEGADE
NIGHT FLIGHT
SANCTUARY
EXPOSURE
Have a happy, prosperous and well-read new year!
RENEGADE
NIGHT FLIGHT
SANCTUARY
EXPOSUREHave a happy, prosperous and well-read new year!
December 7, 2011
More Happy Holidays from Ladybug Farm!
Now available in Print or e-book
Yes, it's true! In response to reader demand, Christmas on Ladybug Farm, a special holiday novella, is available just in time for holiday giving (and reading!)
Join the familiar characters from Ladybug Farm as they prepare for another hectic holiday and remember past Christmases that have had special meaning in their lives. Meantime, one of their own has gone astray, and it begins to look as though it will take a miracle to bring the family back together again.
I hope you enjoy Christmas on Ladybug Farm, but remember--novella means short! This book is under 200 pages in print, but it does include a bonus holiday recipe section.
And if you are a Ladybug Farm Lover, stop by http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/59264.Ladybug_Farm for news, contests, and a special behind-the scenes look at the writing of Christmas on Ladybug Farm.
Now available in Print or e-book Yes, it's true! In response to reader demand, Christmas on Ladybug Farm, a special holiday novella, is available just in time for holiday giving (and reading!)
Join the familiar characters from Ladybug Farm as they prepare for another hectic holiday and remember past Christmases that have had special meaning in their lives. Meantime, one of their own has gone astray, and it begins to look as though it will take a miracle to bring the family back together again.
I hope you enjoy Christmas on Ladybug Farm, but remember--novella means short! This book is under 200 pages in print, but it does include a bonus holiday recipe section.
And if you are a Ladybug Farm Lover, stop by http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/59264.Ladybug_Farm for news, contests, and a special behind-the scenes look at the writing of Christmas on Ladybug Farm.
Surprise for Ladybug Farm Lovers!
Buy Christmas on Ladybug Farm by clicking here
'Twas the Night Before Christmas... It's Christmas Eve, and Cici, Bridget and Lindsay are busy preparing for their annual holiday party. The tree is sparkling, the turkey is roasting, the wreaths are hung and the eggnog is chilled. The scene is set for the perfect Christmas... with one or two exceptions.
The entire state is in the midst of a heat wave. No one can find any mistletoe. The Christmas tree lights keep exploding, and, perhaps worst of all, something has gone terribly wrong with Ida Mae's fruitcakes. It wouldn't be Ladybug Farm if everything went according to plan, and as the ladies deal with one mishap after another, they remember Christmases past, laughter shared, and lessons learned.
But when nightfall descends upon Ladybug Farm and one of their own still has not come home, they begin to worry that this Christmas will be one to remember for all the wrong reasons. All they can do is cling to each other as they watch and wait ... and pray for miracle.
Christmas on Ladybug Farm is a short novella-- less than 200 pages-- with a bonus recipe section, that I wrote specifically as a Christmas thank-you to all my loyal readers who have begged for another Ladybug installment. I hope you'll find it as much fun to visit the ladies of Ladybug Farm again as I did!
Now available in print and e-book editions!
November 28, 2011
Happy Holidays from Raine and Cisco!
Now in E-Book and Print Editions!
'TIS THE SEASONIt's Christmas time, and for Raine Stockton and her Search and Rescue dog, Cisco, Hansonville, North Carolina is just like a Norman Rockwell painting-- except for the rash of thefts of baby Jesus figurines from nativity scenes, an abandoned box of golden retriever puppies that someone leaves beside her mailbox, and a mysterious gift from one of Cisco's a grateful admirers. Raine already has her hands full with her own misbehaving pooches, unexpected house guests, and a complicated new relationship. But when a newborn is abandoned in the manger of the town's living nativity and Raine walks in on what appears to be the scene of a murder, she has more to worry about than keeping the Christmas spirit alive.*********************
What a delight it was to come back to Raine and Cisco again! I had such fun with BONE YARD that SILENT NIGHT practically wrote itself. I hope you'll like the direction which I am taking Raine and Cisco's story, because I can't wait to get started on the next installment!
