Paulette Harper's Blog, page 7
December 11, 2013
#New Book Release Right Before My Eyes II Virtual Book Tour with #Author Michelle Robinson #TensList
About The Book
ISBN-13: 978-1491805442
ASIN: B00EU77UW0
Genre: Mainstream Fiction
Journee and Jordyn are back! It’s a new year and things have shaken up alot between The Bell Twins after the untimely death of Kalena’s husband Todd. Coming back alone from her honeymoon, discover if Kalena will find peace with Todd’s death and happiness within her own life again.
Jordyn’s shocking secret only gets worse as it takes a turn down a path that leaves everyone more confused than before. Will Jordyn and Chris survive? Now that Jordyn’s mayhem has put Journee in the middle of her and her sisterhood, Journee has to decide what’s more important now, the friendship that the girls have shared for over twenty years or the relationship with her twin sister.
Chelsea & Najah’s lives have changed as well as Journee’s when Drew comes home from prison. This is the moment that Journee has been waiting for but is she ready to leave her broken past behind and marry him? Has she really moved on from Jason? On vacation in Cabo San Lucas, things about him are uncovered and the truth is finally revealed to her.
As you witness more drama and celebrations, follow Jordyn, Journee, Kalena, Najah & Chelsea as the year 2009 just might be their year after all.
About The Author
Michelle Robinson was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Oakland’s rich culture has laid the fabric for this story. She’s been doing hair for two decades. As a hairstylist, it’s safe to say she has also served as a therapist to her clients. She has heard and witnessed it all right behind her styling chair. From her experiences, she’s given advice to many and has watched people’s lives transistion. With this driving force, she has finally penned her second novel.
Welcome Michelle tell our readers 10 things about your book.
1. It’s a great fiction.
2. Based in my hometown Oakland, CA.
3. The main characters, Journee and Jordyn are identical twins.
4. But their lives are the total opposite of identical.
5. It’s a definite page turner.
6. I hear once you pick it up, it’s hard to put down.
7. I have great reviews on Amazon.com
8. My website is www.michellerobinsonauthor.com
9. Reading my book on an airplane will drive other passengers crazy because you’ll laugh a lot.
10. If you love music, you’ll love this book.
Tell our readers 10 lessons you’ve learned since becoming an author.
1. People are really inspired by you.
2. You’ll discover how many other people want to write a book.
3. Writing one book will lead to writing many.
4. You need a great editor who knows how to spell and knows grammar.
5. Avid readers scare me.
6. No matter at what age, everyone will read a great book.
7. As an author you will become a speaker.
8. When writing, I don’t recommend reading any other books.
9. Everyone has a book inside of them, but only the passionate will publish theirs.
10. It’s up to you on how far you want to go with your books.
Tell our readers 10 random facts about you.
1. I text but I’d rather talk.
2. I love washing clothes.
3. I wish I could wear flip flops everyday.
4. I keep an extra phone battery in my purse.
5. I have to sleep with the T.V. on.
6. I dance with my pet fish every morning.
7. I met Ice Cube on Monday March 17, 1997 @ 5pm, it was the best day of my life.
8. I would love to be a D.J.
9. It’s not often that I can watch a movie again.
10. I love saying thank you.
Grab a copy of Right Before My Eyes II
Buy Links
Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Right-Before-My-Eyes-ebook/dp/B00EU77UW0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1/182-7605294-9071841
Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Right-Before-My-Eyes-II/dp/1491805447/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Barnes & Nobel: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/right-before-my-eyes-ii-michelle-robinson/1116739967?ean=9781491805442
Social Links
Email: rightbeforemyeyes@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.michellerobinsonauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrob.robinson
Twitter: @BooksbyMichelle
Virtual Book Tour Hosted By: Write Now Literary
Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/michelle-robinson/
December 8, 2013
Daily Spiritual Vitamins And Minerals For Your Soul: Feed Your Soul As You Feed Your Body Every Day by Myrlande E. Sauveur
Oftentimes, the vicissitudes of life get in the way of building an intimate relationship with God. We live in a fast-paced society and sometimes feel overwhelmed to the point that we question God’s plan for our life. Daily Spiritual Vitamins and Minerals for Your Soul offers a dozen meditational reflections, supported by daily key verse, as a regulator to give our lives the rhythm we need to enhance our self-esteem, elevate our morale, increase our faith, and strengthen our fellowship with the Lord. We all need vitamins and minerals to stay physically healthy and we need the Word of God to remain spiritually healthy.
These pages contain nuggets of peace and wisdom for a troubled society and its weary people-and with daily meditation and reflection on God’s Word, you will nourish your soul and soothe your spirit.
Goodreads Link to Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17385738-daily-spiritual-vitamins-and-minerals-for-your-soul?ac=1
Buy Links:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Spiritual-Vitamins-Minerals-Your/dp/1478713151
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/169leSr
About the Author:
Myrlande E. Sauveur was born in Haiti. She came to the United States when she was 17 years old to further her education. She started writing poetry and short stories at a very early age. Some of her writings won national recognition back in her homeland. Although she had a passion for and excelled in writing, she never major in English literature or communication in college. She obtained her MBA in Business Management from Strayer University and kept writing on the side as her main hobby and a place to escape when life became too overwhelming.
In August 2009, she was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in marketing. She is the author of Daily Spiritual Vitamins and Minerals for Your Soul. She is a volunteer youth counselor working with troubled teens all over the U.S and Canada through a Christian online mentoring program. She is a health and wellness consultant, teaching people how to live a healthy and well-balanced life.
