Sherry Gammon's Blog, page 16
November 2, 2013
Frogs & Toads by Stacy Lynn Carroll
FROGS AND TOADS
Belle and her cousins have conquered their fears. Now as they navigate their way through the dating world, they start to see a "happily ever after" on the horizon. But when an unexpected school assignment forces them to examine their past, the Princess sisters realize they have a lot of questions about the fathers they've never met. Secrets are revealed, long lost family members are discovered, and now the girls must decide who belongs in their future and who should be kept in the past.
Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English, learned how to western swing, and watched as many of her fellow students became 'True Aggies'. She then finished her BA at the University of Utah where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don
I asked Stacy to share her top ten favorite books. Here is what she had to say:
Top 10 Favorite Books:
1. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins2. The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back - Sariah Wilson3. The Walk - Richard Paul Evans4. Unlovable - Sherry Gammon5. Geek Girl - Cindy C. Bennett6. The Host - Stephanie Meyer7. Someone Else's Fairytale - E.M. Tippetts8. Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling9. The Alias - Mandi Tucker Slack10. Tennis Shoes among the Nephites - Chris Heimerdinger
Purchase links:
Frogs & Toads:
The Princess Sisters free promotion:
More Frogs & Toads Blog Tour stops:
Friday, November 1:
Cindy C. Bennett - http://cindybennett.blogspot.com/ - Book Review and Interview
Cheri Pugh Schmitt - http://cherischmidt.blogspot.com/ - Book Review and Interview
Saturday, November 2:
Stephanie Fowers – http://www.stephaniefowersbooks.com/ - Interview
Shelli Proffitt Howells - http://shelliproffitthowells.com/ - Guest Post
Sunday, November 3:
Sherry Gammon - http://www.wordpaintingsunlimited.com/ - Top 10 List
Monday, November 4:
Cindy Hogan - http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/ - Guest Post
Jaleta Clegg - http://jaletacleggauthor.blogspot.com/ - Interview
Suzanne Warr - http://suzannewarr.com/ - Interview
Tuesday, November 5:
Christy Dorrity - http://www.christydorrity.com/ - Shout out and one Q. interview
Wednesday, November 6:
Juli Caldwell -http://julicaldwell.weebly.com/blog.html - Excerpt & Cover
Thursday, November 7:
Mikey Brooks - http://writtenbymikey.blogspot.com/ - Guest Post
Anna Del C Dye - http://www.annadelc.com/blog/ - Interview
Friday, November 8:
Lindzee Armstrong - http://lindzeearmstrong.blogspot.com/ - Spotlight
Heidi Robbins Tighe – http://heiditighe.blogspot.com/ - Guest Post
Saturday, November 9:
Jennifer Brown Bennett - http://www.jjbennett.com/ - Sneak Peek & Interview
Konstanz Silverbow - http://nothoughts2small.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
Sunday, November 10:
Monique Bucheger - http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
Wendy Knight - http://wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com/ - Spotlight & Excerpt
October 26, 2013
Jamie Canosa: Now or Never
LOVE this cover!!
Now or Never Blog Tour
To move on,
Leave the past behind,
And build a new life with Jay.
That’s all Em wanted. After everything they’d been through together, they were both overdue their ‘happily ever after’. Too bad the world doesn’t work that way. Memories last longer than dreams and Em’s fears continue to plague her both day and night, interfering with that new life she so desperately craves.
To start over,
Secure a future,
And give Em the life she deserves.
That was Jay’s plan, but the past isn’t done with them, yet. While Em still struggles to overcome the ghosts of her past, Jay is forced to come face to face with his. When the skeletons in his closet step back into the light, Jay must decide what he will do—and what he will sacrifice—to protect Em from them.
Against all odds, Em and Jay are on the verge of having everything they’ve ever wanted. They’ve fought for it before, but is their love strong enough to endure any more heartache? The time has come for each of them to choose for themselves whether or not they will allow the past to continue to corrupt their future. And, together, they must decide, will it be . . . NOW OR NEVER?
Amazon buy link: Click here.: Goodreads link: Click here
Author Bio:
Jamie Canosa is a full time author of YA literature, which she absolutely loves. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can usually be found with her nose in a book. She currently resides in Ravena, NY with her wonderful husband and three crazy kids . . . plus the dog, the bird and the rabbit.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now or Never Blog Tour
To move on,Leave the past behind,
And build a new life with Jay.
That’s all Em wanted. After everything they’d been through together, they were both overdue their ‘happily ever after’. Too bad the world doesn’t work that way. Memories last longer than dreams and Em’s fears continue to plague her both day and night, interfering with that new life she so desperately craves.
