Cherie Colyer's Blog, page 25

Chatting with Jeny Heckman, author of Dee's Cornucopia

Hi, everyone!
With me today is Jeny Heckman, sharing a little about herself and her new book Dee's Cornucopia. Plus, she shared an expert. Let's jump in with the interview.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wrote this book because fans requested to learn more about Dee Taylor, a secondary character of my Heaven & Earth series. She is a beloved grandmother of one of the main characters from the Sea Archer, book one of my series. She is full of spark and she’s not afraid to kick you in the ass. She’s also the one who started the Quest of my Heaven & Earth series. So, my fans wanted to know more about her life and who she is.


What are you working on now?

I am working on my next book of my fantasy paranormal series Heaven & Earth. This book continues the quest with two new Gods and their descendants. It will be a little different the rest of the other books from my series, but it will have many characters from my previous book popping in.


How did you come up with the concept and/or characters for the book?

Reading Ancient Greek Mythology in my childhood developed a deep interest in reading which prompted me to read many other books over the years. I love the ancient soap opera-like cast of Greek gods and goddesses. I was fascinated by tales of gods and goddesses, especially heart-breaking tragedies. Books on Greek mythology or containing an element of Greek mythology are one of my favorite reads. They inspired me to create my own stories about Greek gods and goddesses.


Tell us about your main character.

I already mentioned she is a fan favorite. I have not met a one person who does not love Dee yet! She’s spunky, she’s direct. She’s a no-nonsense spark plug. Dee keeps everyone around her hopping. She full of a bright explosion of color in a monochromatic world. She isn't what you might imagine, as Dee's life doesn't exactly turn out like she thinks it will. But she has a couple of gifts. Dee creates abundance! Dee is a breeder! She can grow anything!


Tell us about the research you did before writing this book.

I went on many vacations in Hawaii and the islands are an important presence in my series. I spoke to many of the people who worked at the places I mention in my books. I learned about what they do and how they help others. I used what I learned in real life to create a modern world where the descendants of the Greek Gods live.


Now for the speed round...
Good guys or bad guys? Bad guys doing goodGood girls or bad girls? Bad girlsMorning or night? NightFavorite food? IcecreamFavorite beverage? WineCoffee or tea? CoffeeeBook, paperback, or audiobook? AudiobookPlotter or Pantster? BothFavorite season? SummerDogs or cats? DogsFavorite holiday? ChristmasFavorite series? Outlander Ironman or Superman? IronmanWonder Woman of Top Model? WonderwomanNight on the town or cozy evening in? BothBlack or white? BlackStilettos or flipflops or sneakers? flipflopsChicken or steak? SteakCake, cookies, or pie? Keylime pieFavorite junk food? BurgerFavorite thing to do to relax? Go boatingParanormal or Historical:? ParanormalFavorite TV show? OutlanderHot or cold? BothFavorite vacation? GreeceBeach or mountains? Beach


Dee’s Cornucopia Author: Jeny HeckmanGenre: Fairy Tale/Myths/Fantasy/Paranormal

Blurb
Dee Walker can kick your ass. At least she thinks so and isn't afraid to say it.
A no-nonsense spark plug, Dee keeps everyone around her hopping. When she meets fellow field hand, Arthur Taylor, her colorful world becomes even brighter when she makes him an offer he can't turn down.
However, this story of a bright explosion of color in a monochromatic world isn't what you might imagine, as Dee's life doesn't exactly turn out like she thinks it will.
This novella is the life story of Dee Taylor, the feisty and eccentric grandmother of Finn in the Heaven & Earth series. Her bright colorful muumuus and big floppy hat are her trademarks, and this story will tell you how it all began. She also has this little ability to see future developments. Oh, and commune with the greatest Greek family in history, but she just doesn't know it... yet.
Grab your copy
Amazon Kindle  |  Paperback  |   Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  Target  |  BooksamillionWaterstones  |  Google Books  |  Tales  |  MightyApe  |  All Author  |  Kobo Japan

Character interview


Excerpt
“My God, it’s hotter than a billy goat’s ass in a pepper patch out there,” Dee announced as she entered the office furnished with the rich fragrance of leather, old wood, coffee, and tobacco smoke.

