Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 106
September 21, 2023
Blog Tour: DISCARDED by Nancy M. Bell
DISCARDED
by Nancy M. Bell
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Canadian Historical Mystery
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BLURB:
Whenthe British arrived in Winnipeg in the 1800s it was convenient for the men totake Metis wives. They were called a la vacon du pays – according to the customof the country.
Thesewomen bore the brunt of ensuring survival in the harsh environment. Withoutthem the British army and fur traders would not have survived the brutalwinters. However, as society evolved it became accepted that wives must bewhite, schooled in British ways, fashionable in the European sense and marriedby the Anglican church.
TheMetis wives and their ‘country born’ offspring were thrown out and forced tofend for themselves. The unrepentant husbands continued to live comfortablywith their ‘new’ wives. It was inevitable that some discarded wives did notaccept their fate quietly and hard feelings on both sides were unavoidable.
Whenthe bodies of two discarded Metis wives, Marguerite and Marie-Anne, are foundfloating in the Red River, Guilliame Mousseau, sets out to get to the bottom ofhis sister Margueite’s murder.
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Excerpt One:
“Marguerite,you must go to him. Ètienne needs medicine, the fever is eating him up,” MarieAnne urged her sister.
The youngerwoman shook her head, wringing out a cloth in cold water to soothe her child.“How can I? The English woman, she is there now, I doubt Miles will even speakto me.”
“He must,Ètienne is his son!” Marie-Anne insisted.
“No longer.”The words were bitter. “He has disowned the bebes and me, discarded us like somuch offal. Now that his fancy English lady has arrived.”
“Still,Marguerite, you must go and ask. I will come with you. Together we will convinceyour Miles to either send the British doctor or give us money for themedicine.” Anne Marie pulled the dripping cloth from Marguerite’s hand andthrew it on the pounded earth floor. “Look at him! You cannot just let him die.If you won’t go yourself, I will go in your stead.”
Marie-Annewhirled around, grabbing two thick shawls from the back of a chair, andwrapping them around her shoulders. She planted her hands on her hips andglared at her sister. “Are you coming?”
“Yes, oui, ofcourse. I know you are right. It is just my pride that stops me. For how longwas I his wife in every sense of the word? If not for me, and you, and otherslike us, those soft Englishmen would never have survived their first winter. Itwas our relatives who brought them buffalo and other provisions to see themthrough, and us who cared for them, chopped wood, carried the water, bore theirchildren…” Marguerite broke off, her throat closing in frustration and sorrowfor all that they’d lost. Angrily, she swiped the moisture from her cheeks andstraightened her back. “Come, we go. Alexandre! Come watch your brother while Igo to your papa to ask for help.”
The older boypoked the dying fire one more time before crossing the small room. He pickedthe sodden cloth up from the floor and wrung it out. After rinsing it with somewater from the bucket by the bed, he wiped his little brother’s face.
“Maman, he’sburning up.” Alex looked up at her. “Will Papa come and take him to the doctor?Why hasn’t he come to see us lately?”
“Your papa willnot be coming, nor will he take Ètienne to the doctor. The best we can hope foris that he will send the doctor or at least make provision for the apothecaryto give me some medicine for him. I have tried the best I can with the willowbark, but it isn’t enough.”
“Will Ètiennedie like Elizabeth?” Alex glanced at the empty cradle still sitting by thehearth.
“Not if I canhelp it,” Anne Marie promised. She took Marguerite’s arm and pulled her towardthe door. “Put this on against the cold.” She thrust a Hudson’s Bay blanketinto the other woman’s arms.
“Oui, yes, wemust go. You are right.” Marguerite wrapped the woolen blanket tightly aroundher, and after one last look at her children, followed her sister out into thebitter wind blowing down the Red River, howling around the eaves of the smallbuildings and sending snow flying into their faces.
Alex’s lastwords echoed in Marguerite’s head as she shouldered her way against the wind.“Tell Papa I miss him.” She snorted, as if Miles cared about them anymore. Evenlittle Elizabeth, dead at six months of age, hadn’t moved him to contribute toher burial. It was the English woman’s fault. She was the one who turned Milesagainst them. Charlotte Windfield, what sort of name was Charlotte anyway?Grief stabbed her for a moment, not Windfield anymore, oh no. Miles married thesalope in the church two weeks ago. So now she was Charlotte Ashmore. LadyAshmore, the pute.
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Topic: What makesyour book different than others in the genre?
Discarded ispart of a collection of Canadian Historical Mysteries which is a companionseries to the publisher’s earlier Canadian Historical Brides Collection. Thereis one mystery set in each province and territory.
