Renee Hand's Blog, page 5
June 24, 2015
Pay it Forward--Author Cheryl Phipps-Romance Novels
Biography:
As a young mother with three small children, Cheryl Phipps escaped the daily chaos of motherhood through her beloved romance novels. She loved being whisked away from nappies and wiping noses to exotic locations filled with suave heroes and feisty heroines, and wonderful small towns with heart-warming tales of strong family ties and life-affirming true love.
Her bookshelves still hold those favorite authors - Nora Roberts, Marian Keyes and Cathy Kelly - plus new-found favorites who write stories that echo Cheryl's own values: family always comes first and life's struggles and challenges are always surmountable through love.
Cheryl's three children have now grown up and have families of their own, leaving her free to pursue her dreams of writing novels. She lives in a quiet suburb of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland,with her wonderful husband, who she married the moment she left school (yes, they were high school sweethearts), and their turtles Rose and Jade. She enjoys taking walks with her husband, dinner out with friends, and, of course, weaving sensual stories that celebrate the joy of love, family and resilience.
Description of Saving Stephanie:The prodigal son has returned to Prossers Bay to care for his father, and Doctor Jamie Morris has no intention of staying longer than necessary. The gossip surrounding his alcoholic mother, which hounded his childhood, has seen to that. But seeing Stephanie again plays havoc with his heart and his mind. She was always the only woman for him and nothing seems to have changed on that score. He wants her still, but he also wants the future she wanted no part of. He well knows he can’t have both.
Stephanie Green believes she finally has the chance to realise her dream of opening her own café until the bank reneges on a loan and Jamie offers to help her. Taking money from her ex-lover isn’t an option. But there is no other and, like everything he does, Jamie makes the offer too tempting to refuse. She remembers why she loved him, and still does. But that doesn’t mean they can be friends, let alone anything else.
Just as Stephanie makes her decision, Jamie changes the plan once more. Only this time he’s doing it for the right reasons. He’s putting his heart and career on the line. If she’s brave enough to take the required leap of faith, they just might have it all.
Email: cheryl.phipps6@gmail.comBlog or Website: http://cherylphipps.comTwitter Handle: @CherylAPhippsFacebook Page URL: https://facebook.com/CherylPhippsAuthor
June 21, 2015
Pay It Forward Guest-----Author Liz Gavin
Pay It Forward - Special Guest Liz Gavin
Book DescriptionPublication Date: May 31, 2015Kay Montanaro is a successful professional who has focused all her efforts on building her career for the last ten years. She had to sacrifice much to achieve her goals including her personal life. She put on weight, lost touch with old friends, and never found the time to date or keep her love life going. Until her best friend couldn’t take it any longer and convinced Kay to rethink her priorities. On a flight to London, she finds exactly what she needs to rekindle her passion – a gorgeous man from her past who is willing to reconnect. But, can David give Kay everything she needs? Is he enough? Does she dare ask for more? WARNING – This 6,800-word short-story portraits two hot alpha males who would do anything to entertain a gorgeous BWW passenger during a long otherwise dull transatlantic flight. Their encounter gets pretty steamy and naughty therefore it’s not recommended for the faint of heart or for those who object to three people finding pleasure together also known as threesomes.
About the Author:When Liz Gavin was in Second Grade - just a couple of years ago, really - her teacher told her mother the little girl should start a diary because she needed an outlet for her active and vivid imagination. She was a talkative child who would disrupt the class by engaging her colleagues in endless conversations. She loved telling them the stories her grandfather used to tell her. Apparently, the teacher wasn't a big fan of those stories, and Liz's mother bought her a diary. She happily wrote on it for a couple of months. Unable to see the appeal of writing for her own enjoyment only, she gave up on it. She missed the audience her friends provided her in class. She went back to disturbing her dear teacher's class. Since then, she has become a hungry reader. She will read anything and everything she can get her hands on - from the classics to erotica. That's how she has become a writer of erotica and romance, as well. As a young adult, she participated in a student exchange program and lived in New Orleans for six months. She fell in love with the city and its wonderful inhabitants. NOLA will always hold a special spot in Liz Gavin's heart. Nowadays, living in Brazil, Liz's creativity has improved many times because it's such a vibrant, gorgeous and sexy country. Welcome to her world of hot Alpha males and naughty, independent women. Add a touch of the paranormal in the presence of some wicked souls and you'll get the picture. Sit back, fire up your Kindle and enjoy the ride!