Her boss, Bert Norton, sat hunched at his desk, puffing on his ancient pipe. His gaze snapped to hers, and he gave the merest hint of a smile before frowning at her crass expression. The two fellows, also occupying the room, stood a little straighter at her appearance, but gave each other surreptitious glares. They wore identical uniforms of scarred leather boots, dusty work trousers and damp cotton shirts, right down to the sweat-stained field-hand hats squeezed together in their enormous fists.

“Ah, sorry?” Dee phrased it almost like a question and raised her eyebrows at all the testosterone in the small space.

“Deidre, please, take a seat.” Bert gestured to one of the broad wing-back chairs occupying the area in front of his desk.

The two imposing men shifted their weight from foot to foot in apparent agitation. If I sit in that chair, I’ll look weak. Possessing a vagina created enough of a disadvantage chasm already.

“Thanks, Mr. Norton, I’ll stand. No sense in giving anyone the upper hand, right?” she quipped and slapped her hands on her hips, shifting her own weight from side to side. The corner of her boss’s lips twitched, but he sighed, and they both looked over at the two workers.




About the author:

Jeny Heckman is an award- winning fantasy paranormal romance author best known for her Heaven & Earth series, an award- winning fantasy- paranormal series. Her debut novel, The Sea Archer, published in October 2018, won "Best in Category," at the Chanticleer International Book Awards. Her second book of the Heaven &Earth Series, The Warrior's Progeny won First Place Best in Category at the 2020 OZMA Book Award and is a finalist in the 2021 RONE Awards Paranormal Long Category.

The Warrior’s Progeny also won “Best in Category” from the Chanticleer International Book Awards for the Fantasy Romance genre, as well as earned the Crown Heart of Excellence from InD’Tale Magazine.

Her standalone Women’s Fiction novel, entitled Releasing the Catch, was a finalist in the Feathered Quill awards, likewise received in 2020.

Jeny loves working with her charities, which include Hospice of the Northwest, the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, the Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the American Cancer Society. Jeny lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over twenty- eight years.

Find Jeny:Website  |  Amazon Author Central  |  FacebookTwitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  GoodReads  |  BookBubNewsletter  |  AllAuthor  |  Tiktok

Chatting with Marilyn Barr, author of Smoother Than Spumoni

I'm happy to welcome Marilyn Barr, a fellow Rose, to my blog. Let's first get to know her a little better, and then learn more about her new book, Smoother Than Spumoni a One Scoop Or Two and Strawberry Shifters Crossover novel.
Speed round:
Good guys or bad guys? Bad Guys
Good girls or bad girls? Good Girls
Morning or night? Morning
Favorite food? Fettucine Alfredo
Favorite beverage? Green Tea Latte
Coffee or tea? 1 cup Coffee then Herbal Tea all day
eBook, paperback, or audiobook? Paperback
Plotter or Pantster? Planster – I love to ignore a good outline.
Favorite season? Winter
Dogs or cats? Cats
Favorite holiday? Halloween
Favorite movie? Princess Bride
Favorite book? Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
Last book read? Dragon Runner Series by M.L. Nystrom. All 5 books in 5 days because it is that good.
Black or white? Black Stilettos or flipflops or sneakers? Stilettos
Favorite song? Material Girl by Madonna
Chicken or steak? Vegetarian
Favorite junk food? Nachos
Favorite thing to do to relax? Scalding hot herbal bath
Paranormal or Historical:? Paranormal
Favorite TV show? Curse of Oak Island on History Channel
Favorite vacation? Turks & Caicos

Smoother Than Spumoni Author: Marilyn BarrGenre: Paranormal Romance (New Adult Level)Heat level: Sweet, 1-flameSeries: One Scoop Or Two and Strawberry Shifters CrossoverRelease date on 8/23/2021
She lured him into the ocean unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the waves…
Blurb
Susie Larkin is a dolphin shifter and heir to the humble Larkin’s Dairy Dip on Seagrass Island, FL. Pedaling ice cream from bicycle carts on the beach is just a stepping-stone for this future CEO of a frozen confection empire—or so she hopes.
Frank Paulino Jr. receives his first taste of freedom from Strawberry, KY in a summer internship at Bart’s Oyster bar. His pasta creations save the restaurant when red tide poisons the fresh fish of the bay, making him the most popular werewolf on Seagrass island.
Frank and Susie uncover a conspiracy that threatens not only the wildlife of the area but also their lives. Can these two shifters put their ambitions aside long enough to give their relationship a chance, or will Frank pay the ultimate price to protect Susie and the island she loves?
Grab your copy!Amazon  |  iTunes  |  Barnes & Noble  |  BookBub  |  Goodreads

Excerpt
They move quickly, efficiently, and silently, only stopping to check over their shoulders every few minutes. When the exchange is complete, the truck starts again. Even though it is dark, without headlights they navigate unerringly through the native swamp.

