Michele Israel Harper's Blog, page 5

Drifting’s Online Release Party Is Today!

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Woohoo! Party time!

So the long-anticipated sequel to Sinking is finally here, and you guys, it’s such an incredible continuation of the Sinking Trilogy. One of the bloggers on this blog tour, Lenn Woolston, said, “It’s not often sequels live up to the debut, but Sarah Armstrong Garner does an excellent job exceeding the expectations of readers.”

I wholeheartedly agree with her. And I couldn’t have said it better myself.

{See her post right here.}

I am thrilled to be a part of this blog tour, because I love Sarah Armstrong-Garner’s books so much. Her writing is tight, her visual descriptions are stunning, and her storytelling ability is out of this world. (Or should I say, under the sea?) ;) I cannot wait for book three!

There have been some incredible posts already on this blog tour, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

{See the rest of the blog tour right here.}

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And I can’t pass by the opportunity to say something about these covers. I mean, so gorgeous! Sara Helwe Digital Arts did a fabulous job! I can’t wait to see what the cover of Rising, the third and final book in the trilogy, looks like.

But let’s chat about this party a bit, shall we?

This party is TONIGHT from 7-9 p.m. PST. (And since I can hardly function trying to figure out the different time zones, here’s a quick cheat sheet for you: 8-10 p.m. MST, 9-11 p.m. CST, and 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. EST. Whew! I did it!)

And we’re–you guessed it–celebrating the release of Drifting: Book Two of the Sinking Trilogy because it just happens to have released TODAY as well! Congratulations, Sarah Armstrong-Garner!

This party is on Facebook, so absolutely anyone can come.

You’re invited.

{RSVP right here.}

There are over 20 prizes (most prizes include two per drawing, so the number is closer to 40 prizes, actually), so chances are good that if you come, you’ll most likely win something.

So you’re invited.

{RSVP opportunity #2!}

Oh, and the grand prize?

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A Kindle Fire 7″ from the author herself. Wow! So cool! Who wouldn’t want a chance to win that?

So you’re definitely invited.

{And you can RSVP by clicking this lovely little link.}

See you there?

In Him,

Michele

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About the Author:

Sarah Armstrong-Garner lives in Northern California with her husband and three children, and get this: not only is she an author, screenwriter, and photographer, she also shoots indie films with her husband. You can visit www.SarahArmstrongGarner.com to learn more about her and her upcoming releases.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.saraharmstronggarner.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SarahArmstrongGarner
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SarahTwyla
Instagram: www.instagram.com/saraharmstronggarner
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/user/show/33156298-sarah-armstrong-garner
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sarahtwyla

Purchase Link (L2L2 Publishing’s Website):

www.love2readlove2writepublishing.com/books/drifting

Facebook Party Link:

Thursday, April 26, 2018, 7-9 p.m. PST

www.facebook.com/events/2073513532931487

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My Favorite Part of Common by Laurie Lucking

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Well, okay, let’s be honest here: I can’t tell you my favorite favorite part, because it’s at the end, and I don’t do spoilers.

(It’s sooooo good, you guys.)

But my second favorite part is near the beginning of the book, when Rafe, or Prince Raphael, and Leah are beginning to realize their feelings for each other.

You see, Leah is about to reach her Maturity–her sixteenth birthday–and Rafe makes it unforgettable by giving her a special present…well, why don’t I just show you? ;)

An excerpt from Common by Laurie Lucking:

My breath caught when I spied the glimmer of a candle in the window of Rafe’s chambers that evening. Though I’d tried to tell myself a servant’s birthday was of no consequence to a prince, I couldn’t help wishing he might remember. I struggled to keep my steps measured as I made my way to our closet. Did Rafe have something planned?

I pulled open the door.

Rafe jumped to his feet and produced a small box from his pocket. Approaching where I stood just inside the door, he presented it to me with a gallant bow. “I’ve been waiting all day to see you. Happy birthday.”

