Jean Murray's Blog, page 13
January 22, 2013
3 Goddesses ~ 3 Books ~ 1 KindlePaperwhite: Gods & Heroes Part 2 of 4
Okay, let’s continue our fun – Part two. If you missed the first post (Part 1) it’s not too late. Click on the link. (ALL giveaways on these posts are US/Canada. For international entries – where Amazon available and not to exceed USD).
9am : Gods & Heroes/Part 1 – Meet Bakari of Soul Awakened ~ Giveaway – Encyclopedia Mythologica (These books are awesome – pop-up book on steroids. I love them so much I hate to give them away. I only have two. Value $30)
12pm: – Gods & Heroes/Part 2 – Meet Kendra of Soul Awakened ~ Giveaway – Ancient Egyptian Themed Tarot Cards (This is my last deck. Value $12)
3pm: Gods & Heroes/Part 3 - Meet Bomani of Soul Awakened ~ Giveaway – Encyclopedia Mythologica
6pm: Gods & Heroes Finale ~ Giveaway – Autographed copy of Soul Reborn and Wicked Romance Canvas Tote Bag
**********
Gods & Heroes/Part 2 – Meet Kendra of Soul Awakened
Giveaway ~ Egyptian Tarot Cards
Giveaway – Egyptian Tarot Cards (Value $12)
LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR
Kendra, an Egyptologist and demi-god in waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the god with a spell that only death will undo. To save Bakari from himself, she may have to sacrifice her innocence, and possibly her soul, before he becomes his family’s worst enemy.
HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST
Bakari awakens to a world at war and a beautiful woman who has tethered his soul to hers. In the wake of his self-destruction Kendra is his only hope of salvation, but another has vowed to keep Bakari from the one thing he craves most– his Parvana. His butterfly.
*********************
Kendra
Chapter 2 Excerpt
Bitter thoughts chased Kendra down the next damp corridor. Spanning floor to ceiling, formidable iron bars thicker than the ones at the entrance loomed ahead. The black stone at the edges swallowed the bars into its core. From appearances she could only assume the metal stretched the circumference of the cell, hidden beneath the breadth of impenetrable rock. Her mind pondered what would require such enormity to contain. Why had Asar chosen this cell for his son?
Three large guardians stood rigid against the wall. Long bladed sabers decorated their chests. Based on the way the males shifted on their feet and the weapons they brandished, there was a good reason for the isolation of this sarcophagus. Even Bomani’s posture stiffened to the point that her small hand was crushed between his bicep and forearm. She wiggled her fingers free and shook them.
“Sorry.” He clasped her hand and caressed her fingers gently with the rough pad of his thumb. His brows furrowed slightly before he released her hand. He shifted his gaze to the large open crypt. His gold eyes darkened almost to the color of his skin and a cold current of energy filled the space around him.
Blanketed in Bomani’s cold embrace, Kendra shivered. She had spent hours standing next to this sarcophagus in the human realm, but never felt this level of anxiety. Upon her insistence the wooden sarcophagus had been placed inside a stone vault before transporting it from Thebes, Egypt. She wanted the evidence preserved for her inspection. Her gift would help her release the god who slept inside.
She nodded to the sentry and the black bars slid open. With her heart pounding in her ears she stepped over the threshold. She maneuvered around the crypt’s lid that had been laid upon the floor. The wooden tomb sat upon pillars that elevated it above the stone base. A loud click drew her attention to the gate. The heavy door sealed her in the room.
Turning to the sarcophagus, she rubbed the goose bumps on her arms. With her focus on the tomb, the darkness and the warriors standing on the other side of the bars retreated from her consciousness.
She circled around the burial chamber. The hieroglyphics carved into the wood spanned the entire circumference, even the underside. It saddened her to think Bakari had to be confined to the dungeon after all he had been through, but Asar insisted it was for everyone’s safety. After five years of torture at the hands of the malevolent goddess Kepi, the god who lay inside would be forever changed. For good or bad, Kendra didn’t know, but hoped for the best.
“Hello, Bakari. How are you doing today?” she asked, retracing her steps. “If you don’t already know, my name is Kendra. I’m going to help you out of this box.” She glanced through the iron bars at Bomani and the guards, who had taken position along the wall. Their eyes reflected a strange trepidation.
The tension in the air gave her pause. Asar assured her she would be safe, as long as the lid was closed. His reassurances did little to control the curling anxiety in her belly. She shook off the uneasiness and refocused on the task.
Not unlike archeological excavations, she approached the sarcophagus in a logical and methodical manner: broad view working in small increments down to the miniscule. This was another unearthed tomb, kind of. The only difference, this one contained the God of Death and was sealed with a spell no one should have to endure.
Scientifically driven, she looked for any clues that might be apparent. The crypt should have preserved the evidence, if there was any. Specimen bags sat on a workbench against the wall along with collection tools. She picked up gloves, tweezers, and a clear bag. The surface of the wooden tomb was surprisingly smooth, even within the hand carved symbols. A few areas were scuffed, allowing small slivers of wood to poke out. On five separate locations she found long hairs.
Red, blonde, black, and brown. Brown?
She could account for all the other colors based on the various bodies Kepi had possessed, but brown was not one of them. She ruled out her own hair, as hers was reddish brown. The warriors had short military cuts. This one had a course wave to it. From a reven, perhaps? Kepi’s undead army of soulless humans was nothing more than decaying flesh. It was reasonable to think a reven could be the source.
She took pictures prior to plucking them away from the surface and tucking the hair strands into separate bags. With her marker she wrote the locations on the labels. She dusted the fine black power over the entire surface of the sarcophagus. Surprisingly, there was only one set of fingerprints, which were hers—left when she touched it in the human realm.
Finally, she took off her nitrile gloves and walked to the head of the tomb. “So are you going to talk to me?” She paused, waiting for his answer. “I need to understand how they did this to you.”
Her fingertips traced the outline of glyphs—too chicken to actually touch her palm to it. She hesitated, fearful of what she might hear or see. The torture he must have endured made her chest ache. The spell would have relegated him to a death-like sleep, but sleep it was not. No, the incantation assured Bakari would be fully aware, locked inside a body that would never awaken from the nightmare.
She closed her eyes and imagined brushing her fingertips across his forehead to comfort him in some way. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered. Her heart clenched. None of this was okay. How could he be?
The urgency to release him weighed heavy on her shoulders. She inhaled deeply and held it. With muscles clenched she readied herself for the punch to her head. Her palms hit the wood and…
Absolute silence.
“Huh.” She ran her hands across every inch of wood and came up empty, except for several small slivers. No residual history existed anywhere on the tomb. An impossibility, since Bakari was entombed by Kepi over five years ago. She locked her hands on her hips and turned to Bomani. “He’s in there, right?” she asked, pointing to the sarcophagus.