She is the Co-Chair of Dorcas Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on helping Haitian College students and Haitian women in Stamford, CT and the surrounding areas by providing them with charitable services in the form of scholarships, college fairs and health fairs.
In September 2013, her first book Daily Spiritual Vitamins and Minerals for Your Soul was the recipient of a Bronze Medal from Readers Favorite International Book Award Contest.
Author Links:
Website http://www.edviesworld.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DailySpiritualVitaminsAndMineralsForYourSoul
Twitter https://twitter.com/beautybyEdvie
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17624381-myrlande-e-sauveur
December 4, 2013
Bound To A Promise – A True Story of Murder, Love and Redemption by Bonnie Floyd
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
Bonnie Floyd
and the book:
TITLE
Creative Enterprises Studio; 1ST edition (2013)
***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Real, relatable and refreshing are words often used to describe Bonnie L. Floyd. Perhaps it is because she could easily be a next door neighbor to any of us. Bound to a Promise is a true story of tragedy and redemption that unexpectedly resulted in the opportunity to share that story with others and ultimately, the birth of Bonnie Floyd Ministries.
For more than seventeen years, Bonnie has taken her contagious zeal for the Lord and her authentic love for people to various conferences, retreats and churches throughout the United States and beyond. Her powerful and dynamic messages bring the Scriptures alive to audiences of all ages and offer useful and practical ways to apply them to everyday living. For several years, Bonnie served in various capacities with Women of Faith and is currently an administrator for Barry & Sheila Walsh. More importantly, she has a deep love and respect for God’s Word that is born out of her service as a teacher and small group leader for over 23 years.
Bonnie has been married to “her Donnie” since 1987. Both California natives, they now make their home in Celina, TX – a home which provides a perfect setting to delight children and to share Bonnie’s passion for cooking by entertaining family and friends. They make their church home at Genesis Metro Church in Frisco, TX where Donnie serves as an elder and Bonnie, who was ordained a Minister of the Gospel in 2010, is an active member in women’s ministries.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Bound to a Promise tells the amazing true story of God’s faithfulness in the face of unimaginable loss. Bonnie Floyd’s father and stepmother had been living a dream life-serving as caretakers of a private tropical island and traveling the world in a sailboat. That life was cut short when three young men boarded their yacht as it was anchored off the coast of Antigua. Determined that there should be “no witnesses” of their theft and brutality, the assailants shot all four people on board. Bound to a Promise includes the fascinating account of the Antiguan trial that brought her parents’ killers to justice, featuring some dashing Scotland Yard detectives, a criminal in search of redemption, and many other memorable characters from the island. Bonnie’s colorful descriptions of her parents’ adventures abroad and her time in Antigua lighten the mood and add a touch of travelogue to the true crime drama. In a truly inspirational twist, Bonnie arranges a meeting with one of the confessed attackers, a man who would eventually claim her as family.
Product Details:
List Price: $22.99
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Creative Enterprises Studio; 1ST edition (2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 098905215X
ISBN-13: 978-0989052153
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Prologue
February 1, 1994: It was six o’clock in the morning on what seemed a normal, cold, foggy day in Fresno, California. Then the phone rang. Donnie was already up and in the shower, so I sprang up in bed, cleared my throat, and answered the phone with my cheery, “Good morning!” as though I had been up for hours.
“Is this Mrs. Bonnie Clever-Floyd?”
I suddenly froze as a cold chill of fear crawled up my spine.
The voice on the other end of the phone was unfamiliar, his question strange, and it sent a shiver through me. For the first time in my thirty-three years, the last person I wanted to be was Bill Clever’s daughter.
“Mrs. Floyd, my name is Paul Howard, and I’m calling from the United States embassy in Antigua. I’m sorry, ma’am, but I need to ask you again, are you Bonnie Clever-Floyd?”
I stood motionless, still confused about why I was afraid to admit to this man who I was. I knew his question must pertain to my dad. Why else would he have been asking if I was Bonnie Clever-Floyd? I had never hyphenated my name, and as hard as it was to give up the name Clever, when I married Don Floyd, I became a Floyd through and through.
After a long pause, I firmly replied with a cracking voice, “No!”
By that time, I was sure Mr. Howard had discerned that the phone call was not going to go well. But then again, do those types of calls ever go well? “Mrs. Clever-Floyd, are you the daughter of William Norman Clever?”
He asked for the third time.
I simply could not reply. I was pacing the floor; dread had filled the room, fear had taken up residency, and confusion had consumed my mind. I heard Mr. Howard say, “Mrs. Floyd, Mrs. Floyd, are you still there?”
I knew I had to answer this Mr. Howard. I could not hang up and pre- tend the phone had never rung; it was far too late for that now.
“Yes, Mr. Howard, I am still here.”
With relief in his voice, he asked for the last time, “Mrs. Floyd, are you the daughter of William Norman Clever?”
After a long silence, I answered solemnly, “Yes, Mr. Howard, I am.”
So now the inevitable was about to be spoken. My life was about to change in ways no one in their wildest imaginations could have ever dreamed. But it was not a dream; it was a nightmare, and I was wide awake!
Chapter 1
Growing Up In Two Different Eras
As I stood paralyzed in time by the dread of what was coming next, highlights of my life that led to this terrifying moment played through my mind like a B-rated movie trailer in the old theater on a Saturday afternoon.
I grew up in Columbia, California, which is a historic state park in the Mother Lode Country. Columbia was founded during the gold rush days back in 1850 by a small party of prospectors who discovered the lode or main vein of gold in that region, the mother lode. News of their discovery spread, and a flood of miners soon joined them.