“That was weird. You thought it was weird right?”

“Yeah, I want to know what is in those barrels.”

“Let’s leave it alone. We have been gone for months and have no idea how this area has changed. Let’s go home and ask our parents or Wilson.”

“Why? When one look at the label will answer all our questions? Besides, the truck has already left.”

“They could return.”

“As shady as they were acting, they aren’t coming back. Come on—”

“No way, Susie Q. We are going home.” Her voice shakes as she lays down her ultimatum. She can’t abandon me here in case I succumb to Red Tide on the swim home. However, tears have already started rolling down her cheeks. My bestie is terrified.

“You are right. Let’s go ask,” I say calmly. Why upset her more when I can bring a braver companion tomorrow? Surely a demon-slaying werewolf won’t be scared of a few barrels?




About the author: Marilyn Barr currently resides in the wilds of Kentucky with her husband, son, and rescue cats. She has a diverse background containing experiences as a child prodigy turned medical school reject, published microbiologist, special education/inclusion science teacher, homeschool mother of a savant, certified spiritual/energy healer, and advocate for the autistic community. This puts her in the position to bring tales containing heroes who are regular people with different ability levels and body types, in a light where they are powerful, lovable, and appreciated.
When engaging with the real world, she is collecting characters, empty coffee cups, and unused homeschool curricula. She is a sucker (haha) for cheesy horror movies, Italian food, punk music, black cats, bad puns, and all things witchy.
Connect with Marilyn:Website/Newsletter  |  Facebook  |   Instagram  |  TwitterAmazon  |  BookBub  |  Goodreads  |  BookGems

It's here! Friends to the End Cover Reveal

I'm thrilled to share with you the cover of my debut middle-grade novel, FRIENDS TO THE END. Diana Carlile, the cover artist, did an amazing job. A huge thanks goes out to her and to The Wild Rose Press, as well as to Expresso Tours for organizing the cover reveal and to all the bloggers who are participating in the event!

Friends to the End

C.L. Colyer
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: September 27th 2021
Genres: Action, Adventure, Middle-Grade, Supernatural

Zach doesn’t believe in ghosts…but he should.

Twelve-year-old Zach is convinced he’ll never be happy without his best friend Jeremy by his side. But both of their lives changed with a bang five months ago, and as far as Zach’s concerned, it’s his fault Jeremy will never see his twelfth birthday.

When Zach moves with his family to a Chicago suburb, he quickly becomes friends with a group of thrill-seeking kids trying to find a disappearing haunted house. But Zach’s not worried. He doesn’t believe in ghosts, so he follows them into a wild, dangerous encounter that becomes a battle to decide what’s real and what’s not.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

Author Bio:

Professional network technician by day, novelist by night, Cherie lives a quiet life in the Chicago suburbs with her charming husband. She has four amazing sons who she loves dearly. Cherie magically weaves together stories with a paranormal twist. She’s the author of the Embrace series (Embrace, Hold Tight, and Entwined), Challenging Destiny, Damned When I Didn’t, and Friends to the End. She waltzes into the adult novel world with this enchanting holiday romance, Merry Little Wishing Spritz.

She happily visits schools, libraries, and book clubs, and is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators).

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Chatting with Sonja Glad, author of WooHoo for Sensitive Somjay

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing fellow Illinois author Sonja Glad author of the fun and educational picture book WooHoo for Sensitive Somjay 
Please help me welcome Sonja!
What inspired you to write this book? Several years ago, I decided to complete a doctorate degree in PsychoSpiritual Studies. While wondering what my focus should be, someone recommended that I “do what you know”, and what I know is that I am a wonderful and wounded sensitive person and I have always been this way. I decided to study sensitivity in adults and children. During this process, the idea of writing a children’s book for sensitive children was born. Four years later, I have completed my degree and have my book to share with you.

What are you reading? I am currently reading The Girl Who Lived Twice by David Lagercrantz for pleasure and What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey for intellectual stimulation.

