Annie Douglass Lima's Blog, page 16
November 25, 2018
Realm Explorers Part CXVII: Visit Sabellyn with Sarah Delena White
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name: Sarah Delena White
Title of book and/or series: Rothana (Star-Fae Trilogy book 2)
Brief summary of the story:
A new queen falls. A death lord rises. An ancient foe looms in the shadows.
Sylvie Imanthiya is desperate to lead Faerie well and deepen the bond with her husband, former king Taylan Ashkalabek. But all hope of that vanishes when the winter solstice ceremony ends in disaster, stranding her and Taylan in the Deathrealm, and stripping the kingdom from her.
With Faerie in chaos, Zad and Diza are separated once again: Zad to reconcile with an old mentor to stabilize the kingdom, and Diza to confront the nefarious Casimir in the mortal realm. But Casimir claims that a greater evil seeks to destroy both realms, an evil that Diza’s unique death magic can hold at bay—if she could only remember how.
In the Deathrealm, Taylan is succumbing to the lure of specters from his past, and pushing away Sylvie’s love. Overwhelmed by decay and darkness, Sylvie must summon unexpected magic from the soul of Kyure to fight for her convictions and her husband’s heart.
Shadows divide them. Their friends are in peril. If Sylvie fails, her marriage and her world will fall.
Sabellyn looks a lot like this!Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Halayda is set in Kyure, a world with several dimensions. There is the realm of Faerie, a wild land of magic, strange peoples, and semi-sentient forests and mountains. There is the Deathrealm, the fae underworld. But much of the book takes place in the city of Sabellyn, a prosperous human city-state with steampunk technology. The people of Sabellyn prize industry and innovation, and the city is a center of burgeoning trade, a lucrative black market, and cutting-edge alchemical research.
If we were to visit Sabellyn as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
The College of Alchemy is the centerpiece of the city. It’s an impressive building, but good luck getting inside! The alchemists guard their secrets very carefully. Instead, stroll around the city’s central square and admire it from the outside, along with the ornate government buildings and villas of the upper city. If you’re in the lower city, stop by The Goodly Goose for some curry. The food is truly terrible, but it’s a quintessential Sabellyn experience.
What dangers should we avoid in Sabellyn?
Dangers lurk everywhere in the city. Avoid walking the streets of the lower city at night unless you know what you’re doing. Otherwise you might accidentally walk into black market business. The upper city seems much more civilized, but there are plenty of rumors of what happens when someone gets too close to the secrets of the College of Alchemy. Of course, if you’re fae or half-fae, it’s best to avoid the city completely! All the iron and smog are dangerous for faeries, and most people in Sabellyn are hostile toward fae and their magic.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Sabellyn?
The denizens of Sabellyn have a taste for exotic imported foods. Even in the slums, taverns like The Goodly Goose serve curry, though whether it’s worth eating is another story. If you’re in the more fashionable area of the city, make sure you stop by The Lace Fan café for tea and scones!
map of Kyure drawn by Julia BuskoWhat types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Sabellyn?
Trolleys are the most common way to travel within the city, and trains and barges run regular routes between Sabellyn and surroundings towns. If you can’t afford a trolley fare or are going to some of the less savory areas of the city, hitching a ride on a passing horse cart is your best option.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Sabellyn that we don’t see on Earth?
Sabellyn is inhabited mostly by humans. However, the city is built beside a gateway to Faerie, so you will occasionally see elementals or shifters there. Sabellyn is also a place where unwanted fae children are abandoned as changelings, and there are some people of mixed fae and human heritage as well. Changelings and half-fae have a limited life-span in the iron-filled city, though, and they keep a low profile to avoid the human inhabitants’ superstitions and prejudices against fae.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Sabellyn? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The people of Sabellyn are deeply wary of magic. Magic is the domain of the fae, who have been at odds with mortals for ages. A small percentage of humans possess “soul-sense,” an innate ability that allows alchemists to create and control their potions. Alchemists are both feared and honored for their abilities, as people are wary of their power but Sabellyn is built on their inventions.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Sabellyn? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Alchemy is the most advanced science in Sabellyn. It has many uses, from practical, everyday ones like keeping food fresh, to deadly ones used to protect the city from fae and other threats. Sabellyn has steampunk technology, including an elaborate railway system, steel mills and other large factories,
Is there a particular religion practiced in Sabellyn? Please describe what it involves.
The people of Sabellyn don’t have much sense of the supernatural. Most of its people ignore the possibility of a higher power and pursue moralism or scientism instead. Some people have a vague notion of a pleasant afterlife for good souls, while others disregard this. The people of Sabellyn dislike and fear anything that doesn’t fit within their predetermined notions of the world. Fae magic, notions of fate, and the guidance of the Lyrium are all considered threats and mysteries, as there is no place for these things in the mindset of Sabellyn’s people.
What is the political or government structure in Sabellyn? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Officially, Sabellyn is ruled by an elected council with representatives from all districts of the city-state. Unofficially, the city is controlled by the wealthy factory owners and the most successful inventors. Arguably the most powerful person in Sabellyn is the Chancellor of Alchemy, Nevion Caylus (though those who have read Halayda will know him by a different name), who wields a vast amount of influence over the Ruling Council and the political and scientific direction of the city.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Sabellyn was somewhat inspired by Amman, Jordan, where I lived for a while. Like Sabellyn, Amman is built on steep hillsides, and it’s a place where modern innovations are built on ancient foundations. Modernized western part of the city is a sharp contrast to the older and more traditional eastern part, similar to the contrast between the upper and lower city areas in Sabellyn. Granted, Sabellyn is very different culturally, and nothing in the world of Kyure is explicitly based on Jordan. Still, a bit of my experience walking the streets of Amman crept into Sabellyn.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
My goal, first and foremost, is to tell a good story, and my books are always driven more by characters than issues. There are some common themes in my books, though they’re not necessarily controversial. These include the inherent value of all life, the dangers of placing too much faith in science or pleasure, the possibility of redemption and second chances even for people who have done terrible things, and the power of love, hope, and beauty in dark worlds.
Author Autobiography:
Sarah Delena White was raised by wolves in an alternate dimension. She writes eclectic speculative fiction that reworks mythology with a fine balance of poetry and snark. She’s an experienced world traveler who loves to weave world folklore and ancient concepts into vibrant, original story worlds. She is the administrative manager for Uncommon Universes Press. When she’s not writing, she can be found making elegant designer bead jewelry, traveling to folk music festivals as a professional ballad singer, drinking tea, and seeking to create the perfect latte. She can be bribed with dark chocolate.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
Autographed paperbackKindleNookAppleKobo
Where can readers connect with you online?
FacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite
Party Time!
Join Uncommon Universes Press and Laura A. Grace of Unicorn Quester to celebrate the launch of Rothana by Sarah Delena White! Includes games, giveaways, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and more. Also features guest authors Bethany A. Jennings and Morgan L. Busse. Save the date to hang out with these fabulous authors!
RSVP HERE
Blog Tour ScheduleMonday, November 26th
Author Interview – New Authors FellowshipRealm Explorers Author Interview – Letters from Annie (Douglass) LimaTuesday, November 27th
Guest Post on Mythology – Fairies, Fantasy, FaithBook Review – Becky GainesWednesday, November 28th
Book Excerpt – Reading on the EdgeThursday, November 29th
Character Interview with Sidikas – Becky GainesFriday, November 30th
Character Interview with Casimir – LivForHimBehind-the-Scenes Feature – M. HackmanAuthor Interview – Dreams and DragonsSaturday, December 1st
Book Review – Pages to ExploreMonday, December 3rd
Author Interview – O. BonhamBook Review & Excerpt – Coming Up RosesTuesday, December 4th
Behind-the-Scenes Feature – Lands UnchartedWednesday, December 5th
Guest Post on Zad and Pookas – L. BurkeBook Excerpt – Becky GainesThursday, December 6th
Author Interview & Review – comCharacter Interview with Taylan – Unicorn QuesterFriday, December 7th
Book Review – Jessica RachowGuest Post on Faerie vs. Sabeylln – Katherine MassengillBook Review – Writing with Wolves Saturday, December 8th
Rothana Facebook Launch Party
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Sabellyn. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima
Author’s name: Sarah Delena White
Title of book and/or series: Rothana (Star-Fae Trilogy book 2)
Brief summary of the story:
A new queen falls. A death lord rises. An ancient foe looms in the shadows.
Sylvie Imanthiya is desperate to lead Faerie well and deepen the bond with her husband, former king Taylan Ashkalabek. But all hope of that vanishes when the winter solstice ceremony ends in disaster, stranding her and Taylan in the Deathrealm, and stripping the kingdom from her.
With Faerie in chaos, Zad and Diza are separated once again: Zad to reconcile with an old mentor to stabilize the kingdom, and Diza to confront the nefarious Casimir in the mortal realm. But Casimir claims that a greater evil seeks to destroy both realms, an evil that Diza’s unique death magic can hold at bay—if she could only remember how.
In the Deathrealm, Taylan is succumbing to the lure of specters from his past, and pushing away Sylvie’s love. Overwhelmed by decay and darkness, Sylvie must summon unexpected magic from the soul of Kyure to fight for her convictions and her husband’s heart.
