Laurisa White Reyes's Blog, page 61

THANKFUL FOR CASH $250 GIVEAWAY!

Thankful for Cash $250 GiveawayNovember 15th to December 15thCould you use an extra $250 this holiday season? Here is your chance!!The winner of this giveaway will receive $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com Gift Card.  Thanks to this amazing group of authors, bloggers and publisher for making this giveaway possible! Sponsor List I Am A ReaderAuggie @ AuggieTalkCynthia Luhrs AuthorAuthor Laurie TreacyHelen SmithAuthor S.T. BendeThe Lovely BooksDonna, My Life. One Story at a Time.Laurisa White Reyes, AuthorSimple WyrdingsAuthor Melissa WrightBookworm LisaRockin' Book ReviewsKrysten Lindsay Hager authorGlistering: B's BlogGeybie's Book BlogLori's Reading CornerAuthor Al StoneD.S. VenettaBook Reviews and GiveawaysJeanBookNerdCoupons and Freebies MomTaylor Dean BooksAuthor Crystal MarcosReaders RealmDorine White- AuthorLiterary WinnerLiana GardnerDawn Malone, authorPretty Little ReaderAuthor Tia Souders
 Giveaway Details$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 12/15/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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GIVEAWAY: THE DIVINITY OF ANILA by Cloud S. Riser

The Divinity of AnilaThe Musings Book 1by Cloud S. RiserGenre: YA Paranormal
--My name is Anila. Up until a few days ago, I thought I was just like every other teenage girl. Seriously, life was awesome. I was popular, had great grades, and was on my way to getting a scholarship to one of the top universities in the state. Then my boyfriend decided to go crazy on me, and I end up in a car with some other guy who claims magic is real. Crazy, is what I say. Pretty sure he's out of his mind. I--

--Hold on a minute, Nila is not giving me a fair chance. The name is Bailey, and I'm not crazy. I'm a Muse. And so is she. That's why her boyfriend got uber possessive on her. Muses inspire the best in others, and without control over their magic, a Muse can be pretty addictive to hang around.
Which is why I'm here, to teach Nila how to control that magic so she doesn't cause any more problems with the every day humans. See--
--I hate how he says every day humans like I'm not one of them. Oh, and get this, I apparently can't touch him, even just a tiny bit, because we might create magical sparks...or something?--
--Look at all the things she doesn't know about being a Muse. The sparks help us find our soul mate. Do I need to explain why I don't need her touching me right now? We just met. Besides, it's common courtesy. Keep your hands to yourself.

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Cloud S. Riser is a Minnesota native. She has lived in Minnesota her whole life. She will probably remain there for her whole life too. The mother of The Squid, Skyscraper, and two cats, her life is definitely never dull. An adventure she braves with her husband. In order to stay sane, she creates massive amounts of fiction which she has decided to share with the rest of the world for the simple reason of: she is a storyteller.
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GIVEAWAY: FINDING SOPHIE by Laura Lovett

Finding SophieSequel to Losing Cadenceby Laura LovettGenre: Thriller, Suspense
Finding Sophie is the highly anticipated sequel to Laura Lovett's debut psychological thriller, Losing Cadence.
For twelve years, Cadence Davidson has dreaded her daughter's twelfth birthday, for that is the day she will tell Sophie who her true father really is.
Sophie's world is turned upside down when she learns that her biological father is really Richard White, the man who abducted her mother twelve years earlier.She wonders if she will ever meet the elusive billionaire, only to find herself suddenly abducted into the life that he has carefully crafted for her and her mother.
Despite his carefully orchestrated plan, Richard White is faced with unexpected events that threaten to tear his newfound family apart. Will Richard be able to find peace and hold on to the family he has fought for a lifetime to bring together?
In this psychological thriller, an obsession that spans decades comes to it's ultimate test. Love, loss and courage coalesce as Richard faces his demons and makes the final choice to find peace and love.

