T.C. Booth's Blog, page 6

Meet the Author of Tainted Dreams

    It is my pleasure to host fellow Clean Reads author Christi Corbett on A Writer's Devotion. Christi's new release, Tainted Dreams, is a stand alone sequel to her award winning novel, Along the Way Home. Continue reading to learn more about this talented author and her books.    

What inspired you to become a writer?

I got the idea for Along the Way Home on a road trip, driving an overloaded Hyundai Excel from Green Bay to Seattle with my fiancé (now husband).

We were driving my 1992 Hyundai Excel (compact car) and the backseat and hatchback were loaded to the windows with all my worldly possessions. As an extra bonus, my husband is 6 feet 4 inches tall. Plus it’s February, and since the middle of winter in the Midwest is brutally cold we’re sporting layers of long underwear, flannel shirts, and puffy coats.

We decided to take our time and stopped off at a number of landmarks, including Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, and Wall Drug. By the time we reached the Montana border my hubby was ready to rip out the front seat and drive from the back one, and I was beyond bored. Around mid-Montana I started whining about how long it was taking, how there was nothing to do but sit, and how the scenery never changed. Then mid-complaint it hit me—we were traveling in one hour what would take nearly three days to accomplish in the 1800’s. (Recall we’d just come from Wall Drug in South Dakota so I think “the old times” were fresh on my mind.)

I whipped out my notebook and the ideas just started flowing. Soon I had pages and pages of notes and ideas about a possible book. Here’s the actual first line that started it all: A fantastic idea just occurred to me in light of the journey I have just taken… Occasionally I will pull out that same notebook to see how far I’ve come. (For starters, I learned using the same word twice in one sentence is a big no no.)

The descriptions for the two main characters are completely different from what Jake and Kate are now and there wasn’t one mention of a covered wagon or the Oregon Trail, but the basic idea was there. Make it about a man and a woman who travel west, each for their own reasons, to start a new life.

 What book(s) have you written that would you like to tell us about?

Along the Way Home is a Historical Western Romance set on the 1843 Oregon Trail. Tainted Dreams is the standalone sequel, and showcases the issues faced by the survivors of the Oregon Trail as they tried to stake claims in Oregon Territory.

ALONG THE WAY HOME:
Kate Davis is intrigued when her father reveals his dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Settlers out west value a strong woman, and though she manages the financials of her father's mercantile her competence earns her ridicule, not respect, from Virginia's elite society.

Jake Fitzpatrick, an experienced trail guide, wants land out west to raise cattle and crops. But dreams require money and he's eating dandelion greens for dinner. So when a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail, Jake accepts with one stipulation--he is in complete control.

Departure day finds Kate clinging to her possessions as Jake demands she abandon all he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother's heirlooms. Jake stands firm, refusing to let the whims of a headstrong woman jeopardize the wages he so desperately needs--even a beautiful one with fiery green eyes and a temper to match.

Trail life is a battle of wills between them until tragedy strikes, leaving Jake with an honor-bound promise to protect her from harm and Kate with a monumental choice--go back to everything she's ever known or toward everything she's ever wanted?

TAINTED DREAMS:
Sometimes, the end justifies the means…

Kate Davis arrived into Oregon City transformed from a pampered daughter of fortune into a determined woman with a plan--fulfill her father's dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory.

She quickly discovers a harsh truth--even thousands of miles from home, on an unsettled land America doesn't yet own or govern, gender still takes precedence over ability. Refusing to be ruled once again by the stifling laws and societal norms she'd escaped by leaving Virginia, Kate begins creatively claiming what is rightfully hers.

Until a visit to the land office changes everything.

Jake Fitzpatrick guided Kate across the Oregon Trail, and fell in love with her along the way. Now he wants to marry her and build a life together, but a ruthless man from Jake's past threatens to reveal a dark secret, and destroy everything he's worked so hard to achieve.

Do you have any favorite childhood books?

The Little House books, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I got my first book of hers at a yard sale at age seven, and read it so much the covers crumbled from wear and eventually fell off the book. And I had my first moment of absolute book joy when I learned that there were many more of her books available (which was my first brush with the concept of a series).

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Never ever EVER give up. Keep trying, keep learning about your craft, and above all keep writing!

Where can we find you and your books?

Along the Way Home and Tainted Dreams are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and most major online retailers.

As for finding me, please do! I love chatting with readers and writers!