Bomani entered the cell. His severe brown eyes targeted the etchings on the tomb’s surface. “Yes.”
She laid her palm against the lid and drummed her fingers on its surface. This had never happened before. Undeterred, she marched over to the wall of the cell and slapped her hand on the cold stone. Offending sights and sounds seared a white flame to her skull. She snatched away her hand and turned to the sarcophagus. Her gift worked perfectly on everything but the tomb.
Oh, God. Her gift failed her. Failed Bakari. Of all the times for her to be blinded to the history of an object—why now?
Stunned, she turned to Bomani. “I’m going to need to see the palace library. The sooner, the better.” Bakari’s chance at freedom lay hidden in some ancient text. She prayed to the gods she would find it quickly.
Everyone counted on her to free Bakari. His soul and the souls of the world depended on it.
********************
Giveaway ~ To enter to win Egyptian Tarot Cards + 25 extra entries for Kindle Paperwhite
1. Like Soul Awakened on Amazon
2. Like, tweet or post on facebook about the book
3. Answer Poll below 
4. Leave a comment with your entries (Name/email)
*********************
Great work. Now off to Lynn’s for more prizes and entries. http://www.lynnrush.com/blog
Filed under: Events, Giveaway, Heroes, Uncategorized Tagged: 3 books, 3 goddesses, for the love of hades, Jean Murray, key to the cursed, kindle paperwhite, lynn rush, Sasha Summers, soul awakened, tainted
3 Goddess ~ 3 Books ~ 1 Kindle Paperwhite: Gods & Heroes, Part 1 of 4
Ready to have some fun? Okay, that can be a loaded question. I can be a little unconventional – ie Paranormal Romance based on Egyptian Gods, but hey that’s what is great about this genre. There are no limits. So, today is going to be busy with hourly stops, but we are going to make this fun and easy. YAY! I’m sure you are excited. (ALL giveaways on these posts are US/Canada. For international entries – where Amazon available and not to exceed USD).
9am : Gods & Heroes/Part 1 – Meet Bakari of Soul Awakened ~ Giveaway – Encyclopedia Mythologica (These books are awesome – pop-up book on steroids. I love them so much I hate to give them away. I only have two. Value $30)
12pm: – Gods & Heroes/Part 2 – Meet Kendra of Soul Awakened ~ Giveaway – Ancient Egyptian Themed Tarot Cards (This is my last deck. Value $12)
3pm: Gods & Heroes/Part 3 - Meet Bomani of Soul Awakened ~ Giveaway – Encyclopedia Mythologica
6pm: Gods & Heroes Finale ~ Giveaway - Autographed copy of Soul Reborn and Wicked Romance Canvas Tote Bag
**********
Gods & Heroes/Part 1 – Meet Bakari of Soul Awakened
Giveaway – Encyclopedia Mythologica (Value $30)
So, first things first.
Let me introduce my novel, Soul Awakened.
LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR
Kendra, an Egyptologist and demi-god in waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the god with a spell that only death will undo. To save Bakari from himself, she may have to sacrifice her innocence, and possibly her soul, before he becomes his family’s worst enemy.
HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST
Bakari awakens to a world at war and a beautiful woman who has tethered his soul to hers. In the wake of his self-destruction Kendra is his only hope of salvation, but another has vowed to keep Bakari from the one thing he craves most– his Parvana. His butterfly.
*********************
Black armor glistened in the moonlight. Perfect camouflage against the sand and stone of the night desert. Poised to strike, its arms curled into large claws with back arched and tail raised to the heavens. Patiently waiting. Patiently watching. An opportunist ready to kill. The master assassin has nothing but time in the darkness. One strike to paralyze its victim. The prey will not know its enemy until it begins to savor and consume every morsel with savage glee.
Bakari
Chapter One
A familiar refuge of horror.
Black and desolate like his soul, the darkness draped the landscape of Bakari’s world. His prison for how long? He could gauge only by his hunger, an unbearable pain burning through his chest and eating away what little of his soul remained. The darkness consumed everything, but his insanity.
Until now.
The onyx obscurity wavered into shades of grey. Bright sunlight danced and flickered in the barren corners of his mind beyond his reach. Bolts of lightning ripped across his skin and mind and tore at the fine fabric of his consciousness. The sheets of darkness fell like ash and scattered into the cold abyss.
His mind retreated—fearful. He had been tricked before only to suffer at the sadistic hands of his captor. The next arc struck harder and deeper. The white inferno fried what tendrils of his coma remained. In the wake of his agony, the soft caress of a human soul and the scent of sweet honeysuckle penetrated his skin. The very element that fed his power—living energy.
Like water for a dying man, the human’s energy trickled but did not satisfy his ravenous hunger. His chest clenched into a ball of fire, ignited by the minuscule energy he absorbed into his soul.
The vitality extinguished as quickly as it came. Left barren and wanting, rage consumed him. The goddess Kepi would pay for this new level of depravity. To have living nourishment so close, but denied to feed his dark hunger, was a torture like no other.
The walls of his wooden crypt pressed in upon him. He struggled to move an arm or leg, but the spell of his paralysis was unyielding. He screamed but not a word past his lips. In his mind he thrashed against the invisible bonds, willing himself to break free.
He had not reacted this way since the fateful day of his confinement to his tomb. During his imprisonment he had withdrawn into himself. Numb to the world. His only safeguard against the goddess and the oppressive confines of his prison. Those thoughts of Kepi worsened his agony and current insanity.
Silently screaming, cold tears slipped out of the corners of his closed eyes and trickled down into his hair. He called out to the merciful gods to save him, but in all this time none were answered. His despair suffocated whatever hope he may have left.
Bakari, a soft melody of a voice broke through the chaos in his mind.
Ease your pain. She will come to you again. Hold your will, young god. She will set you free.
********************
Giveaway ~ To enter to win Encyclopedia of Mythologica - Gods & Heroes + 15 extra entries for Kindle Paperwhite
2. Like, tweet or post on facebook about Trailer
3. Answer Poll below
4. Leave a comment with your entries (Name/email)
*********************
Great work. Now off to Lynn’s for more prizes and entries. http://www.lynnrush.com/blog
Filed under: Events, Giveaway, Heroes, Key to the Cursed, Uncategorized Tagged: book release, for the love of hades, gods and heroes, Jean Murray, kindle paperwhite, lynn rush, Sasha Summers, soul awakened, tainted, three books, three goddess 
January 21, 2013
3 Goddesses ~ 3 Books ~ 1 BIG Giveaway
STARTS ~ TOMORROW @ 0700 EST
Jean Murray (HERE at Wicked Romance), Lynn Rush and Sasha Summers are celebrating their new releases with an all day party!
***The grand prize is a KINDLE PAPERWHITE***
Follow their blogs all day long. Each hour, starting at 7am EST, there will be new adventures and tasks to earn entries toward the grand prize.
