Cheryl Kaye Tardif's Blog, page 10

A review of LET THE DEAD SLEEP by Heather Graham

I'm a long-time fan of Heather Graham, and while this isn't my #1 favorite of hers, LET THE DEAD SLEEP is an intriguing, fun read. Heather delivers the eerie paranormal twists that she is known for, while creating a plot that is creepy and populated by quirky characters.

In this paranormal thriller, Heather takes a somewhat ordinary object and turns it into an element of terror. She never fails to deliver a great read. So if you're looking for pure entertainment, check this one out.

PS: I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

Special Guest Omon Hart chats about: A Near Death Experience and the Magic of Fantasy

Today I welcome author Omon Hart to my blog...and, boy, does he have a story to share with you! 
Many years ago an extremely good friend of mine had a Near Death Experience. When I first met her, she explained to me that there was nothing “near” about it. She was as dead as a door nail until someone revived her back to life several minutes later.
I had met her when I was getting into the throws of writing. Little did I know she was about to change my life forever, especially in the writing field (not to mention every other field I entered into).
Her name is Deborah B. Gregg, and this is how she died.
She was standing at the edge of a river, looking down at the water, feeling the gentle breeze across her body as she pondered if she should take a dive or not. The instant she jumped, she saw something that the algae in the water had masked moments earlier—a large boulder inches below the water's surface.
As her arms splashed into the water, she felt her hands hit the boulder. She pushed against the boulder in an attempt to guide her body away from it. Her hands slipped and she hit her forehead against the large rock, splitting her head open, tearing several ligaments in her neck, and temporarily paralyzing her.
She said she did the dead man's float—face down, bobbing up and down, unable to move. All she could do was watch the flurry of tiny fish swimming around, observe the busy water bugs moving about, and look at the beautiful sand stirring into a cloud, then settling to the bottom; all along not being able to do anything except wait to die.
And it wasn't a terrible death. It wasn't ghastly, horrific, or terrifying. No demons came out of the ground and snatched her, taking her to the depths of an unforgivable hell. It was the opposite. It was peaceful and the most loving experience she had ever had.
When the last seconds of her life started to fade, she popped out of her body, went up a tunnel, had a life review where she felt the wrongs and rights she did to others, then spoke with someone she called her “guide”—all in a place where time doesn't exist. She was told wondrous things and given many insights.
When she came back, it was to a very broken body. A body she had to learn to live with in order to cope with the horrible pain that accompanied such a tragic accident. 
It was years after her Near Death Experience when I met her. Fifteen years later we're still friends.
[Get her story and experience at www.deborahbgregg.com]
As I've stated above, she learned a great deal during her Near Death Experience, most of which I've been able to listen to and incorporate into my own life, leading me to success in many endeavors. In fact, I've learned just about everything I know through her Near Death Experience, even writing.
Yes, writing.
I'm a writer, or at least that's what I told her when I first met her. I had no idea at the time that I had to be a “good” writer in order for others to understand what I was trying to communicate. She pointed that out many times, making me practice and practice this sacred art. It helped that she was a damn good teacher and a literary genius to boot—something her “guide” also told her during her death experience.
Then it happened. A day I won't ever forget. A writer's dream come true.
I was walking into my bedroom after a long day of work when an inspiring idea, or rather a story, exploded in my mind. The detail, the story line, the characters—everything—was so vivid and real. I don't know how long I was standing in my room, silent, staring at nothing but the book showing itself in my mind, but when it stopped I immediately wrote down the summary of what I saw, thinking that I'd get writing as soon as possible.
Two years later, I had the summary and a couple of completed chapters. Life had gotten in the way and I hadn't written much.
Then it happened again. This time I was asleep, dreaming.
I was dreaming of the book, the characters, the dialogue, the landscape, the map, and much more—for months! This prompted me to start writing and writing. Everywhere I went—to work, the park, a restaurant, you name it—I carried a pad and pencil, jotting down the story as I saw it, weaving Deborah's words and wisdom of her Near Death Experience into it. I even made a character with her personality. I named her “Snow Tree”, using her voice to carry us into the profound texture of my book. When I got deeper and deeper into the story, I realized that Nova, one of my main characters, was taking on a portion of my friend's disposition. Nova's dialogue was very similar to Deborah's, almost mimicking the way she spreads her sage-like advice and important messages.
It wasn't until the middle of the book that I realized the name of it, “The PureLights of Ohm Totem”. It made perfect sense. You'll understand its title when you read it. It's a fantasy built in a world like none other, with characters like nowhere else, simply because it originated from a unique point, the point where the story exploded in my mind, offering itself to me on a silver platter, finishing with a series of dreams, and combined with fifteen years of study and friendship with my Near Death Experience friend, Deborah.
A reviewer said it magically: “I couldn't put it down. I liken this book to doing yoga—it allows your mind to escape the daily trials and tribulations of life while simply being reminded to breathe. It is as much a spiritual retreat as it is a great fantasy adventure. I loved this book as it took old themes of warring groups and put a completely new twist on it. The book becomes a philosophical journey around fears and insecurities and what the usual physiological responses are but then explores creating new responses and a different way of being. All the while the author has crafted a book with all the tension, drama, humor and excitement of any great fantasy book.