To start over,
Secure a future,
And give Em the life she deserves.
That was Jay’s plan, but the past isn’t done with them, yet. While Em still struggles to overcome the ghosts of her past, Jay is forced to come face to face with his. When the skeletons in his closet step back into the light, Jay must decide what he will do—and what he will sacrifice—to protect Em from them.
Against all odds, Em and Jay are on the verge of having everything they’ve ever wanted. They’ve fought for it before, but is their love strong enough to endure any more heartache? The time has come for each of them to choose for themselves whether or not they will allow the past to continue to corrupt their future. And, together, they must decide, will it be . . . NOW OR NEVER?
Amazon buy link: Click here.: Goodreads link: Click here
Author Bio:
Jamie Canosa is a full time author of YA literature, which she absolutely loves. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can usually be found with her nose in a book. She currently resides in Ravena, NY with her wonderful husband and three crazy kids . . . plus the dog, the bird and the rabbit.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 23, 2013
Cinderskella by Amie and Bethanie Borst!
Cinderskella by the mother daughter team of Amie and Bethanie Borst!
Cindy is just a normal eleven and three-quarter year-old. At least until she wakes up one night and finds out she’s dead. Well, she isn't technically dead—she just doesn't have any hair . . . or a nose . . . or skin. Yep—all bones, no body. Human by day and skeleton by night, Cindy is definitely cursed. And because her mother recently died, Cindy has no one to turn to except a father who’s now scared of her and an evil stepmother who makes her do the housecleaning with a toothbrush. To make matters worse, the Spring Fling dance is approaching, and Ethan, the cutest boy in sixth grade, doesn’t seem to know Cindy exists. Of course, Cindy doesn’t think letting Ethan find out she’s part skeleton is the best way to introduce herself.While facing such perils as pickled pig’s feet, a wacky fortune teller, and a few quick trips to the Underworld, Cindy’s determined to break the curse—even for a single night.Click on link to purchase Cinderskella at:
Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads! Guest post!I would say I’ve always been a writer, as it has been part of my life in some form or another since as long as I can remember. Even as a child I wrote poems and short stories. So when I was in college, it was instinctive to take all the writing and English classes available to me. But as I studied, something else called to me; music. It had been one of my earliest passions as well.It wasn’t just music though, it was the theatre bug. And it had bit me big time! I put my writing away and pursued the stage. For the next twenty years my life centered around music, theatre and the related arts. I sang, played piano, performed on stage in musicals and plays, composed music and even recorded some original songs in a studio. Between my husband, three children and all these gifts, my life was fulfilled. Although I’d been writing song lyrics for quite some time, it wasn’t until 2008 when I realized how much I missed creative writing.At that time the Twilight frenzy was starting to sweep the nation and I found a passion in writing again, mostly poems and short stories. But then I decided to tackle a novel and I completed my first young adult manuscript. It queried well, but those full and partial requests ultimately ended in rejection. My first novel turned out to be just that – my unpublishable first novel. Despite that status, it did become something invaluable to me – experience! The best way to learn what you’re doing right is to learn what you’re doing wrong. I viewed my failure as a sign of my potential. We all know that best way to improve skills is to practice every day. We tell it to our children, we know it from experience. So I kept working. For me, though, it doesn’t always mean adding to a manuscript. Often I see author friends who pound out words every single day, quickly accumulating word counts in their novels. I wish I could do that, but I can’t. Sometimes I go weeks without writing a novel. Forcing inspiration has never worked, and as both a musician and an author I realize how important it is to just go with the flow. If I don’t write for a few weeks I don’t let it get me down because I know the efforts I put forth are helping. But when inspiration strikes I make sure I’m at that computer writing feverishly until every ounce of it has poured onto the page.During this time that I’ve been writing, I’ve missed music. My heart aches for it. My fingers yearn to tickle keys, not just the ones on my laptop, but the ones on my piano. I’m learning balance as tricky as it might seem. Balance with my family, my writing career and my passion for music. I’ll keep writing. I’ll write until every story brewing in my head has found its life on the page. But music will be there, helping me along the way.