Favorite genre and why? For pleasure, I love reading mysteries, some heavier and some light and fluffy. I don’t try to guess “who done it”. I enjoy seeing the characters develop relationships and especially love long series by the same author

Describe yourself in 5 words or less. Compassionate and creative adventurer. Tell us something unique/quirky about yourself.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina (ages 0-4). I grew up in Zurich, Switzerland (ages 4-10); Akron, Ohio (ages 10-14); San Jose, Costa Rica (our family lived there for 8 years); and Ashville, North Carolina (Junior and half of Senior year of HS ).

Who is your hero and why? Oprah, because she faced and overcame her childhood challenges to become a powerful woman who uses her resources to help others.

What are you passionate about? Equality. We all bleed red.

Tell us two truths and a lie and lets see if my followers will guess which is the lie...
Hiked the Wild Coast of South Africa. Hiked the Pacific Rim from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Hiked the Way of St. Francis from Florence to Assisi, Italy.
Speed questions:
Good guys or bad guys? good guys
Good girls or bad girls? bad girls
Favorite beverage? Sparkling water
Coffee or tea? tea
eBook, paperback, or audiobook? paperback
Dogs or cats? both, have 3 dogs and 2 cats
Favorite holiday? Christmas
Favorite movie? Avitar
Wonder Woman of Top Model? Wonder Woman
Night on the town or cozy evening in? night out
Stilettos, flip-flop or sneakers? sneakers
Chicken or steak? steak
Cake, cookies, or pie? Chocolate!
Favorite junk food? Doritos
Favorite thing to do to relax? being creative
Paranormal or Historical:? paranormal
Hot or cold? hot
Favorite vacation? anywhere outdoors and active
Beach or mountains? both
Favorite comfort food? mac and cheese


WooHoo For Sensitive Somjay  Written by Sonja Glad LCPC Illustrated by Rachel Cooper and Sonja GladGenre: Picture book
Somjay is a wonderfully senistive chimpanzee who sometimes struggles with being so sensitive. One night Somjay meets an owl that teaches Somjay a breathing technique to help when feelings start getting too big. By using this technique, Somjay learns to self-calm.
Grab your copy todayAmazon  | Goodreads

Peek between the pages
Suddenly I remembered my sensitive ears so I listened and listened, then did I hear a soft, gentle voice whispering quite near, “I’m a friend, little chimpy, you have nothing to fear.” With my keen eyes, before me I saw, a majestic Barred owl. It filled me with awe.
She told me she’d come here to give me a gift. The gift was a reminder to always use my breath.


About the author:Sonja Glad lived in Europe and South, Central and North America when she was growing up. Due to some vision issues and a learning disability, she didn’t learn to read until she was about 9 years old. Once she started though, she couldn’t be stopped! 18 years ago she left her salaried position working as an in-home family therapist to join a mental health private practice, thinking that now she would have time to write children’s books. 17 years later WooHoo for Sensitive Somjay was published!

Sonja currently lives in Central Illinois, out amongst the corn and soybean fields. She loves animals, hiking, biking, kayaking, traveling, reading, writing, painting and getting to work with her wonderful clients.
Find Sonja on Facebook  YouTube  Website

Chatting with Dan Rice, author of Dragons Walk Among Us

I'm excited to have Dan Rice with us today. His novel, Dragons Walk Among Us is an imaginative fantasy with likable characters that you can't help but root for. You can read my review here. But don't take my word for it, get to know Dan, learn about the book, enjoy the excerpt, and then grab your copy.
Please help me welcome Dan.

What inspired you to write this book?

My first inspiration for writing any book came from reading Frank Herbert's Dune. I must've been 11 or 12 when I first read that novel. After devouring that swashbuckling sci-fi, I knew I wanted to try out writing my own.

As far as what inspired Dragons Walk Among Us, I've been considering the story’s many fantasy elements for years. I tried in one way or another to include these elements in earlier works, but nothing ever panned out.

The initial inspiration specifically for Dragons Walk Among Us came from an unfortunate incident in my life. My son was bullied over his biracial appearance while at summer camp. My offspring quickly moved on from the incident as the young often do. For me, it served as the germ of an idea that eventually became the story of Allison Lee, an introverted high school student who suffers abuse from the popular girl.


Who is your favorite author(s)?

I'm definitely a favorite authors type of person. If I had to choose an all-time number one, it'd be George R.R. Martin––I absolutely love his series A Song of Ice and Fire. My favorite book is Dune, so I have to put Frank Herbert next to Mr. Martin.

