Michele Israel Harper's Blog, page 9

Review of Sinking by Sarah Armstrong-Garner

I’m so excited to be a part of Sinking’s blog tour!

I’m going to tell you all about the book in a moment, but first I’ve got to tell you why I love Sinking so much.

I was one of the first people to read it.

Ages ago (I don’t even remember how many years. Three? Five?) my friend and I each had a secret. We’d both written a book! (And I think we were both scared to let anyone else read it.) So we exchanged our manuscripts and promised to tell each other the absolute truth–what we thought of each other’s books. Sarah read Zombie Takeover; I read Sinking.

And I fell in love.

Sarah’s characters were so rich, so full of life, I could not put the book down. And the tale she weaves was so gripping, I read the thing in a night. So. Freaking. Good.

Sarah spent the next three to five years seeking publication with the same, tried and true response. “We like your story; it’s just not right for our publishing house.”

(I am so familiar with these words.)

But I couldn’t get over how much I loved her book. She had to get it published!

Enter L2L2 Publishing.

They published my book–shouldn’t they publish Sarah’s as well?

Um, yes. And they did. And now I get to gush all over the place about Sarah’s amazing book!

Here is the back cover copy:

Jocelyn washes up on the shore of eighteenth century Ireland, alone, naked, and missing all of her memories. Taken in by a lonely old woman full of plots and schemes for the lovely yet enigmatic creature, Jocelyn knows only one thing. She longs for the sea with every ounce of her being. Yet it tried to kill her.

Aidan Boyd loves two things. His ship and the sea. When Jocelyn is thrust upon his vessel in the midst of his superstitious crew, he finds himself intoxicated by her—willing to give up everything for her. He soon finds he cannot live without her.

But something holds Jocelyn back. The whisper of another’s love. The embrace of water. Does she belong to this world? Or could Jocelyn possibly be from the sea?

Doesn’t that make you want to snuggle up with a warm blanket, hot chocolate, and this amazing book?

Check out Sarah’s website, her Facebook or Twitter, and her listings on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

(Btw, her eBook has a special pre-order price of $2.99; it goes up to $4.99 the day after her Facebook Launch Party! Don’t miss the special pre-order price!)

Don’t forget to check out the rest of her blog tour stops, beginning with Archaeolibrarian tomorrow. They have an awesome interview with the author herself. I can’t wait to read it!

Happy Reading!

In Him,

Michele

So sad!

I just wanted to let you know that February is the last month you can get both of my paperbacks for $9.99 each!

(insert sobbing emoticon here)

I know! It’s so sad!

I’ll try to be as brief with the details as possible, but I got an email saying Wisdom & Folly’s distributor had to raise their prices, and, “Would you like to raise the price of your book as well?”

Um, no!!!

Seriously. I originally tried to get them to price the book at $5. No one would listen to me. (Apparently paying for each book you sell is a very, very bad thing. Who knew?)

But the numbers say I just can’t keep it at $9.99. (Why, IngramSpark? Why?)

So, as of March first, Wisdom & Folly will now be $12.99 each. But there’s good news! I promise!

The eBook is staying at just $2.99, and there may-even-might be a sale for $.99 for Zombie Takeover’s launch. Woohoo!

(Which I’m working on like a mad crazy person. Seriously. My husband is questioning my sanity right about now.)

So that’s it. That’s my news.

And I hope my very next post is Zombie Takeover’s release date.

(holds breath)

Squeal! I can’t wait!!!

In Him,

Michele

(Btw, you can purchase Wisdom & Folly on Amazon, B&N, and Kobo. Just so you know. Happy Reading!) :)

Wow, I’ve been busy!

To those of you who have wondered where I could have possibly disappeared to–I don’t even know what to tell you.

Wait. Yes, I do!

Released Wisdom & Folly
Started a publishing company
Hired a team of freelancers
Signed three other authors
Have been neck-deep in editing, marketing, and formatting other novels, as well as writing my own

Can you say, “Thank God for Sunday”? ;) (I can’t imagine not having one day for church, football, and rest!)

As the leader of my writers’ group, Joyce Long, said, “It seems like you’ve found your life’s work.”

I quite agree.

Every time God said, “No”–every time He shut a door in my face, I was one step closer to God’s “yes,” and I didn’t even know it.