Gooseflesh crawled up my arms, and my pulse quickened. This was just the warm reception I’d hoped for, but now the reality of accepting a gift from Rafe made me want to turn and escape back down the hall. “You’re sweet, but this really isn’t necessary.”

He took a step closer. “Of course it is. Even if it’s only marked by your mother and myself, I think your reaching your Maturity is of the highest importance.”

My fingertips brushed his as I took the box from his hand. The brief touch produced a rush of warmth in my cheeks. Keeping my head down, I gently lifted the lid. The sight of an emerald pendant strung on a delicate silver chain propelled a rush of air from my lungs.

“Rafe! I…” I gulped. If anything, I’d expected a pastry or ribbon. Nothing like this. Few of the courtiers around the palace possessed a jewel so exquisite, and he was giving it to me? “I’m not sure I can accept this.”

His mouth fell open. “What’s the matter? You don’t like it?”

How could I explain my reservations without hurting his feelings? “It’s beautiful. Stunning. But it’s too much.”

A trace of his smile returned. “When I saw it in the marketplace last week, it reminded me so strongly of the color of your eyes, I knew you had to have it.”

That Rafe had been thinking of me in the middle of the marketplace—reflecting on my eyes, no less—sent a new surge of heat into my face. “But you must’ve had to barter something substantial for it.”

“I’m the prince, remember?” He leaned on the wall next to him, propped up by his hand. “I’m not required to barter.”

I backed against the door. “You mean you took this from the vendor without giving him anything in exchange?”

Rafe’s brows knit. “That’s always how it’s done in the royal family. We provide food, shelter, and protection for our citizens, and in turn, they offer their services without expecting any additional reward.”

Though it didn’t seem right, it should’ve come as no surprise. The queen never offered anything for Ma’s work on her gowns. “But even if it didn’t cost you anything…when would I wear it? None of the other maids own anything half as fine.”

“I guess I hadn’t thought of that.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “But still, you must keep it. Surely someday an opportunity will arise for you to wear it. In the meantime, you can hide it here and simply enjoy viewing it once in a while.”

He knew me too well. In spite of my protests, I was having trouble tearing my gaze away from the rich emerald as its various facets caught the moonlight. I steeled myself to argue further.

He put out a hand to stop me. “It’s yours. I’ll make it an official order if I have to. I can’t return it without causing the jeweler offense, and what would I do with a necklace? If it makes you feel better, I promise I’ll recommend him to every noblewoman in the kingdom so that his business ought to thrive. Please, just accept it. As a token of my friendship.”

I shook my head, my smile refusing to hide. “Thank you, Rafe. You will be happy to know this is the most momentous birthday I’ve ever had.”

His deep gray eyes brightened with pleasure. “Good, that’s exactly what I was hoping for. And you’re welcome.”

I crossed the room to sit on one of the barrels, still clutching the open box.

Rafe took a seat on an adjoining barrel. “Even if you won’t be able to wear it out there anytime soon, would you like to try it on?”

“I would, but…” Embarrassment clenched my stomach. “I don’t even know how to unfasten the clasp.”

He chuckled, taking the box from my hands. “Who would’ve guessed I’d end up teaching a young lady about jewelry?” He lifted the pendant off its small satin pillow, letting it dangle as he took the clasp between each thumb and index finger. “Here, it’s really quite simple.”

My mind still reeled from the enormity of the gift, making it impossible to concentrate as he demonstrated the workings of the catch mechanism.

He paused and held the ends apart. “Now turn around and lift your hair.”

I obeyed, holding my breath as he brought the pendant to lie at the base of my throat. His warm fingers grazed my neck as he secured the clasp, sending a tingle through my shoulders. Thank the new moon he couldn’t read my expression.

Rafe cleared his throat. “There.”

I lowered my braid to rest on my back once more and turned toward him. Reluctant to meet his eye, I glanced down at the gleaming jewel that produced such a stark contrast to the patched, faded bodice of my dress.

His gaze flitted to the pendant before returning to my face. “Perfect.”

