Cassandra Dean's Blog: Blog of Bloggy Blogness, page 11

Cover Reveal: Seal the Deal by JoAnne Kenrick

Coming this OCTOBER

Contemporary bestselling author JoAnne Kenrick



Isle of myth and magic. Destined Mates. One extraordinary night.



SEAL THE DEAL, Isle of Man and Selkie book one.


Click for more details

 

 

 

Guest author: Iris Blobel

Peeps, today we have Iris Blobel on the blog, chatting about her brand new release. Please make her feel welcome!

 

Thanks, Cassandra, for having me on your blog today, and thanks for the opportunity to talk a bit about my latest release NEW BEGINNINGS, the first in the trilogy of the “Beginnings-series”.

New Beginnings is set in Hobart. I think it was a bit over fifteen years ago when I set foot on Tasmanian soil for the first time. I was about to endeavour on a Contiki Tour for about ten days. It was January and freezing cold – that’s about all I can remember. AND the ghost tour. Dang, I was scared! I promised myself to never come back again. But places like Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Launceston and Freycinet made me fall in love with the island. And yes, I did return a couple of times – I was even blessed with warm weather!

I usually try to include Tasmania in my books. JOURNEY TO HER DREAMS is set in Launceston and Ireland, INNOCENT TEARS has a small bit in Tasmania, and my latest release NEW BEGINNINGS is completely set in Hobart. Where better to set a story than in a city fully of mystery and intrigue?

Thank you all for visiting today. I hope you’ll enjoy the small excerpt below.

 

 

To believe in new beginnings is to trust in tomorrow

Twenty-two-year-old Sophie Levesque has been guardian to eight-year-old sister Mia since their mother’s death a few years ago. Luck comes their way when they inherit a small house in Hobart. Problem is, though, they don’t know or have even heard of Clara Bellinger, the testator, and Sophie is afraid it’s all been a mistake.

As Mia settles well into her new school and life in general, Sophie is not only occupied by her search of what connected her to Clara, but also her new studies and the two men, who suddenly have become part of her daily life – Mark O’Connor, the lawyer representing Clara’s estate, and Zach, the hunk from across the road.

 

Amazon: US | UK | Canada

Astraea Press | Smashwords | Bookstrand

 

 

~ Excerpt ~

Chapter One

Sophie stared at the attorney, waiting for some answers. She and her sister, Mia, had been quietly sitting in Mr. O’Connor’s office for more than half an hour, and had learnt about the details of their inheritance.

“Who?”

“Clara Catherine Bellinger.”

“Who is she?” Mia asked.

Startled by the subtle sound of the clock chiming across the road, Sophie’s gaze turned to the window, where she saw the post office building across the road. It looked impressive and old. Surely, an old place like this would have its own ghosts — after all, Hobart was renowned for its lively spirits.

Her younger sister’s gentle touch on her arm reminded her she hadn’t answered the question, yet. “I wouldn’t have a clue.” Sophie shrugged and focused her attention back on Mr. O’Connor. Although hearing his words, she still found it hard to comprehend. Here she was in this old office, furnished with heavy antique oak furniture, the curtains in a pretty shade of aubergine, and the carpet beneath her shoes thick and warm in a matching shade.

“I believe she was a distant relative of yours. I’m afraid I don’t have any further details,” he replied.

Sophie arched an eyebrow in disbelief. Was he serious? What kind of lawyer was he? Sure, Tasmania was at the very end of Australia, but wouldn’t they have the same education? With a slight shrug of her shoulder, she asked, “Why not?”

He stared at her. “Pardon me?”

Sitting up straight, she repeated, “Why not? Why aren’t there any further details?”

He looked uneasy, but she didn’t care. She needed to know. Sophie had received a call from the lawyer a week earlier, and he’d told her about an

inheritance. He’d given her details on where to pick up tickets to Hobart. Some legality, he had said. She needed to come in and sign documents for the transfer of ownership.