“The main characters are siblings named Zoey and Coda who happen to wander into a mystical world of spirit animals. The reader is quickly thrown into the action as conflict erupts between the Dims and Sihu Tribe. As the story develops, the characters struggle with their responses to conflict while being gently guided to respond in new ways.” —chbailey, OR
By combining the insights of a Near Death Experience with the magic, intrigue, and plot of fantasy, you come away with a very rich experience. One that I think you'll love and enjoy.
If you feel drawn to my book, “The PureLights of Ohm Totem”, then I hope you feel transported to a new, incredible world where adventure mixes with a myriad of important life lessons, taking place in a world where dreams and reality merge into one—the world we call Fantasy.
Thank you very much,
Omon Hart,
www.thepurelights.com
Purchase The PureLights of Ohm Totem for .99 cents at: http://goo.gl/a2Uoy
About Omon: Omon Hart was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up on the outskirts of the city in a little town known as Gladstone, where he graduated high school and moved on to college. After studying Therapeutic Bodywork at East-West College of the Healing Arts, he excelled in his field, becoming one of the Pacific Northwest's leading Therapeutic teachers and bodywork professionals. After several years, the love for writing tugged at his heart so much that he decided to put things aside and live his passion - write. He's now fashioning story after story, creating imaginative worlds of inspiration and art.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Today is the last day of my 10-day blog tour, and I have to tell you it has been quite a ride. I ventured across 48 blogs, which was twice as many as I'd originally planned. I shared with you details about writing SUBMERGED, introduced you to Marcus and Rebecca (the main characters), shared random trivia about me and my life, and gave you some sneak peeks into my new thriller.

I had a blast--and I hope you did too.

If you didn't pick up the Kindle edition of SUBMERGED, get it now while it's still on sale. If you're a print fan, you can get the paperback at Amazon or Createspace.

Mostly, thank you for sharing my journey with the launch of SUBMERGED. Thank you for embracing my work and my characters. Thank you for following along during my tour. Happy reading!

~CherylCheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

The similarities between The Call (movie) and SUBMERGED (book)

I was very intrigued when I first saw the teaser trailers for Halle Berry's new movie, The Call. For one thing, she plays a 911 dispatcher, the same occupation as Marcus Taylor, the main character in my new thriller, SUBMERGED. And like Marcus, she decides to jump into the action rather than just be the voice on the other end of the phone.

The Call is described as being an "intense," "high concept" thriller. You could use a similar description for SUBMERGED.

Here's a brief description of the movie, The Call:

Halle Berry plays a veteran 911 operator who takes a life-altering call -- but when she makes a fatal mistake that costs a young girl her life, she has one chance to redeem herself when the serial killer strikes again.

This is how I'd describe SUBMERGED:
Marcus Taylor is a 911 operator who takes a life-altering call -- after making choices that resulted in the tragic deaths of his wife and son. And now he has one chance to redeem himself when a killer runs a woman and her children off the road.

In The Call, Halle Berry's character must confront a killer from her past, while in SUBMERGED, Marcus must confront his past--period.
Check out the trailer for The Call:


Now check out the trailer for SUBMERGED:


So here's my final analysis:

I can't wait to see this movie! I've heard nothing but rave reviews for it. I love the thrill of being in suspense, of the ticking clock, the race to salvation, the redemption of a flawed character. If you do too, and if you have seen The Call and enjoyed it, pick up a copy of SUBMERGED, a thriller that will leave you breathless.

SUBMERGED is on sale (Kindle edition) until March 24th. 

Pick up your Kindle edition of SUBMERGED from Amazon, or look for the trade paperback on Amazon, BN.com or Createspace.

