Devyn Dawson's Blog, page 6
April 2, 2014
Romance Blog Hop
You asked for it, you've got it... Amber's story! If you haven't read Enlightened, it is recommended to read that book before reading this novella. As a matter of fact, if you haven't read it...don't read the synopsis of this book....or pay attention to the title. By continuing to read, you're taking it into your own hands that you're reading a spoiler. Don't write me and say you had no idea and now you're scarred for life. Nope, you can't say those things.
Amazon Best Selling Series - age 13+
You're reading at your own risk. I'm warning you to turn your eyes and run and read the first two books before going any further.
Amber goes with Jessie to have dinner with Queen Teagan on the other side of the Shimmer. The Queen sent her son Prince Jack to escort the Light Tamers to her castle. Along the way, they end up fighting for their life against a faerie clan with a hidden agenda. The woods are filled with creatures who want to capture Jessie to earn a coin the Unseelie King offers his rogue fae.
WARNING - this story is known to make you laugh out loud. You may actually snort, so be careful about reading in waiting rooms or in front of cute boys.
April 1, 2014
Chasing Shadows Cover Reveal
NOTE FROM DEVYN - isn't that cover GORGEOUS .... love it!About Chasing Shadows (Tala Prophecy, Book 2)
Reagan thought one night changed her life forever, but her fate was written long ago.
Merging creature and white blood,One of flame, one of night,At eighteen years it will commence,Spiritual warrior and power,Will bring an end to the lawless ones.
A war looms: One that pits brother against brother for werewolf supremacy. Angels and demons will each have a say before a victor is chosen.
With her eighteenth birthday only six months away, time is running out. Reagan must find a way to harness the two powerful, ancient bloodlines coursing through her: Werewolf and Wiccan. Then, she has to figure out her role in the century-old prophecy foretold by her great-grandmother.
However, if Reagan can’t save her family from her most vicious rival, Rafe, the forces of Hell will be unleashed and the war will be over before it starts.
Add Chasing Shadows to GoodReads
Cover design by Jo Michaels
About the Author
Tia Silverthorne Bach is an avid reader, sometimes runner, involved wife and mother, and rabid grammar hound in addition to being a multi-genre writer. Her three daughters were born in Chicago, San Diego, and Baltimore; and she feels fortunate to have called many places home. She's the award-winning co-author of Depression Cookies, a coming of age story written with her mother. Tia's office is wherever her laptop takes her and any place that's conducive to allowing a wild imagination like hers to flourish.
Connect with Tia: website , blog , Facebook , Twitter , and GoodReads .
March 11, 2014
Teaser Tuesday March 11
Teaser Tuesday - from Amber's Faerie Tale (this scene may be altered in the final copy of the book)This story is told from Amber's POV
Everyone is quiet with the exception of the horse’s hooves. Silence always makes me get lost in my head. I hope the school doesn’t call my parents and tell them we ditched. I don’t know how in the hell they’re going to explain me not going home tonight. They’ll think I ran away, especially when they can’t reach Jessie either. Knowing my dad, he’ll think I ran off with Thorne.
At the thought of him, I turn around to see what he’s doing. He looks at me and for a second, we’re both lost into our own world that only consists of the two of us.
As if Jack has eyes on the back of his head, he turns and looks at me.
“What?” I ask.
“You need to stay looking straight ahead.”
I roll my eyes. What the hell? I can’t talk. I can’t flirt. I can’t laugh. I can sit in the splits on this giant beast and think. Does he have any idea what happens when I think?
“Can I listen to my IPod?” I whisper loud enough for Dictator Jack to hear.
“No.”
I turn to look at Jessie and I hear D.J. clear his throat.
I stick my tongue out at him. I’ve never stuck my tongue out at a prince before, but I have a feeling it won’t be the last time. This is craptastic. I’m really going to piss him off when my body decides to have a potty break.