And I’ve never before enjoyed my work so much. In. My. Life.

Next up? Getting ready for my next launch party! Woohoo!

Do I know when that’s gonna be?

Not a clue.

So this can’t wait. I’ve got a plethora of authors I just adore, whose books didn’t get added to my launch party list last time. Of course I had to showcase them for you! (You know, give you a hint of what’s to come?) :)

I’m crazy about books. I read all the time. And I want to share with you the very best.

These are a few of my faves, and I may-maybe-perhaps will review them in greater detail at another time. Right now I just want you to know what they are!

Love and hugs!

RJ Larson: Fantasy. Biblical fiction. A perfectly balanced mash-up that leaves you salivating for more.

  

Christy Barritt: Smart, witty, and snarky. This perfectly describes Gabby St. Claire, a crime-scene cleaner who gets into an insane amount of trouble. All the time. I’ve never had so much fun with a series before, and I am dying for book 11! (I LOVE these covers!)

         

KE Ganshert: Intense YA. What if a group of teens have been gifted to see another realm–one that has been decided by their authorities, no longer exists? And what if they can defeat the demons of that realm through a Power greater than them?

  

Debbie Viguie: Best vampire series I have read in my life! Intense, full of action, and makes you wonder: can a vampire truly be redeemed? In love.

  

KM Weiland: Several of her other novels are on my to-read list, but this one has captured me and still hasn’t let go. Dieselpunk Adventure. Need I say more?

Nadine Brandes: Gritty. Unexpected. Riveting. These books are not for everyone, but wow they blow you away if you love dystopian!

 

Ralene Burke: Meet Bellanok. A paradise filled with mythical creatures, all for the glory of their Creator. What can they do when a demon breaks into their Eden, intent on destroying everything? I seriously can’t wait to find out. Two books are out so far in this five-book mini-series. Love, love, love!

 

None of these authors asked me to do this; I just had to! I mean, come on! Who doesn’t love a good book? ;)

In Him,

Michele

Oh, yes! Check out my publishing company–if you wish. (www.love2readlove2writepublishing.com) To God be ALL the glory for the great, wonderful, amazing things He has done! I’m still in shock! :D

Special Post: Cover Reveal!

Oh, wow.

Sara Helwe has done it again, only this time for another author. Isn’t that cover gorgeous?

My dear friend, Sarah Armstrong-Garner, is having her debut novel published.

And I get to be a part of her cover reveal! Squeal!

Sinking releases February 23, 2015, and will be available for pre-order soon.

I have read this book, and let me tell you, the cover is just as lovely as the inside. I can’t wait till you get to read it too!

Check out Sarah’s website to learn more about her, or her Facebook or Twitter to keep up with her updates. And don’t forget Pinterest! Her Sinking board has some crazy awesome pins of what inspired her story.

Okay. That’s it. I just had to share.

I can’t wait till this book is out! :)

Happy Reading!

In Him,

Michele

Storming by K.M. Weiland

I tend to only review novels I enjoy for a reason.

One, I want to share with you my absolute faves.

Two, why be negative? Why waste your time talking about something I don’t like? I want to share the best of the best!

And three, there is nothing better in the world than a good book.

Enter Storming by K.M. Weiland.

I have savored every word of this book. Every glorious, thrilling word.

And I have a confession to make. I had never before read a novel by K.M. Weiland, and this is her fourth full-length work of fiction.

(Hides face in shame)

I am a HUGE fan of her writerly books, Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel (and their corresponding workbooks), but I have been too scared to read any of her other books.

Why?

K.M. Weiland is a genius. Her website, Helping Writers Become Authors, has changed my life and the way I write.

What if my faith in her was completely crushed because–gasp!–I didn’t like her novel???

(Holds breath while reading entire novel)

Let’s just say, my fears were childish, crazy, and just plain wrong.

Storming may have been the best book I’ve read this year.

When K.M. Weiland contacted me and asked me to review Storming, I danced around my house like a crazy person and told my husband just shy of a million times that she had contacted me. ME.

I had no idea what to expect.

Would she follow her own outlining and structuring advice? Would it make for a good book? Could she write?

Okay, I knew the girl could write (just read a few articles on her website), but could she write fiction?