Amie and Bethanie bio’sAmie Borst still believes in unicorns, uses glitter whenever possible and accessorizes in pink. She enjoys eating chocolate while writing and keeps a well-stocked stash hidden away from her family. A native New Yorker she currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, three children and a cute dog named Lily. She wishes she had a hot-pink elevator with carnival lights to travel the world. But for now, her minivan will have to do.Bethanie Borst is a spunky 13-year-old who is an avid archer with Olympic dreams, enjoys the outdoors, loves reading and is quick to make lasting friendships. When she is not writing, she swings on a star.You can follow Amie and Bethanie on facebook at www.facebook.com/AmieAndBethanieBorst You can find Amie at her blog www.amieborst.com, twitter, www.twitter.com/AmieBorst and pinterest www.pinterest.com/AmieBorst
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cindy is just a normal eleven and three-quarter year-old. At least until she wakes up one night and finds out she’s dead. Well, she isn't technically dead—she just doesn't have any hair . . . or a nose . . . or skin. Yep—all bones, no body. Human by day and skeleton by night, Cindy is definitely cursed. And because her mother recently died, Cindy has no one to turn to except a father who’s now scared of her and an evil stepmother who makes her do the housecleaning with a toothbrush. To make matters worse, the Spring Fling dance is approaching, and Ethan, the cutest boy in sixth grade, doesn’t seem to know Cindy exists. Of course, Cindy doesn’t think letting Ethan find out she’s part skeleton is the best way to introduce herself.While facing such perils as pickled pig’s feet, a wacky fortune teller, and a few quick trips to the Underworld, Cindy’s determined to break the curse—even for a single night.Click on link to purchase Cinderskella at:
Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads! Guest post!I would say I’ve always been a writer, as it has been part of my life in some form or another since as long as I can remember. Even as a child I wrote poems and short stories. So when I was in college, it was instinctive to take all the writing and English classes available to me. But as I studied, something else called to me; music. It had been one of my earliest passions as well.It wasn’t just music though, it was the theatre bug. And it had bit me big time! I put my writing away and pursued the stage. For the next twenty years my life centered around music, theatre and the related arts. I sang, played piano, performed on stage in musicals and plays, composed music and even recorded some original songs in a studio. Between my husband, three children and all these gifts, my life was fulfilled. Although I’d been writing song lyrics for quite some time, it wasn’t until 2008 when I realized how much I missed creative writing.At that time the Twilight frenzy was starting to sweep the nation and I found a passion in writing again, mostly poems and short stories. But then I decided to tackle a novel and I completed my first young adult manuscript. It queried well, but those full and partial requests ultimately ended in rejection. My first novel turned out to be just that – my unpublishable first novel. Despite that status, it did become something invaluable to me – experience! The best way to learn what you’re doing right is to learn what you’re doing wrong. I viewed my failure as a sign of my potential. We all know that best way to improve skills is to practice every day. We tell it to our children, we know it from experience. So I kept working. For me, though, it doesn’t always mean adding to a manuscript. Often I see author friends who pound out words every single day, quickly accumulating word counts in their novels. I wish I could do that, but I can’t. Sometimes I go weeks without writing a novel. Forcing inspiration has never worked, and as both a musician and an author I realize how important it is to just go with the flow. If I don’t write for a few weeks I don’t let it get me down because I know the efforts I put forth are helping. But when inspiration strikes I make sure I’m at that computer writing feverishly until every ounce of it has poured onto the page.During this time that I’ve been writing, I’ve missed music. My heart aches for it. My fingers yearn to tickle keys, not just the ones on my laptop, but the ones on my piano. I’m learning balance as tricky as it might seem. Balance with my family, my writing career and my passion for music. I’ll keep writing. I’ll write until every story brewing in my head has found its life on the page. But music will be there, helping me along the way.