Blog: https://christicorbett.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christ...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristiCorbett

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/christicorbett/




Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tainted-Dreams-Christi-Corbett-ebook/dp/B00W0R2FAY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZMHWQCFEDVH4RCMXQDA
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tainted-dreams-christi-corbet/1121906167?ean=2940151530439
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/tainted-dreams
ibookstore: http://ibookstore.com/products.php?i=B00W0R2FAY
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/542314

Celebrate National Library Week-YA Bundle Giveaway

What would you do if you won six great young adult books to add to your Kindle library? If you'd grow giddy with excitement, then you're in the right place. In celebration of National Library Week, 24 indie authors have teamed together to share their books with four winners, one winner for each bundle of six books. Check out the books below, and then enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win one of these incredible deals.Book Bundle #1Read Me Dead by Emerald BarnesAlexia Wheaton’s problems go far beyond picking a dress and a date for the homecoming dance. For seven years, Alex has lived with a painful memory - the memory of her parents' horrific murder. As the sole witness, she has kept quiet about the identity of the murderer to protect herself and her family and friends, but when a journalist over hears her secret and writes about it in the local newspaper, Alex is plagued with fear that her parents' murderer will soon find her - and silence her forever. Alex is catapulted into a race against time to save her own life and bring her parents' murderer to justice. She will face many secrets, lies, and betrayals before the truth about their murder is revealed. Read Me Dead on Amazon
Into the Light by Amy ManemannNineteen-year-old Willa Devries is no ordinary witch. Born to a sacred race known as the lightkeepers, for centuries her lineage has been charged to carry out their time honored duty of holding the light of the world against the darkness. Willa’s twentieth birthday will mark the day when she comes into her full powers, a day she’s been anticipating forever. Only the rising darkness has become more powerful than anyone has ever seen, and with her birthday only a week away, Willa begins to question if she’s ready to feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. Braeden Mathiesen is a Guardian sworn and trained to protect the keepers of light. His life has been spent preparing for the day when he would be sent to aid Willa in her lightkeeper training. Yet upon his arrival to the sleepy town of Salem, Massachusetts, he quickly realizes he is unprepared for the extent of her incredible power--or for the woman who will steal his heart. The fate of the world lies in Braeden and Willa's ability to push past their feelings and learn to harness her powers, before the dark underworld rises up and covers the world under a blanket of darkness. Failure isn’t an option; the world depends on it. Into the Light on Amazon
Shadows of Things to Come by Mishael Austin Witty Starting a new relationship is always hard, but it's not often dangerous. College first year Megan McCleod feels bad about breaking up with her boyfriend, Keith. After all, they've been together for years. But now they're going in two different directions, and she just doesn't see how things can work out between them. Too bad the day she picked to break up with him was the same day he'd picked to ask her to marry him. Sophomore Tony Driscoll is all for the break-up, however, because he wants Megan all to himself. He's convinced, from the first moment he sees her in that coffee shop when she's breaking up with Keith, that they belong together. Now all he has to do is make her feel the same way about him. Megan is charmed by him from the very first moment their eyes meet. Then she starts hearing things - about how Tony killed his mother and kidnapped one of his ex-girlfriends. But Tony seems so nice. She just can't believe he would hurt a fly. ...Until he asks her to marry him on their third date, and then he storms out in a rage when she refuses him. And it's doubly suspicious that Megan gets attacked on the street as she's trying to get back to the dorm that night. Is Tony trying to hurt her? Has his love for her taken an obsessive, psychopathic turn? Can she discover the truth before it's too late? Shadows of Things to Come on Amazon
The Unforgiving Truths She thought she was safe in the shadows. When the light was banished, the dark became her home. After the Transformation, the dark was all that there was. Coming from a World covered in fire, young Mrsorri Hall seeks the safety of a new land where she doesn't have to hide from her abilities. After arriving in a strange new place designed to make one's wildest dreams come to life, her humanity returns to her. She recognizes fear like she never has before. It seems she has finally found a place where she can be at peace with her dark past. As the secrets unfold, though, she realizes that even the ones she loves the most cannot be trusted. Whisked into a battle that she didn't even know she was a part of it, Mrsorri must undertake a legacy that could mean life or death. On this quest, failure is not an option, for once she starts, she cannot go back. There is nowhere to go. They are coming for her. The Unforgiving Truths on Amazon
Girl Incredible by Patti Larsen
Her CIA bosses think she’s the bomb. Kitalia Ore is positive of that fact.Okay, fine. Kitten MacLean. And they’re her parents, but it’s so much more fun to imagine them the other way around. And J.J., her MI6 contact? He’s in love with her. Doesn’t matter that her closest confidant, Jimmy Jones, hasn’t spoken a word to her since first grade. Everyone at school adores her, too. Sure, they might not know it yet, but every single student at Rimtree High is her best friend. Naturally. She’s just that incredible. When a new girl is being bullied, it’s time for Kit MacLean to take charge and leave her fantasy world of fearless bravado and easy victories behind. The world outside her CIA missions is far different than she’s used to, and her usual happy-go lucky heart is about to take the beating of a lifetime. But Kit has never backed down from anything in her life and she’s not about to start now. Time to find out what she’s really made of. Before the bad guys ruin everything.