{Get your own copy of Common right here!}

Happy sigh.

Isn’t that incredible?

And the best part?

Author Laurie Lucking is giving away an emerald necklace at her Facebook Launch party tonight, in honor of this breathtaking scene from her book!

Anyone is welcome to come (in fact, you can RSVP right here), and anyone in the U.S. can enter to win this beauty by showing up and commenting on the post.

Will I see you there?

And just because I love you, here are a few sneak peeks of other giveaways this evening.

See you in just a few hours!

In Him,

Michele

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Want to know more about Common or perhaps order your own copy?

Check out the book description and order here!

Want to learn more behind-the-scenes facts about Common?

Check out the rest of the blog tour here!

And do not miss the Facebook Release Party tonight! It will be awesome!

About the Author:

An avid reader since birth (her parents claim she often kept them up late begging to hear just one more story), Laurie Lucking discovered her passion for writing after leaving her career as an attorney to become a stay-at-home mom. She writes young adult fantasy with a strong thread of romance, and her debut novel, Common, releases in 2018 from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing. Laurie is the secretary of her local ACFW chapter and a co-founder of www.landsuncharted.com, a blog for fans of clean young adult speculative fiction. A Midwestern girl through and through, she currently lives in Minnesota with her husband and two young sons. Find out more about Laurie and her writing by visiting www.laurielucking.com.

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Just Dumb Enough

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This is a freaking awesome book.

When I first heard about this book–and that the proceeds would go to a Realm Makers scholarship and the RM mobile bookstore, no less–I knew I had to get my hands on this.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

Just Brave Dumb Enough follows five companions as they seek to steal the Crystal of Darkness for the large profit of gold it will bring. There are just a few things in their way: giant spiders, wolf-men, dark magic, a powerful fortress, a rock monster–and the list doesn’t stop there.

No big deal, right?

Barzillai Broadhead, marksman extraordinaire, who leads the expedition, doesn’t think so.

After all, his team includes: Tekla, a hardened assassin who is as beautiful as she is deadly; Cludge, a bumbling half-giant with arms the size of tree trunks, yet who holds a brilliant secret; Raibert, a thief who is easy to forget, yet sees what others do not; and Abelard St. Boniface, a priest-mage who wields endless power from on high.

Yes, Barzellai Broadhead has reason to be confident.

But the quest tests them in ways he cannot have foreseen, and what awaits them at the fortress is a power more deadly than any of them could have imaged, but one.

I devoured the thing in a few hours, and was blown away by the level of craft that went into this well-written adventure.

I knew I had to feature this on my blog.

About the Book:

What happens when you bring seven different authors together and unleash them upon a single story?

One wild adventure.

Famed archer Barzillai Broadhead gathers a band of four unlikely compatriots in a quest for the Crystal of Darkness. Monsters and sorcery bar their way at every turn. If they’re brave enough–or dumb enough–they might save the world.

Written by Morgan L. Busse, Kerry Nietz, John W. Otte, Steve Rzasa, Marc Schooley, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, and Jill Williamson.

All profits will be split between support of the Realm Makers Mobile Bookstore and a scholarship toward registration at the Realm Makers Conference.

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I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I am honored to host this new release on my blog. And hat’s off to these seven incredible authors! Well done.

If you would like to check out this spectacular book, here is an Amazon buy link.

I hope you love it as much as I did!

In Him,

Michele

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About the Authors:

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the epic fantasy Follower of the Word series and the award-winning steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. During her spare time, she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. You can find out more about Morgan at www.MorganLBusse.com.