More recently, I have to include Rachel Hartman and Fonda Lee on the list of favorites. Their works deal with similar coming-of-age themes as Dragons Walk Among Us. Reading their books helped me discover how I could tell Allison Lee's story in a unique and compelling way.


What do you do when you're not writing?

I'm a big believer in the advice to write what you know. Like Allison Lee, I'm an avid photographer. While not writing, I'm often photographing in the wilderness or from the sidelines of my son's innumerable soccer games.

Dragons Walk Among Us by Dan RiceGenre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Blurb
Shutterbug Allison Lee is trying to survive high school while suffering the popular girl's abuse. Her life is often abysmal, but at least her green hair is savage. Her talent for photography is recognized by the school paper and the judges of a photo contest.
While visiting her friend Joe, a homeless vet, Allison's life irrevocably changes after an attack leaves her blind. All her dreams as a photojournalist are dashed as she realizes she'll never see again. Despair sets in until she is offered an experimental procedure to restore her vision. But there are side effects, or are they hallucinations? She now sees dragons accompanying some of the people she meets. Can she trust her eyes, or has the procedure affected her more than she can see?
Get your copy! Amazon  |  Kobo   |  Barnes & Noble  |  iBooks

Excerpt
“Can you see anything?” Dr. Woolworth asks.

“No.” Goose bumps cover my arms, and I shiver. “Should I be able to see?”

“No worries. I’ll connect my tablet to the prosthetic.” Under her breath, Dr. Woolworth adds, “Great.”

“Is something wrong?” I ask, my voice rising an octave with every word.

“I just need to try something,” Dr. Woolworth says.

“I hear you’re a Sounders fan,” James says. “Did you hear about their win over the Portland Timbers?”

“My dad and I listened on the radio.”

“My son and I are huge Sounders fanboys. He wants to play for them. He’s only six. Oh, Dr. Woolworth is ready.”

“Sorry about that,” Dr. Woolworth says. “The prosthetic’s wireless is finicky. I sent the command for the prosthetic to run a diagnostic. It will only take a minute. Could be something got jostled in transport or installation.”

“So if I jump up and down, my eyes will stop working?”

“No, no. If you get hit in the head with a soccer ball or...” Dr. Woolworth says and sighs.

I bite down on my lower lip until I wince.
“Are you okay? Are you having pain?” Dr.

Woolworth asks. “All good,” I lie.

“James, hold my tablet. I’m going to try a hard reset,” Dr. Woolworth says. “Allison, I need you to stay still. You’ll feel pressure against the prosthetic.”

“Hard reset?” My throat is constricting. A hard reset? That’s like something you do to a phone when it’s totally screwed up, and you’re one step away from sending it in for repair.

“The prosthetic isn’t detecting a connection to the neural filament,” Dr. Woolworth says. “I know the filament is functioning. I tested it before installation. A hard reset should resolve the issue.”

My dreams flicker and fade like lights during a brownout. If I can’t see, I can’t pursue photography, my first and greatest love. I’ll always be the blind girl, the disabled girl, the girl who was assaulted. I’ll need to learn to read braille.

I feel pressure against my eye socket.

“Okay,” Dr. Woolworth says. “It will take five minutes for the prosthetic to reset.”



About the author:

Dan has wanted to write novels since first reading Frank Herbert’s Dune at the age of eleven. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he often goes hiking with his family through mist-shrouded forests and along alpine trails with expansive views.

Dragons Walk Among Us is his debut novel. He plans to keep writing fantasy and science-fiction for many years. You can explore his blog at https://www.danscifi.com.


Connect with Dan:Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  BookBub  |  Instagram

