Maria Savva's Blog, page 20

New Release: Zed, by Jason McIntyre

One of my favourite authors has a new release! Jason McIntyre, author of the Dovetail Cove series of books, has released the latest title in that series.






About the book:

It’s the waning dog days of August, 1975 and Tom Mason’s in Dovetail Cove for the last few weeks of his summer job at the group home. His boss and the home’s owner is Karen Banatyne, one of the wealthiest folks in town. It seems like she’s got it in for Tom; she's the only one standing in his way as he scrimps for a new camera.

But Karen has her own problems. A regulatory agency might cut off her funding, plus her hubby hasn’t been seen in a few weeks, and she’s not saying why. Most ominous of all, it seems as though something’s hiding in the hot spring north of the main beach and one of Karen’s ‘houseguests’ is about to come face to face with evil. Tom is too.

Buy links:

Amazon (Worldwide)
US: http://amzn.com/B012PB6W44
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012PB6W44
AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B012PB6W44
CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B012PB6W44

Barnes & Noble
http://tinyurl.com/ptxjvx9

iTunes
http://tinyurl.com/pvmbsry





Follow the link to Jason McIntyre's website to find out more about his books: http://www.thefarthestreaches.com/

New Release: Speak The Word, by Justin Bog

About the book:

SPEAK THE WORD contains the two new dark tales added to the original ten to form Sandcastle and Other Stories: The Complete Edition, and a peek at the first chapter of Justin Bog’s next psychological thriller.

THE APPLE — One fateful evening, in a single moment, a man and his wife hover between peace and upheaval.

SPEAK THE WORD — A Texan bears the brunt of his fire and brimstone-filled life, and after a shocking turn of events, begins to test his own faith.




Buy the book:

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Speak-Word-Ju...

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Speak-Word-Just...

If you enjoy these two tales, find more darkness in the award-winning collection, Sandcastle and Other Stories: The Complete Edition, which reveals twisted secrets that are mined like plutonium. These twelve literary tales are nothing short of an adventure through a roiling sea of emotion. With authenticity and eloquence, author Justin Bog holds a provocative and compelling mirror on the human condition.




Author links:

Website: http://justinbog.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinBog1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinBog

Happy Book Lovers Day

Today is Book Lovers Day!

Celebrate by reading a book!

Here are some that I've recently read and enjoyed:

Update on my writing

It's been a while since I updated you all on my writing projects.


1. My second edition of A Time to Tell is currently at the formatting stage for eBook and I'm arranging a paperback version that will be available initially on Lulu.com and eventually worldwide via all online retailers.



It's taken quite a while to get the final version done as I have been juggling various other projects and my day job. I'm very happy with the finished product and hope you will be too :)

2. I recently wrote two short stories for the next book in The Mind's Eye Series. That series only started last year and we're already on book 4! It's a lot of fun working with the other authors and the photographers, and we're looking forward to getting that book published by the end of the year. We are currently working on the cover design and will be starting the formatting for eBook and paperback shortly.








3. I have another collection of short stories, "Lost and Found", that I'm working on. It's 6 short stories that I found on an old floppy disk, that had originally been written in the '90s. I've edited and updated them. I also wrote one new story for the collection. That collection is at the editing stage.

4. Also at the editing stage is my next novel, "In the Web of Dreams and Lies". I'm hoping to make more progress on that once A Time to Tell is finally published.

More news soon!

Book Review: The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It goes without saying that this a life-changing book for anyone who reads it. I learnt about Anne Frank's Diary when I was a teenager, about the same age as Anne was when she wrote her diary. I decided to read it because I couldn't remember if I'd ever read the whole thing when I was younger or whether I only read certain parts.

It is fascinating because it's a diary; there is something intriguing about reading someone's diary anyway, but this is no ordinary diary. I couldn't help wishing for a different ending to this young girl's story even as I was reading it, even though I knew the ending already.