Watch out for little prizes along the way, too. These three Goddesses are full of surprises.
**********
DATE: Tuesday January 22nd, 2013
TIME: 7am-7pm EST
WHERE: Our websites!
**********
Jean Murray: http://wickedromance.wordpress.com/
POSTS on Wicked Romance @ 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm
Sasha Summers: http://sashasummers.com/?page_id=927
POSTS at Sasha’s @ 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm
Lynn Rush: http://www.lynnrush.com/blog
POSTS at Lynn’s @ 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm
See you there!
Filed under: Events, Giveaway, Uncategorized Tagged: book release party, for the love of hades, giveaway, Jean Murray, key to the cursed, lynn rush, Sasha Summers, soul awakened, tainted, three goddesses
January 14, 2013
Author Open MIC: Welcomes Virginia Nelson & Gabriel + Giveaway
As you know, I’m a huge Ancient Egyptian mythology buff. Heck, I’m consumed about writing about their gods, so when Virginia Nelson asked me to interview Gabriel, the hero from her novel, Eternal Lovers from the Sekhmet’s Guardians series, I could not refuse her. Okay, your probably wondering what’s the Egyptian angle here. Excuse me while I turn on my inner geek. Well– Sekhmet is the lion-headed goddess, one of the most ancient gods. The goddess of war, pestilence and destruction. She developed a fairly bad reputation for blood lust, but even this goddess can be sated with a spiked drink. Eventually, she was celebrated as the protector and healer of the people. I won’t mention that she is the focus of the next book in the Key to the Cursed series. Yes, I think Virginia and I are kindred spirits.
Virginia has put her own unique spin on the Sekhmet Myth. This is the first book in the series and sure to set the pace for subsequent books.
First, let me introduce Author Virginia Nelson.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
V.S. Nelson has always enjoyed reading stories with strong relationships and happy endings so it’s not surprising she found herself writing across the romance genre. Even her commercial fiction, Sins of a Man, the memoirs of a Mafia Hit man, is layered with romantic elements.
Landing in Arizona, after an exciting teaching career, which took her to the Middle East for several years, she lives in Arizona where she spend most of my time making love to her computer while writing, editing or researching, seven to ten hours a day. The days she’s not writing, you will find her with my critique partners at Starbucks, attending or presenting a workshop or at a RWA meeting.
Being a Native American woman and a Scorpio, she’s always had a fondness for history, mythology, the occult, and the unexplained events which have occurred on this world we call home. It was no wonder she found herself writing a paranormal series.
She enjoys hearing from readers, fans and people with similar interests. They are more than welcome to contact her through her website http://www.authorvsnelson.com
CHARACTER INTERVIEW
Today, we get to interview Gabriel, the hero of Eternal Lovers.
Gabriel, I want to welcome you today to Author Open MIC. I was excited to hear from Virginia that you have knowledge of Ancient Egypt. It’s an interest of mine. You have been there. What was it like?
Thank you for inviting me. I can tell you are definitely a journalist…jumping right in with the questions. What was it like? (laughs, our loud) Well, ancient Egypt was alright if you are at home without modern-day conveniences like indoor plumbing, flushable toilets and electricity. All kidding aside, (Gabriel closes his eyes and the corners of his mouth turn upward as if he is remembering something pleasant) … what I remember the most is not the inconveniences but the smell of jasmine and orange blossoms scenting the cool night air, the smell of the rich unearthed soil along both sides of the Nile River, the sound of children laughing as they spent endless hours playing while their mother prepares their meals. There is nothing like fresh made bread. The sound of fishermen casting their nets out upon the water is mixed with the thunder of horse hooves hammering down the loose sand. (Gabriel reopens his eyes) Sorry, got kind of carried away. Next question?
What brought your kind here to Earth? Are there more like you?
I was a member of Sekhmet’s elite forces, the Guardians, on our home world, New Tuat, when she asked for volunteers for a special mission. I and six other stepped forward without knowing what was involved with the mission. She led us through a portal between your world and ours where we ended up in ancient Egypt. We’ve been here since – still trying to track down the followers of Set’s Legions. Sadly, they multiply like roaches… More like me? Not sure what you’re asking exactly, (he winks and smiles). Those of us that came through the portal are still here – all seven of us and our descendent which make up the members of the Guardian Nation.
What is your position at Guardians, Inc.? Why does the protection agency exist?
You sure like those double questions, don’t you? I’m the Director of Guardians, Inc. Around a hundred years ago, we, my brethren and I, decided it was the politically correct thing to do so we created Guardians Inc. where we could operate openly in your world. No longer hiding in the shadows we protect those that need our services. Our clients range from rock stars to embassies to the less fortunate.
What do we need to be afraid of?
The followers of Set’s Legions. They too came from our world but do not see humans as we do. They would just as soon turn the human race into their private feeding lot.
So how are your guardians trained? Do they use a specific fighting style?
Our recruits, both human and immortal, go through a rigorous training program, boot camp if you will. Depending on where they excel and where their services are needed they will take advances courses in everything from martial arts to explosives.
How old are you, really? Does age matter in your organization?
I quit celebrating birthdays a very long time ago. Let’s just say I’m somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 years old–give or take a few, and leave it at that.
Do you have any limitations? Any you would admit to anyways.
I wouldn’t call it a limitation – more like a weakness and that would be Jennifer.
Virginia stated you are a private person, but do have significant other or does your job prevent getting close to anyone?
I am. I spent close to six thousand years alone. That was until recently. Think I better keep my mouth shut or I’ll spoil the events in the book, Eternal Lovers and then I will have to deal with Virginia.
So tell us about a little about Virginia. I hear she is your biggest fan.
Fan? I’d hardly call her a fan I think it’s more like I’m the thorn in her side or the pain in her ass.
What is Guardian’s Inc. next mission? What can readers expect?
Can’t really tell you too many details, mission top-secret and all that. But, what I can tell you is one of the Legion members resurrected four of Set’s original Primes, Set’s personal guards who came to Earth and started this God forsaken war. They are hell-bent on destroying the human race and taking over this planet and we aim to stop them–come Hell or high water.
Where can readers find you? (links, purchase and social media)
You can find me and my brethren along with a lot of good-looking women on Virginia’s website.
http://www.authorvsnelson.com in addition to (insert buy links). Every now and then V lets me post on her fb author page http://www.facebook.com/authorvsnelson. From what I understand we will all be attending the Arizona Dreamin’ conference http://arizonadreamin.wordpress.com/ and the http://romancenovelconvention.com/ in August of next year. I know V is planning on dragging us to a few book signings across the country but I haven’t the foggiest idea where all those are going to take place. You might want to ask my brother, Lance, the computer geek, he should have a listing or visit V’s website to get the dates and places.
Open MIC fav five: (For Gabriel)
Favorite hero or heroine – Jennifer, of course.