Book Tour & Giveaway: The Lost Princess of Story

     The Lost Princess of StoryThe Chronicles of Story Book 1by Suzanne de PlanqueGenre: Middle-Grade, YA Fantasy   "The magical land of Story meets Brooklyn in this unconventional fairytale reminiscent of Narnia...a masterpiece..." San Francisco Book Review "...an epic, imaginative portal fantasy touched with welcoming whimsy..." Publisher's Weekly BookLife Reviews  Prince Charming grew up, became King, and married and murdered his way through six of the most famous fairytale princesses. Now the World of Story is torn by civil war, the Wall has been built, and the Doors closed. Knights and princesses, heroes and magical creatures are refugees in Brooklyn, the place in this world most hospitable to magic. They thought they would be home soon. Fifteen years later, Brooklyn girl Lilla is chafing at her guardian Gus's strict rules. Why home school? Why can't she walk two blocks without a chaperone? And why won't Gus answer questions about her parents? Lilla escapes the rules in her beloved books. She is convinced she can find a way to the worlds between the pages. She is right. Everyone around her has kept one giant secret. Magic is real. On both sides of the Wall, in Story and in Brooklyn. Can Lilla find the Door that will take her to Story, the World that knows her wildest wishes and her deepest hidden damage, where reward is limitless and danger is beyond all she can dream? MAGIC IS NOT BIRTHDAY CAKE WISHES. MAGIC IS POWER AND TRANSFORMATION. FIND THE DOOR. The Lost Princess of story is YA crossover. All ages book of multigenerational urban fantasy/portal fiction/ retold fairy tale with a Tudor twist. LGBT+ characters. Recommended for readers of Seanan McGuire's Wandering Children series, Lev Grossman's The Magicians series,  Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood, Hafsah Faizal's We Hunt the Flame, and books by Gregory Maguire and Terry Pratchett.   Reviews   "The magical land of Story meets Brooklyn in this unconventional fairy tale reminiscent of Narnia. Exciting action, fun (and sometimes messy) adventures, and of course, wondrous magic awaits readers as the fine line between fantasy and reality is explored.  An homage to refugees who find themselves in a world harsher than what they have left behind, The Lost Princess of Story is a masterpiece that is representative of the real-world issues we face today." -San Francisco Book Review "The sweeping first volume of de Planque's Chronicles of Story, created as a 'valentine to children's literature and fantasy', invites readers to sink into an epic, imaginative portal fantasy touched with welcoming whimsy...There's amusing banter, an adorable and hungry teacup-sized dragon, and an enthusiastic narrator given to wordplay and allegory... Lovers of fairytales and epic adventures will enjoy this dangerous quest filled with loveable heroes and magical creatures." A grade. -Publisher's Weekly BookLife Reviews "Author Suzanne de Planque weaves a marvelous new world for fairy tale and high-fantasy lovers alike.  This endlessly creative novel is an immersive new chapter to the fairy tales we've known for generations. The narrative voice is charming, and there are continuously smart turns of phrase and plays on words. A tremendous creative achievement, The Lost Princess of Story will thrill anyone who has ever fallen in love with a story." ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2-Self Publishing Review "... a great read, with subtle nods to fairy tales and more current fantasy fiction... carefully skewers and pays tribute to how fantasy tales work... Recommended for readers who prefer works by Gregory Maguire, Terry Pratchett, and works such as Ella Enchanted."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-LibraryThing  Goodreads * Amazon      Suzanne de Planque is a writer, actor, and a stay-at-home mom.Theatrical credits include off-Broadway and other New York, regional, and tours; everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim. A few highlights from her years in the theatre include enacting what must beevery Grimm's fairytale in her years as the self-proclaimed Queen of Children's Theater, playing cut-rate Disney princesses at birthday parties, inspiring a generation of high school students as the DON'T examples in a series of job-seeking educational videos, and breaking her neck falling out of a giant teapot dressed as the Dormouse.The latter resulted in a career change to playwriting, and a healthy respect for teacups. Her plays have been commissioned and performed in New York and regionally. This is her first novel.She lives in a little white house in Brooklyn with her husband and son, an impressive array of costumes, swords, and Original Broadway Cast albums, and a world-class collection of children's books. She is an avid collector of antique and vintage children's literature and a fan of literarytourism in person and on Pinterest. She has never passed a wardrobe without checking, just in case.  Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads    Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!   Win one of three Swag Packs!   LILLA—THE READER $100 Amazon gift cardLost Princess of Story t shirtLilla t shirt (Book theme)Large stuffed Tickey Ding (the mini dragon character in Story)Coat of arms personally created for you by the Royal Designer of Story (book illustrator), suitable for framingMore reader and Story swag  SOPHIE—THE PRINCESS $50 Amazon gift cardLost Princess of Story t shirtSophie t shirt (This Princess Saves Herself) IMedium stuffed Tickey DingCoat of arms personally created for you by the Royal Designer of Story (book illustrator), suitable for framingMore princess and Story swag   JAMIE—THE KNIGHT $25 Amazon gift cardLost Princess of Story t shirtJamie t shirt (Knight in Shining T Shirt)Small stuffed Tickey DingCoat of arms personally created for you by the Royal Designer of Story (book designer), suitable for framingMore knight and Story swag   a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Chatting with Ana Diamond, author of Body Conscious

Today, I have the pleasure of welcoming Ana Diamond author of Body Conscious to my blog. Her cozy mystery looks like it has the perfect amount of intrigue and romance, but before we learn more about her book, let's learn a little about Ana.

