L.M. Schukraft's Blog, page 8
November 17, 2017
Locked Out – Book 1 in the Rebuild Cozy Mystery Series
Thank you for checking out the Rebuild Cozy Mystery Series!
Locked Out is the first book in the series and here is the synopsis from the back of the book:
Emeline Watson hoped that by changing careers and going back to her home town, Waverly, it would be a new beginning for her. She could forget her horrible ex and the troubles he caused, move on from her father’s passing away six months ago, and start over. She finds out quickly enough that her past has followed her.
Amid overhearing clandestine conversations, her ex stalking her, and her home town being plagued with recent break-ins, Emeline’s first week at Rebuild, a local chain hardware store, is anything but easy. The only bright spot is her gorgeous new co-worker, Ethan Walker. They’re paired up together the first day, and the mutual attraction is undeniable, but Emeline senses there’s more to Ethan than he’s letting on.
Starting out a new job, in a new town, is never easy but Ethan Walker has become a pro at blending in and adjusting to change. He figures this should be one of the easier changes he’s had to face in awhile. Little did he know the trouble that was awaiting him when he first set eyes on Emeline Watson. Her girl next door blonde hair, curvy fit body, and stunning eyes catches his attention instantly. Time and again, he finds himself playing knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress.
Waverly is experiencing it’s first wave of crime in centuries and Emeline seems to be mixed up in the center of it. No matter how much she denies needing Ethan to rescue her, the two are thrown together after Emeline discovers the grizzly remains of a body.
Can Ethan and Emeline figure out who’s behind the crimes? Will their attraction, and Emeline, survive the sinister plot threatening the entire town? Or will their secrets keep them locked out of each others lives?
Time is running out and the stakes are getting higher with each passing day….the danger is real and it’s coming for Emeline.
Locked Out ARC review sign up!!
Hello everyone!
~ ‘*•.☆.•*’~Sign up is still open for ARC reviewers of Locked Out!! ~ ‘*•.☆.•*’~
Please help me out with introducing my cozy mystery! Your reviews will help promote and generate interest. The sign up is open to bloggers, Facebook page review groups and avid readers! Whether it’s a full review or a quick couple hundred words (or less), every review helps!! If you have a valid Amazon account and can post a review, please sign up.
I read through my mystery in a day and it’s 424 pages! It really is a fast, grip you by the seat of your pants mystery.
This mystery is complicated, funny, and thrilling. It will leave you guessing until the very end. It’s got all the great elements of Clue, with a little bit of romance thrown in.
Click the link below to be one of the first to read Locked out!!
A brief synopsis:
Emeline Watson hoped that by changing careers and going back to her home town, Waverly, it would be a new beginning for her. She could forget her horrible ex and the troubles he caused, move on from her father’s passing away six months ago, and start over. She finds out quickly enough that her past has followed her.
Amid overhearing clandestine conversations, her ex stalking her, and her home town being plagued with recent break-ins, Emeline’s first week at Rebuild, a local chain hardware store, is anything but easy. The only bright spot is her gorgeous new co-worker, Ethan Walker. They’re paired up together the first day, and the mutual attraction is undeniable, but Emeline senses there’s more to Ethan than he’s letting on.
Starting out a new job, in a new town, is never easy but Ethan Walker has become a pro at blending in and adjusting to change. He figures this should be one of the easier changes he’s had to face in awhile. Little did he know the trouble that was awaiting him when he first set eyes on Emeline Watson. Her girl next door blonde hair, curvy fit body, and stunning eyes catches his attention instantly. Time and again, he finds himself playing knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress.
Waverly is experiencing it’s first wave of crime in centuries and Emeline seems to be mixed up in the center of it. No matter how much she denies needing Ethan to rescue her, the two are thrown together after Emeline discovers the grizzly remains of a body.
Can Ethan and Emeline figure out who’s behind the crimes? Will their attraction, and Emeline, survive the sinister plot threatening the entire town? Or will their secrets keep them locked out of each others lives?
Time is running out and the stakes are getting higher with each passing day….the danger is real and it’s coming for Emeline.
Rebuild Cozy Mystery Series – COVER REVEAL!