Amie and Bethanie bio’sAmie Borst still believes in unicorns, uses glitter whenever possible and accessorizes in pink. She enjoys eating chocolate while writing and keeps a well-stocked stash hidden away from her family. A native New Yorker she currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, three children and a cute dog named Lily. She wishes she had a hot-pink elevator with carnival lights to travel the world. But for now, her minivan will have to do.Bethanie Borst is a spunky 13-year-old who is an avid archer with Olympic dreams, enjoys the outdoors, loves reading and is quick to make lasting friendships. When she is not writing, she swings on a star.You can follow Amie and Bethanie on facebook at www.facebook.com/AmieAndBethanieBorst You can find Amie at her blog www.amieborst.com, twitter, www.twitter.com/AmieBorst and pinterest www.pinterest.com/AmieBorst
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October 22, 2013
Twisted by KayCee R
Tour Schedule
Twisted Cayden Rivers wants nothing more than to be normal, but we don’t always get what we want. For years he has been hiding a secret, afraid of being labeled a “freak”. Every day he goes to school, plays football, spends time with his girlfriend, and helps carry his drunken adopted father to bed. Nobody knows the truth about his unnatural speed and strength, including his life-long friend Camilla. Suddenly, four strangers enter Cayden’s life, and not only do they know his secret, they also have one of their own. With their help, Cayden discovers there is more to his power, something much more dangerous. Something other people will kill to possess. Camilla wishes her parents were around more. She gets lonely sleeping in her big empty house night after night. Sure, she has all the money she could ever need, but the only person who is there for her is Cayden. He has his own family and a girlfriend who takes up most of his time, so Camilla knows he won’t be there for her forever, and recently he’s been acting really strange. Will Cayden be able to keep his secret and his friendship with Camilla, or will his new found power destroy everything, including his own life? Switching between Cayden and Camilla's point of view, Twisted will leave you aching for more. Amazon * Barnes & Noble
KayCee R KayCee is a 24 year old self-published author from Cleveland, Ohio. KayCee has always loved reading. After a re-occurring dream she decided to try writing about it. She wrote the first installment of Twisted when she was 20. “I kept having this dream about these twins, and then I just decided to run with it. I wrote the beginning, the end, and then filled in the middle.” KayCee finished the book in 8 months and then decided to share the book online. After seeing people get interested in the book and the characters, she decided to write another book and turn Twisted into a series. KayCee has finished four novels in the Twisted series and is currently working on the fifth book.
Twitter * Facebook * BookRixTour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/4/13
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KayCee R – Twisted Excerpts - Choose your favorite 1. I pushed the guy’s weight off me so I could get up to see if Dom caught the ball, but I stopped short when I looked up at who had tackled me. It was… me? I must have hit my head. Hard. I heard cheers roaring, but they felt like they were coming from far away. That I was watching from a distance, even though I was there on the field.
2. I started walking towards the door and felt something pulling me. Then I was flung back and thrown onto the couch. I tried to fight against it with my powers but at that moment, I didn’t have any powers left. My limbs went numb and my eyes got heavy.
3. I held on to my memory of her as I took my last breath. Her wide bright smile and her beautiful green eyes sparkled as she looked at me. I stared into her eyes and, in that instant, everything was okay.
4. He pulled my face back to his and started kissing me again. It wasn't how I had always pictured it, the few times that I pictured it at all. I always thought if we ever kissed it would be full of passion, but he kissed me powerfully. Masterfully. I wanted to pull away and really tell him off, but what he was doing felt so nice… 5. He told me all I ever wanted to hear from him, and it was horrible because it came at what cost? His death? Mine? Both? What ever happened to fairy tale endings? The endings in movies where the good guys win and where he and I would end up happily ever after? Instead it was a delusion while we waited for our deaths.
6. I don’t know how to explain how I am, what I am. Ever since I hit puberty, I’ve been different. I was thirteen when the changes started happening. I started getting incredibly fast and strong. It wasn’t normal. I wasn’t normal. I was turning into a freak. I could crumple a brick in my hand like it was a piece of paper. When I ran, I was passing cars on the freeway and that wasn’t even me running at full speed. When I was running at full speed I wasn’t much more than a blur to anyone else. I never understood how this happened, or why it happened to me. --
~Inspired Kathy~
October 20, 2013
Just Ella
Check out this well written romance by a talented author! Good luck, Annette K Larsen!!
Tour Schedule
Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen Book Summary: A Proper Romance Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined. I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me. I write clean romance. Why? Because that’s what I love to read, but over the years I’ve discovered it’s quite a challenge to find good clean romance. I believe it’s a genre that many people are looking for and too few authors are writing. My first novel, Just Ella, took me many years to write because I wanted it to be more than just a cutesy love story. I wanted it to have depth, to feel genuine. Hopefully I succeeded, but you’ll have to be the judge.
Amazon Paperback * Amazon KindlePraise for Just Ella "I fell in love with this book. Treat yourself to something wonderful. You can't go wrong with Just Ella!" ~Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer "By far one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Pulls you in with great, likable characters and keeps you going with a sweet and exciting love story--plus a good plot to give it even more substance. Full of those tender moments you want to go back and read again, plus exciting moments, clever humor, and some suspense as well." ~Jana Miller "Annette Larsen writes a love story that takes time, is complicated, and yet still sweeps you up in the romance (without the cheese, thank you). It's compelling and emotional and sweet and you will love every page." ~Kimi
Book Blast/Blog Tour SpecialGrab your copy of Just Ella for just $3.99!