Favorite author – Think I better say V.S.Nelson. Don’t tell V, I also read J.R. Ward and Lara Adrian.
Favorite music - Love old classic rock.
Favorite inspiration – Not sure what you’re asking here but I would have to say now that I have met Jennifer, well lets just say she inspires me to be more than I am, more than I have ever been.
Most memorable moment – Goddess knows I’ve got a ton of those but I would have to say the first moment I laid eyes on Jennifer, our wedding night and the day I took Bagsu’s head.
BOOK INFORMATION
When two hidden worlds collide near modern-day Lake Michigan, Jennifer, a young Native American, is confronted with the reality, not everything is as it seems and things do go bump in the night. The questions she has long since asked are answered in this epic tale of self discovery when she meets Gabriel, the director of Guardians Incorporated.
Born in New Tuat, Netchkhet, now known as Gabriel came to Earth some five thousand years ago to protect the human race.
Disillusioned by an unfulfilled prophecy, he has become cold and distant – even from those of his kind. He secretly waits for his enemy to take his head so he may leave this world for good.
Can a tiny Selkie melt his hardened heart and restore his faith in a power far greater than himself?
When history repeats itself, can he save her from death’s embrace or will they be robbed of a future again?
Amazon author page – http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00AXYLHF0AMAZON – US – PRINT BOOKS
Eternal Lovers – http://tinyurl.com/b8ll29b
Eternal Lovers – Large Print – http://tinyurl.com/ae3u6lv
Cupid and Penelope – http://tinyurl.com/ayn33ud
AMAZON – US – KINDLE
Eternal Lovers – http://tinyurl.com/amvlphl
Cupid and Penelope – http://tinyurl.com/bfyue39
BOOK EXCERPT
Insert taken from Chapter Five – Eternal Lovers (Setting – making her escape from Gabriel’s penetrating eyes, Jennifer is standing at the bar when she feels something on her neck.)
She was warmed by the drink, then instantly chilled to her bone when she felt a breath of air on her neck.
A deep voice whispered, “You smell delicious, good enough to eat.”
She turned to find the dark-haired stranger leaning against her, his mouth upon her neck. Not knowing what to do, she took both hands and pushed against his chest as hard as she could, yelling, “Get the fuck away from me!”
Marching right past him she headed back to the billiard room. She stomped up to Raphael, grabbed hold of his hand, pulling him into the other room.
“Ah… Ah… Jennifer, where are we going?”
Looking around, she realized she had drug Raphael to the one room, now empty of furniture, set aside for dancing. They were standing in the center of the room with couples dancing all around them. She reached up and put both of her hands around Raphael’s neck and demanded, “Dance with me.”
Puzzled as he must have been, he placed his hands on the small of her back and began swaying with her to the music. She laid her head against his chest. God, it felt good being so close to him–safe.
“You know all you had to do was ask. I’d never turn down a lady in distress. I’m flattered but curious as to what brought all this on?”
“I guess I’m just over reacting, but there was a guy in there…” She motioned with her head towards the other room. “…who was giving me the creeps. Evidently, he was staring at me while I was playing backgammon with Alice; well at least that’s what Marie said.”
“Jennifer, I’m sure you are use to having men stare at you. You are a beautiful woman. I believe I told you earlier you look enchantingly beautiful tonight.”
She blushed. Raphael could charm anyone.
“It wasn’t just that he was staring at me. I left the room and went to get a drink and the next thing I knew he was leaning into me. He had me pinned against the bar. Lord, I swear he was sniffing my hair. I don’t know if he’s drunk, high or what but he really scared the living daylights out of me.”
“Oh I see… and now you want the security guard and all this time I thought it was my charm that held you captive? I thought maybe you missed me… So what did this would be stalker look like?”
“Yes, no, hell I don’t know, all I could think of was finding you.”
“Jennifer, what did he look like, I’ll go find him and have a few words with him. If he’s drunk or on drugs, I’ll escort him out of here. I can’t have one of Alice’s guests being all upset. Now can I?”
Racing through her memory she tried to picture him in her mind. She couldn’t tell Raphael that he was a delectable yet scary looking hunk with the most intriguing eyes she had ever seen, could she?
“He’s dark haired, yeah black hair, really tall, taller than you, oh yeah, and he’s wearing a black suit with a black shirt and of all things sunglasses. He came to the party with four girls. I think maybe he’s a pimp?”
1 - signed print copy of Eternal Lovers
2-Sway bags
Leave a comment for Virginia or ask Gabriel a question.
I’m sure he won’t bite
Filed under: Author Open Mic, Giveaway, Guest Author Tagged: author open mic, author virginia nelson, goddess of war, lion goddess, Sekhmet, Sekhmet guardians series, wicked romance
January 12, 2013
SOUL AWAKENED Bewitching Book Tour ~ Giveaways at each stop + KINDLE FIRE HD
The second book in the Key the Cursed Series releases January 15th. Bewitching Book Tours is hosting Jean Murray’s release party for Soul Awakened.
LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR
Kendra, an Egyptologist and demi-god in waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the god with a spell that only death will undo. To save Bakari from himself, she may have to sacrifice her innocence, and possibly her soul, before he becomes his family’s worst enemy.
HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST
Bakari awakens to a world at war and a beautiful woman who has tethered his soul to hers. In the wake of his self-destruction Kendra is his only hope of salvation, but another has vowed to keep Bakari from the one thing he craves most– his Parvana. His butterfly.
BOOK TRAILER
TOUR SCHEDULE
January 14 Guest blog
Fang-tastic Books – 1 Signed copy of Soul Reborn + $10 Amazon GC
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
January 15 Interview
Night Owl Magazine Issue 38
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Column
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Magazine/
January 17 Promo and review of Soul Reborn & Soul Awakened
The Solitary Bookworm
January 18 Interview
Roxanne’s Realm
www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
January 20 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
January 21 Guest blog
Paranormal Perceptions Series
http://www.pwcreighton.com/surveillance-report/
January 22 Promo
http://bitten2ice.com/thefullfang
January 30 Interview
February 1 Promo and review
Deal Sharing Aunt
www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com
February 2 Guest blog and review of Soul Reborn & Soul Awakened
Crazy Four Books
http://www.crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com
February 3 Promo and review
Readaholic’s Reviews,
February 4 Guest blog
www.christina-mcknight.blogspot.com
February 4 Promo
February 5 Interview and review of Soul Reborn & Soul Awakened
Happy Tails and Tales
http://magluvsya03.wordpress.com
February 7 Guest blog
Frankie Blooding’s Bookshelf
http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/
the Top 5…Songs Played While Writing, or Book Bloopers, or Memorable Moments, etc.