Hello everyone! Yes, it’s been awhile. I’ve been focused on finishing my first book of the Rebuild Cozy Mystery series: Locked Out!
Well, earlier today – ridiculously early – I finally finished it! My third novel! I’m so excited to share the cover. It’s already been shared on my Facebook page but I definitely needed to share it here.
I created this cover by teaching myself layers, masks, font gradients, and using my own images. I’m so excited that it came out almost just like I pictured it! Without further ado….
[image error]
[image error]
September 25, 2017
The Halfling – Silver Dagger Book Blog Tour Giveaway!!
[image error]
[image error]
The Halfling
by Melissa H. North
Genre: Fantasy
“There are three things I know are certain in my life. Firstly, I am a cursed halfling—part faerie, part human. Another thing I know is I hate faeries. They are deceitful, evil, and conniving.
The third thing I know—and it is a certainty—nothing is guaranteed in this life, including your sanity, your family, and your world as you know it.” – Eliana
Eliana finds herself propelled into a world she longs to stay away from; a world where nothing is what it seems. In a race against minds, she must master her magic and fight an unimaginable darkness, stretching throughout the realm of Grandelione. The same darkness that cursed her mother and, now, her half-brother is laying dormant in her too.
It grows stronger with each passing day.
Left with two options, she must choose to fight and bring peace back to Grandelione or plunge into a world of darkness and murder.
Can she learn to harness her magic and bring peace back to Grandelione and her family?
Or will the darkness within consume her?
Pursued by her brothers from the Faerie realm of Grandelione, Eliana Ariarose flees through the streets of New York City.
Her brothers are sworn enemies, with the youngest, Caelian, having battled to earn his title of Crown Prince from Aemon – a royal who vows bloodshed in order to have his claim to the throne restored.
As Eliana flees, she makes startling discoveries about herself and her real identity, as well as the truth about her upbringing.
Eliana meets many beings from the Faerie world. Some would die to keep her safe, while others would happily steal her immense and unusual powers, right before destroying her heart and soul.
[image error]
I’m going to die, she thought as claws large enough to crush a car reached for her. Her stomach launched into her throat as the creature picked her up. She screamed, her voice lost amidst the screech of its wingbeats. She groped for the zeitgeber in her pocket but feared that it would slip out of her hands because of her damaged shoulder. They were high in the sky, flying towards a red glow in the mountains. She had never imagined such a creature in her life. It was from hell itself. Panic engulfed her, sending bile into her mouth. Gagging, she tried to hold back the surge of vomit but couldn’t. Hot, acidic fluid gushed in sporadic intervals. The beast swung to the right and low to the ground as she continued to heave. The nauseating ride felt worse than a roller coaster. Her head swung from side to side as the motion of the flying beast slowed. Groggily, she turned her head and looked down as her stomach lunged once more towards her throat. A pair of burning eyes below her caught her attention. A figure, dressed in smoky black clothes and hidden inside a dark cloak watched her being carried like a helpless rabbit in the claws of an eagle. She did the only thing she could. As she opened her mouth and felt her stomach contents rise, she directed it towards the figure with the burning eyes. A tiny act of defiance in the face of approaching death.
[image error]
[image error]
About the Author
Writing has always been a hobby and cathartic experience for me. Turning my passion into a fulfilling career as an Author has been one of my greatest dreams. I write because creating something that didn’t exist before is as close to magic as I’ll ever get. All you need is imagination.
I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and impressed by the influence it has on people and the decisions they make in life. I love engaging with the projects I work on, diving headfirst into the research, investigation, and production of stories I feel are worth writing about. I am a curious and proactive Author, interested in preserving the foundations set by classical literature by adapting them to modern themes and trends.
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads
[image error]
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!!
[image error]
August 22, 2017
$.99 ebook Promo!! Get Your Copy of Even Halos Can Be Crooked Today!!
~☆~~ Kindle Giveaway Promo ~~☆~
◇◇◇ Even Halos Can Be Crooked ebook is $.99 today!! ◇◇◇
I’m doing a promo where if I sell 400 books – either ebook or print – by August 30th, 2017, I will give away ONE Amazon Kindle (an $89 value). If I sell 200 books by August 30th 2017, I will give away ONE $25 Amazon.com gift card.