Discarded isset against the backdrop of the 1869 Riel Rebellion. Rather than tell the storyfrom the point of view that is presented in our history books, I delved deeperand was dismayed at the high handed and arrogant way the original inhabitantswere treated. I chose to tell the story from the point of view of those whowere already living and thriving in Winnipeg and area when the large area knownas Rupert’s Land was overseen by the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Sir John AMcDonald was the Canadian Prime Minister at time in what was known then asUpper Canada and consisting mainly of present day Ontario and Quebec, alongwith parts of the Maritimes. McDonald had little or no regard for the currentinhabitants and once the Hudson’s Bay Company agreed to sell their interest inRupert’s Land to the Canadian government in order to make the opening of theprairie lands to the west possible, the Canadian government did everything inits power to displace the current residents who consisted mainly of Metis andindigenous peoples.
In Canadianhistory books Louis Riel is portrayed as a traitor and a rebel. In truth, theman was only seeking a fair and equable entry into the Dominion of Canada. Itis true that the history books are written by the victors, and they tend tosugar coat their roles in the events.
The titleDiscarded comes from the callous treatment of the Metis and indigenous womenwho were taken as what was referred to as ‘country wives’ at the time. Theywere considered married to the British and Scottish immigrants who came to workfor the Hudson’s Bay Company, to trap furs and hunt buffalo in the customaccording to the country. They were not considered married by the clergy whocame later. These women bore the brunt of the burden of survival in the harshclimate that the newly arrived Europeans would have perished in without theefforts of these women. However, as the settlement grew and evolved, theBritish in particular wanted to introduce more of their culture and societywhich resulted in the men importing English brides. These women were consideredmore acceptable in the new order of society and were married in one of thethree churches that now flourished in the village of Winnipeg. As this happenedthe ‘country wives’ were sent away, basically discarded and disowned. There wasacrimony on both sides by the women, the discarded wives were hurt and angry,the new English brides were appalled at what they considered their husbands’relationship with those they considered far beneath their regard.
I believethe fact I have chosen to tell the untold story of early Winnipeg, rather thanstick to the rhetoric put forth in Canadian history books sets this storyapart. I hope I have done it justice.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Nancy Marie Bell is a proud Albertan and Canadian. She lives nearBalzac, Alberta with her husband and various critters. She is a member of The Writers Union ofCanada and the Writers Guild of Alberta.
Nancy has numerous writing credits to her name, having threenovels published and her work has been published in various magazines. She hasalso had her work recognized and honoured with various awards, and mostrecently, a silver medal in the Creative Writing category of the Alberta 55Plus Summer Games in 2013.
Nancy has presented at the Surrey International Writers Conferencein 2012 and 2013, and at the Writers Guild of Alberta Conference in 2014. Shehas publishing credits in poetry, fiction and non-fiction.
Nancy blogs on the first of each month at the Canadian HistoricalBrides Blog and on the 18th of every month at the Books We Love Insider Blog.Please drop by and say hi.
You can find her on Facebook at http://facebook.com/NancyMBell
Follow on twitter: @emilypikkasso
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GIVEAWAY
NancyM. Bell will award a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Blast: VOICES OF CANCER by Lynda Wolters
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lynda Wolters will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
"I don't know what to say" and "I don't know what to do" are common responses to a life-threatening diagnosis. Voices of Cancer is here to help.
Every cancer story is different, but there is one commonality: both patients and the people supporting them often struggle to properly articulate their wants and needs through particularly challenging and in many cases, uncharted territory. Lynda Wolters knows firsthand: she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal mantle cell lymphoma in August of 2016.
Voices of Cancer offers a candid look into the world of a cancer patient, informed by Lynda’s own story and conversations had with dozens of patients weighing in on their needs, wants, and dislikes as they navigate the complex world of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. With comprehensive and accessible insight from people who’ve been there, Voices of Cancer helps educate, dispel fears, and start positive conversations about what a cancer diagnosis truly means, while shining a light on how best to support a loved one on their own terms.
Read an Excerpt
Tip 1: A good way to get involved is to find out when a patient is going to an appointment or having treatment and then be there for them. I do that with my cancer friends, and they are always genuinely happy to see me, even if I am only there to share a hug. It is surprising how a five-minute visit can carry a patient through an otherwise long, lonely day.
Tip 2: Setting up a meal delivery chain through mutual friends is a great way to be present and available to the patient and their family.
Tip 3: Checking to make sure the patient has adequate transportation to and from appointments is very useful because, most times, we patients either do not feel up to driving or are unable to drive after receiving treatment.
Tip 4: It is also helpful to have someone clean the house, even if that only means the bathroom and the kitchen. My husband did his best to do it all: work, cook, take care of me, clean. But, oh, what I would have given for a hand in this area, as I felt a lot of guilt by not being able to keep up my own house for a year.