Girl Incredible on AmazonWhat Dreams May Come: In Dreams Book 1 by Beth M. HoneycuttReality is overrated. Or so Ellie Cross has always believed. Ellie is an ordinary, nothing-special girl who feels invisible most of the time. She’s the kind of girl who would loan her lunch money to anyone, but she’s definitely not the kind of girl to get noticed. Well, except by her mom, who constantly nags her not to be such a dreamer, and the class bully who makes her life miserable. It’s kinda grim for a girl who’s already painfully shy and all-too-aware that she “takes work.” But Ellie has a best friend, someone she can turn to whenever she has a problem. Well, some might call him an imaginary friend, since they’ve never actually met outside of dreams. And, sure, Ellie knows it’s kinda weird to have a friend no one else can see, but since her real-world friends currently number one, she figures an imaginary friend can only improve her social life. Even better, since he isn’t real, she can tell dream-guy-Gabe anything, without ever worrying that he’ll ditch her for someone cooler or embarrass her by blabbing her secrets. And so what if she happens to have an itsy-bitsy crush on her reality-challenged friend? Who’s it hurting, really? But things are about to get complicated, because there’s a new guy in school—a guy with hauntingly familiar eyes. A guy who knows things about Ellie that he shouldn’t have any way of knowing… What Dreams May Come on Amazon
Book Bundle #2Fire in Frost by Alicia RadesCrystal Frost has spent her whole life believing she's ordinary, and her mother has long held the secret of her heritage. When Crystal begins seeing the ghost of a dead classmate, her life spirals out of control. She’s faced with the threat that everyone will find out she’s a freak, as if the struggle to figure out her new-found abilities wasn’t enough pressure. Crystal has to find some way to save the people who have come to her for help all while trying to keep her abilities a secret. Will she be able to fulfill these overwhelming demands while solving the mystery that is the ghost of Olivia Owen? Fire in Frost on Amazon
The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschagne
"You cannot know what light is if you have not experienced darkness."Ava and her people have been exiled to the planet Poseidon for reasons she can't fathom. Upon meeting a boy from a different sector, her life turns into a beautiful chaos. She begins to feel things she isn't allowed to, thus motivating her to find out the truth about why her kind are so different, and why the Council are so interested in her.Once her mind is freed, with it comes a terrible power that could either save her kind, or destroy them all. But Ava is not the perfect heroine. She will become what she hates to save the ones she loves, and the cost of such a burden is deadly at best.The Broken Destiny on AmazonFirst Impression by Pauleen Creeden
Chira Kelly thought she didn’t need anyone…until she met Ben. Because of one ugly rumor, Chira lives as an outcast at her school. Which is fine with her, because she works better alone. Always has, always will. And at least she has her one and only true friend, Tasha. When Tasha insists that they join a group to visit a possibly haunted abandoned old schoolhouse, she's wary, but joins her friend. Because of that decision, their lives are in jeopardy as a malevolent spirit targets the group.
Tragedies and accidents pick them off one by one, and Chira finds herself drawn to the one person who can see the truth. But can he protect her?First Impression on AmazonBeggar Magic by H.L. BurkeIn Gelia City, magic is music: a constant ever-changing melody known as the Strains. Hereditary ability to use the Strains divides the city into two classes: the wealthy Highmost, who can access the full potential of the Strains, and the Common tradesmen, who are limited to mundane spells, known as beggar magic. With the help of the Strains, Common teen Leilani rescues and befriends a gifted Highmost girl, Zebedy. The girls’ friendship opens Leilani’s eyes to the world of the Highmost. She’s intrigued by Zeb’s close relationship with the Strains, and longs to know them as she does. Zeb, in turn, comes to depend on Leilani’s strength and intelligence, making them an inseparable team, ready to take on anything with the Strains at their back. As their unlikely friendship strengthens and endures, Zeb draws Leilani further into the Highmosts’ intrigues. Beneath the polished, academic facade of the Highmost manors lurks a threat to the Strains. An unknown force consumes their music, leaving only heart-rending silence behind. Leilani and Zeb will do anything to save their beloved Strains, but as the silence grows, they face danger their previously sheltered lives could never prepare them for. Whoever is behind the death of the Strains is willing to kill to keep their secret safe. To preserve the Strains, the girls may have to sacrifice their friendship, or even their lives. Beggar Magic on Amazon
Short story collection - Celebrations from New Pangaea by Brenda Duffey"Celebrations from New Pangaea" is a collection of four short stories designed for adolescents ages 13-18. The main characters are male or female adolescents facing the challenges of adolescence involving separation from home and family as they try to make sense of historical and cultural events that have impacted their ability to do so successfully. "Springtime Comes to New Pangaea" introduces a young female of Iranian birth and culture violently forced from her home at age five and her coming of age in Albuquerque, New Mexico during the Iranian Nowruz (spring) celebration. "Juneteeth" is the story of a young man living in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. The story revolves around the African-American emancipation celebration known as "Juneteeth." In the summer before Devon Alcorn's senior year at Shawnee High School, he comes to terms with the roots of his slave ancestry at a family reunion held