We finally come to a clearing without any trees and a big open field. The grass is perfectly green and cut close to the ground. Encircling the field are tall sunflowers. I’ve never seen so many sunflowers in one place. They must be taller than I thought because they tower above my head as I sit on my giant horse. There are tons of butterflies flitting around the flowers, from one to another.
It occurs to me that there aren’t any bees or bugs of any sort other than butterflies. Come to think of it, there’s not a single bird or any sounds at all. If there’s anything living in the woods or this field, they’re hiding.
Up ahead, I see a big wooden bridge that’s arched high above the water.
Dictator Jack turns around and reminds us to keep our mouths shut while he obtains permission to cross the bridge.
A miniature man with short legs and arms is standing in middle of the entrance with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. This guy wants a joke? Seriously?
Jack jumps off his horse and goes to the bridge-keeper. Without any other noises, we’re able to hear everything they say.
“Play a fiddle, swirl around in a diddle, if you didn’t wake today to croak, you must pay the toll with your money and a joke?” The man says gruffly.
“We’re on our way to the Seelie Court, we ran an errand for the Queen.” Jack looks like a giant compared to the other guy.
“Are you prepared to pay the toll or would you like to meet my troll?”
“I am prepared.”
“Twirl around and tap your toe, wiggle your hinny to and fro, stop and face your right, say it loud with all your might.”
Jack twirls and taps his toe as he shakes his butt back and forth. Good thing the guy didn’t ask him to do it well, because he did it like a robot.
“I’m a carpenter’s dream,” Jack says straight-faced. “I’m totally bored.”
Ha! Prince Jack has a funny bone. I’m not sure if the little troll threatening faerie liked it though, he’s still standing with his I just ate a lemon face.
“TOLL!” He shouts. I guess that means we are free to go.
Jack drops his coin in the bucket and Caleb goes next.
Where does he keep that damn troll? If it’s hiding under the bridge, I’m going to pee my pants. Oh yeah, potty break. Maybe there’s a port-a-john around here somewhere.
Oh goodness, I’m doing everything in my power not to look him in the eye. I catch a glimpse of him and he bugs his eyes out and smiles at me with his teeth showing. His very sharp, pointy teeth. Scary pointy teeth. I turn away, not before seeing him one last time.
Everyone is quiet with the exception of the horse’s hooves. Silence always makes me get lost in my head. I hope the school doesn’t call my parents and tell them we ditched. I don’t know how in the hell they’re going to explain me not going home tonight. They’ll think I ran away, especially when they can’t reach Jessie either. Knowing my dad, he’ll think I ran off with Thorne.
At the thought of him, I turn around to see what he’s doing. He looks at me and for a second, we’re both lost into our own world that only consists of the two of us.
As if Jack has eyes on the back of his head, he turns and looks at me.
“What?” I ask.
“You need to stay looking straight ahead.”
I roll my eyes. What the hell? I can’t talk. I can’t flirt. I can’t laugh. I can sit in the splits on this giant beast and think. Does he have any idea what happens when I think?
“Can I listen to my IPod?” I whisper loud enough for Dictator Jack to hear.
“No.”
I turn to look at Jessie and I hear D.J. clear his throat.
I stick my tongue out at him. I’ve never stuck my tongue out at a prince before, but I have a feeling it won’t be the last time. This is craptastic. I’m really going to piss him off when my body decides to have a potty break.
We finally come to a clearing without any trees and a big open field. The grass is perfectly green and cut close to the ground. Encircling the field are tall sunflowers. I’ve never seen so many sunflowers in one place. They must be taller than I thought because they tower above my head as I sit on my giant horse. There are tons of butterflies flitting around the flowers, from one to another.
It occurs to me that there aren’t any bees or bugs of any sort other than butterflies. Come to think of it, there’s not a single bird or any sounds at all. If there’s anything living in the woods or this field, they’re hiding.
Up ahead, I see a big wooden bridge that’s arched high above the water.
Dictator Jack turns around and reminds us to keep our mouths shut while he obtains permission to cross the bridge.
A miniature man with short legs and arms is standing in middle of the entrance with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. This guy wants a joke? Seriously?