Shadows divide them. Their friends are in peril. If Sylvie fails, her marriage and her world will fall.
Sabellyn looks a lot like this!Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:Halayda is set in Kyure, a world with several dimensions. There is the realm of Faerie, a wild land of magic, strange peoples, and semi-sentient forests and mountains. There is the Deathrealm, the fae underworld. But much of the book takes place in the city of Sabellyn, a prosperous human city-state with steampunk technology. The people of Sabellyn prize industry and innovation, and the city is a center of burgeoning trade, a lucrative black market, and cutting-edge alchemical research.
If we were to visit Sabellyn as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
The College of Alchemy is the centerpiece of the city. It’s an impressive building, but good luck getting inside! The alchemists guard their secrets very carefully. Instead, stroll around the city’s central square and admire it from the outside, along with the ornate government buildings and villas of the upper city. If you’re in the lower city, stop by The Goodly Goose for some curry. The food is truly terrible, but it’s a quintessential Sabellyn experience.
What dangers should we avoid in Sabellyn?
Dangers lurk everywhere in the city. Avoid walking the streets of the lower city at night unless you know what you’re doing. Otherwise you might accidentally walk into black market business. The upper city seems much more civilized, but there are plenty of rumors of what happens when someone gets too close to the secrets of the College of Alchemy. Of course, if you’re fae or half-fae, it’s best to avoid the city completely! All the iron and smog are dangerous for faeries, and most people in Sabellyn are hostile toward fae and their magic.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Sabellyn?
The denizens of Sabellyn have a taste for exotic imported foods. Even in the slums, taverns like The Goodly Goose serve curry, though whether it’s worth eating is another story. If you’re in the more fashionable area of the city, make sure you stop by The Lace Fan café for tea and scones!
map of Kyure drawn by Julia BuskoWhat types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Sabellyn?Trolleys are the most common way to travel within the city, and trains and barges run regular routes between Sabellyn and surroundings towns. If you can’t afford a trolley fare or are going to some of the less savory areas of the city, hitching a ride on a passing horse cart is your best option.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Sabellyn that we don’t see on Earth?
Sabellyn is inhabited mostly by humans. However, the city is built beside a gateway to Faerie, so you will occasionally see elementals or shifters there. Sabellyn is also a place where unwanted fae children are abandoned as changelings, and there are some people of mixed fae and human heritage as well. Changelings and half-fae have a limited life-span in the iron-filled city, though, and they keep a low profile to avoid the human inhabitants’ superstitions and prejudices against fae.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Sabellyn? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The people of Sabellyn are deeply wary of magic. Magic is the domain of the fae, who have been at odds with mortals for ages. A small percentage of humans possess “soul-sense,” an innate ability that allows alchemists to create and control their potions. Alchemists are both feared and honored for their abilities, as people are wary of their power but Sabellyn is built on their inventions.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Sabellyn? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Alchemy is the most advanced science in Sabellyn. It has many uses, from practical, everyday ones like keeping food fresh, to deadly ones used to protect the city from fae and other threats. Sabellyn has steampunk technology, including an elaborate railway system, steel mills and other large factories,
Is there a particular religion practiced in Sabellyn? Please describe what it involves.
The people of Sabellyn don’t have much sense of the supernatural. Most of its people ignore the possibility of a higher power and pursue moralism or scientism instead. Some people have a vague notion of a pleasant afterlife for good souls, while others disregard this. The people of Sabellyn dislike and fear anything that doesn’t fit within their predetermined notions of the world. Fae magic, notions of fate, and the guidance of the Lyrium are all considered threats and mysteries, as there is no place for these things in the mindset of Sabellyn’s people.
What is the political or government structure in Sabellyn? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?Officially, Sabellyn is ruled by an elected council with representatives from all districts of the city-state. Unofficially, the city is controlled by the wealthy factory owners and the most successful inventors. Arguably the most powerful person in Sabellyn is the Chancellor of Alchemy, Nevion Caylus (though those who have read Halayda will know him by a different name), who wields a vast amount of influence over the Ruling Council and the political and scientific direction of the city.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Sabellyn was somewhat inspired by Amman, Jordan, where I lived for a while. Like Sabellyn, Amman is built on steep hillsides, and it’s a place where modern innovations are built on ancient foundations. Modernized western part of the city is a sharp contrast to the older and more traditional eastern part, similar to the contrast between the upper and lower city areas in Sabellyn. Granted, Sabellyn is very different culturally, and nothing in the world of Kyure is explicitly based on Jordan. Still, a bit of my experience walking the streets of Amman crept into Sabellyn.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
My goal, first and foremost, is to tell a good story, and my books are always driven more by characters than issues. There are some common themes in my books, though they’re not necessarily controversial. These include the inherent value of all life, the dangers of placing too much faith in science or pleasure, the possibility of redemption and second chances even for people who have done terrible things, and the power of love, hope, and beauty in dark worlds.
Author Autobiography:
Sarah Delena White was raised by wolves in an alternate dimension. She writes eclectic speculative fiction that reworks mythology with a fine balance of poetry and snark. She’s an experienced world traveler who loves to weave world folklore and ancient concepts into vibrant, original story worlds. She is the administrative manager for Uncommon Universes Press. When she’s not writing, she can be found making elegant designer bead jewelry, traveling to folk music festivals as a professional ballad singer, drinking tea, and seeking to create the perfect latte. She can be bribed with dark chocolate.Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
Autographed paperbackKindleNookAppleKobo
Where can readers connect with you online?
FacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite
Party Time!
Join Uncommon Universes Press and Laura A. Grace of Unicorn Quester to celebrate the launch of Rothana by Sarah Delena White! Includes games, giveaways, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and more. Also features guest authors Bethany A. Jennings and Morgan L. Busse. Save the date to hang out with these fabulous authors!
RSVP HERE
Blog Tour ScheduleMonday, November 26th
Author Interview – New Authors FellowshipRealm Explorers Author Interview – Letters from Annie (Douglass) LimaTuesday, November 27th
Guest Post on Mythology – Fairies, Fantasy, FaithBook Review – Becky GainesWednesday, November 28th
Book Excerpt – Reading on the EdgeThursday, November 29th
Character Interview with Sidikas – Becky GainesFriday, November 30th
Character Interview with Casimir – LivForHimBehind-the-Scenes Feature – M. HackmanAuthor Interview – Dreams and DragonsSaturday, December 1st
Book Review – Pages to ExploreMonday, December 3rd
Author Interview – O. BonhamBook Review & Excerpt – Coming Up RosesTuesday, December 4th
Behind-the-Scenes Feature – Lands UnchartedWednesday, December 5th
Guest Post on Zad and Pookas – L. BurkeBook Excerpt – Becky GainesThursday, December 6th
Author Interview & Review – comCharacter Interview with Taylan – Unicorn QuesterFriday, December 7th
Book Review – Jessica RachowGuest Post on Faerie vs. Sabeylln – Katherine MassengillBook Review – Writing with Wolves Saturday, December 8th
Rothana Facebook Launch Party
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Sabellyn. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima
November 23, 2018
Black Friday Book Sale!
Welcome! I wanted to tell you about a HUGE sale that is going on this weekend! There are over 150 titles available and they are all either $.99 or FREE! There is also a long list of paperbacks for sale at incredibly discounted prices as well! And the good news is they are all clean reads!
Be sure to go check out this amazing sale here.
There is also an amazing giveaway going on! Grand Prize winner receives 20 paperbacks and the 2nd place winner gets 20 e-book titles from the sale for free!
You can sign up for the giveaway here.
Giveaway runs from November 22nd till November 26th @12AM ET. Grand prize open to US winners only. 2nd place prize is open Internationally.
2nd Place Winner Receives 20 E-booksGather Round the Fables by Erika MatthewsThe Case of the Tabloid Tattler by Perry Kirkpatrick AudioBookThe Twelve Cats of Christmas by Perry Kirkpatrick AudiobookCoffee Shop Christmas Ebook by Ryana Lynn MillerThe Land of Cotton ebook by Ryana Lynn MillerEntertaining Angels, Entertaining Angels Book 1 by Emerald BarnesSecret’s Kept by Jennette MbeweThe Firethorn Crown by Lea DoueBeyond Broken Pencils by Julie C. GilbertAshlynn's Dreams by Julie C. GilbertSoldier On by Vanessa RasanenBurning Rose by Hope AnnIced and Nailed by Avery DanielsImani Earns Her Cape by Bokerah BrumleyOctober by J. Grace PenningtonDisowned by Sarah Addison FoxMy Compass Home by Michaela BushSummer Shadows and Necessary Evil by Killarney Traynor
Grand Prize Winner Receives 20 PaperbacksMythical Doorways by Jenelle SchmidtFaith is the Victory by Faith BlumKiera by Kate WillisBecause Anonymous Diana L. SharplesAfter: Book One in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah JezowskiSpecter: Book Two in The Neverway Chronicles by Savannah JezowskiLeandra’s Enchanted Flute by Katy Huth JonesEagle Eyes by Tammy LashLondon in the Dark by Victoria Lynn When Beauty Blooms by Victoria LynnAerisia: Land Beyond the Sunset by Sarah AshwoodIced and Nailed by Avery DanielsThere Was Always Laughter in Our House by Sarah HolmanBridgers: A Parable (paperback) by Angie ThompsonLove Blind (paperback) by Angie ThompsonCode by Angie ThompsonChristmas Eve at the Backdoor by Rebekah MorrisThe Seven Drawers by Kendra E. ArdnekHe's Making Diamonds: A Teen's Thoughts on Faith Through Chronic Illness by Sara Willoughby
Giveaway : a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 16, 2018
Ava's Prize: a Romance Novel with a Giveaway
On Tour with Prism Book ToursBook Tour Grand Finale for Ava's Prize By Cari Lynn Webb
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Note from the Author
Welcome to my blog tour with Prism!