at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, Kentucky. "A Thanksgiving Story" is an account of a 16 year old indentured servant brought to North America by the Pilgrims in 1621. Dorothy tells the story of the journey across the Atlantic on the Mayflower and the struggle to survive the first winter at Plymouth Colony. After her Pilgrim family turns against the gentle Abenaki who had been so instrumental in her survival as well as that of the entire colony, Dorothy runs away to live with the Abenaki and finds her female voice and place in society. "The Season" takes the reader on a fantasy through Middle Earth at a time when gun violence and climate change are threatening the very existence of the inhabitants who have forgotten "the reason for the season." A sensitive fifteen year old violinist journeys to the top of the mountain to learn from an old priest, Friar Assalam, the story of the season written on ancient tablets long since lost to the citizens of Newkirk. It is then that Gavril brings the sweet music of the robin's song to restore the peace and good will long ago lost to the inhabitants of the village. This collection of stories is highly suitable as reading material for adolescents in their high school English or history classes. The intent is to bring awareness of a coming together of all the diverse groups in the United States to begin the process of finding unity instead of polarization and the building of a New Pangaea. Celebrations of New Pangea on Amazon
Beyond Vica by T.C. Booth Gabby and her two best friends share a constellation in the sky named VICA. The trio named the constellation that tells the tale of their childhood friendship. Now that Gabby is fifteen, this tale written in the stars means more than ever. Gabby finds herself facing the threat of losing her best friend, Sam to cancer. On top of that, she develops a crush on the other friend, Brody. She fears the friendship will fall apart and feels alone. To complicate matters, Sam's condition brings back memories that Gabby has not allowed to surface since she was five. As Gabby's world crashes down on her, she's forced to face the realities of life, death, grief, and love. How will she survive without the friendship that's written in the stars? Beyond Vica on Amazon
Book Bundle #3Chasing Clarity by Sylvia Stein
What happens when you lose the love of your life tragically and are left to pick up the pieces? Mia Gerard is about to find out. Mia has just lost Leo Dancy, her best friend and soul mate. His absence seems unbearable, but suddenly, an opportunity that she can’t turn down arises. She’s offered a teaching position in The New York Dance Academy of Performing Arts. At first, she’s overwhelmed, still dealing with the loss of Leo. But eventually, she allows herself to heal when she meets Henry Watson, a painter with aspirations of having his own exhibit one day, or does she?As Mia and Henry become closer, Henry develops feelings for Mia, but she’s still unable to love. When Henry can’t have what he wants, he decides to move back to London with his agent and friend, Trina Michaels. Mia may lose him forever, and she’s faced with having the clarity to chase after Henry or let him walk away. Which will she choose?Note: Winners will receive an ARC of Chasing Clarity.Sylvia Stein on AmazonEden: The Complete Series by Janelle Stalder
This edition is the complete collection of the Eden Series, including all four books:Eden Eden-West Eden-South Eden-EastPLUS an exclusive preview of the upcoming spin-off series, Elysium. Individual books still sold separately.Eden is an epic Fantasy ride, following a young boy who is thrown into a world on the brink of war. Along with an ensemble cast of captivating characters, he begins a journey that will change his life and make him question everything he’s ever known.Janelle Stalder on AmazonDestiny: New Avalon Book 1 by Andrea Buginsky Constantly teased and taunted by the popular girls, Elena Baxter desperately wants to fit in. On her sweet sixteenth, she receives two shocking gifts: telekinesis and the surprising truth about her heritage. With high hopes that things will be different now, Elena returns to school to find that nothing has changed. Only this time her hurt feelings and frustration boil into something even she cannot understand. When her powers explode, chaos ensues and she learns that her new ability is greater than she ever desired. As she learns to control her powers, Elena discovers there’s so much more to her heritage than she ever imagined. Destiny on Amazon
A Mighty Fortress by Faith Blum
Joshua and Ruth Brookings are traveling by stagecoach to finally join their parents in Montana. Attacked by murderous outlaws, the teens barely escape with their lives and must survive in the barren Wyoming and Montana territories and escape the man who's hunting them.Seven years ago, Jed Stuart ran away from home and joined Tom's gang. Jed is tired of the lawlessness and wants out. The only problem? He is the boss's right-hand man and will never be able to leave. And what's one more stagecoach robbery, anyway? Can Joshua lean on God's strength to keep himself and his sister alive until they find a town? Will Jed be able to face his anger or will it consume him completely? All three are running--the hunter and hunted. What will happen when they meet?
A Mighty Fortress on AmazonTrue Colors by Melissa Pearl
Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama. That is, until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people's masks. She discovers that her life isn't as simple as she imagined and high school is filled with secrets...some very sinister ones.Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends suddenly appears terrified, but masks her fear with a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn's new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends' true colors? Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love. At Palisades High School every face tells a story...