Unlike many settlements that have changed with the times, Columbia seems to be frozen in the 1800s. Growing up there was wonderful! How many kids get to grow up in two different eras at the same time?
Within the state park my family owned two popular saloons and the Columbia House restaurant, which was opened by my grandpop in 1958. Then in 1960 Dad took it over after moving to California from New Jersey with Mom and my two sisters, Susan and Linda. I came along in December of 1961, so unlike the rest of my family, I am a native Californian.
The Columbia House was a favorite place among the locals as well as visiting tourists. Everything on the menu was scrumptious, and all our recipes were originals and made from scratch. Dad’s navy bean soup actually made him a local celebrity—so much so that the townspeople called him “Billy Bean Soup.”
Dad began calling me “Bonnie Bean Soup” after himself, and eventually I became just “Bean.” I loved being called Bean better than Bonnie. Every time Dad called me Bean, I heard him say, “I love you.” Since it was my dad who nicknamed me Bean, it was the same honor to me as a son who is named after his father. After all, I secretly wished I had been born a boy so I could be even more like my daddy!
One of my favorite spots in town was the stagecoach. You could always find me at the counter selling tickets, riding shotgun with the driver or on horseback with the stagecoach bandit. Robbing those unsuspecting tourists was so much fun. It’s a good thing I had to wear a bandana over my face because I couldn’t keep myself from laughing.
I had a great life as a child, and I cherish my memories of those days. I would not trade one moment of my childhood. I felt secure in my parents’ love for me and for each other. But the climate soon began to change.
To think their fighting could possibly lead to a divorce was definitely not a place I wanted to go in my mind. I had seen too many of my friends go through that, and the end result was always the same—the parents hated each other, and my friends wound up spending every other weekend with their dads. I was determined that was not going to happen to this “daddy’s girl.”
Don’t get me wrong; I love my mom. She is a wonderful mother who was always about her family and found her fulfillment in just being Mom. There has never been a time when Mom was not there for my two sisters and me. My dad was adventurous, handsome, intelligent, and successful. He was determined to live life to the fullest, and unlike my mom, he didn’t seem content with just being a dad. He was eternally yearning, trying new things.
To keep himself content, Dad began accumulating businesses. He also started buying “toys,” such as boats and motorcycles. His first purchase was a ski boat, and then a twenty-four-foot pleasure boat he and Mom named the Bonnie Sue Lin. One thing was becoming apparent—Dad was never content for long. Soon the Bonnie Sue Lin was not enough. He had to go for something bigger.
The Sarsaparilla was a beautiful, thirty-six-foot Grand Banks yacht, and because it was an ocean-going vessel, Dad started making plans for the big trip he always talked about taking. His dream was to go out hundreds, even thousands of miles beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. And what he really wanted to do was stay out for a few months, instead of a few days. His plan was to sail the coast of California into Baja, Mexico, down and around the tip of Cabo San Lucas, and up to La Paz into the Sea of Cortez.
And that is exactly what we did.
Our Mexico trip was more wonderful than any of us could have imagined. Even my sister Linda, who was in the prime of her teens and not one bit happy about taking an extended vacation, had the time of her life. We grew close as a family in ways we had never experienced before. All we had was each other, and we found that each other was all we needed. Laughter always filled the sea life air. I believe one of the greatest things children can experience is watching their parents laugh together and love on each other. Within just a few short months after returning home, our close-knit family started unraveling. How I wish we could have just returned to the sea.
December 1, 2013
The Preacher’s Wife by Brandi Boddie
Brandi holds a juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law and a BA in political science from Youngstown State University. Her love of writing and research has led her to work that includes case management for the Office of the Attorney General in Washington DC and teaching assignments for elementary and secondary students. When she is not working on a story, Brandi enjoys hiking, fencing, and swing dancing. She loves spending time with her family, which includes a cocker spaniel who aspires to be a food critic.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
During the hot, windy summer of 1870 in the burgeoning prairie town of Assurance, Kansas, Marissa Pierce is fed up with her abusive boss. She longs to start a new life and is growing weary of convincing townsfolk that she is most certainly not a prostitute.
Civil War veteran and preacher Rowe Winford arrives in town intent on leaving the tragic memories of his deceased family behind. Although Rowe has no plans to fall in love anytime soon, the plans of God rarely match those of man.
Faced with adversity and rejection from the town and Rowe’s family, can Marissa overcome her past, renew her faith, and experience the life of love that God has planned for her?
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Series: Brides of Assurance (Book 1)
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Realms (October 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616388439
ISBN-13: 978-1616388430
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter 1
July 1870, Kansas Plains
What did I get myself into? Rowe Winford carried his three large valises from the passenger train to the station wait area. He had arrived in Claywalk, Kansas, sooner than he expected. Then again, he had been daydreaming the entire trip, from the carriage ride in Richmond, Virginia, all the way west on the tracks of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad.
So this was to be his new home, away from the war reformations, away from the bittersweet memories of his late wife, Josephine, and their stillborn son. The land seemed to engulf every living thing in its wide-ranging vastness. He felt like a tiny speck upon the face of the green, rolling earth.
“Over here, sir.” A tall, lean man in rugged canvas trousers, work shirt, and Stetson hat waved him over to the other side of the wait area. A small schooner and horse awaited him.
“Welcome to Kansas, Rev’ren.” The man’s white teeth flashed in his tanned face as he grinned. “We wouldn’t have expected you this early if you hadn’t sent that letter. I’m Dustin Sterling.” He stuck out his hand. “My friends call me Dusty. David Charlton sent me to come get you and take you to our lil’ town of Assurance down the road.”
