Laurisa White Reyes's Blog, page 7

$25 GIVEAWAY - A WICKED EARL'S WIDOW by Aubrey Wynne

 A Wicked Earl's Widow by Aubrey Wynne Eliza is forced into marriage with no idea her life will change for the better. Married less than a year, her unwilling rake of a husband is surprisingly kind to her—until his sudden death. The widowed Countess of Sunderland remains under her in-laws’ protection to raise her newborn daughter. But her abusive father is on the brink of financial ruin and has plans for another wedding. Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton, gains his title at the age of 12. His kindly but shrewd estate manager becomes father and mentor, instilling in the boy an astute sense of responsibility and compassion for his tenants. Fifteen years later, his family urges him to visit London and seek a wife. The ideal doesn’t appeal to him, but his sense of duty tells him it is the next logical step. Lord Pendleton stumbles upon Eliza on the road, defending an elderly woman against ruffians. After rescuing the exquisite damsel in distress, he finds himself smitten. But Nate soon realizes he must discover the dark secrets of her past to truly save the woman he loves.   “Another beautiful historical romance gem from Aubrey Wynne.” N.N. Light Book Reviews “Well-crafted,engaging tale of loss and love.” Verified 5 star review “A sweet, historical romance to brighten any heart. By the end, I was teary-eyed and touched by the story.” Goodreads Review     Excerpt 1 April 1818 Falsbury Estates Northern England Eliza rubbed the polished marble set in the stone wall, one gloved hand tracing her husband’s name. A tear rolled down her cheek as Althea clutched at her skirts, the toddler pulling and fidgeting in the quiet mausoleum. Here lies the body of Carson Roker, Earl of Sunderland Son of Allan Roker, Marquess of Falsbury 16 June 1815 Aged 31 years The Lord hath given him rest from all his enemies. 11 Samuel 7:1 “Oh, Carson, I miss your laughter and strength. I envy the fact your demon no longer chases you, but mine is close on our heels.” The chill of the surrounding limestone seeped into her bones. “How shall I keep him at bay?” She sniffled and bent down to touch her daughter’s plump cheeks. The tiny face turned up, two matching dimples peeking out from the corners of her mouth as she smiled. “Can you see how beautiful your little girl grows each day? Your mother says she has your coloring and my eyes, your boundless energy and my common sense. A perfect combination, don’t you think?” Althea tugged impatiently at her skirts again. “Mama, go now.” One chubby finger pointed toward the small garden behind the mausoleum. The stained glass at the end of the building shed a pastel rainbow over the budding flowers and short rock wall. “Yes, my sweet, you may play.” The girl ran toward the back exit then stopped. Her small feet hopped on the reflecting kaleidoscope of colors, the sun’s rays gleaming through the painted glass. “Yellow,” she said and hopped again. “Gween.” Another hop. “Blue.” “Very good. Only two, and you know all your colors.” She brushed back the glossy midnight curls that rebelled against the confinements of hat and ribbons. The lacey plum bonnet matched the girl’s sparkling eyes. “Pick flowers.” “Yes, go pick some flowers. Not too many and only those that have bloomed.” Eliza sat heavily on the bench across from Carson’s epitaph. Althea squealed in delight at the yellow blossoms clinging to the locked gate. One of these days, the enclosure would not be tall enough to hold her precocious daughter. The monthly visits were a comforting ritual. At first, she’d come to be alone and grieve. To mourn the death of her husband taken after a year of marriage, leaving behind a pregnant widow. To mourn the affection she’d dreamed of all her young life, only to have it snatched away so quickly. To mourn the father who would never hold his child, and the child who would never know the man her father had become. Theirs had been an arranged marriage. A duty for Carson, the Earl of Sunderland, a twin who had tried to pass his responsibilities on to his brother. An escape for Lady Eliza, daughter of the Marquess of Landonshire, from a brutal father and a lonely childhood. Her father had not cared about the roguish character of his future son-in-law. His priority was increasing his wealth and improving the family connection. Carson’s reputation as a rake had not been exaggerated. Yet Eliza had sensed a generous but vulnerable heart in her husband, cleverly disguised by sarcasm and alcohol. The wedding night had been brief and perfunctory. The groom had been gentle but distant. She had seen little of her husband during the days following until… She smiled, remembering the first gift he’d given her. A bouquet of flowers he’d picked at dawn as he stumbled home after one month of marriage. He had knocked at her door, one hand behind his back, smelling of alcohol and the clubs. After a mumbling an apology for missing the previous night’s obligations, he’d handed her a bouquet of crushed violets. “I thought they matched your eyes.” She had gazed from the mangled petals to the contrite man intensely interested in his dusty boots. As she put the flowers to her nose, the sweet scent was her undoing. The tears had come unbidden and swift as Eliza clutched the first gift she’d ever received from a man. It had also been the earl’s undoing when she gave him a brilliant watery smile. “By Christ, woman, if you weep over wilted flowers, you’ll flood the Thames when I give you jewels.” She’d only nodded her head and sniffled. Carson had pulled out a handkerchief and awkwardly dried her cheeks. As she looked up at him, their eyes met and held. Something passed between them at that moment. Two lost souls finding the same purchase in a storm they’d battled all their lives. He’d kissed her then. His lips gentle and sweet. It had been a different kind of kiss from her wedding night. Not polite and careful but questioning and heavy with need. Her first taste of passion.  Author Aubrey Wynne Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series has received the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow . In 2020, she will launch the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels.    Giveaway Details$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/21/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