Email: lizgavin@elessarbooks.com
Blog or Website: http://lizgavin.wordpress.com
Twitter Handle: @LizGavin_Author
Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/liz.gavin.54
Book DescriptionPublication Date: May 31, 2015Kay Montanaro is a successful professional who has focused all her efforts on building her career for the last ten years. She had to sacrifice much to achieve her goals including her personal life. She put on weight, lost touch with old friends, and never found the time to date or keep her love life going. Until her best friend couldn’t take it any longer and convinced Kay to rethink her priorities. On a flight to London, she finds exactly what she needs to rekindle her passion – a gorgeous man from her past who is willing to reconnect. But, can David give Kay everything she needs? Is he enough? Does she dare ask for more? WARNING – This 6,800-word short-story portraits two hot alpha males who would do anything to entertain a gorgeous BWW passenger during a long otherwise dull transatlantic flight. Their encounter gets pretty steamy and naughty therefore it’s not recommended for the faint of heart or for those who object to three people finding pleasure together also known as threesomes.
About the Author:When Liz Gavin was in Second Grade - just a couple of years ago, really - her teacher told her mother the little girl should start a diary because she needed an outlet for her active and vivid imagination. She was a talkative child who would disrupt the class by engaging her colleagues in endless conversations. She loved telling them the stories her grandfather used to tell her. Apparently, the teacher wasn't a big fan of those stories, and Liz's mother bought her a diary. She happily wrote on it for a couple of months. Unable to see the appeal of writing for her own enjoyment only, she gave up on it. She missed the audience her friends provided her in class. She went back to disturbing her dear teacher's class. Since then, she has become a hungry reader. She will read anything and everything she can get her hands on - from the classics to erotica. That's how she has become a writer of erotica and romance, as well. As a young adult, she participated in a student exchange program and lived in New Orleans for six months. She fell in love with the city and its wonderful inhabitants. NOLA will always hold a special spot in Liz Gavin's heart. Nowadays, living in Brazil, Liz's creativity has improved many times because it's such a vibrant, gorgeous and sexy country. Welcome to her world of hot Alpha males and naughty, independent women. Add a touch of the paranormal in the presence of some wicked souls and you'll get the picture. Sit back, fire up your Kindle and enjoy the ride!
Email: lizgavin@elessarbooks.com
Blog or Website: http://lizgavin.wordpress.com
Twitter Handle: @LizGavin_Author
Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/liz.gavin.54
June 4, 2015
Interview with Elle Boca for her Unelmoija Series-Book 5 Paradox
Come and join me as I talk with author Elle Boca about her novels in the Weeia Series on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
Unelmoija Paradox by Elle Boca
Book DescriptionPublication Date: March 25, 2015 | Series: WeeiaAmy and her friends uncover the cause of the disappearance of New Lyon, only to face their greatest challenge. Altering the past could mean the end of all humanity, while doing nothing could have dire consequences for those they love. Forced to risk everything and choose between the familiar and the unknown, even the Unelmoija may not be strong enough to evade the paradox.
Series: WeeiaPaperback: 350 pagesPublisher: Poyeen Publishing (March 25, 2015)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1932534067ISBN-13: 978-1932534061
BiographyAbout the Author
Elle is the author of the Miami Weeia urban fantasy series about superhumans. Growing up the only child of a monkey mother and a rabbit father she learned to keep herself entertained and spend time reading.