Author Annette K. Larsen I was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff Arizona and St. Louis Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended college at Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children. I have Charlotte Bronte to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to sacrifice what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but it the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.
Website * Twitter * Facebook
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/5/13 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Excerpt: “When have we ever seen anyone else out here?” “Just because we haven’t doesn’t mean we couldn’t.” “Well, I’m sorry you regret confiding in me, but I’m not going to stop coming here.” “I don’t want you to stop coming here. I love that you come here. But you have to let me come with you.” “Because you can protect me from the wicked world?” My voice was mocking, mean. His eyes narrowed. “I can hold my own,” he said in absolute seriousness. For the first time I considered his build in relation to something other than his striking looks. The years of hard physical work had resulted in toned muscle and rough, strong hands. He would be good in a fight. The thought made me swallow. “Can you say the same for yourself?” I looked down at the book I’d been reading, rubbing one hand over the cover in agitation while my face burned. The guilt I felt at his reprimand surprised me. “All right,” I conceded. “You can come from now on.” He moved close to me, then brush a curl behind my ear. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. I had to keep myself from closing my eyes as the warmth of his touch rippled down my spine. “I’m fine.” “I’m still sorry.” I rested my chin on my knees, staring at the water for a minute. “How old are you?” My quiet question broke the silence. “Eighteen,” he answered, close to my ear. “How old are you?” I turned to glare at him but was momentarily distracted to find him leaning toward me, smiling. I had the oddest urge to kiss the smirk off his face. Forcing myself to look at his eyes, I resumed my glaring. He knew my age. Everyone knew, because everyone prepared for it. “I’ll be sixteen in five days,” I said caustically. He just kept smiling. “Happy Birthday.” We both worked silently for several minutes until he spoke abruptly. “I’ve been wondering something.” I looked up to see him kneeling at the edge of the stream, peering over his shoulder at me. “What’s that?” I asked. He was very selective about the things he asked me. “Do you remember the first time you realized you were royalty?” I replied without giving it much thought. “I suppose I’ve always known.” “There was never a moment when it hit you that you were meant for greater things than most people?” His question was humbling and made me a little sad. Truthfully, I had never seen myself that way. Being royalty had become tedious and I often resented it, which was precisely why I was sitting out in the forest with him. “No, I never had a moment like that.” Strictly speaking, it was a truthful answer. I had never felt I was meant for greater things. “You just always knew what you would become?” I looked out at the forest. I wanted to answer his question, but found my answer difficult to put into words. I suppose it would be simplest to say I dreaded what I would become. “Ella?” I focused on Gavin and tried to answer. “I suppose I have an idea of what I am expected to become, but,” I smiled to myself as I admitted, “I think I’ll end up disappointing everyone.” I changed behind a couple of close-growing trees at the base of the hill, then squeezed the water from my hair and tried to restore it to some semblance of order. I wrung out my clothes before wrapping them in a shawl and putting them in my bag. I decided against putting on my shoes, instead walking barefoot back to the maze, enjoying the feel of the earth under my feet. A lightness filled me; whether from knowing the secret of the waterfall or from abandoning propriety and tromping around barefoot, it didn’t really matter. New life had been breathed into me. The looks thrown my way while entering the palace with bare feet and disheveled hair made me smile. I couldn’t find it in myself to be ashamed. I bounded up the stairs to my room with no poise at all, and had to suppress a grin when I hurried past Lorraina, who stopped suddenly upon seeing me and didn’t recover before I passed her by. I slipped into my room and shut the door firmly, unable to keep a broad smile from my face as I considered my excursion. It was liberating. “No!” I shrieked, stepping toward Gavin but stopping myself. The guard hesitated and I looked back at my father, reaching a hand toward him, pleading. “Father, please! He’s a friend! He didn’t take me away; he only did what I asked. Please stop this,” I begged. I could hear the horror in my own voice, the disbelief and the desperation I felt. It was as though I were being torn in two, as though my arms—one outstretched to halt my father, the other itching to pull Gavin from harm’s way—were pulling me in opposite directions, and if I moved at all, I would be torn to pieces.