$10 GIVEAWAY - THE SINGULAR ADVENTURES OF JEFFERSON BALL by David Perlmutter

The Singular Adventures of Jefferson Ballby David Perlmutter Genre: YA SciFi Fantasy
There never was a heroine like Jefferson Ball. And, thankfully, there may never be.
She is, simply, the most powerful humanized female dog in a universe full of them. Faster, stronger, more attractive to boys. Unbeatable as a lover. Unfortunately, her brains are not up to this quality, but don’t tell her that.About the only one who can is Major Hamilton Pomeranian, the diminutive ex-soldier who is Jeff’s best friend and conscience. When she gets too big for her limited clothing, Hamilton tells her what for. And it’s usually only after that point that they are able to escape from whatever convoluted situation they find themselves in.This potential collection will have readers both laughing and awestruck at the events that happen. And, hopefully, you will be one of them.

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David Perlmutter is a freelance writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is the author of America Toons In: A History of Television Animation (McFarland and Co.), The Singular Adventures Of Jefferson Ball (Amazon Kindle), The Pups (Booklocker.com), Certain Private Conversations and Other Stories (Aurora Publishing), Honey and Salt (Scarlet Leaf Publishing), The Encyclopedia of American Animated Cartoon Series (Rowman and Littlefield, forthcoming) and Orthicon; or, the History of a Bad Idea (Linkville Press, forthcoming).
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$25 GIVEAWAY - WITH THE MAGIC by Donna K. Weaver