Check the Raine Stockton Dog Mysteries page for exciting offers and fun contests throughout the holidays, and please, let me know how you like SILENT NIGHT.
New Christmas Raine Stockton Dog Mystery
Just in time for Cyber Monday! SILENT Night, the latest installment in the Raine Stockton Dog Mystery series,is now available in print and digital editions wherever you buy your books. Here's a link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Ra...
And here's the description:
It's Christmas time, and for Raine Stockton and her Search and Rescue dog, Cisco, Hansonville, North Carolina is just like a Norman Rockwell painting-- except for the rash of thefts of baby Jesus figurines from nativity scenes, an abandoned box of golden retriever puppies that someone leaves beside her mailbox, and a mysterious gift from one of Cisco's a grateful admirers. Raine already has her hands full with her own misbehaving pooches, unexpected house guests, and a complicated new relationship. But when a newborn is abandoned in the manger of the town's living nativity and Raine walks in on what appears to be the scene of a murder, she has more to worry about than keeping the Christmas spirit alive.
I just loved writing this Christmas cozy, and I'm incredibly excited about the way things are going in Raine's life. I hope you will be too! Enjoy SILENT NIGHT, and stay tuned for more holiday announcements from me coming soon.
And here's the description:
It's Christmas time, and for Raine Stockton and her Search and Rescue dog, Cisco, Hansonville, North Carolina is just like a Norman Rockwell painting-- except for the rash of thefts of baby Jesus figurines from nativity scenes, an abandoned box of golden retriever puppies that someone leaves beside her mailbox, and a mysterious gift from one of Cisco's a grateful admirers. Raine already has her hands full with her own misbehaving pooches, unexpected house guests, and a complicated new relationship. But when a newborn is abandoned in the manger of the town's living nativity and Raine walks in on what appears to be the scene of a murder, she has more to worry about than keeping the Christmas spirit alive.
I just loved writing this Christmas cozy, and I'm incredibly excited about the way things are going in Raine's life. I hope you will be too! Enjoy SILENT NIGHT, and stay tuned for more holiday announcements from me coming soon.
October 31, 2011
New Devoncroix Dynasty Book
RENEGADE (written under the name Donna Boyd, the third installment in the Devoncroix Dynasty, is finally available-- after a wait of over ten years! Read more about it at http://www.devoncroix.com, and join me for the Q&A with Donna Boyd (yes, that's me!) discussion group here on Goodreads.
Here's a little sample:
Rolfe straightened his cuffs in two curt gestures and returned to his seat, his expression now only pleasantly curious. “So tell me, these creatures of yours, these… what is it you call them?”
Here's a little sample:
Rolfe straightened his cuffs in two curt gestures and returned to his seat, his expression now only pleasantly curious. “So tell me, these creatures of yours, these… what is it you call them?”
“Lupinotuum,” supplied Emory politely. “It’s from the Latin. It means ‘part man, part wolf’.”
He nodded. “So you would have us believe that they roam the world quite freely, and have done so for centuries.”
Emory played the game. He had nothing to lose. Nothing at all. “Evidence suggests they are at least as old a species as homo sapiens. I think they may be older.”
Rolfe laid a finger aside his lips, tapping thoughtfully. “And they walk about among humans unimpeded and undiscovered, even in today’s world of sophisticated information technology—the internet, spy satellites--and no one has ever learned of their existence but you?”
Emory laughed softly. He couldn’t help it. “First of all, they control the internet. They invented satellite technology. They could take down the entire human communications network with one keystroke if they wanted to. And I didn’t say no one has ever known about them but me. Human history is filled with references to them—the wolf gods of the Mayas and the Egyptians, the myths of Greece and Rome. I know for a fact that other humans have lived within their households, and have known them for who they are. But I think I may be the only human who has studied them, and written their history down.”
“Which of course is what makes you of such great interest to me,” agreed Rolfe. “I want to hear the story from the source. How long were you with them?”
Emory glanced down at his nearly empty glass. “All my life,” he said softly.