Tip 5: Leading on from the previous tip, another way to provide support is to keep the patient’s caregiver in mind. That person has the weight of the world on their shoulders with all the added responsibilities. And don’t think the patient doesn’t realize this, which in turn adds unhealthy stress to the situation. The sense of guilt that comes with this can at times be overwhelming to the patient. Consider taking the caregiver out for a much-needed cup of coffee or meal, or perhaps sit with the patient so the caregiver can go for a solo walk or on an outing with friends. If the caregiver is running on empty, everyone feels it, so being present and available to the caregiver is a huge help to the patient. Whatever you do, we do love you for trying: anything is better than nothing. It is on the patient to educate friends and family as much as it is on the non-patient to be sensitive to the irritating little sayings that seem so harmless. Bottom line: most patients would prefer a well-meaning gesture, such as a meal or a visit, to an empty cliché that is better left on a T-shirt or a charity wristband.
About the Author:
Lynda was born and raised in a tiny farming community of 400 in northern Idaho. She worked on the family farm, with her first job being picking rocks out of the fields and ultimately graduating up the ladder to driving a grain truck and combine during harvest. Following high school, Lynda continued her education in Las Vegas before she moved back home to Idaho to raise her three sons. Lynda still resides in Idaho with her husband and their peekapoo, Max.
Lynda has worked in the legal field for 30+ years and enjoys ballroom and swing dancing, horseback riding, kayaking, and river rafting. She has a heart for people and enjoys regularly volunteering. She spends the bulk of her spare time reading and writing.
Lynda was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in August 2016. She touts herself as being a thriving warrior of the disease.
Lynda has completed two books of nonfiction: Voices of Cancer, released in October 2019, and Voices of LGBTQ+, released in August 2020.
The Placeholder, Lynda’s debut novel, was released in November 2022.
Lynda has published the following articles: Navigating the Workplace with Chemo Brain, February 23, 2020, Elephants and Tea. and When Masks Weren’t Popular, March 24, 2020, Patient Power. She has spoken on several podcasts, been a guest on a local talk show regarding Voices of Cancer, and given interviews for other outlets and print.
Jane Brody wrote up Voices of Cancer in the New York Times, her article entitled What to Say to Someone with Cancer, on January 13, 2020, with a follow-up on January 20, 2020, entitled, When Life Throws You a Curveball, Embrace the New Normal.
The Chinese translation rights of Voices of Cancer have been purchased by a grant to offer the book to medical students in Tawain.
Lynda donates Voices of Cancer books and a portion of its proceeds to Epic Experience, a nonprofit camp for adult survivors and thrivers of cancer located in Colorado.
WEBSITE: https://www.lyndawolters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynda.wolters24
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lyndawolters1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndawolters/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Wolters_Lynda
Amazon links:
KINDLE: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Cancer-What-Really-Want-ebook/dp/B07YLZKSTX/
HARD COPY: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Cancer-What-Really-Want/dp/1645430391/
AUDIBLE: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Cancer-What-Really-Want/dp/B0839PK3GJ/
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September 20, 2023
Blog Tour: BLUE BLOOD by Lily Ragley
I am thrilled to be hosting a spoton the BLUE BLOOD by Lily Ragley Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check outmy post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
About The Book:
Title: BLUE BLOOD: Mafia Romance & Suspense(The Family Book 1)Author: Lily Ragley
Pub. Date: September 15, 2023
Publisher: Lily Ragley
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 342
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/BLUE-BLOOD
What price would you pay...to rulethe largest mafia Family? My husband has earned his way to the top. But I amanchored down by the past.
I was 25 when the Don selected me as his bride. Cold, commanding, and ruthless- he wanted nothing less than the best. And that was me. Perfectly perfect… andall a farce.
Once he discovers my past, there’s no saving me. Not from his judgment or fromthe traitors lying in wait. For everyone knows the Family does not believe indishonor, but they do in murder.
Blue Blood is a standalone, arranged marriage, mafia romantic-suspense.
Blue Blood: An Excerpt | Lily Ragley
PROLOGUE
Her mouth opened in a silent scream.
It echoed shrilly around in her mind, but no sound came out.Nothing except the breaths rushing closer and closer together as she observedthe scene distantly.
Calm. That’s how she should be. That’s how she’d alwaysappeared, her cousin had said–like a composed porcelain doll. Unmoved, even ifthe sky collapsed over their very heads.
That was, of course, until today. But who could blame her?She had never felt another person’s blood before.
Her fingers flexed under the moonlight, watching as itglistened. The texture was unsurprising, but the smell…
Nausea rushed through her as she choked.