Jack jumps off his horse and goes to the bridge-keeper. Without any other noises, we’re able to hear everything they say.
“Play a fiddle, swirl around in a diddle, if you didn’t wake today to croak, you must pay the toll with your money and a joke?” The man says gruffly.
“We’re on our way to the Seelie Court, we ran an errand for the Queen.” Jack looks like a giant compared to the other guy.
“Are you prepared to pay the toll or would you like to meet my troll?”
“I am prepared.”
“Twirl around and tap your toe, wiggle your hinny to and fro, stop and face your right, say it loud with all your might.”
Jack twirls and taps his toe as he shakes his butt back and forth. Good thing the guy didn’t ask him to do it well, because he did it like a robot.
“I’m a carpenter’s dream,” Jack says straight-faced. “I’m totally bored.”
Ha! Prince Jack has a funny bone. I’m not sure if the little troll threatening faerie liked it though, he’s still standing with his I just ate a lemon face.
“TOLL!” He shouts. I guess that means we are free to go.
Jack drops his coin in the bucket and Caleb goes next.
Where does he keep that damn troll? If it’s hiding under the bridge, I’m going to pee my pants. Oh yeah, potty break. Maybe there’s a port-a-john around here somewhere.
Oh goodness, I’m doing everything in my power not to look him in the eye. I catch a glimpse of him and he bugs his eyes out and smiles at me with his teeth showing. His very sharp, pointy teeth. Scary pointy teeth. I turn away, not before seeing him one last time.
March 8, 2014
Ever Wrath - A Dark Faerie Tale #4
Title: Ever Wrath (A Dark Faerie Tale #4)Released: Sept. 14, 2013Genre: YA fantasy
Blurb:Books in this Series:
Evangeline (FREE)
Ever Shade (FREE)
Ever Fire
Ever Winter
The Cursed
Ever Wrath
There is no hope.
Only blood and darkness await.
Shade rules as Queen of the Seelie Summer Court with her love, a Teleen Faerie named Dylan at her side. But, the dark court of Unseelie faeries will do everything in their power to rule the earth, including enslaving the human world. Arthas, the Unseelie Ancient King, has shattered the boundaries of Faerie and the human cities are filling with his evil, unearthly armies.
Old enemies become allies. New friends bring old secrets and an ancient magic to light. Alongside the Ancient Seelie Queen, Kilara, Shade needs to harness this wild magic before the lines between human and faery are forever destroyed.
A Dark Faerie Tale Series book Trailer:Embed:
Link: http://youtu.be/QG84_5YaUo4
Sale Links:Amazon:Amazon
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ever-wrath-alexia-purdy/1116911174?ean=9781492857235
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/353497
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ever-wrath-a-dark-faerie-tale-4/id712845720?mt=11
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/ever-wrath-a-dark-faerie-tale-4
Author Bio:Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada- Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing, or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She love's creating paranormal fantasy and poetry and loves to read and devour books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food.
Sign up for Alexia's Newsletter: http://blogspot.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8b40eb36ffc71c529f9237b6f&id=b99bf34a7f
Follow her on Twitter: @AlexiaPurdy
Alexia's website: http://alexiaepurdy.blogspot.com
Alexia Purdy Fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexia-Purdy/141367132649647
A Dark Faerie Tale Series by Alexia Purdy FB page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Dark-Faerie-Tale-Series-by-Alexia-Purdy/306272299403583
Reign of Blood Series FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reign-of-Blood-series/294556733940025
February 27, 2014
Trapped by Carrie Grant
Trapped by Carrie Grant
Driving home from a high school math competition, the last thing Emily expected was to get trapped in a caved-in tunnel. Yet when the dust settles, she soon finds there’s even more going on than a math nerd could have calculated. Only a few other cars survived the cave-in, leaving her trapped with a team of plumbers, a cranky old man, a Governor, and a family of five. An older boy named Chris also managed to survive the cave-in...but his bright blue eyes seem to be watching everyone just a little too closely.