Anne was a very typical teenager with all the angst, all the dreams, all the hopes and insecurities. Her diary sets out the goings-on in the 'secret annexe' where she and her family along with another family and others were hiding from the Germans during World War II, for fear of being shot or taken to concentration camps. The daily fear that Anne and the others would have felt comes across so strongly in this journal. The way members of the household would argue over the littlest things gives us an idea of the amount of stress they were under. Despite all they were going through, it seems that the people in the annexe were ultimately always there for each other and they had grown close to each other, even though they often couldn't stand each other!

I found Anne's writing to be very thoughtful. It seemed that she was going through a difficult time trying to balance her own needs and trying to deal with her changing moods. In her final journal entry we get an insight into what the real Anne was like when she tells how she often hid her real self from the others because of what she feared they would say or how they'd react. She was definitely a deep thinker and there are many quotes floating around the Internet from this book, passages from this diary that make you think and make you question the world around us.

When the diary ends, it is an abrupt ending. It's heartbreaking because it's just another diary entry from quite a high-spirited Anne telling her diary (which she calls 'Kitty') about the day, and then the book ends. We all know that in the days that followed that diary entry the family would have been captured and taken away to the concentration camp where they were killed. It really brings home the fact that this young girl's life was cruelly cut short and that she had so much more to offer the world.

Anne Frank's dream was to be a journalist and then to become a world-famous author. Ironically, she achieved both of those dreams with this diary. This young girl's writing has captured the imagination of a generation. She was wise beyond her years and one thing she has taught us with this very honest diary is that people are human and we all have the potential for good and bad within us. Hopefully, one day her dreams of a more tolerant and peaceful world will also become a reality.



View all my reviews

Book Review: Mirrored Voices: Best Contemporary Poetry

Mirrored Voices: Best Contemporary Poetry by Paul Morabito

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was keen to read this book as two of my favourite contemporary poets, Helle Gade and Ben Ditmars, are featured. I'm also finding that there's a lot of other great contemporary poetry out there and thought this book would be a good way to find some new favourites. I was not disappointed. I found at least 5 other poets in the book that I would definitely read more poetry from. I have to be honest and say that a few of the poets' styles were not my cup of tea and I did find myself skipping their particular contributions. Poetry, as with any other art form is very subjective, so I'm sure others will love the ones that I didn't really connect with.

As anticipated, I really enjoyed the poems from Ben Ditmars and Helle Gade, they always write passionate, heartfelt poetry. Other favourites included: Regina Puckett, Paul Morabito, Jason P. Hein, Roberto Carlos Martinez, Linda Dobinson, Kristy Rulebreaker, Leesa Abbott,and Nichia Morales. There's lots of thought provoking poetry in this anthology. Worth a read.



View all my reviews

Book Review: Heaven: A Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy, by Julie Elizabeth Powell

Heaven: A Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy by Julie Elizabeth Powell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I always enjoy Julie Elizabeth Powell's novels and stories, so when I saw she had a new one out I was keen to read it. It's a quick read and definitely one that will make you think. I am always surprised by this writer's imagination; she writes in many different genres and her stories are never predictable. In this story we follow the last person left on Earth after some kind of disaster seems to have devastated the planet. Is she the last person left?

The character also has some strange powers that are revealed as the story unfolds. It kept me interested and I thought the ending was very well done and thought provoking.

I'd definitely recommend this unique fantasy story.



View all my reviews

Book Review: The Quarantined City 4: A Lack of Demons, by James Everington

The Quarantined City 4: A Lack of Demons by James Everington

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is such an addictive series! It keeps getting better and better. I love the 'story within a story' element of each instalment and the idea that fiction can alter reality in some way. In this one, Fellows is on a mission to rid his house of the ghostly boy.

There is another Boursier story, and we meet a few of the characters from the previous stories in the series. The ending is quite eerie.

It will be interesting to see what happens next in this strange quarantined city!