Rowe shook his hand. It was rough with calluses. He guessed him to be a horseman or rancher of sorts. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dusty. My name is Rowe Winford, but how did you know I was the new minister?”
He pointed to Rowe’s overcoat and gray trousers. “Clothes don’t get that fancy in these parts. I knew you must be one of them city preachers back East.”
“Richmond.”
“Yep, I was right.” He picked up Rowe’s valises and hoisted them into the schooner. “Well, you’ll get used to this place soon enough, if you have the mind to.”
Dusty drove him away from the train station. The trip toward the “lil’ town of Assurance down the road” turned out to be more along the lines of sixty minutes. Rowe passed the time taking in the nearly treeless plains and the endless open sky. To his left and right he found himself surrounded in a sea of green grass.
“We just got rain last night, after a dry spell.” Dusty chatted amiably along the way about the land. “You have to watch out for the July wind.”
“Wind? There’s barely a breeze out.” As the words escaped Rowe’s lips, a sudden gust blew in his face. He grabbed hold of his hat before it flew from his head. “Where did that come from?” He coughed as the wind forced air down his throat.
Dusty chuckled. “Some say the devil’s in the wind. That’s how come it knocks you off your feet.”
“Well, as long as we can keep him in the wind and out of town, things should be alright.”
The wiry man cast him a wry glance. “’Fraid you might be getting here too late then, Rev’ren’. The devil’s come and set up shop in Assurance. And, sadly, business is sure boomin’.”
“What do you mean?”
Dusty shook his head. “There’s a saloon run by a businessman named Jason Garth. He can get a man to part with his wallet faster than a rattler strikes your heel. His girls help, with their short skirts and paid services.”
“You mean prostitution.”
Dusty shrugged. “I went to the dancehall before it got bad the last year or so. I haven’t been lately, but you’ll hear things. You’ll get your fill of gossip in Assurance.”
Rowe thought about the people who hired him. “What about the church? Haven’t they tried to put a stop to what the saloon is doing?”
“They grumble mostly. Folks here believe they shouldn’t sully their hands with the things of the world. Much easier to judge from a distance, I suspect, but I’m just a hired worker.”
“Aren’t you also a town citizen?”
He shook his head. “I’m all the way from San Antone. David Charlton hired me to tend his cattle, but I used to drive longhorns up here to the railroad.”
“Well, it sounds like the people of the church don’t want to confront corruption.”
The cowboy gave him another look. “Maybe that’s why they hired you.”
Rowe chewed on the inside of his jaw. His first position as head of a church. An apathetic one, from what Dusty implied. He could prove himself by going after the saloon and its seedy practices, but what would be harder, doing that or convincing the church to get their hands dirty along with him?
“Get thee clothed, heathen woman!” A man yelled down at her from the raised dais of the town square. “Thou art the scourge of this fine land, with your harlot’s garments!” He shook his fists.
“I’m not a harlot. I’m just a saloon and dancehall girl.” Words she had repeated all too often.
Marissa Pierce recognized the man as a traveling speaker, clutching his worn Bible to his chest. She hurried along the edge of the main road toward the bank, doing her best to hide her face from the disapproving looks from several of Assurance’s finest and upstanding populace.
They would be right to judge me if I was an evening lady, she thought. I wish they knew the truth.
She walked faster, adjusting her headpiece in a selfconscious attempt to push down the high feathers. Jason Garth, proprietor of the town’s only saloon, sent her out on a last-minute errand while she was getting dressed for the weekly Wednesday Night Revue. The money had to be deposited in the bank before it closed today, he stressed. Well, he could have let her know that earlier, before she changed into the tawdry costume!
More than a few men eyed her in her knee-length ruffled skirt and soft-soled dance boots peeking out from her coat. She knew a number of them as patrons. Those walking with wives, mothers, or another respectable woman had the presence of mind to avert their gazes.
“Have you no shame, lady of the night?” The orator cried in the profession’s flowery prose.
“More than you’ll ever know,” she muttered.
Marissa kept her back straight and face forward, tightly gripping the leather money satchel that held the saloon’s illbegotten earnings. Would that she could put a stop to the corruption and leave the shady establishment today, but soon she would be away from it all. Her saloon contract with Jason was about to end, and she had some money saved for room and board.
She considered her investment in a small share of the general goods store in Claywalk that was up for sale. If she received all the money due her, it would be enough to live off of until she found employment in the nearby town.
A rush of excitement surged through her as she contemplated a new life elsewhere. She would be free, in a respectable position where no one knew of her horrible past.
Marissa slowed her steps as a schooner rolled down the street. A dark-suited man seated atop peered about curiously, shielding his eyes from the afternoon sun.
“That must be our new preacher.” Linda Walsh, the town’s young seamstress, walked up beside Marissa. Always eager for conversation, Linda would speak to anyone who stopped to listen, as Marissa had learned since coming back to Assurance a couple years ago. “We weren’t expecting him for another two weeks. I wonder what made him take off from home so fast.”
Marissa groaned at the thought of meeting another preacher. Every preacher she came across had turned her away once they discovered her profession.
She watched the small schooner pull up to the local inn. She recognized the driver Dusty Sterling seated beside the other man. Dusty hopped down and tethered the horses. The man in black stepped onto the dusty curb. His recently polished boots gleamed.
“Fancy one, he is,” Linda continued. “I hear he comes from a city somewhere in Virginia.”