And don't forget to enter my March Giveaway – 60 Prizes!
 Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

ResQMe rescue key chain & SUBMERGED

While conducting research for my new thriller, SUBMERGED, I came across a special tool used by rescue workers in North America, and I knew it had to be part of my story. So I contacted the company, explained that I wanted to know exactly how the ResQMe device worked, and asked permission to include it--brand and all--in my novel.

As a special thank you, I invited them to share some info about this amazing lifesaving tool that I think everyone should have in their car...

resqme—the keychain that could save your life
The resqme keychain is a life-saving tool that allows you to escape from a trapped car. Whether submerged in a lake, stuck after a collision accident, or rescuing an injured neighbor, anyone can help save a life with resqme when seconds count.


DetailsThe resqme™ keychain—the original car escape tool—is a powerful and ultra-compact two-in-one device made in the USA. Its protected stainless-steel blade cuts easily through seatbelts, while its spring-loaded steel punch shatters car windows with a mere twelve pounds of pressure. The center punch is retractable, and therefore, reusable. The resqme™ keychain was originally developed for safety professionals and has now become an essential car emergency tool for every driver. Today, over two million people carry the resqme™ tool and drive with peace of mind.
The resqme™ tool is available through these links:Canada: Your local Home HardwareUSA: On Amazon
About the companyresqme is saving lives by providing high-quality product solutions and supporting preventative educational programming. In the year of our tenth anniversary, we invite you to join the movement toward a safer world. Together we can save more lives!
For more information, visit www.resqme.com. I was thrilled when the people at ResQMe answered all my questions and gave me permission to use the device in SUBMERGED. 
I was even more thrilled when they donated 12 key chains for me to give away during my March Giveaway. Be sure to enter. This prize could save your life--or the live of a loved one!
And don't forget to pick up your copy of SUBMERGED today.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

Day 1 of Blog Tour: SUBMERGED book trailer video

Today is Day 1 of my 10-day SUBMERGED Blog Tour.From Cheryl Kaye Tardif, the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG, comes a terrifying new thriller that will leave you breathless… SUBMERGED
Get SUBMERGED today.
Click on Blog Tour banner to see tour schedule and visit other blogs. You never know what awaits you! Now take a deep breath...and click on the banner...

Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

Get SUBMERGED today for FREE!

From March 11-14, my new hold-your-breath thriller, SUBMERGED, is free on Amazon.


From Cheryl Kaye Tardif, the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG, comes a terrifying new thriller that will leave you breathless…
SUBMERGED
"Submerged reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl."—Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds
Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate…
After a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife, Jane, and son, Ryan, Marcus Taylor is immersed in grief. But his family isn't the only thing he has lost. An addiction to painkillers has taken away his career as a paramedic. Working as a 911 operator is now the closest he gets to redemption—until he gets a call from a woman trapped in a car.
Rebecca Kingston yearns for a quiet weekend getaway, so she can think about her impending divorce from her abusive husband. When a mysterious truck runs her off the road, she is pinned behind the steering wheel, unable to help her two children in the back seat. Her only lifeline is a cell phone with a quickly depleting battery and a stranger's calm voice on the other end telling her everything will be all right.
*SUBMERGED has a unique tie-in to Tardif`s international bestseller, CHILDREN OF THE FOG.
More Reviews:
"From the first page, you know you are in the hands of a seasoned and expert storyteller who is going to keep you up at night turning the pages. Tardif knows her stuff. There's a reason she sells like wildfire—her words burn up the pages. A wonderful, scary, heart-pumping writer." —M.J. Rose, international bestselling author of Seduction
"Tardif once again delivers a suspenseful supernatural masterpiece." —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Home
"From the first page, Cheryl Kaye Tardif takes you hostage with Submerged—a compelling tale of anguish and redemption." —Rick Mofina, bestselling author of Into the Dark
"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's latest novel SUBMERGED will leave you as haunted as its characters." —Joshua Corin, bestselling author of Before Cain Strikes
"Submerged will leave you breathless—an edge of your seat, supernatural thrill ride." —Jeff Bennington, bestselling author of Twisted Vengeance
Get SUBMERGED today.
Enter Cheryl’s March Giveaway – 59 Prizes! http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com


Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

$0.99 Sale for SUBMERGED is Extended!

Due to popular demand, the $0.99 sale for my new thriller, SUBMERGED, has been extended until March 10th, 2013. If you haven't picked up the Kindle edition yet, now's the time...