True Colors on AmazonAmanda Moonstone: The Missing Prince by Dan Wright One mistake can haunt a person forever and no one knows that more than Amanda Moonstone. In a time when people shun and fear magic, Amanda chooses to practice it. Her powers stem from the Dragon gems–mysterious jewels that allow her to manipulate and wield various elements. And one of them—the Blood gem—is the most powerful of them all and comes with a high price. After losing everything, Amanda stumbles across a lost boy, who happens to be a Prince, of whom there is a large reward for his safe return. His reward will solve everything. But will it? Or is there more to life than just magic and money? Amanda Moonstone: The Missing Prince on Amazon
Book Bundle #4Savage Run by E.J. Squires
Seventeen-year-old Heidi Cruise has one chance at freedom, but it involves breaking the law and completing Savage Run, a life-threatening, male-only obstacle course program.Nicholas Volkov has one goal: to make sure when he becomes president over the hierarchical society of Newland that he doesn't follow in his tyrannical father's footsteps. After Heidi registers for Savage Run, Nicholas discovers that she's a girl. Being a rebel in his own right, Nicholas doesn't turn her in, but decides to help in any way possible. Heidi struggles through the obstacle courses in Savage Run. Physically and emotionally drained, it is only during downtime between events that she's able to make sense of her world and get a little closer to the secretive Nicholas. But with the threat of death constantly barreling down on her, and with menacing contestants looming around every obstacle, she realizes that the chances of her getting killed are far greater than winning her freedom.
Savage Run on AmazonThe Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw by Suzy Turner Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they soon realize there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined. Sent off to London for two weeks of 'work experience', the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural. At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone. The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw on Amazon
Worlds Apart: Ruination by Amanda Thome What if everything came down to a single test? If your life was defined at seventeen, could you handle it? Could you accept your fate leaving the ones you love, or would you risk it all and stay? One test stands between Vanessa and Central. One chance to make the leap across the walls to a better life. At seventeen, Central considers Vanessa an adult. Her labor role, marriage, and housing divisions will be dictated by her performance on the leap. Dedication and unfaltering friendship has bonded Vanessa to Garrett as they fight for their chance to leap into Central. But what happens when love overtakes reason? When defiance in the name of love creates an unintentional fracture in their nation. Without warning Vanessa is at the mercy of the nation that’s supposed to protect her. Exiled and abandoned she must fight but she find’s she’s not alone. With her heart divided she seeks her revenge, but will her stand be enough? Ruination on Amazon
Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert
Twelve-year-old Jillian Blairington is just an ordinary girl — bright, brave, and sometimes a bit too headstrong for her own good. She never thought she was particularly special or different than anybody else.She was wrong. Everything changes the day she and her babysitter, Danielle, are kidnapped and taken to a secret scientific facility. There Jillian learns she has a new name, Ashlynn, and a strange connection to the other children at the lab. They each have powerful abilities, Gifts that Jillian doesn’t quite understand. As if that wasn’t enough to absorb, Jillian discovers she has a Gift of her own — the power to enter other people’s dreams. Jillian’s task seems simple enough: the scientists want her to use her ability to find another Gifted child who has disappeared. But the longer Jillian stays in the facility, the more she realizes that nothing is as it seems ... and everybody has secrets. Besides, the boy's life is not the only one at stake. The scientists will stop at nothing to force Jillian's cooperation, even if that means threatening Danielle. Jillian knows they have to get free. But after all they’ve seen, will they ever truly escape?
Ashlynn's Dreams on AmazonFinding Me by Dawn BrazilSixteen-year-old Chloe Carmichael’s perfect world is in chaos. It’s not because she has a vision of her boyfriend murdered. And then he’s found dead exactly as she saw. It’s not because she suddenly has the ability to move objects when she’s upset. It’s kinda cool to close a door without touching it. It’s not her overbearing mother who only cares about appearances. Chloe’s grown accustomed to her families distance. So what has Chloe cringing in fear? It’s a love that defies reason. It’s a love that speaks to the heart. It demands attention. But Chloe struggles with a love that exposes the soul. What will her family think? What will her friends think? And is she worthy of his love. It’s having to become another person for a new group of people. Chloe knows she’s not perfect but apparently she was when she was Amanda in another life. Her new friends won’t let her forget. It’s the stench of death that hoovers over her every move. It’s the threat of finality as she tries to acclimate to a life of super human proportions. It’s an enemy she can’t see, doesn’t remember, and can be anyone she’s ever known. But her enemy knows her well. She’s the lone person with the ability to destroy him. But she doesn’t remember. And it’s never discovering who she really is before finality meets reality. Finding Me on Amazon
Spirit Vision by Morgan Straughan Comnick If God gave you a mission, would you answer His call? The Lord has given Stary, a high school freshman, a mission: extinguish the evil residing in the murderer of two teens—Maren and Umbra. Stary never imagined that her strange visions meant that she was the Spirit Warrior for God and now with her powers activated, she must train to use them and try not to get caught by the murderer who has the ability to hide and conjure up the dark powers from the fallen angel himself—Lucifer. If Stary fails, not only will she lose her life, but Maren and Umbra will lose their entry into heaven and the world will be exposed to the madness of the murderer for the next forty years until the new Spirit Warrior is born. Spirit Vision on Amazon Meet The Authors a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best Friends...Forevers?

I am happy to host my fellow Clean Reads (Astraea Press) author Krysten Lindsay Hager on my blog today. Book two of her series True Colors was released this week and reached the #1 spot on the Hot New Releases in Children's Books and the #1 spot for Hot New Releases Teen and Young Adult in Values & Virtues. 




Here is an excerpt of her best selling book Best Friends...Forever? (Book 2 of True Color)



I got ready for bed and then stopped to check my social media page one more time and that's when I saw it — another picture of Peyton, India, and Devon hanging out. They were sitting on the couch with their heads scrunched close together and laughing. It was a cute picture, but then I saw the caption: So glad we could all be together for the holidays. Love these guys soooo much! Best friends forever. #Alltogether #Threemusketeers #BestFriendsForever #ThreeBestFriends #ThreesCompany.
My heart sank. It was India’s caption and anyone who read it would think what a close‑knit group of friends and not realize anyone was missing from that photo. Sure, I was in another state, so naturally I couldn’t be there for it, but the way India wrote that made me feel so left out. I mean, what did she mean by the "ʺThree’s Company"ʺ hashtag? And sometimes people tagged friends who weren’t there in pictures and added, "ʺWish you were here,"ʺ but there was no mention of a fourth member of the group.
“Ready for bed, hon?” Mom asked coming into my room.
“Yeah, just signing off.”
“Okay, sleep well.”
I got into bed and hoped I was reading into things, but the knot in my stomach wouldn’t go away.
  Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFp2fPFbvTQ&feature=youtu.be   
Author bio: Krysten Lindsay Hager is the author of the Landry’s True Colors Series, a clean reads young adult series. Krysten writes about  friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, middle school and high school, frenemies, modeling, crushes, values, and self-image in both True Colors and Best Friends…Forever? Krysten is an Amazon international bestselling author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. What people are saying about True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One): From Teenage Book Recommendations in the UK: "This is a fantastically relatable and real book which I feel captures all of the insecurities and troubles which haunt the modern teenage girl. It is about a young model who has to go through tough times when she is torn between a life as a model and managing her friendships. You learn which friends she can most trust and which will create the drama typical of teenage life. Follow the life of Landry and try to see if you can find out which are her true friends before their true colours are revealed. This book is all about relationships, hopes and truth. I loved this book!" From Books & Authors Spot: “This book is such an inspiration for those who just care about their looks and are tensed about them. This thing is looks aren't everything. This book is related to every teen's problem. Hager has written a very inspiring novel.” Buy Links: Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Best-Friends-Forever-Landrys-Colors-ebook/dp/B00UIP1N5S/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1427190173&sr=1-2 Amazon international: http://authl.it/B00UIP1N5S Barnesandnoble.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/krysten-lindsay-hager Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/best-friends-forever-19 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/best-friends...-forever/id979714114?mt=11 Connect with Krysten: Website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/      Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay    
  