“Where did you hear that?”
“It was in the paper a month ago. Our advertisement for a new preacher was answered from a man back East.”
Marissa focused again on what was in front of her. The traveler indeed looked foreign to the prairie. Not a hint of travel dust stuck to his long, black frock coat and four-inhand necktie, probably changed into just before departing the train. His gray pants were new and expertly tailored. He removed his hat briefly to wipe his brow, and Marissa saw the dark, wavy hair cropped close to his head.
“He doesn’t have a wife or children with him. Such a shame.” Linda clucked her tongue. “He’s a handsome fellow, for certain.”
Marissa agreed with her on that. He must have stood over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a powerful build. The man’s profile was strong and rigid, his square jaw and straight nose a true delight for the eyes. Assurance’s former preacher, Reverend Thomas, did not look like this.
“Would having a wife and children make him a better preacher?”
Linda tossed her a look. “That’s got nothing to do with it. One ought to be settled down at a certain age, wouldn’t you say so? Instead of running wild with the barmen?”
Marissa absorbed the sting of emotional pain. Anything she said in response would not sway Linda or anyone else’s notion that she was just a beer-serving streetwalker. She put on a polite stoic face. “I’m sure the ladies of this town will clamor for his attention. Will you excuse me, Miss Linda? I should be going.”
She left the seamstress just as Dusty carried the new preacher’s valises inside the inn. The preacher moved to follow then stopped short, pausing for Marissa to walk past. Marissa saw his blue eyes widen and take in her entire form, from the feathered hat on her head to the dainty-heeled boots on her feet. By his expression she didn’t know whether he admired or disapproved.
His lips settled into a firm line of what looked to be distaste, and she got her answer.
The preacher hadn’t been there for an hour and already she drew out his scorn. Marissa returned the stare until her image of him blurred with beckoning tears.
He jolted from his perusal. His low, straight brows flicked. “Good day to you, ma’am.” He amiably tipped his hat to her.
She paused, not used to being addressed in that fashion. Kindness was in his greeting, not the sarcasm she normally heard from others. Marissa tilted her head to get a clear look at him. His eyes were friendly, calm deep pools. The rest of his face, with its strong, angular lines, remained cordial.
“Good day,” she replied, hoarse. Awkwardness seized her person. Marissa hastily continued on her way to the bank.
Rowe stared after the brightly costumed woman, not noticing Dusty come from the inn until he stood in front of him, blocking the view.
“Your cabin by the lake is still bein’ cleared. The Charltons will pay for your stay here since they don’t have room at the farmhouse.”
“That’s kind of them, Dusty. Who is that saloon woman? I hoped she didn’t think me impertinent for stepping in her path.”
Dusty squinted in the distance. “Oh, Arrow Missy? She’s a dancer down at Jason’s.”
Dancer. That explained the light-stepping gait. “Why do you call her that?”
“She’s got a sharp tongue and even sharper aim with the drinks. That is, before I stopped going there.” Dusty scratched his chin.
“I think I upset her. She looked sad.” Rowe studied her shrinking form as she went inside the bank. She was a lovely young woman, tall and raven-haired. Her features carried an exotic lilt. He guessed her to be in her early twenties.
If he wasn’t the one who caused her to be upset, then what made the tears brim in her eyes?
“You carrying that last bag in, or you want me to do it?”
Rowe picked up his valise. “I’ve got it, Dusty.” He went inside the inn, glancing one more time in the direction of the bank, his mind still on the melancholy woman with the dancing boots.
November 30, 2013
The Third Heaven Virtual Book Tour: The Rise of Fallen Stars by Donovan M. Neal
The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars
by Donovan M. Neal
Author Bio:
Donovan Neal M. S. N. P. has served in the ordained ministry and as an instructor in the Bible for 20 years, and is the author of the self-published book, ‘The Gospel Explained.’ Donovan is also a prolific songwriter and singer having written over 50 different songs of praise and worship for the local church, and has performed in various schools and churches in the Ministry of Christian rap.
He is an Adjunct Professor at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also a freelance writer for Examiner.com. Donovan has spent his entire 23-year career, helping underprivileged and disempowered populations ranging from abused and neglected children, adults with disabilities, to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. He has recently become the executive director of Hospitality House; a food pantry in Walled Lake, Michigan working to end hunger in his community.
He has been an experienced trainer in such areas as nonviolent crisis prevention intervention to adult CPR and First Aid with the Red Cross, Working with Different Personalities, and many more. Donovan brings a wealth of experience and interests that has allowed him to write on a host of subjects ranging from gaming, internet/technology, Christian themes, to nonprofit management and leadership.
Author Links
http://donovanmneal.wix.com/donovanmneal
http://donovanmneal.wordpress.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Donovan-Neal/e/B00BSFQ6VS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
https://twitter.com/Donovanmneal
http://www.pinterest.com/donovanmneal/pins/
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/donovan-neal-m-s-n-p/46/640/9a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163462.Donovan_M_Neal
Book Genre: Christian Fiction
Publisher: Theoneustos Ministries
Release Date: Oct 8, 2013
Buy Link(s): http://donovanmneal.wix.com/donovanmneal
Book Description:
The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars is book one of a three part series that tells of the fascinating story of the Fall of Lucifer.
Lucifer, God’s perfect creation and who dwelt in his very presence, walked in the midst of the stones of fire. Yet rose up to betray the Lord and bring Heaven itself to civil war.
Many tales have referenced this great angelic war but few have sought to explore the dynamic relationships between God and the angelic hosts. Why did a third of heaven seek to overthrow their creator?