Weeia Series
Unelmoija: The Dreamshifter
Unelmoija: The Mindshifter
Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter
Unelmoija: The Timeshifter
Most recent release
Unelmoija: Paradox, Book 5 of the Miami urban fantasy superhuman superhero Weeia Series
Praise for Unelmoija: The Dreamshifter
"Unelmoija is a fresh take on Urban Fantasy. The characters pull you in and welcome you into their lives." - Jennifer Martinez, author of Written in the Stars
"Fun read with an interesting world and very different Magic System." - Susanne Rieth, author, New York
"If it's anything like Unelmoija, its gotta be good." -- Sezoni Whitfield of Writer's Kaboodle
"Highly recommend Unelmoija - a great read!" - Lara Pizzorno
"Unique & Interesting Fantasy Tale" - Sharon Stevenson, author, Blood Bound
May 28, 2015
Interview with Susan Marie Murdoch for Bully Blues
Come and join me as I talk with author Susan Marie Murdoch about her picture book Iwogs Adventures in Bully Blues on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
Summary:
"Iwogs Adventures in Bully Blues is an enlightening story that brings an awareness of an important issue in today's society, bullying. This book is a must read for every classroom and home. The charming characters emanate the emotions so many children feel and are unable to express."
Hardcover: 48 pagesPublisher: Goose River Press; First edition (March 2, 2015)ISBN-10: 159713158XISBN-13: 978-1597131582
Author Bio:
I love being an author & Illustrator of children's books. I grew up on the seacoast of Maine, and have been a resident of Taos, NM for the past three years. My son Tim, and daughter Jacquelyn, have been my foundation through the years and they are my biggest supporters.
I have enjoyed spending over a decade as a Licensed Nursing Assistant in New Hampshire and continues to devote my time as a part-time caregiver to the elderly in the surrounding communities of New Mexico. I am currently a caregiver to the renowned Taos artist Alyce Frank.
Growing up, my passion had always been painting and drawing. It was later in life after experiencing some traumatic events while serving in the Unite States Army as a military police officer, did I learn that writing was a therapeutic tool to express myself. I try to incorporate personal experiences and emotions into my stories in hopes the messages will ring true with the reader.
My latest book, Iwogs Adventures in Bully Blues, is an enlightening story that brings an awareness of an important issue in today's society, bullying. Children can relate to and read about how the Iwogs battle against Snip and Snap, the turtle brothers and learn that with kindness and forgiveness, anything is possible.
My first children's book, Plaid Frogs, Blue Toads & Pink Pollywogs, was designed to help kids with cancer or any childhood disease in search of a cure, be able to discuss their emotions with a parent, teacher or healthcare provider. A portion of the proceeds of Plaid Frogs Blue Toad & Pink Pollywogs, goes to the American Cancer Society.
I believe that children books should have strong ideals and morals, and send a positive message to the young and old!
Review:
Bully Blues is a story about Iwogs who are getting bullied by turtle brothers, Snip and Snap. Snip and Snap kick the Iwogs out of their food bed and tease them about their appearances. Having enough, Corky decides to rally his friends and fellow Iwogs together to see the Grand Unog to get advice on how to deal with the bullies. The wise Unog tells the Iwogs that they all live together in the same pond and they need to find a way to live in harmony with one another. They all need to show patience, kindness, and forgiveness. That advice gets put to the test when Snip and Snap go missing.
This story encompasses the problem of bullying. It doesn't matter where you are, or even your age, bullying is a problem everywhere. Bully Blues, through the story, tells the Iwogs how to stick together and to avoid the turtle brothers. This worked. But the underlining lesson is to also show compassion, which at times, is very hard to do, especially when the person being bullied is emotionally and/or physically dramatized. But children will learn in this 41 page picture book, that with forgiveness comes great rewards and with kindness comes lasting friendships.
Summary:
"Iwogs Adventures in Bully Blues is an enlightening story that brings an awareness of an important issue in today's society, bullying. This book is a must read for every classroom and home. The charming characters emanate the emotions so many children feel and are unable to express."
Hardcover: 48 pagesPublisher: Goose River Press; First edition (March 2, 2015)ISBN-10: 159713158XISBN-13: 978-1597131582
Author Bio:
I love being an author & Illustrator of children's books. I grew up on the seacoast of Maine, and have been a resident of Taos, NM for the past three years. My son Tim, and daughter Jacquelyn, have been my foundation through the years and they are my biggest supporters.