 With the Magic by Donna K. Weaver When Gareth Hildebrand travels from the year 1850 to a future time, he’s not expecting to fall in love. As the eighth Earl of Kellworth, Gareth is accustomed to getting what he wants. Then he encounters a woman he suspects is from the future--a utopian future that he feels compelled to see. He intends to get what he wants, but it will involve dealing with fae magic. And that could lead to disaster--for his heart. Dr. Catherine Ryan is drawn to the handsome guest at Twickenham Manor, with his odd combination of childish excitement and old eyes that have seen too much pain. She loses her heart to him before she discovers the truth of when he’s from. Now she faces the biggest decision of her life!     This book made me laugh a little then cry a lot, and then left me very happy. I love it when a book can do that - keep me up reading until 2:00 in the morning, yet feel like it was totally worth it! ~Teresa I'll be honest, fantasy and time travel are not genres I usually read. Because of this, I was a little overwhelmed at the beginning, but eventually found myself sucked into the story and had a hard time putting it down. Gareth and Catherine are so sweet together. I love their give and take with one another. They complement each other so nicely. ~Melissa This was so exciting and lovely how it all came together. I could see just how it all played out in my mind as I read. Excitement and danger was there, love and denial also. Two hearts brought together through time only for one to think they would bring the other down. Great ending and am looking forward to the next in the series. ~Lady the Owls   Whenever Catherine had observed anomalies at Twickenham Manor, they’d always seemed to come from upstairs. Since the first time Catherine had toured the house, she’d felt a pull to seek out whatever was up those stairs. She let out a breath; she should return to the ballroom. The Americans were passing her, and the tall woman who’d been crying said something that sent a chill down Catherine’s spine. “I can’t bear that they’re all dead now.” Dead? The comment brought a macabre feel to the evening, and Catherine’s curiosity-itch flared. She peered at the stairs again with narrowed eyes; she had to investigate. But, if Aunt Nellie were to discover Catherine up there, would she be banned from coming to Twickenham again? She reminded herself that “curiosity killed the cat.” In her mind, her grandmother’s voice finished the old adage, “But satisfaction brought him back.” Still, Catherine needed to ask herself if the risk would be worth it. These balls had become the one bright spot in her life. If she were to lose them too . . . Then the ever-present pull gave a stronger tug, the sense that there was something else going on and she must investigate. The American woman had said “they” were dead. Catherine was a doctor. Surely she had a responsibility to investigate. Glancing to make sure she was alone, she picked up her skirts and began the climb. Winded by the time she reached the last landing before the fourth floor, she paused to catch her breath, vowing to start exercising regularly. Catherine had been blessed with a fast metabolism, so people were forever thinking she was fitter than she was. She climbed the last flight. The hallway was unremarkable, lined with paintings. Listening for the sounds of movement, she examined the portraits as she went down the hallway. She heard nothing, and she didn’t smell blood. One door stood open, so she let the tug lead her inside. The long room held nothing but more paintings. How odd. There were a few chairs scattered around, but it didn’t look like it was meant to be a regular gathering place for people to sit together and talk. Most of the pictures were busts of individuals, but in the center of the room hung a large painting of five people, three women and two men. Catherine blinked. It was the Americans, and their painted images wore the same clothing the five had on tonight. She shivered. The young man she’d danced with hadn’t attended the Regency immersion vacation, having only arrived that day. When had someone had time to paint him? She’d also never heard that Twickenham had an artist on staff. She studied the rest of the pictures in the room. Some were dressed in Regency clothing, but there were many others that spanned several eras. The one with the Americans was the only picture of such a large group. Whoever had arranged the paintings lacked any sense of design, leaving large sections of the walls empty. That pull came again, as though Catherine had a string attached to her chest that drew her. This time it was to a portrait of a man placed to the right of the one with the Americans. Catherine came to stand before his painting, wondering who he was. He appeared to be a little older than she was with a few silver strands at his temples. He also had what she’d call a regal bearing. She worked with enough surgeons and specialists who were used to being in charge, and this man had that look about him. He also wore an expression of someone with a fierce determination, the type of man people would steer clear of. Catherine stepped closer to the painting. Behind the force of will that he projected, he had pain etched on his face. Her heart ached for him. What had happened to mark him that way?    Author Donna Weaver Award-winning author-wife-mother-grandmother-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd-online gamer.  Giveaway Details$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/20/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    a Rafflecopter giveaway 

WRITER 2 WRITER: TEACHING CREATIVITY AND STRUCTURE IN WRITING

When it comes to writing well, two things are essential: creativity and structure. These work side by side to construct any piece of good writing, be it a poem, a story, an essay, or an instruction manual.
Let’s begin with structure. Structure isn’t so much the shape or the organization of the writing as it is the rules that govern how we write. It includes spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, as well as things like thesis statements, plot progression, argumentation methods, poetic patterns, and so forth. Structure is HOW words are put together and HOW they function within a sentence, a paragraph, stanza, or so on. Without structure, things simply don’t make a lot of sense. Also, the rules that form the structure of writing apply the same to everyone.

Creativity, on the other hand, is the freedom to sculpt language the way an artist sculpts a work of art. Every individual creates his/her own style of expression and language patterns. Each person is capable of tapping into his/her imagination to craft a unique written work. The possibilities are truly endless. New songs, poems, stories, news articles, and books are brought into existence by the thousands every single day. In fact, it is practically impossible for two people to write the same story or poem — unless they intentionally copy each other.

In order to write well, which means to express one’s ideas in a way that they can effectively communicate those ideas to others, kids need both the rules that govern good writing and the freedom to explore their own imaginations. To focus solely on spelling and grammar and such is boring and can discourage the budding writer who may struggle to learn those concepts.

Likewise, to allow unfettered freedom without also teaching structure gives kids a false sense of confidence and dooms them to mediocrity in a world where employers and college professors expect quality writing skills.

How do parents and teachers balance creativity and structure?

One way is to encourage students to choose their own topics to write about while still requiring specific guidelines. For example, if the assignment requires a five paragraph essay, teach the structure and rules necessary for essay writing but let the student choose which topic to research, whether it is baseball, or lizards, or unicorns, or Abraham Lincoln. If the teacher is teaching a specific curriculum, such as biology, provide a suggested list of topics from which the students can choose. The key is to give the student a choice and to encourage individuality and creativity in how they present the information.

Another way is to teach creative writing, such as short stories or poetry, before tackling more academic forms of writing. The goal is for kids to have fun and to develop confidence in their writing. Once that happens, then they are far more likely to succeed with essays and research papers.