“Ms. Bellinger was one of the partner’s clients. I was only given the details shortly after the client’s death.”

Sophie drew in her lips. Her eyes darted over to the window as she took a few deep breaths, inwardly calming herself. Nothing had ever been easy in her life. “Why isn’t the partner here?”

He took a deep breath. “Retired.”

As she pondered on that for a moment, she began to think about what life could be like with this inheritance. Different. Better. Another sigh escaped as she returned her gaze to the man behind the desk. “You can’t just leave your assets to just anybody, can you?”

“Miss Lever—”

“Levesque,” she helped him.

Their eyes met.

“Are you refusing the bequest?” he asked hesitantly, and she clearly noticed how one of his eyebrows arched upward.

Staring blankly with her mouth open, she could feel the panic running through her veins with every thump of her erratic heartbeat. An uncomfortable silence fell over them for a moment. Then she quickly said, “No. No, of course not. We’re accepting.” She turned to look at her younger sister. “We’re actually looking forward to seeing it.”

And with one swift movement, he stood and went to a little cupboard near the window and retrieved a bunch of keys. “Would you like me to take you there?”

Still feeling that rush within her, Sophie took Mia’s hand and inclined her head in answer. “Is it far?” Her voice sounded tired. Even to herself. It had been a long day already. She stood and thinking how tired she was, Sophie placed her arm around Mia, who was probably exhausted.

“No, not at all. Five to ten minute drive, I’d say.”

“I still don’t understand. Why us?” Sophie asked quietly, meeting his gaze and, for the first time, actually taking in his icy-blue eyes. He was very attractive. Too attractive for a boring lawyer. His face was tanned by wind and sun, and there always seemed to be a hint of a smile on his face. His blond curling hair was cut short. Her gaze fixed back on his mouth. Blushing, she quickly looked away.

The attorney turned to them. He scratched the back of his head. “Ma’am, what I know is that both of you are in the will. What I know is that I was supposed to fly you down here to officially read you the will. What I know is that I’m supposed to hand over the keys to you, and to let you know that your expenses are covered for the next twenty-four months. I did not know Ms. Bellinger, as one of the retired partners wrote up the will. I do not know who she was or in which way she was connected to you. I assumed she was a distant relative.”

Sophie took her sister’s hand as she thought about his last comment. Distant relative? Her mother would have at least mentioned her once. She sighed and tried to understand, not the circumstances that had brought her there, but the fact that the attorney just didn’t know. “Oh well, let’s go then.”

He pinched his nose with his thumb and index finger and took a deep breath. “Okay. Look, Miss Lever—”

“Levesque,” Sophie helped him again. This time somewhat more firmly.

Running his thumb over his eyebrow, he stepped closer, but not so close as to be intimidating. “I’m sorry. It’s been one extraordinary week,” he said with his voice just above a whisper. “Once I get back I’ll check with the partners here to see whether anybody knows more about it.”

One extraordinary week? His remark irked her. In fact it was downright annoying. Holding Mia even closer to her side, she lifted her finger and pointed at him. “No offence, Mr. O’Connor, but it has been quite a week for us as well, and I was prepared to answer all your questions. I have one simple question, and you don’t know. Wouldn’t there be something in the file?” Sophie was a kind person.

Kindness was her middle name, but she wouldn’t have got that far in life if she hadn’t watched some of those nasty actresses on television and copied them. And the stare. Sophie met his surprised frown dead-on.

He frowned and seemed taken aback by her words. “No offence taken.” And then he let out a deep breath. “You’re right. I apologise. As I said, I’ll find out details and let you know.”

“Thank you, Mr. O’Connor,” she replied as she blew out a breath.

“What about our stuff?” Mia whispered to Sophie.

Sophie moved her head to look down at her sister, but before she had a chance to say anything, he beat her to it. “What stuff?” he asked as he opened the door.

“Considering what we inherited here, we brought all our things,” Sophie explained without looking at him.

The attorney stopped in his tracks. “All, as in all your clothes?”