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
The pungent odor suddenly hit her, piercing through the veilof numbness blanketing her. Its stench thrust the last fifteen minutes to thefore in a morbidly endless loop inside her head. Help! Help me.Quivering all over, she inched closer to the body, finally daring to approachit.
Deep breath.
In.
Out.
It was motionless, shrouded in darkness. The weapon in itsback protruded at an odd angle, glinting at her tauntingly. When the night hadbegun, she could have hardly imagined it ending with a dead body on theexpensive carpet. She’d tried her best to prevent it, to avoid it coming tothis.
Please, no!
But she’d failed.
Creak.
The office door slowly opened, yet she could hardly move orlook up. Footsteps rushed forward all the way until they encountered the flowof blood.
Deep red rivers.
“Ana…”
The soft alarm brought her eyes up to her aunt’s horrifiedface.
“You shouldn’t have come here.”
About Lily Ragley:
Lily Ragleyis a corporate worker by day and a debut author by night. She enjoys sweetromances with a touch of dark mystery.
Offline, shelikes long walks, chocolate, staycations - and did she mention chocolate?
Find andfollow Lily!
Giveaway Details:
3 winnerswill receive an eBook of BLUE BLOOD, US Only.
Ends October3rd, midnight EST.
a Rafflecopter giveawayTour Schedule:
Week One:
9/18/2023
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder
Guest Post
9/18/2023
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog
Excerpt/IG Post
9/19/2023
Guest Post
9/19/2023
Guest Post/IG Post
9/20/2023
Review/IG Post
9/20/2023
Review
9/21/2023
Excerpt/IG Post
9/21/2023
Review/IG Post
9/22/2023
Review/IG Post
9/22/2023
Review/IG Post
Week Two:
9/25/2023
IG Review
9/25/2023
IG Review
9/26/2023
IG Review
9/26/2023
Review
9/27/2023
Review/IG Post
9/27/2023
IG Review
9/28/2023
Review/IG Post
9/28/2023
IG Review
9/29/2023
IG Review
9/29/2023
Review/IG Post
September 19, 2023
Blog Tour: THE GROUP by Kevin Doyle
THE GROUP
by Kevin R. Doyle
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GENRE: Mystery
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BLURB:
Sure,Ron Green had made a mistake, but it wasn't one that millions of other guyshadn't made before him. And maybe he deserved some sort of punishment, like hiswife leaving him or his kids hating his guts. But this? Being the main suspectin a single murder was bad enough, but at the same time knowing he was apotential victim of a serial killer was even worse. However, before Green couldconvince the cops of his innocence, he first had to convince them the serialkiller actually existed, and at the moment they weren't believing a thing hesaid.
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Excerpt One:
Hollis fellsilent as the ME went about her business although even he could pretty muchguess what had happened. With no exit wound, the small caliber bullet had nodoubt buried itself somewhere inside the skull, probably after ricochetingaround for a while.
“So how manydoes this make?” she asked without looking up. “Have you all hit the tripledigits yet?”
“Actually,” he said, “we passed the hundredmark at the end of last month. I’m not sure what number this one makes.”
“Well,” the MEsaid as she stood up and stripped off her gloves, “I won’t be able to putanything down officially till I get him on the table, but it’s pretty obviouswhat happened here.”
“One bulletback of the head,” Hollis said.
“Right. Whichgets back to the oddity.”
“How did he endup lying face up?”
“Exactly. Even a .22, in the back of theskull, should have sent him tumbling forward. This looks almost apologetic.Could it have been some sort of a robbery?”
“That’s the nice thing about it, Hollis. Mypart’s easy. I just have to come up with the means. You guys get to do thewhole motive and opportunity thing.”
Hollis grimacedas she walked off.
“Oh by theway.” She turned back to him. “I checked with the office before I left. Thismakes number one hundred twelve for the year. And only sixteen days to go.”
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Review:
All he wanted was a job. In fact,after months of unemployment, he really needed it. But the rejections just keptcoming. No one would give him a break.Meanwhile, Ron—father, husband,student, teacher—has just found out that his ex-lover was murdered and wasworried about being the prime suspect.
The premise grabs you right away.Ron is practically nerve-wracked about being the prime suspect. When talking tothe cops, we find out that Ron met the woman at a focus group. Ron tells hiswhole story about how he met her and how their affair got started. I wasn’tsure how the nameless guy looking for a job tied into all this. And what aboutthe dead guy with a bullet hole in head in the first chapter?
At times, the story hit a lag,slowing the whole thing down. When a second woman was found dead, it becomesapparent that the deaths may be connected to the focus group they were all in.Supposedly, this group was for a senator at the time. At this point, the readstarts feeling too long. I kind of expected a quicker investigation and ariveting mystery. I really don’t think this story needed 50 chapters. Therewere just too many holes that didn’t quite fill in all the way and I wasn’tsure how they fit the rest of the story. Primarily what interested me was Ronbeing the murder suspect and who the real murderer was.