$20 GIVEAWAY - 10,000 BONES by Joe Ollinger

10,000 Bonesby Joe OllingerGenre: Science Fiction
On the planet Brink, calcium is cash. The element's scarcity led the world's government to declare it the official currency. In the decades since, the governments of other colonized worlds have suppressed shipments of calcium in order to maintain favorable exchange rates, while Brink's Commerce Board has struggled to negotiate importation quotas to keep the population alive and growing.

Taryn Dare is a Collections Agent, a specialized detective tasked with finding black market calcium and recovering it, so that the Commerce Board can recycle it and distribute it as currency. Taryn is fueled by one goal: to save up enough currency units for a one-way ticket to a better world. But when a job recovering a human corpse uncovers a deadly conspiracy in the system, Taryn is drawn into an investigation that may threaten her life, and the very fabric of her society.


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Joe Ollinger grew up in a small swamp town in Florida. After graduating from USC, he worked for several years as a reader and story analyst for Academy Award Winning Filmmaker Oliver Stone. Currently residing in Los Angeles, he was a semifinalist in the Nicholl Fellowships in screenwriting. He works as an attorney when he's not writing.
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SWAG GIVEAWAY - DRAGON MAGE ACADEMY by Cordelia Castel

Princess of DragonsDragon Mage Academy Book 1by Cordelia CastelGenre: YA Fantasy
A disguised princess. A murder most malicious. A dragon condemned to death.

Desperate to escape a forced marriage, seventeen-year-old Princess Alba disguises herself to join the all-male Dragon Mage Academy.
Her plans go wrong when a dragon accused of murder forms a telepathic link: the deepest possible bond between dragon and rider. 
And it can only mean one thing:
If the dragon is executed, Alba will die.
With her fate intertwined with that of the condemned dragon, Alba must prove its innocence to save both their lives.
But can she achieve this before the Academy’s rigorous regime breaks Alba’s spirit?
If you like Eragon and Dragon Riders of Pern, you will love this page-turning fantasy adventure!


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Poacher of DragonsDragon Mage Academy Book 2
Alba and Fyrian face another challenge — all the dragon eggs vanish from a magically secured incubator, leading the dragons of Mount Fornax to revolt.

With the already country on the brink of civil war, an outbreak of furious dragons will leave it vulnerable to King Magnar’s army of invaders. Alba and Fyrian suspect the devious warlord of ordering the theft, but they cannot act without evidence.
They have twelve hours to retrieve the eggs, or the dragons will break through the wards of Mount Fornax and burn the country to ashes. Now, Alba and Fyrian must uncover King Magnar’s deception before he transports the eggs across the border.

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Plague of DragonsDragon Mage Academy Book 3
When disease strikes the dragons of Mount Fornax, Alba and Fyrian suspect the sinister new troll instructor of performing dark alchemy. 

But a twist of magic sends suspicion falling onto Alba, making her the target of unwelcome scrutiny. With Fyrian too weak to help, Alba must join forces with an old enemy to to uncover the truth behind the plague before it turns deadly.


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When Cordelia Castel isn't riding dragons or trying on glass slippers, she's writing tales about heroines who wield weapons, defeat the villain and save the prince all in time for the ball.

Cordelia is the author of two young adult series: The Seven Kingdoms: an action-packed, Young Adult series where all the fairytale heroes and villains exist, and it's next generation, Dragon Mage Academy, set in the same world.


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Win Dragon Swag! *Leather dragon notebook* Leather dragon treasure chest* Dragon Mage notebook* Dragon Mage pen* Cordelia Castel pen* Ceramic dragon pen


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BOOK BLITZ: THE DRAGON HEART by L.L. Hunter

Title: The Dragon Heart Series Coloring BookAuthor: L.L. Hunter  Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/Paranormal RomanceIllustrator: Arnild AldepollaPublication Date: February 4th, 2019Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR Blurb: There is a place that is parallel to you and me, but yet it is not.It does not have a name nor has it ever been mapped.The only thing we know about this place is that it is filled with every creature you have ever heard of, but some you have not.How do we know so much about this place you may ask?Turn the page and discover for yourself.For these are just a handful of stories from some of the creatures that live there…Based on L.L. Hunter’s bestselling fantasy series,This colouring book features scenes from all four books in the Dragon Heart world.Buy Links:Amazon US | Amazon UK  L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Garden of Eden. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. 