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Don't miss the first book- Losing Cadence!
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Laura (Hambley) Lovett was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Calgary in 2006. Her love of writing began at an early age when she would create and draw characters, telling stories to herself as she drew.An accomplished author in the academic and business world, Laura pursued her love of creative writing to pen her first novel, Losing Cadence, a psychological thriller. Losing Cadence was written over many years as Laura juggled school, work and family, but she made time to pursue her passion for writing.Laura is a psychologist and entrepreneur, currently running practices in the areas of career and leadership development and distributed workplaces. She was nominated and selected as a Distinctive Woman in Canada in 2013. Laura also enjoys teaching at the University of Calgary and has been an Adjunct Professor of Psychology since 2010.Laura lives in Calgary with her husband and three children. She loves playing squash, travelling, spending time at the family cabin in Montana, as well as her view of the Rocky Mountains as the snow is falling on her hot tub.
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THE STORYTELLERS DOES IT AGAIN!

I'm thrilled to announce that my children's novel, THE STORYTELLERS , has been honored as an Award Finalist in the "Children's Category" of the 2017 Best Book Awards! While it didn't snag first place this time around, it has in two previous contests: The 2015 Spark Award and the 2017 Moonbeam Awards (Pre-teen mature issues category).

The winner and all finalists for the Best Book Awards can be viewed HERE.

These recognitions were the last thing I expected. THE STORYTELLERS began as an idea about twelve years ago. When I tried to find an agent to represent it, I was told that kids today didn't want to read about something that had happened in the 90s. This didn't make any sense to me. Isn't the past what historical novels are all about? I suspected that the real reason I couldn't sell the story was that it tackles a topic still considered "taboo" to discuss--AIDS and how those who had it in the early 90s were treated as pariahs by society.

This story is about a girl who loves her father who is dying of AIDS at a time when the disease was a certain death sentence and when the stigma of the disease was dark and heavy. I was inspired to write it by some of the experiences I witnessed while working in an AIDS clinic in 1992-93, experiences that left an indelible mark on my heart.

Kids today need to hear this story. They need to understand that our world isn't always very kind or tolerant of others, and only by experiencing the "other side" can they develop the empathy needed to make our society a better place for everyone.

Read THE STORYTELLERS today.

BOOK REVIEW: THE NATIVITY PAGEANT by Neil K. Johnson

THE NATIVITY PAGEANT
Neil K. Johnson
Cedar Fort

Summary:
Would you rather read the nativity story or be a part of it? Using simple stage
directions, easy-to-find props, and a script that's straight from the scriptures, this
book helps you act out the familiar story of the first Christmas for your friends and
family. Start a new tradition this season with a simple pageant you'll look forward to
performing year after year.

MY REVIEW:

The Nativity Pageant is the perfect answer for churches and families who wish to demonstrate the birth of Christ this Christmas season. Relying heavily on scripture, this brief narration can easily be adapted to any congregation or setting. Great for kids or adults.



Author Bio:
Neil K. Johnson taught school for 44 years--first drama, then English--and he loves kids. He was able to teach over 7,000, and as a result, many of them won awards for their writing and drama. He was chosen as the 2010 Utah English Teacher of the Year, and he was president of a state English and two state drama and speech teacher associations. Neil received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin at Superior. He did doctoral work at the University of Utah and the University of Northern Colorado. He wrote The Drama Source Book and compiled three books of plays. Neil and his current wife Sharee both lost their first spouses to cancer. They married and blended their family of 15 kids, and they have 50 grandkids (and counting). Neil is very active in his
church, and he loves to see the enactment of the nativity pageant at Christmastime. He knows many of the struggles to make the pageant meaningful, and he has tried to
address them in this dramatization.

Excerpt:
Narrator 1: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

Narrator 2: And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
(Joseph leads the "donkey" with Mary on its back [or Joseph and Mary walk together]
to the stage left side of the room.)

Narrator 1: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the
house and lineage of David:

(Mary gets off the "donkey," stretches her painful back, and sits.)

Narrator 2: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Narrator 1: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.

(Mary puts "baby" into the cradle and stares at him lovingly.)

GIVEAWAY: JUST RIGHT by Sheena Binkley

Just Right:A Something Just Ain't Right Novella by Sheena BinkleyGenre: Interracial, Mystery & Suspense, Romance 
What happens when the chaos ends and their normal life begins? 