In order to be entered in this giveaway, you will need to:
Like The Crooked Halos Facebook page
Like this post and comment “enter me”
SHARE THIS POST – the more you share it, the more chances of reaching our goal!
BUY Even Halos Can Be Crooked (*if you haven’t done so already). A copy can be purchased at the link provided above.
Sharing this post and encouraging others to get a copy of Even Halos Can Be Crooked is crucial for this give away to succeed!
Truthfully, it’s more about gaining fans and getting people to read the story so they can enjoy the fun adventure!
*(Facebook is not associated with this promotion in any way. Commenting ‘enter me’ does not guarantee a win or winner. Winners are dependent on meeting book sales goals. Winners will be announced September 14th, 2017 only if sales goals of 200 ($25 gift card) or 400 (Kindle valued at $89) have been reached by August 30th, 2017. This contest is open internationally. No purchase is required to be entered but it does help meet the sales goals. Winners have 3 days to respond once selected and agree to provide a ship to address for the Kindle or email address for the gift card. If no one responds by the 3rd day, another winner will be selected. Please message The Crooked Halos Series with any questions regarding this giveaway. Void where prohibited.)
July 29, 2017
Castles in the Sky is here!! Where to buy!
My poetry and short story novella is published!! It was released July 25th, 2017 and is available in both print and eBook formats here:
Createspace print book for $5.99
Amazon Unlimited, Kindle and Print options from as low as $0 to $5.99
Barnes and Noble print book $5.99
I’m still working on updating all the sites with the release of Castles in the Sky but above are the 3 major areas to grab a copy and check out this unique collection of work.
July 4, 2017
~Fantastic Review from Emerald Book Reviews~
I don’t know how I could have missed sharing on here this gem of a review on Goodreads but somehow I did!
I’m so happy to share it with everyone. I only wish that I had shared it sooner. Somehow, I don’t know how it took so long, but I have a feeling it involves Toddler Mommy brain. That, folks, is a scarier thing than it sounds like!
Thank you so much Nicole!!
You can find Nicole’s page Emerald Book Reviews on Facebook by clicking here today!
(update: I did some research because I knew I had to have seen the review in some way and if it went anything like it just did for me with my toddler expressing quite clearly how he wanted my seat in front of my laptop and got so upset, it brought him to tears, then I know exactly how I could have missed the step of sharing it on my blog. I did share it on The Crooked Halos Series Facebook page the very day I was told the review had posted, phew. My son came down with a nasty cold right around that time frame and then even nastier stomach bug for over a week and my blog and Facebook page updating took a bit of a break while I nursed him back to health. My apologies it’s late being shared on my blog but I’m definitely happy I’m sharing it now! )
Nicole McCurdy’s Reviews > Even Halos Can Be Crooked
Even Halos Can Be Crooked
by L.M. Schukraft (Goodreads Author)
Nicole McCurdy‘s review
Mar 30, 2017
really liked it
read count: 1
❤ Reviewed by Nicole at Emerald Book Reviews ❤
This book was such a quirky, eccentric, madcap adventure-fantasy and to be perfectly honest those are my absolute favourite kind of books, the stories you cannot predict and the characters that don’t excactly fit a cookie-cutter mold of how a heroine or hero should think or act. The heroine in Even Halos Can be Crooked, Murie Autumn Topaz, was one of the most unique I’ve come across in a long time and I am an avid reader. Her inner monologue-although at times disjointed and scattered- is hilarious throughout, especially when her thoughts are side tracked and she goes off on a tangent of comical proportions. She is a heroine, however that a reader will either like or loathe, but I absolutely loved her. Whimsical and funny, smart and dedicated, Murie stole the show for me, followed closely by our mysterious sweetheart hero Castle (fabulous name!)
‘Castles feathers were just as soft as I remembered them. They felt like I was hugging a cloud. I sniffed in his wonderful scent, snuggled in deeper to the feathers and sleep claimed me quickly. I slept peacefully for the rest of the night.’