See Lucifer and his actions in a light never before seen. Journey back to the beginning, and see the drama unfold before your eyes: as allegiances are broken; choices made, and why all of creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.
The prequel to the Bible is here!
Excerpt: The first 2 chapters can be found on my blog for free
http://donovanmneal.wix.com/donovanmneal
Follow The Tour Here
November 13, 2013
Author Interview: Paula Hrbacek, author of “Stars Shine After Dark” and “On Higher Ground”
About The Author
Paula Hrbacek is a graduate of the University of Missouri with degrees in Journalism and Art, and from Pensacola Junior College with certification in elementary education. She’s the author of five books, including “Stars Shine After Dark”, a sweet love story with mild love scenes and an underlying Christian message that all things are possible with faith, hope, and courage. ISBN 0-595-17387-X, available from Amazon and B&N as a paperback, Kindle and Nook, and “Day Camp In Hawaii”, a complete day camp program with original songs, skits, games, sports, crafts, art, geology, dance and other activities for grades 1-6. The program can be adapted for any type of summer camp, day camp, vacation Bible school, or summer school program. ISBN 9781475214406, available in paperback, Nook and Kindle.
Paula also writes two columns for The Examiner, a free online newspaper. Her children’s arts and crafts column offers art lesson plans and activities for youth groups and after school care programs. Her book review column features a variety of wholesome and inspirational fiction and nonfiction works.
Contact information:
Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Stars-Shine-After-Dark-ebook/dp/B003L780CE
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/stars-shine-after-dark?store=nookstore
http://www.eBooks-Online.com/default.asp?eBookID=7001457
Website / Blog: [] http://paulahrbacek.weebly.com/
Arts and crafts column: http://www.examiner.com/childrens-arts-and-crafts-1-in-panama-city/paula-hrbacek
Book review column: http://www.examiner.com/book-review-8-in-panama-city/paula-hrbacek
Facebook: [www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Hrbacek/...
Twitter: [https://twitter.com/PHrbacek
About The Book
“Stars Shine After Dark”, by Paula Hrbacek is a sweet love story that has faith woven through the plot and used as a means of making decisions. Faith is the compass that guides them through their problems.
Mona is an actress who grew up in Hollywood. She is trying to revamp her image from a child actor to a mature woman. She decides to go to college, and makes friends with her agent’s niece. The niece introduces her to Tim, a football star for UCLA.
They are both stars, both successful. It should be a fairy tale romance, but someone is leaking stories to the press that aren’t true. Mona intends to find out who is leaking the stories, and stop it.
Tim is offered a contract to play professional ball, but before he can sign the contract, his career is ended by a car crash. Mona reacts by being strong, and kicking her own career into high gear. Tim goes into real estate, and hates his job. He is jealous of her success. He thinks about divorce, and comes up with a plan that will let them separate without harming Mona’s image in the eyes of her conservative fans. He still loves her, he just isn’t happy with his life. He discusses his problems with a friend, a woman who also has broken dreams and unfulfilled ambitions. Because of her insights, Tim turns to meditation and examines his heart.
Mona finds her answer by reading the book of Hosea. She realizes that she has lost sight of what is really important to her, and decides to change her relationship with Tim. They may have been going through a dark period, but if they are stars, they will find a way to keep their love shining.
Hello Paula, Tell us a little about your book.
Mona grew up as a child actress, with her parents acting as her managers. Now, she’s being pushed out of the nest and taking responsibility for her own career. She wants a more mature image, so she decides to take some time off and have a normal life. She decides to go to UCLA and her agent introduces her to his niece. She meets Tim at a party and is immediately drawn to him, and he to her. It should be a fairy tale, but someone is leaking stories about them to the tabloids that take the truth and twist it just enough to make it look like something else. So, it’s both a coming of age story, and a look at the damage gossip can do.
What inspired you to write this book?
Someone I cared about was going through a divorce, and I wanted them to work it out. But, the last thing you want to say to a friend at that time is “I know what you should do.” You don’t know what they should do, because there’s a lot of stuff you just don’t know. So, I took my feelings and opinions, gave the problem to a fictional couple, and let them work it out to a happy ending.
How are your story ideas born?
I get ideas by disagreeing with other people. I used to get a lot of inspiration from Dear Abby, because I quite often disagreed with her advice.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I like to read psychology books, and some of the resolutions to the problems come from self-help books. I’ve had problems with gossip in my own life, and I’d like to encourage people to watch what they say. I’d also like to encourage people, including myself, to keep going when they hit a rough patch in the road.
How much of the book is realistic?
We visited Ridgecrest CA, where my brother-in-law used to live, and I used what he told me about the area, and the places we visited for Tim’s home town. I gleaned information from a variety of sources—real people, news stories, tabloid newspapers, visiting LA, and whatever else I could find.
What is your writing process?
I start with the problem, and then find a solution. Then I work backwards. I ask who would get into this mess, how would they get into this mess, where, when and why. I begin by writing a short story, and then I go back and start fleshing it out with descriptions, settings, conversations and the other things it needs. I find it easier to steer the course if I know where I’m trying to end up before I get started.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
The book has been through 27 rewrites, and then, after it was in print, friends started telling me all the little typos and mistakes I made. I gave it a few more rewrites before I released it as a Kindle and Nook. The nice thing about e-publishing is that you can do one more rewrite if you need to. With print publishing, you’re stuck with it.