It has been three years since Hayley and Morgan Carter experienced the turmoil caused by Morgan’s family. Now that the threats, kidnappings, and shootings are behind them, the two can now live a normal life with their two-year-old son, Morgan Jr. While Hayley is living her dream as an event coordinator for a high-profiled company, Morgan decided to go into law enforcement and become a detective. With their lives slowly falling into place, the two will soon find out that things are not what they seem. 
As the two receive some surprising news from a former nemesis, they must decide what is best to protect themselves and their loved ones. Will the two result back to their former lives to keep their happily ever after, or will it be too late? 
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Sheena Binkley first discovered her love for storytelling when writing her first story for a class project at the tender age of nine. Since then, she has composed several short stories and numerous tales that are not only engaging, but simply entertaining. She is also a freelance writer, penning articles on various topics including education and entertainment. 


To date, her best-selling novels include In Love With My Best Friend, Love Unbroken, Something Just Ain't Right, and The Love Chronicles.

In April of 2016, Sheena launched her own publishing company which focus strictly on romance books. Besides writing, she loves reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Houston (where the weather is always unpredictable) with her husband and son.

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GIVEAWAY: ISSAURA'S CLAWS by Katharine E. Wibell

Issaura's ClawsIncarn Saga Book 1by Katharine WibellGenre: YA Fantasy
“According to legend, when the world was young, the goddess Issaura appeared among men. Those who treated her with kindness received the gift of the gods—the ability to transform into an animal form. This was a great honor but one that separated this race from other humans. Before Issaura departed the mortal realm, she promised to return if her people were ever at the point of destruction.

“Now a threat is rising from a land across the mists of the ocean, a threat that will push this race to the brink of extinction. Responding to the call to war, seventeen-year-old Lluava heads off to find her destiny, one that will carve her name in history.” 
The Kingdom of Elysia consists of two races: the dominant race of humans and the native race of Theriomorphs who can shift into animal form. Although law dictates equal treatment, they neither like nor trust each other. Now brutal and ruthless Raiders are approaching; there is only one chance to defeat them. An army must be raised and trained. An army where each human will be paired with a Theriomorph partner. An army that must fight as one to defeat their common enemy.
Women are not warriors. However, Lluava is not like other women – human or Theriomorph. Her animal form is a magnificent beast whose power and fury she must learn to control. Although Lluava endures intense physical training and strives to overcome the doubts of the male recruits, she faces an unexpected adversary in the commanding general who seeks to break both her spirit and her body.
At the paring ceremony, Lluava is humbled when presented with a unique and ancient weapon. Yet she becomes distraught and angry when her human partner is revealed. If they fail to trust each other, the consequences will be devastating. Death and destruction are on the horizon and time is running out.
The Incarn Saga is a young adult fantasy series inspired by ancient myths, filled with fast-paced action and adventure, and enriched by an understanding of animal behavior that defines the shape-shifting Theriomorphs.


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Katharine Wibell’s lifelong interest in mythology includes epic poetry like the Odyssey, Ramayana, Beowulf, and the Nibelungenlied. In addition, she is interested in all things animal whether training dogs, apprenticing at a children’s zoo, or caring for injured animals as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. After receiving degrees from Mercer University in both art and psychology with an emphasis in animal behavior, Wibell moved to New Orleans with her dog, Alli, to kick start her career as an artist and a writer. Her first literary works blend her knowledge of the animal world with the world of high fantasy.
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GIVEAWAY: ALL OF THE ROGERS by Erin Lockwood

All of the Rogersby Erin LockwoodGenre: YA Psychological Romance
"How can you love someone so much and need space from them at the same time?"

My alarm goes off at four am. It takes an hour to get to the studio, and then my ballet training begins. I go to school for a few hours, and then it’s back to the studio for more training. Go to bed. Repeat the whole process the next day. I hate it.My time at school is a blur, except for biology. I don’t rush through that class, because I get to see Roger Byrnes. He probably doesn’t even know I exist, but my heart beats a little faster when I see him walk through the classroom door with his messy hair and carefree attitude. He has so much energy. But then he stares off into the distance, and I wonder what he’s thinking. It’s the highlight of my day. I wish I could quit ballet so I could be a normal teenager. Someone who Roger would want to be with. I could use some excitement in my life…I bet Roger could give that to me.