I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of my new book, Ava’s Prize, in my City by the Bay Stories with Harlequin Heartwarming. Ava’s Prize is a sweet contemporary romance that brings together, paramedic, Ava Andrews and inventor, Kyle Quinn...
I Am A Reader - Guest Post
Family Game Night
In my new release, Ava’s Prize-a Harlequin Heartwarming sweet romance-my heroine, Ava Andrews plays a game called: You Know What We Need with her family and friends...
Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt
Kyle opened the door to the suite and welcomed his guests inside. He would’ve explained his plans to work that afternoon if Ben hadn’t disrupted the silence with a drawn-out whoa.
Kyle shut the door and turned around to find the young boy bouncing from one foot to the other, his gaze darting around the suite. Ben never moved from his father’s side, as if he waited for a referee to blow a start whistle to let the games begin.
Remembrancy - Review
"Cari Lynn Webb quickly threw off my misgivings and invested me in her story (in large part due to said friends). . . . Webb gives readers a taste of the lonely high life with Kyle’s home, workspace, endless invitations, and press scrutiny. That’s juxtaposed against Ava’s simple life in which she’s working more than forty hours a week to make ends meet but she’s surrounded by friends and family she loves and who love her in return. The addition of the contest and the inventions are just icing on this story cake."
Wishful Endings - Guest Post
Work Spaces and Offices that Inspire
In my new release, Ava’s Prize, a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming, my hero, Kyle Quinn has a second-floor suite that doubles as both his living and work space in San Francisco...
Heidi Reads... - Excerpt
But Ava was here. Dressed in a bold bottle-green dress and looking like the model she never claimed to be. Kyle wanted to be near her again. That should’ve made him run in the other direction. Instead, he moved through the crowd, offered a chin dip acknowledgment to different guests, yet never lost sight of Ava.
Finally, he stood within touching distance. And hesitated like he’d stepped back into middle school and watched the party invites flash across cell phones in the hallway. He’d always held his breath, waiting for his phone to vibrate with a new text alert. The invites had never arrived. He’d long since stopped hoping.
Reading Is My SuperPower - Review
"Ava’s Prize is a solid story with electric romantic chemistry and several sweet moments. Both Kyle and Ava experience steady character growth over the course of the novel, and readers will experience a wide range of emotions as they follow the plot. The fact that several characters have specific medical needs not usually seen in contemporary romance adds another dimension to this already layered story and keeps readers invested in the characters."
Colorimetry - Guest Post
San Francisco and First Kisses
Ava’s Prize, my new sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming, is set in San Francisco. One of the most iconic images from San Francisco is the cable car. Fortunately, a cable car ride led to the first kiss between my hero, Kyle Quinn and my heroine, Ava Andrews.
Rockin' Book Reviews - Review
"This is a fabulous romance. I like the way two people who are determined to live their lives alone find something so different in their futures. . . . I highly recommend this book to others who like a good romance and fun friendships."
Among the Reads - Interview
Other than the ability to create your own happily-ever-after endings, what is your favorite thing about being an author?
[Cari] Other than getting to work out of my house and spending most days in my comfy clothes (aka pajamas) and pony tails, I like the writing friends I have made that have become best friends and my writing tribe. There is a very strong writing community in romance and I can’t say enough about the support I’ve found among other authors. I also really like meeting readers – it is so much fun to meet people who share the same passion about books as I do.
Book by Book - Review
"...the story unfolds in a way that challenges them to grow and change, and it is oh so enjoyable.
So, if you’re a reader of contemporary romance, check out Ava’s Prize. It’s a heartwarming, delightful read that does not disappoint."
E-Romance News - Excerpt
Ava changed directions midstep and veered toward the buffet. She strolled along the table, stopping as if considering her options. One glance over her shoulder confirmed her bathroom reporter still watched her. Ava grabbed a plate and piled food on it, in no particular order. Stacking the crackers on top of the cheese, she balanced fruit on top of the crackers. Adding a strawberry for color, she studied the plate. If she added another layer, would it collapse like she worried her own world might? Perhaps being a risk-taker wasn’t her thing after all.
Reading On The Edge - Guest Post
You bought what?
Kyle Quinn, my hero in my new release, Ava’s Prize-a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming-is an inventor. Kyle invented a medical earbud that sold for a rather large profit and became a popular commercial product on the market.
Harlie's Books - Review
"The romance in the book is fabulous. Talk about two people that didn’t want to fall in love but did. And then fought it every step of the way. It’s plausible, relatable and sweet."
My Devotional Thoughts - Guest Post
Senior Pets Need Love Too
In my new release, Ava’s Prize-a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming-my heroine, Ava Andrews fosters senior cats and dogs thanks to her good friend, Sophie Callahan. Sophie owns The Pampered Pooch, a pet store in the city and takes in rescues quite often. (The Charm Offensive, Book 1, City by the Bay Stories). Ava fosters the senior pets as often as she can, preferring to spread her love around to the older animals until Sophie finds the dogs and cats their forever homes.
underneath the covers - Excerpt
Outside the conference room door, Kyle stopped Ava with a hand on her arm. “By the way, I’m flattered.”
One side of his mouth tipped up, drawing Ava’s gaze. “Flattered?”
“That you’re trying to win me, too.” His voice was quiet and tempting.
Ava jerked her gaze away from his mouth. “I’m not…”
Kyle touched her chin with his knuckles, closing her mouth and stopping her protest. “But there can’t be anything more between us than this.”
Andi's Book Reviews - Review
"I enjoyed reading this storyline, as it was different than most other romances out there. I also enjoy characters who are deeper with more complexities that they have to work through. It allows for measurable growth, which you want to find in a good book. And I like those romances where an unlikely friendship and romance can blossom from what seems to be an improbable place."
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader - Review
"I enjoyed the witty commentary of this book. Ava and Kyle are great. . . . This book has it's highs and lows that can be hard to connect with but the highs definitely out weigh the lows."
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
Ava's Prize
(City by the Bay Stories #3)By Cari Lynn WebbContemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 384 PagesNovember 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
He needs a great idea
She can provide it—but at what cost?
The battle lines are drawn when army medic turned EMT Ava Andrews enters a contest devised by San Francisco entrepreneur Kyle Quinn. The first responder isn’t just competing for a tempting grand prize. She’s fighting her attraction to the self-made millionaire…and losing the war. But private and professional boundaries blur when a breach of trust threatens Ava’s future with Kyle.
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Harlequin
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest
Tour Giveaway
- 1 winner will receive a$50 Amazon e-Gift Card & e-copy of The Rancher's Rescue (open internationally)- 1 winner will receive a San Francisco Cable Car Ornament, Signed Copy of The Rancher's Rescue & $50 Amazon Gift Card (US only)- Ends November 21, 2018
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 11, 2018
Heiress's Royal Baby Bombshell: a Romance Novel with a Giveaway
On Tour with Prism Book ToursBook Tour Grand Finale for Heiress's Royal Baby Bombshell By Jennifer Faye
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Note from the Author
Hi. :-) I’m so glad you can join me on this blog tour for my holiday release: HEIRESS’S ROYAL BABY BOMBSHELL. It is the second book in the Catteneo’s Christmas Miracles trilogy. This is Noemi Cattaneo and Crown Prince Maximilian Steiner-Wolf’s snowy, heart-warming, Christmas romance...
It's All About the Romance - Excerpt
She glanced around the room but didn’t see any sign of him. Disappointment assailed her. This wasn’t like her. She could take guys or leave them. She thought of asking Stephania if she knew the man’s name but shrugged off the idea. Her life had enough complications. She didn’t need more.
But just the same, her mood had dimmed. Her problems once again started to crowd in around the edges of her mind. Needing some fresh air, she stepped out onto the terrace. There was just enough of the evening sun for her to admire the distant mountain range as a gentle breeze caressed her skin.
“Beautiful.”
The deep rich voice had her turning her head. And there stood the intriguing stranger with the mesmerizing eyes. His voice held a slight accent. She couldn’t place it, but it was extremely sexy—just like the rest of him.
underneath the covers - Spotlight
Wishful Endings - Review
"HEIRESS'S ROYAL BABY BOMBSHELL is a sweet story about two people who didn't realize what they had when they had it, but by chance, are brought back together at the right time to give themselves a second chance, but with a baby on the way thrown into the mix to complicate things. The setting is at Christmastime, but doesn't over-dominate the story, making this a read that can be read at any time of the year. There are also some nice familial and small-town aspects that added to the story. An overall enjoyable read!"