This was a fairly nice read aboutmurders that some crime aficionados might enjoy. I just think it could’ve beenbetter.
Rating:3 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
A retired high-school teacher and former college instructor, KevinR. Doyle is the author of numerous short horror stories. He’s also written fourcrime thrillers including The Group and The Anchor, and one horror novel, TheLitter. In the last few years, he’s begun working on the Sam Quinton privateeye series, published by Camel Press. The first Quinton book, Squatter’sRights, was nominated for the 2021 Shamus award for Best First PI Novel. The fourth Sam Quinton book, Clean Win, wasreleased in March of 2023.
Web site: www.kevindoylefiction.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kevindoylfiction
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6473241.Kevin_R_Doyle
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CGB2QV4
Barnesand Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-group-kevin-r-doyle/1119265954?ean=9781509239351
Audible:https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Group-Audiobook/B0BRQZZQGK
GoogleBooks: https://books.google.com/books?id=LO-SswEACAAJ&source=gbs_book_other_versions_r&cad=2
Kobo:https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-group-29
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GIVEAWAY
KevinR. Doyle will win a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 18, 2023
Blog Tour: A FALL OF LIGHT by LJ Greene
A FALL OF LIGHT
by LJ Greene
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GENRE: Contemporary M/M Romance
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BLURB:
LJGreene brings to life one of her most compelling characters: the sensitive,eccentric, bass guitarist, Greg Van de Meer. A Fall of Light weaves togetherthe strands of Greg’s private and public lives—a shattering personal history, alove affair with potentially disastrous consequences, and family bonds that arestretched to their breaking point.
It’sbeen fifteen years since Greg was outed by his fundamentalist father at agesixteen and sent from home, with devastating consequences for both he and hisyounger brother, Asher. Now unlaid ghosts from the past are stirring. With hisband’s success on the world stage, Greg’s life takes a complicated turn when hedevelops a friendship with Louis Angel, an ex-Marine with a secret of his own,and finds himself facing familiar threats from an unexpected source.
Strainedloyalties, a private affair, and Greg’s own guarded history collide dangerouslyuntil a visit from an old foe forces him to confront past wounds and presentbeliefs. Allegiances are called into question and he must decide whether thesecrets he’s fighting to protect are worth the life he’s finally ready to have.
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Excerpt One:
Greg lookeddown at his hands and realized they were clenched into fists, his fingernailsdigging viciously into the flesh of his palms. “No,” he whispered to himself,and opened them, exposing the angry moon-shaped marks. “No.”
He took hisphone from his pocket, opened up his texts, and looked at the photo again. Heremembered it all; remembered the joy of opening his eyes and seeing Louisstanding there, the shock of being pulled against his firm body, and the warmmocha taste of his mouth. He remembered the absolute, utter relief of it. Therightness, now made wrong.
He set thephone down, bracing himself on the counter’s edge, his head hung low. He wasjust now realizing exactly the magnitude of the gift Louis had given him. Hehad been the only one in the world who knew Louis’s secret—the only one—andsuddenly he felt the weight of that trust heavy and warm in his heart. And thenit turned cold.
Rage and sorrowbattled for mastery in his gut. This washis fault, he told himself. It was Louis’s association with him that put Louisin this situation; it was his recklessness that had brought the wolves to hisdoor.
But if theythought for a moment that Greg would bow easily to intimidation . . . He realizedhe was clenching his fists again, and opened them. “You are grossly mistaken,”he said softly, to the rain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
LJGreene is a self-professed obsessive multi-tasker who writes boring stuff byday and lets her inner romantic fly by night. This California native is married to the most amazing man and has twobeautiful children, now old enough to read her books but still not interestedbecause of the ew, gross factor. She’s an avid reader of all genres with anembarrassingly large ebook collection, and a weird penchant for reading theacknowledgements at the end of a novel. She’s also a music lover with no apparent musical talent, a travelenthusiast, and a cheese connoisseur.
Website:www.ljgreenebooks.com
Twitter:@authorljgreene
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB8THSD2/ref=sr_1_1
BN:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-fall-of-light-lj-greene/1143748471
Ibooks:http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6450971378
Kobo:https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-fall-of-light
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY
Theauthor will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 17, 2023
Review: OUR LAST HOPE by Allison Van Wheeler
Story had a nice diary narrativeof a young girl with health issues and a dream to play soccer. It’s sofrustrating being in and out of the hospital, going through endless andgrueling tests, and still not know what’s wrong.
“El, you can come to practice, butyou can’t play.” It wasn’t fair!