It was a learning process, which all first novels are. The novel I’m working on now is going much more smoothly and is taking a lot less time and effort. So the lesson, both of the story and of the process, is don’t give up. Realize that you have a lot to learn, and do your best to learn it.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
Finding a critique group is a hard thing to do. I joined one that was meeting at our local B&N store, but it was for children’s books. I tried writing a middle grade book just so I could fit in with the group, but each genre has its own requirements and guidelines. The group only had a few serious writers in it. Most of the members were just lonely people who wanted to get out of the house. Since then, I’ve joined Linked In and have gained quite a bit from the discussions about books in their groups. There are more serious writers there, and you can get connected to the people you need to know.
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
Yes. My first three books were traditionally published. I’m college class of ’76-77, and computers came into play the year after I graduated. I spent a lot of time trying to get Stars accepted by a traditional publisher or agent. The rejection rate is 99 percent, so when IUniverse first started, I decided to give that a try. This was the first print on demand opportunity, so all the places for getting reviews weren’t available at that time. Blogs hadn’t been invented yet, either. A lot has changed since that time, but I think that if the author is ready and experienced enough to do some marketing on her own, that self-publishing can work.
Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
Barnes & Novel and ebooks-online.com.
What are you doing to market your book?
I’m having the most success with blog swaps. I run an author’s press release in my newspaper column, and they run my press release on their blog. If the author has a press release, a feature story, about their book already written, a lot of bloggers are open to running the story on their blog.
What’s next for you? / What is your next project?
“On Higher Ground” is a sweet romance set in Pensacola FL. It was just published a few months ago, and is getting five-star reviews.
Melanie lost her job and is seeking any kind of employment she can find. Her newest friend, JT, seems to like her, but she doesn’t quite trust him. He’s being pressured into joining a gang. Her high school crush, Brad, is back in town for a party. He works for a recording studio and is looking for a new opening act.
The book has two stories going on at the same time because there are two angels in Heaven watching over the humans. Each chapter ends with another scene, where the angels discuss what just happened and how it relates to God’s will for the characters. The angels only take human form on a few occasions, when they have no other choice, and for the most part are unseen. They offer opportunities, inspirations, accidents and things like that. While there is a suspense plot going on with JT and his gang friend, the angels create another type of suspense where the reader wonders what the good guys are going to do next.
“On Higher Ground” is available in paperback, Kindle and Nook from Amazon, B&N and other online bookstores.
ISBN-13: 978-1492197300
ISBN-10: 1492197300
Size 5x8
364 pages
Kindle version: $2.99
Paperback: $14.95
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F2RSBQG
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November 6, 2013
Breakable a Y/A with Author Aimee L. Salter
Breakable is a YA, Magical Realism (reads like a contemporary, but with one fantastic element).
The premise was inspired by a visit to the website http://www.dearteenme.com in which authors write letters to their teen selves.
This is the author’s first book.
BREAKABLE on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18377058-breakable
http://www.aimeelsalterbooks.blogspot.com
Aimee L. Salter is a Pacific North-Westerner who spent much of her young (and not-so-young) life in New Zealand. After picking up a Kiwi husband and son, she’s recently returned to Oregon.
She writes novels for teens and the occasional adult who, like herself, are still in touch with their inner-high schooler.
Aimee is the author behind Seeking the Write Life, a popular blog for writers at http://www.aimeelsalter.com. You can also find her on Twitter (www.twitter.com/@AimeeLSalter) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/AimeeLSalter).
Aimee’s debut novel, Breakable, released November 4th for Kindle, Nook and in paperback. You can add Breakable to your to-read list on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18377058-breakable
Excerpt – Breakable
If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?
When seventeen-year-old Stacy looks in the mirror she can see and talk to her future self. “Older Me” has been Stacy’s secret support through the ongoing battle with their neurotic mother, relentless bullying at school, and dealing with her hopeless love for her best friend, Mark.
Then Stacy discovers Older Me is a liar.
Still reeling from that betrayal, Stacy is targeted again by her most persistent tormentor. Only this time, he’s used her own artwork to humiliate her – and threaten her last chance with Mark.
She’s reached breaking point.
Literally.
“Original. Authentic. Heart-breaking. BREAKABLE has officially become one of my favorites!” -New York Times Bestselling Author of Losing It, Cora Carmack
Buy Links
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Breakable-Aimee-L-Salter-ebook/dp/B00GCRQQGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383344339&sr=8-1&keywords=aimee+l.+salter
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Breakable-Mrs-Aimee-L-Salter/dp/0990004104/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383344339&sr=8-2&keywords=aimee+l.+salter
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breakable-aimee-salter/1117301440?ean=2940148897095
November 5, 2013
Book Blast Dead Dreams YA Author Emma Right
Genre: Young Adult
Book Title: Dead Dreams, Book 1, a young adult contemporary psychological thriller and mystery
Print Length: 170 pages
Publisher: Right House Books; 2013 First edition edition (August 26, 2013)
Format: Kindle
Language: English
About The Book
Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams–of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.
About The Author
Emma Right is a happy wife and Christian homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, a bunny and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. She loves the Lord and when she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.
Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.