February 8 Review of Soul Reborn & Soul Awakened
Bookishly Devoted
http://www.bookishlydevoted.blogspot.com/
February 9 Guest blog
http://www.booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/
February 11 Interview and review of Soul Reborn & Soul Awakened
http://www.JodiePierce author.blogspot.com
HOPE YOU WILL JOIN THE PARTY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
www.jean-murray.com
Filed under: Events, Key to the Cursed, Uncategorized Tagged: Author Jean Murray, bewitching blog tour, book trailer, giveaway, key to the cursed, kindle fire HD, release party, soul awakened, soul reborn
January 7, 2013
Author Open MIC: Welcomes Louann Carroll + GIVEAWAY (2 Ebook Gift Packs)
MEET THE AUTHOR
Louann Carroll is a Native Californian living in the Sierra Nevada foothills with her husband, Dennis. Mother to three children and grandmother to six, she is an avid rock, fossil, and gem hunter who enjoys sharing her finds with her grandchildren and friends. She is a student of alternative religion, archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology. She was five when she found her first set of fossilized shark teeth. Since then, she has added numerous finds to her on-going collection.
Louann has written numerous radio talk shows, articles on adoption, and is the author of Journeys, The Adventure of Leaf. She was the senior editor of American Carriage House Publishing and assisted in the writing, editing, and formatting of the award-winning book, AdoptingOnline.com.
THE BOOK
Kellyn O’Brien strives to create the perfect family. Then, disaster strikes. Her husband is dead. Three weeks later, she discovers her son is heir to Shadow Ley, a nineteenth century estate nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Reeling from Michael’s death, Kellyn moves to Shadow Ley. Soon, the ordinary becomes the extraordinary: broken drinking glasses repair themselves, stair rails that were once old are now new, and suddenly the estate of Shadow Ley is not what it seems.
She turns to the local historian and learns of Sha’ na ho bet, the angry fire god, bound forever to Earth. Native Americans tell her about Coyote, the Trickster who creates chaos out of order. Then the dreams begin with windows into past lives, hints of multidimensionality, and the promise of life beyond death.
Legends abound and so Shadow Ley, the home Kellyn had hoped would bring peace to herself and her children, becomes mired first in doubt, then in terror, and finally in love eternal.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
As writers, we all have our niche, mine is Ancient Egyptian Mythos. Tell us what inspires you and how it impacted your writing on your new release, A Shadow of Time.
I love the sciences, especially physics—theoretical that is. There are so many concepts that have arisen over the last decade it’s enough to keep a writer’s mind busy for centuries. One of those ideas is the theory of multidimensionality.
After reading a few books on the topic, I began to wonder:
How many dimensions might there be?
How are dimensions created?
Do all dimensions evolve or do some get sick and die?
Contemplating the unknowable, I came up with my latest book, A Shadow of Time , which encompasses the dimensions, lives, and loves of four individuals, Kellyn, John, Adam, and Connie.
Shadow Ley is the setting of Shadow of Time. Tell us what it looks like and what’s hiding within its walls without giving away too many secrets.
In some places, ley lines cross. Shadow Ley is one of those places. A ley line is associated with mystical phenomena and multidimensional activity. Shenahobet is a portal (dimensional) guardian. The problem arises when it is discovered that this Shenahobet is insane and the dimension unstable.
I understand some theoretical physics inspired a Shadow of Time. Did you conduct a lot of research to make this storyline work and make it believable to the reader? Are there any interesting truths/concepts that you incorporated?
Here is the concept that permeates A Shadow of Time:
Physical objects (including ourselves) exist due to the arrangement and identity of atoms. Those atoms contain the nucleus. The nucleus is made up of quarks and you (by this I mean the observer) directly influence the nature of that quark, how it will behave, and what it will become.
Thereby: You create your own reality.
A tiny tuning fork placed within a bell jar with all the air removed was seen to vibrate in more than one dimension, by the physical eye. The question must be asked, is it the observer creating the dimension, or is the dimension already there?
Once you accept the probability that you can create another dimension it is only a short ride to begin to wonder if all dimensions are sane and if not, how can a dimension be made whole if the guardian of said dimension is insane?
Now this is somewhat different from your previous book, Gemini Rising. What inspired you to write a horror/mystery romance?
The two novels aren’t that much different even though they may appear to be at a glance. In book one of Gemini Rising we are only able to view Kate’s reality. As the series continues, we will meet more worlds than you can imagine.
Do you like to incorporate themes into your writing? The old adage ~ the moral to the story. Does Shadow of a Time have a message you would like to share with readers?
All stories have a moral—either good or bad. Even being indifferent is a moral choice so yes there are always moral questions needing answers. Hopefully, I’ve answered a few in A Shadow of Time.
Kellyn O’Brien, your heroine, comes from a tragic background. How has her past molded her into the woman she is today? Does she find strength in her pain?
I believe so. Kellyn walks out of victimhood and into being a woman who create hers own reality. Risking all she holds dear in the process.
Who is her romantic interest in Shadow of Time? Can you tell us about him?
Kellyn meets Dr. John Aldrich after she experiences her first panic attack. Just three months pregnant, she finds his name in a local telephone directory and heads over to his office. With her young son in her arms, she meets Connie, the physician’s receptionist. Frightened something may have happened to her unborn child she is not at ease until she stares into a pair of shocking blue eyes that seem to know her body and soul.
Obstetrical physician, Dr. John Aldrich, sees the young woman his receptionist has just announced. Almost immediately, he realizes something is wrong. He tries to discover what it is though he finds it difficult to get through to Kellyn on just one visit. She doesn’t have any relatives to call on for help and this fuels his curiosity. He recognizes her fragility, as she is newly widowed and raising a young son on her own. Even though his life has taken a strange turn, he decides against his better judgment to become her protector.
That is John Aldrich. Strong, protective, and endearing.
Working fulltime and writing, how do you manage? Do you have advice for other writers?
Recently, when asked to put together an article for new writers who want to become published authors, I did a little research and found the most offered advice was to read, read, and read. Somehow, that just wasn’t enough. I came up with this 5 Step Plan for Success :
Read because you love it not because someone tells you to do so. I suppose there are those who can execute formula writing with perfection, but I doubt the result would be a novel that captures the heart. Read and write what you love.
On editorial/critical review: Don’t let it destroy your self-esteem. A writer cannot edit his or her own works. The writer’s brain will substitute the right word over the wrong word in a manuscript. As for editorial review—not everyone will like what you read. Some will get you and some will not.
Be willing to learn and keep your mind open to new ideas.
Grammar DOES matter.
Find your voice—your own voice—never mimic another.
What do you are you cooking up next? What can readers expect?
Gemini Rising continues. Kate and Noah, banished from Earth, are sent to the Olam where Kate will learn how to become a bond mate and Noah, a king among men.
Where can readers find you and your books.
Website: www.louanncarroll.com
Blog: www.louanncarroll.com/blog
Amazon Author Page for buy links.