One Breath at a Time-A Year Later

                                                                              

  On the day of my mother-in-law's funeral I made a promise to my niece that I never dreamed would come true. She asked me if I would take care of her children if anything were to happen to her. Having lost her brother in a car crash, father from a sudden heart attack, and her mother at the hands of a murderer, my husband and I were whom she turned to for family support. Of course I reassured her that if something were to happen, we would take her children, but that she would be around a long time. She was a single mom who did an amazing job of raising her kids on her own. The children were fourteen and twelve, I fully believed that God wouldn't allow her to be taken from them.

One year ago today, five months after I made that promise, I received the news she'd died. The words knocked me to my knees. I cried out to God asking him why this kept happening. Why she, like my nephew, and sister-in-law were taken from us without warning. Each death tragic. Now two children were motherless in a state away. Just like when we got word of her mother's death, the five hour drive was a blur.

 The enormity of what lied ahead of us weighed heavy on my chest. Planning her funeral, how to pay for it, and most importantly what was best for the children. The thought of their future depending on us took me under many times. I awoke from a sleep in the hotel in a panic more than once, broke down in tears on and off daily. Voices of others drowned me. Some told me we were doing the right thing by petitioning for custody. Others treated my husband and I like we were the villains in this situation by taking the kids away from their home.  The voice I needed to hear the most was God's.
   

  I asked him to lead my path a day at time, an hour at a time, and some days....a breath at a time. He answered..through words from someone, a verse I'd read, a door opening, or blessings poured onto to the children and us through the generosity of others.

  The last year hasn't been easy. The children had a tough road to travel. Grieving their mom, transitioning to new schools, a new home and family, leaving their friends..but each day is another step forward. One year later, I couldn't imagine my life without them. They are my kids now. I love them with all my heart. They are no longer my daughter's cousins, they are their sister and brother. Today isn't going to be easy. It'll bring a fresh batch of tears and grief. We'll make it though...one breath at time.
                                 

1000 Voices Speak for Compassion

                 For the 1000 Voices Speak for Compassion Blog-a-thon, I will speak about an area dear to my heart. Anyone who truly knows me will tell you that I have a heart for children. They make me happy. I enjoy their innocence and sincerity. Their world is the focus of my blogging and other writing. As adults we have a tremendous responsibility of shaping the impressionable minds of our youth. We do this best my modeling with our actions.                               
          I want to tell you a story that makes me proud. It's one of a young girl that is very special to me.  I hope others learn from her action of compassion for another.


    Jamie distracts herself by texting on her phone---alone at a table. She's used to being left out by the rest of the freshmen on the team. I watch her with sadness growing in the pit of my stomach. As a leader on the team, I can't stand to see another teammate treated the way she's been. The extra jab in the stomach during practice, the snickers and giggles when she messes up, and this.

  Compassion for her spreads through my chest and pierces my heart.  I pick up my food and join her at the table. "Hey," I say startling her.

  "Oh, hi Kate," she shifts in her seat. Her eyes widen when the rest of girls from my table join us.

  "What's up Jamie?" my friend Sarah grins at her.

"Hi guys," she pushes her glasses up with a smile that reaches her eyes. We talk about nothing really, but keep her company. I feel good that we made her smile, even if only for a little while...

Check out 1000 Voices Speak Compassion on FB.