I have enjoyed spending over a decade as a Licensed Nursing Assistant in New Hampshire and continues to devote my time as a part-time caregiver to the elderly in the surrounding communities of New Mexico. I am currently a caregiver to the renowned Taos artist Alyce Frank.
Growing up, my passion had always been painting and drawing. It was later in life after experiencing some traumatic events while serving in the Unite States Army as a military police officer, did I learn that writing was a therapeutic tool to express myself. I try to incorporate personal experiences and emotions into my stories in hopes the messages will ring true with the reader.
My latest book, Iwogs Adventures in Bully Blues, is an enlightening story that brings an awareness of an important issue in today's society, bullying. Children can relate to and read about how the Iwogs battle against Snip and Snap, the turtle brothers and learn that with kindness and forgiveness, anything is possible.
My first children's book, Plaid Frogs, Blue Toads & Pink Pollywogs, was designed to help kids with cancer or any childhood disease in search of a cure, be able to discuss their emotions with a parent, teacher or healthcare provider. A portion of the proceeds of Plaid Frogs Blue Toad & Pink Pollywogs, goes to the American Cancer Society.
I believe that children books should have strong ideals and morals, and send a positive message to the young and old!
Review:
Bully Blues is a story about Iwogs who are getting bullied by turtle brothers, Snip and Snap. Snip and Snap kick the Iwogs out of their food bed and tease them about their appearances. Having enough, Corky decides to rally his friends and fellow Iwogs together to see the Grand Unog to get advice on how to deal with the bullies. The wise Unog tells the Iwogs that they all live together in the same pond and they need to find a way to live in harmony with one another. They all need to show patience, kindness, and forgiveness. That advice gets put to the test when Snip and Snap go missing.
This story encompasses the problem of bullying. It doesn't matter where you are, or even your age, bullying is a problem everywhere. Bully Blues, through the story, tells the Iwogs how to stick together and to avoid the turtle brothers. This worked. But the underlining lesson is to also show compassion, which at times, is very hard to do, especially when the person being bullied is emotionally and/or physically dramatized. But children will learn in this 41 page picture book, that with forgiveness comes great rewards and with kindness comes lasting friendships.
May 27, 2015
Pay it Forward to Linda Mims
Welcome Linda Mims! Pay it Forward Day!
Writer-Blogger over at Boomacious.com-Motivational Speaker-Retired Diva! My tweets briefly reflect my opinions. Join me at BOOMACIOUS! @boom_lyn
What is a Boomacious Woman? by Linda Mimshttp://boomacious.com/home/
About Boomacious:
Who is the Boomacious woman! It’s a woman who is so fabulously happy to transition into the second phase of her life that even God is excited for her. A Boomacious woman embraces her age, weight, marital status, and any perceived shortcomings and never allows them to stop her show. She doesn’t care what people think, or what they do. She has learned to live and let live. That is Boomacious!“Boomacious”, the blog, is dedicated to this woman!Boomacious women lead businesses! Are entrepreneurs! Care for elderly parents! Process decisions daily about housing, food, clothing, automobiles, investments, etc. for multi-generational families.A Boomacious woman is spirited, adventurous, and stylish! She remembers the woman she was in the 70’s, but now she’s ready to share her knowledge with generations Y and X. “Boomacious”, the blog, inspires Baby Boomer Women to redefine themselves and it identifies trends that will allow these women to embrace the second phase of their lives.Join us as we explore literature, lifestyles, entertainment, technology, and travel for all ages. We’re
not stuck on numbers. If it feels good, and you can still do it—go for it!We’re eager to hear from you! Send all correspondence to lyn@boomacious.com.Stay healthy! Stay stylish! Stay inspired!Join her on her blog and learn about other authors, their books, and Linda's views about life and being fabulous.
May 26, 2015
Review for Blue Ocean Bob by Brooks Olbrys
Join Blue Ocean Bob on his journey to protect all life in the Sea of Kerchoo
Blue Ocean Bob loves the sea and wants to dedicate his life to protecting it. He begins a new job as assistant to Mary Marine, the Island of Roses's leading marine biologist, and with his hummingbird guardian, Xena, by his side, works hard to carry out his duties to the sea creatures both on and off the shore.