She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction, to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.” Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @llhunterbooks, and her blog - http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au.Author Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooksAmazon: http://amzn.to/1So75bFGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_HunterBlog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.auAuthorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/LLHunterbooksSmashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/llhunterBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-l-hunterNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/by8k0rBuy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK 

$50 GIVEAWAY - TROUGANDA by Daniel J. Straight

TrougandaSilver Tears Book 1by Daniel J. StraitGenre: SciFi Fantasy Adventure 
Trained in a deadly art and able to become...completely invisible

A prophecy written over a millennium ago. A baby girl is born with a birthmark matching the one described in the prophecy. Her parents feared the worst so they fled from the elders. They found solace in the small village of Jin, where Nakiata would be trained by the greatest SOT Master ever known. After years of intense training, Nakiata must face her Final Test. A test that would send her out into a world of danger, mystery, and death. Nakiata would have to use every skill she knew in order to survive the dangers and wonders of ...Trouganda.

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ZonduraSilver Tears Book 2
A New World Full of New Dangers and Wonders

Nakiata and Dravone have found themselves on a strange new world. The moment they arrive they are pitted against danger and have no choice but to fight their way out of the castle of The Prowess. Caution and concealment will be a must as they search for any help they can find if any help is to be found as they venture across...Zondura.


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VazdragSilver Tears Book 3

Three of the five members of The Prophecy have been found. Nakiata who is a Shadow of Thought or S.O.T. master along with Dravone, a Morphan which is like a werewolf, and Ka'tia, the newest member who is a princess from Zondura and a fierce warrior. They had just walked through the Black Door on Zondura and find themselves lost in the dark. Eventually the three of them loosely ally themselves with the Roarrgs who send them on a mission in exchange for knowledge about The Prophecy. Before long they face enemies more powerful than before and the fights become epic. Soon they begin to realize the road to knowledge has more danger than they bargained for and they must use all of their skills and tap into some they didn't know they had to endure the reality that is Vazdrag.

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Daniel J Strait lives and works in Indiana. He spends lots of his free time with his family and whenever he gets the chance he continues to write the Silver Tears series of books.
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$50 AMAZON GIVEAWAY - THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS by Karen Perkins

The Haunting of Thores-Cross Ghosts of Thores-Cross Book 1by Karen PerkinsGenre: Paranormal Suspense
"The ghost of a wronged young woman in the village of Thores-Cross waits 230 years to have her story told in Perkins's suspenseful and atmospheric first Yorkshire Ghost novel" - BookLife by Publishers Weekly

*Silver Medal Winner, European fiction - 2015 IPPY Book Awards*#1 Bestseller in 6 Amazon Categories, including Ghost Suspense, British Horror and Gothic Romance*Top 10 Bestseller in 8 more, including Historical Thrillers and Occult Horror*Over 100 5-STAR reviews on Amazon.com
Likened by independent reviewers on Amazon to the Brontë sisters, Edgar Allen Poe, Barbara Erskine and Nathaniel Hawthorne, Karen Perkins' novels are filled with unflinching honesty and an acute understanding of human nature. She explores not only the depths of humanity, but the depths of human motivation behind the actions and pain people inflict upon each other, as well as the repercussions of these actions not only in the short term, but also the later generations who live with the implications of the past.
Emma Moorcroft is still grieving after a late miscarriage and moves to her dream house at Thruscross Reservoir with her husband, Dave. Both Emma and Dave hope that moving into their new home signifies a fresh start, but life is not that simple. Emma has nightmares about the reservoir and the drowned village that lies beneath the water, and is further disturbed by the sound of church bells - from a church that no longer exists.
Jennet is fifteen and lives in the isolated community of Thores-Cross, where life revolves about the sheep on which they depend. Following the sudden loss of both her parents, she is seduced by the local wool merchant, Richard Ramsgill. She becomes pregnant and is shunned not only by Ramsgill, but by the entire village. Lonely and embittered, Jennet's problems escalate, leading to tragic consequences which continue to have an effect through the centuries.
Emma becomes fixated on Jennet, neglecting herself, her beloved dogs and her husband to the point where her marriage may not survive. As Jennet and Emma's lives become further entwined, Emma's obsession deepens and she realises that the curse Jennet inflicted on the Ramsgill family over two hundred years ago is still claiming lives.
Emma is the only one who can stop Jennet killing again, but will her efforts be enough?



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CursedGhosts of Thores-Cross Book 2
Jennet's here. No one is safe.