If Only for Awhile

                                             



    She distracts herself by texting on her phone---alone at a table. She's used to being left out by the rest of the freshmen on the team. I watch her with pity growing in the pit of my stomach. As a leader on the team, I can't stand to see another teammate treated the way she's been. The extra jab in the stomach during practice, the snickers and giggles when she messes up, and this.

   I pick up my food and join her at the table. "Hey," I say startling her.

  "Oh, hi Kate," she shifts in her seat. Her eyes widen when the rest of girls from my table join us.

  "What's up Jamie?" my friend Sarah grins at her.

"Hi guys," she pushes her glasses up with a smile that reaches her eyes. We talk about nothing really, but keep her company. I feel good that we made her smile, even if only for a little while...


Make the world suck less.....dosomething.org

Own It and Move On

    
My words left my finger tips before I let my mind process them. I tapped the words and hit send. After a heated text exchange I realized I messed up. I'm soaked in regret wishing I could turn back the clock. I think of the famous quote..."this too shall pass." I pray for God's guidance until it does. And to think, we talk about kids being hasty with technology. I think I just swallowed a super sized helping of my own words.

                                                                                          Signed,
                                                                                  Learning Lessons the Hard Way

Save the Drama for Your Mama


 Inside the stall, I heard giggles and saw three pairs of feet under the door-wearing designer boots. “She is so freaking weird.” I heard one of them say.
“I know right? I heard she kissed that gross Shane Baker with blue lipstick. I don’t care if it was a challenge, that’s nasty.” Another voice said.
“Who’s that girl she’s been hanging out with?” Asked the third voice. I tensed.
 “She’s a new girl.” The first voice said, “I hate to break the news to you Haley. I think Chase likes her. Have you seen the way he looks at her?” My heart flip-flopped.
“Uh uh. There’s no way,” Haley said. “Have you seen her hand? It’s disgusting.”
 Tears sprang into my eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut and pushed them back. My heart raced. My blood boiled, flowing hot and angry.  I’m ticked! I flung the stall door open. Three heads swiveled in my direction. I stepped up to the sink and washed my hands, purposely shook the water off of them so my right hand was visible, and made eye contact with lemon head, who I now knew was Haley.
 The three girls watch me wide-eyed and silent. I strolled out of the bathroom with my head held high.Drama, drama, drama. The daily life of a teenager. Rumors, jealously, backstabbing, name calling .....unfortunately these things seem to be a normal part of high school. 

 What's shocking to me is when this behavior carries over into adulthood. Grown adults bickering over nonsense,  jealousy of others, and engaging in the "he said, she said".  Ain't nobody got time for that.

 It all makes me want to use my lame come back from my teenage days....Save the Drama for Your Mama.

Feel What You Write

 I read once that if a writer doesn't feel the emotion of the character while writing, that the reader won't feel it either. This statement is so true. While writing my short story, Beyond Vica, I felt the emotional ups and downs of Gabby's journey in each scene I wrote. I felt it so much that by the end of the story tears trickled down my face. That's how I knew I poured my heart and soul into that story.

  Last week, a couple of new reviews came in from Goodreads that confirmed to me that I in fact accomplished the statement I had heard about the reader feeling the emotion. What an amazing feeling knowing that my writing touched readers so much.


    Review of Beyond Vica

"This book made me cry in its 75 pages more than any other book I've ever read, even if they had 500 pages.
I just felt so so so much while reading it. I can't even begin to describe how much this author can share with such few words."

  Another Reviewer

So beautiful and special.
Those two words describe this book perfectly. It was like a journey, an experience that was heartwarming and so enticing that I felt connected to the characters in just a few pages............

.......This is a book that I will always cherish because every word seemed so precious. Every moment lived, so special. And just...beautiful.

*You can read more of each review by clicking the headings.*

Her Hair is Full of Secrets

   I can quote Mean Girls with the best of them. That movie is a classic that makes me laugh every time I watch it.  Real mean girls aren't so funny, however. If you read my post,  Big Hair and Bullies, you know the impact bullying can have on girls.

   Starla Emerson, the heroin of my new story, knows all to what its like to have a physical disability and fall victim to mean girls. She not only faces the mean comments and whispering at school, she deals with internet harassment as well.

 While writing this story I looked into facts about cyber bullying....
81%  of teens say its easier to bully someone online than in person.70% see frequent bullying online90% of teens who have seen bullying online say they ignore itGirls are more likely to fall victim to online bullies than boys
These are just a few facts I found at dosomething.org.  Do Something has campaigns teens can sign up for to "make the world suck less".  Maybe Starla should check it out.