Kerry Nietz is an award-winning science fiction author. He has over a half dozen speculative novels in print, along with a novella, a couple short stories, and a non-fiction book, FoxTales. Kerry’s novel A Star Curiously Singing won the Readers Favorite Gold Medal Award for Christian Science Fiction and is notable for its dystopian, cyberpunk vibe in a world under sharia law. It has over a hundred 5- star reviews on Amazon. Among his writings, Kerry’s most talked about is the genre-bending Amish Vampires in Space. Newsweek described it as “a welcome departure from the typical Amish fare.” Kerry is a refugee of the software industry. He spent more than a decade of his life flipping bits, first as one of the principal developers of the database product FoxPro for the now mythical Fox Software, and then as one of Bill Gates’s minions at Microsoft. He is a husband, a father, a technophile and a movie buff. Find him at www.KerryNietz.com.

John W. Otte leads a double life. By day, he’s a not-so-mild mannered Lutheran pastor who lives in the Kansas City area with his wife and two sons. By night, he writes stories about geeky grace. He is the author of the Failstate series (about the exploits of a teenage superhero whose power is to break things), Numb (about an assassin who feels neither emotions or pain being ordered to kill the one woman who makes him feel something), and The Hive (about a pregnant teenage cyborg). You can find him lurking on the web at www.JohnWOtte.com.

Steve Rzasa works as your local technical services librarian in Buffalo, Wyoming. When he’s not on the clock, he dons his spacesuit and authors speculative fiction. Steve has written eleven novels of science-fiction, fantasy, and steampunk, plus numerous short stories. His third novel, Broken Sight, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Best Speculative Fiction award in 2012. He’s a fan of all things sci-fi and superhero, and a student of history. His website is: www.steverzasa.com

Marc Schooley is a Texan, which may be empirically verified if you ever hear him speak. He is a Christian philosopher, theologian, Bible teacher, speaker, musician, and nascent Christian fiction writer who welcomes you to communicate with him at www.MarcSchooley.com, featuring quest appearances by MS Quixote-which may or may not be his alter ego (a special commission has been established to investigate this matter). However, MS Quixote wears glasses and Marc does not, so the mystery is a bit difficult to unravel.

Stuart Vaughn Stockton is the author of the award-winning science fiction novel Starfire. He currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and fellow author Tiffany Amber Stockton and their two children. You can find more at www.Galactic-Lore.com.

Jill Williamson writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults. Jill grew up in Alaska, staying up and reading by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. This led to a love of books and writing, and her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won several awards and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. She loves giving writing workshops and blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com, which has been named as one of Writer ’s Digest’s “101 Best Websites for Writers.” She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Visit her online at www.JillWilliamson.com.

Merry Christmas, Dearest Readers!

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I have lovely news!

Kill the Beast now has a prequel, Beast Hunter, that will be out soon. Woohoo! (I don’t know exactly when, but once I do, you will be the first to know.)

I’m so excited! Merry Christmas to me, right?

So I wanted to take this opportunity to share my news, wish you Merry Christmas, and do some major squealing and jumping up and down.

It’s so happening. Right now.

Have the loveliest Christmas ever!

In Him,

Michele

(And just because I love my new cover so much…here you go. Happy sigh. Sara Helwe Digital Arts rocked it. Thank you for celebrating with me!)

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A Celebration of The Final Paladin

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I am so excited to be chatting about this book today.

But first, let’s get the most important order of business out of the way.

Tonight, on Facebook, there is this party. The party. You should be there.

Not only did I just get 28 giveaways ready to be mailed in preparation, I happen to know there are quite a few more. (I’ve been working on it for ages; I should know.) ;)

And get this: The author is giving away a Mac Mini. A Mac Mini! Wow!!!

So, um, you should be there. Really.

Here is the link to join me tonight. (Or just click on the picture below.) RSVP away! I’ll wait.

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Did you do it? Will I see you there! Yay! :)

Okay, so let’s talk more about this book we’re celebrating.

From the back cover:

Life for Peg Bowman is rough in the infamous slums of Five Points, New York, but her brother’s murder changes everything.

Thrust into incredible worlds beyond any story she’s ever heard, Peg meets Sir Godfrey, an eleven-hundred-year-old knight from Charlemagne’s court, trainer of Paladins. He reveals to Peg her family’s ancient obligation to protect the Key of Apollyon, a relic of immense power. She is the last descendant of the Paladins and his only hope for keeping it safe.