As the hours tick by and the water runs out, the survivors struggle to wait for the rescue team. But Emily had seen something just before the tunnel collapsed, something that makes her realize that this cave-in was no accident. She is trapped with the killer of hundreds of innocent people–with nearly a mile of solid rock blocking every exit.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carrie Grant is a 26-year-old young adult author from Manhattan. She lives there with her sister and their cat, Felix. Carrie has been writing since she was in her teens, but she is only recently published. She writes for strong, but soft, female leads and loves mystery, adventure, and romance.
http://www.amazon.com/Trapped-Carrie-Grant-ebook/dp/B00HTC6HAE
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February 17, 2014
Curses, Fates & Soul Mates Blog Hop
5 full-length novels from 5 of the hottest authors in New Adult Paranormal Romance!
Escape reality and immerse yourself in these steamy paranormal romances. With everything from tattooed bad boys and sexy demons to hot, otherworldly bodyguards, you’re going to fall in love. Beware: you’ll be up reading well past your bedtime!
ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Retail value = $14.95
Limited time release = $.99
Recommended for readers 16+
Approximately 1,200 pages
Get your copy now at:
Check out the links in this post to join us in the release day fun! We have lots of prizes up for grabs, including a Kindle Paperwhite!!
THE SPACE BETWEEN by Kristie Cook: Self-contained dancer Leni Drago and inked-and-pierced playboy Jeric Winters must discover the truth behind their connection as well as their ties to a journal from 1989 – and they must do it fast, before all evidence that they ever existed disappears. Two love stories, one mystery and a paranormal twist that readers call “mind blowing.”
Email: kristie@kristiecook.com
Author’s Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com
UK Fan Site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk
Soul Saver Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com
Facebook: AuthorKristieCook
Twitter: KristieCookAuth
FROSTBITE by Lynn Rush: Love is warm and fuzzy for most people, and it would be for eighteen-year-old Amanda Smith, too, if her kisses didn't cause frostbite.
About Lynn Rush
Driven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes, watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources – Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush – since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rush’s books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake.
Connect With Lynn Rush Online
Lynn loves to hear from readers!
Catch the Rush™
Email: lynn@lynnrush.com
Author’s Website & Blog: http://www.LynnRush.com
Facebook: LynnRushWrites
Twitter: LynnRush
CURSED by R.K. Ryals: Sometimes being bad is better… A vintage-loving witch. A cocky demon. An old grimoire. An ancient curse. A family secret that changes everything.
About the Author
R.K. Ryals is the author of emotional and gripping young adult and new adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy. With a strong passion for charity and literacy, she works as a full time writer encouraging people to "share the love of reading one book at a time." An avid animal lover and self-proclaimed coffee-holic, R.K. Ryals was born in Jackson, Mississippi and makes her home in the Southern U.S. with her husband, her three daughters, a rescue dog named Oscar the Grouch, A Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, an OCD cat, and a coffee pot she honestly couldn't live without. Should she ever become the owner of a fire-breathing dragon (tame of course), her life would be complete.
Connect With R.K. Ryals Online
I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!
Email: requests4rkryals@gmail.com
Author’s Website: http://rkryals.com/
Facebook: RKRyals
Twitter: RKRyals
RETURN OF THE ASCENDANT by Raine Thomas: Party plans derail for college student Kyra Vaughn when she’s nearly killed…twice. She’ll have to rely on a sexy stranger with unusual abilities to keep her alive and help her discover who she’s destined to be.
About the Author
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She's a proud indie author who is living the dream.
Raine is a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning...two areas that intersect far more than one would think. Her years working with children and young adults with emotional and behavioral challenges inspired her to create protagonists who overcome their own conflicts. When she isn't writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida's beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
Connect With Raine Thomas Online
I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!
Email: Raine@RaineThomas.com
Author’s Website: http://www.rainethomas.com
Facebook: RaineThomas
Twitter: Raine_Thomas
Pinterest: Raine_Thomas
REPOSSESSION by Rachael Wade: The Invaders have come for Earth, and Skylla Warden’s in the very center of the upheaval. On a mission to take back what is rightfully theirs, Earth’s population is determined to make sure this isn’t the end. But some endings were never theirs to begin with.
