Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 89

The Seventh Mountain (Chronicles of a Magi Book 1) ~Free on Amazon~

"The Seventh Mountain by Gene Curtis is pure delight. Curtis wields a tremendous imagination and uses it to transport the reader to another world, where sword wielding Magi fight for good, evil lurks just out of sight and a young hero searches for his destiny. Sure to be compared to Harry Potter, but undeniably more compelling." - Jeremy Robinson
Book Description:
Faith Based Fantasy
A dream, surreal and frightening, begins the path of Mark Young's future; a path set long before he was even born. Fortunately, it's not a path he's doomed to walk alone. His course leads to true friends, fortune and a place where he learns to wield great power. This place is The Seventh Mountain, the place where Magi train. The Seventh Mountain conceals the direst legend known to man. Mark's fate lies within.
A Smattering of Reviews from other Editions:
...love the world you have created here in the 7th mountain (on Ep 13). Oddly enough the Christian component of the book added to the story for me as I went to a Church of England School (although I now follow a different path) this provides an additional link between me and the characters, now if only my school had Flags matches (way better than Quidditch BTW)." –James
"A Lot of books make you laugh and fewer still make you cry, but it takes a truly masterful writer to make you furious at the enemies of the characters and despair when they are in trouble. Gene Curtis is one of these writers. There were elements here and there that were similar to another adolescent magic user you may have heard of, but the world in whole is truly original and imaginative. I can't praise "The Seventh Mountain" high enough, and I can't wait for the new books arrival." –Dan
"Phenomenal!!! An excellent story, well told. Thank you for giving us an alternative (Superior Alterative) to the HP books. And thank you for creating a story that is safe for our kids to read. Can’t wait for more from you." –Tillman
"Gene Curtis show's a lot of promise for a new writer. Read his Bio and you can see he's used to hearing stories, and telling them too. The book start's a little slow but builds as the foundation is laid. This is going to be a series of books so the foundation takes longer than a single book would but it's worth it. By the time the Festival of Tents comes around you know the characters and identify with them. This allows you to really get into the story. The only negative thing is you want to read the next installment but it's not out yet." –David
"As a young person’s book I give this an ‘A’. I’m sure Gene Curtis has heard a few dozen comparisons between this work and the Harry Potter books, and I’m afraid that the comparisons are unavoidable. Having said that, let me add a large HOWEVER…While there are lots of similarities, there exist many delightful differences, as well. I find it easier to relate to the American ‘flavor’ of the characters a lot easier than to the British ‘flavor’ found in the HP books. Additionally, I think Curtis deals with technology/magic interactions better than Rowling." --Bear
"It intrigued me from the first and I have to say, it's a darned good story. I believe some people will say that it's a Christian Harry Potter knock off but I can't say I agree. True, at first I wondered if it was indeed a re-telling of a Harry Potter type tale with a Christian twist but as I got deeper into the book I found it was something quite different." --C. About the Author Until I was 18, I spent every summer except one (That one exception being spent on a shrimp trawler. That's something I'll never do again.) going back to my great grandparent's farm in North Carolina. I worked the fields for area farmers to gain a little extra money. Until I was 8 years old I did things like pick cucumbers and strawberries and was paid by the pound. I wasn't actually forced to do this, I just did what everyone else was doing and the adults thought it was cute. After that I learned to drive the tractors and was paid by the hour. My great grandfather was known as the best liar in four counties and I always loved to listen to his stories. I guess that's where I got the knack for story telling.

When I turned 22 I joined the police force and got married. Those were two of the best decisions I ever made. I retired as a police sergeant and moved to the country. I was pretty much fed-up with city life and moving to the gentle rolling countryside of western Virginia was something I had wanted to do for a long time. I missed the country life of my youth and in the city I couldn't have a campfire in my backyard. One needs a campfire in order to tell good stories.

During the long lonely nights on the police force I had tried to start several novels (in my mind), but they were absolutely atrocious. It wasn't until I moved to the country, where I could have a campfire, that I started studying how to write a really good story. Six years and many campfires later I succeeded in producing my first original full length novel. I called it The Seventh Mountain.Links Follow him on Twitter : @GeneCurtAmazon:  http://tinyurl.com/qcp9k9y

Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life~ Free on Amazon~

A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Indiebound BestsellerA 2010 Oregon Children's Choice Award WinnerA 2012 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
A 2013 Hawaii's Children's Choice Award WinnerA 2013 ALSC Summer Reading List BookA 2014 Oregon Reader's Choice Award NomineeA 2014 ALSC Summer Reading List Book
* "Patterson artfully weaves a deeper and... thought-provoking tale of childhood coping mechanisms and everyday school and family realities.... Hand this book to misbehaving, socially awkward, or disengaged boys and girls.... It might help them believe that there is a place for them in the world, no matter how dire times may seem in the present."— School Library Journal, starred review