When Godfrey confides her brother was murdered because of the Key, Peg rejects her calling and demands revenge, a luxury she can ill afford as otherworldly creatures seek her death to claim the Key’s power for themselves.

Can Godfrey and his faithful retinue—Chim the Hobgoblin, Rebecca the Jewish Maven and healer, and Jack the sometimes human and sometimes seven-foot Black Dog—keep her safe and convince her that her calling is worth pursuing? Or will she succumb to the Key’s lure and wield it for revenge?

Um, wow! Good, right? Even better than good? I thought so!

This books takes a plethora of myths and legends and fairy tales and tangles them all together into this mass of literary goodness.

I was captivated from the first page, and I’m certain you will be as well.

So join me tonight to celebrate! And tell me what you think of the book.

See you there!

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Before I go, let me introduce you to the author of this incredible book.

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T.J. Akers desires to be a multimillionaire when he grows up and give his wealth to his favorite causes: churches, schools, and animal shelters. Since the millions have been slow in coming, he’s settled for working as a computer technician for a state university and volunteering at his church and local animal shelter. Whenever possible, he indulges his love of writing stories to entertain people, especially younger readers.

Akers holds a Masters of English from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and can often be found roaming the university’s library, especially the children’s and young adult sections. Librarians have always been his heroes.

He lives with his beloved wife of thirty years, his dog, and two cats. The dog is an excellent writing companion, but the cats have proven to be rather critical. Learn more at www.tjakers.com.

You can buy his new release right here! :)

Kill the Beast News!

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Hello, dearest readers! Wow, it’s been forever and a day since I’ve updated you with any news about my own writing.

Let’s remedy that. ;)

Today, I shall spew forth facts about the best Beauty and the Beast retelling in the entire world (I may be slightly biased here…), Kill the Beast, and yes, it’s still coming soon!

I have been writing and rewriting this things for years now. Years. (We just won’t say how many, cause it’s embarrassing.)

But my huntress, Ro, has been quite stubborn in revealing her secrets of how she hunts the beast and her purpose in his life and her own. (I would have to write a stubborn character, wouldn’t I?)

You know, all the important things that make a book worth reading.

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If you write, or draw, or create in any way, do you know how you can be just standing there, doing nothing of consequence, unaware, and an idea strikes you like a bolt of lightning?

And then your fingers fly across the page or keyboard and before you know it, you’ve written over 14,000 words and untangled the mess you were in?

No? Just me?

Thank God it finally happened!

Ro has finally found her way out of the dark and into the story of my dreams. Hurray!

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And I just may have written a prequel novella, Beast Hunter, to help her get out of the mess I’d written her into. This is partially published in Hodgepodge, but now there is much, much more!

But back to Kill the Beast.

Roughly 90,000 words, this book is now looking at a 2018 release date, after my glorious editors have torn it to shreds, I’ve cried, then rewritten it. Again. (We won’t mention the 2016 release date, or the 2017 release date either…)

So the good news is, this book just may come out in my lifetime!

So what do I need from you?

All the prayers in the entire world!

I’ve never struggled with a story so much, and I’ve never questioned myself more as an author. I know I can do this, with God’s help, but I need to find the time, the determination, and the stubbornness (thank you, Ro) to persevere and make this story happen.

Thank you for listening to this author rant! I shall see you on the other side, with a lovely new book in my hands and yours!

In Him,

Michele

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My Favorite Part of Alara’s Call by Kristen Stieffel

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You guys. This book. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love it.

And I have to pick my favorite part. As if! There are so many good parts, I can’t pick just one! The entire story is magnificent.

But let me try.

Let’s start with General Rariden.

Calm, cool, collected…I pretty much adore him. And he fights for Alara as her father should, yet doesn’t, and stands up to those who would abuse her. He is everything I would wish for in a mentor and father-figure.

Did I mention I love him?