About the Author
Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of THE PRESERVATION SERIES, LOVE AND RELATIVITY, and the upcoming New Adult sci-fi series, THE KEEPERS TRILOGY. When she's not writing, she's busy going to concerts, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. She's an avid Brandi Carlile fan and loves all things Tim Burton.
Connect With Rachael Wade Online
I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!
Email: AuthorRachaelWade@Gmail.com
Author’s Website: http://www.RachaelWade.com
LightsOn Website: http://www.lightsonlove.com/
Facebook: AuthorRachaelWade
Twitter: RachaelWade
We are celebrating this release with lots of fun, games and prizes. We would love for you to join us!!
Curses, Fates & Soul Mates Release Day Party on FaceBook
Curses, Fates & Soul Mates Release Day Twitter Party
February 13, 2014
Kindle Fire Giveaway
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Giveaway Sponsors I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Feed Your Reader Author Clover Autrey Buried Under Romance Chosen by You Book Club Author Elizabeth Woodrum Author Elizabeth Isaacs Author Fabio Bueno Fae Books Gins Book Notes and Design Author Inger Iversen Paranormal Book Club Hallowed Ink Press The Storybook Kingdom The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl Stuffed Shelves Auggie Talk Book Angeltopia Jennifer Laurens Astraea Press Author Joselyn Vaughn Author Wendy Knight Rumor Has It Author Sandy Green Author Sherry Gloag Author M. Kircher Author Allan Leverone Author Jo Grafford Author Jennifer Rae Gravely Author P.M. Richter Author Ash Krafton Author Rae Z. Ryans I Feel the Need, The Need to Read The Society of YA Storytellers Author Laurie Treacy Quality BookWorks Services Author Diane Capri Author Carole Lanham Bound4Escape Author J.L. Weil Reviews from a Bookworm Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer Brenda Maxfield's Smart and Sassy Teen Reads Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton Paranormal Romance Author Rebecca Hamilton Bonnie Blythe's Pure Romance Bella Street Weird Romance A Leisure Moment Bea's Book Nook Danielle @ Coffee and Characters BookHounds The Stubby Pencil Frances Pauli The Sylver Lining Sweet Romance Reads Author Donna Fasano Owl Always Be Reading The Reporter and The Girl Author David Michael Slater Author Daniel Pike The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Author Marilla Mulwane Barbara Silkstone: Second Art Cafe Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 3/16/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 4, 2014
Teaser Tuesday - Amber's Faerie Tale
From Amber's Faerie Tale - release date 2/25/14
I giggle to myself as he trips on his shoelaces as he heads back to our table.
“You really should tie your shoes. Gimme your foot,” I say and pat my knee. He grins that ridiculously adorable cat-like grin at me and places his foot on my knee. I tell him step by step how to tie the shoe. He watches me as though it is the most fascinating thing he’s ever watched before. We’re both too busy with his shoe to notice a group of snobs from school.
“Oh Thorne, how cute, you got yourself a little pet to tie your shoe. If you decide to give up on little gothic girls, give me a call,” Stacy the school skank says. She thinks that since she’s the captain of the cheerleader squad that she’s entitled to date whomever she wants.
Thorne looks at Stacy as though she’s grown a horn out of her forehead. “You’re really not my type. You’re simply ordinary, and I’m not an ordinary kind of person. By the way, Amber is anything but ordinary, she’s amazing.” The words fall from his lips and my heart leaps to my throat. “Could you scurry away now, we’re having a private conversation,” Thorne says sarcastically.
FROM THE AUTHOR - If you haven't read The Light Tamer, get your free ecopy now and find out who Amber is. Happy reading! Add Amber's Faerie Tale to your TBR list!