When the challenges mount, Bob seeks advice from Doc the turtle, Earl the clam, and Wallace the walrus, who each help him to develop the positive attitude he needs to succeed.
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: A Challenging Job is the second installment in this colorful and inspiring early chapter book series that provides young readers with an introduction to timeless principles of achievement.
About the AuthorA graduate of Stanford University, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts, and the University of California at Berkeley School of Law, Brooks Olbrys is the founder of Children's Success Unlimited and a managing director at investment bank Ion Partners. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.
From a young age, Kevin Keele has enjoyed creating artwork in many forms: drawing, oil painting, digital painting, even stained glass. His work has been featured in numerous picture books, magazines, board games, and video games. Though he lives far from any coastline, he has always been fascinated by the ocean and enjoys illustrating its various creatures. Kevin is currently an artist for Disney Interactive Studios. He lives in Utah with his wife and two sons. They are the caretakers of one cat, three chickens, and thousands of Italian honeybees.
Review:
This chapter picture book contains 5 different chapters. The first is Helping Hand where Bob must help a seal learn to feed in the deep. When he succeeds in his goal the short chapter is over and it flows into the next day where Bob must now help a pelican stuck in a net. In the third chapter Bob must warn the sea life that a storm is coming to the island. Chapter 4 is a Simple Reminder of why Bob wanted to become a marine assistant when he has a bad day and nothing goes right. Chapter 5 is Diving Deep, Bob must help a stingray thats stuck deep in the ocean.
The story is written in rhyme and runs smoothly throughout the story. Each chapter teaches a good lesson to the reader. The reader learns about confidence, responsibility, communication, gratitude, and success. The illustrations by Kevin Keele are amazing. He does a fabulous job that will immediately engage the reader. His illustrations are realistic, colorful, and true. Readers will feel like they are apart of the story along with the characters.
The characters are from the original book in the series. They carry over into book 2 to help Bob along with his journey. The characters are supportive and encouraging, except for one. Xena is Bob's guardian, and though guardians are meant to keep us safe and and be our reasoning, Xena is constantly negative. She is everyone's subconscious, the thing that holds us back from doing what we really want by showing us the reality, the dangers, and the difficulty of our dreams. Bob has to not only overcome his fears and doubts but overcome Xena's negativity. She tarnishes the lessons being learned. The stories are embedded with her negativity and existence so it would be hard for the author to leave her out as a character without rewriting the whole story, though she is really not needed. Bob has much to deal while solving the problems at hand, discovering what his true destiny and purpose is.
The great things about this story is that it teaches life lessons. Bob learns to overcome his fears while helping other animals overcome theirs. He listens to the wise animals and to Miss Marine and helps the animals on the island live happily. He follows his dreams. Overall, children who love animals and the ocean are going to love this 50 page picture book.
May 25, 2015
Pay it Forward with Shirley Harris Slaughter
Check out Crazy! Hot! And Living on the Edge! by Shirley Harris Slaughter for Pay It Forward Week!
Check out author Shirley Harris Slaughter about her book Crazy! Hot! And Living On The Edge! on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors
This was a great show and a good book.
Crazy! Hot! And Living On The Edge!
Summary:
Imagine experiencing emotions that have you questioning your sanity. Your body gets overheated at the least bit of excitement and you scramble to find a fan or some air. Or you find yourself in the throes of a panic attack and can’t understand how to shut it off, so you are filled with anxiety wondering when the next one is coming. What if every time you take a drug you experience side-affects that you are warned about on the label? The title was conceived in my mind after I thought over all the situations I had found myself in, getting out of them, and the affect all of this had on my overall physical and mental well-being. Crazy! Hot! And Living On the Edge!! Is the True Story of My Upside Down Life!