Speed round:
Good guys or bad guys? Good guys
Good girls or bad girls? Bad girls
Morning or night? Morning
Favorite food? Salad or Mexican food
Favorite beverage? Martini
Coffee or tea? Coffee
eBook, paperback, or audiobook? paperback
Plotter or Pantster? Panster
Favorite season? Fall
Dogs or cats? Cats
Favorite holiday? Halloween
Favorite movie? Pirates of the Caribbean
Ironman or Superman? Superman
Wonder Woman of Top Model? Wonder Woman
Night on the town or cozy evening in? Both at different times.
Favorite book? Night Prince by Jeaniene Frost
Favorite fictional world? Not sure I have a favorite fictional world.
Last book read? Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Black or white? Black
Stilettos or flipflops or sneakers? Stilettos
Favorite song? I don’t have just one favorite.
Chicken or steak? Chicken
Cake, cookies, or pie? cookies
Favorite junk food? Dark chocolate
Favorite thing to do to relax? Shop online
Paranormal or Historical:? Paranormal
Favorite TV show? The Vikings
Hot or cold? Hot
Favorite vacation? Disneyworld
Beach or mountains? Beach

Body Conscious by Ana DiamondGenre: Cozy Mystery

Blurb
Mortician, Lily Reynolds is used to seeing bodies, but not the type murdered in her own funeral home. As Detective James Rivers zeroes in on her as the town’s number one suspect she must rise above the accusations and rumors to solve the case herself while keeping her attraction to the troubled detective at bay.
James has a past. The last time he let someone into his life she wound up dead. Vowing never to let that happen again he has sworn off dating for good. Until he meets Lily. In his gut he knows she’s not the murderer but pressure to solve the case puts him on the wrong trail while he struggles to keep Lily off the case.
Can she solve the case on her own or will their scandalous romance get in the way of proving her innocence?
Click Here to Grab Your Copy

Peek between the pages
“That’s Detective James Rivers,” Abrams said. “He came all the way up from New York City to our little town in the scenic Hudson Valley. He’ll be the lead investigator on this case since I know you ladies will be frequent callers.”

“Let’s be clear, I’ve never called you,” Lily said. “It’s always been Shanna.”

Abrams gave her a coy smile. He seemed flattered by the idea.

“Nice to meet you, Detective Rivers,” Lily said, finally turning toward the man who approached them.

Her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t know what she had been expecting, but not this—the angelic face with large sky-blue eyes, pronounced cheekbones and silken black hair. The only part of him that matched her ideas of what detectives looked like were his tattooed arms. She should know; her dad had been a cop.

May he rest in peace.

But James’s tattoos weren’t subtle. Snakes slid up his arms, past his rolled-up shirtsleeves, coiling around his thick forearms and biceps. One corner of his mouth lifted as he caught her staring.



About the author:

When Ana Diamond isn't writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic cozy mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once.

Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats.

Find AnaWebsite  |  Twitter  |  Facebook |  Pinterest |  Instagram   |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  TikTok

Guest Post: Jean M. Grant, author of The Hundred Trilogy

I'm thrilled to have Jean M. Grant on my blog today. Her trilogy, The Hundred Trilogy, is now available for only $5.99. This includes A Hundred Breaths, A Hundred Kisses, and A Hundred Lies. 

The Hundred Trilogy by Jean M. GrantGenre: medieval historical romance
Bonded by their mystical abilities, can the MacCoinneach family find true love...and at what cost?
Blurb
Scotland, 1263 – 1322
The MacCoinneach family is gifted but afflicted. Deeply rooted powers of healing, feeling, and prophecy run in their bloodline. Descended from the Norse and mystical Ancients of the Isles, they must each face the curses associated with their ability…they must each find the path to love. Norse invasions, Scottish fights for independence, and the plights of the mystical isles’ people come together in The Hundred Trilogy.
Buy Links

AmazonBarnes and Noble  Universal Link

A Thread of Elements

Water, fire, air, and earth…these elements have symbolic roots and importance in many cultures and communities from the ancient Greeks to current-day scientists. According to the Ancients in my trilogy, these elements are the essence of life. Each of my main characters in the trilogy has a supernatural ability linked to an element:

        Water and healing.
        Fire and feeling.
        Air and seeing.