Andi's Book Reviews - Excerpt
He didn’t want to be here.
Not really.
Crown Prince Maximilian Steiner-Wolf, known to his friends as Max, sat in the back seat of his sports utility vehicle as one of his three bodyguards maneuvered it along the windy road in the Swiss Alps. His bodyguard and friend, Roc, sat in the passenger seat while Shaun, a bodyguard of similar stature and looks, sat next to him. He couldn’t go anywhere without at least a small security detail.
Being the crown prince came with certain nonnegotiable restrictions. One of them was his safety. He may insist on traveling but the king demanded that his safety always be taken into consideration. It was a hassle but the guards were very good at becoming invisible unless their presence was required.
Locks, Hooks and Books - Review
"After reading this book, I am now a fan of the series and of hers. I wanted to just read a chapter before bed and wound up staying up until I was done with it! I just loved Max and Noemi’s story. It was so sweet, delightful, and romantic. . . . I highly recommend Heiress’s Royal Baby Bombshell. I am rating it a well deserved Five Plus Stars. I would rate it one hundred stars if I could."
E-Romance News - Excerpt
“It’s the Prince of Ostania!” someone shouted.
Everyone on the sidewalk turned in his direction.
Quickly Max’s security guards flanked him. None spoke. They didn’t have to. The serious look on their faces said they meant business. Being recognized didn’t happen all the time. However, it happened more than Max would like.
Security escorted him around the vehicle. He forced a smile as he passed the tourists and then dashed into the shop. He hoped the people wouldn’t follow him.
Reading On The Edge - Excerpt
Noemi was on the edge of the group when an excited buzz rushed through the crowd. She paused and turned to a young woman who was holding up her cell phone as though to snap a picture.
“Do you know what all the fuss is about?” Noemi asked.
The young woman with dark hair pulled back in a ponytail smiled brightly. “It’s the best thing. Crown Prince Maximilian Steiner-Wolf has just arrived.”
Noemi had heard the name before, but she knew nothing of the man. It seemed as though she was in the minority as the crowd continued to grow.
Bri's Book Nook - Review
"The plot moved smoothly and I finished the book in a few hours, and the characters were all very interesting to learn about. I even liked how the story ended, and the little epilogue was adorable. This was definitely a sweet Christmas romance novel! I will definitely be picking up the next book in the Cattaneos’ Christmas Miracles series.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new holiday romance novel."
Colorimetry - Excerpt
Noemi had so many questions for Max, but they lodged in her throat. This wasn’t the time or the place to rehash the not-so-distant past.
“Come with me,” he said.
Not waiting for an answer, he took her hand and led her to a waiting black SUV. With the help of two men, they reached the vehicle without people stepping in their way.
She wasn’t sure it was wise being alone with him, not when he still filled her dreams, but it beat being in public where everyone was watching them and eavesdropping. Once inside, she turned to him. She needed answers. She needed to know why he’d kept his title from her. She needed to know so much.
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader - Review
"Heiress's Royal Baby Bombshell by Jennifer Faye is the second book in The Cattaneos' Christmas Miracles series. I like Noemi and Max. A secret baby story that's about to become scandal is so hard not to like. . . . This is a sweet quick read."
Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt
Max gave himself a mental jerk. Now that he’d found Noemi again, the last thing he wanted to do was scare her off. What were the chances of them running into each other again?
Slim.
Had she figured out his true identity and planned this reunion? Not possible. He hadn’t decided on coming to Mont Coeur until last night. Even then, he’d only told his trusted staff.
Rockin' Book Reviews - Review
"This was such a fun, entertaining "Christmas romance"! . . . There were enough twists and momentous occasions, that the reader never once got bored and tempted to "skip to the end". This will truly add highlight to the romance lover's Holiday entertainment."
Jorie Loves A Story - Review
"I honestly enjoy how Ms Faye sets up her characters to find each other - how they seemingly are not meant to be involved but then, there is a door which opens to allow it. She finds ways to let them present themselves in the muddling glow of their lives - here we have two persons who are dearly known in the public eye but their facing hurdles that no one would want for themselves. . . . Faye does a good job of setting up how this hangs on the heart of her characters."
My Devotional Thoughts - Excerpt
He is a prince?
How is that possible?
Noemi had so many conflicting emotions flooding her body that she didn’t know what to say to him. Part of her longed to fall into his arms and pick up where they’d left off before. But logic told her to tread carefully. Max was a very powerful man. There was no way she was going to blurt out that she was pregnant with his baby. Finding out that he was royalty changed everything. She needed time to think.
“Have dinner with me?” His voice stirred her from her thoughts.
She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Harlie's Books - Review
"I pre-ordered Sebastian’s story and bought Leo’s. Yes, I HAVE to know their stories, too. Yes, I loved the characters that much. . . . the ending was just so swoon-worthy. Oh and the epilogue. . . . As I said, I just fell in love with this family and I can’t wait to get my paperback copies of Leo and Sebastian’s stories. Perfect for Christmas."
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
Heiress's Royal Baby Bombshell
(The Cattaneos' Christmas Miracles #2)
By Jennifer Faye
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
November 61st 2018 by Harlequin Romance
One-night miracle…
For the Crown Prince!
In this The Cattaneos’ Christmas Miracles story, rebel royal Max believes his infertility has cost him the throne — until heiress Noemi reveals she’s carrying his baby! And with his country’s future at stake, Max must claim his heir! Noemi is hesitant and fiercely protective of their unborn baby, but at his snow-covered palace can Max offer her the most precious Christmas gift ever — the chance to become a family…
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│ Kobo │GooglePlay
Freebie
Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.
Website │Goodreads │ Facebook │ Twitter │ Google+ │ Pinterest │ YouTube │ Klout
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will recieve a $25 Amazon Gift Card + print copy of Cinderella's New York Christmas (The Cattaneos' Christmas Miracles Book 1) + swag
US onlyEnds November 14, 2018
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 9, 2018
Rescued by the Firefighter: a Romance Novel with a Giveaway
On Tour with Prism Book ToursBook Tour Grand Finale for Rescued by the Firefighter By Catherine Lanigan
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Note from the Author
Welcome back to Shores of Indian Lake series! For those of you who haven’t visited my series yet or known my characters, I think you’ll love this story of Beatrice Wilcox and Rand Nelson equally as all the other Heartwarming people of Indian Lake...
It's All About the Romance - Excerpt
Indian Lake, Indiana
July
THE SUMMER NIGHT sounds of chirping tree frogs and cicadas drifted through the open screen window of Beatrice Wilcox’s sixty-year-old log cabin. Loving the wildlife melodies, she closed her eyes, her weary body spent from a long day with ten rowdy, sometimes frustratingly taciturn children and preteens.
But running this camp was her dream. She wanted to create a summer idyll for kids who faced challenges in their young lives, as she had when she’d been a camper herself as a child.
Locks, Hooks and Books - Guest Post
When I think of forest fires, I remember living in Los Angeles, California for over a decade and how so many of our decisions were based on the constant of fires.
We lived on the world’s tiniest houseboat in Marina Del Rey ON the water and far from anything resembling a forest. Yet,my husband’s elderly aunt and uncle lived in Novato, on top of a mountain surrounded by nothing but forest...
Book by Book - Review
"Don’t worry if you have not yet read Lanigan’s other Shores of Indian Lake books. Rescued by the Firefighter can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. So, if you are in need of a sweet contemporary romance, make sure to check this one out—I recommend it."
E-Romance News - Excerpt
Cindy came rushing up with five-year-old Ricky Sanders, the youngest child at the camp that week. He was a foster child, hoping to be legally adopted by his new foster parents, and was Cindy’s personal favorite. “Did one of you get the Dunning boys?”
“Eli and Chris are in the last cabin,” Beatrice replied. “I thought you were getting them.”
“I was…” Cindy hesitated, looking at Ricky. She put Ricky in his child’s seat and belted him in. She turned away from the boy so that only Beatrice could hear her. Nearly in a whisper Cindy said, “They weren’t there. That’s why I thought one of you might have gotten to them already.”
Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt
RAND NELSON PULLED his fire engine to a stop in front of the camp and stared over the steering wheel in disbelief at what he was seeing: a woman running toward the fire.
“No way in…”
He jumped out the driver’s door, his heavy leather-booted feet hitting the ground with a thud. He grabbed his thermoplastic helmet off the console, then his goggles and pigskin gloves.
My Life Loves and Passion - Excerpt
Rand had fought fires from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Idaho to California. He knew exactly the kind of conditions that it took for Mother Nature to burn. But there had been no thunderstorms here in Indian Lake. No lightning bolts. And not quite enough heat to spark spontaneous combustion. No, this was a fire started by human hands. Rand would bet his reputation on it.
And if he was right, Chris had all the more reason to stay clear.
Rand had one shot at bringing out Chris. He had to take it.
“Chris! I know you can hear me. It’s safe now. Eli is safe.”
Rand kept going, toward the most burned section of forest. It was his guess that it had been near here where the fire started.