(And guess what? I just discovered in one of Kristen Stieffel’s other posts on this blog tour that her muse for him is Harrison Ford. Harrison Ford! No wonder I love him so much.)

Okay, okay, let me give you some examples. Best book ever!

General Rariden:

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Then there’s Captain Palon Madrew.

I think my favorite aspect of the entire story is Alara’s friendship with Palon. (Of course, I think every part of this book is my favorite…) She is everything I would want in a best friend, and I connected instantly with her.

And that is one of the things that blows me away about this book! Every character is so real, I feel as though I’ve met them.

Another reason I can’t get enough of Alara’s Call.

Oh, sorry, where was I?

Palon also stands up for Alara, makes every words she says count, and is profoundly loyal. I adore Alara, but I may adore Palon more. (Shh…don’t tell Kristen I said that…) ;)

You’ve just got to see it for yourself.

Captain Palon Madrew:

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Yep. Hero worship is about right…

And then there’s Alara’s relationship with Dorrel. May I have a moment to swoon here, people? Sigh. He is Just. So. Wonderful.

It is the rarest thing to read a story with a strong female lead (who is also feminine, thank goodness) that has a perfectly matched male lead, where you don’t get bowled over by his masculinity or her ability to walk all over him. In other words, though he is also a strong lead character, he doesn’t push Alara around or get pushed around by Alara. I love it!

I was fascinated by their dynamic, and once again, it felt completely real.

He is also a soldier, good with animals, kind, patient, etc. (Did I forget to mention I’m swooning again?)

Okay, it’s your turn. Get ready to swoon!

Dorrel:

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And so, my favorite part of this book is…all of them.

See? I just can’t pick a favorite! You try reading this story and picking a favorite. (Seriously. Tell me how that goes for you.) But perhaps now you can see why I love this story, it’s characters, and the dynamic between them so much.

C’est magnifique!

I could read that all day. In fact, I have! J’adore le livre!

(Okay, I feel I should apologize. I recently found out I am going to Paris, France this winter, and I’m trying to immerse myself in everything French. And now it’s coming out in everything. Everything. Dream come true! Cue more swooning…)

So now we come to the most important part of this post.

The Facebook party!

It’s today!!! :D :D :D

And I get to host it!

Join me and Kristen Stieffel and Laura A. Grace while we talk all things Alara’s Call and give away All. The. Books. It’s going to be so much fun!

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Click on this link right here to RSVP.

Are you going to join me? Take a look at the sneak peeks of the prizes and let me know what you most want to win!

See you there! :)

In Him,

Michele

(Oh, yes! And you can get your very own copy of Alara’s Call here! I hear there’s an amazing launch sale going on.)

Cover Reveal for Alara’s Call!

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Oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever posted two days in a row!

But this cover is so worth it.

Let me tell you a little about this awesome book!

It releases September 19, 2017.

It’s the first of a four-book series.

The author does so many things, I have no idea when she possibly finds the time to write. (You’ll see in her bio! She’s incredible!)

The back cover sounds amazing.

Tales are often told of heroes who fulfill ancient prophecies. Alara’s Call is the tale of a woman who gives new ones.

Alara sees visions of other’s futures, but never her own.

A young clergywoman with a fiery passion for her Telshan faith, she has been assigned to a mission abroad but longs to lead a congregation in her homeland. Her father, the prime minister, jeopardizes her dream and her safety when he coerces her into what he calls a diplomatic mission.

But it’s a ruse.

The trip is meant to end with her marriage to the crown prince of a foreign nation, where members of Alara’s faith are persecuted and women oppressed. All for a trade agreement her father is desperate to enact.

But her mentor intervenes and takes Alara to Dorrel, the suitor she left behind. They believe they are safe, but foreign soldiers are under orders to bring Alara to the king’s palace…by any means necessary.

See? What did I tell you? Amazing!

Would you like to know a little about Kristen Stieffel before I show you this fabulous cover?