Even Halos Can Be Crooked is a fast-paced, take no prisoners, whirl wind adventure featuring a great cast of characters, both main and supporting. It’s fascinating and so easy to get sucked in and swept away by it all. The writing sometimes didn’t flow as well as I would have enjoyed, but it didn’t necessarily detract from the story as a whole. If you like fantasy adventure and a strong but neurotic heroine and a bit of a magical hero, then definitely take a chance on this book today.
Book Tour Links for July 4, 2017 to August 4, 2017!! It’s started!
Hello all!
I’m so excited to have Even Halos Can Be Crooked taking a month long book tour all set up by Silver Dagger Book Tours!
Here are all the links to where you can follow Even Halos Can Be Crooked on this tour. Please check out the links, the blogs, share, comment, and maybe, I don’t know, get the book??!!
There is a $20 Amazon gift card giveaway that is running alongside my other giveaway based on reaching 400 book sales (an Amazon Kindle fire – valued at $89) and/or a $25 Amazon gift card giveaway if I reach 200 book sales. So every Facebook like and share enters into my giveaway and checking out the links below, you can enter for the book tour giveaway!!
July 4- kickoff at The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
July 4- Mythical Books
July 5- AC Squared Book Blog
July 5- The Book Town
July 6- The Avid Reader
July 7- Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
July 7- Lisa-Queen of Random
July 8- Mello & June
July 10- Susan Heim on Writing
July 10- A Mama’s Corner of the World
July 11- U.S. – Brazil Book Review
July 11- Turning Another Page
July 12- Sylv.net
July 12- Queen of All She Reads
July 13- Erica Robyn Reads
July 13- The Blackwood Blog
July 14- The Bookworm Chronicles
July 14- Jazzy Book Reviews
July 17- Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom
July 17- Traci Hayden
July 18- Yah gotta read this
July 18- Teatime and Books
July 19- Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
July 19- Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’
July 20- Wonderful World of Books
July 20- Indie Wish List
July 21- The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
July 21- For Love of Books4
July 24- 6 Feet Under Books
July 24- Circle of Stalkers
July 25- Rabid Readers Book Blog
July 25- Book review Virginia Lee Blog
July 26- Cloe Michael’s Reads
July 26- Books Dreams Life
July 27- Ourbookstars
July 27- The Reading Diaries
July 28- Must Read Faster
July 28- Always Love Me Some Books Blog
July 31- Bound 2 Escape
July 31- BB’s Book Reviews & Promotions
Aug 1- SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews
Aug 1- Book Bangers Blog
Aug 2-Anna Del C Dye
Aug 2- Shh, I am Reading
Aug 3- Spunky N Sassy
Aug 3- Celticlady’s Reviews
Aug 4- My Book and Music Obsession
July 2, 2017
Castles in the Sky – Cover reveal!
[image error]
I’m so excited to be finally sharing the cover for my latest book – Castles in the Sky. This is a stand alone short novella of poems and short stories. Don’t let the word poetry throw you off from checking out this book! The poems are unique with imagery and humor that sets them apart from typical poetry. Some are playful while others are a little dark so I think you can find something to enjoy with these poems.
There are 3 short stories:
The first one is done in the style of a Greek Creation Myth. One reviewer commented on “What a story teller you are” after reading Aroma and Damien’s tale.
The next story is a dark tale of a tortured young girl finding her revenge as a woman in the most unusual way
The last story is like an Indiana Jones tale with a little fantasy thrown in. A woman finds herself in trouble once again and is rescued by a mysterious man, which leads them on an adventure of a lifetime.
Castles in the Sky will be available in both eBook and print format soon! The anticipated release date is July 25th, 2017!!!
New 5 star Review – Why haven’t you read Even Halos Can Be Crooked yet?
Desmin here: I’ve hijacked the blog for a hot hopping Hades minute to share this fantastic review and ask why haven’t you read the book yet? I’m in it! That’s should be reason enough to check out Even Halos Can Be Crooked. I’m a cute, adorable, talking stuffed toy dragon that fly’s and spits fire.
Go ahead, get a copy, and find out what a great story this is!
Amazing, July 2, 2017By
amanda
This review is from: Even Halos Can Be Crooked (Kindle Edition)
An absolutely amazing story with such an inventive storyline and amazingly thought out characters. Definitely worth picking up