E-mail carroll.louann@yahoo.com
Twitter: @LouannCarroll
Open MIC fav five:
Favorite hero or heroine: Humphrey Bogart–Casablanca
Favorite author: Ayn Rand—love the philosophy and the drama.
Favorite music to write by: I don’t. I need silence. My head plays all the music I need. Seriously. It gets loud in there sometimes.
Favorite inspiration: Being outdoors and/or driving the car. I have no idea why, just that it works best when I’m alone.
Most memorable writing moment: The end of Gemini Two came to me as I was driving down the mountain. It was so stunning I almost had to pull over to the side of the road. It was that visually impacting.
2 – EBOOK GIFT PACKS: Gemini Rising & A Shadow of Time.
Entry
1. Leave a comment for Louann
Extra Chances
ENTER RAFFLECOPTER HERE
CONTEST ENDS January 13, 2013 at 2359
BOOK TRAILER
EXCERPT FROM A SHADOW OF TIME
A dry wind caressed the meadow, rustling golden rye grass. A pool of brackish water reflected the sun, and a darting bird caused the liquid to move sluggishly. Thirst gnawed, creating scratchy tracks of pain in Kellyn’s throat. However, the thought of drinking from the pond turned her stomach. Her pace picked up. She knew she had been here before. She started running because in this place realities converged, and she wanted no part of it.
A man appeared on a hillock dressed in a golden tunic that shined under the sun and glimmered in the heat. He waved and started toward her.
“Kellyn!” he cried. “Wait!”
She gasped, the air searing her lungs. Sweat paraded down her face and neck, soaking her hair. Once again, the man called her name. She slowed, glancing over her shoulder, the voice familiar. Is he one of them? she wondered. Yes, she answered as his face came into view.
He was Matka, one of the five who were one. She thought to warn him of the dark waters, but she desperately needed to conserve her strength. As soon as she recognized where she was, fear had set fire to her feet, and she’d ran as fast as they could carry her, terrified of the living djinn of the water.
If she didn’t warn him, the circle of life would demand a repeat of her actions, until she got it right. Such was a soul’s fate. But what was right? She had no way of knowing. She could only do. She was not omnipotent. A river of sweat scalded her eyes. She had to find shelter before she withered up and blew away in the desert heat.
In the mountain’s shadow, a cave nestled behind several large boulders, giving sanctuary. She ran inside then leaned against a far wall, grateful for the coolness of the cavern. Glancing around, she searched for water. Nothing but a pallet lay within the rocky compound. She leaned in for a closer look, immediately repelled by the stench that emanated from the bedding.
Guilt rose. She should have warned the man, but perhaps he would follow her here. She had met each of them in other lives and different times. The names shot through her head: Matka, Michael, John, Tonah, and the over soul who had created them all. She too was one of many, and although she understood the concept here, she never could carry it back to her waking life. A veil had been drawn between this Kellyn and the one that walked the earth.
Tired, she crept toward the pallet. Unable to overcome her aversion to the smell, she knelt on shaking legs. After a time, she realized Matka had not followed. Exhaustion overwhelmed her. She crept onto the skins. Laying her head down amongst fleas and dirt, she slept.
Icy wind slithered through the bedding, waking her. Shivering, Kellyn sat up, fingering animal hide. She shuddered, the cold attacking her skin like tiny knives. Night lifted and sunrise illuminated the cave, bringing it into view.
A loud rustle and snore startled her. A man lay next to her. Tonah? The name popped into her mind. Warm breath clouded an unshaven face in fine mist. Strong features accentuated a rough visage. His nose, long and straight, sat above a full mouth, cracked with the winter’s wind. His eyes rolled beneath closed eyelids, partially veiled by locks of blue-black hair.
Suddenly, another bump and softer snore sounded to her right. Bundled close by, a young girl slept wrapped in rough hide. Her angular face nestled deep within animal fur, eyes closed tight against the cold. Overcome with emotion, a tear slipped down Kellyn’s cheek. She knew this child, had loved her dearly. The man moved, and she glanced at him. He opened his eyes.
Startled, she scooted closer to the girl. His gaze settled on her, setting off a rush of love that was at once exquisite and unsettling. She yearned for him, until an icy clamp of fear formed around her heart.
The man sensed her terror and reached up, pulling her against him. He said, “Ahyokoochettooa, Ayana.” I will not lead you wrong.
Her mind dipped precariously. Michael? John? Tonah? Oh, God, she thought. Joy filled her, pushing away all thoughts of a world beyond this one. She answered with gratitude the name he called.
Tonah’s arms were strong, his skin cracked and reddened, and he was warm, oh so warm. Not cold, like the body that lay in the mortuary for three days. Not waxy, like the face she had seen covered in make-up, his cheeks pushing against his ears in a way she had never before seen. He curled toward her, his mouth open—the tiny stitches of thread that had held his lips forever closed were gone. In their place the warm breath of the living descended upon her.
His muscles flexed as he held her, and she luxuriated in the oiliness of their bodies. The scent of cured animal hide filled her nostrils. The icy walls of the cave provided shelter from mother Earth and security from father Wind. She took refuge in his arms giving thanks for the man who loved her so fiercely.
“Oh, Ayana,” he whispered. “You are my life—my love.”
Salty tears tracked down her face as she lifted her mouth. His lips were warm and he smelled of the earth. She clasped him closer, never wanting to let go. He straddled her and she welcomed him, lifting her arms in surrender.
Always gentle, always sweet, he stroked her arms, her legs, and then her thighs. He stood, sweeping her off the ground and holding her close as if her body and his were the same.
Wrapping her legs around him, she buried her face into his neck, sucking in the rich odor of life and love. Never had she been so close to a human being, experienced such passion, and reached such heights of ecstasy.
After the sweetness of love was finished, he laid her down, rose from the skins, and walked naked to the mouth of the cave. He grasped a thin curtain of hide and pulled it away from the opening.
He shouted, “Come. We must greet the sun and be on our way.”
Ayana pulled back the covers, shivering in the chill morning air. She reached for her daughter. “Awake, Kayi. It is time to go.”
The child looked up. A smile started at her lips that soon reached her eyes. She yawned, showing even white teeth.
Ayana grinned at her sleepy offspring then stepped out of bed and threw on a Caribou hide robe. Striding over to the fire she’d bedded down the previous evening, she blew on it gently, feeding the flames dried dog dung until the fire rose into a body-warming blaze. “Come and warm yourself.”
The girl rose, running with dainty steps over to the fire.
From a sickly infant, Kayi had grown into a healthy young woman more than able to carry her weight in camp. Born half alive, Ayana’s womb had become a tomb of death instead of a well of life. Before the babe could take her last breath, Tonah had called the ancient shaman who arrived with bold paint and staff. He danced his prayer to the White Mammoth asking that the child live, and she had.