A skeleton is dug up at the crossing of the ways on Hanging Moor, striking dread into the heart of Old Ma Ramsgill - the elderly matriarch of the village of Thruscross. And with good reason. The eighteenth-century witch, Jennet, has been woken.
A spate of killings by a vicious black dog gives credence to her warnings and the community - in particular her family - realise they are in terrible danger.
Drastic measures are needed to contain her, but with the imminent flooding of the valley to create a new reservoir, do they have the ability to stop her and break her curse?




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JennetGhosts of Thores-Cross Book 3
‘Jennet will have your heart and your fear in equal measure’‘Through Jennet we see how cruelty can drive even the most ordinary people to hatred and, in Jennet's case, evil’Yorkshire is in the grip of a heatwave, and Thruscross Reservoir has dried up to reveal the remains of the drowned village of Thores-Cross beneath.Playing in the mud which coats the valley floor, four-year-old Clare Wainwright finds an old inkpot, and can’t wait to show it to her best friend, Louise. But when Louise’s mother, Emma, sees it, her reaction is shocking, and both families are plunged into their worst nightmares.Emma knows what the inkpot portends:Jennet has woken.Now she wants the children.This is not a gore-ridden, jump-scare horror story. This is more real than that. Jennet is a story about the horrific things that people do to each other, and the way we react to that maltreatment – which does not always end with death.Jennet’s story is a horror story because it’s not necessarily fiction. It reflects the way women were treated in the time that Jennet lived. It reflects the psychology of the abuse cycle. And it reflects real life. All of it.If, as I believe, the spirit does not die when the physical body dies, then how many spirits are looking for vengeance today?What wrongs will you want to right when you pass through that veil? What will I?This is the conclusion of Jennet’s story, which began in The Haunting of Thores-Cross. I hope she finds peace. I really do.

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Karen Perkins is the author of eight fiction titles: the Yorkshire Ghost Stories and the Valkyrie Series of historical nautical fiction. All of her fiction has appeared at the top of bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic, including the top 21 in the UK Kindle Store in 2018.

Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story - THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS - won the Silver Medal for European Fiction in the prestigious 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.
Originally a financial advisor, a sailing injury left Karen with a chronic pain condition which she has been battling for over twenty five years (although she did take the European ladies title despite the injury!). Writing has given her a new lease of - and purpose to - life, and she is currently working on a sequel to Parliament of Rooks: Haunting Brontë Country.
When not writing, she helps other authors prepare their books for publishing and has edited over 150 titles, including the 2017 Kindle UK Storyteller Award winner, The Relic Hunters by David Leadbeater, and has also published a series of publishing guides to help aspiring authors realise their dreams.
Karen Perkins is a member of the Society of Authors and the Horror Writers Association.


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BOOK REVIEW: LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE by C. Hope Clark

LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE
A Carolina Slade Mystery, Book 1
C. Hope Clark
Bell Bridge Books


A bribery case gone wrong leads a woman into the deep, dank Carolina Lowcountry on a manhunt.

Carolina Slade, a by-the-book federal county manager in the coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina, reports an attempted bribe only to find herself a key player in a sting operation run by Senior Special Agent Wayne Largo from the IG Office in Atlanta.

However, the IG isn't telling Slade everything about this case or the disappearance-presumed-murder of Slade's boss the year before. When the sting blows up, both cases are put on hold and Wayne is yanked back to Atlanta, leaving Slade to fear not only for her life and job, but for her children's safety.

Suddenly, operating by the book is no longer an option.

MY REVIEW:

I got hooked on Clark's Edisto Island Mysteries series and so I thought why not check out the series that got her started?

Carolina Slade is an agricultural loan broker, what is normally a straightforward, rather unexciting career for the soon-to-be divorced mother of two. But then one of her usual clients, a hog farmer, offers her a bribe to arrange a sale of some land for him. She does the right thing and calls in the Feds, one of whom sparks a little hope of romance for Carolina.

What should be an open and shut case turns into an increasingly dangerous game for Slade, who soon finds herself the target of someone's personal vendetta.

I wasn't sure if could into a book about a loan broker and a hog farmer, but knowing how much I love Clark's other series, I gave this one a chance and I was not disappointed. Clark delivers a "can't-put-it-down" story that gets more complex and suspenseful at every turn. I honestly didn't see the twist at the end coming, though the signs were all there. I love it when that happens! And those last few chapters kept me turning pages late into the night until I finished the book, which I absolutely felt compelled to do.



CONTENT RATING:

Profanity: High
Violence: High
Sexuality: Moderate (two attempted rapes)