Thoughts of a Blonde - Review
"Such a touching story! With a return visit to Shores of Indian Lake, we see lots of the old regulars and meet some news ones as we embark on a heartwarming story of hope. . . . overall a really sweet story of love when you least expect it and reaching for it even when it’s outside of your comfort zone. Sweet kids, a sexy fireman and a story about reaching for the stars and achieving them!"
deal sharing aunt - Review
"From the start I knew that I was going to enjoy these two characters. A caregiver and a firefighter, two people you want to live happily ever after. . . . The ending definitely made me teary eyed, and I can not wait to read more from this author. I would love to read up and see how these characters are doing. Especially the kids and the camp. I am giving this book a 5/5."
Rockin' Book Reviews - Review
"Author, Catherine Lanigan, successfully weaves enticing romance into her otherwise, suspense gram stories. . . . it has enough intrigue and writing which keeps it interesting, that the reader still will not want to put it down. The research she did on the subject matters covered in this tale was remarkable."
Stacking My Book Shelves! - Guest Post
Seriously, when you see all this gear these guys and gals have strapped to their backs and that they carry INTO a fire, all I can think is how strong they have to be to perform their job.
In RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER, Rand Nelson saves Beatrice Wilcox and little Eli Dunning from the raging forest fire. He carries Beatrice and Eli at the same time out of the fire...
Reading Is My SuperPower - Review
"A sweet story that fits in perfectly with the Indian Lake universe, Rescued by the Firefighter reminds us of the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Layered characters that are genuinely likable, a charming setting, and great romantic tension – all of these elements make this a great choice for a cozy weekend read!"
underneath the covers - Excerpt
Wincing, she glanced up and saw him.
He was leaning against the doorjamb. Gone were the Nomex suit, goggles and gloves. The helmet. She noticed his thick, dark, nearly black hair first. A hunk of shining, slightly damp hair hung over his strong forehead. His jawline looked like it had been carved from granite. In fact, everything about him was strong. He didn’t need a firefighter’s suit to make his shoulders wide; his presence filled the doorway, the room, the expanse between them. He wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt that stretched over biceps that could only have been built by hours in a gym. His black jeans fitted close to his narrow hips and muscular thighs. He wore no jewelry. No watch, no wedding ring, no tats. There was nothing extraneous or ornamental about this man. It wasn’t necessary—his whole being shouted, “I’m a man.”
He pushed himself off the door and took a short step inside. “You okay?”
Singing Librarian Books - Review
"This novel is full of a cast of characters that readers are sure to enjoy, from the adults and their sweet romance to the children and their fun inclusion in the book. This is a touching and heart-warming sweet contemporary romance that lovers of the Harlequin Heartwarming line are sure to enjoy!"
Kimber Li - Spotlight
Jorie Loves A Story - Review & Guest Post
"I liked how the layers were set early-on, how Lanigan gives you a glimpse of where she wants this story to go direction wise but holds back some of the key bits as well. She wants you to wait it out and see how it unfolds - taking it gently and allowing you to understand her characters without prejudgement."
Although it's romantic and fun to conjure visions of me interviewing a crew of firefighters about their emotions and dealings in relationships, that was not quite the case. I did talk to both husbands and wives who deal with the stress of one or both being employed in high risk fields but to be honest, their attitude was "everything in life is high risk"...
Among the Reads - Review
"This is a fun, sweet story. Though there is a dramatic rescue at the onset, it is not a suspenseful or action-filled story, it is more about the relationship between the main characters."
Harlie's Books - Review
"Do yourself a favor and read this series and particularly this book. It has heart, some serious issues that need to be dealt with but overall, I sniffled, sighed and I’m thinking about Rand and Bea. That’s great storytelling."
Remembrancy - Review
"For readers who have been following Catherine Lanigan’s Shores of Indian Lake series, there are plenty of familiar faces (names?) within the pages of Rescued by the Firefighter. And for those who have missed the previous books, this may just be the best time to jump into them because Beatrice and Rand are brand new characters who (at least to my knowledge. But full disclosure: I have read most but not every book in the series) haven’t been introduced before."
Teatime and Books - Excerpt
“I’ll walk you to your truck,” she said and turned to grab her crutches from the porch railing.
“No need. I can see the way.”
“Good night vision, too, huh?”
He decided he didn’t want their time together to end, so he stood at the bottom step as she followed him down. “You’re getting pretty good with those things.”
“I’m trying,” she said and walked alongside him to his truck.
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader - Review
"Rescued by the Firefighter by Catherine Lanigan is a great read. This book is a welcoming visit back to Shores of Indian Lake. . . . I enjoyed this exciting heartwarming romance."
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
Rescued by the Firefighter
(Shores of Indian Lake #10)
By Catherine Lanigan
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
He saved her life…
But will he destroy her dreams?
Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│Kobo
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│LinkedIn│Pinterest
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)1 winner will receive a print copy of RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER (US only)Ends November 14th
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 31, 2018
One Flew Through the Dragon Heart: a New Steampunk Novel by C.S. Johnson
Blurb: A Chinese Legend. A British Secret. Star-Crossed Lovers with Incompatible Magic.
Brixton Flew works as a professor of wielder instruction at Rembrandt Academy, hoping to erase the regrets of his youth along with the resulting debt. But when he comes face to face with his biggest regret—the woman who broke his heart, Adelaide Favan—Brixton soon realizes his troubles have only begun.
Unable to control her magic, Adelaide knew leaving Brixton was the only way to protect him when they were younger. Now she discovers he is the key to recovering the Dragon Eyes, a legendary treasure connected to her magic and her family's disgraced legacy—and she knows the risk is great, to both his life and her heart.
With others seeking the power of the Dragon Eyes, Brixton and Adelaide must outwit their foes and face down their families to save London from an ancient legend that sleeps beneath the magic portal in their city.
But the renewed passion growing between them may prove to be the greater peril ...
One Flew Through the Dragon Heart is the first book in a new steampunk series by C.S. Johnson, blending together history, romance, mecha-dragons and magic against the glittering backdrop of 1880’s Victorian London.
Snippet: The door creaked open with the same welcoming familiarity it always had as Brixton stepped inside. He took off his greatcoat, and at once, the small townhouse seemed to reach out with its own essence, bathing him in the scent of oranges and animals, flooding him with the sensation of a million memories. He breathed it in and reveled in it. Deep down, nothing in the world could dislodge his home from his heart—not the Board at Rembrandt, not the government, not even all his secret hopes and dreams—and there was unspeakable comfort in knowing that. “We’re in the kitchen, Brix. Come on in. I’ve just finished pulling out a rack of biscuits.” Brixton sighed, both in exasperation and gratitude. His mother was never surprised when he arrived, no matter the hour. He used to wonder if she had a spy in her service, but he knew now, having his own talent for magic, that she was able to sense emotions. Her talent made her one of the most accomplished veterinarians in London. That was also why the house always smelled of all sorts of creatures. Philippa Flew often brought her work home with her, and today, Brixton saw as he walked into the next room, was no exception. “Who does that belong to?” he asked, gesturing toward the large peacock sitting on the table. The large fan of its tail sprouted at his voice, making him jump back as the hundreds of colorful feathers unfolded before him. The peacock squawked, clearly sore at the disruption. Luella’s laughter rang through the room as Brixton recovered. He glanced through the feather-fan of exotic bird feathers to see Luella’s blonde curls bouncing as she walked around from the other side of the table. “It’s Mrs. Fordyce’s,” Luella said. “He has a broken leg, so Mum brought him home for me to help take care of.”“Why do you need to help him if it’s just a broken leg?” Brixton rolled his eyes. “It seems silly for you to have to use your magic on him.” “Come on. Don’t be so stuffy.” “I’m just concerned. You really ought to be more careful when you use your magic.” Brixton sat down on the chair at the far end of the table. “If you’re not, the mage-ragers will realize you have plenty of talent, too, and they’ll come running to sign you up to work at Rembrandt along with me.” “Oh, Brix. It sounds like you had another hard day. I thought as much when you came in.” Philippa sighed. Her hair, a shade darker than Brixton’s and lined with wispy grays, snapped behind her in a braid as she hurried to press a loving kiss to her oldest child’s forehead.Brixton might have waved her off when he had been younger, but now he welcomed his mother’s affections. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek in return as Luella giggled again. “I would not mind going to Rembrandt, but don’t think they would want me to teach the newbies just yet,” Luella said, jutting her pointed chin forward proudly. “I’m only fifteen.”“You know as well as I do that some magic comes in early.” Many of the first wielders experienced it as a secondary trait, one that appeared toward the beginning of adulthood. As Mendel and Darwin’s theories speculated, magic moved down through the bloodlines, and as the talents were able to be recognized earlier, it became generally accepted that most magic began to appear during adolescence. But there were still the occasional stories of talented children who knew of their magic long before it appeared, and Brixton knew that a great many of those stories were true. After all, he had been best friends with one of the most powerful wielders London had ever seen. “There’s no need to brag,” Luella said with a huff. “We all know that you were a prodigy right from birth. The rest of us will bow down to you one day, I’m sure, but in the meantime, the requirements for specialized magical instruction start at sixteen. Even you didn’t have to go until then.”“I was actually thinking of—” Brixton went silent as his chest tightened, his heart clenched, and his fingers shook. He had only just barely stopped himself. He had come so close to saying her name. It was appalling to think after nearly four years he still thought of her—thought of her, dreamed of her, but never spoke of her. How could he? Remembering her was like lighting himself on fire and forgetting how much it burned.