All are grounded in earth and woven together. In the words of one character, “Wind feeds fire. Water douses fire. Water nourishes earth. Wind churns water. Fire scorches earth. All are connected.”

Water symbolizes healing, purity, life, strength, and unconditional love, and is associated with autumn. Fire symbolizes vibrance, passion, and energy, and is associated with summertime. Air symbolizes perception, knowledge, and travel and is associated with spring. Earth ties them all together with the symbolism of order, security, nourishment, and grounding and is associated with winter. I admittedly, loved how the creative muse guided me in this thread throughout the “hundred” trilogy.

My Ancients are a mythical culture born of the western isles of Scotland, and they utilize the mysterious standing stones as part of their traditions. They pass on their history through written books and spoken word. But as their population diminishes because of wars and exploitation, will their stories and powers die with them? (You’ll need to read to find out). The origin of the Ancients is unknown…where did these people come from? At one point, they became mingled with the Norse people and their gods because of Viking expansion. They are a spiritual, mystical people open to the unknown…and I had such fun writing their journeys in the trilogy.

Because it would be no fun for readers if each gift resulted in an easy ride in life, each gift comes with a burden: to lose life with each healing, to feel too deeply that it debilitates you, or to see dark, bloody visions every time you touch a person. Not only does this trilogy explore the mystical realm, but it also highlights the deep-rooted beliefs of Christian/Norse/Ancient, the superstitions of the middle ages, the hunger to control and conquer, and the wars of independence from 1263-1322 A.D. Nothing like stirring a pot of history with mystic, aye? Oh yeah, each book has love and happy ever afters.

Bonus material

With the encouragement of a few readers, I added supplemental material on my website to those interested: a genealogy/lineage chart of the family over three books, a glossary of people, places, and things, and medieval Scotland map. Check it out: https://www.jeanmgrant.com/extras

  

About the author:

Jean’s background is in science and she draws from her interests in history, nature, and her family for inspiration. She writes historical and contemporary romances and women's fiction. She also writes articles for family-oriented travel magazines. When she's not writing or chasing after children, she enjoys tending to her flower gardens, hiking, and doing just about anything in the outdoors.

Keep in touch with Jean

Website   Twitter   Facebook  Goodreads  Bookbub  Instagram  Amazon Author Page   

Get lost in a World of Make Believe!

Are you a fan of free books? If so, I have a few for you. Well, me and more than twenty-five paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy-loving authors who teamed up to bring you great otherworldly reads. Grab one or scoop them all up, so they're ready and waiting for you on your eReader, whenever you are.
Enjoy the stories!Cherie

Click here to learn more!

Book Tour & Giveaway: Strange Gods by Alison Kimble

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[image error] Strange Godsby Alison KimbleGenre: YA Fantasy
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Don't get too close to the edges of the world. Gods and monsters are waiting.
Spooky arrives at a wilderness boot camp for troubled teens with two suitcases and an ultimatum: either she keeps her head down over the summer or she won't be allowed home at the end of it. All she wants to do is survive the pyros, bullies, and power-tripping counselors, get through senior year, and start her life somewhere new.
But when an encounter with another camper goes awry and ends with Spooky hiding in the woods, something else finds her. Something ancient and powerful has sent out feelers, hoping to catch a human alone. For its purposes, even a delinquent teen will do.
If Spooky wants to survive to see any kind of future, she will have to figure out how to gain leverage over a god. And as if the one wasn't bad enough, a pantheon of dark entities are lining up between her and the life she's always wanted...
For fantasy fans, comes one girl’s journey through dark worlds of magic, gods, and monsters.

Goodreads* Amazon

[image error] Alison Kimble began writing because she loves stories and believes in their power to shape our world and ourselves. Her writing blends the real and the fantastical and crosses genres of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi. Now that her debut novel, Strange Gods, is in your hands, she is working on her next novel and a short story anthology. She lives in the Greater Seattle Area with her husband and spends her time walking in the woods, going to the movies, and seeking adventures large and small.

Website* Facebook * Twitter * Instagram* Amazon* Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Win a dark fantasy gift box with bookish accessories and swag! (US only)$15 Amazon giftcard (WW) – 1 winner each!

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