Paperback: 84 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (April 3, 2015)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1508952507ISBN-13: 978-1508952503
About the AuthorShirley Harris-Slaughter’s first book highlights her passion for history which led to her first published work, Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community. But she wouldn’t have been able to write that book had she not had the presence of mind to conquer the health crisis she found herself in. She is an advocate for natural health and healing. Any problem that she had to face, she found her way out of it through sheer determination and a miracle. This led to her second book CRAZY! HOT! AND LIVING ON THE EDGE!! Harris-Slaughter saw a void that needed to be filled; and so she decided to share her experience. Harris-Slaughter has been active in her community by supporting candidates for elected office, and voting in every election. She served on the Oak Park School Board. She is an advocate for children and mentored four freshmen girls in the Winning Futures program. She is an active member in her church and she belongs to the Rave Reviews (Virtual) Book Club. She married her best friend Langston and they share a blended family. “We are as different as night and day and yet we are so much alike in many ways. We made it through thirty-two years!” Shirley Harris-Slaughter is available for speaking engagements. Contact Email Address: sharrislaughter@gmail.com
May 22, 2015
Review for Anthony Ant Goes To Egypt by Julie Bettendorf
Anthony Ant Goes To Egypt
Summary:
Anthony Ant knows how to travel in style—since he’s so small, he can go just about anywhere, unnoticed! This time, he curls up in a suitcase and gets out in Egypt, ready for the fabulous adventure of a lifetime. Anthony Ant is in Cairo, Egypt…and luckily he meets an expert tour guide, Babu Beetle. Together they explore Egypt’s history, culture, and food, with adventures including a camel ride, and a visit to the famous pyramids…and more! The second book in the Anthony Ant series continues to introduce kids to the excitement of world travel, with an enjoyable companion who is ready to share his experiences.
Author Bio:
Julie Bettendorf is a world traveler with a background in history and a degree in archaeology. Through her series of children's travel books, she shares the wonderful world of travel with children and her parents, as Anthony Ant teaches kids about other cultures, customs, and traditions. She has currently published the second book in the Anthony Ant series, and is in the process of publishing her first work of adult historical fiction, entitled "Luxor: Book of Past Lives." When Julie is not traveling with her daughter Erin, and son Max, she lives in Portland, Oregon.
Please visit Anthony's website http://www.anthonystravels.com/ for more information about Anthony's books.
Review:
Anthony Ant Goes To Egypt is a delightful tale of an ant who travels to Egypt for a vacation. Once there he learns about Cairo, Egypt's capital. He also learns about the kinds of foods that are eaten in Egypt, like pita bread. At a cafe, Anthony meets a beetle named Babu who shows him all around Egypt. They ride a camel, see a pyramid and some statues. They also go to a bazaar to see what is for sale. Babu recommends going to the museum, which ends up being a special trip the pair will treasure for ever.
This story has colorful illustrations that will capture the reader's eye. The reader will also learn about Egypt's history and culture. This 31 page picture book, written in rhyme, will delight children from 5-10 years of age. Many readers will look forward to Anthony Ant's next adventure.
May 21, 2015
Interview for Catherine MacDonald for Romancing the Vines
Come and join me as I talk with author Catherine MacDonald about her romance novel Romancing the Vines on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
About the AuthorCatherine MacDonald graduated from the University of the Pacific with a B.A. in English and a Minor in Communication Arts. She earned a Masters in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno. For twenty-five years she taught school, ranging from elementary to college level English. She began writing fiction when her children were in high school and her published works include The Jeweled Path, Divine Diva, Comstock Rose, The Way, Seasons of the Vineyard, and The Divorce Ranch. She is a Reiki Master Teacher who has pursued the Diva trail for over twenty years and urges everyone to empower their life by accessing their own personal power. Catherine owns and operates a family-run business and writes a daily blog at www.supernovel.com/blogPaperback: 256 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 26, 2014)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1500964484ISBN-13: 978-1500964481
Book DescriptionPublication Date: August 26, 2014Francesca Bernard is a vintner in the Sonoma Valley who just can't seem to perfect her wine, her finances, and her love life. She finds herself torn between the man she lives with and the man she loves. A letter arrives from a long-lost cousin encouraging her to travel to Italy to uncover the secret to her wine and her heart. Tension is tight around the vineyard, so she leaps at the chance. Once in Italy, her cousin notices Francesca's torment and convinces her to visit the local seer, who is known to help lost souls. The old woman propels Francesca back through time on a heart-pounding quest where she visits three lives where her survival was in jeopardy. Armed with the secrets and truths, she finally understands how the love, lust, and revenge they have endured for centuries holds the answers to their present survival. Magna gathered Francesca's hands into her own cool gnarled ones and stroked them lightly. "Listen dearie. No one is allowing you to remain innocent and stuck on the wheel of life and death for eternity, but yourself. Even though the mind forgets, the soul remembers. Hopefully by examining these lifetimes you will understand the truth. You are responsible for the life you have--no one else." From Sonoma, Italy, and the Middle Ages Francesca travels to uncover the truth of the wine and the two men who have fought over her for centuries. Romancing the Vines is the sweeping romance of Francesca, Enrico, and Giancarlo and the secret to the wine that has been eluding her for centuries.