January 22, 2014
The Great Wolf Release Day
The Great WolfAbel’s been training for this day since the first day he found out he is a werewolf. The Werewolf Olympics, in Kilkenny, Ireland, is where the big announcement will take place. He will be stepping up as alpha, and what will mean for every pack throughout the world. His faith is tested when his right hand man and bodyguard is up on murder charges. Someone in the pack is a mole, will you guess who it is? This action packed story will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.
Book one of The Legacy of Kilkenny Saga is available for Free on Amazon & I-books
The Legacy of Kilkenny For sixteen years, my life has been normal. Piedsville, Oklahoma isn't the tourist mecca of the world, but it's where I live. It's my junior year and I've known everyone since Kindergarten, everyone except her, Pru Phelan. She walked into my English class, my heart stopped. I'd never heard the name Phelan before, so I Googled it and found Phelan means wolf. What I didn't know, she was a werewolf and soon my destiny would change.This is the story about the prophecy of the Great Wolf and how it relates to me. I'm Abel Casey, and I am the Great Wolf.
The Legacy of Kilkenny is a young adult story about werewolves, friendship, family, and fear.
About the Author
I've thought of myself as a writer for as long as I can remember. Being a grown up with a grown up job and a family to raise, left me with little time to write. Everyone is grown up now, and I get to do something I want to do. My love of young adult books helped mold me into the paranormal writer I am today.The Legacy of Kilkenny Saga is near and dear to my heart. When I started the series, my own son was a junior in high school and Abel has many of his characteristics. Each character has a little of my daughter and son in them. I wanted the series to be about friendship and family, two things that are important to me. The first book really takes the reader on a journey with Abel as he matures. By the time you get to The Great Wolf, you will see a transformed young man and the decisions how he handles the pressure of being a werewolf. I hope you enjoy the Legacy books,
Thank you to all of the readers who have fallen for my wolf pack!
Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Devyn-Dawson/145383098868553?ref=hlTwitter - https://twitter.com/DevynDawson
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January 8, 2014
A Zebra Like Me - Amy Jones
Today is A Zebra Like Me's Book Birthday!
Maybelle Dawson longs for normalcy and belonging. Often misunderstood, she struggles with a rare disorder, labeling her a Medical Zebra.
Maybelle’s happiness and well-being threaten to slip through her fingers as she battles to take control of her life. She faces a never-ending battle on her journey to find love, courage and friendship in a world lacking acceptance.
With the guidance of her guardian angel, Maybelle finds her way out of emotional and physical isolation to discover lasting love and amazing friendships.
A Zebra Like Me is the story of one teenager’s battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a disorder affecting one in five thousand people.
About the Author
Amy Maurer Jones has been happily married to her own version of Edward Cullen for sixteen years. She lives in the small town of Tabor City, North Carolina (close to the North and South Carolina shore) with her husband Kelly and their two beautiful children, Olivia and Keaton.
Amy loves reading and writing Young Adult because she finds young people inspiring. She appreciates how teens are able to look at the world with a fresh perspective and willingly open their minds to the endless possibilities that life has to offer. She particularly enjoys writing strong heroines who face problems head on, learn, grow and mature into the type of people who do the right thing.
When Amy isn't reading and writing, she teaches high school theater arts and dance. To say that Amy has a flare for all things creative would be an understatement, just don't ask her to assemble anything that requires instructions or sadly, you will be out of luck!