"A keen appreciation of kids' insecurities and an even more astute understanding of what might propel boy readers through a book.... a perfectly pitched novel."— Los Angeles Times

"The book's... dynamic artwork, and message that 'normal is boring' should go a long way toward assuring kids who don't fit the mold that there's a place for them, too."— Publishers Weekly

"Incredibly detailed and imaginative illustrations... add depth and humor.... an enjoyable story that even the most reluctant readers should enjoy."— Library Media Connection  About the Author   James Patterson has had more New York Times bestsellers than any other writer, ever, according to Guinness World Records. Since his first novel won the Edgar Award in 1977 James Patterson's books have sold more than 240 million copies. He is the author of the Alex Cross novels, the most popular detective series of the past twenty-five years, including Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. Mr. Patterson also writes the bestselling Women's Murder Club novels, set in San Francisco, and the top-selling New York detective series of all time, featuring Detective Michael Bennett. He writes full-time and lives in Florida with his family. Links:Twtter:  @JP_BooksAmazon: http://tinyurl.com/pe5z5ob

The Lake ~Free on Amazon~

At 17, Layla Weston is already starting over. Having lost both her parents and grandparents, and with nowhere else to go, Layla is moving from Florida to a small town in North Carolina to live with the only family she has left: her estranged uncle and aunt.
The last five years of Layla’s life were spent appeasing her lessthan-loving grandmother, followed by being her grandfather’s caretaker. Growing old before her time, Layla lost her identity. Now she must learn how to allow herself to be the one cared for and loved.
Life takes an unexpected turn when Layla meets Will Meyer. His breathtaking good looks are enough to catch her eye, but his sincerity and passion are everything she needs to find the strength and confidence she lost — and lead her into love.
When tragedy once again strikes Layla’s life, her hope is all but completely crushed. Through it all, Layla learns what it means to truly love and be loved.About the Author AnnaLisa Grant is the author of the YA Fiction series The Lake Trilogy (The Lake, Troubled Waters, Safe Harbor), the Contemporary Romance/Suspense novel Next to Me, and the Coming of Age novel As I Am.

AnnaLisa received her Master's degree in counseling from Gorgon-Conwell Theology Seminary in 2008. While she spent two years post graduate in private practice as a therapist, AnnaLisa spent 13 years in the field of counseling and human services.

When she's not writing, AnnaLisa is a lover of music and movies. She loves being a wife to Donavan and a mom to her son and daughter. Oh, and she's also slightly (completely) obsessed with all things Disney!

AnnaLisa lives in Matthews, North Carolina with her husband and two awesome kids. LinksTwitter: @annalisagrantAmazon: http://tinyurl.com/jw79yt5

Making Waves~Spotlight~Free on Amazon

“Just try it one time. It won’t hurt you.”
High school junior and avid swimmer Kate Walker has decided to try something new this year. She leaves the comfort and freedom of open water and secures a spot on her school’s swim team. She soon becomes obsessed with practice and excelling at the championships in pursuit of a college scholarship.
When Kate’s friends encourage her to do something illegal to get through her events at the most important swim meet of her life, she must choose between letting down her teammates by doing the right thing or risking it all no matter the consequences.
What will Kate do? What will YOU do?
Making Waves is part of the What Now? collection where teens like you get to make the choices about hot topics like drinking, relationships, stealing, drugs, cheating, and purity. Written especially for girls like you facing difficult decisions and lots of peer pressure, the What Now? Collection allows you to step right into the life of the main character and choose your own ending.
"It's evident that Nicole is a rare author. She has a tender heart for teenage girls and has poured that care into her stories. May her tribe increase! And may her books lead many readers to make wise choices."
--Robin Jones Gunn best-selling author of the Christy Miller Series and the
Katie Weldon Series
MAKING WAVES is a solid story with interesting teens that shows the consequences of choices—good or bad. This book is not only a good read for teens, but would also make a foundation for a discussion in a Sunday School Class, Youth Group or between parents and teens. Faith element: medium. Recommended.
(Carolyn R. Scheidies Author's Choice Reviews 2010-03-31)  About the Author  Nicole O'Dell, author of 24 books since 2007, founder of Choose NOW Ministries, host of Choose NOW Radio, and publisher at Choose NOW Publishing, is dedicated to guiding parents and teens to victorious relationships and good choices. A national event speaker and founder of the Choose NOW Speaker team, member of the Speak-Up Speaker Team with Carol Kent and The Life of a Single Mom Speaker's Bureau, Nicole is available for your upcoming events.