The trials of teenhood and thefrustration of her condition were expressed in such candid and witty notes.Being sick, she loses the right to play soccer along with all her friends. Theonly she had was a genuine connection with a boy named Archie. In time, Eloiselearns to realize that she’s more than just soccer.
Sweet and poignant, this was anice read so filled with the hope and the stamina of not giving up.
Rating:4 stars
September 16, 2023
Review: GOOSEBUMPS: DR. MANIAC WILL SEE YOU NOW by R.L. Stine
Richard, the Sneezer, had amiserable life with his allergies. A visit to a new allergy doctor leads to thediscovery of the comic book museum next door. Cool, he loved that place. But,for some reason, it doesn’t become the haven he was so accustomed to. He wasstarting to see strange creatures…from the comic books. How could that be?Comic book characters weren’t real. Then Richard runs into Dr. Maniac, a crazyvillain that has taken the three kids as hostages. The whole thing becomes awar zone of comic book characters.
“Comic Book World was such adangerous and horrifying place.”
Just another crazy adventure byR.L. Stine. A good read!
Rating:4 stars
Review: GOOSEBUMPS: ATTACK OF THE JACK by R.L. Stine
Two kids were staying with theirstrange sailor uncle…and his talking cat. A talking cat?
The kids could explore anywhere inthe lighthouse…except one room. Don’t go in that room. Naturally, that justmakes them curious and they go in the room. Inside, they find lots ofJack-in-the-Box toys. One of them had a pirate puppet named Jack the Knife. Areyou ready for a Jack Attack?
The little pirate jumps out of thebox and grows 6 ft tall. Soon, all the figures pop out and grow, too. Oh, no!This all leads into quite an adventure at sea with being stranded, nearlydrowning, and getting enslaved as banana pickers.
A fun and wild read!
Rating:4 stars
September 15, 2023
Blog Tour: IZZY HOFFMAN IS NOT A WITCH by Alyssa Alessi
Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch
by Alyssa Alessi
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GENRE: Middle Grade Horror
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Twelve-year-old Izzy has been haunted by theshadow of her ten-times-great grandmother for as long as she can remember. Thisis no ordinary ancestral ghost: This great granny was the first woman to behung for witchcraft in Izzy’s small New England town.
Every October first, tourists flood the streets ofMarblehead. Unfortunately, this year so do a mysterious man and a possessedtown psychic. When the man shows up at Izzy’s family-run bookstore, making odddemands and threatening her mom, she must find the connection between thiscreep and her ghostly visions.
Trying to make sense of this chaos, Izzy roams intosecret rooms, holds seances at the local tarot parlor, and digs through the oldfamily cookbooks that sit on her shelves. When she discovers that she may be apart of a once-in-a-century ritual, Izzy must decide whether it’s going to takebaking magic or blood magic to protect herself and her parents from the returnof the witch hunt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
Every morning I wake from the same dream. Honestly, it’smore like a nightmare. I walk up to a ridiculously large brass-framed mirror,its dirty gold trim holding golden vines wrapped around its curves. Facesbelonging to chubby baby angels are carved in its crevices. I’m hesitant tolook at first, but then I jump in front of it like I know what’s coming andwant to get it over with. I do know what’s coming. My reflection is the sameevery time. A woman with long straggly black hair and a gaunt face stares backat me. She has no eyes, yet she looks straight into my soul. Her head movesfrom side to side. My chest aches with each crook of her neck. She wants topull me in, I know she does. Her bony fingers scratch at the sides of theglass. I open my mouth to scream, but the shriek comes from her unhinged jawinstead of mine. I always wake in a puddle of sweat, then get up to brush myteeth. This has been on repeat for five years, until today. Today is my twelfthbirthday and as a gift, this woman smiled and punched through the glass.
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Review:
12-year-old Izzy Hoffman lives ina witchy tourist city. But it wasn’t all hype evidently because, on thisparticular birthday, the lady in her nightmares has broken free and Izzy istold that her walls had secrets. What walls? What secrets? Then she finds asecret room in her mom’s office that may hold all the answers. But her problemswere only beginning.A witch hunter from the 1600’s issearching for something. Izzy was not a witch…was she?
The narrative was easy andenjoyable. I just get a kick out of witch stories! And this one surely doesn’tdisappoint. Wit the help of her mom, Izzy must help her ancestral witch (theone from her dreams) to fight the witch hunter and save an old psychic he mayhave possessed…by baking magic.
This was a good read with a brave,little witch looking to save and preserve the lineage of the strong women thatcame before. A nice one.