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Kristen Stieffel is a freelance editor and writer who specializes in speculative fiction. Although she edits projects in varied genres for both the general market and the Christian submarket, she is a novelist at heart. Member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Christian Editor Connection, mentor with Word Weavers International, and on the planning committee for Realm Makers, Kristen stays busy doing what she loves most. She is also the associate editor of Havok, a flash-fiction magazine focused on science fiction and fantasy. Visit www.KristenStieffel.com to learn more about this many-faceted author.

Holy Moses! When does this girl ever find time to sleep?

By the way, I have seen her editing in action, and I. Am. Impressed. If you ever need an editor for your spec fic novel, this is one of the editors I highly recommend!

Are you ready for the cover now?

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Of course you are.

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You’re probably dying to see it just like I was.

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You’re probably feeling a smidgeon of the anticipation I felt while waiting for this beauty!

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I’m so excited!

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Okay, I’ll stop torturing you and show you already.

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Maybe. ;)

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Ta-da! Pure perfection in its truest form!

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Isn’t that gorgeous?

Thank you so much for stopping by! My favorite thing about books may possibly be its cover, and I absolutely love being able to share new covers I love.

Talk to you soon! :)

In Him,

Michele

Find Author Kristen Stieffel:

Website: www.kristenstieffel.com

Blog: www.newauthors.wordpress.com

Amazon Author: www.amazon.com/Kristen-Stieffel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristen.stieffel

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KristenStieffel

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8088587.Kristen_Stieffel

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/kristenstieffel

Why I Love Ending Fear’s Coloring Book

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Today’s book review is a tad on the unconventional side. I’m reviewing a coloring book! :)

Hurray!

And this coloring book in particular is a companion to the debut novel by Deanna Fugett, Ending Fear.

Now, you must understand that most coloring books drive me crazy. I cannot stand the eclectic patterns, the teeny-tiny spaces I have to try to figure out how to fit my colored pencil without getting out of the lines, or the pages and pages of weird designs only to be rewarded with a setting, character, castle, or mythical beast every 12 pages.

Like I said, not a fan.

Until one time I was at a convention and ran across a YA coloring book. This one in particular was character-driven, had a scene from the book every other page, and the designs that made no sense whatsoever were far and few between. Everything had a purpose and directly related to the book. (And made me want to read the book. Right away.) Not to mention it was beautifully drawn.

I loved it.

And promptly colored it. (After buying it, of course!)

And ordered the novel.

It was awesome!

Fast forward many years later, when companion coloring books to YA books, movies, and tv shows have become the norm.

Deanna Fugett sent me this email. “Hey, Michele! Check out these character sketches Keighley Kendig drew for me. Aren’t they awesome?” (Okay, that is very loosely paraphrased. I don’t remember her exact words, but she was excited and loved them. Fair enough? Lol!)

Here’s what I saw:

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Oh my word, I LOVED them!!!

Each was a perfect representation of the characters I’d seen in my mind while reading her book!

(Not sure who the characters are? Find out by reading Ending Fear! Or, you know, snatching up your very own copy of the coloring book…) ;)

I immediately contacted Keighley and begged her to create a companion coloring book for Deanna’s new release.

And she did! Squeal! Happy dance! (throws confetti)

Deanna wrote up a summary of each character to go with the sketches, and the coloring book was formatted and rushed to production in order to release the same time as the novel.

And I am so pleased with the result!

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Get your very own copy here and see what all the fuss is about!

Oh, I hope you love it as much as I do!

In Him,

Michele

Ready for your scavenger hunt clue? Here it is:

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Missing the rest of the clues? (Hint: There are 14 in all…) Check out the rest of the blog tour here!

If you have gathered all of the clues, then here is the link to enter them into the drawing.

The prize? One paperback of Ending Fear and one copy of the Coloring Book. Isn’t that great?

Oh, yes! TODAY IS THE FACEBOOK LAUNCH PARTY! Join us to win tons–and I do mean tons–of prizes and get to know this incredible author. She’s a rockstar!