Favorite quote:
"You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost." ~ Martha Graham
Links:
Website
Facebook
Amazon
Twitter
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Author's NoteA Zebra Like Me is a work of fiction but Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and the message in this story are very real. I have EDS and I’ve learned to live with this disease. Sadly, much of my battle has been seeking compassion and finding acceptance from those who don’t understand it. My mission in publishing this book is two-fold.1 – Awareness – I aim to educate people about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I’m a teacher and through my teaching I’ve learned the best lessons are learned in unexpected ways. I hope my readers will gain a better understanding of this disease through the fictional world I created for Maybelle. There are people like her all over the world. Some EDS patients’ symptoms are less severe than Maybelle’s, some are worse. You may know someone with EDS and not even realize it. 2 – Self Empowerment – I want other people with EDS to know they are not alone. There are support groups and resources online that can help you learn how to cope with this disease. Don’t give up on a normal life. Learn how to avoid injuries and the external hazards that trigger your issues. Find hobbies that are safe, fun, and relieve stress. Surround yourself with positive people and avoid or tune out the people who can’t or won’t support you. Take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Need Help? The Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation is just a click away. www.ednf.org
Fast Facts about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome“Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments.”“The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein, which acts as a “glue” in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue.”“There are six major types of EDS, each classified according to their manifestations of signs and symptoms.”“Clinical manifestations of EDS are most often joint and skin related and may include: joint hypermobility; loose/unstable joints prone to dislocation and/or subluxation; joint pain; early onset of osteoarthritis, fragile skin that tears or bruises easily, slow and poor wound healing and much more.”“EDS can also be associated with rare and/or serious conditions such as tethered cord, cervical cranial instability, cranial settling, dural ectasia and chiari malformation.”“In many cases those with EDS do not respond to local anesthetic properly or at all. This may mean complete failure of the anesthetic to freeze the intended area, a much lower amount of numbness, or a much shorter duration of effect.”“EDS is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder (apart from types 6 and 7C) meaning if a parent has the disorder they have a 50/50 percent chance of passing it onto each child they have. Not everyone with EDS inherits the disorder from a parent. It is estimated that about half of those with EDS received it via what’s known as ‘spontaneous mutation’.”“Currently EDS is estimated to occur in 1 out of every 5000 births worldwide, equally effecting men and women of every race and ethnicity.”“Possible dental manifestations of EDS include a high palate, crowded teeth, gum disease and hypermobile tongue. Those with EDS are also more prone to cavities as well as weakness of both the enamel and tooth roots.”“EDS can cause chronic debilitating pain throughout the entire body. Whether from chronic, repeated joint subluxations and dislocations or degenerative joint disease, this is often easily the most difficult aspect of daily life with EDS.”“EDS can cause several gastrointestinal complications with one of the more serious being gastroparesis (partial paralysis of the stomach). This condition causes food to remain in the stomach for longer than normal, preventing the stomach from emptying entirely.”“EDS carries many of the same and/or similar symptoms of several other genetic connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. It is not uncommon to have what appears to be a mix of more than one tissue disorder or for your diagnosis to change later in life from one to the other as more symptoms appear and more is learned about these conditions.”“EDS can affect endless parts of the body, but has ‘variable expression,’ so each person is affected differently, even within the same family. While there are features that are frequently seen in many people with the disorder not all people will exhibit these features.”“Connective tissue can surprisingly also be found in the bones and blood as well as being the glue that holds the body together inside and out. Collagen alone is found in tendons, ligaments, skin, the cornea, cartilage, bone, blood vessels, the gut, and intervertebral discs. All of this helps explain the endless possible complications and outcomes of EDS.” References: http://connectivetissuedisorders.wordpress.com/and www.ednf.org
Maybelle Dawson longs for normalcy and belonging. Often misunderstood, she struggles with a rare disorder, labeling her a Medical Zebra.
Maybelle’s happiness and well-being threaten to slip through her fingers as she battles to take control of her life. She faces a never-ending battle on her journey to find love, courage and friendship in a world lacking acceptance.
With the guidance of her guardian angel, Maybelle finds her way out of emotional and physical isolation to discover lasting love and amazing friendships.
A Zebra Like Me is the story of one teenager’s battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a disorder affecting one in five thousand people.
About the Author
Amy Maurer Jones has been happily married to her own version of Edward Cullen for sixteen years. She lives in the small town of Tabor City, North Carolina (close to the North and South Carolina shore) with her husband Kelly and their two beautiful children, Olivia and Keaton.
Amy loves reading and writing Young Adult because she finds young people inspiring. She appreciates how teens are able to look at the world with a fresh perspective and willingly open their minds to the endless possibilities that life has to offer. She particularly enjoys writing strong heroines who face problems head on, learn, grow and mature into the type of people who do the right thing.