Tour Schedule
Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen Book Summary: A Proper Romance Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined. I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me. I write clean romance. Why? Because that’s what I love to read, but over the years I’ve discovered it’s quite a challenge to find good clean romance. I believe it’s a genre that many people are looking for and too few authors are writing. My first novel, Just Ella, took me many years to write because I wanted it to be more than just a cutesy love story. I wanted it to have depth, to feel genuine. Hopefully I succeeded, but you’ll have to be the judge. Amazon Paperback * Amazon KindlePraise for Just Ella "I fell in love with this book. Treat yourself to something wonderful. You can't go wrong with Just Ella!" ~Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer "By far one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Pulls you in with great, likable characters and keeps you going with a sweet and exciting love story--plus a good plot to give it even more substance. Full of those tender moments you want to go back and read again, plus exciting moments, clever humor, and some suspense as well." ~Jana Miller "Annette Larsen writes a love story that takes time, is complicated, and yet still sweeps you up in the romance (without the cheese, thank you). It's compelling and emotional and sweet and you will love every page." ~Kimi
Book Blast/Blog Tour SpecialGrab your copy of Just Ella for just $3.99!
Author Annette K. Larsen I was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff Arizona and St. Louis Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended college at Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children. I have Charlotte Bronte to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to sacrifice what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but it the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other. Website * Twitter * Facebook
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/5/13 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Excerpt: “When have we ever seen anyone else out here?” “Just because we haven’t doesn’t mean we couldn’t.” “Well, I’m sorry you regret confiding in me, but I’m not going to stop coming here.” “I don’t want you to stop coming here. I love that you come here. But you have to let me come with you.” “Because you can protect me from the wicked world?” My voice was mocking, mean. His eyes narrowed. “I can hold my own,” he said in absolute seriousness. For the first time I considered his build in relation to something other than his striking looks. The years of hard physical work had resulted in toned muscle and rough, strong hands. He would be good in a fight. The thought made me swallow. “Can you say the same for yourself?” I looked down at the book I’d been reading, rubbing one hand over the cover in agitation while my face burned. The guilt I felt at his reprimand surprised me. “All right,” I conceded. “You can come from now on.” He moved close to me, then brush a curl behind my ear. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. I had to keep myself from closing my eyes as the warmth of his touch rippled down my spine. “I’m fine.” “I’m still sorry.” I rested my chin on my knees, staring at the water for a minute. “How old are you?” My quiet question broke the silence. “Eighteen,” he answered, close to my ear. “How old are you?” I turned to glare at him but was momentarily distracted to find him leaning toward me, smiling. I had the oddest urge to kiss the smirk off his face. Forcing myself to look at his eyes, I resumed my glaring. He knew my age. Everyone knew, because everyone prepared for it. “I’ll be sixteen in five days,” I said caustically. He just kept smiling. “Happy Birthday.” We both worked silently for several minutes until he spoke abruptly. “I’ve been wondering something.” I looked up to see him kneeling at the edge of the stream, peering over his shoulder at me. “What’s that?” I asked. He was very selective about the things he asked me. “Do you remember the first time you realized you were royalty?” I replied without giving it much thought. “I suppose I’ve always known.” “There was never a moment when it hit you that you were meant for greater things than most people?” His question was humbling and made me a little sad. Truthfully, I had never seen myself that way. Being royalty had become tedious and I often resented it, which was precisely why I was sitting out in the forest with him. “No, I never had a moment like that.” Strictly speaking, it was a truthful answer. I had never felt I was meant for greater things. “You just always knew what you would become?” I looked out at the forest. I wanted to answer his question, but found my answer difficult to put into words. I suppose it would be simplest to say I dreaded what I would become. “Ella?” I focused on Gavin and tried to answer. “I suppose I have an idea of what I am expected to become, but,” I smiled to myself as I admitted, “I think I’ll end up disappointing everyone.” I changed behind a couple of close-growing trees at the base of the hill, then squeezed the water from my hair and tried to restore it to some semblance of order. I wrung out my clothes before wrapping them in a shawl and putting them in my bag. I decided against putting on my shoes, instead walking barefoot back to the maze, enjoying the feel of the earth under my feet. A lightness filled me; whether from knowing the secret of the waterfall or from abandoning propriety and tromping around barefoot, it didn’t really matter. New life had been breathed into me. The looks thrown my way while entering the palace with bare feet and disheveled hair made me smile. I couldn’t find it in myself to be ashamed. I bounded up the stairs to my room with no poise at all, and had to suppress a grin when I hurried past Lorraina, who stopped suddenly upon seeing me and didn’t recover before I passed her by. I slipped into my room and shut the door firmly, unable to keep a broad smile from my face as I considered my excursion. It was liberating. “No!” I shrieked, stepping toward Gavin but stopping myself. The guard hesitated and I looked back at my father, reaching a hand toward him, pleading. “Father, please! He’s a friend! He didn’t take me away; he only did what I asked. Please stop this,” I begged. I could hear the horror in my own voice, the disbelief and the desperation I felt. It was as though I were being torn in two, as though my arms—one outstretched to halt my father, the other itching to pull Gavin from harm’s way—were pulling me in opposite directions, and if I moved at all, I would be torn to pieces.