Ayana lightly touched her belly. Her womb was too small for a maturing fetus. Instead of enlarging, it bent and twisted the infant so that the child’s legs were malformed. After Kayi’s birth, she followed the shaman’s wishes, starving herself for three days while allowing another to nurse the baby. In return, she expected and received the life of her child. Kayi’s limbs had taken time to grow and straighten. Now she was as lithe on her feet as any youth her age. She had a slight limp and was sometimes in pain, but it only showed in her eyes and never in her voice.
Ayana opened the carrying pouch, thinking she had at best one more day of food. Together they warmed a bit of sinew then, in a round bowl made of stiffened Caribou hide, they heated snow to drink. In the manner to which she was accustomed, the child carried the first of the day’s offering to the man that stared out over the canyon.
Her father, now arrayed in furs and skins that protected him from the cold, smiled. The sun’s rays burned the snow-laden mountains a brilliant pink, and she squinted as she handed him the meat and water.
“Thank you,” he said, accepting her gift.
She crept back to the fire.
“Come,” Ayana said, smiling. “It is time.” She was pleased with Tonah’s response to Kayi.
Where most men would have decried the birth of a daughter, he had welcomed her and her disabilities. It was Tonah who strapped the sticks to Kayi’s legs to help them grow straight, and it was Tonah who helped Ayana accept the fact she would bear no more children. She sighed, remembering how lucky she was to have him as her mate.
The wind whistled as she packed what was left of their utensils and blankets. Wrapping extra skins around her daughter, she made sure her ears and hands were well covered. She stepped onto the sled as her mate readied the dogs for the long trek down the mountain.
With longing, she gazed back at the cave, wishing she didn’t have to leave its warmth. Tonah hooked up the dogs to the main sled and attached the smaller emergency carrier to the back of the basket sled. She and Kayi hunkered next to him, their bodies wrapped in bear hide.
He whipped the dogs. “Haw!”
Icy wind blew through her hair. Frost formed on her eyebrows and eyelashes as the sled sprinted across the ice field. She squinted, protecting her eyes from the sun and the blowing snow. Kayi huddled next to her father, taking great care not to interfere with his driving. She had curled into a ball, covering her ears with her hands as the hide rug had fallen away.
Ayana attended to her daughter’s exposed flesh. She took her hands into her own and rubbed the skin fiercely. Already they were blue from the cold. Three days ago, in a moment of negligence, Kayi had dropped her gloves over the rim of a ledge. Although hunger was fierce, the girl still had the energy of youth and played with the dogs using her gloves as a toy. A quick reprimand sent the stricken child to the rocks to hide. Moments later, the gloves went over the edge.
Ayana was forever grateful that it was Caribou hide and not her child that lay at the bottom of the cliff. Since then, she worried that her daughter’s hands would freeze and she would have to watch her fingers fall to the ground, black and shriveled, as had her grandmother’s.
As Kayi’s hands warmed from her frantic ministrations, Ayana looked to her husband for strength. Her heart blossomed with love. Strong and capable, he handled the dogs with ease as they shot across the snow. She had great confidence in his tracking skills and his ability to lead them to the new land beyond the white ice mountains. She just wished they had never decided to leave the camp of her birth to follow the Caribou. She missed her mother, her cousins, the security of the main camp, and the great hunts and celebrations that followed.
She pulled her robe tighter.
Exposed skin grew numb. She knew it was dangerous to follow the way of the herd. Her father, Kirta, had tried to persuade her not to follow her mate. Who would touch hands with Kayi in the land of the sun, he demanded to know. The child deserved to have a place at her own hearth. However, the stories of others who had gone before pacified her, giving the assurance of numerous camps far ahead.
Stinging ice and wind bit her face. The basket sled flew down the face of the mountain, the cold slithering in between the cracks and crevices of her fingers, the lines at the corners of her mouth, nose, and eyes. She held tight and they continued onward.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Sasshay on out of here,” Leanore piped, swatting her son Cory on the hip. “Your brother left half an hour ago.” Already he was late for school, a constant problem with this child of hers.
“I’m going.” He grabbed his books from the table and bumped into Kellyn. “Sorry.”
“It’s all right.”
Leanore turned to look at her guest as her son slammed the front door behind him. While Kellyn had bathed and dressed, the young woman’s face was pale with deep circles under her eyes. She asked, “How are you feeling?”
“Not so good. I didn’t sleep well.”
“Nightmares?”
“Some. It’s been a rough couple of days.”
“Sit down. I’ll bring you some eggs.”
Kellyn pulled out a chair. “I’d be happy to pay you for them.”
“That’s not necessary.” Leanore piled Kellyn’s plate with food. A flush of heat rushed into her face, embarrassed by what the young woman perceived as poverty. “You look like you could use a good meal.”
“It smells wonderful, but I have to warn you, I’m almost four months pregnant. Sometimes my stomach rebels.”
Leanore asked, “How do you like Shadow Ley?” She put the dish in front of her. “Coffee?”
“Please. I guess it’s okay. It’s big, that’s for sure.”
“Too big for some.”
Kellyn glanced at her and smiled.
Connie walked into the kitchen, her boots tapping across the floor. She pulled out a chair. “Is there enough for me?” She grinned, glancing at Kellyn’s plate.
“There’s always enough.” Leanore put a dish before her.
Connie broke off a piece of bacon. “Rough night?”
Kellyn nodded. “I dreamed about the little Eskimo girl.”
Leanore poured herself another cup of coffee and added in a large dollop of homemade vanilla cream. “More eggs, Connie?”
“No thanks.”
“How about you, Kellyn?”
Kellyn stared straight into Leanore’s eyes. “Kishtuah. Neckoutvoot nahngock.”
Connie snagged the frayed cuff of Kellyn’s shirt, giving it a good shake as Leanore leaned toward her.
“Crowtooah…”
“Kellyn!” Connie got to her feet.
“Leave her alone.” Leanore lifted a hand to stop her daughter. “She’s in a trance.”
“A what?”
“A trance. It isn’t good to bring her out of it too soon. Let her be. She’ll wake up on her own.”
“Is it dangerous?”
“No.” She positioned herself in front of her guest.
“Pahtahgahmick tightah. Tahng. Ahyokoochetooa.”
Kellyn’s eyes shot open. She took a deep breath and shuddered. “What the hell?”
Leanore grabbed Kellyn’s icy wrists and rubbed them briskly then she snapped the blood vessels just under the skin. “Can you remember anything? You’re so cold!”
“Something about my hands being frozen and something else about wet clothes and needing the dog team.” Her eyes opened wide in terror. “Last night, I dreamed Tonah is Michael and Michael is John. I’d forgotten it until now.”
Hands shaking, Connie grabbed a cup of coffee. “What’s a Tonah?”
“Tonah is not a what. He’s a who.”
“So, who’s Tonah?”
“Michael and John and some other guys, too.”
Connie tried to steady her hands as coffee slopped over the side of her cup. “What are you talking about?” She sat down, the chair squeaking in protest.