Sophie’s eyes met his. She emitted a small sigh, but tried to keep her composure. It was something she had learnt over the last few years. Standing straight, she corrected him. “All, as in all our belongings.”

They stepped outside the building and followed Mr. O’Connor with their suitcases. Two teenage boys walked past them, eager to get the attention of some girls across the road. Aware of the attention, the girls covered their mouths with their hands and broke into giggles. Sophie’s stomach churned. So many things she had missed out on in life. But it was going to be better from now on, she reminded herself, and straightened up as she followed Mr. O’Connor.

 

Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she actually had met her future husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only recently emerged, but now her laptop is a constant companion. Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her beautiful two daughters as well as her two dogs. Next to her job at a private school she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.

 

 

 

Cover reveal: Dance Away Danger by Alexa Bourne #giveaway

Peeps, we’re having a deluge of cover reveals! We’re so fortunate to have a sneak peek at these fabulous upcoming books. Today we have Alexa Bourne and her newest release. Enjoy!

 

Book 1 in the Hanover Haven Series

 

Sensible dance instructor Tessa Gage likes her life organized, risk-free and on her own terms. But she’s thrown out of her comfort zone when her cop brother goes missing, his crooked partner tries to kill her, and a handsome stranger claims he’s come to protect her. With more dance and business sense than survival skills and no idea who to trust, Tessa has no choice but to rely on this man who’d rather be anywhere but by her side.

When carefree carpenter Matt Rylan gets a late night call from an Army buddy who once saved his life, he finds himself where he never again wanted to be, responsible for someone else. Honor demands Matt cooperate, but he never expects his simple babysitting job to test the limits of his self-control. Nor does he expect it to explode into a race against time for his very freedom.

As Tessa and Matt get closer to the truth, and to each other, Tessa learns to step outside the safety of her world to help set the wheels of justice in motion. For Matt, supporting this courageous woman suddenly becomes everything to him. But his biggest challenge remains sharing his closed-off heart with her and convincing her to trust him before the danger silences them both forever.

 


Coming soon from Fated Desires Publishing

 

Giveaway!
Leave a comment on either the story or the cover and you’ll be in the running for winning a prize from Alexa! The contest will run throughout the weekend and winner(s) will be chosen from all commenters during the “cover reveal” party.

 

 

 

Have you been watching…Anticipated TV shows

My love of TV + my blog = Awesome fun sharing times.

Enjoy the shows I think are The Shizz

 

Anticipated TV Shows

 

This week, in honour of the upcoming Autumn/Fall Schedules of the US and the UK, I thought I’d chat about the new shows I’m looking forward to:

 

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

It’s Joss. JOSS. Enough said.

Oh, all right, I’ll say a little more. A TV spin-off of the Marvel Universe currently dominating the moofies (Iron Man 1, 2 & 3; Thor and Thor: The Dark World; Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier; The Avengers), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D will follow the adventures of Agent Phil Coulson (He’s not dead. LIKE I SAID FROM THE BEGINNING) and the crack team of superspies he’s assembled (Heh. See what I did there?) It will be brilliant, I’m sure, and give Joss even more leverage to do whatever the hell he wants. I am more than okay with this.

 

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

A spin off from Once Upon A Time, I have moderate hopes this show might build upon the initial promise I saw in its parent series. While Once Upon A Time went off the rails for me, I have hopes …Wonderland will be better. If nothing else, it’s got a decidedly Victorian feel, an interesting heroine and Michael Socha (beloved from Being Human). I’ll give it a red hot go, that’s for sure.

 

The Michael J Fox Show

A single camera comedy which has all the hallmarks of the three-camera sitcom, it shouldn’t work…and yet from the promo, fingers and toes it will. This show looks like it will be heartwarming and funny…and it has the amazing Michael J Fox at its centre. I admire greatly how Michael J Fox has taken his Parkinsons in his stride, still working and being amazing. His recurring role in The Good Wife is outstanding, showing that people with chronic illness or disabilities are inherently no different from those who are able-bodied – they can scheme and connive and be just as devious I’m sure this show will do something similar and I can’t wait to see what it’s all about.