October 18, 2013
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October 15, 2013
Bookmarked Bargains
The Bookmarked Bargains sales event is going to be unbelievable! Not only can you win a free Kindle you can find free and discounted books from some of your favorite authors. Here's a list of who's participating:
Andrea PearsonAnna del C. DyeCami CheckettsCheri SchmidtChristine KerseyChristy DorrityCindy HoganHeather JustesenIlyan LavanwayJaleta CleggJason MorganJordan McCollumJoyce DiPastenaJulie BellonKarey WhiteMaria HoaglandMichelle PenningtonMikey BrooksMonique BuchegerRachael AndersenRachel BrantonRachel NunesRebecca ShelleyRebecca TalleySandra Norton FlynnStephanie FowersTamara HeinerTeyla Branton Vickie Hall
The deals run Wednesday, October 16th through Friday, October 18th. Click here to enter the Kindle drawing and find fabulous discounted books. Thanks!
October 9, 2013
LDS Author hop: Win four ebooks!
Announcing the 2nd Annual LDS Authors Giveaway Hop
Featuring Books Written by LDS AuthorsHosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & American Night Writers AssociationOctober 8th to 15th
I am giving away an ecopy of a new fantasy novel by LDS authors Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and me, Sherry Gammon, titled A Fantasy Christmas! Not only that, but I am including three additional eNovels, one from each author!
A Fantasy Christmas: What do Witches, Elves, and Greek Gods (Oh My) have in common? They are part of the romantic Christmas anthology, A Fantasy Christmas, written by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon. This exciting collection of fantasy stories will be available on November 1st.
Check out our blog for A Fantasy Christmas and get a sneak peak at two of the three covers and blurbs for all three stories!!
You will also win these eBooks:
Enchanted Fairytales by Cindy C Bennett
Enchanted Fairytales is a series of short stories based on beloved fairytales from the imagination of Cindy C Bennett. The stories are written as if the fairytales never existed. are contemporary, some are paranormal, some have elements of fantasy or magic. Stories include: Beautiful Beast, Red and the Wolf, Snow White, The Unmasking of Cinderella, and The White Swan
Cindy C Bennett is the YA author of several books. She lives in Utah with her two daughters. Both of her sons have married, giving her two more daughters (in-law). She loves gooey cookies, dark chocolate, and cheese popcorn. She hates housework and cooking, and has no plans to become a domestic goddess. She occasionally co-hosts a geek podcast with her son, called Geek Revolution Radio. Her favorite pastime - other than writing - is riding her Harley.
***
With A Kiss by Stephanie Fowers
Faerytales are real . . . they just haven't happened yet. Halley Starr finds out the truth when she loses her heart with a curse. Now she has to get it back from that dirty faery who stole it from her, but first, she must fight against the seven rules of the faery kingdom that mortals must never break. But if Halley wants her heart back again, she can’t worry about the rules.
Stephanie Fowers bio: Stephanie loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through written word, song, and/ or film. She absolutely adores Bollywood and bonnet movies; i.e., BBC (which she supposes includes non-bonnet movies Sherlock and Dr. Who). Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist. Be sure to watch for her upcoming books, including YA fantasy, science fiction, mysteries, a Christmas anthology, and more--many more--romantic comedies. May the adventures begin.
***Pete & Tink by Sherry Gammon
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Pete & Tink is a Novella by best-selling author Sherry GammonPete Pancerella loves two things in life: Video games and Spongy Cremes.
He’s happy, content, and he’s also a geek.