When Amy isn't reading and writing, she teaches high school theater arts and dance. To say that Amy has a flare for all things creative would be an understatement, just don't ask her to assemble anything that requires instructions or sadly, you will be out of luck!
Favorite quote:
"You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost." ~ Martha Graham
Links:
Website
Amazon
The Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway
Author's NoteA Zebra Like Me is a work of fiction but Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and the message in this story are very real. I have EDS and I’ve learned to live with this disease. Sadly, much of my battle has been seeking compassion and finding acceptance from those who don’t understand it. My mission in publishing this book is two-fold.1 – Awareness – I aim to educate people about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I’m a teacher and through my teaching I’ve learned the best lessons are learned in unexpected ways. I hope my readers will gain a better understanding of this disease through the fictional world I created for Maybelle. There are people like her all over the world. Some EDS patients’ symptoms are less severe than Maybelle’s, some are worse. You may know someone with EDS and not even realize it. 2 – Self Empowerment – I want other people with EDS to know they are not alone. There are support groups and resources online that can help you learn how to cope with this disease. Don’t give up on a normal life. Learn how to avoid injuries and the external hazards that trigger your issues. Find hobbies that are safe, fun, and relieve stress. Surround yourself with positive people and avoid or tune out the people who can’t or won’t support you. Take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Need Help? The Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation is just a click away. www.ednf.org
Fast Facts about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome“Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments.”“The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein, which acts as a “glue” in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue.”“There are six major types of EDS, each classified according to their manifestations of signs and symptoms.”“Clinical manifestations of EDS are most often joint and skin related and may include: joint hypermobility; loose/unstable joints prone to dislocation and/or subluxation; joint pain; early onset of osteoarthritis, fragile skin that tears or bruises easily, slow and poor wound healing and much more.”“EDS can also be associated with rare and/or serious conditions such as tethered cord, cervical cranial instability, cranial settling, dural ectasia and chiari malformation.”“In many cases those with EDS do not respond to local anesthetic properly or at all. This may mean complete failure of the anesthetic to freeze the intended area, a much lower amount of numbness, or a much shorter duration of effect.”“EDS is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder (apart from types 6 and 7C) meaning if a parent has the disorder they have a 50/50 percent chance of passing it onto each child they have. Not everyone with EDS inherits the disorder from a parent. It is estimated that about half of those with EDS received it via what’s known as ‘spontaneous mutation’.”“Currently EDS is estimated to occur in 1 out of every 5000 births worldwide, equally effecting men and women of every race and ethnicity.”“Possible dental manifestations of EDS include a high palate, crowded teeth, gum disease and hypermobile tongue. Those with EDS are also more prone to cavities as well as weakness of both the enamel and tooth roots.”“EDS can cause chronic debilitating pain throughout the entire body. Whether from chronic, repeated joint subluxations and dislocations or degenerative joint disease, this is often easily the most difficult aspect of daily life with EDS.”“EDS can cause several gastrointestinal complications with one of the more serious being gastroparesis (partial paralysis of the stomach). This condition causes food to remain in the stomach for longer than normal, preventing the stomach from emptying entirely.”“EDS carries many of the same and/or similar symptoms of several other genetic connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. It is not uncommon to have what appears to be a mix of more than one tissue disorder or for your diagnosis to change later in life from one to the other as more symptoms appear and more is learned about these conditions.”“EDS can affect endless parts of the body, but has ‘variable expression,’ so each person is affected differently, even within the same family. While there are features that are frequently seen in many people with the disorder not all people will exhibit these features.”“Connective tissue can surprisingly also be found in the bones and blood as well as being the glue that holds the body together inside and out. Collagen alone is found in tendons, ligaments, skin, the cornea, cartilage, bone, blood vessels, the gut, and intervertebral discs. All of this helps explain the endless possible complications and outcomes of EDS.” References: http://connectivetissuedisorders.wordpress.com/and www.ednf.org