The mother of six, including triplets(!), writes issue-driven YA fiction, like her popular Diamond Estates Series and upcoming Drama Ensues series, and non-fiction for teens like Girl Talk, based on the popular advice column she writes with her two daughters. Hot Buttons, O'Dell's Focus-on-the-Family approved non-fiction series for parents, pre-empts peer pressure by helping parents tackle tough issues. The Powerline365 daily devotional is her latest passion for parents of teens.
Links:Website: http://www.nicoleodell.com. Twitter: @ChooseNOWminAmazon:  http://tinyurl.com/ktm85d5

Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg ~ Freeon Amazon for a limited time ~

Terry Treetop books: Adventure & Education series
("Animal Habitats & Environment children's books collection")
This fun children's picture book is about a boy with red hair and freckles named Terry, yet everybody calls him Terry Treetop because he loves climbing trees.
Terry finds a small egg, and his quest is to bring it back home to its mom.But where is the egg's home?Does the egg belong to a turtle on the sand or a crocodile's spring water?
Did it come from a frog in a pond or a chicken in the wild?** Don't forget to Get your FREE GIFT **When you go to it on Amazon*Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/lqq67xg
Do your kids love to listen to stories about the habitat and environment of different kinds of animals?
Do your children like beautiful picture books?
Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg is a sweet children's book, written especially for you and your age 2- 6 children
with simple rhyming text and 18 colorful illustrations .
The story is suitable as a read aloud book for preschoolers or a self-read book for beginner readers children. About the Author  Tali Carmi spent her childhood in a small town in the desert.
She memorized and knew by heart many books that her parents read to her when she was very little. She played with words and rhymes and wrote her first book of songs at the age of ten.
After many years of turning to other hobbies and maintaining a successful career, she now writes again for young children.
Tali is the CEO and founder of a software company and a business coach focused on the fast growth and success of small businesses.
She holds a B.Sc. in Food Science and M.Sc.in Biotechnology, and she is a graduate of a Team Management and Leadership program.
Tali Carmi is happily married and a mom of three children.
Links:
website: www.thekidsbooks.comTwitter:  @tbcarmiAmazon: http://tinyurl.com/lqq67xg

Deviation~Blitz

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Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1wXxNHZ
Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice. Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own. In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . . . [image error]
Haven't started the Imitation series yet?
[image error] Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1AO8UlO Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now. When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met? Fans of Cinder, The Selection and Sara Shepard’s Lying Game series will love Imitation, a thrilling, action-packed novel sure to keep readers guessing until the very last page.
About Heather Hildenbrand
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Website     Facebook     Twitter
Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. (She's only slightly socially awkward as a result.) Since 2011, she's published more than eight YA & NA novels including the bestselling Dirty Blood series. She splits her time between coastal Virginia and the island of Guam and loves having a mobile career and outrageous lifestyle of living in two places. Her most frequent hobbies are riding motorcycles and avoiding killer slugs. 
Heather is also a publishing and success coach bent on equipping and educating artists who call themselves authors. She loves teaching fellow writers how to create the same freedom-based lifestyle she enjoys. For more information visit www.phoenixauthorink.com and find out how to create your own OutRAGEous Life. 
She is represented by Rebecca Friedman. You can find out more about Heather and her books at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Passing Through Perfect Blast -

Passing through Perfect by Bette Lee Crosby  It’s 1946. The war is over. Millions of American soldiers are coming home and Benjamin Church is one of them. After four years of being away he thought things in Alabama would have changed, but they haven’t. Grinder’s Corner is as it’s always been—a hardscrabble burp in the road. It’s not much, but it’s home. When Benjamin attends a harvest festival in Twin Pines, he catches sight of Delia. Before their first dance ends, he knows for certain she’s the one. They fall madly in love; happily, impatiently, imprudently, in love. It doesn’t matter that her daddy is staunchly opposed to the thought of his daughter marrying a cotton farmer, never mind a poor one. It’s true Benjamin has little to offer; he’s a sharecropper who will spend his whole life sweating and slaving to do little more than put food on the table. But that’s how things are in Alabama. Benjamin is better off than most; he has a wife, a boy he adores, and a house that doesn’t leak rain. Yes, Benjamin considers himself a lucky man until the fateful night that changes everything. Reviewer Praise “Passing Through Perfect is not the kind of novel that excels in pat answers, simple characters, and calm progressive events - and this is evident from the first paragraph, which opens with a punch and keeps on emotionally slugging… Southern fiction writing at its best: spiritually infused, warm, and family-oriented...” Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan’s Shelf “A heartwarming tale that shows both the good and bad found in mankind… Highly Recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction.” Inspired Kathy, I am a Reader "Author Bette Lee Crosby’s characters take on heartbreak and oppression with dignity, courage, and a shaken but strong faith in a better tomorrow" Indie Reader An uplifting story of family, love, kindness and hope, despite some people’s less than commendable behavior and attitudes.” Between the Lines Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes Author Bette Lee Crosby  Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby shares the storytelling charm of her Southern Mama in tales that are both heartrending and heartwarming. She is best known for her creation of characters that readers find unforgettable. Passing through Perfect is Crosby’s tenth novel and the third book in the Wyattsville Series that began with the USA Today Bestseller Spare Change. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. Since then, she has gone on to win another twenty literary awards, including the Royal Palm Literary Award, the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal and the 2014 Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal. Excerpt  "When the heart of a man gets pulled loose he starts dying. I started dying a year ago, and I’m still working on it. I ain’t going all at once; I’m going piece by piece." "The sheriff recognized Benjamin. He’d done work for Missus Haledon, and he’d done a good job. He painted their back fence and repaired a broken window in the storage shed. He was blacker than most but known for being polite, unlike the smart-mouthed coloreds who lived on the far side of Bakerstown." "As he sat at the kitchen table and drank a glass of sweet tea with his daddy, her ghost slid in alongside of them.  It was a sadness neither of them wanted to speak of."   Website * Facebook * Twitter   $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/6/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway --

I Love to Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Free eBook for a limited time!
Free video-book inside!Children's book: I Love to Eat Fruits and Vegetables (Children's Book) (Bedtime stories children’s books collection)
In this children's picture book, you meet Jimmy, the little bunny, again. Just like all children, Jimmy likes to eat candy but doesn’t even want to taste fruits and vegetables. He sneaks into the kitchen to try to find a bag with candies that was hidden inside the cupboard. What happens right after Jimmy climbs up to reach the bag of candy? You’ll just have to read this illustrated children’s book to find out what happened next.
But since that day, Jimmy starts to develop healthy eating habits and even likes to eat these fruits and vegetables that he didn’t want to taste before.
This is the third book in the collection of short bedtime stories for kids (ages 3-7), and it’s written especially for those parents who struggle every mealtime to make their kids eat healthy food.
The gorgeous pictures will captivate your kids' hearts, and they will love to read this children’s book over and over again. It is suitable as a read-aloud book for preschoolers at bedtime or a self-read book for older children.   About the Author
Being a parent herself and working with children for over twenty years, Shelley's goal is to inspire and educate kids, through her books. She refuses to grow up and has a lot of fun playing with kids and creating stories. She hopes her books could entertain her young readers as well as teach them important life lessons in a fun and easy manner.Links: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.comTwitter: @ShelleyAdmont

Angels All Around~Free on Amazon

The prequel to the popular Threshold Series by Christa Kinde, Angels All Around is an illustrated short story set in a small town where not everyone is what they seem.

Amidst the chaos and confusion, will a new divine Messenger become one little girl’s prince, and a fledgling Guardian become their knight, or will evil take its hold?

Includes a bonus first chapter from  Book #1 in the Threshold series, The Blue Door!

About the Author
Behind the scenes, I'm a cheerful homebody whose many talents include dish-washing, laundry-sorting, and the weaving polysyllabic words into everyday conversation. First to know, last to tell, happy to try, and always true. A plotter and a plodder, a dabbler and a devotee. Weaknesses include bright colors, crazy socks, and alliteration. More to the point, I spend my days planning studies, plotting stories, and putting my nose to the proverbial grindstone ... because as much as I loves writing, it's work. Finding the perfect word, turning a phrase so it sparkles, giving a plot just a bit of a twist - they're worth every iota of effort. I'm delighted to have discovered what I want to do when I grow up!
Links: 
Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/l4razxm
Twitter: @ChristaKinde

Adventures in Cutie Patootie Land and The Pizza Party ~ Free on Amazon

CUTIE PATOOTIE GIRLS ARE BEYOND CUTEAge Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 4 and upThree best friends, Heidi, Arika, and Olga have planned a pizza party. The mean Mr. Zonk tries his best to spoil their fun, but the girls won't be fooled by his tricks.As they fly through Cutie Patootie Land in their spaceship, Heidi, Arika, and Olga set off on the first of many adventures, saving the day in the most fashionable way. Fans of Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja, Goddess Girls and Slumber Party Wars will find the Cutie Patooties BEYOND cute!Catagories: Action Books for Kids 9-12, Adventure Books for Kids ages 9-12, and Christian Girls Books.
About The Author Starrie Sky lives in Los Angeles, CA. When she's not coloring and writing new Cutie Patootie Land stories, she's snowboarding, eating ice cream, playing at the beach, and hanging with her pals. All in the same day!
Links: @StarrieSkyBooks amzn.to/11jz5AI