Now, about the author and illustrator:

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Deanna Fugett:

Deanna Fugett’s heart belongs to writing. Author of edgy YA Dystopian fiction with an underlying message of hope, this stay-at-home mom of four focuses on writing as much as humanly possible. She was published at the young age of six in a local newspaper and is excited to be published again. It only took twenty-six years. She enjoys the thrill of writing fiction that deals with intense topics and prays it will impact people for the better. Visit www.DeannaFugett.com to learn more about her.

Keighley Kendig:

Artist Keighley Kendig began drawing when she could barely walk and hasn’t stopped since. She landed her dream job at Disney World, where she sees dreams come true every day. She adores bringing book characters to life with her many artistic endeavors.

You can contact her at keighleychristina [at] yahoo [dot] com to book her for your own coloring book or project, or you can follow her on Instagram at @keighleyk to learn more about her.

About the Coloring Book:

A companion coloring book to the YA dystopian novel Ending Fear by Deanna Fugett.

Fourteen-year-old Fear learns she was a parachute baby, dumped over the edge of the Gliding Lands as an infant. Running from her abusive Downer family, Fear discovers a new family—one who knows how to love. But then her new little sister is kidnapped and sold to a harem. Fear must go against her namesake and journey to the dreaded Gliding Lands before the little girl’s innocence is ripped from her forever. Can she save Happy in time?

Bring the characters of Deanna Fugett’s debut novel to life with lovely illustrations by the talented artist Keighley Kendig!

Buy now and tell me if you love it as much as I do!

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Cover Reveal for One of My Favorite Series Ever

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So, if you follow me, you most likely know I rave about the Creepy Hollow Series by Rachel Morgan.

Rave. About. Them.

Constantly.

They have won a place in my most treasured and favorite collection of books of all time, and I simply cannot wait to devour more of them.

I’ve even given away the entire series (that was out at that time) at my launch party for Zombie Takeover.

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See? I love them!

The world of Creepy Hollow, home to the Fae and the school for Faerie Guardians, is one of the most magical and breathtaking places I have ever escaped to. You should join me!

Now there is another book out (Glass Faerie), two more planned (one of which is the cover I get to show you today), and two short stories available (Scarlett and Raven). Excuse me while I fangirl over these awesome books!

Shadow Faerie, book eight of the Creepy Hollow series, continues Emerson’s story, while the first three told Violet’s story, and the next three Calla’s story.

And. You. Guys.

The first book, The Faerie Guardian, is free for Kindle right now on Amazon! What are you waiting for? Go download this delicious awesomeness right now and join me in drooling over these characters and stalking–er, I mean–following Rachel Morgan to snatch up the very next book she writes as fast as humanly possible! Go! Right now! They’re so goooood!

I’ll make it easy on you. Here is the link! ;)

And now that you know what one of my top series in the entire world is (And I’ve gushed far too much. But I mean every word.), here is the cover for book eight.

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Are you ready for it?

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Is the waiting driving you crazy?

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It’s driving me crazy. I want to read this book right now.

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This very second.

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And here it is! The cover for Shadow Faerie!

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Isn’t that wonderful?

I can’t stop staring.

I love Rachel Morgan’s covers, and I am dying for this book.

Thank you for joining me for today’s cover reveal, and I hope you love this series as much as I do! It is one of the best ever!

In Him,

Michele

~

About the Author:

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Rachel Morgan spent a good deal of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making, crafting endless stories of make-believe and occasionally writing some of them down. After completing a degree in genetics and discovering she still wasn’t grown-up enough for a ‘real’ job, she decided to return to those story worlds still spinning around her imagination. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults and those young at heart.

Rachel lives in Cape Town with her husband and three miniature dachshunds. She is the author of the bestselling Creepy Hollow series, and also writes sweet contemporary romance under the name Rochelle Morgan.

Get a free ebook and access to exclusive bonus content if you’re on Rachel’s email newsletter list. Sign up by copying and pasting the link into your browser: www.subscribepage.com/RMnewsletterFre...

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