Rating:4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Alyssa Alessi is a writer of middle grade, young adult and shortstories all inspired by the unsettling macabre aesthetic of New England. As achild she was on a constant hunt for ghosts, vampires, and her own powers as awitch. When she couldn’t find them, she settled for writing them intoexistence. You can find her hiking any trail in the Northeast said to behaunted, roaming old cemeteries with a camera in hand, or thrift shoppinganywhere antiques are sold. She resides in Boston, MA with her husband, threechildren and their mini dachshund.
Twitter: @AlyssaAlessi
https://instagram.com/pagesinthegraveyard
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1953971865/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
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GIVEAWAY :
AlyssaAlessi will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawnwinner via rafflecopter during the tour.
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September 13, 2023
Book Blast: WELCOME TO WONDERLAND by Bobbie Candas
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bobbie Candas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
A recently fired biologist with mommy issues, a successful entrepreneur with a dead wife, and an immigrant hiding from gang violence…These three have only one thing in common.
They’re all screwed up
Biology researcher, Violet Hill, was just let go and is devastated. She found the solitary lab and long hours the ideal respite for her anxiety issues--doing meaningful work while avoiding people and conversation. Now unemployed, with diminishing finances, Violet is forced to face the enemy, her mother.
For years, Turner Cooper was consumed with building his company’s client roster, until the sudden death of his wife throws him totally off kilter. Now, instead of work, Turner’s guilt and alcohol issues consume him.
Living a reclusive life in Dallas, Rosario Guzman is hiding from a Mexican cartel while working in the shadows at three part-time jobs. Finally, the item she covets the most, a Green Card, arrives in her mailbox. But Rosario quickly realizes the paper card doesn’t solve all her problems.
While navigating social issues, private demons, and nightmare memories, these three lives collide as they find each other at a place none of them ever imagined they’d be working at. As their mutual relationship evolves, Violet, Turner and Rosario lean into each other and unexpectedly find their lives unfurling in remarkable and magical ways.
Read an Excerpt
Violet is Blue
Violet Hill
Mother considers me awkward, graceless, and socially challenged, but always has hope for improvement. I disagree and think of myself as critically shy. Is there such a diagnosis? I’ve learned I do best when I can control limited social encounters. That’s why I’m better working alone, in a world I’m comfortable and familiar with, the study of soil, seeds, and grasses.
I’ve been working as a research assistant with Dr. William Hirshfield. After finishing my masters at UT in Austin, I gratefully found my hidey-hole at the UT School of Environmental Sciences. After being hired, I realized it was the perfect job for me. For a year, we’ve been running experiments and collecting data on soil absorption, attempting to come up with a microbial substance that will turn arid lands into potential blooming fields of agriculture. All well and good for keeping me in my cozy, solitary research lab, but with the added bonus of working toward saving a warm and crowded planet.
Then yesterday happened.
Dr. Hirshfield called me unexpectedly to meet in his office. We normally only met every two weeks for consultations on experiments. I sat down across from his desk, with my sweating palms gripping the arm rests of the chair. The meeting opened with congenial small-talk. I said, “Hello.”
As with most people I conversed with, I found it difficult looking at Hirshfield when he spoke. Today I found his floorboards especially interesting. Wide wood panels which had me wondering, were they deliberately distressed or actually marred from age? As he shuffled papers on his desk I reached down and touched the floor. Definitely faux distressed.
He nervously coughed and then continued, “Violet, I must say, your work has been exemplary, but…”
Oh shit… The proverbial but. I shuddered slightly.
As I pretended to be intrigued with the floor, Hirshfield said, “I’m afraid I have some bad news to share.” He coughed again. “I’ll just get right to it. I hate to tell you this, but our next year of NIH funding has been cut. They haven’t renewed the terms of our project at the previous level and claim our results are not going as quickly as we initially projected.”
He seemed to be talking to himself now, explaining his problems to the ceiling as my eyes nervously flitted up occasionally to watch. “Seems our study is on the low end of their priority scale regarding research grant money. But our idea has so much merit! It dovetails perfectly with climate change issues and food production for overpopulated areas. Anyway…it’s probably all politics. Therefore—" He coughed a third time. Nervous tick or avoidance? Either way, not a good sign. “I’m having to cut most of my research staff, including your position.”
Please no. Had I heard correctly? I was praying he’d single me out as too good to let go. But of course not. My eyes became moist and my body went cold. I had finally found my place in this chaotic world, my comfy, musty den. Where I could reach my fingers deep into sandy soil and disappear into another world within my microscope. I’d clock in for hours of uninterrupted work, eat a sandwich over my work station by myself, needing to only interact with others regarding information I was knowledgeable about.
Now apparently all that was gone.
And what remained? Going home to Mother? I was devastated. I felt like laying down on those faux floorboards and curling up in a ball.
“Dr. Hirshfield, p-perhaps p-part-time. Tw-Twenty-five hours a week?”