About the AuthorCatherine MacDonald graduated from the University of the Pacific with a B.A. in English and a Minor in Communication Arts. She earned a Masters in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno. For twenty-five years she taught school, ranging from elementary to college level English. She began writing fiction when her children were in high school and her published works include The Jeweled Path, Divine Diva, Comstock Rose, The Way, Seasons of the Vineyard, and The Divorce Ranch. She is a Reiki Master Teacher who has pursued the Diva trail for over twenty years and urges everyone to empower their life by accessing their own personal power. Catherine owns and operates a family-run business and writes a daily blog at www.supernovel.com/blogPaperback: 256 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 26, 2014)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1500964484ISBN-13: 978-1500964481
Book DescriptionPublication Date: August 26, 2014Francesca Bernard is a vintner in the Sonoma Valley who just can't seem to perfect her wine, her finances, and her love life. She finds herself torn between the man she lives with and the man she loves. A letter arrives from a long-lost cousin encouraging her to travel to Italy to uncover the secret to her wine and her heart. Tension is tight around the vineyard, so she leaps at the chance. Once in Italy, her cousin notices Francesca's torment and convinces her to visit the local seer, who is known to help lost souls. The old woman propels Francesca back through time on a heart-pounding quest where she visits three lives where her survival was in jeopardy. Armed with the secrets and truths, she finally understands how the love, lust, and revenge they have endured for centuries holds the answers to their present survival. Magna gathered Francesca's hands into her own cool gnarled ones and stroked them lightly. "Listen dearie. No one is allowing you to remain innocent and stuck on the wheel of life and death for eternity, but yourself. Even though the mind forgets, the soul remembers. Hopefully by examining these lifetimes you will understand the truth. You are responsible for the life you have--no one else." From Sonoma, Italy, and the Middle Ages Francesca travels to uncover the truth of the wine and the two men who have fought over her for centuries. Romancing the Vines is the sweeping romance of Francesca, Enrico, and Giancarlo and the secret to the wine that has been eluding her for centuries.
May 14, 2015
Interview with Kathleen Andrews Davis for The Blue Velvet
Come and join me as I talk with author Kathleen Andrews Davis about her children's book The Blue Velvet (Emerson's Attic Book 1) on Stories From Unknown Authors http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 1pm EST today.
Emerson's Attic-The Blue Velvet
Review:
The Blue Velvet is a delightful story of a teenage girl and her family history. Upon cleaning the attic Emerson finds a blue velvet hat in a trunk and puts it upon her head. At that moment her whole life changes. She is thrust back into the 1800's where she is a maid at Harrington Hall. Though her new life takes lots of getting used to she realizes how much she is needed. She becomes close friends with the Harrington's daughter, Genevieve. It is this close relationship, and the help from her grandfather who sends her clues in dreams, that Emerson changes the future. She saves Genevieve's life and in turn opens her world up to many possibilities.
Ms. Davis does a wonderful job sucking the reader into the history of Emerson's life and where she comes from. When looking at old items we sometimes don't think about the lives of the people who owned them. What they had gone through and the trials they had to endure. Sometimes we just think of them as junk. But Ms. Davis gives us a look into this characters life and gets us thinking about all the possibilities. Next time we look at an old hat or item a past relative had, we will look at it differently.