“Well, I’m not really sure. Somehow, they’re all tied together. You and Adam, too. There’s something we need to do here. The little girl I saw at the house and in my dream is named Kayi. Michael and John and some guy wearing a golden suit who is also John…well…they are Tonah, Kayi’s father.”
Leanore studied Kellyn, believing her and understanding. Dimensions were known to overlap during times of crisis.
“I know it doesn’t make sense, but bear with me. My name is Ayana. We came from the Bering Strait though we don’t call it that. We’re searching for warm sun and plenty of game to eat. It won’t end in success. I’m not sure how, but we’ll die. In addition, Michael or Tonah is John, just as I’m Ayana.” She sat back, the blood leaving her face. “Oh my God. I sound insane.”
“Not at all,” Leanore said. She considered the convergence at the house, conflicts needing to be resolved. Shenahobet had created an imbalance the four needed to put right. If she encouraged Kellyn to leave Shadow Ley, they might have to do this over again. If she encouraged her to stay, God alone knew what might happen. “Do you remember anything else?”
Kellyn frowned. “Just that it was cold, and we were all afraid. We had very little food to eat, plus we were freezing to death. Good God. I must sound like an idiot. It was just a dream, that’s all.”
“What do you know about reincarnation, or better yet, multidimensionality?” Leanore asked.
Shrugging, Kellyn answered, “Not much. When I was in college studying for my degree in sociology, we discussed reincarnation in psychology, but when I asked Father Clark, he said he’d spit in God’s eye if reincarnation was true.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. You’d think religious people would be more tolerant.”
“I worried more for him than myself. I wouldn’t want to go spitting in God’s eye no matter what the truth was.”
Leanore chuckled. “I think God is big enough to take our anger, our happiness, and even our stupidity as long as we’re walking toward him and not away.”
“I guess. So, Connie said you might be able to help me.”
“Possibly.” Leanore sat at the table and folded her hands. “I don’t like to foist my beliefs onto people, but if you think I might be able to help, I’m glad to try.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate your advice.”
“What you did just now is called channeling.”
“I’ve heard of it. It’s when you allow a spirit to talk through you.”
“In some cases, yes, but Ayana is not that type of spirit. She is, in a very real way, you, and she’s in trouble.”
Kellyn tilted her head. “How do you know?”
“She’s coming through during a crisis situation. That can only happen if she’s trying to get your attention. She needs you for some reason. Or perhaps, you might need her.”
“But how am I supposed to find out what she wants?”
“My understanding is that as each soul learns in different dimensions, that education is passed on subconsciously to others within the soul circle.” Leanore paused for a moment. “What do you think about a world that exists in more than one dimension?”
“I guess it’s possible.”
Leanore unfolded her hands and tapped the table with a finger. “When you talk of John being Michael and Michael being Tonah, you must understand, while each of them is different, they are also the same. You and Ayana are like that. Part of the same soul only different, and each of you live in different dimensions.”
Filed under: Author Open Mic, Events, Giveaway, Guest Author Tagged: a shadow of time, author open mic, gemini rising, horror, louann carroll, multi-dimensional, physics, romance, wicked romance
January 1, 2013
Cover Reveal: January Black
Look what the New Year brought Author Wendy Russo…Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma.
More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple.
What was January Black?
It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He’s been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost…or call the king’s bluff.
More Information Click HERE:
Filed under: Cover Reveal Tagged: January Black, love story, science fiction, Wendy Russo, YA, YA author
December 30, 2012
Book Review: Soul Awakened, by Jean Murray
Reblogged from Wendy S. Russo:
Soul Awakened (Key to the Cursed #2)
By Jean Murray
Crescent Moon Press, January 2013
Love for Blood or Honor
Kendra, and Egyptologist and demi-god in waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the god with a spell that only death will undo.
5 -Star rating for Soul Awakened. Releases January 15, 2013
December 21, 2012
Need your vote: Nominated for “Most Engaging Author” at GraveTells
PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!
Hi everyone!
I just happened upon my nomination at GraveTells for Most Engaging Author. I hadn’t expected my name to be up there when I went to vote for other authors, but there I was. I would so love for you to vote for me. I’m late in the game and am very much behind the leader, but if you would willing to vote for me I would be so grateful.
Please click on this link: http://gravetells.com/2012/12/21/2012-gravetells-readers-choice-awards-vote-here/
The Most Engaging Author nominations are second from the bottom.
Thank you!
Jean Murray
Filed under: Events Tagged: gravetells, Jean Murray, most engaging author
December 19, 2012
Cover Reveal: EXTREME MEASURES by Rachel Carrington + Giveaway
Four years ago Erin’s life changed drastically. Her drug-addicted brother killed her parents, and her marriage disintegrated. Her husband, Matt, agent, had done his duty when he’d arrested Stuart, but she’d been too caught up in her own grief to allow him to help her move through the shadows of pain.
Now Matt is back, but it isn’t to attempt reconciliation. Her brother has escaped from Attica, and Erin is his next target. Matt will stop Stuart by any means necessary. But Stuart is a desperate man, and desperate men will do anything to get what they want.
Thrown together by treacherous circumstances, Matt and Erin fight a battle to stay alive and possibly figure out how to put the pieces of their destroyed lives back together again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I started writing years ago, and my first attempt was a contemporary romance that will never see the light of day. I think I may even have thrown it away by now. It was absolutely horrific as I knew nothing about well…anything to do with writing.
After that, I started writing fantasy romances about wizards and wizards, and once those took off, I segued to paranormal romances (hello, vampires and ghosts) and romantic suspense. I also write articles for various magazines, including The Writer’s Journal, Writer’s Magazine, Writer’s Weekly, Writing for Dollars, Absolute Write, and Funds for Writers.
I’m fortunate to make my home in historical Charleston, South Carolina. Beautiful city. Beautiful people. When I’m not writing, I love to read paranormal romance, romantic suspense, young adult fantasy and paranormal, create videos, shop, cross-stitch, cook, and drink lots of coffee.
Watch for it January 2013
You can find more about Rachel Carrington here: www.dawnrachel.com.
She also offers help to aspiring writers at her blog: www.dawnrachel.com/blog.
***********
Don’t miss out on Rachel’s giveaway
CLICK HERE TO READ INTERVIEW & EXCERPT
Giveaway/Challenge
Today, I’m giving away a copy of my newest book, Waking Up Immortal. All you have to do is answer this question from the Chapter Excerpt.
What was the name of the agent who was listening in on Chloe and Kier’s conversation?
To ENTER CLICK HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway
**If you have any trouble submitting your answers via the Rafflecopter, please email your answer to:
murray (dot) jeanm@gmail.com
Filed under: Cover Reveal, Events, Guest Author, Uncategorized Tagged: cover art, cover reveal, extreme measures, new release, rachel carrington, romance, romantic suspense