 

Dracula

Hmm. I…Hmm. Could be good, could be…not good. Meh. Will give it a go!

 

Sleepy Hollow

Yeah. I don’t know. I’m hopeful, but…I don’t know.

 

Almost Human

I really like Karl Urban. I am not at all sure about this. From the promo, it seems a bit cliched, but hey, I’m happy to be proven wrong. Prove me wrong, Almost Human.

 

Rake (US)

This show is based upon the Australian version I LOVE. I’m not sure how the translation to American will work, but I’m interested to check it out. If nothing else, I reckon Greg Kinnear will be great to watch.

 

The Originals

I do like and admire The Vampire Diaries immensely. If you ever want to know how to structure a breakneck pace believably and with pathos, The Vampire Diaries is your example. It will be interesting to see if they can translate the success of the parent show to this darker, more adult tale about the Original Vampires. Plus, if we can get Klaus and Caroline in some sort of awesome tortured love arc, that would just be brill.

 

The Blacklist

The main reason I’m including The Blacklist is because I love James Spader. He’s a brill actor who I’m convinced he wears a fat suit (ask Lucy Clark about this particular delusion of mine). I’m not sure about the premise of the show, but I’m willing to give it the first six episodes* to convince me.

 

Family Tree

It’s from Christopher Guest, it will be on HBO and it stars Chris O’Dowd. It’s going to be hilariousnessness. I feel it in my waters.

 

 

While I was looking up the shows that were coming in September, I found these gems that might just show up on our screens next year:

 

Black Sails (2014)

It’s airing on Starz, so it might just fill the dark and encompassing void left by my beloved Spartacus being no more. Or it might not. I am hopeful, but two words fill me with dread – Michael Bay.

 

Penny Dreadful (2014)

I don’t know what this is, but the premise sounds awesome. Great literary creations stalking the streets of Victorian London, causing murder and mayhem and held at bay by a team of misfits? Sound grand. Plus, it has
 

Bitten (2014)

Based upon Kelley Armstrong’s awesome book, I hope the makers do the source material justice. I heart the Otherworld series a lot and it will just be the bees knees if they get the TV show right.

 

American Gods (2014)

NEIL GAIMAN IS WRITING THE SCRIPT OF HIS OWN BOOK AND IT WILL AIR ON HBO AND OH MY GOD I THINK I’M GOING TO FAINT.

 

Outlander (2014)

Ronald D Moore is adapting this from Diana Gabaldon’s novel. Yes, that Ronald D Moore. If he does as good a job as he did with the early seasons of Battlestar Galactica, this could be super awesome indeed.

 

 

So that’s it, peeps. What do you think of my choices? What shows are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments.

xx

 

 

* The first six episodes of a show are traditionally a bit rocky. After that time, the writers mostly figure out what works and what doesn’t and the show settles into what it’s likely to be for the rest of its run.

 

 

 

Hump Day Hook – Wounded Heart #HDH

 

Welcome to Hump Day Hook, a weekly list of authors showcasing their work around the Internets. A big thanks to the wonderful peeps at Hump Day Hook for making this possible.

This week, I’m featuring my contribution to the anthology The Mammoth Book of ER Romance, ‘Wounded Heart’. A romantic medical suspense tale, ‘Wounded Heart’ features a dedicated cop and a brilliant doctor fighting to keep safe a critical witness to a crime. Enjoy!

And to the side, slumped in a chair that didn’t look any more comfortable than the ones in the A&E waiting room, was Detective Hicks.

Matt’s heart stuttered in his chest. Even tired, she looked gorgeous. Her light brown hair was a tumbled mess, tied back with a band that seemed to be losing the battle, and her sensible coat and comfortable trousers could probably do with a press, but she was the best sight he’d seen all day.