From Cheryl Kaye Tardif, the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG, comes a terrifying new thriller that will leave you breathless…
SUBMERGED
"Submerged reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl."—Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds
Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate…
After a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife, Jane, and son, Ryan, Marcus Taylor is immersed in grief. But his family isn't the only thing he has lost. An addiction to painkillers has taken away his career as a paramedic. Working as a 911 operator is now the closest he gets to redemption—until he gets a call from a woman trapped in a car.
Rebecca Kingston yearns for a quiet weekend getaway, so she can think about her impending divorce from her abusive husband. When a mysterious truck runs her off the road, she is pinned behind the steering wheel, unable to help her two children in the back seat. Her only lifeline is a cell phone with a quickly depleting battery and a stranger's calm voice on the other end telling her everything will be all right.
*SUBMERGED has a unique tie-in to Tardif`s international bestseller, CHILDREN OF THE FOG.
More Reviews:
"From the first page, you know you are in the hands of a seasoned and expert storyteller who is going to keep you up at night turning the pages. Tardif knows her stuff. There's a reason she sells like wildfire—her words burn up the pages. A wonderful, scary, heart-pumping writer." —M.J. Rose, international bestselling author of Seduction
"Tardif once again delivers a suspenseful supernatural masterpiece." —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Home
"From the first page, Cheryl Kaye Tardif takes you hostage with Submerged—a compelling tale of anguish and redemption." —Rick Mofina, bestselling author of Into the Dark
"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's latest novel SUBMERGED will leave you as haunted as its characters." —Joshua Corin, bestselling author of Before Cain Strikes
"Submerged will leave you breathless—an edge of your seat, supernatural thrill ride." —Jeff Bennington, bestselling author of Twisted Vengeance
Get SUBMERGED today.
Learn more about Cheryl Kaye Tardif at http://www.cherylktardif.com
Enter Cheryl’s March Giveaway – 59 Prizes! http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

Join me at the Killer Thriller Book Launch - March 5-7

(Click image to visit site)DOWNLOAD 7 HOT NEW THRILLERS
From BESTSELLING AUTHORSSelect titles discounted for a limited time - WIN Autographed Paperbacks
Monday, Mar. 5 – Wednesday Mar. 7

THE BOOKS:

SUBMERGED by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
TRACES OF KARA by Melissa Foster
FEMME FATALE by Claude Bouchard
CORPUS CHRISTI by Luke Romyn

LADY LIMBO by Consuelo Roland
BLOOD OF THE ASSASSIN by Russell Blake

MURDER HAS CONSEQUENCES by Giacomo Giammatteo WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING:
"SUBMERGED reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl." Andrew Gross, New York Times Bestselling Author

"[TRACES OF KARA] Psychological suspense at its best, weaving a tight-knit plot, unrelenting action, and tense moments that don't let up, ending in a fiery, unpredictable revelation." Midwest Book Reviews

“Claude Bouchard guides you step by step through a seamy, dangerous world, while never allowing you to lose hope.” John Locke, NYT Best-selling author

“Rivaling both Stephen King and Thomas Harris, without doubt, the edgy and provocative Luke Romyn is destined to emerge as the 21st Century’s new Master-of-Horror.” Dee Marie, Award-winning author

"...she really stepped up her craft skills if that were even possible. [Roland] is really, really just a terrific talented writer.” Joni Rodgers, NY Times bestselling author

"Russell Blake writes with a brisk intensity and pulse-pounding power. Jump in and hang on for a nonstop thrill ride." Scott Nicholson, Liquid Fear

"Giacomo Giammatteo may be the Mario Puzo of our time." eNovel Reviews

DOWNLOAD YOUR BOOKS HERECheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!

Killer Thriller Book Launch - March 5-7

From March 5-7, check out the  Killer Thriller Book Launch , a multi-author book launch featuring 7 thriller authors with new releases.

Want to know who these authors are?
Cheryl Kaye TardifLuke RomynConsuelo RolandGiacomo GiammatteoMelissa FosterClaude BouchardRussell Blake
You can follow us on Twitter by going to: #killerthriller.

We will be giving away prizes at the Killer Thriller Book Launch--separate from my own March Giveaway, so you'll have lots of chances to win some great goodies!

I invite you to check it out! :-)Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian suspense author.
www.cherylktardif.com

Check out Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novels!