Social Links:
Email Address: emmarightmarketing@gmail.com
Website: http://www.emmaright.com
Twitter link @emmbeliever
Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/DeadDreamsEmmaRight
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18396455-dead-dreams
https://plus.google.com/u/0/111644513292318573575/posts
https://twitter.com/emmbeliever
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7036571.Emma_Right
http://www.librarything.com/profile/emma.right.author
http://www.shelfari.com/emmaright
http://www.freado.com/users/35467/emma-right
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Emma-Right/e/B00BD7C4A8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Trailer: http://youtu.be/WkcU1jBMMZc
Hosted by:
November 4, 2013
CHRYSALIS Virtual Book Tour with Michelle Cornwell-Jordan
About The Author
Michelle Cornwell-Jordan is a Young Adult/ New Adult author.Her titles include a co-written work with Danny Jones called Reahket , her solo young adult novella series Night School Vampire Hunter Trilogy and a contribution to the HerStory Anthology released March 08th2013(Pagans Writers Press)
She is also the producer/host of the online radio segment, IndieReview Behind the Scenes, where she and her co-host Jamie B Musings interview Indie authors and musicians.
Michelle has been married for seventeen years and has a fourteen-year-old daughter. A book lover, her favorite genre has always been paranormal adventures.
Find out more about her on her website http://michellecjordan.wix.com/author#!
Follow her on twitter at @mcjordan37
CHRYSALIS
A World of Bid’A Ban Novel
YA Fantasy/Dystopian
Book One
By Michelle Cornwell-Jordan
3CM Media
Set to release
September 31st 2013
Add to Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15705478-chrysalis
The cover was created by the amazing (Amy Rooney-CVWriterDesigns)
Website: http://www.courtneyvail.com/
Photography by the fantabulous (Tiffany McDonald- Anecdote Photography)
Website: http://www.anecdotephotography.com/home.html
Big Hug and Much Gratitude to the very awesome duo
Models
Jessica Becerra
Instagram: jessdolores
Twitter: @jess_dolores
And Javier Gonzalez
Face Book https://www.facebook.com/#!/javier.gonzalez.1804?fref=ts
Synopsis
After the war between Man and the Supernatural. The world settled back into a harmonious rhythm. Man and Preternatural existing side by side, building a society that was technologically advanced and beneficial to both kinds. Ruled by ThunderKins(Children of the Sun). But there was dissatisfaction in several of the Divisions one of Fire and the other Rain. (Fire) Division did not accept the rule of ThunderKin. The Thunderkin heir was targeted for destruction, believing this would cause the Thunderkin rule to be overthrown. So Chaos was birth and Chaos had a name….AydaAyda Blackhawk was the beautiful, mysterious new girl at Eagle Ridge High School, in the Mountain Division of the New World, She was not there to make friends but to bring destruction. Her assignment? To kill the Thunderkin heir. But Ayda meets Adrian the ThunderKin leader, and through a twist of fate, the rules change which places Ayda, Adrian and their world at the cross roads to either destruction or redemption.
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November 1, 2013
Book Blitz Lingering Echoes Author: Erica Kiefer
Excerpt # 1 from Lingering Echoes by Erica Kiefer:
My hand brushed against the coarseness of the tree trunks, tracing the lines and curves of the bark with my fingers. Haunting laughter filled my mind, bidding me towards the river I knew too well. With an aching heart, I followed. I kneeled by the river’s side, collecting the fallen pine needles and cones. I tossed them in, watching the ruthless current drag them along. The leaves glanced off protruding boulders before they were sucked underneath the surface.
I let out a long sigh and glanced upwards, allowing drizzling rain to kiss my face. A silent flash of light lit up the darkened sky, followed by a mumble of thunder. As the sky shed its heavy tears, I remained huddled on the muddy soil, staring up into the grayness.
The abrupt rumble of a motor caught my attention, clashing against the sounds of nature. I stood up, straining my eyes through the curtain of rain to find its source. Across the river I could make out a figure on a motorcycle. He was dressed in dark clothing, his head sheltered with a helmet.
He seemed to be staring at me.
Curious, I stared back. Neither of us moved.
What was he doing out in the rain? He was probably wondering the same thing about me, wondering what I was doing outside all alone. Wiping water from my eyes, I took a step backwards, not taking my eyes off him. Why was he was still staring? I stepped backwards once more, assessing this stranger.
He revved the motor, once, twice, three times. Then he seemed to come to a decision. His bike roared towards me, closing the gap between us. The bridge was off to my right. I didn’t wait to see if he was going to cross it.
Unsure of his intentions, instinct told me to run. I spun around, sprinting towards the cabins. Adrenaline fueled my blood, warming my cold limbs, as I dodged trees and bushes. I didn’t look behind me, even when I was sure the motor was becoming louder, closer. I kept running.
The cabins were in sight. Only then did I dare to glance over my shoulder, my heartbeat thumping in my ears too loudly to hear the motor for sure.
He was gone. (p.6-7)
About the Author:
Erica Kiefer was born on Christmas Eve in Southern California to an American father whose ancestors arrived from Europe during colonial times and a Thai mother who moved to the US during high school. Adding to her rich and varied heritage, Erica grew up living abroad in Asia, including Taiwan, Fiji, Thailand and Indonesia. She gained a great respect for the beautiful mosaic of cultures found in various parts of the world. After graduating from International School Bangkok, she attended Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a degree in Recreation Therapy. Her career as a Recreation Therapist has allowed her to work with at-risk youth since 2007.
Erica made the best decision of her life by marrying her husband in 2005 and is currently a mother of three, one of whom awaits her in heaven. Erica also loves singing, reading, writing, and satisfying her sweet-tooth with chocolate-chip cookies. Playing collegiate rugby was one of the most memorable experiences of her life, thus far.
Erica’s first book, Lingering Echoes, was signed by Clean Teen Publishing and is scheduled to release in early November 2013.
Giveaway Details:
There is an international tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
• eBook copy of Lingering Echoes & bookmark prize pack
Rafflecopter Widget Code:
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