View all my reviews

Eye Candy Bookstore Anthology - Heels for Combat Boots #charity #99cents

Sex, Love & Combat Boots

An Eye Candy Bookstore Anthology Benefiting Heels for Combat Boots- 90 day limited release on Amazon ONLY




Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1H4MD6O

Anthology Includes:
Rebecca Brooke — Letters Home
Marissa Dobson — Ace In The Hole
MJ Fields — Irons
Jennifer Foor — Love Survives
Kimberly Knight — Angels & Whiskey
Bayli Lane — What If
Kristen Hope Mazzola — Crashing Back Down
Sarah O’Rourke — Cain’s Salvation
Alexis Noelle — Fractured: Volume One
Sophie Monroe — To Love A Soldier


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To Love a Soldier:

Life is short. At twenty-one, Liz Kane knows this. Having lost her dad in combat, she is well aware of life's cruel twists. Still, working to pay her way through school and cautiously beginning a new relationship, Liz is content.

When an accident brings her brother, John, Stateside from his current stint in the Marine's, life gives Liz another twist, this time bringing in an old friend, new love, and the possibilty of happiness for John when he meets Mandy.
This is a story of love, loss, and new beginnings.

Author link: www.facebook.com/sophiemonroewrites


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Fractured- Vol 1:

Nothing in life is ever fair.

There are wars we battle and face every day.

Some too close to home.

I had it all.

The perfect husband.

The perfect house.

The perfect...Everything.

Then one moment changed everything forever.

Author link: www.facebook.com/authoralexisnoelle


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Cain's Salvation:

Book One in the Passion in Paradise - The Men of the McKinnon Sisters Series
When Dr. Cain Turner's life was literally blown apart in a small province of Afghanistan, it was only the hope and memories of one woman that propelled him forward. But there were more demons to face.

In the small country hamlet of Paradise, Tennessee...Faith waits. Surrounded by her loving sisters, Faith McKinnon had faced her own demons, having thought that the love of her life had deserted her.

But fate...and a few meddling McKinnon sisters...conspired to bring the two star-crossed lovers together again.

Author link: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.orourk...

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Crashing Back Down:

Mags McManus has just become a war widow in her mid-twenties. Her late husband, Randy, left for the Army right after their wedding. Instead of celebrating his homecoming and living in marital bliss with her soulmate, Mags finds herself living in constant agony.

Dealing with the guilt of still living without Randy, are Randy's best friends and parents.

Rising from the ashes of this tragedy, Mags starts to learn how to love and trust again, finally being able to find happiness. But sometimes things really are too good to be true and again Mags learns how cruel the world can be as she crashes back down.

Author link: www.facebook.com/AuthorKristenHope


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What If:

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE, Contemporary Romance: Due to language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

For some people falling in love was a happy, glowing experience. For Briar Kelly and Arrow Donovan it was more like getting hit by a freight train.

Caring for one another was never an easy feat. They constantly fought to hold their feelings inside, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship. Then, Arrow left for the Marines, and everything changed. Briar was shattered. Arrow was hurt.

While Briar told herself she’d never let another man affect her in such a way, Arrow still remained in the forefront of her mind. For Arrow, his memories of Briar kept him alive in both of his near death experiences. When Arrow’s demons threatened to drag him under, Briar was there, pulling him from the darkness.

"What ifs" keep piling up while resentment and redemption battles continue; will Briar and Arrow be able to find their happily ever after, or will this be one war that Arrow can't win?

Author link: https://www.facebook.com/authorbaylilane

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Angels & Whiskey:

Angels & Whiskey is part of a series, however, can be read as a standalone book.

Whiskey, women and sleepless nights…
United States Army Captain Gabriel Hastings knew he would always follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Serving his country was his destiny.

Until he fell in love…

When Gabe’s love affair is cut short, he turns to whiskey for comfort and swears he will never fall in love again.

Until he bumps into an unexpected angel…

By all appearances, Autumn Jones has the perfect life. Her husband, Richard, is a loving man who wants to be a father to her unborn children. But Autumn knows the truth. Richard has a controlling, dark side that leaves nothing to chance, especially Autumn. He’ll stop at nothing to make her the trophy wife he wants her to be.

When Autumn bumps into Gabe, he consumes her every thought, but she can’t act on her feelings. She’s married to a dark man she can never leave.

When he learns who Autumn’s husband really is, Gabe knows he will stop at nothing to protect her. Or is it too late for him to save his angel?

Author link: www.facebook.com/AuthorKKnight

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Love Survives:

This book follows Love's Suicide. It can be read by itself as a stand alone.
Imagine being in love with the same girl since you were ten years old, only to have her fall for your twin instead.

This story is rocky.

It will rip you apart and possibly put you back together again.

I know this because it's my story.

The pain and anguish experienced in this is what it was like to hold onto hope that some day we'd find each other again. I won't sugar coat the details of what I went through to have her, nor will I apologize for any actions that led me right back into her life.

Sometimes love isn't enough.

For me, it took some bad experiences, a little fate, and a lot of time.

Author link: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferFoor...

*********

Irons:

Jax

I was born and bred to be the man I am today. My father and his father were both graduates from The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Both went on to become helicopter pilots. Both had seen plenty of action. Both had met and caused devastation. Both men, who I respect more above all, had served and protected the United States and her people honorably for decades.

My best friend, William Cruz, who attended the academy with me, had flown beside me, had lived the same life as I had and shared the same ambitions in life, was gone now. This was not part of the plan. Will and I were supposed to have each other’s backs, support each other and never let anything supersede our bond.

Francesca

I sat on Norfolk Beach needing to feel close to him on the anniversary of his death. It was a beautiful day in May and I was cutting class. I had done the same every year since he passed.

Jaxson Irons was only supposed to be in Pensacola for a year. But now three years later I still hadn't heard from him. I saw a man running down the beach and I knew immediately who it was.

Jaxson didn't respond the way I had dreamed he would. He told me we would catch up someday soon. I stood and watched until he was gone.

Thump, thump. I placed my hand on my chest as I felt my heart beat again for what felt like the first time in three years. Thump, thump. I felt the blood moving quickly through my body. It’s heat once again present. Thump, thump. I looked up at the sky and let out a breath. A breath that I had been holding forever. Thump, thump.

I felt tears fall down my face as I raised my hands in the air and laughed out loud.

Author link: www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Fields-book...

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Ace In The Hole:

Ace Diamond left behind the woman he loved when he joined the Navy SEALs. For years he focused on his career, risking life and limb on missions for his country. Now home on leave, he must face his past and ask himself if leaving her was a mistake.

At seventeen, Gwyneth London gave her heart away only to have it broken. More than a dozen years later, she decides to embrace her single life and have a child on her own. Ready to start over in her hometown, she doesn’t expect to see the man who still holds her heart, but when he walks back into her life she’s unable to push him away.

Can Gwyneth and Ace claim the life they were supposed to have, or will they let love pass them by?

Author link: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMariss...


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Letters Home:

Life is all about the jigsaw, right? Finding the different puzzle pieces to complete your very own picture. A career you love, a house to make a home, a lover to complete you, and keep you warm at night.

Danielle Renton has a life, and she loves it. A recent law school graduate, she’d been floored when her boyfriend, Nate Lewis, enlisted during their sophomore year of college. At the time, she’d been concerned with what that meant for them as a couple, but in the years that followed, they’d learned to adapt to the logistics of an army relationship.

But when life throws her a curve ball, how will she cope? Can she pick up the pieces and make her picture beautiful again? Or does she realize that, sometimes, the pieces can be too broken to fit back together…


Author link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecc...

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Heels for Combat Boots:


HFCB was founded and created by Kati Sorensen AKA 'Riskay Business' and was officially established on February 28, 2014. HFCB sets out to assist Servicemen and women with PTSD/TBI (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury). They assist with helping these individuals adjust back into the world of civilian life, connect them with the correct outreach and treatment programs, help with their day to day struggles and issues; such as assisting them with paying their bills, obtain groceries, etc. They help to get them back involved with the things they enjoy, introduce them to new experiences, and connect them with hunting and fishing trips. Also getting involved with Vet events, visiting the VA's, and sending out care packages.

HFCB Website: http://www.heelsforcombatboots.wix.co...

HFCB GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/hfcb2015year

HFCB Store: http://www.cafepress.com/hfcb


HFCB Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/heelsforcomb...

HFCB FB: http://www.facebook.com/heelsforcomba...

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Eye Candy Bookstore:
http://www.facebook.com/EyeCandyBooks...


Cover Model: Riskay Business: http://www.facebook.com/riskayb

Photographer: Scott Adams Photography: http://www.facebook.com/ScottAdamsPhoto

Peace, Love, & Romance - Jennifer Theriot and Others - 10 books for 99c

Yes, you read that correctly! 10 full length novels for just 99c.




Description

Ten of today's hottest authors bring you Peace, Love & Romance - ten, full-length novels celebrating women who have loved, lost, and triumphed.

Out Of The Box, Regifted – Jennifer Theriot



With a new beginning on the horizon for Olivia and Ash, what could possibly stop them from finding their happily-ever-after? In the midst of joy, this blended family finds they have to trust in love and family bonds to get them through what is coming next...or self-destruct. How long can Ash keep parts of his life hidden from those who love him?

Scary Modsters – Diane Rinella



Rosalyn is ridiculed for her eclectic wardrobe and unconventional music collection. Niles’s offbeat character is her perfect complement. Sadly his flaws equate to relationship suicide. When Niles learns he can overcome his obstacles by helping the ghost of deceased rock deity Peter Lane avenge murder, how far will he go to secure Rosalyn’s heart?

Cheating To Survive – Christine Ardigo



Cheating to Survive weaves the story of three Norlyn Plains Hospital coworkers and their seemingly perfect lives. However, their marriages are anything but ideal. When they decide to cheat on their husbands, will they find happiness or be destroyed by the consequences? Christine Ardigo handles infidelity realistically and humorously. It will resonate in some way with every woman on the planet.

Chain of Title - Robyn Roze



Newly divorced Shayna wants adventure, and Sean wants her. But the revelation of her ex-husband’s dirty secret sets off a chain of events with deadly consequences that reveals who Sean really is and leaves Shayna to question how well she knew either man. Robyn Roze weaves a story of love, loss, betrayal, and ultimately forgiveness.

A Different Kind Of Forever - Dee Ernst



Michael is a hot, young rock star. Diane is a single mom almost twenty years older. When they meet, the attraction is immediate. He knows she’s the real thing. She can’t ignore her feelings for Michael, but can’t see past their differences. A Different Kind of Forever is about two complicated people finding—and trying to hold on to— love.

Tahoe Blues – Aubree Lane



When Cara finds the glitz and glitter of casino life isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, she divorces her husband, finds a new love, a new home, and new piece of jewelry around her ankle. Under house arrest for a crime she didn’t commit, Cara must rely on a zany group of misfits to help set her free.

Tropical Nightmares – Kelly Cozzone



The tranquil life David Murphy and Tiana Alexander built on St. Lucia is threatened by the dangerous and vengeful Robert Dubose. Can they survive his lust for revenge, or will his secret partner succeed where he failed? Can their love survive, or will it be the final casualty?

The Fizgig - Jill Cox Vogt



Daisy Young believes that when life hands you lemons, eat chocolate and get on with it, but no amount of candy gets her mind off her drowned fiancé—until she flees to East Tennessee’s mountains and meets a man with a dark, secret past.

Doubling Back To Love - Rebecca Warner



Lexi Avery asks, "Why does it have to come down to choosing just one man, when no one man can give me everything I want?" Why indeed? Follow her tantalizing adventures as she explores love's options.

Sex and the Widow Miles - Nan Reinhardt



Julie is anticipating an idyllic retirement with her husband, Charlie, when he dies suddenly. She meets a younger man, Will, and embraces life—and sex—again. But a dark secret reveals her perfect marriage may have been a lie. Jules goes in search of the truth and finds there’s always a second chance for love.

***********************

With a real mix of romantic tales, there's bound to be at least one that you'll fall in love with. Grab a copy at the special promotional price at the links below:

Amazon bitly: http://bit.ly/PLRAazon
B&N bitly: http://bit.ly/PLRABarnesNoble
Kobo bitly: http://bit.ly/PLRAKobo
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id10... https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id10...