Author Links: Author WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebookGoodreads
October 30, 2018
Prince of Secrets and Shadows
Story Excerpt: Ella with Amir (mentor1):
“You are young yet, but even you know there are things worth dying for.” “Dying for something is different than killing for something,” I said slowly. “The first time I killed a man, I did it to protect your mother.” Amir tried to give me a small smile. “I considered that a matter of deep honor and love, even though it was gruesome. But that is another story, of course.” Amir slipped into silence. I reached over and patted his hand, covering his scar with my hand. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered.“Do not be sorry for me. I ask that you do not judge my family. I have known deeper betrayals than theirs, but it is good of me to forgive them.”“Who could betray you more than family?” Amir’s lips twitched into a wry smirk. “Those who would become family, of course.”I wondered if he was talking about my mother, but he shook his head before I could ask. “Forgive my grievances, Eleanora. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, to first leave my family, and then forgive them. In spite of the pain between us, I still love them, and there are many values we still share. There is much good we can affirm.” “You are a better person than me. It is too easy to hate people.” I thought of Cecilia, and how she had treated both me and Ben over the years. As cruel as it was, it was nothing compared to Amir’s sorrow. I clenched my fist, struggling not to hate Amir’s family for him. “I’m sorry I asked you about it.” “It is better to remember,” Amir said. He turned his hand over and patted my hand gently, the same way my father used to. “We must remember, too, that blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. And we can only mourn properly when we remember the depths of our losses.” At his own words, I thought of my own faith, and how much it was a cornerstone of my own life. I had been born into it, but Amir had given up his entire childhood and his family to gain it. I silently prayed for his comfort, but I already felt like he had been further cheated with the loss of my mother. As if he knew what I was thinking, Amir said, “It is much better for me to remember Naděžda than forget her, too.” It was hard to speak at the sudden lump in my throat. “I wish she was still with us.” “She is,” Amir replied. “She is here, even if she is not. We will see her again one day, Eleanora. Some people say that religion only causes pain, but there is much pain tied to goodness. If all truth is God’s truth, then all goodness is his, too.” When we first met, I had envied Amir’s time with my mother. Now, as we stood there, having lost so much, I wondered if I had been strangely spared from missing her even more than I already did. I clung to Amir’s certainty that he would see her again, with the further hope I would, too.
October 26, 2018
Three Months to Change: a Paranormal Romance with a Giveaway
On Tour with Prism Book ToursBook Tour Grand Finale for Three Months to Change By Dinah Roseberry
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Interview with the Author
What is your motivation behind Three Months to Change? Why did you want to write it?
Whenever I write, the idea is just there—from nowhere. I wake one morning and the idea is in my brain and the story begins to develop. I think about it at every open moment—or rather it must be thinking about me because my characters begin to talk and come alive. This is somewhat frustrating because I can never get it down on paper (computer) in time to keep the original flow. Still, I begin because all of it is beginning without me if I don’t! Three Months to Change was the same and my heroine is still bouncing around in my head!
Mythical Books - Guest Post
A Paranormal Mystery in Three Months to Change
Something that came to me very easily (for the most part!) when I wrote my newest and “bestest” novel, Three Months to Change is that having a background in ghost hunting and other paranormal concepts, those pieces fell easily into place and made sense in the book. The reality of it mixed so well with the fiction, that no one questioned the premise...
Declarations of a Fangirl - Guest Post
An Interview with Three Months to Change Cover Model Angela Tallent
I was very lucky finding just the right model for the cover of Three Months to Change. My actress/model daughter became my alter-ego as I moved through my writing process. I’d see one of her photo shoots and had fallen in love with a few of the images. I decided to ask her to be my cover and to answer some questions!...
Locks, Hooks and Books - Review
"I loved Lenora’s story. This is the perfect time of the year to read this type of book. It has all things spooky that I love to read. I had to keep reading to find out where Lenora would go next. "
Colorimetry - Excerpt
Now he was looking around the room uncomfortably, his gaze falling on the wooden door to her basement.
“What?” she asked, trying to jar his thought.
“Is that your basement?” he asked, seemingly trying to be casual.
“Yup,” she said, and then raised her eyebrows. “Why?”
“You should probably leave the door closed from now on.” His voice was flat and he kept looking at the door.
“Why?” Lenora asked with a frown.
Rockin' Book Reviews - Spotlight
Reading On The Edge - Excerpt
Lenora was standing in front of the pulsing door and she could feel her own energy skin pulsing right along with the door. It caused her brain to pulse as well, and it was so loud she thought she’d run screaming any moment. But at that last second she felt Frankie at her elbow and she glanced over at him.
“I’m here,” he whispered.
Bri's Book Nook - Excerpt
She had no clue why she was allowing Rex to drive her back to that house of horrors. One hand clutched the door handle of his sports car, her white knuckles trying to pull her thoughts from the sharp twists of the road. She wished Frankie was with her. He’d offered before and she’d declined. This time she would have welcomed his rational thinking.
Andi's Book Reviews - Excerpt
The sounds went on for a time, and then there was silence. She stayed put for the better part of an hour, though it seemed longer. “I can’t stay here,” she whispered out loud. “Whatever is going on down there, I need to find Rex and get out.” She knew this was not a good idea. Rex would not have warned her to stay behind the door if there were no dangers to consider.
Coffee, Books and Cakes - Guest Post
Three Months to Change and the Fabulous Writing Light Beings!
I’ve been writing fiction for as long as I can remember—some of it good and some of it (especially when I was learning the ropes) not so much. It was around 2006, however, that I realized that while I was writing a nonfiction ghost book, my words were coming from a source outside myself...
Wishful Endings - Excerpt
Frankie smiled, melting her heart. He said inside her mind, Don’t worry. I’ll be right there. You just have to look around the room to see me.
Lenora cleared her throat and stretched her arms. Turning to Rex, she said, “I’m ready.”
Nicole's Book Musings - Guest Post
Working on the Audio for Three Months to Change!
I do quite a bit of short audio work for my other paranormal work (www.roseberrybooks.com), and it’s something I love doing. It brings a whole new perspective (my personal perspective) to the work. So when my publisher, Visionary Living, owned by famed paranormal author and researcher Rosemary Ellen Guiley, said that I could do the reading for the audio book of Three Months to Change, I was ecstatic! I (and she) think that the author of the book is the best person to do its reading, especially in fiction, because we are the ones who know the characters so intimately and the story so well. I found, though, that I had my job cut out for me when I took on this lengthy audio book...
Harlie's Books - Spotlight
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
Three Months to Change
By Dinah RoseberryParanormal RomancePaperback & ebook, 208 PagesSeptember 26th 2018 by Visionary Living, Inc.
Lenora was changing...not in any frightening way. At least, not at first. There was the intense ability to shield herself from abuse that was very empowering. But her other senses had become heightened as well, and that’s when she’d begun seeing scenes from the past, and smoky mists inside her home.
Meeting Frankie in the midst of all this had been a wonderful treat—there weren’t many men who could stir her emotions as he was prone to do. Still, there was something strange about him, something she couldn’t put her finger on. Ah, well, desirable men with the air of mystery were compelling and fun. Weren’t they?
And what about Rex? She wasn’t sure. He was part of a fearsome family, making her wonder if such tales of werewolves and monsters were true. Just how did she fit in? And why would she even want to?
All she kept hearing, however, was that there were only a precious three months before a full change. Time was awastin’.
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo
About the Author
Dinah Roseberry has been an author of both nonfiction and fiction in the paranormal field for over thirty years. She is a paranormal investigator, certified hypnotist for past-life regression and alien abduction, and has studied and taught animal communications. A Tarot card and oracle reader for over twenty years, she has also created card decks and guidebooks that reflect her paranormal and mind/ body/spirit interests. Visit her website for more information about her titles and events: www.roseberrybooks.com.Other paranormal nonfiction titles by Dinah RoseberryGhosts of Valley Forge and PhoenixvilleCape May Haunts: Elaine’s Haunted Mansion and Other Eerie Beach TalesSpooky York, PennsylvaniaSpooky Creepy Baltimore CountyThe Ghost Hunters’ Tool KitPsychic Pets: Solving Paranormal MysteriesAnimals Impacting the WorldFirst Light TarotUfo & Alien Management: A Guide to Discovering, Evaluating, and Directing Sightings, Abductions, and Contactee Experiences
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card, a Three Months to Change tote, and a Three Months to Change mugUS onlyEnds October 31, 2018
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October 21, 2018
Realm Explorers Part CXVI: Visit Redwood with Courtenay Kasper
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
Courtenay Kasper
Title of book and/or series: West & Windy
Brief summary of the story: Fox siblings West and Windy are on the run from Bruin King Rancid who will stop at nothing to capture them and strong-arm them out of their kingdom. With the help of their rabbit aunt Dandelion and her heliox-balloon airship, they must learn to work together to rescue the true king and queen. With an unforgettable crew of insane critters, monkey pirates, and ninja bats! This steampunk adventure is perfect for fans of Narnia and Redwall! Hold your breath! You are in for a wild ride!