All that is about to change when his mother wishes upon a star and Tink answers the call. But will it take more than a five-and-a-half inch faery to whip this manga-loving goofball into shape?Sherry Gammon Bio: Sherry has written several YA novels, one of which is being made into a movie! She and her husband, along with their children and a couple of crazy dogs, call Upstate New York home. It is where she spends her nights writing instead of sleeping. a Rafflecopter giveaway;
Blog This by Cami Checketts
Blog This by Cami Checketts Will protecting children throughout the world cost Natasha her own family? Devastated by the loss of her brother, Natasha Senecot works to expose the dangers of Matthew Chrysler’s violent video games, succeeding in bankrupting and humiliating him. Chrysler retaliates and sends a hit man after her. Natasha is forced to fake her own death to protect her children. But after witnessing another tragedy, Natasha must come out of hiding. In a race against time, Natasha must expose Matthew Chrysler before his assassin shatters her world and those she loves. Amazon Praise for Blog This "From the very first chapter, Blog This grabs your gut and your heart with surprising action and touching moments. Cami Checketts blends suspense, humor, and good clean romance into a story that will stick with you." ~Daniel Coleman, Author of Gifts and Consequences "LOVED it. LOVED it. LOVED it. Have read all of Cami’s books but Blog This is on the top of my list. Read it twice and enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it. Just when you think you know what is going to happen you’re led into a different direction. Had a hard time putting the book down and was anxious to see how it was going to end." ~Elsa Akinason
Excerpt Natasha sighed. “You don’t need to stay until Detective Bentley comes.” His eyebrows rose. “You want to be alone with the detective?” Natasha grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with water from the door of the fridge. “I just don’t want Jace and Lily to wait too long.” She turned to face him, taking a sip of the cold water. Tony held her gaze with his warm stare and edged a step closer. “I wanted to make sure that you’re okay.” “I’m fine.” Natasha clutched the glass in her palm. “I can take care of myself.” Why was she lying to him? She tried to shoo him away, when she really wanted to beg him to stay until Alex was apprehended and maybe even after that. Tony set the water bottles on the counter. “Oh, I don’t doubt you can take care of yourself, but maybe it’s time to let someone else help.” He took two more steps toward her. She could smell his PS cologne. She’d given him a bottle the first year they were married and told him it was her favorite scent. The fragrance brought back tender memories she wanted to displace and plugging her nose right now might be a little awkward. Natasha raised the glass to her lips to try to block the tempting aroma and create some distance between them. Why was Tony still wearing the same brand? “What if I want to take care of you?” Tony asked. Sounds wonderful. She took a long drink, but it didn’t quench the heat in her face. Tony took the glass from her fingers and set it on the counter. “What if I want to take care of you?” he repeated quietly. He gently took hold of her palm and studied her face for the correct answer. “I think you’re too late,” Natasha whispered, studying his pressed cotton shirt to avoid his handsome face. Her hand tingled. How could he still affect her like this? Tony tilted her chin up with his free hand. “Look in my eyes and say that
again.”
Price valid on Amazon until October 16th
Author Cami Checketts Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com. Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing. Website * Twitter * Facebook * Fitness Blog
BookBlast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/31/13 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, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway -- ~Inspired Kathy~
October 7, 2013
LDS Author hop: Win Three ebooks!
Announcing the 2nd Annual LDS Authors Giveaway Hop
Featuring Books Written by LDS AuthorsHosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & American Night Writers AssociationOctober 8th to 15th
I am giving away an ecopy of a new fantasy novel by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and me, Sherry Gammon titled A Fantasy Christmas! Not only that, but I am including two additional enovels by Cindy and myself.
A Fantasy Christmas: What do Witches, Elves, and Greek Gods (Oh My) have in common? They are part of the romantic Christmas anthology, A Fantasy Christmas, written by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon. This exciting collection of fantasy stories will be available on November 1st.
Check out our blog for A Fantasy Christmas and get a sneak peak at two of the three covers and blurbs for all three stories!!
***Enchanted Fairytales by Cindy C Bennett
Enchanted Fairytales is a series of short stories based on beloved fairytales from the imagination of Cindy C Bennett. The stories are written as if the fairytales never existed. are contemporary, some are paranormal, some have elements of fantasy or magic. Stories include: Beautiful Beast, Red and the Wolf, Snow White, The Unmasking of Cinderella, and The White SwanCindy C Bennett is the YA author of several books. She lives in Utah with her two daughters. Both of her sons have married, giving her two more daughters (in-law). She loves gooey cookies, dark chocolate, and cheese popcorn. She hates housework and cooking, and has no plans to become a domestic goddess. She occasionally co-hosts a geek podcast with her son, called Geek Revolution Radio. Her favorite pastime - other than writing - is riding her Harley.
***Pete & Tink by Sherry Gammon
Pete & Tink is a Novella by best-selling author Sherry GammonPete Pancerella loves two things in life: Video games and Spongy Cremes.He’s happy, content, and he’s also a geek.
All that is about to change when his mother wishes upon a star and Tink answers the call. But will it take more than a five-and-a-half inch faery to whip this manga-loving goofball into shape?Bio: Sherry Gammon has written several YA novels, one of which is being made into a movie! She and her husband, along with their children and a couple of crazy dogs, call Upstate New York home. It is where she spends her nights writing instead of sleeping.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