In case you missed that, I have a noticeable stutter, which seems to come into full bloom during times of stress.
“I only wish that were possible, Violet. The grant has been downgraded to include lab equipment, supplies, and compensation for only a few key personnel. I’m so sorry. This has all come as quite a surprise. So, we’re making adjustments immediately; I can keep you for another two weeks. I wanted you to hear it from me, personally.”
I mumbled, “Th-Thank you,” then stood up, wrapped my arms across my chest, and meekly asked about a possible reference letter. He went back to shuffling papers and nodded, agreeing to my simple request. I quickly walked out with my head down, making my exit before he had the chance to shake my perspiring palm.
I spent the next few weeks desperately attempting to find a position with another research team within the department. There were several available for volunteer and credit work, but all paid positions were fully staffed. Although my educational credentials were excellent, my interviewing skills were a little shaky. I considered customer service positions, but they never seemed a good match, and I truly wanted to continue within my field of study.
At the end of the two-week period, I decided to call in for financial reinforcement. Via email, I sent my mother news of the change in job status, then requested funds to keep me in Austin while I continued to look for work, but instead of an electronic deposit, she offered this:
Dear Violet,
So sorry to hear about your job loss. I know you’ve been happy with your little research position. Sometimes these minor hiccups work out for the best. I think you need more stimulation and interaction in your work. When I visited, your lab job seemed so sterile and lonely. I’m sure I can line something up for you through my contacts in Dallas. Come home, darling. The guest house was recently redone and you’re welcome to use it. It’ll be fun hanging out together again. I believe I’ll call Lexy and see if she can revise her schedule and set aside sessions for you. What day should I expect you? Can’t wait to catch up! --Mother
She was not going to be sympathetic to my cause. I made a second stab at job hunting, knowing it was only a delay tactic. Was I being an ungrateful little bitch? Sort of. But I knew I’d have to deal with my mother’s incessant smiling face, popping in without warning, spewing false cheer, urging me to conform to her standards, and always sending out subliminal messages regarding her underlying sense of disappointment in me.
It had been five years since I’d lived at home. My first year in the dorms had been a disaster. I was happier on my own, renting an apartment for three years while earning my bachelor’s and another two for my masters, comfortably surviving in my small, quiet efficiency.
In contrast, Mother’s home was palatial, but for me it was a luxurious prison sitting on a green oak-studded hill overlooking White Rock Lake in Dallas.
I dragged out my move. I felt no incentive to rush home knowing what lay ahead; struggling through painful interviews, going through clothing issues and social events with Mother. Yes, still a tender issue at age twenty-four. Then, once again, I’d start sessions with my speech therapist, Lexy.
Unfortunately, research assistant’s pay was low, Austin rents were high, and the guest house at Mother’s was free. Economically, it made sense. Emotionally, I was an unhappy wreck.
And who could I complain to? Call 911 -- My mother is inviting me to move into her newly renovated guest quarters. Put her on trial? -- She insists on buying me new clothing suggested by her personal shopper at Neiman’s. Lock her up? -- She’s offering me therapy for an affliction which admittedly has recently become worse.
I was a pathetic whiner. Time to get up, pack it in, and get moving.
***
Review: You lost your job and your mothersuggest you come home.
“Economically, it made sense.Emotionally, I was an unhappy wreck.”
Story had a simple and engagingnarrative. We have an unemployed woman with a stutter and an overbearingmother, a man mourning the loss of his wife and the direction of his life, andan overworked Mexican immigrant toiling away in search of a better life eversince the grisly murder of her brother. The characters are quite endearing andimmediate captivate the audience. The narrative had that sharp, humorous witthat I enjoyed. At times, the read felt a little too long. In fact, at 450pages, it was definitely long. The narrative maintains its strength throughout,but it does lose its stamina. It starts becoming trivial and mundane, whichslowed down the whole thing considerably.
At first, you’re not sure howthese characters of varying ethnicity, status, and salary could be possiblyrelated. The botanical gardens unite all three characters. I liked that we gotdeeply involved in each character’s life. Each life was filled with drama,hope, and emotion. Even though it takes a long while, it was nice seeing eachcharacter grow and learn.
All in all, this was a long read,but a fairly nice one.
Rating:3 stars
About the Author:
Bobbie Candas lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Mehmet Candas, a stray gray cat, and a jealous tabby who does not enjoy sharing affection with the interloper. Bobbie attended The University of Texas in Austin, earning her degree in journalism. She took a detour with a career in retail management, and found her happy place when she returned to writing fiction about nine years ago.Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00MNS6KV0
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bobbiecandasauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8292457.Bobbie_Candas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbiecandas
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGYSJL4P
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