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: West & Windy live in Redwood which is a continent in the world of Forestia. Redwood has many different climates and landforms: the obsidian cliffs of Castle Rock, the frigid mountain town of Wildmont with its impassable weather patterns, and the underground city of Blue Lake.
If we were to visit Redwood as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?The first thing I would do is climb aboard the Emerald Falcon airship, fire up the heliox jets and float my way to Blue Lake. Under the lake there is a massive glass dome which lets the most mesmerizing dancing blue light into the city. Then I would head for the southern islands, kick back in a hammock, and eat mangos all day in the sun with the monkey pirates.
What dangers should we avoid in Redwood? I wouldn’t recommend spending your coppers on a trip to Bruin City, unless you are a bear. Those bears hate everyone! I would also suggest avoiding the storm fields near Wildmont. The air currents drop and raise again almost instantly, which is not a great combination if you get airsick at all!
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Redwood?The cuisine varies depending on the location and species. The Northern Patrol favors hunks of fish and ginger water, while the Bruins are fond of sour honey or anything with gravy. The lower woodland is home to more herbivores, so they prefer things like roasted turnip with a garlic scape salad.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Redwood?The gearbow is standard issue in the Bruin Army. It’s similar to a cross bow, but it launches gearblades from a chain track. Each gearblade is between 6 and 10 inches and the “teeth” of the blades are sharper than a razors edge. Bounty hunting mutts prefer to carry brass knuckles that resemble smaller half-gearblades, but they often carry a gearbow too.Wally the beaver invented his own oversized gearbow that shoots bear traps and he calls it the “kaboom!”
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Redwood?Although air travel is forbidden, Dandelion pilots a hexprop hot air balloon ship. The triple pods in each haversack are filled with a blend of hot air and heliox to give them lift. The swan wing base of the ship is styled after a seaworthy galleon, but with a whale-shaped tail. The Wildmont critters get around on snow machines called snowmeichs which are steam powered and have a series of rapidly spinning duck-like feet which kick up snow and propel the machine through the deepest of snow.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Redwood? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.A great example of unusual technology is the architecture under Blue Lake. The critters there discovered new ways to build under the lake and use glass to hold the water up above the city. The lake is shallow, so they are able to use the diffused glow of sunlight through the waves to light the entire city.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Redwood.The children of Redwood attend Gear School which used to have fun activities in between classes. Before the Bruins came to power, Gear School included classes on flying, aerodynamics, mechanical construction, and hydraulic propulsion, but now they are only able to take classes on tinkering or heliox mining.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Redwood as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?The favorite yearly celebration is the Harvest Feast at Castle Rock – a week-long celebration - complete with dancing, aerial flight competitions, mechanical invention awards and, of course, feasting like a boar (They don’t love that stereotype…). There hasn’t been a harvest feast since the Bruins came to power.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Redwood? Please describe what it involves.The majority of the Redwood worships the Creator and his son Yeshu – a religion of mercy, hope, love and second chances. The ninja bats of Devlin Island practice ancient martial arts and worship the fickle moon and stars. They believe that they die and go to their ‘fathers in the sky’.
What is the political or government structure in Redwood? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?The current government in Redwood is the totalitarian dictatorship of King Rancid. He is a cunning, power-hungry dictator and the edge of madness. Previous to the Bruin rule, the elder King Rhodes ruled a monarchy.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?I live in northern B.C. where the winters are long and cold. The town of Wildmont reminds me of being at our little cabin in the woods, trying to keep the stove roaring enough to fight off the winter chill.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?West & Windy are being raised by their mother’s best friend after their parents kidnapping. She has to choose to trust her ex-husband again and she struggles with that. McFurrgle the bobcat is a recovering brawler who struggles with anger issues and shame.
Author Autobiography:
Courtenay Kasper is a New York Time Bestselling book reader. She lives in “the middle of nowhere” British Columbia with her husband and four fantastic kiddos. She has always been a teller of tall-tales and won her first writing contest at age eight. She loves to write stories that reflect the character of God and inspire the wonder and imagination inherent in all of us.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.My books are available on AmazonThe Rigs (2016)The Thunder Creek Gang (2018)West & Windy is available for preorder (Launching November 8th, 2018)
Where can readers connect with you online?
The best place to connect with me is on my author page on Facebook. You can also find me on my blog and Goodreads. Or if you are headed for Alaska, stop in for coffee!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Redwood. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima
Author’s name:
Courtenay Kasper
Title of book and/or series: West & Windy
Brief summary of the story: Fox siblings West and Windy are on the run from Bruin King Rancid who will stop at nothing to capture them and strong-arm them out of their kingdom. With the help of their rabbit aunt Dandelion and her heliox-balloon airship, they must learn to work together to rescue the true king and queen. With an unforgettable crew of insane critters, monkey pirates, and ninja bats! This steampunk adventure is perfect for fans of Narnia and Redwall! Hold your breath! You are in for a wild ride!
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: West & Windy live in Redwood which is a continent in the world of Forestia. Redwood has many different climates and landforms: the obsidian cliffs of Castle Rock, the frigid mountain town of Wildmont with its impassable weather patterns, and the underground city of Blue Lake.
If we were to visit Redwood as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?The first thing I would do is climb aboard the Emerald Falcon airship, fire up the heliox jets and float my way to Blue Lake. Under the lake there is a massive glass dome which lets the most mesmerizing dancing blue light into the city. Then I would head for the southern islands, kick back in a hammock, and eat mangos all day in the sun with the monkey pirates.
What dangers should we avoid in Redwood? I wouldn’t recommend spending your coppers on a trip to Bruin City, unless you are a bear. Those bears hate everyone! I would also suggest avoiding the storm fields near Wildmont. The air currents drop and raise again almost instantly, which is not a great combination if you get airsick at all!
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Redwood?The cuisine varies depending on the location and species. The Northern Patrol favors hunks of fish and ginger water, while the Bruins are fond of sour honey or anything with gravy. The lower woodland is home to more herbivores, so they prefer things like roasted turnip with a garlic scape salad.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Redwood?The gearbow is standard issue in the Bruin Army. It’s similar to a cross bow, but it launches gearblades from a chain track. Each gearblade is between 6 and 10 inches and the “teeth” of the blades are sharper than a razors edge. Bounty hunting mutts prefer to carry brass knuckles that resemble smaller half-gearblades, but they often carry a gearbow too.Wally the beaver invented his own oversized gearbow that shoots bear traps and he calls it the “kaboom!”What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Redwood?Although air travel is forbidden, Dandelion pilots a hexprop hot air balloon ship. The triple pods in each haversack are filled with a blend of hot air and heliox to give them lift. The swan wing base of the ship is styled after a seaworthy galleon, but with a whale-shaped tail. The Wildmont critters get around on snow machines called snowmeichs which are steam powered and have a series of rapidly spinning duck-like feet which kick up snow and propel the machine through the deepest of snow.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Redwood? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.A great example of unusual technology is the architecture under Blue Lake. The critters there discovered new ways to build under the lake and use glass to hold the water up above the city. The lake is shallow, so they are able to use the diffused glow of sunlight through the waves to light the entire city.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Redwood.The children of Redwood attend Gear School which used to have fun activities in between classes. Before the Bruins came to power, Gear School included classes on flying, aerodynamics, mechanical construction, and hydraulic propulsion, but now they are only able to take classes on tinkering or heliox mining.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Redwood as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?The favorite yearly celebration is the Harvest Feast at Castle Rock – a week-long celebration - complete with dancing, aerial flight competitions, mechanical invention awards and, of course, feasting like a boar (They don’t love that stereotype…). There hasn’t been a harvest feast since the Bruins came to power.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Redwood? Please describe what it involves.The majority of the Redwood worships the Creator and his son Yeshu – a religion of mercy, hope, love and second chances. The ninja bats of Devlin Island practice ancient martial arts and worship the fickle moon and stars. They believe that they die and go to their ‘fathers in the sky’.
What is the political or government structure in Redwood? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?The current government in Redwood is the totalitarian dictatorship of King Rancid. He is a cunning, power-hungry dictator and the edge of madness. Previous to the Bruin rule, the elder King Rhodes ruled a monarchy.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?I live in northern B.C. where the winters are long and cold. The town of Wildmont reminds me of being at our little cabin in the woods, trying to keep the stove roaring enough to fight off the winter chill.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?West & Windy are being raised by their mother’s best friend after their parents kidnapping. She has to choose to trust her ex-husband again and she struggles with that. McFurrgle the bobcat is a recovering brawler who struggles with anger issues and shame.
Author Autobiography:
Courtenay Kasper is a New York Time Bestselling book reader. She lives in “the middle of nowhere” British Columbia with her husband and four fantastic kiddos. She has always been a teller of tall-tales and won her first writing contest at age eight. She loves to write stories that reflect the character of God and inspire the wonder and imagination inherent in all of us. Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.My books are available on AmazonThe Rigs (2016)The Thunder Creek Gang (2018)West & Windy is available for preorder (Launching November 8th, 2018)
Where can readers connect with you online?