 

 

 

Learn MORE about ‘Wounded Heart’ here

 

Visit Hump Day Hook and discover more wonderful authors!

 

 

Three Wishes Blog Blitz

The Three Wishes Blog Blitz is hosted by Juliet Madison.
Let the celebrations begin!

 

 

 

Hey peeps!

Welcome to the Three Wishes Blog Blitz . Big thanks go to Juliet Madison for hosting.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Cassandra Dean and I write historical romance ranging from sweet to steamy. I also play about in the eras, roaming from Ancient Rome to Victorian to the Old West and beyond.

Why is it called the Three Wishes Blog Blitz? Juliet’s new romantic comedy release, I DREAM OF JOHNNY, is about three wishes, a high-tech genie in a lamp, and one very unfortunate typo that proves magic isn’t all it cracked up to be…From 2nd to 6th September you’ll have the chance to win some awesome prizes at all the blogs participating in the blitz, including mine. All you have to do is follow my instructions below for winning the prize I have on offer, and then you can click over to Juliet’s blog to enter her prize draw, and see the list of all other blogs taking part and enter their giveaways as well. How cool is that?

As this is the Three Wishes Blog Blitz, I thought I’d talk about my three wishes. Hmm. What three things would I wish for? Gosh, this wasn’t supposed to be difficult!

Alrighty, here goes:

1) to be all soppy and sappy, health and happiness for my family and friends;

2) for me, Michael Fassbender’s phone number

3) a never-ending packet of Tim Tams.

Enjoy the Blog Blitz, peeps!

 

 

THE SILK SERIES, BOOK 1

Eight years ago…

Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.

When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her.

 

Available NOW

Decadent Publishing

Amazon: US | UK | Canada

Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks

 

 

Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.

Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born.

So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels.

The love affair exists to this very day.

Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

 

You can find Cassandra at:

CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com

 

 

And now, the giveaway#!

Enter via Rafflecopter below to go in the running to win a signed SILK & SCANDAL postcard, a SILK & SCANDAL magnet and a Mystery Prize. International entries are welcome – if Australia Post can reach your country, you can enter.

 

Enter via Rafflecopter giveaway

 


Click here to hop the blogs
for your chance to win fabulous prizes

 

 

Hump Day Hook – Rough Diamond #HDH

Welcome to Hump Day Hook, a weekly list of authors showcasing their work around the Internets. A big thanks to the wonderful peeps at Hump Day Hook for making this possible.

I’ve been off the radar a bit for Hump Day Hook recently but now I’m back! This week, I’m featuring featuring Book 1 in The Diamond Series, ROUGH DIAMOND. This week I also discovered ROUGH DIAMOND is only $2.99 at Amazon – Why? Who knows! But take advantage before someone wises up and it goes back to its regular-like price Oh, and ROUGH DIAMOND is GBP1.98 at Amazon UK!

 

Rupert leaned against the wall next to the door. Mrs. Reynolds wore black, just as she had the night before. If the color was in deference to her husband’s passing, she wore it long after what was expected of a widow. Her husband had been dead, what? Five years? Six? In any case, she should have laid off the black long ago. Could it be she had another reason for such stark garb?

 

 

 

 

 

Learn MORE about ROUGH DIAMOND here

 

Visit Hump Day Hook and discover more wonderful authors!

 

 

 

ROUGH DIAMOND now on sale

Peeps, on my jaunts around the nets, I discovered ROUGH DIAMOND is on sale at Amazon – $2.99 & £1.98.

How super cool is that? Now you can get the first book in The Diamond Series for three fifths of its regular price (like what I did there??) Make sure you snap it up before Amazon come to their senses!

 



 

 

 

Winner! TRS End of Summer Bash

Peeps, we have a winner for The Romance Studio End of Summer Bash! Congratulations…

 

Kimmy Lange!

 

Kimmy has won a USD$5 Amazon.com Gift Card, a signed TEACH ME postcard and a TEACH ME magnet. Congrats, Kimmy!