Um, yes.

Absolutely, unequivocally, yes.

If you like dieselpunk adventure novels, then this is for you.

Don’t know what dieselpunk is? I didn’t either! Check it out; it is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

In fact, here is the back cover copy just to prove it:

In the high-flying, heady world of 1920s aviation, brash pilot Robert “Hitch” Hitchcock’s life does a barrel roll when a young woman in an old-fashioned ball gown falls from the clouds smack in front of his biplane. As fearless as she is peculiar, Jael immediately proves she’s game for just about anything, including wing-walking in his struggling airshow. In return for her help, she demands a ride back home . . . to the sky.

Hitch thinks she’s nuts—until he steers his plane into the midst of a bizarre storm and nearly crashes into a strange airship like none he’s ever run afoul of, an airship with the power to control the weather. Caught between a corrupt sheriff and dangerous new enemies from above, Hitch must take his last chance to gain forgiveness from his estranged family, deliver Jael safely home before she flies off with his freewheeling heart, and save his Nebraska hometown from storm-wielding sky pirates.

Cocky, funny, and full of heart, Storming is a jaunty historical/dieselpunk mash-up that combines rip-roaring adventure and small-town charm with the thrill of futuristic possibilities.

Just reading that again makes me want to snatch up the book and read it again.

Hey, that’s not a bad idea…

(Searches for Kindle, then remembers to finish blog post)

There was never a dull moment. Every word mattered.

Every. Single. Word.

K.M. Weiland is a master storyteller. I was hooked throughout the entire tale.

Now I need to read the rest of her books.

Immediately.

And you need to read Storming.

Why are you still reading this review?

Go buy it!!! :)

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Learn more about this amazing author at kmweiland.com and helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com. And, of course, check out her Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. This author is one to watch!

P.S.S. The Kindle version of Storming is only $2.99! I have no idea how long this will last, so for the love of doughnuts, get thyself to Amazon! :)

She’s back!

She’s back! The artist who started it all, who fired my imagination with what Folly looked like, is finally back on DeviantArt.

And she gave me permission to share her deviation with all of you.

I’m so excited!

This is Lost Angel by, well, another Sarah! (Known as Sugargrl14 on DeviantArt.)

I have tried to get in touch with her for over a year now, to use this image, or one similar, on the brand new story I was writing, Wisdom & Folly.

At the time, I only wanted to use it as a chapter header for the abbreviated story I published weekly on my website. Of course, you now know I began following Sara Helwe’s art and fell in love with her design and artistic flair.

I can’t imagine a better Folly for my cover than the one Sara crafted! (Folly’s model on my cover: Ruxandra Tudorica. Wisdom’s model: Georgia Stanwix.)

But I had to share with you the image that started it all.

I had already read the verses that first gave me the idea for an angel story, following the sisters Wisdom and Folly (Then I (Wisdom) was beside Him as a master craftsman. Proverbs 8:30 NKJV…and…The woman Folly is loud…her guests are in the depths of Sheol (hell). Proverbs 9:13, 18 ESV), but I had not written anything until I saw this image.

The minute I saw this picture, the story started flowing out of me and wouldn’t stop.

So thank you, Sarah, from the bottom of my heart, for inspiring me to write my first published book! It means the world to me that you came back to DeviantArt and gave me permission to share this deviation. A million times, thank you!

In Him,

Michele

 

Lost Angel by Sugargrl14 on deviantart.com. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Wisdom & Folly: Sisters, Part One

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Genre: Supernatural Fiction

This book was so much fun writing, you guys. Authors start with the question, "What if?" and my question was, "What if Wisdom is actually an angel? What if her sister, Folly, hates her, and they are locked in a battle that spans the ages? A battle that very much affects each one of us?" This book is completely from their perspective, and I am so sad not to be writing any more of it. I hope you love it! :)


Overview

Wisdom. She may have crafted the worlds by the Maker’s design, she may have been by His side since the beginning, but her heart aches. Her sister is gone. Defected, to a group of rebels who loathe their Creator with every fiber in their beings, who plot His downfall. Her new assignment? Fight them. Defeat them. But how can she fight her sister, when all she wants to do is bring her home?

Folly. Fury seethes within her. Jealous of the attention the Maker lavished on her sister, she turned to a new master and became his favorite. Or so she thought. Determined to prove herself, to become invaluable, she realizes destroying her sister just may be the key to Lucifer’s heart. Her plan? Engage Wisdom. Distract her, defeat her. If only there wasn’t the minor detail she wasn’t counting on. Missing her sister.

Like this:Like Loading...Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

Wisdom & Folly: Sisters, Part Two

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Genre: Supernatural Fiction

I was so sad to see my story come to an end--but what a fun ending to write! I hope you enjoy my book as much as I enjoyed writing it, or perhaps even more so. Happy reading!


Overview

Wisdom. She is furious. Her sister has destroyed countless of the Maker’s creatures and shows no sign of remorse. Or of stopping. She knows Folly’s end is near and cannot wait to staunch her sister’s wrath. Forever. Now if only her heart believed her.

Folly. Her hatred wanes with each passing day. What’s the point? Her defeat has been promised, and its surety strengthens with each step of time’s cruel march. Can nothing change her path? Why did she leave heaven’s bliss for such a cruel taskmaster?

But Wisdom has orders to thwart her sister. Folly’s orders are the same. And both are determined to win.

Like this:Like Loading...Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Release day for Book Two!

Oh, I just have tingles and chills everywhere!

I totally forgot today was release day. Completely. Forgot.

I had pre-ordered Part Two on my Kindle, just to double-check formatting and make sure Amazon put out what I gave them, so I got an email first thing this morning.

“Wisdom & Folly, Part Two has been downloaded to your Kindle.”

Squeal!

What a lovely, fun, exactly-what-I-needed surprise! This week has held so much sadness and tragedy, it almost doesn’t seem right to celebrate my second book’s release.

Yet it is one lovely thing that has happened for me this week, and I am grateful.

Once again, I am celebrating my release with a giveaway on Goodreads, and another giveaway at my Facebook release party THIS THURSDAY. I can’t believe it’s here already!

But I do have a favor to ask of you.

When you finish reading either book, would you mind leaving a brief review on Amazon? It is crazy important for an author to get reviews for the success of their book.

Also, would you mind asking your local library to order a copy of each book? That would be so wonderful!

Thank you so much!

Happy release day!

In Him,

Michele

P.S. Please lift your hearts in prayer for those precious people in Paris, and Amber and Amanda’s family. My heart is so heavy. I can’t even imagine.

Love and hugs to each one of you! This life is fleeting. Precious. Live the life you were meant to live. Here. Now. This very moment. You can make a difference in this world for Christ.

Wisdom & Folly: Sisters, Part Two

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Genre: Supernatural Fiction

I was so sad to see my story come to an end--but what a fun ending to write! I hope you enjoy my book as much as I enjoyed writing it, or perhaps even more so. Happy reading!


Overview

Wisdom. She is furious. Her sister has destroyed countless of the Maker’s creatures and shows no sign of remorse. Or of stopping. She knows Folly’s end is near and cannot wait to staunch her sister’s wrath. Forever. Now if only her heart believed her.

Folly. Her hatred wanes with each passing day. What’s the point? Her defeat has been promised, and its surety strengthens with each step of time’s cruel march. Can nothing change her path? Why did she leave heaven’s bliss for such a cruel taskmaster?

But Wisdom has orders to thwart her sister. Folly’s orders are the same. And both are determined to win.

Like this:Like Loading...Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Giveaway and Launch Party

Wisdom & Folly, Part One has officially been out a week now, and the euphoria still hasn’t dissipated.

I have a published book, people! Ahhh! Happy dance! :)

I know I’ve already mentioned this, but I’m giving away 5 signed copies on Goodreads and 5 signed copies at my Facebook Launch Party.

Looks like I’ll be single-handedly funding the post office for a little while. ;)

I’ve already sent the first few copies to the Library of Congress for the LCCN program, as well as to the U.S. Copyright Office. My babies are going out into the world! Sob.

There is so much to tell you about this whole publishing process! I’ll take any questions–anything specific you want to know?

So, yeah. My book.

The Goodreads giveaway ends in 6 days–on the 15th–and the Facebook Launch Party is on Thursday, November 19th. I can’t wait!

You are welcome to enter either of the contests. I hope you do! And I hope you WIN! (I would give a copy to each one of you if I could!)

But I’m curious.

Have you been able to read Wisdom & Folly yet? What do you think of it?

Happy reading!

In Him,

Michele

Wisdom & Folly: Sisters, Part One

Author: Michele Israel Harper
Genre: Supernatural Fiction

This book was so much fun writing, you guys. Authors start with the question, "What if?" and my question was, "What if Wisdom is actually an angel? What if her sister, Folly, hates her, and they are locked in a battle that spans the ages? A battle that very much affects each one of us?" This book is completely from their perspective, and I am so sad not to be writing any more of it. I hope you love it! :)


Overview

Wisdom. She may have crafted the worlds by the Maker’s design, she may have been by His side since the beginning, but her heart aches. Her sister is gone. Defected, to a group of rebels who loathe their Creator with every fiber in their beings, who plot His downfall. Her new assignment? Fight them. Defeat them. But how can she fight her sister, when all she wants to do is bring her home?

Folly. Fury seethes within her. Jealous of the attention the Maker lavished on her sister, she turned to a new master and became his favorite. Or so she thought. Determined to prove herself, to become invaluable, she realizes destroying her sister just may be the key to Lucifer’s heart. Her plan? Engage Wisdom. Distract her, defeat her. If only there wasn’t the minor detail she wasn’t counting on. Missing her sister.

Like this:Like Loading...Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Captive Imposter in Paperback

It’s here! Release day for the final (for now) book in the Everstone Chronicles, The Captive Imposter.

And, once again, the lovely Dawn Crandall is giving away copies of her gorgeous book on both Goodreads and her website.

This book is my favorite of the series.

Estella Everstone is sent away from her home to one of her luxurious family-owned hotels, under a false name and a false identity. Someone intends to further harm her family, and her family does not want her to get hurt.

She meets Dexter Blakely, the manager, and he intrigues her, unlike any other.

Estella is quiet and shy–much like how I was for most of my life. In fact, I still am; I just hide it well. ;) Dexter Blakely is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He is honest, kind (if a bit prickly at first introduction), and rescues damsels in distress.

What’s not to love about this unlikely pair?

If you have not yet read this series, this book, I encourage you to give The Captive Imposter a try if you like gothic romance.

I am certainly glad I did!

And how wonderful this previously ebook-only novel is now in paperback!

Happy reading! :)

In Him,

Michele

The Captive Imposter

Author: Dawn Crandall
Series: Everstone Chronicles, Book 3
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

Gripping, relentless, and deep, The Captive Imposter will keep you up far into the night. At least it did me! Book three in the Everstone Chronicles is perhaps the best of the three, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I hope you love it as much as I did!


Overview

For her own protection following the murder of her brother Will, hotel heiress Estella Everstone assumes the alias of Elle Stoneburner and takes a job as companion to an elderly widow. Never did she imagine that her position would lead her back to her beloved Everston, a picturesque resort property tucked away in the rugged mountains of Maine. Living below her station in a guise of anonymity has its struggles, but her spirits are buoyed by a newfound friendship with the hotel manager, Dexter Blakeley. And his distaste for the spoiled socialites who frequent his hotel causes her to take a close look at her own priorities and past lifestyle. When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer of employment she can’t refuse. As the two interact and open up to each other, Estella feels a growing attraction to Dexter; and increasing discomfort over concealing her identity. Yet, in spite of the false pretense she’s putting forth, she’s never felt freer to be herself than in his presence. But will he still love her when he learns the truth about who she is?

Like this:Like Loading...Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

It’s Release Day!

I just had to share this brief post to let you know that today is release day for Wisdom & Folly: Sisters, Part One!

Oh my word, I can hardly believe it!

I never thought this day would come, it’s finally here, and I just need to scream.

Ahhhhh!

To celebrate, I am giving away 5 signed paperback copies on Goodreads.

My dearest wish is that you love it, but, even if you don’t, I want to know.

What do you think of my book?

Comment below, review it on Amazon, or send me a private message on Facebook.

Biting my nails in anticipation!

Thank you, everyone, so much.

Happy reading!

In Him,

Michele Israel Harper

(Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and a plethora of other places. Just so you know.) ;)