The best place to connect with me is on my author page on Facebook. You can also find me on my blog and Goodreads. Or if you are headed for Alaska, stop in for coffee!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Redwood. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in next week's edition of Realm Explorers!-Annie Douglass Lima
NY Doc Under the Northern Lights: a Romance Novel with a Giveaway!
On Tour with Prism Book ToursBook Tour Grand Finale for NY Doc Under the Northern Lights By Amy Ruttan
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Note from the Author
I knew for my twentieth novel I had to write something fun and special. And what is more fun than a fish out of water story? One of my favourite romantic comedies is The Proposal, which is a definite fish out of water. City girl in Alaska. And I also am obsessed with the north and that’s how NY Doc Under the Northern Lights came about...
Thoughts of a Blonde - Excerpt
Dr. Sturlusson didn’t seem the type to leave her high and dry, but perhaps something unavoidable had happened and he hadn’t been able to contact her.
She should’ve told him not to bother picking her up and she should’ve gone with the car-rental plan in the first place.
Betty glanced up at the signs overhead, trying to figure out where to go to rent a car when she saw something move out of the corner of her eye.
She looked over her shoulder and her mouth hung open a little as an over-six-foot Viking of a man came marching toward her. Quickly.
Andi's Book Reviews - Review
"...a fun twist on an old storyline that has all kinds of unique elements to keep the pages turning. I needed something easy and uplifting the weekend that I read it. And how can you beat spending time together under the famed Northern Lights?"
My Life Loves and Passion - Excerpt
“Dr. Jacinth?” he asked, almost in disbelief, his voice deep and rumbling.
“Yes. And who might you be?”
“Dr. Sturlusson,” he snapped back in annoyance. “I thought that would be obvious.”
“No, it’s not obvious. I’ve seen Dr. Sturlusson and he’s at least seventy. Are you telling me you’re seventy?”
He rolled his eyes. “You mean my father. I am Dr. Axel Sturlusson, his son.”
Declarations of a Fangirl - Guest Post
Northern Lights—FUN FACTS!!
So, I’m obsessed with the Northern Lights. The first time I saw them I was about 13 years old and even though I knew that the northern lights existed, I still didn’t know what I was looking at when I saw them...
Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt
“Fine,” she said. “Lead the way.”
He looked down at her shoes. “You do know this is Iceland in winter?”
“I’m aware.”
“You’re wearing ridiculous heels.”
She glanced down at her boots. “They’re boots.”
“It’s icy outside,” he stated gruffly.
“Oh, I’m surprised to hear that a place called Iceland is icy,” she snapped back. She was too tired to be bandying words about with a gigantic behemoth of a Viking in the middle of the airport.
Books to Light Your Fire - Guest Post
An Interview with Dr. Axel Sturlusson
I’ve decided to poke and prod the hero of NY Doc Under the Northern Lights with an interview of sorts and he’s agreed, as long as I make it quick and he can get back to work.
*Axel walks in, arms crossed over his deep blue sweater, looking slightly annoyed*...
Jorie Loves A Story - Review
"The beauty of the novel is how it is a lesson in self-care, in the time we all need to heal and in the joyfulness of the unexpected. Ruttan pulls you into the lives of two surgeouns who are each on the footsteps of re-finding themselves after their lives fractured. . . . As you move forward with them, your treated to a beautiful back-story of a family in crisis, a teenager who has a sharp wit and wisdom ahead of her years and the allure of Iceland itself. You won't want to exit this story until you find out what romanced a New York City doctor to become enchanted underneath the Northern Lights!"
E-Romance News - Guest Post
An Interview with Dr. Betty Jacinth.
Betty comes into the room. She’s bubbly and happy. She’s also visibly pregnant.
Thanks for letting me interview you today! I have to say Axel wasn’t amiable as you are...
Harlie's Books - Review
"The romance in the book is a slow burn and very subtle. Both Axel and Betty have battle scars that needed to heal before they could truly be together. . . . You just have to read the book to find out what I’m talking about."
Locks, Hooks and Books - Excerpt
Axel held out his arm, gesturing in the direction to the terminal doors, and she followed him, pulling her suitcase behind her. She was very aware of the sound of her heels against the airport floor, but she wasn’t going to back down to Axel Sturlusson. She hadn’t got where she was as a surgeon by backing down. She’d learned how to stand her ground.
Except when it came to Thomas. She’d let Thomas walk all over her and she hated herself for that.
Colorimetry - Excerpt
And her heart skipped a beat. It was as if those eyes had pierced her very soul. It was unsettling how much the intensity of his gaze affected her.
“I told you those were ridiculous boots. I knew that you were going to slip,” he grumbled as he set her upright.
“I didn’t see the ice,” she said, but she still clung to him.
“Well, you’re going to kill yourself walking around in those.”
Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters - Author Interview
What was the inspiration behind this book?
I really wanted to set a book in a different location and I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. It also gave me an excuse to add my favourite thing to the story, which is the northern lights. I love the northern lights and have been privileged to see them countless times, including one special one where they were right above me and I was standing under them. I also love writing and reading fish out of water stories. It was fun to plop Betty down in the middle of Reykjavik and have to deal with my brooding, alpha hero.
Book Lover in Florida - Guest Post
Playlist
Playlists. I listen to music and I am very thankful for my Apple Music subscription. Every book I listen to a set playlist and I thought I would share some of my favourite songs that were on repeat when I was writing my 20th book NY DOC UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS.
Jorie Loves A Story - Author Interview
1) What initially attracted you to write Medical Romances and what did you hope to focus on as you worked on new stories for the Harlequin imprint as it looks like you've had a lovely career writing for them?
I always wanted to write for Harlequin. I loved category romances and when I was actively pursuing writing for them I noticed that Harlequin Medicals was holding a Fast Track. A way to get your partial in front of an editor instead of waiting in the slush pile. I thought, why not? I love Grey’s Anatomy. I am a super fan of that show. So I thought, I can try my hand at it. I mean, you don’t know unless you try right? I wasn’t expecting much. I set my story in Nunavut (which is a territory in Canada up in the arctic) and I had a request for a revised partial. That turned into a request for a full. I had a few rounds of revisions and then I finally got an email asking for my phone number and when was it a good time to call? The rest was history. I love writing about surgeons. I love their intensity and drive.
Wishful Endings - Excerpt
“Treat you like what? I got you to the vehicle safely. This way you won’t be laid up with a broken ankle during your first month of work in Reykjavik. My father would not be happy if I let harm come to you.” He motioned for her to slide her legs into the foot well so he could shut the door.
Fuming, Betty begrudgingly did as he asked, her eyes tracking him as he climbed into the driver’s side and buckled in. He glanced at her.
Becky on Books - Review
"A sweet romance–this was actually my first medical romance, and it served as a nice intro to the genre! . . . an entertaining read."
Nicole's Book Musings - Guest Post
The Christmas Book Flood
The Icelandic Christmas tradition of Jolabokaflod is known as the Christmas Book Flood. This is one of the reasons I want to go to Iceland, because they love books as much as I do. I think the idea of exchanging books and spending the rest of the night curled up with that book and a cup of chocolate appeals to the introvert in me.
Inside The Mind of An Avid Reader - Review
"NY Doc Under The Northern Lights by Amy Ruttan is fabulous. I loved this sweet romance. Love at first sight between two people..."
Reading On The Edge - Excerpt
She clambered out of bed, jammed her glasses on her face, threw a sweater over her tank top, pulled on her heavy woolen socks and made her way downstairs, bumping into a wall as her eyes adjusted to the daylight.
She cursed under her breath and then peeked through the peephole and groaned when she saw a familiar six-foot Viking standing on her porch, looking just as good and put together as he had yesterday.
What does he want?
Teatime and Books - Review
"A truly amazing tale, the plot is thick with intrigue and passion and the characters are deeply developed. I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a sweet, romantic story to warm your hearts this coming winter season!"
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
NY Doc Under the Northern Lights
By Amy RuttanContemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 256 PagesOctober 1st 2018 by Harlequin Medical
Escaping the big city…
For love under Icelandic skies
When surgeon Betty Jacinth’s heart is broken once again, she takes a job in Iceland for a change of scenery. She expects cold weather—but not the frosty welcome she receives from gorgeous but brooding Dr. Axel Sturlusson! Now father to his orphaned niece, Axel gradually thaws, and a flame ignites—but when Betty’s ex begs her to return, can she make the right choice for love?
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo
About the Author
Born and raised just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Amy fled the big city to settle down with the country boy of her dreams. After the birth of her second child, Amy was lucky enough to realize her life long dream of becoming a romance author. When she's not furiously typing away at her computer, she's a mom to three wonderful children who use her as a personal taxi and chef.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Newsletter
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will receive a swag bag from Romancing the Capital 2018. It’s full of awesome swag from the event plus 3 of Amy's books: NY Doc Under the Northern Lights, A Date with Dr Moustakas, and The Surgeon King’s Secret BabyOpen to US onlyEnds October 24th
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