Children from 4th grades and up with enjoy reading this 128 page book about Emerson's journey and will look forward to learning more about this interesting character.
Book Summary:
Emerson McBride is a normal American teenager. She goes to school, plays soccer, and roams the mall with friends. Her life is just like any other 14-year-old’s until she is sent to clean the attic in the old Victorian as punishment for fighting with her younger brother.
Suddenly, she is thrown back in time to a totally foreign world. Frightened, and armed only with dreams of her grandfather, Emerson ventures into the unknown.
How did she get here? Who are these people? Where is she and why is she here? These questions and many more follow Emerson into a new life in a new land.
About the AuthorKathleen Andrews Davis lives in the mountains of rural Central Pennsylvania with her husband -- and a horde of white-tail deer who insist on annihilating all her attempts at gardening. After a long and varied working career, including business writing, she and her husband renovated an old house into a bed and breakfast. "When we sold our lovely Victorian B&B after hard work and great satisfaction," she says, it left a hole in my heart and I found myself with an indistinguishable yearning. Watching my aunt, Judith Redline Coopey, fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a successful published author started the little wheels in my head turning. If I like commercial writing, then why shouldn't I like creative writing." This book is a satisfaction of the author's yearning -- the desire to leave a legacy for her grandchildren and young readers everywhere -- and is the first in a series of stories about her very courageous and imaginative heroine, Emerson McBride.Series: Emerson's AtticPaperback: 122 pagesPublisher: Jemerson Press (June 3, 2013)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0989438910ISBN-13: 978-0989438919
Emerson's Attic-The Blue Velvet
Review:
The Blue Velvet is a delightful story of a teenage girl and her family history. Upon cleaning the attic Emerson finds a blue velvet hat in a trunk and puts it upon her head. At that moment her whole life changes. She is thrust back into the 1800's where she is a maid at Harrington Hall. Though her new life takes lots of getting used to she realizes how much she is needed. She becomes close friends with the Harrington's daughter, Genevieve. It is this close relationship, and the help from her grandfather who sends her clues in dreams, that Emerson changes the future. She saves Genevieve's life and in turn opens her world up to many possibilities.
Ms. Davis does a wonderful job sucking the reader into the history of Emerson's life and where she comes from. When looking at old items we sometimes don't think about the lives of the people who owned them. What they had gone through and the trials they had to endure. Sometimes we just think of them as junk. But Ms. Davis gives us a look into this characters life and gets us thinking about all the possibilities. Next time we look at an old hat or item a past relative had, we will look at it differently.
Children from 4th grades and up with enjoy reading this 128 page book about Emerson's journey and will look forward to learning more about this interesting character.
Book Summary:
Emerson McBride is a normal American teenager. She goes to school, plays soccer, and roams the mall with friends. Her life is just like any other 14-year-old’s until she is sent to clean the attic in the old Victorian as punishment for fighting with her younger brother.
Suddenly, she is thrown back in time to a totally foreign world. Frightened, and armed only with dreams of her grandfather, Emerson ventures into the unknown.
How did she get here? Who are these people? Where is she and why is she here? These questions and many more follow Emerson into a new life in a new land.
About the AuthorKathleen Andrews Davis lives in the mountains of rural Central Pennsylvania with her husband -- and a horde of white-tail deer who insist on annihilating all her attempts at gardening. After a long and varied working career, including business writing, she and her husband renovated an old house into a bed and breakfast. "When we sold our lovely Victorian B&B after hard work and great satisfaction," she says, it left a hole in my heart and I found myself with an indistinguishable yearning. Watching my aunt, Judith Redline Coopey, fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a successful published author started the little wheels in my head turning. If I like commercial writing, then why shouldn't I like creative writing." This book is a satisfaction of the author's yearning -- the desire to leave a legacy for her grandchildren and young readers everywhere -- and is the first in a series of stories about her very courageous and imaginative heroine, Emerson McBride.Series: Emerson's AtticPaperback: 122 pagesPublisher: Jemerson Press (June 3, 2013)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0989438910ISBN-13: 978-0989438919