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Erin Lockwood grew up in Castro Valley, California and attended the University of Oregon, where she graduated in 2003 with a degree in journalism. From there she moved to Denver and spent the next seven years searching for the love of her life and building the family of her dreams.

It wasn’t long until, with children starting preschool and more time on her hands, Erin refocused on her career, beginning with a successful entry into the world of residential real estate as a Realtor. Free time was spent reading book after book (and binge-watching the subsequent films) in the New Adult genre. Feeling hopelessly in love with her husband, she wrote him a short story leading up to their fifth wedding anniversary. That’s when she discovered her tireless passion to share her experience of falling in love through fictional characters. That story evolved into the first novel in the Angles trilogy.
Erin still lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, Phil, and their three children.

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GIVEAWAY: DISPLACED by Cloud S. Riser

DisplacedThe Achlivan Cycle Book 1by Cloud S. RiserGenre: SciFi, YA Romance
Chevelle Donahue thought going into work would be just like any other boring day at the mall. Sure, there was her annoying co-worker Wicken Sanders, and a promotional visit from teen heartthrob Timber Hudson, to watch and keep her entertained. But who was she kidding? Working retail was lame no matter what happened. A terrorist attack changes everything - an attack from aliens of all things. The patrons are given two options: comply or else. Complying means giving in to a new set of rules and changing her entire life. "Or else" means she has no chance of going home again. She must figure out the truth behind why the aliens are holding everyone hostage. In doing so, she risks her chance at freedom - but by the time she learns what's really happening, she might not want it.
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InvitedThe Achlivan Cycle Book 2
It's been three months since Chevelle Donahue, Wicken Sanders, and Timber Hudson were taken from Earth by the Achlivans - an alien race kidnapping humans in the name of preserving as much of Earth as possible before it is destroyed.


Wicken has been sold to another alien race - The Gorgachan - and their way of life is no where near as peaceful as the Utopia the Achlivans have set up. While he tries to figure out a way back home to his beloved Chevelle, he is caught in the middle of a fight that shouldn't involve him. 


Meanwhile, Chevelle and Timber work together to find a way to bring Wicken back home again, along with how they can save their families back on Earth. Someone on the Achlivan ship is working against them and their happily ever after. Timber and Chevelle must choose between their own desires and doing the right thing - and each must prepare to give the performance of their lives if they're going to survive.
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ShelteredThe Achlivan Cycle Book 3
The exciting conclusion to the Achlivan Cycle!


Timber Hudson must come to terms with the loss of his family and friends while at the same time being tasked with his greatest challenge: saving humanity from becoming mindless drones. It'd be a lot easier if Rumor would keep her nose in her own business and in prison where it belongs.


Meanwhile, Chevelle and Wicken must choose sides. One offers them the chance to rebuild Earth from the ground up, and the other will return them to Sanctuary to be with their family and friends. Neither choice is as black and white as it seems.
And all must face great dangers.

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Cloud S. Riser is a Minnesota native. She has lived in Minnesota her whole life. She will probably remain there for her whole life too. The mother of The Squid, Skyscraper, and two cats, her life is definitely never dull. An adventure she braves with her husband. In order to stay sane, she creates massive amounts of fiction which she has decided to share with the rest of the world for the simple reason of: she is a storyteller.
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GIVEAWAY: DEFENDING HANNAH by Jennifer Becker

Defending HannahDelta Force Defenders Book 1by Jennifer BeckerGenre: Contemporary Romance
Ben “Midas” Gates is the leader of his Delta Force team and is leading a mission to shut down a known terrorist working out of Panama and rescue hostages. When he arrives he discovers the mission is anything but easy and becomes even more complicated because he knows one of the hostages. It was a woman he had been in love with growing up and ran away from thirteen years ago. 
The mission isn’t a complete failure but the team discovers someone set them up to fail and they don’t take failure as an option. With the aid of Hannah who has inside information on their terrorist and who may know who set them up, Ben does all in his power not to fall for the only woman he has ever loved.

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I grew up with a love of reading and writing. I wrote my first story at the age of 12 and my first book at 16. I love reading anything romance and I have a deep love for history. All my stories are about people who come from all different walks of life but all want to love and be loved.
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