I’d also like to extend a massive THANK YOU to all who participated. I hope you had heaps of fun at the party and join me for the next TRS bash. Hot tip, there’s a rumour The Romance Studio is turning 10 in September…

xx

 

 

 

COVER REVEAL: Charmed by Cate Masters

Peeps, we’re very lucky to have Cate Masters on the blog again with another Cover Reveal. The cover is for CHARMED, second in The Vitruvian Man series and part of Decadent TEASE: Allure. Check it out below!

 

 



Brought together by accident, bound by fate—and magic. Love works its charm over Bruno DiCesare and Melina Weaver during his transformation from beast to man. But love likewise blinds them to the secrets each holds. Bruno thinks his secret will devastate Melina. Melina’s afraid Bruno will hate her for what she’s become. Neither guess the greatest danger lurks outside their door – and will force them to decide between love and life itself.

 

The Vitruvian Man, book 2

Dark fantasy/paranormal romance

Coming Aug. 30, 2013

Decadent Publishing

 

 

 

~Excerpt~

Wow, so fast. Melina held Bruno’s hand until his grasp went slack. The treatment seemed to take effect almost as soon as he’d swallowed it. He shouldn’t react immediately; his body should be able to handle it better by this time. Unless Eldie increased the dosage?

Suspicion drew her gaze to the bottle. Of course she couldn’t tell by sight, and she had no idea what ingredients the sorceress had used in the other preparations. She shouldn’t have agreed to it so readily, nor trusted Eldie so blindly. In any other situation, she’d have asked to review the complete specifications.

She stroked Bruno’s arm. I wanted him cured for me as much as for himself. If her selfishness harmed him in any way, she’d carry that guilt forever. Try to make it up to him forever.

For now, she’d have to occupy her mind with something else or drive herself insane. His deep breaths meant he’d sleep for at least a day.

A hushed sigh sounded from the other room.

“Eldie?” Back so soon?

No answer came except for a slight rustle. She crept to the curtain. “Who’s here?”

Even as she asked, she sensed a presence unlike any she’d encountered before. Everything remained as she’d left it, the lamp glowing in the center of the table, laptop beside the scattered books. Lucky the sorceress hadn’t seen them. Luck, or something more.

She returned to the volume she’d left open. A page rippled, lifted straight up and fell over. Another muffled sigh escaped. Melina. The whisper so slight, it was barely audible. Yet without a doubt, she heard her name.

She traced a finger down the spine. It quivered beneath her touch like the plucked string of a guitar. With a gasp, she jerked her hand back.

Uncertain she hadn’t imagined it, she repeated the move and got the same result.

How? She pulled the chair close to the table and examined the pages. Nothing out of the ordinary, except perhaps how finely executed the handwritten entries appeared, each letter as perfect as the last. Almost like they’d been printed to fool the eye of a curious reader. An Italian reader. If only these were in English.

The longer she studied the text, the clearer it became. The letters blurred, shimmered, then shifted, rearranging themselves into… English. She didn’t need to enter the words into the translator site on her laptop, she understood every sentence.

She ran her fingers lightly over the page. The letters shifted again, scattering at her touch, as if she’d disturbed the surface of a pond.

“What the…” It changed back to Italian, the letters appearing to float. She swirled a fingertip across the surface, and the words formed a swarm, like a school of fish following bait. Like fish, they seemed to nibble at the tip of her finger. Impossible, but it tickled.

Fascinating. But this silliness got her nowhere. She’d never learn anything if this kept up. “Stop.”

The scripted words froze in a jumbled, nonsensical order.

She hovered her hand above the passage, and the letters stretched up off the page in tall columns to meet it. The pull of the connection reached inside her skin, as if it had been magnetized.

This is crazy. But obviously it’s not. It’s happening. It’s real.

 

 

About Cate

Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. When not spending time with her dear hubby, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.

Cate loves to hear from readers! Email her at: cate.masters@gmail.com

 

Catch up to Cate

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon